Jovita Moore, right, crowned winners of the Ritz-Carlton's hat contest on Sunday

“I’m not much of a hat wearer,” insisted Channel 2 Action News anchor Jovita Moore, who looked lovely nonetheless at a loaner chapeau Sunday afternoon.

The occasion was the Buckhead Ritz-Carlton’s final “Hatitude” tea of the summer. Throughout the month of August some 600 exquisitely topped ladies indulged in high tea at the local landmark. Each week, finalists  were selected in four categories; daintiest, pillbox, Victorian and wardrobe coordination.

Sunday’s tea, which was complimentary for the finalists, featured the big moment of truth. Moore plucked winners from among the finalists from, what else? A hat box.

The winners, who received prizes such as overnight stays, spa visits and monthly high tea for a year, were: Cathy Metaxopoulos (represented by her friend Barbara Rothe), Lindsay Jones, Heddy Froselldaponte andAlison O’Connell.

“I applaud you for your audacity and your sassiness!” Moore …

Continue reading Jovita Moore tips hat to winners »

If you’ve wondered why people in the greater Alpharetta region look so gorgeous, Daniel Jones and Jody Mason might provide a hint.

Muse Salon and Spa, which they co-own, is getting all sorts of love in the national fashion press here lately.

Allure recently tagged Jones one of its “ones to watch” as a rising star in the stylist world. Elle just listed Muse in its list of 100 best salons in the country.

The salon was featured in the Demi Moore-David Duchovny flick “The Joneses,” a smart and dark comedy by Derrick Borteabout the perils of consumption and the creepiness of stealth marketing.

Demi: "Let's agree that Muse salon totally rocks." David: "Put 'er there, pal."

Continue reading National acclaim for Alpharetta salon »

Sally Huffstetler of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Atlanta office e-mailed just now to say the organization has been burglarized. Someone entered through a back door, which was secured with a dead bolt. They broke the door frame to get in.

The crime occurred on Aug. 19 and resulted in a lot of damage and loss. More than 20 computers and monitors are gone.

Huffstetler said police are investigating but haven’t made an arrest yet.

So Alzheimer’s Association staff members, board members and volunteers have decided to hold a special bake sale to try to defray some of the expenses associated with the burglary. They’re hoping some big-hearted (and deep-pocketed) donors will respond to the “$1,000 Good Karma Cupcake” sale by stroking a check.

The fundraiser will be Sept. 2. Drop by the officce at 1925 Century Blvd., Suite 10 or contribute online: www.alz.org/georgia.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Georgia Chapter was formed in July 2002 and supports advancing research, enhancing care …

Continue reading $1K cupcake sale aids burglarized charity »

Oprah wants to hear from folks who were in the audience in Cumming in 1987

In 1987, Oprah Winfrey’s show filmed in Cumming. The topic was Forsyth County’s history of race relations.

Numerous residents attended and were interviewed during the episode.

Now, as the queen of all media prepares for her final season, she’d like to reconnect with past guests, including those who were in the audience that day more than 20 years ago.

Is this you? If so, contact Oprah

“We are looking to find audience members from the Forsyth County show filmed in Cumming, Ga., on Feb. 9, 1987,” reads a posting on Oprah’s website.

Several pages’ worth of photos are posted on the site. (It’s clear they were indeed taken during the 1980s, given the shoulder pads, skinny ties and other telltale fashions).

Oprah's website includes many guest photos

If you recognize yourself or someone else from among them, Oprah wants you to get in touch.

It’s not clear whether Oprah plans a return trip to Cumming, or …

Continue reading Were you on Oprah’s Georgia show in ‘87? Come back! »

Staff photo by Curtis Compton

Did you hit the Blondie-B-52s concert at Chastain?

The photos are tremendous. We’re not sure who glammed it up more: the performers or the fans!

See the photos here!

Alright, now if you can’t get enough of the Bs’ front man, you’re in luck. Fred Schneider will grace the party after the 18th annual Jeffrey Fashion Cares, benefiting the Susan G. Komen breast cancer research fund and the Atlanta AIDS Partnership.

Fashion Cares, hosted by designer Jeffrey Kalinsky and chaired by Lila Hertz, Jeffrey McQuithy and Louise Sams, starts at 7 p.m. on the 33rd floor of 12th & Midtown, at Peachtree and 12th streets. Guest designers are Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez and the honorary chair is Sara Blakely.

The post-event party starts at 9 p.m. at Opera nightclub, and features DJ Vicki Powell, the gloATL dancers and circus-theme snacks and party favors. Philanthropist Cathy Smith, founder of Dixie Dog Wear, chairs the Opera bash. Tickets are …

Continue reading Want to party with B-52s’ Fred Schneider? »

Baroness Caroline Cox with event chair Joanne Gross, left, and contestant Dr. Alex Gross

So, you think you can dance?

