Style Spotlight: Miami Twice Brings Vintage Charm to the Magic City

Tucked away in an nondescript strip mall on a busy Miami intersection, sits one of the city's best kept secrets for one of a kind vintage apparel as well as an enchanting story-telling vehicle that has been around for over 30 years. 

Miami Twice is a revered institution. The storefront and its time machine of goodies are iconic and chances are you've stepped foot inside of it at some point in your life to browse their extensive collection of curated vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories. And did you know that Miami Twice was once an auto repair shop? Well, it was! 

And thanks to the passion of Mary Kyle Holle, she and her sister sought to transform this old space into what is now a 5,000 square foot closet that rivals that of Daisy Buchanan. Whether it's old gowns from the early 1940's or a mod print shift dress from the late 70's, Mary and her team have amassed a distinct and unique collection of frocks dating from as early as the 1930's, including jewelry from WWII days. To complement the Old World goods, the store also features a Mad Men inspired line as well as modern clothing from contemporary designers. And don't forget Halloween! Miami Twice has become the unofficial Halloween pit stop for costumes and accessories.  

And not to be outdone by all things vintage, Mary also has a pretty spectacular designer handbag collection that will have fashionistas clamoring. After a visit to the store for an unrelated assignment, Mary and her mom Diane, fed me tales of fancy socialites and fashion mavens that now leave their mark on the walls of Miami Twice. 

FSF: how has the store grown and evolved since it first opened in 1985?

MT: Miami Twice has physically grown from a small 1400 square foot store to the now 5000 square foot store.  As far as business, we started out purely a vintage store for clothing, accessories, furniture, and jewelry. In the years we have been in business, we have introduced new lines of clothing to compliment the vintage. We have also introduced a large pre-owned luxury designer area the business.  We have a large area dedicated to Chanel, Louis Vuitton and other luxury designer purses and accessories. As you know, we have also expanded sales in the month of October for our Halloween business. We cater to adults who want to dress up for Halloween. We are unlike your typical Halloween store, however.  All our costumes are on hangers and very well displayed and are accessorized head to toe!

FSF: When you hear people refer to the store as an iconic fashion institution in Miami, how does that resonate with you?

MT: As far as people referring to us as an iconic fashion institution in Miami, it is such a huge compliment.  We have always strived to be on top of our game with regards to vintage. It takes a creative customer, and someone who dresses in things other than your cookie cutter clothing that seems to be prevalent in Miami.  We love our customers.

FSF: What makes Miami Twice such an experience as a customer? What makes it special?

MT: I have heard through the years, when new customers walk in the door, how there is no other place like Miami Twice.  We have been compared with some of the vintage "old timers" in New York, Boston and Chicago. Our atmosphere is one of a vintage department store- A bygone era.

FSF: Is the store your personal closet as well?

MT: I absolutely have a few items in my closet that I coveted at any one particular time. However, I don't keep too much.  I have seen people in the collectible business or vintage business that fell in love with so many things that they took home. But I am a businesswoman first, and I tend to look at our items as treasures that our customers should have the opportunity to buy. I do love to look and touch all our vintage, but when they sell, I get to replace them with the next awesome item that I will get to enjoy until it sells. 

Miami Twice

6562 Bird Road

Miami, Fl 33155

(305) 666-0127 

Follow them on Instagram @miami_twice 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Having an 80's Flashback in Grand Estates

Did you think I would spend a day on the beautiful Viscaya grounds and not take full advantage of wardrobe changes?! It's not everyday you have a Versailles-inspired palatial villa in your own backyard. 

If you remember a few months back, I posted some jaw-dropping photographs wearing a black and white vintage dress that I had scored in Baton Rouge. Oh, they were so divine- they were very reminiscent of Dolce and Gabbana's 'La Familia' ad. 

This time around my super photog Elizabeth from Ra-Haus http://ra-haus.com/, and I changed things up. We went from retro to rad in a different kind of vintage- a sweet 80's throwback that's all sorts of tubular. I scored this mellow yellow number at the Wynwood Street Market. I initially planned to wear this black and yellow shirt with some pants but as I was changing, I realized that I loved it more as a shirt dress! Granted, I can't be bending over so freely because I'd be showing my lady parts to the world. So I have to remember- prim and proper, Kathy. Prim and proper! 

