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Pretty and Powerful

Flavia Cervantes, 20, UF marketing student

Flavia Cervantes caught our eye during Gainesville Fashion Week’s final runway show- pulling off a style that’s deserving of it’s own spotlight. This perfectly tailored dress cinched mid-waist to keep Flavia looking elegant and refined amidst the backstage chaos of a runway show, while its delicate pink coloring belied the powerful force beneath it. As production assistant and model coordinator, Flavia kept things under control with professional polish that reached the face of both her and the show. Classic black heels and a simple strand of pearls show how minimalist accessories can be sophisticated staples, and cropped sleeves serve both form and function for a glamorous girl at work. Flavia’s look proves that a perfect balance between pretty and powerful has a power all its own.

Shoes: Dolce Vita, $90
Dress: Urban Thread, $40
Necklace: Vintage, $3

- Hallie Wunsch

April Art Walk

Gainesville Art Walk, also known as GAWK amongst frequenters, is one of our favorite parts of the month. Every last Friday downtown turns into an open gallery as art boutiques, restaurants and stores turn their shops into a museum display of local art. Tonight Art Walk is hosted at seven different venues with dozens of artists on display. Most of the venues offer hor dourves like cheese and crackers, fruit and wine making Art Walk a perfect start or end to your night.

Art Walk starts at 7pm tonight April 30 and goes through 10pm. Featured venues include Palomino, The Hippodrome, Alcove, Sweetwater Print Cooperative, Floating Island Gift Shop and Eleanor Blair Studio. Visit any of the locations for a GAWK map.







Above: Ted Lincoln art. On display at Alcove.

Cover Model Contest Covers

This month, INsite announces the winner of our first ever cover model contest. Here is a sneak peek at all three possible cover options. Check stands next week to see who won, and turn to page 18 for our 3-page spread featuring all of the finalists in Gainesville summer hot-spots. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes coverage from the shoots.

Who do you think it will be? Alex, Chris or Rachel?

Book Review: Some Girls: My Life in a Harem

Sometimes when we’re at work, we look out the window and fantasize about our secret desire to be a “kept woman.” You know the kind—she gets paid to look good, be social, maybe play a game of tennis and look past a pot belly or bald spot. And in return, she receives lavish jewels, budget-less shopping sprees and the envy of all the other women.

Well, Jillian Lauren did that—sort of. Some Girls: My Life in a Harem is the memoir by Jillian of her formative years, 1.5 of which she spent as the guest at the Sultan of Brunei’s palace. Well, even better; she was one of 40 girlfriends of his younger, more handsome brother, Prince Jefri. And of course you’ve heard of the Sultan, as he was, until recently, literally the richest man in the world. Yeah. And if you’re wondering if harems still exist? They do.

Jillian’s book (which we read in one day) is entertaining, yet in addition to a hefty dose of shock and awe—Dolce & Gabbana!, surveillance tapes!, sex scenes!—she includes the gory details of a less-than-idyllic suburban New Jersey upbringing, complete with a physically abusive father, a bit of bulimia and stripping in college to make ends meet.

But alas, after her stint halfway across the world at 18, Jillian returned to the U.S. for good. These days, she’s the wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner and the mother of a young son. And what did she do with all those clothes? Let’s just say, the babysitter loves her. And is she afraid of repercussions at having revealed the less-than-graceful liaisons of the twice-married (at once) prince? No, in fact; it would seem he would be flattered. You’ve really got to read the book.

Some Girls: My Life in a Harem, published by Plume, came out this week. Find out more about Jillian at www.jillianlauren.com.

—MM

Geek Chic

Larry Rosalez, 21, UF advertising student

Larry Rosalez was spotted at the Vault- Gainesville’s, this year’s host of Gainesville Fashion Week. Rosalez combines form-fitting sophistication with laid back style; making his attire just right for the week’s fashionable-yet-friendly events. Dressed-up shoes are complimented by a thin leather belt, but made to look less formal with his choice of a vibrant plaid shirt that left his look far from ordinary.

