Rene + Lucia: Bay Port fish sandwich mystery

 

Lucia, Rene and Herb Ritts’ crew, who arrive in Bay Port, Michigan, are there to conduct a photoshoot lauding Lulus latest collection of leather jackets for the upcoming autumn months. The attire, selected by our two exquisite models, personify the best of the Lulus brand. The photoshoot also plays out a “Rene the Sleuth” mystery story. Rene, who plays a private detective, is called in to find out who stole the Bay Port Fish Sandwich recipe. Lucia plays a Bay City detective and performers from a local community theater group, the suspects. 

Bay Port Inn

Lucia and Herb Ritts’ crew got up early this morning. In the SUV, Rene reads about the history of the Fish Sandwich Festival. Henry Engelhard, who was an employee of the Bay Port Fish Company, came up with a Fish Sandwich to sell to ongoing travelers. The proceeds would help cover the costs of sending his kid to university. “His sales,” as Rene read in www.secondwavemedia.com, “grew so much over the years that in 1978 it became the Bay Port Fish Sandwich Festival.” Lucia, as she sips on a cup of dark rich coffee, reads over the synopsis of the story “The Bay Port Fish Sandwich Mystery.” She learns that Engelhard’s recipe, which was locked away at the office of the Bay Port Fish Company, has been taken by some nefarious entity.

They arrive at the Bay Port Inn. There, Lucia and Rene meet with their fellow performers for the “Bay Port Fish Sandwich Mystery” saga.  As Harry and Maria prepare our two enchanting models, Herb explains each sequence of the story. He also gives them a rundown of each potential suspect they will encounter in the tale. There is Jack, a disgruntled chef who was fired from his job at a well-established restaurant in Bay City. The only job he could find was at a local diner in Caseville. Then there is Emily, Jack’s girlfriend. Emily, who is a second-year art student at a nearby community college, is an employee at the Fish Sandwich Company. The next suspect is Sophie, who owns a nearby Bed Breakfast called the Bon Nuit Inn. Lena operates an accounting agency. And then there is Pierce, a notorious art thief from Europe. Rene notes that “Rene the Sleuth” has had previous run-ins with this wily crook.

Fashion: Lulus

For the morning part of the photoshoot, Rene wears an “Up in a Tuesday Black Vegan Leather Jacket” as described on the Lulus website. This enchanting autumn attire adds a certain dynamism to any piece of clothing. By contrast, Lucia wears this exquisite “Up on a Tuesday Burgundy Vegan Leather Jacket” also from Lulus. Again, its vitality speaks volumes.

Fashion: Lulus

The story begins at the Bay Port Inn. Lucia takes on the role of “Detective Lucia” with real gusto. Herb Ritts snaps away, capturing Rene’s many moods as she soaks in the evidence of who among the many suspects have a motive to steal Englewood’s recipe. Our lovely investigator appears pensive. She is deciding what to do. “Jack,” says “Rene the Sleuth,” “I want to talk to Jack.” Here Herb depicts the next few moments with true panache. The scene, slow at first, builds to great intensity. Rene fires a plethora of questions at the angry chef: “Why did you fight with your boss in Bay City?” “Where were you on the night of the robbery?” “Who helped you unlock the safe at the fish company?”  The actor playing “Jack” does an outstanding job stonewalling what he believes to be needless meddling.  At one point he finds the right moment to add some humor to the scene by accusing his former boss of being a charlatan. “Can you believe,” Jack said in a mocking manner, “that he had the temerity “ to say that my mousse au chocolat lacked oomph?” The girls break down laughing.

Bay Port Inn.

After a brief coffee break and makeover, Herb Ritts takes the photoshoot to the Bay Port Fish Company. There, Detective Lucia and Private Investigator Rene question the character, Emily. The young art student, who was able to prove that she was in Sebewaing at the time of the robbery, did all she could not to accuse her boyfriend of the crime. Herb captures the moment’s suspense when the actress playing “Emily” breaks down and admits that she saw Jack lurking around the shop a day or two before the burglary. She swears, however, to Jack’s innocence. “Jack is an artist, not a thief,” says the devoted Emily. All three bring great excitement to the scene.