And keeping with that 80's trend of geometric prints and cubism, I love the triangle cutout on the back of this shirt dress. It's details like these that give a particular piece of clothing a  specific sense of character and design. I can't get enough of milkmaid braids. Seriously, I think this has become my go to hair in Miami. Its such a chic way to beat the heat!

Here's an up close and personal look at the black and yellow print on the dress. I spruced up the vintage element and kept going with the shape motif by adding my mother's black and silver necklace. Even though it's a chunkier piece of jewelry, it compliments the shirt while remaining subdued. The necklace also comes with earrings but in this case, it would have been too much. 

This necklace always puts a smile on my face. It's like a piece of my mother is coming along on my fashion adventures. As a little girl, I remember my mother standing in front of the mirror in her bedroom putting on this necklace with a long black dress and then when she was done with it, I would rummage through her drawers looking for it and trying it on the same way she did. When she passed, there were very few pieces I kept for myself. I wish I would have kept more, but at 16, I think the last thing you are thinking about after losing your mom is sorting through clothes to build your fashion closet. But I did keep this necklace and a few other gems that constantly keep me connected to her. After all, she continues to be one of my biggest fashion inspirations! No one rocked a pink lipstick and a blonde bob like her. 

And there you have it! I hope I've inspired to lose the pants and have some fun the next time you dress up! Liz and I have some cool stuff coming up and I can't wait to share some more of that Miami history with you all! In the meantime, my Squeezers, have a beautiful and adventurous weekend! 

On Me: 
Shirt Dress- Vintage Majal
Glasses- Forever 21
Booties- steve Madden
Necklace- Vintage
Purse- H&M 

In Style, 

Kat  

Style Spotlight: Peace Love World Brings a Fashionable Message of Love to a Closet Near You

You can't go wrong with a clothing line whose sole purpose is to spread a positive message of peace, love, and happiness. When Cuban-born creator and visionary, Alina Villasante, started hosting a 'Love Party' for friends in her living room just for the sheer pleasure of getting friends together to swap her trademark symbol t-shirts, she never imagined that a side hobby would become a global fashion phenomenon. 

At the intersection of glamour and comfort, Peace Love World is not just about clothes, it's a way of life- one that is always inspiring the modern day woman to give back while looking incredibly chic in the process. And it's not just Miami locals sporting her inspirational threads. Celebrities from Oprah to Jennifer Lopez and even the Kardashian clan, have been spotted donning some of the line's comfy zip up hoodies and cotton tanks. One of her pieces even made it all the way to the Oscars, when host Ellen de Generes, kicked back in her very own 'Happy' hoodie. 

Now with a Pharrell (the king of Happy) collaboration and a newly inked NBA deal to design womenswear for all 30 teams, Alina and her 'little passion project that could' are ready to take over the world. This very savvy and talented business woman took time from her work travels to dish on how her love of Miami and family continue to be the driving force behind her hard-working success. Oh, and she mentions some big names too. 

FSF: First off, I want to say Congrats on your success and being able to bring a positive message of love into people's closets. And to think this all evolved from a party in your own living room! When did this idea become bigger than just something you shared with close friends and family? 

PLW: I’ve always loved fashion but Peace Love World began as a hobby. I wanted to make gifts for my closest friends and the special women in my life. While I was still working in the aviation industry my children went out and sold Peace Love World and their sales surpassed any expectations I had. From there we opened our first store with the help of my best friend, Alex Abril, in 2009.

FSF: How much does Miami influence your style and the pieces in your line? 

PLW: I love living in Miami. My style and designs are influenced by a lot of things such as people and growing up as a Latin woman in New York, but my life in Miami is a key influence. One of my favorite styles, “I love Sundays”, was inspired by spending time outside and on the water with my family. Even our NBA collection is inspired by Miami! The success of our first designs for the Miami HEAT last year were what inspired us to apply for an NBA license. Now we’re designing women’s apparel for all 30 NBA teams! Everything we design for Peace Love World is about spreading peace, love and happiness and creating clothing that people can feel chic, comfortable and relaxed in.

FSF: Countless celebs like the Kardashians, Jennifer Lopez, and Sofia Vergara have been seen sporting the brand. Talk about a surreal moment! Describe the feeling of seeing something you created make it's way to mainstream fashion? 

PLW: Every time I see someone wearing Peace Love World, whether it’s a celebrity like Jennifer or Oprah or just someone I see across the street, it feels really special. I honestly am still excited every time I see someone wearing our brand.

