June 2006 - The Parklander Magazine

Ask Ms. SassyWondering about current trends in fashion or lifestyles?Or how to get him to finally ask you out?Or how to mix the perfect martini?Just ask Ms. Sassy!By Kerry SzymanskiMen’s Fine Italian Wear10% off Tag Prices expires 8/30/06Men’s ApparelSuits, Shirts, Slacks, Shoes,Ties & Sports CoatsDear Ms. Sassy,I see a lot of women with thelarge Jackie O-style sunglasses.I love them but I have a smallface and look like some sort ofinsect when I try them on.Are they really fit for everyface? Any suggestions?Men & Women Alterations10% off Alterations expires 8/30/06Must present this coupon—Claire D., Parkland, FLDear Claire,You’re absolutely correct.Big glasses are the sexy trend forthe summer season. Fashion is following“the bigger, the better” trend in eyewear.Plastic sunglasses come in a variety of colors that createa reserved look with black, tortoise or white rims. A splashof hot pink or turquoise blue also goes well with floralsummer dresses.In the spirit of bling, many of the larger glasses are adornedwith rhinestones on the sides to add a bit of panache. Somesport a logo embossed in crystal.Even small faces can pull off the larger frames. Yours shouldbe not quite so large and they should have a darker color rimto make the frame look smaller. Sunglasses come in manyshapes and sizes so keep looking. You’ll find a larger framethat will be perfect for your face. Remember, the purpose is tobe larger than life. Soon you’ll feel like a movie star!“Ms. Sassy” a.k.a. Kerry Szymanski is the owner of Sassy BB,a design-your-own purse boutique in Fort Lauderdale. Sendyour questions about fashion, men and martinis tosassy@theparklander.com.Dear Ms. Sassy,Help! My father has absolutely everything in the world and findinga Father’s Day gift for him is so difficult. Any suggestions?—Melinda R., Ft Lauderdale, FLDear Melinda:This is a question that plagues many women. And the riddle oftengoes beyond Father’s Day. It’s simply not easy to buy a gift for aman, whether he be father, brother, boyfriend, son, nephew orcousin. Women have struggled with this for centuries. But let usfirst dispel the myth that men are not shoppers. They are—so askyourself, where do men love to shop? Answer that question andyou’re halfway home.If you have a Mr. Fix-it, start at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Thereare always new tools, gadgets and ready-to-go projects he candive right into. Gift certificates are also a great way to make thisfather proud.You can bribe the sports-fan father with gifts from his favoritesporting goods store and any gear, clothing or paraphernaliaattached to his favorite sport will be welcome. Combine it with amagazine subscription to his favorite sports magazine to keep himupdated on events.If he loves to travel for relaxation (or sport-related activities) sendhim on a trip. Day trips or short journeys could include deep-seafishing, a cruise to the Bahamas or a night at any of the lovely hotelsalong South Florida’s beaches. Although we live here year round,it’s fun to get away and pretend to be a tourist. If your dad isoverworked, he will especially appreciate a good night’s sleep androom service for breakfast.Is he more of a stay-at-home pop? Consider a terrycloth bathrobemonogrammed with his initials for lounging while he reads theSunday morning paper. Add a hammock if he has an outdoor (orindoor!) space for it.You could also buy him a set of group (or private) lessons for avariety of activities like tennis, golf, flying, belly dancing orcooking. Okay, probably not belly dancing. Happy shopping!Dear Ms. Sassy,My father is a huge James Bond fan and I want tocelebrate Dad’s Day by recreating the James Bondmartini. Besides “shaken not stirred” what else do I do?—Diana D., Boca Raton, FLDear Diana,The Vesper martini is the drink that appearedin the James Bond novel, Casino Royale.The base ingredient for this drink is gin.Here’s how to make it:Vesper Martini •3 parts Gordon’s Gin1 part Vodka •1/2 part any Blonde Lillet(you may substitute Vermouth)Shake it well over ice until it’s cold. And yes—do not stir. Strain into a martini glass and servewith a garnish of lemon peel.14the PARKLANDER