The Woman Behind Kalla

Culture, Featured

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MEET THE WOMAN BEHIND THE SIGNATURE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS THAT HAVE WON THE DEVOTION OF ALL HOPELESS ROMANTICS IN SOUTH FLORIDA AND NOW CHICAGO. ARMED WITH A CUSTOM LINE OF CHOCOLATES , WINE AND FLORAL DESIGNS THAT ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP LOOKING AT NO STUBBORN HEART STANDS A CHANCE

 

Could you please discuss the gourmet treats that can accompany the arrangement? 

The chocolates are absolutely gorgeous, almost too pretty to eat! We partnered with Christopher Elbow, an amazing chocolatier who really looks at chocolate as an art form. The flavors are exclusive to Kalla, and the designs on each chocolate mirror the relationships you will find within our floral assortment. We also have wine from the Napa Valley for those who really like to indulge. The Hill Family Estate is another terrific partner who shares the same passion for wine as we do for flowers.

 

Congratulations on your recent opening in Chicago. What do you think has contributed to the success of Kalla?

Thank you! It’s been very exciting. I think the product is amazing and anyone who receives it loves it. So the product and experience are driving our success. The brand is aesthetically very different than anything else in the marketplace. People are drawn in by the look, and stay because of the experience.

 

What is your favorite flower?

Vanda orchids. They are very hard to come by, but we will be introducing them into our assortment this fall.

 

Where do you get inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from everywhere. I love mixing and matching prints and patterns. I love the fashion industry. Flowers, like fashion, evolve each season, so I love infusing it into our assortment.

 

What is the process like for making a Kalla arrangement?

We handpicked unique varieties from our favorite farms and source them direct from the grower. We wait until they are at the perfect blooms stage and handcraft each arrangement using the best flowers from the batch. The finishing touch is always our special hydration lily that allows the recipient to easily water their arrangement.

 

Finish this sentence: “I am worthy _____.”

Because I helped create a brand that people absolutely love.

HOW YOU WILL USE THE iWATCH

Culture, News
The most conventional concept for the iWatch

The most conventional concept for the iWatch

The iWatch is coming but what will you do with it and how will it change your life. The current crop of smart-watches have been slammed for their lack of functionality. Most simply relay notifications from your phone, displaying email notifications and texts. We believe that the iWatch will do soo much more!

It is worth pointing out that we made a series of predictions that went against the conventional wisdom of the tech community, in the print edition of Worthy, and thus far our prognostications are proving to be spot on.

Disney World Uses Magic Bands for Access to Hotel Rooms, Payment at Restaurants and Even As Tickets for Park Admission

Disney World Uses Magic Bands for Access to Hotel Rooms, Payment at Restaurants and Even As Tickets for Park Admission

How will you use the iWatch? We think it is going to revolutionize your life. In this admittedly lengthy post, we’d like to explain how we think it will change the way you live. We believe that Apple wants to duplicate the Magic Bands of Disney World which act as your room key, your e-wallet at restaurants, & your admission tickets. Read  more about our truly WORTHY iWATCH!

 

APPLE’S MAGIC BAND 

We Believe Apple is Readying A Dizzying Array of it's own Magic Bands

We Believe Apple is Readying A Dizzying Array of it’s own Magic Bands

Apple Wants to Turn the whole world into Disneyland! The iWatch will have many of the same functions as Magic Bands, granting access to homes, activating your car, & payment at stores will occur via iWatch.We imagine a curved band that utilizes much of the curved surface for displaying websites music & media.

The IWATCH WILL ELIMINATE CASH

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You will never need to carry your wallet, cash or credit cards again. The iWatch will  enable a universal payment system, that will revolutionize the way you shop. Imagine never waiting in lines at a checkout counter! Further proving our supositions, reports surfaced this week that Apple will indeed focus the iPhone 6 on electronic bill payments as an e-wallet.

