SOUTHERN DECADENCE THE BEAUTY OF FASHION THE FASHION SET NOW TRENDING: ORLANDO FALL 2018
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PUBLISHERS & CO-FOUNDERS Danial Natoli Raj Goyal Irina Carp CREATIVE DIRECTOR Andrea Budjack LUXURY LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR Payla Wyatt FINANCE CONTRIBUTOR Barry Habib COPY EDITOR Tara Bradley Connell CONTRIBUTORS Tara Bradley Connell Patricia Lekatis Dainon Moody Erin Brady Stephen Printed in Orlando, FL FOR PRINT & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES publisher@whyorlando.info WEBSITE www.whyorlando.info WHY Orlando Magazine is published by Central Florida Collection LLC. Copyright: All content of this issue are copyright 2019 WHY Orlando Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner without prior consent of the publisher. The publisher believes that the information contained in this publicaiton is accurate. The publisher is not responsible for any changes in dates or events. WHY Orlando Magazine welcomes comments and suggestions.
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FEATURES
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Grandeur Embodied Islesworth Estate
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Posh Culture
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Orlando’s Gem
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Now Trending: Orlando
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Alpa Rama
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Southern Decadence
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The Fashion Set
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Storyteller Behind the Lens
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Spending the Day in Style
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Jessica & Rob Henlon
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Designer’s Corner
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Inna Rudenko
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Finance
Private Estate on Lake Butler
Paula Wyatt, Central Florida’s Most Loved
Snap! Space
The Beauty of Fashion
Carey Scheffield, Photographer
The Stylish Forces Behind Orlando International Fashion Week
Orlando Based European Fashion Designer and Dressmaker
Stacey Papp, Bay Hill Jewelers, Makes Orlando Sparkle
A Parisian in America Puts Her Mark on Orlando’s Fashion Scene
Orlando’s Fashion Circuit Has Never Been Stronger
The Grove brings fashionable finds to Winter Park
Wolfe-Rizor Interiors
Orlando’s Real Estate Report Card
Create A Chapter In College Park History Restored Treasure
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER Dear Valued Readers, Welcome to WHY Orlando. With our concentration on the luxury side of Central Florida, we discovered there has always been a missing link from a global perspective when it comes to what the greater Orlando area has to offer, both culturally and luxury lifestyle trends as they relate to other influential metropolitan cities. Our team believes Why Orlando will become your local luxury lifestyle guide and relocation interpreter. Our quarterly digital and print publication offers a new gateway for readers across the globe to explore the very definition of local opulent living in Central Florida. Throughout each issue we showcase the latest high-end products and services, learn who is behind them and how they relate to the local business and social environment. Each issue will include behind-the-scenes interviews and in-depth features on Central Florida’s most influential personalities in local arts, sports, entertainment, real estate, investment and much more. We kick-off the premier issue with a look at our local fashion industry. This issue will take you behind-the-scenes and introduce the influential people and businesses who are making exciting things happen. We look forward to presenting you what promises to be the best of Orlando’s hottest trends in our future editions. Thank you, Dan Natoli Publisher, Co-Founder publisher@whyorlando.info
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GRANDEUR EMBODIED ISLEWORTH ESTATE A private estate situated on 3 acres along the shores of Lake Butler in Windermere
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REALTOR Dan Natoli, Premier
Sotheby’s International Realty, Orlando, FL TEXT Dan Natoli PHOTOGRAPHY Uneek Luxury Tours
LEFT: An incredible 95-foot-long
and 15-feet-in depth pool is shadowed by a long and tall custom rock water fall feature. A large sunken hot tub shares the pool deck accompanied by a large covered summer kitchen to complete the oasis.
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Completing the central lower level of the estate is a deep wood enriched office space with full length views of the Lake Butler, two bedrooms and a unique aquarium style room with saltwater triangular fish tank.
Welcome to Giffin Court, a magnificent custom estate situated along Lake Butler, in the Isleworth community, comprises of approximately 31,000 square feet of living space. Upon entering the home take in the stunning views, two-story foyer, and beautiful craftsmanship including solid walnut, marble and iron details throughout. The room boasts built-in sofas, two-story marble fireplace, wood beams with large corbels complimented by a wall of glass showcasing the serene lake views.
