Miami Style Map: Let It Flow in Cutler Bay

Thank you to the sweet neighbor in Cutler Bay who didn't blink an eye when we used the abandoned swing on his property. Little did he know he gets credit as a "prop manager" on this blogger shoot. 

I didn't think much of the setting when I first saw it, but that's why I love teaming up with Natalie. She sees beyond the mundane and knows how to make something out of nothing (in this case that's a good thing). This floral maxi photographs so beautifully since the olive green and ivory accents on the dress blend in with the lush surroundings. 

This is one of my favorite shots of the batch. I love me a flowy fabric and this maxi, pardon my romanticism, literally dances in the wind. I added a tan woven belt to break up the pattern a bit. It also happens to be a picture perfect festival look. Aren't my Free People boots such a jagged nod to this flirty frock?

This olive green felt hat was the best $15 I've ever spent. I love me a sweet and savory deal on a must have accessory. 

Vintage rings, a Casio digital watch, and the one and only, Delilah Sparkles (sadly she's not mine) making her modeling debut. She's a natural scene stealer. 

On me (pup not included): 

Dress- Forever 21

Hat- Forever 21

Boots- Free People 

Rings- Vintage 

In Style, 

Kat 

Style Spotlight: Miami Brow Ninja Whips Eyebrows into Perfect Shape

I'm a creature of geography. I'm also a product of Manhattan so I don't like to venture beyond my neighborhood for any kind of service unless it's worth my while. And now that I'm back in Miami, there are very few things that take me past 57th Ave- or as I like to joke, suburgatory. But when it comes to my eyebrows, there are no limits to my commitment to excellence. I found my eyebrow salvation in the form of Lucy Rodriguez thanks to the wonderful world of social media (I'm talking to you, Instagram!). 

Lucy's technique is reminiscent of the one used at the Anastasia Brow studio in the city, my go-to spot for many years when I was living in New York. I knew, without fail, that my eyebrows were going to be flawless when I got up from that chair, and that's the same way I feel when I visit Lucy. First and foremost, Lucy listens because she genuinely cares about making you happy. To me, that's key. She takes the time to talk to you about what you want, what shape you're looking for, what works for you, etc. There are no surprises, and in this case, that's a very good thing. I've been a victim of several eyebrow tragedies (overplucking, bald spots, pencil brows, shall I go on?) in the past, so I take my grooming very seriously and so does Lucy. 

Getting your eyebrows done with her, is like gabbing with a girlfriend who also doubles as an eyebrow ninja. What a perk! And now, Lucy has set up shop (a sweet little brow bar for herself and her fashionable clients) at Cheap n' Chic Boutique on 67th and bird. What's better than getting your eyebrows done while doing a little shopping?! Check out some of her work and my interview with her down below and you'll understand why an appointment with her is worth the trip. 

FSF:  I have to scream it from the rooftops- "I love Lucy!" Seriously, I am so happy I found you. Actually, my eyebrows are. And now I want everyone to know about you. How does it feel to hear someone fawn over you and your work? 

LR: It makes me feel accomplished, really. Everyone feels insecure about something, so to make someone feel amazing, beautiful, and secure just by doing their brows is an accomplishment to me. 

FSF: How long have you been doing eyebrows and when did it become a livelihood for you? 

LR: I've been doing eyebrows for ten years but for the past seven years, it's been my livelihood.

FSF: Your technique is very precise. Walk me through a virtual consultation. What do you take into consideration when you are doing a client's eyebrows? 

LR: First I find your shape through your bone structure. That means I find the beginning, middle (the arch), and end of your brow. Then I map out your brow. Thirdly, I will tweeze and work around that. And lastly, I will teach you how to fill in your brows and contour them. I will also show you how to clean them up without messing with the shape. Each time you sit in my chair, you will feel confident that you will have the same shape over and over. 

FSF: Every technician swears by a method- tweezing, waxing, threading - what method works for you? 

