Magique at Faena, Miami, Date Night Outfit

The Faena Hotel has brought an entirely new feel to Miami's nightlife and arts scene.  I mean, when Baz Lurhman helps design the interiors of your hotel, I think you're in good shape! Just saying. Faena, and its umbrella developments that span over six blocks of Miami beach water front, have been credited with breathing new life to the area south of 30th & Collins. Faena Theater is located inside the hotel. It's a throwback to the 1970's, when dinner theaters were having their moment (that's what Wikipedia says). It's a pretty interesting place. Every now and then, we make our way to the hotel and theater, to check out what new shows are playing. It makes for a great date night. 

Wearing: Rolla's Delilah Blouse here // DVF leather skirt // Steve Madden Clutch //

Mossimo Daphne Sandals / /Lips: Mac Retro Matte Lipstick in Carnivorous

Playing currently is Kevin & Caruso's Magique; a not-so-ordinary magic show, filled with illusions, handmade costumes, and lots of sequins (on show girls). It's set to the tune of some 90's jams, with some current Top Ten stuff throw in, which makes it fun. Because the dinner theater is small and intimate, you're guaranteed a good seat. It's a fun and unique experience that I recommend for a fun night out. 

Ticket Info:
Bonus: two drinks, complimentary with each ticket purchase.
Magique runs through the end of may, every Tuesday and Sunday.
Tickets: available here.$65 adults / $45 for children (although, it's not much of a gig for kids in my opinion) or you can e-mail for reservations: faenatheater@faena.com.

Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House Miami

Breakfast with Elle Decor? Yes, please! Every year, for Art Basel, Miami, Elle Decor joins several brilliant designers who collectively gather their talents to bring us the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House. Each designer takes on the challenge of decorating a room in the home, be it the bedroom, bathroom or living area.  This year, they hosted us for breakfast and a media preview with Elle Decor Editor-in-Chief, Michael Boodro.  If you followed my Snapchat (@FashionableESQ) you saw a full video tour of the entire space.  For me, interior design is a true art form; I lack all home design creativity, so I am impressed by someone who can turn a blank "canvas" into something great.  I love comparing before and after shots of spaces. It's amazing what a designer can transfer from his mind, into a space.  This year, interior designers/ architects like Miguel Zegarra and Sam Robin used pieces from Max Aalto and B&B Italia and more, to help transform the space in Wynwood, into the zen lounge of my dreams.

I was completely at home in my study, naturally; with a white lacquer desk, exposed cement walls and neutral tones with splashes of green, who wouldn't be?

See more outfit and decor shots below.

 

Art Basel: Breakfast with Henri Bendel and Harper's Bazaar

When two fashion powerhouses invite you to breakfast, you jump for joy and arrive with bells on.
Henri Bendel's longevity on the market is a testament to their ability to appeal to the fashionably conscious, traditional woman in all of us.  Harper's Bazaar's editorial prowess and tireless scouting of on-trend style is the reason they've enjoyed top ranks among fashion magazines for so long.
These two hosted a breakfast at SoHo House in Miami that focused on the Henri Bendel Luxe line and the way that social and digital media play a role in this evolving industry.

Bendel Creative Director Pina Ferlisi chatted with us about the Luxe Line.  When developing this line, the goal was to meld high fashion jewelry with the enviable quality of the real thing.  This is the reason that the pieces in the Luxe Line look and feel authentic. The settings (from pave, to asscher, to cushion cut) mimic real-life glamour.  The weight of the pieces is also a factor in their quality.  Semi-precious stones are used in production, including Swarovski crystals.  When all is said and done, this line boasts chic, well made pieces that you're going to want in your velvet lined jewelry drawer.

Check out the line below by scrolling through these pictures (click the arrow on the right).

Today, Henri Bendel is offering 20% off most jewelry and an additional 20% off when you spend $150 or more.  

This was an office friendly outfit.  I wore white, wide-leg Alice & Olivia pants and a black top from Tildon (Nordstrom).  Oh, and can't forget my green velvet heels.

Art Basel Miami 2014: Mijares

Alexander Mijares is a local artist who was born and raised in Miami.  I am so in love with his artwork! It's dynamic and full of color and energy.  He has been one of my favorites for a long time, which is why I was honored to cover the opening night of his newest series of paintings for Art Basel Miami, 2014.
The exhibit of his most current works features Mijares' trademark geometric, linear style fused with the vibrant colors that he is so well known for.  Nevermind the custom Lambo outside the gallery...