MAGICAL PROGRAMS WILL ANTICIPATE YOUR NEEDS

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Smart programs will deliver contextually relevant information to your watch and provide you with options to act on. Using technologies like iBeacon, important information will come to your wrist and present you with options. When your shopping, instead of searching for price tags or tacky clearance signs, the price of an object will flash on your wrist when you pick it up. You will buy without standing in line. Video billboards will recognize your iWatch and display ads based on your interests and buying history, as in the movie Minority Report. Imagine a smart program that considers your recent social media posts, like a recent engagement and alerts you to a nearby sample sale for wedding dresses while your out shopping. Confusing buildings like hospitals, might house internal smart programs that make navigating their confusing wings easier. Smart boards will recognize your watch and the destination you indicated at their checkin counter- as “turn here” directions flash on your wrist or on video boards helping you locate the wing you seek. In museums, the watch might enhance artistic viewing by playing informative audio linked to the paintings you are viewing as soon as you come near. In restaurants, you might order via iWatch. Through the iWatch, useful information will stream to your wrist and interact with other devices. The possibilities are endless.

HOME AUTOMATION WILL BE MAGICAL

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Proximity sensors will activate your home devices when you’re near. Doors will open automatically. In your home, lights will turn on automatically when you enter a room, and dim when you exit. Your tv will turn on when you plop on your couch. You’ll change channels by swiping your wrist. When your lasagna is done, you will turn the oven off with a tap of your wrist. If any of this sounds far fetched, you should understand that all of this is possible now. Home automation devices using your iphone are anything but new. But, form facilitates function and a watch is more convenient then clutching your phone like a remote, as you traverse from room to room. The iWatch will combine apps with proximity sensors to magically activate technology when you approach. The iWatch will become the universal remote you never put down.

FITNESS: The Time of Your Life

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In our print edition we suggested that the iWatch will show you “THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE”. Shortly after, Apple patents showed that the company is leaning towards, iTime instead of iWatch. This may be because the iWatch will be packed with sensors tracking every conceivable metric of your life. Sleep times, blood sugar, sweat, body temp, and exercise data will stream to Apple’s Health Kit app. With the iWatch, long distance personal trainers will follow your workout in real time, pushing you when necessary. Your workouts will be logged without any effort on your part. The weights you used, run times and calories burned will be logged. The info will go to trusted partners. You may get insurance discounts for confirmed daily workouts and your doctor adds the metrics data to your med file.

When we began to imagine the iWatch, we based our ideas on developments within Apple Inc. We assessed new software releases, like Healthfit, and tech like iBeacon which is designed for stores to push information wirelessly to IOS devices. We considered  their move to partner with automakers and design their console displays. We considered the evolution of mobile tech and where developments were likely to lead. This week, approved patents for apple confirmed many of our suspicions. Apple’s new device will in-fact be chocked full of sensors. Patents suggest it will create a “personal wireless environment” that interacts with iPod, iPads and iPhones. Accelerometers, GPS and haptic sensors will round out the devices functionality.

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Apple has always been a company that eclipses the competition by imagining new uses for existing technology. It is the form, style and ease of use that makes Apple’s devices magical. If we combine Apple’s ecosystem, broad app support and penchant for creativity, the iWatch we’ve reported is the inevitable device that results. It becomes obvious that Apple intends to turn the whole world into Disney Land-and the iWatch will be Apple’s Magic Band!

iwatch pattent

Apple’s Pattent Included this artwork of a possible device. It hosts a removable media player at it’s center

But, we will have to wait and see!

Misty Copeland For Under Armour Is Beyond Inspirational

Culture, Editorial, News

As if you needed another reason as to why we are so geeked and honored to have Misty Copeland on the cover of our Talent Issue, her recent ad for Under Armour featuring her reading a rejection letter that she got at 13 years old stating that she was too old and too big to be a ballerina just brought it all home for us. Be inspired and make sure you check out the current issue of Worthy Magazine. This video demonstrates what this issue is all about. The talent is only the beginning you have to have the work ethic and will power to support it. We wouldn’t even know who Misty Copeland was if she didn’t have the work ethic that she had at the young age of 13.