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Sharing the main portion of the home is the large, eat-in chef’s kitchen, formal dining room comfortably accommodates a table for sixteen, two-way Coral Stone fireplace which accents the kitchen nook all finished off with finished with beautiful hand-crafted wood paneling, modeling and cabinetry. Closer to the lake is an elongated gallery hall that’s perfect for any art collector and can be seen from several rooms throughout the main portion of the estate.
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Magazine The back yard is a true private oasis. The tiki style open cabana allows for outdoor leisure overlooking the sandy beach side of the lake. A short walk through the gate and privacy hedges is the estates covered boat dock with sitting area and electric boat lift.
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The southeast side is a full resort style guest wing that’s complete with 5-bedroom suites, large open great room with plenty of sitting and eating areas, and a large bar area with island counter, sink, refrigerator and ice maker. You will also find a 2,100 square foot secondary garage which is also air conditioned and equipped for dance studio and an enclosed recording studio.
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The northeast wing features an approximate seventeen showroom car garage, fitness room and an incredible 6,000 square foot indoor basketball gym complete with full audio and individually controlled lighting.
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Additional unique, custom features of this luxury estate include a cozy gentlemen’s room, an eight-seat home theater, enclosed recording studio, temperature-controlled cedar planked humidor and wine storage.
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YOUR BEST LIFE BEGINS WITH A HOME THAT INSPIRES YOU
STUNNING 19 ACRE ALL BRICK ESTATE DAN NATOLI & IRINA CARP 2975 CLAY WHALEY ROAD $2,000,000
SAINT CLOUD
Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act theZEqual Act. /Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Property information herein is derived from various sources including but not limited to, county records and Mand A GA I NEOpportunity T E MPLATE OCTOBE R 2 0 1 3 / www. y ourmagazine.com multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.
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UMATILLA PRIVATE 50 ACRE ESTATE DAN NATOLI & CAROLYN BURGIEL 17800 SE 237TH COURT $9,500,000
DA N N ATO L I .CO M Dan Natoli, Broker Associate 600 Dr. Phillips Boulevard, Suite 32 Orlando, Florida, 32819 407. 581.7888 MAGA ZI NE T EMPL A T E / O C T O BER 2013 / www.yourmagazine.c o m
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POSH CULTURE
Meet Paula Wyatt, Central Florida’s Most Loved WRITTEN BY Erin Brady Stephen
If you’ve ever attended a party at Bella Collina or Snap!, then you know Paula Wyatt’s work. Wyatt is the premier professional event planner and Chief Excitement Officer at Anything is Posh Able! in Central Florida. She’s known for “building events that build relationships” as she works alongside some of Central Florida’s most admired brands and nonprofit organizations. From Roller Girls to Circ X performers and messy obstacle courses, her motto “if you can dream it, it’s Posh Able,” rings true in every detail her team designs. Paula’s team ensures that no detail is left unattended. From concept to clean up, they do the work and you get the credit. Sandy Giacalone of Winter Park gushes about her husband’s party designed and executed by Anything is Posh Able, “Not one detail was over-looked. Paula’s team made sure everything went smoothly. Two years later we are still hearing comments from our friends [saying] it’s the best party I’ve ever attended!” One of the many reasons Wyatt and her team at Posh Able Events has been so successful since the company’s inception in February 2018 is Wyatt’s connections in the area. Paula enthusiastically serves a number of advisory roles in the Central Florida community including: as a board member for the Bridges of Light Foundation and the Orlando Sports Foundation; She is acting director of the annual Cure Bowl Cup and served as communications director for the 2017 Auto Nation Cure Bowl.
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“I think Paula lives up to her title, Chief Excitement Officer. She knows how to generate excitement, and she does so with a great deal of hard work and professionalism.” Mike McLeod bellows his appreciation after working with Wyatt and her team for their event. Wyatt also shares her talents through a nonprofit she founded called Posh Abilities. Her organization provides free event planning and public relations services to Central Florida charities like The Bridges of Light Foundation and the Orlando Sports Foundation. But her spectrum of skills doesn’t stop there. Wyatt’s passion for building relationships reaches far beyond event planning. Wyatt also works with a short list of local clients to “grow their brand” using creative marketing services called IMAGE Builders. If you haven’t been lucky enough to meet Wyatt yet, perhaps you’ll be hand selected for one of her “Ten Interesting People” (TIP) Having Lunch event. Each month, the Posh Able Events team hand-picks ten individuals to gather at a unique spot around town for an exclusive invite-only luncheon. Their goal is to bring together a diverse group of friends from a range of industries and interests. Whether you see Wyatt around town or are fortunate to work alongside her, we’re confident you’ll find that Anything is Posh Able when you’re with Paula Wyatt. And stay tuned for more from Wyatt as she serves as our Luxury Lifestyle Contributor.