FSF: Do you remember the first celeb that wore your brand? 

PLW: The first celebrities to wear Peace Love World were Jeanine Mason when she was on So You Think You Can Dance and Jennifer Lopez.

 FSF: You have collaboration with Pharrell and also with the NBA. How did that come about? 

PLW: Our collaboration with Pharrell and decision to design NBA-licensed apparel were both very organic. Pharrell discovered our “Happy” hoodie through Ellen. He ended up taking hers and we sent her a new one that she ended up wearing at The Oscars. That was a huge moment for us! Pharrell and I collaborated after he came out with his hit “Happy.” It was such a natural fit and we were able to debut them on the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness.

As far as the NBA, I’ve always viewed female professional sports fans as important customers. Before we signed our NBA license we had already been successful with collections for the Miami HEAT and the Dallas Cowboys. It’s really exciting to take that aspect of our business to the next level and I’m looking forward to debuting designs for the other teams for next season.

FSF: Looking back at your career, what has been the biggest learning lesson in your journey? 

PLW: Every day is a learning experience. When Peace Love World started I had no experience in the fashion industry. We learned about dying fabrics and the right threads to use and we definitely made mistakes here and there. We’ve come a long way in five years and I attribute that to our team. It’s not about being an expert in everything. I work alongside the best people and trust our team.

FSF: What do your kids think of your positive success? Do they love wearing mom's designs? 

PLW: My kids are amazing. They wear Peace Love World as much as I do and I’m blessed to work with them. We are very proud of how far we’ve come as a family and as a business. They were the ones who inspired me to pursue this business; I really couldn't be doing it without them.

FSF: When you aren't designing, what do you love to do on your downtime in the Magic City? 

PLW: To be honest, I am always designing. I come up with ideas in the car, on planes, it never stops. I lead a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. I like to exercise in the morning and for fun I love having my whole family over or going out for dinners. One of the best things about Miami is the weather so we love being outside. A good run is fun and I love paddle boarding. 

** To shop the latest Fall collection, visit the site at www.peaceloveworld.com **

In style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: A Nova Star in Wynwood

Taking a look back at what I wore this past year, it's pretty safe to assume that I had florals of every kind on my mind. Whether on maxi dresses, feminine blouses, and even casual shorts, ladylike florals were in some way part of my fashion equation. And I continue to embrace the trend. 

I recently teamed up with LA based mega boutique, Fashion Nova (http://www.fashionnova.com/ , for a chance to show off my take on what it means to be a Nova Star. Their online boutique offers an endless selection of the latest fashions but more importantly, there's something for every fashionista to choose from. From bright colored jumpsuits to tribal print crop tops, Fashion Nova's style barometer runs the gamut from bohemian glam to urban trendsetter. Better yet, there pieces won't break the bank. 

I fell in love with this black and white floral romper at first sight. I love the ease and comfort of a romper and I especially love the lace detailing at the waist. It gives the impression that this frock is a two piece set. When I sent my photographer, Raquel, a photo of the look, she came back with some bad ass Wynwood walls as backdrop. And just when you think you've seen every wall in this artist's paradise, there's always something new to discover. I love the mix of blues, orange and yellows, with the black and white of the romper and the iron element of the gates adds gritty street style to the bustling colorful canvas. 

Accessories are a fun way to get playful with any look! One of my favorite add ons to this little number is my much coveted Jeff Koons H&M leather cross body bag. I'm pretty obsessed with this bag at the moment. It's such a statement piece and it's quite roomy and above all, a conversation starter. I was fortunate to score one of these babies before they were on the market and I must have been asked on countless occasions, "Where did you get that bag?" H&M never fails me. 

How on point is my new "Follow Me" bracelet straight from gay ol' Paris? My 'best friend since 2000' spotted it at fashion mecca, Colette, and knew it had to be part of my collection. Besides my trademark bracelets, I added a hat and my favorite booties to complete this cool and chic ensemble. 

What's great about this romper is that it's lifespan extends well beyond summer. Add a pair of tights, a black blazer or even a leather jacket, and you can easily transition and take your florals to fall! Visit Fashion Nova and score this wardrobe staple before it's too late! 