LR: I do waxing and tweezing, but some clients can't wax because of topicals or they're just sensitive to wax.  That's why I tweeze as well. 

FSF: What kind of shape should women embrace? 

LR: I believe women should embrace their natural shape. Not everyone's face shape or bone structure is designed for a high arch or a full bold brow. 

FSF: Is there an eyebrow trend/shape that women should stay away from?

LR: I don't know about staying away because I think it's all a matter of style and how you carry that style. The first thing I look at is someone's brows. And I think to myself, "She's totally rocking that bleached blonde brow!" It all depends on the person. 

FSF: Have you ever met a bad eyebrow job you couldn't fix? 

LR: I never say there is a bad brow job because the person that did the job was just doing their style and art. With that said, I do have people come to me to help grow out their brows and reshape them. There is always hope if you want that 'bold, full brow.' If you come to me with thin brows and you want a new shape, I can make that happen for you. It's more about working with what you have and embracing it. 

FSF: I love a full, Brooke Shields inspired eyebrow. Is this a trend that's coming back? 

LR: Absolutely! This is my favorite brow style. Full bold brows add a dramatic look to the eyes. 

FSF: Which celebrity eyebrows give you envy fever? 

LR: I have to say Elizabeth Taylor in the 50's.  It was the prime of her brows. 

FSF: You found a new home at Cheap n' Chic boutique in West Miami. Tell me why this transition to a boutique works well for you? 

LR: For me, it's all about the energy and we work really well together. We also see that everyone loves the idea of of getting glam while shopping. 

** To book an appointment with Lucy, call her at (786)520-6005 or email her at LRBrows@icloud.com ***

In Style,

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Feeling Free as a Bird in Miami's Art District

I'm feeling fun and fearless in my rusty red Free People dress. I want it in every color because WHY NOT?  I love how it loosely hangs on my frame and sort of dances with each step or jump I take. For this particular look I shot with Lizzie from Rahaus Fotografie in Miami's art district, I layered it with a grey Rachel Roy sweater. The sweater has some lace detail along the back which gives it a soft, bohemian touch. 

The shade of blue on this gate, which I like to call Grecian blue, is eye-popping but tranquil and really works well with the red of the dress. 

And keeping with the Free People spirit, I wore my studded lace up Free People boots for this look. I love the way the lace at the bottom of the dress meshes with the rough and tough hardware of the boots. I especially love the rest of the accessories on this outfit. The gold necklace, hat, and kelly green crossbody add to the already carefree "I'm on top of the world" state of mind I'm experiencing on this bright and optimistic Miami afternoon. The world is my oyster and that makes me jump (literally!) for joy. 

On Me:

Dress- Free People
Sweater- Rachel for Rachel Roy
Boots- Free People
Hat- Urban Outfitters 
Crossbody- Marc by Marc Jacobs 
Sunglasses- Forever 21 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Finding My Architectural Style in Downtown Miami

Go ahead. Get wowed. That's exactly what I did when Elizabeth, one half of Rahaus Fotografie, sent me the images from our recent photo shoot in Downtown Miami. To say I was blown away is the understatement of the century. Anyone that could make me look like I belong in a Neiman Marcus ad, is a visionary genius. 

She executed each look using a very precise artistic approach and one that I was happy to follow without question. There's a method to Elizabeth's madness. And these photos prove that she's insanely creative. 

There's something very bohemian about the Miami born-and-bred photographer. Maybe it's her almost Brooklyn-like vibe that instantly draws you to her, or her quirky sense of humor, whatever it is, it's that sense of easy familiarity that makes shooting with her such an adventure. 

The architectural layout of all the lines in the shot- be it horizontal or vertical- elevates this monochromatic striped look to another level. The proof is in the detail. The building in the background is a complimentary co-star to the black and white lines of my two piece outfit. The slicked back ponytail also plays in to the symmetrical tone of the setting. It's such a pronounced shot, but the outfit still manages to steal the spotlight. 

