Isabel Toledo Spring Collection, Park Grove Miami

{Park Grove Residence Rendering provided courtesy of Terra Group}

On Monday, May 4th, Fashion Designer Isabel Toledo showed selectively gorgeous and beautifully crafted pieces at the Park Grove Sales Center.  Park Grove is the new, multi-tower residence project that's going to be calling Coconut Grove it's new home.  We were hosted on the 7th floor, in a mock up of a residence which boasted some of the most incredible waterfront views in Miami.  The project features the combined efforts of world class architects, designers and developers (Terra Group and Related Group). Famed Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas is credited with designing the overall project.  The residences will feature individual private rooftop pools (reserved for the Penthouses), 24 hour valet and concierge service, in addition to sleek and modern Sub Zero / Wolf appliances and floor to ceiling windows.  I'll take three, please.  

{Park Grove Residence Rendering provided courtesy of Terra Group}

{Park Grove Illustration by Ruben Toledo, Isabel Toledo's husband}

Now, on to the fashion!  What really stood out to me from this collection was the use of luxurious, high-end fabrics.  Each piece was constructed with material that had an infinite amount of detailing on it. My favorite look (pictured below), featured hundreds of applique flowers on a sheer skirt.  I love the muted color scheme of the dress with the pop from the flowers.  Isabel Toledo has been formally designing since the 1980's, but her love of fashion and design was cultivated from a very early age, in her Cuban hometown of Camajuani.  She's an inspirational woman in the business, who has solidified her place in fashion history with the help of First Lady Michelle Obama.  Obama wore an Isabel Toledo dress and coat to the Presidential Inauguration.  If you would like to read more about her, she just published her new book, Roots of Style.

Another fun fact about Toledo: she and her husband recently collaborated with makeup brand MAC on a collection where they designed the packaging for a new line.  They're items are so cute!

I was able to capture great photos of the designs, as they passed down the runway.  Take a look at those textiles - they're amazing!  I hope you enjoy this post.

Spring Cargo Jacket

I have searched high and low for the perfect, Miami appropriate, Spring time parka/ utility jacket.  I finally found it last week at Forever 21.  This baby is less than $35 and perfect, although the sizing is a bit on the larger side ( similar here and here) I am wearing an XS and you can see from the photos that it's slightly oversized on me.  I picked it up in the color 'light olive.'  We had the perfect bout of cool weather hit this weekend; a Friday night, cold rain downpour turned into a perfect Miami weekend.
Other options for this type of jacket can be found here, here, and here. (2 of them under $45, one under $100).

OOTD: Hair Turban How To

A hair turban is a great accessory to keep around if you're a long haired girl, like me.  My bangs are growing out now and they're annoying, so I like to keep them out of my face by wearing a top knot or pony tail.  But because I prefer the way I look with my hair down, (and I try to look presentable), I will not always venture out in public in a messy bun.

In comes the hair turban, the chic hair accessory that can extend the life of your blowout.

Click below for my step-by-step on how to wear one!

OOTD: Stripes, Cargo Vest, Denim Shorts

I'm behind on blogging, on my style posts, and on my smiling...but I'm trying hard to catch up.