On Me: 

Floral Peek-a-boo Romper- Fashion Nova http://www.fashionnova.com/products/floral-peek-a-boo-romper-navy

Bag- Jeff Koons for H&M

Boots- Steve Madden 

Hat- Nasty Gal 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Diva in a Blue Dress

Pluck me from the manicured lawns of Coral Gables, and take me to the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governor's Island because that's what I'm vibing in this vintage little number! 

The 1920's come alive on the great big lawn- with dance bands, flappers, and lots of champagne! And though I won't be there next week for the grand ol' festivities in the city, I'll be there in spirit refilling coupes of bubbles til the sun goes down right here in Miami. 

But this is exactly what I would be wearing for the celebration. I can already picture my blue floral dress blowing away on that ferry ride and praying my hat doesn't fly away into the East River! Another fashion casualty that's no match for the sea winds. 

The grounds at the Biltmore Hotel in Miami are endless. Just when you think you've uncovered every nook and cranny at the historic hotel, a fresh patch of scenery pops up to mix things up. And these stairs and fountains lend themselves to the backstory of this dress! I have Elizabeth from Ra-haus Fotografie to thank for that. Her scouting mission turned up these unique timeless backdrops- starting with that gorgeous monstrosity of a tree. Isn't it spectacular?! It feels like those roots are going to entwine themselves around me! 

This dress was another vintage find in Baton Rouge. I love finding one of a kind pieces when I travel. The floral details and the feminine length of the skirt are by far my favorite. I paired it with my red Fendi heels (red is such a great accent color for any look) and my grandmother's vintage Chanel purse! 

The smile doesn't lie! I was feeling quite glamourous and fancy-free in this throwback look. Add a gaudy fountain to my  outfit and bam! Consider me done. 

On Me: 

Dress- Aristocracy Bohemia (Baton Rouge)

Heels- Fendi

Hat- H&M 

Purse- Vintage 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Overalls Get the Royal Treatment

If there was one trend the 90's gave us that I was more than happy to see make a comeback it was the overalls. I never quite knew why they went away. As a kid/teenager, my overalls had legs- that's how much use I got out of them. Granted, the trend at the time was to sport them baggy- ala Kriss Kross style- but nonetheless, they were fun, pragmatic, and conveniently chic. 

Fast Forward two decades later, and now we have a more slim fit overall making the rounds in the fashion circles and no one is happier than this girl. We are used to seeing overalls in a more casual setting but don't underestimate the power of these denim guns. They can easily be taken for a fancy spin with the right accessories. 

Give me any excuse to wear my overalls out on the town. I'm all about being comfortable without having to give up my fundamental style and neither should you. With a little help from my super photographer, Natalie of Suna Photography, I'm going to show you how easy it is to take your overalls from day to night in three easy steps! 

Step 1: A statement top. Whether it's a bold color or a graphic print, pair your overalls with a blouse/top/tee that's going to have some sort of wow factor. I paired mine with a black dress top with oversized sleeves. The sleeves give this overall look an instant lift. 

Step 2: Accessorize. The trick lies in the right accessories, whether a pair of standout earrings or a statement necklace. Just not both at the same time! I opted for this edgy gold necklace from Zara. The black vintage snakeskin clutch gives this look a dressier feel. And last but not least, a red lip, or any bright lip for that matter. I love me some red, and Jessie from Makeup Aristry by Jessie, made sure my pout was big and bright with the perfect shade of MAC red. 

Step 3: Heels.  Step up your game with a pair of knockout stilettos or heels. I love these quilted gold and grey tie up heels from Chanel. They're fierce fierce fierce! The right shoe will take your overalls from drab to fab in one well-heeled notch. 

On Me: 

Overalls- Nordstrom 
Blouse- Off 5th 
Necklace- Zara 
Heels- Chanel 
Clutch- Vintage 

In Style, 

Kat 

Style Spotlight: Tongue & Cheek is Cooking Up Some Flavor for Miami Spice

Fire up those palettes because Miami Spice kicks off today with a mouth-watering selection featuring over 160 of Miami's mightiest and finest restaurants on the scene. Indulge in a three-course pre-fixe lunch ($23) or dinner ($39) for a fraction of the price. And making a splash on that list is Miami Beach's new kid on the block, Tongue & Cheek, helmed by chef-about town, Jamie De Rosa. De Rosa who brings his supreme talent and haute cuisine to the laid back digs of T&C, is firing up a delectable menu crafted with local ingredients and hearty cheer. 