I absolutely love this crop top because it's loose fitting and sits just right over the high waisted pencil skirt covering what needs to be covered without having to try too hard. I love the way the light beautifully shines through these mid-century staircases and reflects against the crop top and the side of my face. It feels very vulnerable, only I was just trying not to slide down the stairs like a three year old. 

Marry the beast and keep the library. This shot is quintessentially me, surrounded by books, words, and pretty things. When Lizzie picked this location (shhh! locations are top secret and can't be divulged) to photograph this monochromatic look, I felt completely in my element. I thought of Edward Hopper (yes, the painter) when I first saw this photo. Maybe it's the distressed colors of some of the books and the way they're  haphazardly organized, but it resonated with me as an abstract canvas. In plain English, it was F$%#NG cool! 

Oh hello, this is not a photoshopped butt. Somehow, this magical skirt gave me an instant butt lift, Ala Kim Kardashian, just not as vulgar. I love the floral motifs on the sides of the top and skirt. It's fun and that's what fashion is about. And because I'm a sucker for mixing prints, I paired the look with my peep toe leopard Louboutins. Voila! Now hand me a book. 

You wouldn't be able to tell from this shot, but I was containing fits of laughter. Yes, really. Lizzie kept quietly yelling, "Smile with your eyes!" This is the best I could do. I'm seriously smiling with my eyes. I love the never ending rows of books that give the illusion you're in some kind of literary tunnel. It's quite masterful if you ask me.

Isn't my makeup gorgeous? Jessie, of Makeup Artistry by Jessie, created this subtly smokey look with bright lips and darkened brows. And let's talk about my gold adornments. I brought the JLO hoops out of retirement because nothing screams Miami louder than gold hoops. I added a clean textured gold necklace as to not distract from the overall look. 

My latest obsession is my kelly green Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody I scored for a steal. I'm not usually a fan of tassels but I love the simple detail. It's another element of color that makes the outfit pop. You just can't take your eyes off it. 

Here's one final look at my two-piece monochromatic outfit. It's deserving of a standing ovation. 

*** Check out more of Lizzie's incredible work on her official site 

www.ra-haus.com ****

On Me:

Crop top and skirt- Mustard Seed (from Macys)

Leopard heels- Christian Louboutin

Crossbody- Marc by Marc Jacobs 

In Style,

Kat 

Style Spotlight: Global Hairstylist With a Midas Touch Says Hello to Miami

A good hairstylist is hard to find- a great one, is a rarity and a prized feat. Six years ago, when I walked into the Warren Tricomi Salon at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, my search for 'the most amazing stylist in the world' successfully came to an end. Meet Emiliano De Pasqual. An Italian renaissance man by way of New York who has now brought his talent and good looks to our Magic City and her sexy clientele. If you've never had a life-changing haircut, then you haven't had the pleasure of working with Emiliano. His technique is transforming and he knows precisely how to give you that perfect cut to compliment your face, your style, and most importantly, your attitude. Your hair speaks volumes as to who you are and who you want to be in the universe, and Emiliano has the ability to let your hair speak for itself- no words necessary. 

When he is not working at the Warren Tricomi at the W Hotel in South Beach, you can find him at the salon's New York location  (where it is almost impossible to snatch an appointment with the mane man) one week out of the month. But no need to fret, fashionistas. Emiliano calls Miami home. In our sunny city of endless opportunities, he has big ventures waiting in the wings. 

Over a delicious meal of grilled fish (yes, he cooks too!) with yours truly, Emiliano dished on all things hair, style, and cheap extensions!

FSF:  When you first told me the news that you were moving to Miami I was heartbroken. Do you know how hard it is to find a good stylist? But then I moved down a year later and I had you back! You divide your time between New York and Miami but tell me why Miami is a perfect fit for your creative vision? 

EDP: My dream was always to live by the beach. I think Miami is the perfect fit for my creative vision because I see a vibrant city filled with energy and a lot of international appeal. It's a hot spot for modern art and design. It's a place with and extraordinary quality of life where my wife, Ana and I are raising our 10-month-old son, Dante.  