Bay Port Fish Company

The lunch break is at the Bay Port Inn. The inn, which dates to the early part of the twentieth century, is in near proximity to Saginaw Bay. The fried perch dinner, as Herb and his cast soon find out, goes so very well with a frosty glass of Killian’s beer. As they enjoy each other’s company, Herb talks about his many adventures as a fashion photographer. Lucia and Rene listen intently to their fellow cast members chat about how they got interested in acting and theater. They also discussed with our two beautiful models about some of their favorite playwrights such as Harold Chapin and Neil Simon.

Fashion: Lulus

For the afternoon part of the photoshoot, Rene wears this “Black Vegan Leather Puff Shoulder Jacket” from Lulus. Its cropped design brings out the allure of whatever one is wearing on an evening out on the town. Lucia, on the other hand, wears this “Ready For Anything Charcoal Grey Suede Moto Jacket” as described on the Lulus website. Its “soft vegan suede” is alluring and seductive.

Fashion: Lulus

Rene’s sleuthing leads her to Sophie, owner of the Bon Nuit Inn, a local bed and breakfast. The actress playing “Sophie” takes Rene around the Inn showing off its Victorian allure and magic. Again, Herb captures well the growing moments of anticipation. They have tea and enjoy an amicable conversation about the challenges of operating an inn in such a small location. “Do you have many guests?” asks Rene. Sophie, forgetting that Rene is a private investigator, answers nonchalantly, “Oh, yes. Why just this past week, we had an English gentleman stay for a few days. He was very chic, very suave.” Rene shows to our innkeeper a photo of Pierce who is listed as a potential suspect. Sophie turns white as Rene begins to fire a plethora of questions.

Sweet Dreams Victorian Bed and Breakfast

Trying to regain her composure, Sophia said to our private investigator, “he said that he was an investor. He told me that he has a client who is looking to invest some money that she recently inherited. He heard that the Bay Port Fish Company was up sale and was making some inquiries discretely. That is all I know.” Rene is left with more questions. Where is Pierce now? Who is his client? What other secrets can Sophie bring out? The photo shoot leaves us with a cliffhanger.

The story to be continued … 

We hope you enjoyed it,

Maria and Gabriel 

P.S. The actual name of the Bed and Breakfast is the Sweet Dreams Victorian Inn. Several years ago, Gabriel had some friends stay there for the weekend. He was impressed by the Victorian architecture and beautiful rooms. Alas, Gabriel saw online that the inn is “Permanently closed.”

Sources

Fashion Photos - www.lulus.com

Bay Port photos - Gabriel Kikas

Sweet Dreams Victorian Inn - https://thumbwind.com/2021/10/20/haunted-house-bay-port/

White looks with Lucia Veríssimo

The theme chosen for Fashion Week is the “white look” This white look promises to be one of the most used in summer. The color dominated most of the shows and was practically in the international collections.

White pieces are usually combined with other colors. Black, jeans, prints… These are just some of the options used to compose a look with a white piece. But have you ever thought about the white and white combo? Contrary to what many think, this trend is not synonymous with New Year's Eve and can be used on several other occasions.

A good white look is one that oozes versatility. The dress is that piece that goes to several places and in all of them shows its protagonism. So, when choosing a piece that can go from the office to happy hour with an update or another. That's where the third parts or accessories in the field come in to add a little extra flavor to the production.

The dress is the key part of the white look, but to better adapt to occasions, it can be accompanied by a belt, a vest or even a blazer. A colorful necklace or earrings can also create a pop of color in the look. The possibilities are many and it is worth trying a little bit of everything. Like in this look shown here above, Lucia Verissimo wearing a beautiful dress with a printed shirt 😍 ready to go clubbing or a night out with friends.