I wore an embellished white silk shift dress by Vera Wang's now defunct sub-brand, Lavender Label. and sparkly shoes by BCBG.  The dress is old, but thew new DVF Cecilia "Ladder Stich Shift" dress is very similar.  I also like this classic embellished shift dress available at Nordstrom from brand Eliza J.

Art Basel 2014 Kris Knight + Gucci

Gucci and the Spinello Projects presented the Kris Knight Smell The Magic Exhibit in Miami's Design District.  This was the unofficial first night of Art Basel 2014 in Miami.  While the city comes alive during Basel, it is probably one of the worst times for traffic in Miami.  Currently the powers that be have managed to have everything, and I mean everything, under construction.  This does make navigating the art scene a bit more difficult, but in the end, it's all offset because we always have a great time and get to experience really interesting people and great vibes.

Outfit: Helmut Lang Draped Top + Elit by Stolichnaya

We attended a food and vodka tasting a the Epic Hotel courtesy of Elit by Stolichnaya and Zuma Restaurant.
The tasting was centered around the final edition vodka in the Elit Pristine Water Series: a series of vodka's that are put through quadruple filtration, and incorporate sourcing water from natural areas.  This particular vodka includes water sourced from a spring that flows off the top of the Andean mountains.  I'm not kidding.  The newest vodka, the Andean edition, is considered the third and final limited edition, ultra- luxury vodka in the series.

Helmut Lang Fold Over Drape Top

Each bottle in the pristine water series is $3000 and only 250 of each edition are manufactured.  So, if you're a high roller and you love your vodka...you know what to buy!

I wore a white Helmut Lang draped top. I would normally take an XS/P in Helmut Lang tops.  For sizing reference, this is an S because I could not live without this top, and Shopbop was sold out in XS.
I'm wearing my favorite pair of embellished stilettos by Rachel Roy (The Aria Pump) (Similar)  If you have never tried Rachel Roy shoes, I highly recommend them.  They're super high quality and they have padding all along the footbed, which, if you know me at all, you know that my number one outfit related complaint is uncomfortable shoes. I'm on my feet all day in pumps, and all I ever want in life is a pair of comfortable, padded work shoes. (Sale Alert: Helmut Lang is having 40% site wide sale)
The Epic is such a beautiful spot!  While the valet situation is terrible and leaves much to be desired, the hotel itself offers a modern feel and a great dining experience.  There are two restaurants on-site: Area 31 (the views from this rooftop restaurant are amazing) and Zuma, which boasts one of the city's best brunches. The food tasting at Zuma was top notch.  Below are details on what we dined on and my outfit.

Amaluna Cirque Du Soleil + Free Ticket Giveaway

I've been a fan of Cirque Du Soleil productions since my first experience watching "O" at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, over ten years ago.  I'll never forget that show; we had third row seats and got to experience the splashing of the water, felt the heat from the flames and saw other special effects that are part of the now famous show.  They are seriously mesmerizing productions that are musically and visually stunning.   Since then, I've tried to catch almost every single show.

I'm so happy to announce that the newest Cirque show, Amaluna, is debuting in Miami and I'm giving away two pairs of free tickets valued at $80 each (second level seating).  The show will debut on December 11th, and run through January.  The first pair of tickets will be given away to a winner that enters via my Instragram.  This contest will run through December 3rd.  After that, I will giveaway one more pair. The tickets are for showings in December and January.  If you are less lucky, and want to buy your tickets, you can do so below. 

Good luck!

Tickets for the show can be purchased here - this link will provide you with $25 discount off the regular purchase price!
Tickets range from $37 - $130. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Biltmore Hotel & Spa, Miami Spa Month

A few weeks ago, Beauty Booked (BB) and the Biltmore Hotel invited us to for the Miami launch of BB The event took place at the Biltmore Spa, inside the historic, landmark hotel.

The view!
That's all I have to say.

From the Biltmore Spa's relaxation room, you can see all of Coral Gables.  This is a view of the city you typically don't get in this part of town.  In fact, I'm not sure what other building sits, nestled in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Coral Gables, where you can actually get this view.

Inside, the spa entrance is lined with perfectly selected, trendy pieces.  Tassel necklaces, caftans, elephant print coverups, adorable bikinis, and my favorite Voluspa candles.