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Now Trending: Orlando WRITTEN BY Dainon Moody
Change is hard. After living in cities like Paris and Los Angeles, Snap! Space creator and curator Patrick Kahn found it no small challenge to begin anew in a still-growing city like Orlando. It was difficult, but tapping into tried-and-true optimism was not. For Kahn, it was a lot like tackling an all-new art project. He wanted others to start recognizing the city not just for its theme parks, but also for its cultural scene. “We saw a blank canvas with a world of possibilities,” he said of the experience. “In just 10 years of living here, we have witnessed an evolution happen in this city.” It’s a transformation that he and his wife Holly (Snap! Space co-curator) are still having a hand in. A movie theater in its former life, Snap! Space has grown into one of the city’s best art and fashion destinations, now a staple of the Mills 50 district. It’s already played host to over 100 exhibited international photographers and multimedia artists. The couple contributes to the budding local fashion scene via some of the most beautiful means possible, namely plenty of carefully curated photography and art. Its recent longstanding Couture Culture II exhibit was just one example of that. They’ve also produced runway shows and live fashion installations, hosted fashion and celebrity photography legends for artist talks, and fostered strong partnerships with Versace and Chanel over the past few years. Snap! Space allows Patrick and Holly the ability to showcase legendary artists and photographers from across the globe. Patrick offers that emerging local talents from all across the state are also featured regularly. “We so enjoy being a part of the cultural growing process of the city,” he said. Snap! Space opens CITY UNSEEN in November. As its first multi-year, multi-location augmented reality public art installation, this too is a large leap forward.
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SOUTHERN DECADENCE When a beautiful lady comes to visit in Central Florida and brings her gorgeous man much wine, dancing and photos commence 24
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Magazine PHOTOGRAPHER Carey Sheffield PHOTOGRAPHER ASSIST Alex Sheffield MODELS Charlotte Godfrey &
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STORYTELLER BEHIND THE LENS WRITTEN BY Patricia Lekatis
Fashion, beauty, lifestyle. Put photographer Carey Sheffield behind the camera and she’ll turn a dress into something magical, makeup into a perfectly sculptured face and life into an emotional experience. “I’m a storyteller,” she says, “whether a love story, your family, a social impact documentary or charity work, I like to be with the people and to share the moments or let the world know what is going on in pictures.” But it’s the fashion shoots she admits to loving the most. “A day photographing fashion and beauty, really is a great day for me,” says the photographer, who began her career in the United Kingdom shooting bridal collections, designer fashions, jewelry, shoes and lingerie. “But even with fashion editorial, I like to tell a story. I believe you have to capture people with emotion and not just a product, so I always try to make the viewer feel something with my pictures,” she says about her work and photographs featured in this issue. (See page 32) Since arriving in Orlando 2½ years ago, Sheffield has been busy collaborating on projects and creative endeavors and has now burst onto the scene with a plan to launch her own photography, film and marketing business in 2019. Calling herself the “queen of reinvention,” Sheffield explains how she started in sales and marketing for magazines and radio, where she developed an appreciation for the visual arts. She later moved into events, trained as a florist, and owned her own florist/events business before returning to college to study photography. “For fun,” she says of her venturing into photography. And as to why she chose Orlando for her business, she says, “The people here have been open-armed and open-minded to networking and being creative together. I know so many people who run successful and diverse businesses here.”