Hope u like it
Maria Emma

Fall fashion Ideias from Lulus

Gabriel and I love to talk about what great  fashion ideas would look great on the actresses Rene Russo and Lucia Verissimo. We often turn to the www.lulus.com website for our inspiration. Here are some autumn fashion ideas that you might like. 

We love, for example, this brown leather crop top. Its deep V-neck design gives it a sensual look that Rene and Lucia might look for in attire for an evening out with their respective beloved. It is perfect with a leather jacket and boots as illustrated in the photograph above. Perfect for Lucia. 

How about this brown mesh crop top? The spaghetti straps add a sexy feel to the attire. We can see Rene wearing this top on an evening-on-the town with her beloved. They stop at quiet French restaurant for dinner, followed by going to see an LA Dodgers game. Or perhaps an evening of dancing at their favorite LA nightclub. 

Finally, how about exquisite crop top sweater? It’s so cute! Its chocolate color is divine; its ribbed knit design adds an aesthetic feel to the attire. One cannot go wrong with its deep v-neck feature. After all, what is the purpose of fashion? It’s quite simple: to bring out a woman’s beauty.  We can see Lucia wearing this on a weekend date with her beloved on Mackinac Island. They stay at the Iroquois Inn, and their activities include a horse carriage ride around the island and lunch at Horn’s Gaslight Bar and Restaurant. 

At the same night, Rene wears this amazing bodycon dress for dinner at the Grand Hotel.

Hope u like it 

Maria Emma and Gabriel

Lucia Verissimo fashion: The style of Gil Madureira on the soap opera “America”

 

Lucia Veríssimo is a great trend follower, and on the soap opera “America”, written by Gloria Perez in 2005, it was not different. This wonderful actress played Gil Madureira, a rodeo narrator, and it was specially written by the author with her heart. 

Like any cowgirl, some of Gil Madureira’s essential looks were a great pair of jeans, a golden belt and a cowboy hat 😍

Lucia Verissimo’s Gil Madureira created the trend of “sexy cowgirl”: flirty clothes, short tops and low necklines. It defined her perfectly, due to Lucia’s strong sense of sensuality since the 80s. Ms. Veríssimo truly proved that she can be sexy in any age, even on her 40s (she was 46/47 while “America” was originally aired).

Hope u like it ! 

Xoxoxo 

Maria Emma. 

Reflections on a Caribbean Photoshoot

Rene woke up and heard Maria knocking on the door. “Rene,” said Herb Ritts’ makeup artist, “you and Lucia are up in 20 minutes. You need to get ready. While stifling a yawn, Rene told Maria that she would be with them in about ten minutes.

After taking a quick shower, she joined Harry, Lucia, and Maria to get ready. “I’m sorry for being late,” said our exquisite Rene, “but I overslept.” Maria told her not to worry as she handed her a quick breakfast. Lucia and Rene collected their thoughts as they drank their coffee and ate their fruit cup. Lucia and Rene exchanged some ideas about who will appear on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue cover. They thought that likely candidates included Carol Alt or Christie Brinkley or Kim Alexis. They also talked about the latest music by Bon Jovi and Guns and Roses. 

Lucia and Rene also relished the location. They very much approved the venue choice for the photoshoot: Lovango Coy of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Gabe, who is Herb Ritts’ researcher and travel manager, booked the crew at the Lovango Resort and Beach Club. He read about the resort’s exquisite rooms and restaurant as well as the “breathtaking tropical atmosphere in one of [their] treetop accommodations or [their] exclusive villa” (quote came from https://www.lovangovi.com/accommodations/).  While Lucia and Rene chatted away, they enjoyed the early morning breeze on their cheeks. It was like Nirvana.  