Check out the Spa from now until the end of August for some good deals via Miami Spa Month!
Aroma Swedish Massage (70 Minutes) $99
The Royal Massage Treatment (70 Minutes) $129
Oxygen Lifting Facial (70 Minutes) $129
Super Shine & Blow $65
Fingers & Toes To Go $65
To Schedule an appointment call 305-913-3187

You're Invited: Nine West and InStyle, August 21st, 2014

What:  Two of your fashion favorites; Nine West and InStyle are inviting you to a debut party at Dadeland Mall to help celebrate the launch of their new Nine West fall collection!  The collection, which is designed by in-the-know fashion editors, was such a huge hit last year, that both mega companies decided a second collaboration was a definite must.  Join petite beauty and InStyle Senior Fashion Editor Violet Gaynor as she dishes on her favorite styling tips from the new line.  Super Luxe gift bag with your purchase of $75 or more!

Where: Dadeland Mall, 7535 North Kendall Drive Miami, FL

When: Thursday, August 21st from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

RSVP: Yes - Please RSVP To NineWest_miami@timeinc.com

This is a sponsored post for Single Edition Media on behalf of Nine West and InStyle.

Ford Beauty Suite and Inglot, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, Miami #MBFWSIM

Just before I left town, I had time to attend a few Swim Week events in Miami.  The Ford Beauty Suite never disappoints.  Ford Artists all gather under one roof, or in this instance, aboard one yacht, so that they can pamper us.  They use the best products (like my personal favorites: the Oribe hair products), to give you a little extra 'something' to help brave the Swim Week crowds.

Wearing Target accessories: Mossimo Cross Body, Target Sunglasses and Target shoes. 

At this event, I got my nails done by Jessica E. from Exhale Spa - in a bright, neon pink.  Perfect for my Spanish travels.

A big thank you to the Ford Artists and to Keurig for my invite.

Style File: #ESCAPEMiami2 Style Lounge for Miami Swim Week at The National Hotel, South Beach

Photo by Alexander Tamargo: @Altaimages

Miami Swim week is just around the corner, with kickoff parties starting early next week.  This year, I'll be on a much needed vacation (see you, Miami), but I'll be sad to be missing really fun events, like #EscapeMiami2.

Take a break from the swim week madness on Saturday, July 19th, at the National Hotel.
ESCAPEMiami2 is back this year serving as your go-to for cocktails, swimwear fashion, summer trends, light bites, braid bars, and spa and beauty treatments.  Annie Vazquez of The Fashion Poet, put it all together so that you could browse the latest fashions with the various pop-up shops that will be on location, get mini manis, and, if you drag your man out, he can get a complimentary beard trim while taking down a few Peronis to numb the pain of watching really hot girls prance around in bikinis.

You can see my little mug, along with 40 plus other bloggers, in a photo installation shot by the talented and closeted funny guy, Alex Tamargo of Alta Images.  The exhibit, entitled Our Summer Stories, was a cool way for the bloggers to express what summer fashion means to them.

While I had to crop the majority of my picture, in order to keep it work and law firm appropriate, wearing a swim suit by one of my all time favorite Miami swimwear designers, Luli Fama (I literally cannot get enough of this bikini) was a major highlight for me.

Wearing the Luli Fama Agua Dulce Bikini top paired with my Jaimie Nicole leaf pendant 

The event is complimentary to attend. RSVP a must to ESCAPEMIAMI2.EVENTBRITE.COM Must be 21 or over to attend. Valet parking is available  

What I Wore:
Luli Fama Agua Dulce Bikini on loan from The Orchid Boutique in Miami. Shop more Luli Fama from their collection here.
Jamie Nicole Pendant
Jennifer Zeuner Initial Necklace
Septimo Jewelry gold hoop earrings
Rayban Aviators
Zara Metallic Coverup (old)

Brunch with French Connection

I attended a brunch at SoHo House, hosted by French Connection on Saturday.  We enjoyed prosecco, french toast, delicious eggs, and amazing quinoa salad courtesy of Cecconi's.  I love the combination indoor / outdoor setting at this restaurant; the space is built around trees that have small little lights strung on them giving the entire area a cool and pretty vibe.

So many of my blogger sisters were in attendance, and it was an awesome opportunity to get to know French Connection a little better.  I love events like this because they're casual and relaxed - there's no stress involved.  

Just a bunch of girls, dressed in our French Connection best :)

xx

McDonald's South Beach, Miami + McDCouture

Myself, along with Annie, Steffy & Daniela were asked by McDonald's to be guest judges at a really cool and creative event that took place last week.  The McDonald's on Lincoln road has been totally revamped; the store has recently undergone a huge renovation where they have completely redone the design. There are digital menus, new flooring, tables, chairs, and expanded seating areas to accommodate the South Beach crowds.

Students from Miami International University of Art & Design (which will always be the Art Institute, to me) were asked to design outfits using mostly McDonald's wrappers, paper goods and cartons.

