#BTS with Doggies on the Catwalk at Swoox

The Doggies on the Catwalk photo shoot is always one of my favorite parts leading up to the event. It's fun and spontaneous, regardless of how much planning, because the pups often want to strike their own pose.

We scheduled the shoot for the ad, which will run in several of Modern Luxury's publications and in various media outlets, last week at Swoox. The curated consignment boutique, located in Buckhead, served as the ideal backdrop for the shoot. I wanted a casual look in a posh setting - Swoox was perfect - Jenn Balcos from Swoox, who is walking the 'catwalk' this year, made sure of that. Alex Page, also walking the 'walk' was there to oversee, manage, style, curate and most of all, support his boyfriend - Me!

This would be the third time photographer Tomas Espinoza shoots the Doggies on the Catwalk ad. He's got a keen photographic vision and the talent to back it up. The final image will most definitely be out-of-this-world! 

Last, but most certainly not least, Grace Murphy of Canine Assistants brought her army of handlers and furry friends - two Golden Retrievers and one Golden Doodle - all service dogs of course. When the doggies weren't modeling, they just laid on the Swoox floor and napped.

I styled the shoot to embrace an athleisure aesthetic by wearing a cashmere hoodie from Kit and Ace, slim cut trousers by Theory and for a pop of color and wow factor, tapestry-made kicks from Monck Mason. My jewelry was David Yurman. I reclined on the Swoox sofa while Tomas strategically placed the dogs around me. They loved the camera and posed like the rockstars that they are!

Doggies on the Catwalk is on May 6 at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. I'm very proud to announce that it is our tenth anniversary! Please support us and buy your tickets. HERE

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Where to Spend New Years's Eve in Atlanta

nye new years eve parties

DINE WITH ATLAS AT THE ST. REGIS THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE

Decked out in holiday décor, Atlas will offer three seatings this New Year’s Eve at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for a special, three-course prix fixe dinner created by Executive Chef Chris Grossman.  The full dinner menu, which changes daily, will also be available. Diners will also be treated to a celebratory midnight toast to ring in 2017.  With a focus on curating fresh ingredients from local farms, Atlas is located in The St. Regis Atlanta (88 West Paces Ferry Rd NW) and celebrates the very best in seasonal American cuisine combined with European influences. For more information or to make a reservation, visit atlasrestaurant.com

JOIN STK ATLANTA THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE FOR BLACK TIES AND BUBBLES

This New Year’s Eve, join Midtown’s sexiest steakhouse for an unforgettable “Black Ties and Bubbles” celebration on Saturday, December 31, 2016. Known for its high-energy atmosphere and exceptional, signature and seasonal offerings, STK will take luxe to the next level this New Year’s Eve.  Not only are partygoers invited to enjoy a selection of seasonal specials created by Executive Chef Andrea Montobbio from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., but they can also take advantage of a 3-hour premium open bar beginning at 9 p.m. Music for the evening will be provided by local favorite DJ Dillon and revelers will be treated to complimentary New Year’s Eve party favors, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, and more. STK’s full dinner menu will also be available. Dinner reservations are also availble without the premium bar tickets for a $100 minimum per person.  General admission tickets start at $75 and VIP tickets start at $120. VIP partygoers will also receive a bottle of Veuve Clicquot per four guests. To purchase tickets to STK’s Black Ties and Bubbles New Year’s Eve celebration, visit:  https://www.xorbia.com/events/stkatlanta/black-ties-and-bubbles-new-years-eve-celebration.  For more information about STK, visit www.stkhouse.com or call 404-793-0144

SAIL INTO THE NEW YEAR WITH YATCH ROCK REVUE AT PARK TAVERN IN PIEDMONT PARK

Let the countdown begin as Park Tavern gets ready to sail into the New Year on Saturday, December 31, 2016 with an all-inclusive celebration featuring live music from Yacht Rock Revue in the Piedmont Room.  Beginning at 9 p.m., partygoers are invited to enjoy an open bar of premium liquor, beer, wine and champagne from Coors Light, Redd’s Apple Ale, Absolut, Jack Daniels Winter Jack and El Jimador tequila, along with a range of tasty offerings a including hors d'oeuvres, tacos, sliders, fresh sushi flown in from Hawaii, and s’mores.  At midnight, guests will be treated to a champagne toast and can dive into a breakfast buffet that includes Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, breakfast burritos, and much more. General Admission tickets begin at $125 for ages 21 and up and covers all food and beverage between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Group tickets are also available for purchase with a savings discount of 10% percent when purchased in groups of 20 people or more. Park Tavern is located on the Atlanta BeltLine in the heart of Midtown at 500 10th Street NE on the corner of 10th Street and Monroe overlooking Piedmont Park and the Midtown skyline. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.parktavern.com or call (404) 249-0001.   