 Rene blurted out, “I had another ‘Rene the Sleuth’ dream.” Everyone looked at Rene and smiled. Maria, who loves a good story, said, “Come on, Rene, tell us all about it.” Rene says that she does not remember all the details of the dream. What she does remember is that she plays a detective. Mademoiselle Fragonard hired her to find a stolen book by the French caricaturist Andre Gill. Inside that book, there were letters between Mademoiselle’s mom and Olga's father. Rene also said that she learned that Mademoiselle's mom and Olga's father had a daughter named Antoinette. “I am trying to get the book and letters from Olga,” Rene says to the others. She would tell the rest of the story later. (You can read our latest “Rene the Sleuth” story by going to our Instagram page @renerussofashion.)  

For the photoshoot, Lucia and Rene wore swimwear from the lovely worlds of Andi Bagus, Ivy Swimwear, Beach Bunny Swimwear. As Herb snapped away, Rene thought about her dream. She did not tell the others that Lucia was there to help her recover the Andre Gill book and letters. As they posed cheek to cheek for Herb, Rene remembered how lovely Lucia looked in her blouses and exquisite dresses from Lulus. The rest of the photoshoot was on the hotel beach. The water was wonderfully calm and soothing. There was an enchanting wind and the comforting warmth of the early morning sun. Lucia and Rene invited Maria to join them as they splashed away in the water. Fellow beach enthusiasts began to assemble around them for they were drawn to the music that Herb was playing for the photoshoot. Rene noticed a brunette wearing a one-piece swimsuit from Boston Proper. She smiled at Rene and then mysteriously disappeared. “My gosh,” said Rene, “was that Whitney?”

During the day, Rene talked to the group about her dream. She talked about the nefarious crowd that she encountered such as Antoinette and Olga. But she also talked about the lovely people that she met such as Mademoiselle Fragonard, Isabela, and Whitney. Isabella, who started out as the villain, ended up helping Rene retrieve the stolen items. Whitney, an art student at NYU, assisted the group by seeing Mademoiselle Fragonard and finding out any information that might be pertinent in their search. Rene remembered the beautiful bookstores and stately mansions. Her dream was a bittersweet one – sweet in that friendship is one of life’s intangibilities; bitter in that the dream came to an end.

We hope you enjoyed the blog post. 

Maria Emma and Gabriel 

A sexy photoshoot with Lucia Veríssimo and Felipe Camargo

November, 1988. 

Herb Ritts, Harry King and I were pleased to meet Lucia Verissimo and Felipe Camargo on Copacabana Palace, in Rio de Janeiro. After I sent some video tapes of both to Mr Ritts, he seemed so pleased to photograph both actors.

I told the general premise of this photoshoot to Lucia and Felipe: a mix of music video and editorial, but a bit more sexier. “Be more sexy and less pornographic, because it’s a photoshoot for Interview magazine,” I said.

Both actors agreed. All of us reserved a bedroom to get both ready. I did the makeup and styling of Lucia and Felipe, while Harry did the hair of both. 

The photoshoot started on the hallway, with Lucia with a trench coat and a beautiful black lingerie. And some gorgeous pumps.

Lúcia started with the hands on the lips, showing some seduction. Then came Felipe, shirtless, ready to kiss her, and while this happens, Lucia opened up her trench coat, wowing the photographer. 

       

On the next set of the photoshoot, Lucia changed her lingerie. A burgundy lingerie. And a businesswoman outfit: a black skirt, stockings, pumps, a white blouse and a striped blazer. 

We went down to the bar. Lucia asked the barman for a drink. While she waited and a few frames later, Felipe came in a very chic way and both changed some romantic secrets. 

The third and last part of the photoshoot was on the bedroom. Lucia was only in black outfits: black bikini, black leather jacket and black pants. 

Herb told the premise of this last part: “have you ever seen before a perfume ad on TV or magazine?”. Both of them said they’ve never seen it before. I passed some ripped pages of perfume ads for Lucia and Felipe. Both were amazed. 

Before this part of the photoshoot began, Lucia and Felipe lowered a bit their pants, to show some sex appeal. In all of the frames, it was between hugs and kisses between the actors. 