The creativity the students displayed was incredible.  They really outdid themselves.  Everyone worked so hard on their designs, and it showed.  I could not believe how these guys were able to conceptualize gowns, skirts, and hats out of the yellow cheeseburger wrapper used in a Happy Meal.  It was so fun to watch and judge.

After quite a bit of deliberation amongst us judges, we decided on look number 5 as our winner, with look number 1 coming in a close second.

At the Judging table: Annie myself and Daniela 

Miami Fashion Week: Eden Roc Blogger Brunch

Tous and the Eden Roc hosted a blogger brunch on Saturday for Miami Fashion Week.  Top international blogger 'ambassadors' were flown in to represent their respective countries for the event.  I hung out with the usual suspects but also made some new friends.

The event was on the rooftop terrace of the Elle Spa at the Eden Roc.  If you've never been to the hotel, the Eden Roc is a South Beach fixture, that was renovated back in 2008 after it had fallen in disrepair, and was a bit outdated.  The $200 million plus renovation brought with it a slew of luxury, modern amenities, and a streamlined look; the spa, being one of them.  The ocean view from the rooftop served as the perfect backdrop for pictures.

Hope you enjoy the pictures that I snapped.  Full outfit post later this week.

Thanks to the Eden Roc, The Elle Spa and Tous for a chic and fun afternoon.

xx

Image by Angeles Almuna Photography

Juliana.  Image by Angeles Almuna Photography

OOTD: Work Wear Fashionable ESQ Style + Razon Eyewear Launch

I attended the launch party for a socially conscious sunglasses brand called Razon.  They're based out Miami and inspired by other brands who target social awareness and responsibility (ie: TOMS). You will throw down $305 for each pair of sunglasses which are manufactured from different types of wood (rose wood, and bamboo, for example).  Be mindful of the fact that from each purchase, Razon donates three pairs of eyeglasses to individuals in third world countries who would otherwise be unable to afford prescription lenses.  They can do this because they partner with Eyejusters, a technology which allows people to literally correct or tweak their prescription eyeglasses by twisting an adjustable knob.

Cheryl Fudge Fashion Camp, Miami

Have you guys heard of Cheryl Fudge Fashion Camp? I had no idea what this was, until I was invited to attend a DIY night at their boutique in Coral Gables, hosted by Juliana of A Fashion Soiree.  It is such a fun experience.  It's a store with endless creative possibilities.  You have the option of making purses, embellished tees, scarves, hair accessories, makeup bags, clutches, etc.
Once you figure out what you want to make, you can choose your fabric, ribbon trim, or other type of embellishment.

The girls from Cheryl Fudge will help you assemble your piece, and they will actually stitch, sew and put it all together for you. You can pick up your finished item at a later date.

It's a really cute idea to do in a group setting (they have large tables where you can all sit and craft together). It's family and kid friendly, as well (they assemble the item for you so no needles or scissors in your kiddos' hands).  They host birthday parties, bridal and baby showers also.

Check them out!
Cheryl Fudge Fashion Camp: 204 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables Fl 33134
Contact number: 786.618.9891

Julien Farel Salon, Miami + Sony US Open 2014

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Getting my nails and hair done at the JULIEN FAREL Miami Pop Up for the
Sony Open.
Thank you Gwen & Jennifer!

Bebe #SpringFling, Avenutra Mall, Miami

On Thursday night, I helped Bebe celebrate the launch of their new Spring collection over at the Aventura mall, while the other half of my pals gathered at the Lincoln Road store.

With the new collection, I found that there is definitely something for everyone.  There are lots of body hugging skirts and dresses, but there are also many flowy pieces with vibrant colors and patterns; a definite 'must' in the Miami style market (which may be the reason why they have an entire Miami style section on their website).  I had a lot of fun playing dress up and finally settled on a not-so-traditional black and white ensemble.

I am wearing the Bebe Mixed Stripe Midi Skirt, and Bebe All Over Mesh Stitch Tee 

Flamenco Festival 2014, Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami

I attended Flamenco Festival Miami 2014 with a group of my blogger sisters from Miami.  The event was held at the Adrienne Arsht Center.  The showing we attended featured famed flamenco star, Eva Yerbabuena.  We had a great time!  I had no idea what to expect when we were invited to this event; I have never been to a flamenco show, but I found this show to be emotionally charged and very passionate.  Without actually uttering one word, the performers were able to convey a story of raw emotion and love lost.

I have a feeling the show will be back soon - you should definitely check it out. 

My good friend and fellow Miami fashion blogger, Juliana Cardona of A Fashion Soiree