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The Best of Key West At Casa Marina and The Reach Resort

Culture, Featured

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The island of Key West stands as one of the premier locations in a mecca of more than 1,700 islands.  First settled in the 1880s and separated from the Florida mainland by 42 bridges, Key West is closer to Havana, Cuba than it is to Miami. Needless to say, the culture is rich, the ocean views are hypnotically beautiful and the drinks are abundant. Serene cascading currents bring soothing waves to the warm sands and carry away all remnants of stress. For two days and two nights, I found myself in the cradle of relaxation and luxury, curated by Casa Marina, 1500 Reynolds St.,  and The Reach Resort, 1435 Simonton St. (Waldorf Astoria Resorts).

Old Key West and present-day luxury converge to create a signature aesthetic that is transformative to say the least at Casa Marina. Guests dined by the ocean, enjoyed signature cocktails and took full advantage of the two oceanfront pools complete with concierge services. The large hammocks that lined the resort’s private beach, which is the largest privately owned beach in Key West, swayed in the breeze while cradling guests.

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As I sat down to fully take in the wondrous view of the resort, I indulged in a few lobster sliders from the resort’s restaurant, Sun-Sun Beach Bar and Grille. It was impossible to not appreciate the resort’s classically luxurious beauty. Built in 1920 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Casa Marina is a private paradise with 311 rooms. If beauty doesn’t win you over, the amenities will.

 

The beachside Spa al Maré, which offers exotic oils and treatments inspired by the islands, should amaze you.  Additional amenities included a fitness center, a lighted tennis court, eco-tours, on-site sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and Jet Ski excursions. Fostering a true sense of indulgence, the resort also offers a daily breakfast buffet served on the terrace. During my stay, the sweet fruit, freshly prepared omelet and supremely delicious smoothie started my morning off perfectly. Any part of my mind that was trying to fight the idea of completely relaxing was massaged away during my Swedish massage with custom lavender oil at the resort’s beachside spa.

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The Reach Resort

Just a few moments away from Casa Marina was The Reach Resort, which has a total of 150 guest rooms, is an intimate oasis for couples and anyone interested in carving out their own little piece of paradise. Equipped with an attentive staff, the only private, natural-sand beach in Key West and a culinary gem—The Strip House— it is no wonder why I saw two weddings taking place during my two-day stay in Key West. The rooms at the resort take on a more contemporary feel with vaulted ceilings, wood accents and furnished balconies. I took full advantage of the iPod dock station in my room and the view while reading my hand-delivered New York Times. Each room offers a mini refrigerator, Nespresso machine and tea maker. And all guests are allowed to utilize and partake in amenities available at Casa Marina.

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With each property being very close to Duval Street, I was able to experience Key West in a manner that I never had before. A quick tour of Ernest Hemmingway’s home led to the inevitable exploration of local bars, namely Sloppy Joe’s (201 Duval St).       However, one trip to Blue Heaven (729 Thomas St).  for the lobster melt and signature key lime pie and I found myself unearthing yet another reason to love Key West. Another tour that I had the pleasure of taking with Historic Tours of America allowed me to fully appreciate the rich and beautiful legacy that belongs to Key West. I learned so much, and there is still more to learn. Needless to say, I can’t wait to return to Key West.

 

 

FENDI Château

Culture, Miami Life

FENDI Chateau Residences 1

For a life filled with luxury, love and labels the latest anouncement about what is in store for Miami is a dream come true. Luxury private developer Château Group and FENDI, the Italian luxury house, have linked a partnership to develop FENDI Château Residences, a new and exclusive 12-story waterfront condominium building located in Miami, Florida two blocks south of The Bal Harbour Shops. This new venture marks FENDI’s first branded real estate project globally.

 

FENDI Chateau Residences 4

FENDI Château Residences is slated to be completed in June 2016. A few images have been sent over and we have to admit that it is all worth the wait.