HEAD TO DANTANNA’S FOR A FOOTBALL-INFUSED NEW YEAR’S EVE

For revelers with football on their minds this New Year’s Eve, Dantanna’s boasts three convenient locations, Buckhead, Downtown in CNN Center and Sandy Springs. A landmark Atlanta dining and drinking staple, Dantanna’s combines culinary excellence with the entertainment value of sports to create the ultimate restaurant experience. Dantanna’s Buckhead and Downtown exude the sophistication of a five-star restaurant and the entertainment of having a private box at your favorite game, while the recently renovated Sandy Springs location provides a more intimate neighborhood dining experience. Partygoers at the Buckhead and Sandy Springs locations can enjoy  a champagne toast at midnight to ring in the new year. Of course, for those looking for a lively spot convenient to the Georgia Dome to grab a bite before or after the the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl or to simply watch the game where all the action is happening, Dantanna’s in CNN Center will be the place to go. 

Dantanna’s Buckhead is located at the Lenox Mall in Buckhead at 3400 Around Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326; Dantanna’s Downtown is located at ONE CNN Center, Suite #269, Atlanta, GA 30303; and Dantanna’s Sandy Springs is located in Abernathy Square Shopping Center at 6649 Roswell, Rd, Unit 30, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.  For more information visit www.dantannas.com or call 404.760.8873.

DRESS UP OR DRESS DOWN THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE AT HAMPTON + HUDSON

This New Year’s Eve, Hampton + Hudson will be kicking off the day with nonstop college football on flat screens throughout the popular Inman Park bar and restaurant. Beginning at 7 p.m., the official “Dress Up or Dress Down” New Year’s Bash begins. For $15, revelers are invited to enjoy $5 specialty cocktails from Old Forth Ward Distillery, a live performance from DJ Skooter, a balloon drop, and a complimentary champagne toast and midnight breakfast.  Tickets will be available at the door.  Hampton + Hudson is located 299 Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. For more information, visit http://www.hamptonandhudson.com/.

THREE-COURSE NEW YEAR’S EVE PRIX FIXE MENU AT GENKI NOODLES AND SUSHI

Sushi and Japanese cuisine lovers are invited to spend New Year’s Eve with Genki Noodles and Sushi.  With three convenient locations, Buckhead, Virginia Highland and Sandy Springs, Executive Chef Jimmy Meas has created a special, 3-course prix fixe menu just for the occasion.  Available for $40 per person, guests can begin their dinner with a choice of thinly sliced yellowtail with fresh jalapeño drizzled with ponzu sauce or steaming miso soup. For the second course, diners can choose from surf and turf for two – an Angus filet and Imperial crab lobster roll served with wasabi mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and Mongolian sauce; or sushi sashimi for two that includes Genki’s popular Volcano roll, eight pieces of sashimi and six pieces of nigiri. Dessert lovers can end their email with Genki’s Dorayaki, Japanese pancakes infused with honey and sweet red bean filling that are served chilled with a side of brown sugar ice-cream. Genki Noodles and Sushi is located in Buckhead at 3186 Roswell Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30305; The Prado in Sandy Springs at 5590 Roswell Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30342; and Virginia Highland at 1040 North Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30306.  For more information, www.genkiatl.com

TOAST TO THE NEW YEAR AT GRAIN WITH MOËT CHAMPAGNE, OYSTERS AND COCKTAILS

Champagne and oyster lovers can ring in the New Year at GRAIN, a favorite neighborhood drink shop with an intimate atmosphere, eclectic bar bites menu and a thoughtful and inventive cocktail program.  Beginning at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, couples will be treated to a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne, a dozen fresh oysters and two cocktails for $100 per couple. GRAIN’s full sharable bites menu will also be available. Revelers ages 21 and up can purchase tickets at the door or online at:  https://grain-bar.xorbia.com/toast-to-the-new-year-with-moet-champagne-oysters-and-cocktails/xt/?referral=xt-buy-tix.  GRAIN is located in the heart of Midtown on the corner of W. Peachtree and Abercrombie Road at the MidCity Lofts next to the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown at 845 Spring Street, Unit D1, Atlanta, GA. The GPS Address: 856 W. Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA.  For more information call 404.881.5377 or visit www.grain-bar.com.

RING IN 2017 AT CYPRESS STREET PINT AND PLATE’S RELAXED NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION

Not in the mood for glitz, glamour and balloon drops this New Year’s Eve? Head to Cypress Street Pint and Plate, one of Atlanta’s most cherished neighborhood haunts, for its laid back New Year’s Eve celebration on Saturday, December 31, 2016. Open from 10 a.m. to 2:45 a.m., revelers are invited to belly up to the bar, sit by the fire pit, and mix and mingle with friends while watching college football. Partygoers can also enjoy the regular food menu, extensive craft beer list, $5 well drinks, half priced wine bottles, or can ring in the new year properly by taking advantage of half priced bottles of champagne or $3 champagne by the glass. For more information, please visit www.cypressbar.com or call 404.815.9243.  Cypress Street Pint and Plate is located on the corner of 6th street and Cypress Street at 817 West Peachtree, Suite E-125, Atlanta, Georgia.