As the photoshoot ended, I took Lucia and Felipe to the bar closest to the hotel. 

Hope u like it.

Maria Emma

Lucia Verissimo and her peak in her acting career in “Roda de Fogo" (1986/87)

    

Lúcia Veríssimo can be fashionable and talented at the same time on the screen. And in Roda de Fogo, a popular 80s soap opera written by Lauro Cesar Muniz and aired between in 1986 and 1987, it wasn't different. 

Lúcia Veríssimo played Laís Brandão, daughter of Fernando (Carlos Vergueiro) and sister of Lúcia (played by the fabulous Bruna Lombardi). Veríssimo's character was mostly known for her beauty, irreverence and ambition, and dreams being a national jetsetter personality. That dream only happens when Laís starts working as a fashion model. 

Lúcia Veríssimo had two romantic pairs in Roda de Fogo: Paulo Castelli (Felipe) and Felipe Camargo (Pedro). About Lúcia and Felipe (Camargo), their chemistry as a romantic pair in television had more repercussion on social media. Unfortunately, Laís and Pedro didn't end together, due to the fact Ms. Veríssimo left the soap opera on the chapter 123, aired on January 14, 1987. Her character, Laís, went to Paris to continue her career as a model. 

Before ending this post, besides Lúcia's excellent acting, her outfits she wore on “Roda de fogo” (and in any soap opera she stars) are fascinating and catch the viewers' attention. When this talented actress wears these clothes, she looks like a seductress woman. 

Hope u like it . 

Maria Emma

Lúcia and Rene rocking on a Herb Ritts photoshoot !

Rene and Lucia in action <3 

My friend Gabriel and I enjoy sharing fashion ideas by finding on our favorite fashion websites, including Boston Proper, Lulus and Venus. On Instagram, we have devoted to the actress and model Rene Russo. There we post fashion that we believe it would look great on her. 

A couple of years ago, Gabriel wrote a blog post on his blog, When Maria Met Rene. It talked about - among other things - Rene's relationship with legendary fashion photographer Francesco Scavullo. 

Hope you check it out: https://gabeaflie1234.blogspot.com/2019/09/when-maria-met-rene.html….

We also talk a great deal about Lúcia Veríssimo. We also talk a great deal about Lucia Verissimo. She was born in Rio de Janeiro on July 11, 1958. She is mainly known for doing great soap operas, such as “Champagne” (1983), “Roda de Fogo” (1986), “Mandala” (1987) and “O Salvador da patria” (1989) She also posed for Playboy twice, in January 1983 and April 1988. Lucia showed the world that she has sex appeal when she posed for Playboy. I have posted some gorgeous photos of Lucia on my Lucia fanclub Instagram account (fanclubluciaverissimo) from her acting and modeling days. Lucia’s fashion taste is impeccable.

Fashion models Helena Christensen, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, 
Christy Turlington and Stephanie Seymour for Herb Ritts.
Vogue Magazine. April 1993.

On my Blogspot blog, we write about Lucia and Rene in the “Perfect Photoshoot.” We find fashion that we believe would look exquisite in for a Harper’s Bazaar or a Vogue photo layout. Then I asked Gabriel this question recently: How would a Lucia and Rene photoshoot directed by Herb Ritts be like?

We love Herb for a couple of reasons. First, we like that he was an art history student in college. “I always enjoyed art history,” Herb once observed, “because, growing up in California, my exposure was limited, and it was a new experience. To learn the history of art opened up certain things to me, made me see. It intrigued me.” Like art, Herb believed that photography's “technical aspects” were secondary. 

The primary thing is to develop “a style that’s yours and experiment with it until you discover what makes sense to you especially. What I particularly liked was that, coming from California and not being involved in the New York scene, I developed my personal way, in my own way, at my own pace.” Finally, Herb said something else that intrigued us regarding his work: “It’s not the celebrity quality of the person that makes the photograph interesting. It’s letting the true person through that makes the photograph interesting and lasting.”

