Miami Style Map: Singing the Blues in Surfside

My friends say I need a little push to walk on the 'wild side' from time to time. And this is most likely true. I can be a real square on occasion. Living on the 'wild side' doesn't really appetize me. I like to follow rules, not break them. And if I do, there's got to be some good logic behind it. I was that girl who never went to the principal's office, always followed directions, and brought home kick ass report cards. And damn proud of it. 

So imagine my trepidation when Lizzie, my photographer from www.ra-haus.com, suggested we lay claim on this retro bungalow in Surfside. Our shooting location, she tells me. "But Liz, SOMEONE lives here. It's trespassing." And out comes that good girl I was telling you all about and here's how it went inside my head for twenty seconds, "we can't shoot here, it's not our house! do you know the people that live here? can we get arrested? what if they shoot us? what if the neighbors say something?" Neurotisicm at it's finest. 

Finally after several nudges, pushes, and a even a "get over it," she started clicking away. And sometimes, that little push is all you need in order to get some magical results like these! 

There is so much character to be found in one single shoot, starting with the standout aqua color of this sweet adobe! It's sensational- there's no better way to describe it. Two things came to mind when I first saw this house- 1) how much it reminded me of that infamous W Mag spread with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie during the 'breakup heard round the world." And 2) If Norman Rockwell decided to use Miami Beach in his 1950's All-American family portraits, this would probably be the kind of house he would feature. 

With that being said, it's no surprise that this Miami-modern casita was the other leading lady during our session, and we definitely took advantage of the all that it's exterior had to offer. 

I love the contrast of the dressed up look against the distressed and aged appearance of the home. I also love this full print black and white skirt not only because it has a slight touch of 1950's modernism, but because it has POCKETS! I'm pocket-crazy! 

The versatility and print of the skirt makes it a classic staple that can be worn many different ways. I paired mine with a cut off jeweled crop top in another classic color- grey. This look leans toward the modern, and yet it still works with my everyday style. 

I accessorized this look with these beautiful earrings courtesy of Rocksbox, my Rebecca Minkoff red cross body, and my electric blue Louboutins for some pop of color, and my vintage Pixie Market frames. Also, can you spot my 'Tale of Two cities' bracelet? I'm obsessed. 

And there you have it, folks! This is what happens when you step out of your comfort zone a tad- a unique photo session that will definitely have the squeezers talking! And special thanks to Lizzie for giving me that extra push I needed! 

On Me: 

Top: Bloomingdales
Skirt: Bloomingdales
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Heels: Louboutins 
Sunnies: Pixie Market 


In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Cage-Free Fashion

Lizzie from Ra-Haus Fotografie (http://ra-haus.com/)has done it again. 

Leave it to her mastermind to make pungent fish traps my most idiosyncratic accessory on my latest photo shoot for the blog. 

The juxtaposition of the beat up wooden crates and the vibrant florals of my dress makes for one of the coolest spots I've shot so far. And if I tell you where in Miami they're located, I may have to kill you. No, just kidding. Or not. 

Let's talk about this dress- my lonesome warrior. This dress has somehow survived rounds and rounds of closet purges. I've owned it since 2009 and for some reason, have never been able to part with it. I think the dress hypnotically puts me in a color trance. The print is striking and well, it just makes me happy. 

To change it up, I implemented a rebellious twist to an otherwise straight forward strapless floral dress- I call it, the leather jacket. Oh yes, ladies. It's that simple. A well-tailored leather jacket can instantaneously transform any outfit. It's classic, confident, and quite bad ass. Layered over something unpredictable like a dress with feminine frivolity, it's a game changer. Just look what it does to my spunky little number.   

I kept the neckline bare and accessorized with a pair of tangerine drop earrings and a bright orange lip. Not to sound completely narcissistic or self-absorbed, but this tight shot of my side profile is flawless. I love all the angular structures in the frame- my neckline, cheekbones, and the fish traps. It's very in your face. 

And last but not least, I brought my Louboutins out to swim with the fishes (get it?!).  I love the severe pointy toe look combined with leather and florals. 

And that's how you give your ordinary strapless dress a va va voom makeover! Now it's your turn. Go!

On Me: 

Floral Dress- Macys

Jacket- Zara 

Shoes- Christian Louboutins

Earrings- Street Vendor

Sunnies- 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 

Flower Bomb in Wynwood featuring Maya Buccio.

These little boots were made for struttin'! Say hello again to my mini fashionista, Maya B. She'll be the guest of honor on today's blog post! We recently did a photo shoot in front of one of our favorite murals in Wynwood. Coincidentally, the wall is right around a kid's gym. The colors on the mural pop, pop, pop! And so do our outfits! 

Let's start with this fabulous Harajuku Mini floral tutu from Target. My mother in law bought this for Maya before she was even born. This kid was rocking stylish duds before she even made her debut. The pink cowboy boots are so girly and sweet! 

I'm currently obsessed with mixing leopard and florals. For this look, I paired my leopard Christian Louboutin peep toes with my H&M floral leggings. Want to see how we paired the rest of the outfit? Just scroll down! 

 I paid homage to my city with this 'New York City' tank top and an off white blazer. 

Maya is wearing a denim button down from H&M.

My best accessory isn't sold in stores.

I've been dying to try the floral headband trend I've been seeing in magazines and window displays for some time now and I finally bit the bullet. I spent a mere $6 on this Forever 21 headband and in return, I felt ethereal. This was a fun trend to pull off! Don't blink, or you won't catch a glimpse of my owl ring! 

On Me:

Off white blazer- Urban outfitters
NYC tank- Forever 21
floral leggings- H&M
leopard heels - Christian Louboutin 
Statement necklace- Ann Taylor 
Flower headband- Forever 21

On Maya:

Denim shirt- H&M
Tutu Skirt- Harajuku Mini for Target
Cowboy boots- Target

In Style,

Kat