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Sip, Simmer & Savor at GUNSHOW with Jack Daniels Single Barrel

Last week, I attended a fabulous dining experience at Kevin Gillespie's Gunshow. "Sip, Simmer & Savor" is part of a culinary event series presented by Jack Daniels Single Barrel Collection so as you can imagine, there was an abundance of Jack Daniels cocktails to "sip." [And I did!]

The private dinner featured an impressive menu including Jack Daniels Single Barrel wet aged prime filet served with black & blue and select relaxed foie gras; sweet crab with marinated fennel and parsnip ravioli with brussels and pomegranate. [See full menu in the slideshow above.]

While the Jack Daniels dinner was a one-night-only event, Gunshow is open nightly for your dining and culinary pleasure. I strongly recommend going if you haven't already.

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FRYE Atlanta Presents an Afternoon of Holiday Caroling with The Whiskey Gentry

Celebrate the spirit of the season on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at FRYE’s Atlanta store at Ponce City Market during its second annual rockin’ holiday caroling event with The Whiskey Gentry. From 1 to 4 p.m., shoppers are invited to a experience a high-energy, live acoustic show outside the store while enjoying hot drinks from American Spirit Whiskey, Wild Heaven craft beers, and cookies from Atlanta favorite Farm to Ladle.  Frye’s Holiday Collection, which includes an array of exclusive hats, scarves, gloves, belts and more for men and women, will be available for purchase.  Shoppers are also invited to enjoy complimentary on-site customization with a purchase from acclaimed chain stitch embroidery collective Ft. Lonesome

The event is open to the public by RSVPing to RSVP@TheFryeCompany.com.  The Frye Company’s Atlanta flagship store is located in Ponce City Market at 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. Visit The Frye Company online at www.TheFryeCompany.com.

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ATLANTA FOUNDATION FOR PUBLIC SPACES CELEBRATES THE FOURTH ANNUAL CALLANWOLDE ARTS FESTIVAL

callanwolde arts festival

Join the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces (AFFPS) on Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22, 2017, as they celebrate the fourth annual Callanwolde Arts Festival. The award-winning, two-day indoor festival is located in one of Atlanta’s most distinctive historic properties, the 27,000-square foot Callanwolde Mansion in Druid Hills, and features approximately 86 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalwork, glass artists, jewelers and more.  The festival, which is open to all ages, will also offer artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, food trucks with healthy alternatives, and live music and dance performances. Admission is $5 at the door.

Art lovers are also invited to take advantage of the ticketed V.I.P. Preview Sales Party on Friday, January 20th from 6 to 9 p.m.  Upon arrival, guests will be greeted are with a glass of wine to sip on as they stroll throughout the historic home and will be the first to view and shop the artwork showcased at this year’s festival.  Guests are also invited to enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres while they mix and mingle with the artists and enjoy live acoustic music.  Admission to the V.I.P. Preview Sales Party is $20 for ages 21 and up. Tickets can be purchased at the door.  For more information visit http://callanwoldeartsfestival.com/

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The Atlanta Botanical Garden & the Reindog Parade

For the fourth year in a row, I've had the pleasure of judging the Reindog Parade at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Dozens and dozen of dogs (and their families) line up for a chance to win the coveted "Best In Show" title. Everyone is in a thematic costume and a great time is held by all. There are five categories and five judges. My category to judge was the Best Dog Pack and my #1 pick also won Best In Show! Hey, you just can't compete with a pink poodle!! Have fun scrolling through my slideshow above.

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Beards, Brews & Holiday Shopping at FRYE

Complimentary Beard and Neck Trims from Mary Todd Hairdressing Company, Wild Heaven Craft Beers, Exclusive Gifts and More

The Frye Company at Ponce City Market has once again joined forces with the talented stylists at Mary Todd Hairdressing Company. This Saturday, December 3rd from 6 to 9 p.m., gentlemen are invited to take advantage of complimentary beard and neck trims from the Mary Todd team on a first-come, first-served basis while enjoying frosty Wild Heaven craft brews and shopping Frye’s 2016 Holiday Collection. Favorite gifts for the season include an array of hats, scarves, gloves, belts and wallets exclusively for men. Visit www.TheFryeCompany.com for more information. 

WHAT: Beards, Brews and Holiday Shopping at The Frye Company 

WHEN: Saturday, December 3, 2016 / 6 to 9 p.m. 

WHERE: The Frye Company ,Ponce City Market  675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30308 

WITH: Mary Todd Hairdressing Company

CONNECT: Instagram and Twitter via @thefryecompany | #fryeatlanta. 

The Frye Company’s Atlanta flagship store is located in Ponce City Market at 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308. Visit The Frye Company online at www.TheFryeCompany.com.   

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