FSF: When did you first realize that your talent was worth sharing with the world?

EDP: Since I was a teenager I knew I had something special.

Emiliano works to bring alive the designer's vision at New York Fashion Week. 

FSF: How do the hair trends differ from city to city?        Describe the style and trends in let's say, Miami, New York and LA? 

EDP: Miami is all about sexy. The girls here love long and seductive hair. New York gives birth to trends every day and influences mainstream trends. It's the fashion capital of the USA and it has a special energy that breeds just about anything. LA is more bohemian with beautiful blonde girls who have messy chignons and braids. I feel privileged to be able to work in two of the most inspiring cities in the world.

FSF: You've described your passion for styling as an art. What's the difference between a cut as an art form compared to a regular cut? 

EDP: The essence of the art form is in listening to your client's needs, understanding their hair texture, knowing their features, the mood they are in, and then being able to create something unique that personalizes and highlights their look right on the spot. I think it is important to study the history of hair, fashion, movies, music, and architecture in order to be prepared.

Emiliano and supermodel, Miranda Kerr, get into the selfie groove after a shoot. 

 FSF: You have styled some high profile celebrities. Who has been your favorite to work with? 

EDP: I am grateful for having had the opportunity to style many celebrities and models but I can't choose a favorite because they were all fabulous. You can see pictures on my Facebook page.

FSF: You've worked on so many big events from New York Fashion Week to Art Basel. How do you prepare for these events and do the events/productions determine the look you're going for? 

EDP: I always have magazines, books with images, clippings, art references so that I'm ready for whatever comes my way. All year round, I prepare myself by going to art openings, museums, watching documentaries, and attending music events. That's how I love to fuel my many passions. I create individual style for my clients versus working the runway because that's more about pleasing the designer and complementing the collection because the clothing is the highlight. When I style clients for weddings or events it's much more fun to make them be whoever they want to be for a day.

FSF: Summer is nearly upon us and one of the biggest factors working against hair in Miami is the brutal humidity. What are some tips to keep frizz under control in this weather? 

EDP: The main rule is don't fight the texture of your hair. But don't confuse hair that needs nutrition, conditioning, and regular trims, with "my hair is frizzy," damaged hair doubles as frizzy. All of my clients have first and foremost, healthy hair. For curly hair my favorite is the leave in conditioner, Warren Tricomi Curl Definer, along with the use of keratin once a year for the extremely curly hair. For fine hair, use Kerastase and I suggest using volumizing spray right before pumping it with a medium round brush. Another great product is Bumble and Bumble surf spray for a natural beach look.

FSF: What trends will we be seeing this summer that every woman should try out?

EDP: I think women should not follow trends. I help my clients find the look that is most natural while bringing out their unique features and maximizing their hair texture. A haircut that elevates your confidence and makes you feel great is a trend every woman should follow.

FSF: Is there a hair trend you wish would just go away? 

EDP: Cheap extensions. They not only create terrible damage but we all see that they are fake. Invest in your hair, it's a major part of your life.

FSF: Not only are you a master with a pair of scissors, you also have a very unique sense of style. Who or what influences your personal look when you get dressed to head out the door? 

EDP: I like black. I like minimalism. I like Keith Rechards. I like Lenny Kravitz. My style is inspired by all these things. I appreciate craftsmanship, well-made clothes and accessories are the essence of a gentleman. My favorite designers at the moment are Hedi Slimane, Martin Margiela and Ricardo Tisci.

