We Got Shady With Chanel Iman In Miami — Read On, Voyeurs
Open any luxury fashion mag and you will be sure to spot model Chanel Iman grinning back winningly, or creating major body envy, or both. (Also, Chanel as a killer? Well, killer.) Yes, we always love to see her adorned in Dolce and Gabbana or Dior, but — this is Miami —spying her peepers' game is pretty awesome: A pair of Tom Fords here, some Ray-Bans there. We caught up with the Victoria’s Secret Angel this week for Sunglass Hut’s Summer Block Party in Miami to celebrate the opening of their largest store yet. Although she admits to loving a good pair of sunnies, this Vogue cover girl is anything but shady.
Snap Up Rad Memorial Day Outfits At The W's Pure Therapy Holiday Sale
As if we needed another reason to love the W, now the hotel's prim-'n-proper boutique Pure Therapy, one of our favorites in Miami, is offering a 15% storewide discount on everything from jaw-dropping Halston Heritage frocks to beaded Camilla cover-ups. It's all happening right now, before the big Memorial Day weekend, so consider it the shop's going-away gift to you before you cruise on over to the Bahamas...or maybe just linger by your condo’s pool. If you're donning some stellar seasonal staples courtesy of Pure Therapy, we think both options will appear just as glamorous.
When: Tuesday, May 22 to Thursday, May 24, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: The W Hotel, 2201 Collins Avenue; 305-673-9101.
Photo: Courtesy of Carma PR
Celebrate 'Miami Sunglass Hut Day' With Chanel Iman
Got your party shades on, Miami? Good, because we’ve got a solid reason to celebrate! Accompanied by a proclamation from the mayor (seriously), May 23rd is officially Miami Sunglass Hut Day. For the occasion, our favorite bearer of shades, Sunglass Hut, is returning to its hometown and opening its largest (and most tech-savvy) retail store in the country, but not without a major shindig. At 10 a.m. this Wednesday, May 23, Sunglass Hut will open its doors to the public, offering guests a chance to explore the 1,875-square-foot shop and try on over 2,000 pairs of sunnies, all in the largest Sunglass Hut space to date. Enjoy giveaways, fun promotions, and the chance to meet supermodel Chanel Iman as she talks her favorite shady trends.
Lucky event goers can even win a chance to rub elbows with celebs and enjoy some street games and cocktails at Sunglass Hut’s private VIP block party later that evening, where web sensation Karmin will be performing live.
Wanna go? Well, we have a pair of tickets to the soiree for one sunglasses-savvy fan, so comment below and we'll pick a winner at random. Go on and whip out those round-rimmed shades you’ve been dying to wear. This is one party where it’s perfectly fine to wear your sunglasses at night.
When: Wednesday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Sunglass Hut; 845 Lincoln Road; 305-674-6906.
Photo: Courtesy of Luxottica Retail
Equinox Miami Drops Prices As Summer Heats Up
A wise woman once said, "Going to a great gym is like flying first class. You just can't go back to coach anymore." Which is why we love Equinox, with its luxe considerations like a real-deal spa, heaps of Kiehl's products for after-gym pampering, and an on-site shop with gym clothes that don't look like they fell out of an '80s fitness video. Another thing to love: To celebrate the post-Memorial Day rush to get beach-ready, the upgraded gym is slashing prices on its cutest fitness lines, like Ella Moss, Free People, and Splendid, giving the exercise-minded discounts of up to 50% off.
And, if this isn't enough motivation to get you psyched to perfect your own beach body, well, then maybe your poor, neglected skimpy bikinis will do the trick. Just remember, once you experience a truly on-point gym, your at-home crunch routine might not cut it anymore.
When: Monday, May 21 through Monday, May 28.
Where: Equinox South Beach, 520 Collins Avenue; 305-673-1172. Equinox Coral Gables, 370 San Lorenzo Avenue in The Village of Merrick Park; 786-497-8200.