Some looks Rene & Lúcia wore on Herb Ritts photoshoot.

Gabriel and I can see a Lucia and Rene photoshoot at the beautiful Perry Hotel in Petoskey, Michigan. The hotel’s exquisite lobby and charming porch are ideal for a fashion show in the autumn or spring. I can imagine working with Herb and the hairstylist Harry King to prepare our two lovely models to pose in attire from the delightful world of Lulus. As a fashion blogger, Gabriel would like to keep a journal of the photoshoot. He would talk with Lucia and Rene to ascertain what they like (and do not like) from the Lulus collection. Gabriel would also ask Herb about how he intends to blend the hotel’s yesteryear ambiance with the Lulus’ modern look? 

We hope you like it. 

Sincerely, 

Maria and Gabriel

Lucia Verissimo and her triumph in "O Salvador da Pátria" (1989)

Lucia Verissimo between actors Cláudio Curi and Francisco Cuoco 
on scene of O Salvador da Pátria, in 1989.

I'm just writing this post due to the fact the soap opera O Salvador da Pátria, by Lauro Cezar Muniz, will be completing 33 years of its release on this Sunday, January 9. I watched the rerun of this masterpiece on Viva channel last year (and now it's available on Globoplay, a channel of streaming). 

One of the major highlights of this soap opera included actress Lucia Verissimo. She was Barbara Souza Telles, granddaughter of Hermínio (Benjamin Cattan), a banker of Ouro Verde. As many of Lucia's roles, Barbara is known for her beauty and sensuality. Also determined, she knows what she wants.  In the end, she was the mafia organization chief (and we didn't expect that). 

On this soap opera, Lucia had the opportunity to work with many talented actors, such as Lima Duarte, Francisco Cuoco, Cláudio Curi, and even Suzana Vieira.

Lucia Verissimo wearing LV Western. 

In some scenes of O Salvador da Pátria, Ms. Veríssimo wore some outfits from her line, LV Western. When I saw them, she reminded me of Raquel Welch in the 70s, but in a more updated version. 

The times she appeared on this masterpiece, Lucia demonstrated the public she can be elegant, sexy and talented at the same time. 

Due to her elegance, exquisiteness and talent, I became fan of Lúcia Veríssimo and I'm so proud of that.

Hope u like it. 

Maria Emma.

 

A little bit about Lucia…

 Lúcia Veríssimo was born on July 11, 1958, on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the neighborhood of Leblon. She was known as a sex symbol in the 80’s. 

Whoever was introduced to this actress for the first time through the TV Bandeirantes soap opera “Os Imigrantes”, by Benedito Ruy Barbosa, certainly saw a beautiful lady, with an engaging voice and a very intense presence on scene, and couldn’t remain indifferent to its large size and its scenic potential.

Most Brazilians realized that she existed only in the mid-80’s, when she finally gained prominent roles on TV Globo soap operas, such as “Roda de Fogo” and “Mandala”. 

One month before appearing on “O Salvador da Pátria”, Lúcia started her fashion brand, “LV Western”, on December 1988, and it lasted until the end of 90s. 

When Ms. Veríssimo posed twice for Playboy (the first on January 1983 and the second on April 1988), many people who have both editions (or one of them) saw her ability to show her sex appeal, both in photoshoots, soap operas in which she appeared, and in public appearance.

Last August, I told my friend Gabe (from Michigan) that I became fan of Lucia, because I want to grow my repertoire. 

Hope u like it.

Love u guys.

Maria Emma. 

Happy 2022 !

 

Hello everybody 😍 hope u had a happy new year.

I decided that I am including Brazilian actress Lucia Veríssimo, because besides Rene, I also like Lucia very much. So I changed “Rene Russo fanpage” to “Rene + Lucia”

In addition of writing about Rene in this blog, I’ll also am writing some great stuff about Lucia Veríssimo. 

Hope u like it.

Love u guys. 

ME