*** To Make an appointment with Emiliano in Miami or New York, call the locations below ***

Warren Tricomi- W Hotel Miami Beach 

2201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 673-9190 Warren Tricomi - The Plaza Hotel The Plaza Retail Collection, 2nd fl., 1 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019 (212) 262-8899

Social Media links: 

Twitter https://twitter.com/edp5/

Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/EmilianoDePasqualFanPage

email emilianodepasqual@gmail.com

tel 347 661 1915

 http://emilianodepasqualhair.carbonmade.com/about

In Style,

Kat

Style Spotlight: A South Miami Children's Boutique Teaches Parents How to Save a Buck With Style

Here's a newsflash for you if you haven't already heard. Babies are expensive. And because there is nothing you wouldn't do for that small (and sweetly manipulative) little human, you are willing to spend hundreds of dollars on whatever new gadget you read about in parenting magazines. You're also willing to buy 18 stroller toys because the sales assistant at that mega baby department store told you that your baby needs constant stimulation. And he must be right. Right?! By the time your bundle of joy hits the six month mark, you're drowning in swaddles and have maxed out every credit card trying to keep up with all the latest baby trends. But fret not parents because two very savvy moms had the brilliant idea of bringing you the top baby items at a fraction of the cost. Where is this mecca of good deals I speak about? It's right in our great city waiting for you to come shop and consign!

The Children's Exchange is simply put, every parent's dream. Babies outgrow everything from newborn swings to that Burberry trench coat you swore she would wear more than once. And those items end up stored in a garage or a basement without much further use. But at a boutique like The Children's Exchange, located in South Miami, you have an opportunity to not only put money back in your pocket, but it allows those items to have a second chance with a new family. Plus, it's easy to get overwhelmed in those ginormous baby stores. At The Children's Exchange, owners, Rebecca and Cecilia, make sure your visit is personalized to help you find exactly what you're looking for! 

Besides having a knack for finding great baby deals, Rebecca and Cecilia have a fun and ambitious entrepreneurial spirit that allows their business and friendship to thrive. I got a chance to speak with these two mommy moguls about what it takes to run their fashionable neighborhood spot. 

FSF: I am so excited to feature The Children's Exchange on the blog's style spotlight because it is such a great store that is every tiny fashionista's (and parent's!) dream! Was the store something you created when you yourself became a mom? 

TCE:  The store was actually first opened in 1981 by two moms just like us!  My partner, Rebecca and I purchased it about five years ago and totally revamped it. At the time, she had one child and I was a newlywed. We had worked together at a boutique in the Grove for about two years then we went our separate ways to work as buyers. We had both always wanted to open our own store one day and she first heard about the business being for sale and during one of our buying trips, she suggested buying it together and re branding the business to really reflect modern day families. We have both always loved fashion and retail and when this opportunity came up we just couldn’t say no! Five years and five kids later, here we are!

FSF:  Being a mom and a business woman is not an easy task. How do you find, or at least try to achieve, that balance with two small kids? 

TCE: Finding a balance between home and work definitely isn't easy, but it really helps having a business partner that has the same passion for her family as she does for her business. Because we have one another and a great team behind us, we feel like we are very lucky to have the luxury of family time without leaving the business unattended.

FSF: The baby industry is a big bucks business. There's a new gadget out every week, a new stroller, a new clothing collection. You spend a lot of money buying into every baby fad. But here, parents can get a break. How does the store work?

TCE: The store is an amazing concept for new parents and "veterans" alike.  We are extremely careful that everything we take is in perfect condition which allows new parents to purchase high-end baby items in tip top shape at a fraction of retail price. For the parents that have baby items just lying around, they simply drop off the items at the store and we take it from there. Once their items sell, the consignor can either pick up their check or, most often, use the proceeds as store credit.

FSF: What are your most popular items that parents are always in the market for? 

TCE: Strollers. Parents are always in need of some kind of stroller...jogging, double, umbrella, etc and we ALWAYS have strollers.

FSF: How do you determine what to consign and what not accept?

TCE: For clothing consignment the pieces must be freshly laundered, with no defects and they must meet our brand criteria.  If for whatever reason something is brought in that we cannot accept, we donate the items to one of three local charities.  The larger items need to be brought in clean and disinfected and with all their corresponding pieces.

FSF: What would you tell parents if they have any hesitations to purchase something that's been previously own? 