Photo: Courtesy of Carma PR
Mara Hoffman's Trippy Skimmers Put The Occult On Your Feet
What do you get when you combine Soludos’ signature espadrilles with Mara Hoffman’s bold patterns? Nothing less than a powerhouse for your feet. The shoe brand has teamed up with the esteemed designer to create a line of colorful, daring shoes that will make you want to say buh-bye to rubber flops and hello to cotton tops. These new summer staples can be found at Nic del Mar in the Gables, who also carries Hoffman’s swimwear pieces and coverups. But you’d better snag your pair (or two) quickly. At $42, they’ll be off shelves quicker than that eye print can blink.
Soludos Mystic by Mara Hoffman, $42, available at Nic del Mar, 475 Biltmore Way; 305-442-8080; Coral Gables.
Photo: Courtesy of Nic del Mar
Sprint In Heels For A Good Cause
Dump your sneakers for stilettos and run, don’t walk, to Bloomingdale’s Aventura for The Strong Women, Strong Girls 1st Annual Stiletto Dash. Participants will race to the finish line to benefit Strong Women Strong Girls (SWSG), a local non-profit that empowers low-income grade school girls to become strong women. All participants will receive a gift bag teeming with goodies; however, the top three best times will strut home with some big prizes provided by Bloomie's. But keep in mind, there’s a height limit — 3 inches or higher.And, if the fear of running in heels is uppermost in your mind, you can still contribute to the cause by shopping. Bloomingdale's is proud to donate 10% of tracked sales on May 23 and May 24 back to SWSG. Simply ask your sales associate to double your receipt and drop it in the redemption box located in the Ladies Shoes department, (level 1, for those not in the know). So what are you waiting for? Register now, and you’ll finally have that excuse to buy those summer pumps not made for sprinting.
When: Wednesday, May 23 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Bloomingdale's at Aventura Mall,19555 Biscayne Boulevard; 305-792-1000; Aventura.
Photo: Courtesy of Nikki Novo
Beachy Keen: Luli Fama Will Help You Shop For Swimsuits
We dig Luli Fama. Beyonce digs Luli Fama. In fact, most of Miami is a fan of the colorful, Latin-inspired two pieces. So a chance to get personal swimwear styling tips from Lourdes Hanimian, or Luli Fama herself, is a great way to get the inside scoop on the suits that are Miami born and bred. Not only will the designer share her influences and insights, but shoppers have access to exclusive beach apparel — including the entirety of the label's 2012 collection.
The line has a bit of something for all water-lovers: dramatic and strappy solid colored two pieces, totally sexy bandeau wraps, and flirty, frilly bikinis for those who crave something more femme. Oh, and of course, those who purchase Luli will get a fun surprise gifts (Here's a hint: Sequins are involved).
When: Saturday, May 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Nordstroms at Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura; 305-356-6900.
Photos: Courtesy of Luli Fama
Bal Harbour Shops Plans A Massive Expansion, New Stores, More Luxury
Truth be told, no other retail center in Miami has as much classic prestige as Bal Harbour Shops. But its fate had us fashion lovers on the edges of our seats after Louis Vuitton made the executive decision to end its 30-year run with Bal Harbour and open locations in Aventura Mall and The Design District. Christian Dior and Cartier soon followed, parting ways over a strict “radius” clause which limits tenants from opening additional stores within 20 miles of the Bal Harbour Shops. Was America’s most luxurious fashion center losing its panache?Andale To OndadeMar For Festival And Beach-Ready Bathing Suits
You’ve been juice cleansing or good ol’ fashioned Weight Watcher-counting (a la Betty Draper/Francis). Now it’s time to celebrate with a bikini buy, like a colorful (and body-flattering) bandeau selection from the newly opened OndadeMar. OndadeMar, a Colombia-based swimwear company, just opened its second Florida outpost in Merrick Park, showcasing its South American penchant for color and tropical flair. The psychedelic suits come in a plethora of different cuts for each print — meaning your go-to bandeau, triangle, underwire, one-piece, or monokini style comes in a multitude of styles. Choose your favorite pattern in the suit you know suits you (get it?) for a personalized (and bright) summer staple. Standouts include saturated floral prints, a purple-hued paisley, or turquoise leopard with coral trim — all designed in Colombia, but clearly made for Miami.
