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.

Levinson Jeweler's Mother's Day Gift Guide

Levinson Jewelers has been a South Florida staple for fine jewelry for 30 years now.  They're based out of Ft. Lauderdale and offer high end pieces by Cartier, Bulgari and more.  Their website has the most exquisite selection of jewelry.  I could not help but compile a list of my favorites in case you were in the market to purchase something super special for your mom or wife, this Mother's Day.  Gentlemen, you have less than 5 days (Mother's Day is May 10th, 2015).  No pressure.


My standout favorite piece is the Bulgari B.Zero1 ring in pink gold and blue marble.  This is the traditional Bulgari style that you know and love updated with gorgeous color combinations.

Scroll down for more fine jewelry options

Style File: Happy Camper + How to Style Leopard Pants

Hi! Happy Tuesday, Happy Camper!

I wanted to tell you that I'm staring a new series on the blog that is going to tentatively be called "9to5." Every Monday and Friday I'm going to feature a series of workwear posts that you can use to help inspire your 9 to 5, work week outfits.  The outfit posts on Monday are going to feature a series of more professional and conservative looks (while still maintaining a bit of fun fashion flair) while the looks on Friday will be more casual and better suited for those days at the office that are all about counting down to the weekend. In between I will still have my regular outfit posts, of course :) Stay tuned!

Now, on to today's' look.  I love pairing t-shirts with everything and anything in my closet!  Weekends in Coconut Grove are super casual, and my looks for Saturdays and Sundays usually reflect that.  Whether it's leopard pants like the ones I have one in these pictures or a high waisted skirt, I love mixing high end pieces with low end pieces and mixing and matching t-shirts with the other items in my closet.

Kimono Top

Rain, Rain, go away.

Beauty File: Clarins Spa Facials

 Clarins is running a special this month where you can get a 50 minute spa facial for $50 (Regular pricing on this is $75).

Clarins facials use ClarinsPRO products; scientfically advanced, professional use formulas that deliver anti-aging results.  You cannot purchase ClarinsPRO Products, but some of the other products used are available online and in-store.  Some of my favorite products used on me for this facial are below.  You should know that all of the facials incorporate the Clarins Double Serum.

It's no secret that I'm a big Clarins loyalist. I really enjoy their products and firmly believe the science behind the brand helps create products that help benefit my skin both shorterm and longterm .
This week, I had a Clarins Spa Facial.  What's that you ask?  You may not be aware, but chances are that at your nearest Clarins makeup counter, you can get a Clarins Spa Facial.
I was lucky this week, because after being slammed at work, I took a moment to myself and experienced one of these - it was amazing.amazing.

Here's how it works:

You book your appointment at your local Clarins Spa, mine is located inside of Nordstrom, at the Village of Merrick Park (many Bloomingdales stores also offer this service).  I recommend you make your appointment with Lourdes, she is really great.  If you would like to make your appointment at Merrick park, the phone number to book your facial is: 786-999-1313 (extension 1055).

If you would like to call the Nordstrom Beauty Concierge to determine if your local Nordstrom has this service, you can call 800.7.Beauty (24 hours a day). 

The Experience: 
When you arrive, you are taken to a very quiet, very zen spa room behind the hustle and bustle of the makeup counters.  The room is pretty quiet / soundproof.  Whatever background noise you initially hear is drowned out by the soft music that begins to play when the experience begins.  There is a comfortable bed, with plush linens (super soft).  You change into your robe, get comfy; the lights are dimmed.

The Clarins specialist assess your skin while asking you about any concerns you may have.  The facial is then tailored specifically to meet your own needs. The products used throughout are unique from person to person.  I would say this was more like an experience than a facial.
There was an upper body and chest massage, where hydrating oils were used to massage my face, shoulders, arms and hands.  Certain massage techniques were used to release toxins (lymph draining massage techniques, as well as cupping massages).
There was a really soothing and effective scrub and peel which helped leave my skin so smooth for days after.

This was the best experience.  I'll go back every two weeks for as long as I can.

Special Pricing: 
Clarins is running a special this month where you can get a 50 minute spa facial for $50 (Regular pricing on this is $75).

Regular pricing:

• $40: Le Petit Facial: A 25 minute Spa Facial delivering luxurious pampering with visible results.
• $75: Brightening Performer, Skin Healer, Detox Shine Stopper, Moisture Replenisher, Luminosity Restorer and Radiance Reviver.  These are each 50 minutes long.  For $95, you get 80 minutes.
• $85: Super Restorative Facial: After just one treatment skin's denisty and radiance are visibly restored.  Deep wrinkles are noticeably diminished.  A complimentary dark spot correcting hand treatment is included.  50 minutes for $85 or 80 minutes for $105. 
• $225.for a package of 4, 50 minute facials (individual stores may vary on this option).
• $275 for a package of 4, 80 minute facials (individual stores may vary on this option).

Other participating stores are listed down below