TCE: We are VERY careful with everything that is accepted. We have a meticulous three point check system before any article of clothing is put out on the sales floor and the larger baby items need to be personally inspected by one of the owners before it's sold.  We make sure all our employees are knowledgeable on recalled items and receive daily notices from the Federal Consumer Products Safety Commission that keeps us informed as to what those products might be.

FSF:  The clothes here is out of this world. You carry so many unique pieces for both girls and boys. Why is it important to you to feature some out of the box wardrobe staples? 


TCE: We pride ourselves on only choosing the best of the best clothing and products when it's brought in and our customers really appreciate our selective editing efforts. Also, since we both have always loved fashion we thoroughly enjoy finding special, one-of-a-kind pieces for our kids and customers.

FSF: Every season, there's the must have baby item or fashion trend, what are we seeing for spring/summer? 

TCE: Aden + Anais "easy-swaddle" blankets!  They're the best, they're super soft and they simplify the swaddling process so parents don't have to struggle for the perfect swaddle.  We absolutely love this product!

FSF:  What is one item every new parent should have for their child? 

TCE: An Ergo baby carrier.  They allow you to carry your baby hands-free in a super comfortable carrier and the babies absolutely love being so close to their mom or dad!

The Children's Exchange owners, Rebecca Millares-Macias and Cecilia Herrera, have made this consignment store for tiny tots a shopping destination for all Miamians.

FSF: Between both of you, you have five delicious kiddos! When you aren't running the store, what are some things you and your family like to do for fun in Miami? 

TCE: Our kids love being outside so whether its a park, beach or boat day if we're outside - they're happy!


** To learn more on The Children's Exchange, go on their website at http://www.thechildrenexchange.com/ **

In Style,

Kat Buccio 

Miami Style Map: A Midsummer Night's Dream on the Key.

Meet one of my favorite dresses in my closet. This dress has miles and stories to tell. It has taken me from the streets of the city, through my journey of motherhood, and now to a new chapter in my life. This dress encompasses comfort, confidence, and a carefree 'joie de vivre’ sensibility that can only come from something that is truly cherished. I know I’m getting pretty deep over a prairie dress but everyone has that one (or two) piece from their wardrobe that they can’t live without because it's just meaningful. And this dress, from the H&M Conscious Collection, does that for me.

I love the location Natalie, from Suna Photography, used to shoot this dress. As always, she was on point when it came to capturing the essence and mood of my look. I think it stands out perfectly  in its element. This was also shot on the grounds of Bill Baggs State Park in Key Biscayne. Who would have thought, woods in Miami! The first thought that came to mind (after I oohed and awed a bit) was Robert Frost’s The Road Less Traveled. This is exactly the setting I picture each time I read that poem. Ironically, the poem deals with that paths you choose to take in life and don’t we always find ourselves in a situation where we have to figure out which road to take next.  These shots are ethereal and you can really see the details and femininity of the dress.

I love the lace work and trims on the upper top of the dress. There's a sort of quaint characteristic in those small details. The soft ivory color against my eclectic collection of bracelets gives the look a hint of character and a fun mirror into my personality. 

No dress of mine is complete without a pair of boots underneath. It's my way of rejecting a 'too girly' vibe and giving it some of that freshly squeezed and rugged flavor I like when I convey my style mood. I love my Troopa boots because they're all beat up from love and probably snowstorms. And I don't care. I'll wear them until they have holes in them.

I've been really digging the flower crown/headband trend lately. I'm probably late on that trend, but my philosophy, as I've gotten older and style wiser, is that if something doesn't work for me, I'm not going to buy into it. This I like, but in moderation. You won't see me with a full blown flower arrangement on my head. But how pretty does this dusty blush flower headband from Haute Blossom (a local Miami vendor) look with this boho dress? I feel like one of the fairies in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. The whole outfit just feels graceful.

On Me:

Dress- H&M
Boots- Steve Madden
Headband- Haute Blossom

In Style,

Kat