If not, how about supporting those who can, to benefit charity?

An upcoming dance-a-thon to benefit Humanitarian Aid Relief Fund features a number of local contestants including Angela Della Costanza Turner of the Italian Consulate (and Ted Turner’s daughter-in-law); Su So Longman, CEO of Pallet Central Enterprises; celebrity stylist Daniel Jones, whose Muse Salon and Spa in Alpharetta was featured in the Demi Moore-David Duchovny flick “The Joneses;” CNN’s Natalie Allen; philanthropist Leslie McLeod; dermatologist Dr. Alex Gross of the Georgia Dermatology Center in Cumming; Stan Sowunmi Mukoro, image consultant and co-chair of the 2010 National Black Arts Festival fashion show; former Atlanta Falcon Junior Glymph; Neiman Marcus merchandise manager Ainsley Charles; Miss Kennesaw State University 2010 Liana Terzyan; and children’s author Carol Bicicchi …

Continue reading Charity dance-off stars local movers and shakers »

We’re back from a week at the beach, and while we were away tons of readers emailed to ask about filming going on around town. So we’re here to explain.

First, it’s Christmas in August in Midtown! An ABC Family film called “Ex Mas Carol” did some shooting last week, so if you rode by Bakeshop or the Midtown Starbucks last week, you might have noticed a bunch of camera equipment. More shooting continues this week. In fact, they’re going to be filming a big party scene Tuesday night and need extras to play background roles like party goers and bartenders. Email exmascarolextras@gmail.com if you want in.

The film is a modern twist on the Dickens classic, with an overworked PR professional in the lead instead of Scrooge. Stars included Chad Michael Murray of “One Tree Hill” fame, and Ashley Benson, known to “Pretty Little Liars” fans.

The Cartoon Network is filming something called “Neverfail” in the Decatur/Druid Hills area. That also continues this week.

And as my colleague RoHo …

Continue reading What’s with all these film crews? »

If you wanna cut loose, footloose, well, here’s your shot to be an extra on the remake of  the 1984 Kevin Bacon film “Footloose” shooting here in Atlanta.

The new “Footloose” will star Dennis Quaid in John Lithgow’s preacher role and Ryan Seacrest’s squeeze Julianne Hough playing Lori Singer’s girlfriend role. Newcomer Kenny Warmold will have Bacon’s spot.

Here’s the press release:

ATLANTA, GA  (August 20, 2010) – Paramount Pictures is seeking local actors and actresses to appear in a new movie based on the classic 1980’s film, “Footloose,” helmed by Director Craig Brewer, which will be shooting in the Atlanta area through November.

Casting Director Bill Marinella, a 17-year industry veteran, is leading the search for extras to appear as background talent for this studio production.

Those selected for work on the movie will be paid and receive free parking. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply.  If you have a headshot, please feel free to bring it.

The open …

Continue reading ‘Footloose’ remake seeking extras »

And now, a message from our friends in marketing:

The AJC Decatur Book Festival is the largest independent book festival in the country. It takes hundreds of volunteers to put on a world class book festival. Join the volunteer team during Labor Day weekend to help show the tens of thousands of people attending that Decatur knows how to put on a festival! Volunteers receive a distinctive festival T-shirt.

Many volunteer positions have already been filled but there are still numerous openings, especially on Sunday. Visit the website for a list of volunteer positions and job descriptions. Available positions include:

· Book Market on the Square Set Up – Saturday, Sept. 4 from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (great for groups). Volunteer early, so you can have uninterrupted enjoyment of the festival.

· Book Market on the Square Close Down – Sunday, Sept. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (great for groups). A great way to cap off a great Festival.

· Author Talk/Signing Venue …

Continue reading Volunteers needed for AJC Book Festival! »

Buzz is a big Kate Atwood fan.

The founder of Kate’s Club, an organization for kids who have lost a loved one, Atwood is a vivacious young philanthropist who brightens any room. (Here’s an item we wrote about the club).

The annual Kate’s Club Cabaret fundraiser is right around the corner. It’s at the downtown W this year – 8 p.m. Aug. 20 – and promises all sorts of fab fun. Here’s a link to the Web site for full details and ticket information.

An accomplished public speaker, Atwood has appeared on national television to spread the word about Kate’s Club. Here is a clip of her visiting The View, talking about the genesis of Kate’s Club. Atwood lost her mother to breast cancer when she was just 12. Here’s a clip of her speaking with CNN about  dealing with loss, following a horrific shooting death of a Florida family.

Just the other day Atwood was back on national TV. This time she visited with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb on “The Today Show,” with a unique new idea for how …

Continue reading A special birthday wish: give it away! »