 

FENDI Chateau Residences 8 FENDI Chateau Residences 9

Located at 9365 Collins Avenue, FENDI Château Residences feature 58 exclusive floor-thru oceanfront residences and penthouses ranging in size from 3,300 square feet to more than 7,000 square feet, with prices from $5 million to $22 million. Each residence includes a FENDI Casa kitchen – a complete chef’s kitchen with custom FENDI Casa cabinets and Gaggenau appliances. All residences boast finished bathrooms featuring Italian marble with custom-designed fixtures, along with staff quarters and laundry areas, which include full bathrooms. Residents also have the option to include FENDI Casa decorative elements throughout their apartment.

 

FENDI Chateau Residences10

 

 

Located at 9365 Collins Avenue, FENDI Château Residences feature 58 exclusive floor-thru oceanfront residences and penthouses ranging in size from 3,300 square feet to more than 7,000 square feet, with prices from $5 million to $22 million. Each residence includes a FENDI Casa kitchen – a complete chef’s kitchen with custom FENDI Casa cabinets and Gaggenau appliances. All residences boast finished bathrooms featuring Italian marble with custom-designed fixtures, along with staff quarters and laundry areas, which include full bathrooms. Residents also have the option to include FENDI Casa decorative elements throughout their apartment.
FENDI Château Residences further consolidate our ties in the luxury private property sector, in particular with a qualitative partner like Château Group. It fully expresses the codes, history and savoir-faire that characterize FENDI; a perfect example of cutting-edge design, experimentation and timeless expertise,” states Pietro Beccari, Chairman and CEO of FENDI.

Letter From The Editor

Culture, News

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One of my favorite quotes is “Creativity is the highest form of intelligence.” Needless to say my regard toward talent is similar to divine admiration. But life wields an unexpected and powerful twist to all things, and life’s unique command on talent dictates that talent is nothing without a solid work ethic. Some of the most successful people I know in their respective fields will admit without hesitation that they may not have been the best in their field but they were willing to work the hardest despite being underestimated and counted out.

In this issue you will be reading about talented people who aren’t afraid to work hard. It is an honor to be able to interview them. I can honestly say that each interview inspired me and reassured me that I should keep pursuing my dreams.

I had an unexpected moment of joy when I realized that two of my feature interviews I discovered in my favorite magazine of all time, Suede Magazine. I remember being in shock when I saw a ballerina who looked like me. I remember thinking it was so cool to read about successful talented people like Marcus Samuelsson who was being profiled in that issue as well. I found myself speechless when I realized how beautifully congruent life can be.

The overall lesson I walked away with is that nothing can confine your ability to succeed except your choices. Our featured interview with Misty Copeland illustrates that perfectly. The ballerina was well past the traditional age to start ballet. However, after one advance class she was willing to work just as hard as anyone else. So hopefully this issue will show you that the most crucial key to success is a sound work ethic. And once you accept that anything is possible. Be inspired.

Ju’lia Samuels

Editor-in-Chief

Erin Healy VIP Presentation

Culture, Editor's Journal, Editorial, Fashion, Featured

 

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Following a highly successful Miami Fashion Week runway show, Erin Healy Designs held a private VIP presentation at the W Hotel South Beach. The anticipated invite-only event welcomed a perfectly curated group of Miami’s most elite influencers to a stunning private residence, where they could view designs from the Fall 2014 Collection. The space was transformed into a chic oasis as models mixed and mingled with guests to appreciate the newest designs, which displayed exceptional color, textures. All senses were indulged when Latin Grammy Award Nominee Elia Cim serenaded the audience with an intimate live acoustic guitar performance. The showcase was truly a picture perfect Miami night filled with exquisite fashion, extravagant cocktails and an elegant atmosphere. We spotted  few worthy favorites through out the night including designer Washington Roberts who admitted to our Editor-in-Chief that he had to make sure that he showed his support for his fellow designer.

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Erin Healy

Designer Erin Healy’s signature look is one that conveys classic couture with an updated edge. Made with a focus on rare, highly textured fabrics, Erin’s collections range from flowing, beach-friendly sundresses and leg-baring cocktail ensembles to floor-length gowns sure to turn heads. Erin Healy Designs showcase to grace and sophistication for every woman. For more information,  visit www.erinhealydesigns.com.

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Erin Healy Design

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Erin Healy design

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