I recently visited T&C for one of their Kitchen Collab series and walked away with the most delicious food baby after my six course dining experience. A thorough presentation cultivated by the mix of different textures, flavors, and spices, has put this restaurant at the top of my list. Granted, I probably wouldn't be writing this review if my meal was below standard, but when I get the opportunity to have a good meal in this city, I shout it from the rooftops. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Chef Jamie after our meal and he was such a delight!  I instantly  knew I wanted to shine the spotlight on this down-to-earth family man. Get the scoop from the inside- from where he got his love of cooking to the latest T&C expansion coming soon to an arena near you- It's all here on Freshly Squeezed Fashionista!  

FSF: I just recently had my first ever Tongue and Cheek experience and I was contently stuffed. Everything was delicious! When did you know, "this is it. This is what I want to do for the rest of my life?”  

JDR: While I do not have one of those stories of working in the root cellar of a Michelin star french restaurant as a child. I do however, consider most of my introductory culinary interests to making paella with my grandmother for holidays and family get tog ether’s. It wasn’t until working with Chef Allen Susser where I fell in love with the people who allow chefs to do wheat they do, the fish monger who caught the fish, the farm who grew the tomatoes and the gentlemen who cultivated those beautiful clams. It was easy after that. Use the freshest ingredients and do very little to them.

FSF: How does your approach to cooking reflect itself in the way you present the dishes at the restaurant? 

JDR: We tend to do very little to the ingredient themselves directly. But we do like to prepare that same ingredient in different variations. Presenting those beautiful ingredients on plates is a well thought out concept in itself. Chefs sometimes have to see the outcome of the plate in order to begin. When you’re using great ingredients its’ much more clear to see the end result. 

FSF: T&C is a more laid back setting than your previous gig at Tudor House, yet, the quality and the presentation of the food is still supreme. How do you maintain that feel without being stuffy?

JDR: It was part of the concept from the beginning. To give guests the same style of cooking using the same technique but scale back the dining room so it’s comfortable and relaxed. Having warm and inviting service and hospitality is part of that approach. “under promise and over deliver” 

FSF: You must dream in food! I'm convinced that's how you come up with all these great dishes. Where do you get ideas for new and exciting dishes to create and what's the process to introducing this dish on the menu? 

JDR: We meet each week as a culinary team and talk about food, trends, what’s in season, who’s reading what and write down ideas.  Some make it on the menu others just become part of good conversation. You can’t add everything everyone comes up with. Ultimately, I have to make those menu decisions that stay in line with what Tongue & Cheek is and what our guests have come to expect. 

FSF: It seems like every season, a new food trend pops up on the scene. Do you follow these trends at all and do you try to incorporate them in your food or are food trends something you steer clear of? 

JDR: Yes, I think food trends are important. But more important is how has it become a trend. I mean, not everyone should be making cronuts. But everyone can pickle vegetables, cure fish or use a technique that’s going to enhance an ingredient. Those are the trends that I follow. 

FSF: What can't your customers get enough of? Most popular dish, especially among Miami foodies?

JDR: The Beef Cheek burger is certainly a fan favorite. As is the Crispy Pig Ears and Chicken Skin Chicharrones. Our oysters are unique and have been on the menu since day one. For the sweet tooth it’s a toss up between the Blonde Chocolate with house-made dip n dots or the Cracker Jack Milkshake and Almond Joy Bar. 

FSF: Your favorite thing on the menu right now that you can't stop cooking? 

JDR: I’m really in love with the Dry Aged Ribeye with Potatoes, Carrots and Blue Cheese. Also, really enjoying the day boat Scallops with Red Quinoa, Charred Rapini, Chorizo and Brined Radishes

FSF: Be honest, does your family get the restaurant treatment when you're at home? Do you whip up these kind of masterpieces for them or is it grilled cheese sandwiches for everyone? Ha! 

JDR: My daughter is almost two. So we have been eating with her for a while now. She loves burger night at home with house-made fries and we all love mom’s chicken pot pie on Sundays ! 

FSF: The restaurant just recently celebrated it's first birthday! Congrats! What big plans do you have or hope for it in the next year? 

JDR: We are looking for other opportunities. Just signed an agreement with Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena for a Tongue & Cheek casual place for home games and events. 

Visit Tongue & Cheek http://www.tandcmiami.com/ to make a reservation or call (305) 704-2900.

In Style, 

Kat