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STYLIST Tammara Kohler, Fused Fashion LADIES FASHION Tuni Winter Park & Maricela
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HAIR & MAKEUP Alan Almada & Marie
Decayette, Prive Salon Orlando
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JEWELRY Ritique by Ritika Atwal VIDEOGRAPHER KPlus9 LOCATION Premier Sotheby’s
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JESSICA & ROB HENLON
The stylish forces behind Orlando International Fashion Week WRITTEN BY Patricia Lekatis
It was four years ago that this sister-and-brother team found a business niche that needed nurturing. Although Orlando had its fair share of upscale fashion-forward retail, nobody was paying attention to the designers. Jessica Henlon and Rob Henlon saw an opportunity. The young entrepreneurs started out in website creation and online marketing before moving into event production and establishing their own business Fierce Entertainment Management. Once behind the scenes, they realized there was a fashion vacuum in the event circuit: not enough fashion shows, no opportunities for local or international designers to showcase their work. “We kept hearing from so many that there’s no fashion in Orlando. We found otherwise,” says Jessica, who serves as the company’s COO. Her brother Rob, the CEO, agrees. In their opinion, Orlando can have its own fashion scene. “Local—out-of-state and international—designers want to come to Orlando. It’s hard to stand out in markets like New York. They can make a bigger impact here,” Jessica explains.
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So the duo created the perfect stage for them: Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW). The event held in spring and fall (Nov. 4-11) brings together a diverse group of people with a passion for the arts and design. Fashion shows, cocktail hours, meet-and-greets are some of the activities. Among the charities that have benefited from fashion week are Harbor House and Paving the Way, and this fall, The Mustard Seed of Central Florida is partnering with Fierce. Highlights from the upcoming fashion week include the debut of a 13-year-old designer. “There is great opportunity for younger talent to succeed here and become entrepreneurs,” Jessica says. The COO of Fierce, who has earned a master’s degree in counseling and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, is actively pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology. A firm believer in education, Jessica has worked with schools in the area that offer classes in fashion, including Orange Technical College Orlando and Sanford-Brown College, as well as beauty schools. When asked about the future of Orlando’s fashion identity, Jessica doesn’t hesitate: “Keep an eye on us. We are inching up.”
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INNA RUDENKO
Meet Orlando Based European Fashion Designer and Dressmaker WRITTEN BY Erin Brady Stephen
Speaking to Inna, you know she hails from a faraway land. Born in Chisinau Moldova, she grew up watching her father make custom shoes for his customers. By the time she was 13, she was working in alterations and dreaming of designing custom clothing one day. Later she graduated from art and design school with honors and began working for a wedding salon where she designed and created unique wedding dresses. Rudenko recalls her first years in the fashion industry, “With each individual client, I gained an array of techniques which fed my passion for clothing design.�
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Inna’s Designs range from custom children’s clothing, to stunning dresses for women and custom suits for men. Her talents in custom dressmaking has caught the attention of several fashion shows including Izuminka 2014 and her designs competed and won the Park Avenue 2015 Emerging Designer Competition. After relocating to the states in 2012, she landed in Orlando and opened her design studio in Altamonte Springs. Inna’s designs grace the bodies of clients across the world from New York City, to Los Angeles, Dubai, and Italy. In Central Florida, her clients often request custom designs for weddings and special events. “Inna is truly one-of-a-kind and if you have a special custom dress or suit to make, you would be lucky to work with her.” Interested in experiencing her designs in person? Her designs are repeatedly displayed at the Orlando Museum of Art and she’ll be showing at the Bridal Expo in Miami this November.
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PHOTOGRAPHER Dan Natoli PHOTOGRAPHER Dan Natoli
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ORLANDO’S GEM
Stacey Papp makes Orlando sparkle as the woman behind Bay Hill Jewelers and the Bridges of Light Foundation WRITTEN BY Tara Bradley Connell
A 17-year-old Stacey Papp was working in the Ralph Lauren section of Filene’s department store in Connecticut when a jewelry professional noticed her. So she took her under her wing, and the rest is jewelry-making history. After just a few years of training in design, merchandising, product knowledge, and sales, Papp landed a position at Littman Jewelers, one of the largest familyowned jewelry companies in the country. But it was her love for the Orlando community that inspired her to start her own business. “Our city is filled with unique, artistic, diverse people who love to support each other,” she says. “This city has allowed me the opportunity to follow my dream of owning multiple jewelry store concepts that cater to every client with any budget.” Today, Papp is the owner of Bay Hill Jewelers, with three locations throughout Central Florida including Dr. Phillips and Park Avenue. In August, she opened her newest downtown location, C6 by Bay Hill Jewelers. Her latest shop features everything from engagement rings and wedding bands to Mont Blanc writing instruments, wallets, luggage, and a specialized gift department. For Papp, it’s the personal connection she has with her clients that is at the heart of her work. “Our clients are a pleasure. They love the art and inspiration behind each custom creation. We can take something a guest no longer wears and turn it into something they never want to take off. It is a gift to share in these moments.”
