Black Tie & Tales

+ Wine, Women and Shoes … and Men …
If you have your ticket for Wine, Women and Shoes Signature Luncheon Nov. 15, consider yourself lucky, because this will be another sellout year. The event kicked off with the Solemen reception, Oct. 22, at Michael’s Wine Cellar. Competition is fierce and these men are eager to sell some wine.

The “Solemen” include these team captains: Team Armani’s Tim Beury, Team Gucci’s Andy Tack, Team Ferragamo’s Chris Pinckney, Team Milly’s Rob Lyons, Team Burberry’s Robert Stroud, Team Fendi’s Ted Dunn and Team Louboutin’s Wayne Rollins.

An addition to this year’s lineup is the beautiful book, “A Day in my Shoes Sarasota,” which celebrates Forty Carrots Family Center’s 20th anniversary. The high-fashion coffee-table book’s cover features Terri Klauber (on the cover of the 13” x 11” book) and Diana Kelly (on the cover of the 10” x 8” book). The books will be available for purchase at the luncheon, or by calling 365-7716.

+ They CAN Dance
If it were up to BT, Wendy Feinstein would have won a few more awards at Saturday’s CANDance — best dress for her custom design by Bradenton couturier Maria Dela Luz of Purabel Fashions and for the most family in attendance. The local celebrity dancer’s fans filled four tables, which included husband Jerry, mother Betty Clowson, sister Tammy Breymaier, daughter Lindsee Street and many, many more … as well as three babies elsewhere with a babysitter.

A few more tidbits from the evening …
The last of the taxi dances (No. 15) is always a “surprise” and this year’s was Miley Cyrus’ famous song for her “twerking” — ignored by most, but credible versions provided by Carolyn Michel and Brent Greeno … A handsome first-timer was noticed at the event — Michael Zuckerberg, son of Judy, recently relocated to Sarasota from Fort Lauderdale … Gene Noble says he is taking ballroom lessons now so he can dance with his date, Pat Talbott, who is quite an expert and showed her form during the taxi dances … Instructor Ivana Varga had no lifts in the routine she performed with Ramses Serrano for good reason — she is “with child.” … CAN board President Ed Schaye brought daughter Elizabeth Ballis from Chicago and son Robert Schaye from Beloit and his friend, Tracy Meints … The emcees gave Ron Carter and his partner, Jimmy Neal, some stage time to plug the next Community AIDS Network benefit, which is the Black & White GAYLA drag show Nov. 18.

+ Tidbits
The name game … The atrium of the Sarasota Opera House is sporting a new identity. Board member Harold Ronson named the prominent spot to honor the memory of his late wife, Kay, who was a great fan and introduced him to the art form. The fact that her favorite was Wagner’s ring not Sarasota’s Verdi cycle matters not in the least. It’s never too soon … The debut of its “Top Dog” benefit attracted some 270 guests and 80 dogs and the folks at Donte’s Den have already told BT that they’ve booked the Municipal Auditorium for Oct. 4, 2014. And to think that some of you haven’t completed your listings for this season’s events! Send your info to [email protected].

+ Black Tie Affair
‘Rockin’ Lobster’ Lobster Boil and Beach Party
Benefiting: Children First
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Sharky’s on the Pier
Tickets: $125
Call: 953-3877, Ext. 124