Fashionistas return from NYC with runway tips for Floridians

It's over. The Fashion Week gurus have folded their tents and gone home. But Heather Dunhill, who had front-row seats and backstage access at the shows in New York, brought home lots of fashion, beauty and hairstyle tips for local fashionistas.

Three Fashion Week insiders translated some of the runway chatter: Finola Hughes, Vivianna Martin and Erin Anderson.

How do Sarasota femmes take runway and make it resort? Savvy Finola Hughes reports: "Look for chiffon dresses by Erin Fetherston and Sabyasachi. Also, loose drapery-like ensembles at Donna Karan, Max Azria and cool-as-cucumbers American classics at Michael Kors. Snatch up some fantastic hats from Marc Jacobs, a carefree jumpsuit, even an obi belt from Philip Lim."

Taking catwalk cues from backstage, Erin Anderson, owner of Brooklyn's hip and trendy Woodley & Bunny and stylist for the likes of Rachel Weisz, Misha Barton, KT Tunstall and Kelly Clarkson, said the "look" is to be "put together and sleek, but not too sophisticated." "For instance," she continued, "pull the hair back into a ponytail, keep the sides smooth and the top natural. The hair should have great movement and move when the woman does."

Adding to the beauty tips, Vivianna Martin says that big eyes and soft-colored lips are in for fall, and the two new must-haves are by Stila: Cheek color in "Fade" and Illuminating Foundation.

Ultimately, the iconic Coco Chanel knew the most important thing about style: "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous."

Her pride is showing

Artist Gale Fulton Ross is busting her buttons, and should be. Son Craig Ross Jr. will make history by taking the first movie to myspace.com Sept. 30. "The Mannsfield 12," which captured Best Director and Best Screenplay awards at the 2007 American Black Film Festival, will be released worldwide, a major change in distribution of independent movies. According to Craig, who directed the movie, a new way of releasing films is long overdue. "The old business model doesn't benefit the independent filmmaker at all," he said. "It benefits the distributor." Check it out for yourself at the end of the month on myspace.com/m12themovie.

Big donation, big hearts

New College got another major shot in the arm, a charitable remainder trust of $2.1 million from oh-so-generous Lee and Bob Peterson -- the largest individual gift in the College's nearly 50-year history. Nice, too, that one of the school's five new dorms will be named for the couple, with a dedication ceremony being planned for November.

Best wishes

Maggie Davenport and Megen Macdonald had a beautiful commitment ceremony at the home of Maggie's grandparents, Bob and Louise Greenfield, the other afternoon. The Greenfields recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary and were delighted to host the celebration for their "granddaughters" and the reception afterwards, which included 120 nearest and dearest of the couple, 23 children who celebrated at a special "kiddie village" and 13 toddlers at a table for high chairs only.

Maggie is the daughter of Dr. Mary Davenport and Larry Davenport of Sarasota. Megen is the daughter of Pamela and Jim Macdonald, owners of The Crab and Fin on St. Armands Circle. Megen, who attended Ball State on a full tennis scholarship and got her master's in counseling from Webster, has a private therapy practice in town. Maggie received her BFA (with honors) from Ringling College, and works in fine art and murals.

Preparing for the unusual

It was unpredictable and untraditional. At the UnParty last week, 300 of Sarasota's high-energy young Turks stepped out to preview the upcoming UnGala Gala. Held at The Galleria, Mattison's Forty One's new catering place, guests were served yummy hors d'oeuvres as DJ Mark Lippert spun lounge music that progressed into dance tunes.

UnParty chairwomen Beth Bobb, Mellissa DeMore and Kyla Weiner stayed mum about the Oct. 18 UnGala's theme, although "it will have a modern vintage feel, a very non-traditional theme," according to UnGala co-chair Nicole Kaney. Tickets are $250, and invites should be in your mailbox by now. For more information, call 359-5700, Ext. 5705 or Ext. 5733.

On tap

Second Chance-Last Opportunity will be looking to the future at its 12th annual "Share the Light" luncheon Thursday at Michael's, honoring sweetheart Renee Hamad. Proceeds are already earmarked for a new Skills for Life Center. The old one was heavily damaged in June after a high-speed chase ended with a car crashing into the building. Tickets are $50. Call 726-3532 for yours.