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Her connection with the Central Florida community also led Papp to start the Bridges of Light Foundation, a program that raises money for abandoned, abused, neglected, or at-risk children. As a way to raise the much-needed funds, every year she hosts the Players Ball, a black-tie affair that has assisted countless amounts of families through ticket sales, sponsorships, and auction items. This year’s event at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando on September 3, 2018, proved to be another success. “We recently helped a family that was homeless with the dad on dialysis and three children. It was a desperate situation,” Papp says. “They now have a home, jobs, and the kids are doing well in school. Our Adopt-a-Family program has been life changing for many in this community.” Going 15 years strong, what started as a mentor group for those in need has evolved into an education-based program focused on the future. But Papp isn’t carrying the load alone. She credits an incredible team in a supportive community to the Bridges of Light Foundation’s success. And she hopes that team continues to grow. “We are looking for more corporations and strong individuals to get involved on a deeper level,” she says. “The more diversified we can make our board of directors, the more we can change our future.” With that mindset, Orlando’s future can only get brighter. Whether it’s designing one-ofa-kind sparklers or making a difference for a child in need, Papp seems to shine a little bit of light no matter where she goes. And Central Florida couldn’t be more thankful.
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ALPA RAMA
A Parisian in America puts her mark on Orlando’s fashion scene WRITTEN BY Patricia Lekatis
You can’t miss her in a neon pink romper with a seashell choker hugging her neck. Or you might spot her in a short flirty skirt and a midriff-baring T-shirt just subtle enough to let her sparkling oversized drop earrings catch your eye. And then again Alpa Rama might make an appearance in something more classic like high-waisted shorts with a crew-neck sweater and a bold Coco Chanel brooch pin. No matter what this fashionista wears, she always looks like she stepped off the runway. It’s all part of the business of being one of Orlando’s top fashion bloggers—self-described as “a fashion/beauty/ travel influencer.” Rama was born in France and grew up in Paris surrounded by Parisian style. But it’s her Asian roots (her parents immigrated to Europe from India) that give her a slightly exotic look, which makes her such a standout. Four years ago when Rama arrived in Orlando her aim was to land a job in the fashion industry. She had majored in marketing at the ESLSCA Business School in Paris and spent a year working with a
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Magazine fashion/lifestyle public relations agency in Mumbai. However, she quickly realized that her dream job didn’t exist here. So she created it. “People used to stop me and ask about my outfit as I always was the different one in the room, dressing up very Parisienne,” says Rama. “I figured there must be a way to share this info with a mass audience.” And that was the beginning of her blog and website: aparisianinamerica.com. Images of Rama in the latest looks grace her website and social media posts. Among the trends she’s following this season are checks, cowgirl, and diamante and sequins. Check patterns are going to be big she predicts, but cautions, “buy a neutral color like gray so you can wear it even after the trend has gone.” As for cowgirl fashions inspired by America, her advice is: “If you invest in a piece make sure it’s timeless.” And when it comes to diamonds and sequins, she admits that it’s a trend we’ve seen before but it’s always great for the holiday season. Globally, Rama’s favorite is Indian fashion for color and jewelry. “India has the most beautiful, sophisticated jewelry, and I love mixing it with my French style,” she says. White, black and nudes were standard for her before moving to Orlando and discovering not only Florida’s more casual style, but that color—and lots of it—works well in the Sunshine State. Outside the blogosphere, Rama enjoys skydiving, zip lining and riding roller coasters—and we can only imagine her doing it in the latest fashions. Her other passion is helping children. She and her family traveled to Malawi to build schools. “I hope to continue on this journey as helping kids in need is a topic that’s close to my heart,” she says.
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THE FASHION SET
With couture labels and unique boutiques, Orlando’s shopping circuit has never been stronger WRITTEN BY Tara Bradley Connell
From the high-end hustle at the Mall at Millenia to the hard-tofind labels at Disney Springs, the fashion scene in Central Florida keeps getting better. And with near 1,000 new residents each week, it’s clear why. To date, Orlando’s retail offerings are vast enough to fill 900 American football fields. Here’s a look at some of the best fashion meccas in town and why they’re here to stay.
