Walk the Red Carpet

© Wiki Commons

Being somewhere on its opening night can either be a big deal or a bust. Sometimes you end up feeling like VIP, sipping fancy cocktails at the (open) bar and smiling smugly at the unruly line snaking up to the door. And sometimes, a place is just so fresh, so new, so exclusive that nobody shows up at all. This weekend, take your chances. Whether the crowd turns it out or you’re the only Very Important Person in the room, at least you can say you saw it first.

© Antonio Berardi, Carla Mancini, Miu Miu, Topshop, DvFThursday: Tapa That Ass

What: Tapas and Tintos Spanish Carnival Grand Opening
Where: Tapas & Tintos Midtown
When: 8:00 p.m.

So, you’re a fan of the infamous Tapas & Tintos on Espanola Way? You know, that 'lil hole-in-the-wall where you can nibble, drink, dance, drink, and DANCE all night? But maybe you live on the other side of the bridge and feel like shaking it closer to home? You’re in luck. Thursday marks the grand opening of their brand spankin new location in Midtown, and they’re celebrating in style. Case in point – complimentary sangria, tapas, and paella until 10, and all tapas and cocktails are two-for-one after that.  All that and live tunes from Mundos Unidos and their own resident DJ, plus Flamenco dancers and fire jugglers? Um, they had us at sangria.

Pick a prim, pretty frock with a short, flouncy hem like the figure-flattering Antonio Berardi Fine-knit stretch-jersey Dress, cinched with a graphic Miu Miu Ornamental Skinny Belt. Give this classic dress some edge by selecting unusual accessories, like the earthy, chunky Carla Mancini Camille Clutch and a Peacock Ring from Topshop. Go bold with your shoes, a bright red pair of cha-cha heels – these are the Artemis by Diane von Furstenberg.

Friday: Draw a Blank

What: Premiere of Blank City
Where: Miami Beach Cinematheque
When: 9:15 p.m.

© Adam, McQ, Missoni, Kenneth Cole New York, Franco SartoThe focus of Celine Danhier’s Blank City is on the so-called “no-wave” movement of the late 70s, that came about from an apathetic generation lost in gritty New York’s sprawling drugs/sex/rock and roll wasteland. Much to their own surprise, this post-Warhol crowd produced some of the most daring and unusual art of the 20th century. Blank City is an “oral history” of the renegade filmmakers, musicians, and artists who came from the underground, but have since been elevated to cult-hero status – think John Waters, Debbie Harry, and Jim Jarmusch. A sort of time capsule of all that New York punk rock rage, it’s only appropriate that the film would have a badass soundtrack to match – and it does. Expect the abrasive sounds of Television, Richard Hell, Patti Smith, and Sonic Youth.

Work a very-lime Adam Silk-georgette tank with McQ Mid-Rise White Skinnies for a clean-cut colorblocked look. Forego blah accessories in favor of the artful Missoni Geometric Drop Earrings and a sculptural Kenneth Cole New York Silver Geo Cuff Bracelet, which add luxe visual interest. As far as shoes go, you could easily go with a slim pair of sandals, but that would be boring. Choose the unexpected, and rock a pair of Franco Sarto Quest Ankle Boots – go ahead, release your inner rebel.

© Paul & Joe, Torrid, Acne, Alexander Wang, Wet SealSaturday: Go Green

What: Go Green Fashionista & Expo
Where: Mia at Biscayne
When: 6:00 p.m.

It’s been a long train coming for “eco fashion,” as the glamorous sartorial world is notorious for its un-flinching use of precious natural fibers, animal hides, and sweatshop labor; but the times are changing. Go Green Fashionista takes over Mia Biscayne this Saturday for a night of environmentally and globally conscious fashion showcases; Joey Rolon (who has styled Lady Gaga, Lil Kim, and Madonna) presents a tribute to Japan, while Inta Gansone styles her dresses out of recycled materials and newspapers, and Adjanie Muller embraces natural materials from her native Caribbean. Other shows include RAX Collection accessories and truly recycled garment goodies from RagHouse: Vintage Indie Fashion. The best bit, however, is that every designer is representing a different charity organization, including relief funds for Haiti and Japan. Oh, and did we mention the organic vodka tastings?

Be colorful and worldly in an eclectic ensemble of rich hues and textures. A simple Paul & Joe Alys Ruched Dress is anything but in eye-popping orange. Layer on a statement necklace in a contrasting color – Purple Multi-Bead Layer Wire Necklace from Torrid – and an Acne Smith Suede Biker Jacket, worn open. Alexander Wang Kasia Whipstitched Wedges and a Marble Mesh Bangle Set from Wet Seal polish it off.