Shoes: Boutique in Georgia, $50
Jeans: Forever 21, $35
Shirt: JC Penney, $22
Glasses: Costume Shop, $8

- Hallie Wunsch

Wine of the Week

It may not be officially summer yet, but the temperatures keep on rising, and white before Labor Day is all the rage - white wine that is. Another fun California blend with a foxy label just made it on to the Gainesville scene: The Foxtail White Blend. Even though the back label reads a little like a drunken Aesop’s fable, the wine is light and refreshing at a great price.

Foxtail Non-Vintage White Table Wine gives no clues to the varietal blend on the label, though the aromas speak of Chardonnay and Viognier. When I looked at its website and found that Muscat is the Viognier substitute, it all made sense. There is floral quality to the nose that is common between these two varietals, though Muscat is often thought to make only sweet wines like Italy’s Moscato d’Asti or California’s dessert Orange Muscats. Muscat can be vinified dry, much like its fragrant cousin, Viognier. Viognier is more often part of the southern Rhone white blend, and gives complexity to the nose of classic dry varietals like Grenache Blanc, Roussane and Marsanne.

The Foxtail is not a dessert wine. The nose is deceptively sweeter than the palate reveals, which makes sense, since the rest of the varietals in the blend are Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, known for their tart acidity. I got honeysuckle and honeydew melon at the first whiff, and a palate of tart citrus with a little grapefruit pith on the finish.

The wine has a light viscosity, no doubt from the chardonnay, but it is not oak-driven and most likely is unoaked, to enhance the fresh and fruity qualities. The acids come across on the mid-palate and back-palate, which make it ideal for pairing with light appetizers, creamy seafood dishes or a souped-up mac-and-cheese. The complexity of the nose and the very reasonable price, about $9 per bottle, can make it a great choice on a hot afternoon by the pool.

- Daniel Eddy, Manager at Gator Spirits, Westgate. Gainesville’s Wine Pairing Examiner

Iconic Inspiration

Lady Lala, 21, UF botany student

We dug up this bold look from the Gainesville Fashion Week archives to bring you a modern, refreshing take on spring fashion. The creator of this ensemble calls herself “Lady Lala,” and was spotted at the Vault night club, where GFW was held. Lala describes her style as “David Bowie meets Freddy Mercury with a whole lot of Tinkerbell.” Shaped shoulders and vibrant hues make for a noticeably structural take on spring fashion, while leather-like leggings keep her look edgy and modern.

Shirt: Armani Exchange, $55
Camisole: Victoria’s Secret, $20
Leggings: Wet Seal, $9
Shoes: American Eagle, $10

- Hallie Wunsch

Keep a look out this week for more bold Gainesville Fashion Week off-the-runway looks.

West Coast Psychedlia

Shane Wolf, 22, musician

This local musician was spotted at The Laboratory performing during the location’s music contest, where anyone can enter to perform a song and win a cash prize. Shane, who is originally from California, shows off his appreciation for classic rock in a casual Rolling Stones T and fitted denim. Chuck Taylors are a perfect complement to the vintage-styled top, keeping his look cool, casual, and inspired on what he loves. Shane’s own band, called Happiness, performs regularly at Farmer’s Market, 1982 Bar, and Tim & Terry's; maybe they’ll have their own graphic T’s one day.

Shirt: Spencer’s, $18
Jeans: Dillard’s, $25
Shoes: Converse: $25

- Hallie Wunsch

Feminine Charm

Jillian McLaughlin, 21, biochemistry student

Jillian was spotted in this easter-inspired ensemble at Gainesville’s Laboratory Café of Science on University and 8th. Jillian’s ruffled dress is the epitome of feminine charm and girly spring-wear. Her choice of pastels in purple green and blue are in keeping with this season’s trend toward a lighter color palette. But the most charming thing about it is its origin. Jillian borrowed this dress from a friend who was gifted with it by an elderly, ex-swing dancing neighbor. Minimalist earrings made of Costa Rican coins make it all the more delicate and unique, and let Jillian light up the room with an air of springtime pretty.

Earrings: Costa Rica, $1
Dress: gift, $0
Sandals: Gap, $6

-Hallie Wunsch