Mall at Millenia Coveted brands include everything from Jimmy Choo and Gucci to Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, and Versace. Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus are the cornerstones of this 1.2 million-square-foot space. From there, 150 shops make fashion fixes happen with the greatest of ease. Their valet service offers front-door access while personal shoppers can style anything from a special event to an entire wardrobe refresh.
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Ivanhoe Row and Mount Dora Some fashion never goes out of style which is why vintage finds are always a treasure. Spots like Ivanhoe Row, located just north of downtown, and Mount Dora, only 40 minutes outside of town, are home to museums, galleries, and shops showcasing a wealth of finds from yesteryear. Whether it’s a mid-century mod credenza or a Chanel gown from galas gone by, there’s something for every fan of good style.
Orlando Premium Outlets Spanning over 773,586 square feet, Orlando Premium Outlets is Florida’s largest shopping outlet. Located in the heart of the hospitality district, it features over 180 stores with impressive names that include Karl Lagerfeld, Tory Burch, Coach, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, and Ted Baker London, to name a few. Perks such as valet parking and group services make the experience feel anything but rushed.
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Disney Springs Disney Springs is Orlando’s newest shopping haven with fashion labels such as Johnny Was, Chapel Hats, Free People, and UNIQLO, a Japanese-based store with an organized showroom of graphic T-shirt and wardrobe essentials. Eateries featuring everything from the House of Blues to Disney Food Trucks ensure for energy-filled shopping excursions.
Park Avenue Affectionately known as Rodeo Drive East, Winter Park’s fashion scene comes in the way of Park Avenue. The dog-friendly strand of shops is a favorite for the Central Florida elite coming to peruse stores such as Tuni, Sultre, and John Craig. Other notable names like Lilly Pulitzer and Williams-Sonoma are also on the lineup as well as unique gift shops with paper-pressed stationery, customized jewelery, and museum-worthy floral creations. And with dining experiences like Prato and Luma, a shopping day easily turns into an evening out – pup included.
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SPENDING THE DAY IN STYLE The Grove brings fashionable finds to Winter Park WRITTEN BY Tara Bradley Connell
Born and raised in South Florida, Meredith Gardner found her way to Winter Park as a political science student at Rollins College. But it didn’t take her long to realize that her true calling was in the fashion world. While working part-time in retail, the 23-year-old Gardner looked to J. McLaughlin, at the time, a privately owned retail chain based out of New York, to help her design some dresses for friends. After forming a relationship with the company, they offered her a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open and run their new location in Winter Park. For the next five years, under the guidance of the J. McLaughlin team, Gardner learned the retail ropes. “They basically taught me how to run a business,” she says. “Since falling in love with retail, I’ve spent my entire adult life working on Park Avenue.” In 2014, Gardner gathered that know-how and opened her own business, The Grove. Today, she and her partner regularly attend fashion markets throughout the country to curate a customized collection of pieces that feature classy looks with an airy flair. Unique décor, jewelry, and home furnishings are also on hand. For husbands and shoppers needing a midday boost, she has a fridge fully stocked with beer and wine. Dogs are welcome, too.
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“There’s nothing better than spending a day on Park Avenue,” she says. “It’s a friendly, pedestrian community that has a warm neighborhood feel.” And thanks to The Grove, it’s one well-dressed neighborhood, too.
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DESIGNER’S CORNER
Open-concept living is perfect for entertaining as it creates an open flow between rooms. In this space, the dining and living room are open while a fireplace creates some separation from the kitchen.
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WOLFE-RIZOR INTERIORS
WRITTEN BY Erin Brady Stephen
Interior design trends can change almost as frequently as fashion trends, that’s why Central Florida’s elite call on Wolfe-Rizor Interiors to create lasting, livable designs in their homes. Hattie Wolfe and Abigail Wolfe-Rizor are the mother-daughter design duo behind Wolfe-Rizor Interiors (WRI). Over the past 24 years, they have created elegant designs that strike a balance between modern luxury and timeless style, drawing more homeowners into the Central Florida area. “We take on every project individually as we consider the design goals of each client, offering our unique perspective to achieving livable elegance.” Nailing down your decor style can be challenging. WRI helps clients hone in on the right style and pieces for their home. Wolfe and Rizor say these are the 3 interior design trends to bring home:
Trend No. 1 | Open Floor Plans An open floor plan allows for more creativity and flexibility in a room’s design. It invites family and friends to socialize while making your home feel more spacious. Open floor plans can extend throughout the main living level with an open concept kitchen, living, and dining space or help define a space for entertaining with open living and dining rooms.