The new store also carries the line’s capsule collection of beachwear necessities like cover ups, sun hats, harem pants and sandals. Check out the adventure-ready Walk On sandal, a festivalesque rope design with just the right amount on nautical vibes. Now it's up to you to create the summer these bathing beauties deserve.
OndadeMar, 2400 Village of Merrick Park; 305-443-7105
Photo: Courtesy of Wetherly Fashion Group
Beauty Boutique Doubles As Salon For Ultimate NYC-Imported Glamour
Last October, beauty wonderland Brilliance New York opened its flagship location on Lincoln Road, gearing up to be a one-stop shop for all things hair, skin, and makeup. Selling Brilliance New York products, the brand introduced customers to a luxurious, new label of products, including a mineral-infused foundation and a diamond-plated flat iron rumored to make your hair super-sleek and smooth. If you have yet to shop at the Miami Beach location, we now have an even-more enticing reason: Next Wednesday, the boutique launches its first salon, so customers can finally land an all-in-one beauty experience.
The grand-opening event will feature mini-makeovers, beauty tips from celeb stylists, a few raffle wins, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres from West Avenue Café. Plus, some of our favorite local bloggers will be in attendance (they never miss a beat), including Maria Tettamanti of The Wordy Girl, Ginger Harris of Electric Blogarella, and Kelly Saks of Kelly’s Kloset. We're super-curious about these products (a diamond-plated straightner?!), and this looks like the perfect time to try 'em out. And to make things extra-interesting, we might just show up straight from the beach and see if the stylists are up for a little challenge.
Where: Brilliance New York Boutique + Salon, 631 Lincoln Road; 786-276-6389
When: Wednesday, May 16, 7 to 10 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Tara Ink.
3 Mother/Daughter Teams That Inspire Us (And Run Miami Fashion, Too!)
Maybe there's something in the water, but the mother/daughter relationships in Miami are incredibly special. Certainly ladies share deep maternal bonds everywhere, and we aren't suggesting our maternal relationships are any better than those forged in other cities, but Miami is home to a host of ultra-creative mother/daughter teams. From one of our city's most recognizable labels to our go-to accessories haunt, some of the best the 305 has to offer is helmed by incredible moms and their children.
Three local leaders in beauty, fashion, and accessories opened up to us about teaming up with their parent, spilling the ins and outs of mother/daughter entrepreneurship. Not only do such fashionable families make Miami proud, but these stories might provide inspiration for your next big adventure...with your mama by your side, of course.
Photo: Courtesy of Gee Beauty
Three local leaders in beauty, fashion, and accessories opened up to us about teaming up with their parent, spilling the ins and outs of mother/daughter entrepreneurship. Not only do such fashionable families make Miami proud, but these stories might provide inspiration for your next big adventure...with your mama by your side, of course.
Photo: Courtesy of Gee Beauty
Make Your Mama Proud With This Chic (And Poolside!) Boutique Sale
Finally, we are of that age — our mothers turn to us as taste barometers instead of the other way around. And to make sure you hit it out of the park, GUYandGIRL Boutique at the Shelborne South Beach is hosting a pre-Mother’s Day Shopping & Beauty event, complete with mini-makeovers by CUTLER South Beach. For cutting edge shopping, the hotel-based boutique also features a trunk show of jewelry designer Emily Penn’s elegant designs, displayed luxuriously next to Shelborne’s beautiful whitewashed pool. In the spirit of the holiday, moms and daughters are invited for jewelry, styling tips, and, (yes!) Prosecco.
While a tourist may have restrictions on how much they could take home (ugh! that 50-pound limit gets us every time!), but you live here, so while you're browsing for mama, stock up on Voluspa Candles, jewelry by local line Lola James Jewelry, To Dye For sarongs that are seriously to die for. Trick Mom into telling you what she likes and sneakily pick up a last minute gift while she hits up the Prosecco bar (again). Most of all, kick back and relax with your mama, which is what she wants most for Mother's Day, anyway.
Where: GUYandGIRL poolside boutique at Shelborne South Beach, 1801 Collins Avenue (at 18th Street), 305-531-1271.
When: Saturday, May 12, 1 to 5 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.
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