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Trend No. 2 | Patterned Floors Patterned tile floors are perfect for Central Florida living. They provide a durable, stylish finish to a room. Choose a bold pattern like Herringbone or a traditional hand-scraped look, either way patterned flooring adds a quality of timeless beauty and texture to your space.
Trend No. 3 | Pops of Color A well-curated neutral space is timeless and inviting. Give a room an instant boost with a pop of color. An overall neutral palette can ground a room and adding purposeful pops of color help guide your eye throughout the space. Adding a pop of color can also help you personalize a space. A bold accent wall, colorful lush furnishings, or large scale art can help bring a room to life.
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Whether you’re designing a new home, renovating an existing space, or furnishing a vacation home, your space is an extension of your style, personality, and passions. Look for pieces and styles that compliment your lifestyle and create a sanctuary. “With the right design, you’ll never want to leave – and friends will always want to visit.”
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FINANCE
Magazine
WRITTEN BY Dawn Bennes
Full of culture, shopping, food, music, art, and Disney, Orlando is the place where dreams come true, including the dream of finding the perfect home. Whether you’re looking for investment, vacation or wanting a warm, sunny place to call home, Orlando is your place.
Courtesy of Barry Habib of MBS Highway
The most recent report of Existing Home Sales shows a decrease of 3.4% in September, the lowest value in three years. While one may interpret this as a negative; however, it is still quite strong considering low inventory and higher interest rates.
Courtesy of Barry Habib of MBS Highway
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It is important to stress that a slowdown in the market is different from a reversal.  Homes are still positively appreciating and Florida boasts high appreciation rates over the national average. There is still wealth to be built by investing in an Orlando home.
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Courtesy of Barry Habib of MBS Highway
On average, it has been said, only 41% of non-homeowners can afford to purchase a home in any given county. Unsure of the exact metric referenced, most homes are purchased by couples rather than a single individual. With double the purchasing power as a couple, the number of nonhomeowners who could afford to buy would increase to 63% which is inline with the national homeowershsip rate.
Courtesy of Barry Habib of MBS Highway
When looking to purchase investment properties, Orlando is the place to be. Currently topping the list of increasing rental rates in the nation, there are opportunities available for getting the highest return for your money. Whether you are pondering buying a property as a primary residence, second home, or as an investment Central Florida’s housing market boasts opportunity. There is still wealth to be built by investing in a home.
Reminder, every situation is unique. Always consult with a mortgage professional for your personal analysis.
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CREATE A CHAPTER IN COLLEGE PARK HISTORY The S. Howard Atha House is a beautifully restored Colonial Revival treasure in the heart of College Park
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REALTOR Dan Natoli & Debbie
Kantor, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, Orlando, FL TEXT Dan Natoli PHOTOGRAPHY Uneek Luxury Tours
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Privately situated on nearly an acre and built by Kiehl & Stevens, Inc. in 1925, The S. Howard Atha House is a beautifully restored Colonial Revival treasure in the heart of College Park. College Park is a quaint, distinct neighborhood with streets named for famed universities, such as Harvard, Yale and Vassar. Known for its unique shopping, dining and nightlife to include jazz and food festivals, College Park is second to none in location, centrally located to downtown Orlando, all area attractions and great shopping malls. Character, charm and timeless perfection radiate throughout the home and the meticulously maintained grounds of this estate. The main home offers classic proportions with elegant details providing the perfect touch of modern-day amenities. This historical residence boasts 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths in the main house. Architectural enrichments throughout the home include period pieces such as a vintage bathtub and a finished basement, adding to the historic integrity of the property. The Master Retreat is tucked away for privacy and will take your breath away. The large walk in closet and master bath with a steam room will immerse you in the epitome of luxury.
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The spacious kitchen, formal dining room and wine room are designed for creating memories with friends and family.
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The designer kitchen is bedecked with the most unique finishes, to include custom cabinetry and a one of a kind hand painted floor design.
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Also featured on the property is a detached 3 car Carriage house which boasts an office along with a full 1 bedroom, 1 bath studio suite above.
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Stunning grounds encompass the home with stately gardens, scenic structures and walking paths that lead to multiple gathering areas such as the eclectic poolside dining pergola and large cabana house with full bath and kitchen.
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