Miami Style Map: A Spanish Style Mash Up of Fierce Florals

Good Morning, good afternoon, and good evening my fabulous fashionistas! I'm back from New York and ready to share my next Miami adventures with you all!

After months of busy schedules (that's what happens when you're mom), supermom and photographer, Natalie from Suna Photography, and I were able to team up again for a fun sequence of shoots in Miami's oldest neighborhood- Coconut Grove. I have so many wonderful memories of rollerblading with my mom at Kennedy Park, or field trips to the Science Museum. And as I got older (and I got my hands on a really good fake ID) lots of blurry nights spent gallivanting and dancing the night away at hotspots like Bar 609, Valentino's, and Sandbar! I remember coming down from Manhattan to celebrate my 21st birthday in the Grove with my friends and I wore this Marc Jacobs Chinese top that was very reminiscent of these China girl pajamas I had as a child but only more expensive (The events of that evening are still a mystery but based on the pictures, I had a great time!)

The charming bayside neighborhood has an untouched bohemian quality about it that makes it one of the most picturesque spots in the city. Part tropical oasis, part waterfront gem, 'The Grove' as it's affectionately called, has been charming locals and tourists alike with its quaint streets, unique shopping, and tasty dining. Its lush surroundings and Spanish-style architecture, are evident at every turn. 

While I was doing some research on the neighborhood, I found out some interesting tidbits like: Did you know that playwright (and one-time Grove resident) Tennessee Williams, staged his production of 'A Streetcar Named Desire' at the now-defunct Coconut Grove Playhouse in the 1950's? Impressive. 

And because the Spanish elements are so beautifully pronounced and hard to ignore, we found them a fitting backdrop to photograph this gorgeously detailed leopard floral skirt by Fancyfox. One of the perks of being a producer and blogger is getting to meet all these interesting and cool people from all different walks of life. One of those people is the Austin-based designer of Fancyfox, Sara Largent, who's ladylike feminine frocks caught my eye on Instagram. I love the richness of her patterns and designs- they're colorful, bold, and just really fun dress- up pieces. And they're made in the great USA with an attention to quality and detail. Funny enough, my blog caught her eye and we were a match made in insta-heaven! I fell in love with this midi skirt (hello, pattern overload) and I knew I wanted the chance to style it and Sara was more than happy to oblige! 

I know this may seem hard to believe, but this skirt is actually a great neutral piece that can easily take on several style personalities. For this look, I paired the skirt with a graphic muscle tee and my ivory tuxedo blazer. The cream and black of the blazer and tee offset the vibrant leopard and floral patterns. The skirt is such a statement piece that you don't want to drown it with a busy top. 

I accessorized the outfit with these gladiator platform heels from Steve Madden and a playful black and gold necklace from H&M. The small white and gold clutch also adds a bit of modern pizazz to the girlish look.

This skirt is taking me places! And I hope it inspires you to check out all of Fancyfox's one of a kind designs. and who knows- maybe take one of their pieces for a spin in Coconut Grove!

On Me: 

Midi skirt- Fancyfox 

Muscle Tee- Forever 21

Ivory blazer- Urban Outfitters 

Heels- Steve Madden 

Clutch- Big Buddha Bags

Necklace- H&M 

In Style, 

Kat 

** Visit Fancyfox at www.shopfancyfox.com and follow them on Instagram at @fancyfoxclothing **

Miami Style Map: A Mustard Seed Sprouts in Fall.

Contrary to weather reports, climate change, and a little thing called history, fall is basically a mythical illusion in the Magic City. But I hail from the land of believers and I want to believe that Miami does offer us fall-obsessed fashionistas, a smidgen of fall. At least that's what I keep telling myself. I'll take whatever I can get, really. Throw me a 50 degree day and I'll do a happy dance for you (no booze necessary). At this point, I'm hopeful 75 degrees will get the palm trees changing colors! 

My photographer, Raquel, calls it 'finding fall,' and that's exactly what we set out to do on our recent photo adventure. I love when great minds think alike. Raquel had been obsessing over this 'park' that she came across on her afternoon run, and I kept trying to guess what park she was talking about based on her description. Our guessing game finally paid off when we got to Alice Wainwright park, one of my favorite spots in the city, which also happens to have some of the most amazing views of Biscayne Bay. It was her first time there and seeing her awestruck reaction reminded me of my own when I first visited the park last year. Yes, I didn't discover this gem until my recent homecoming. I was late to the party on this one. But hey, how does the saying go, 'better late than never?'

Well, we did it. We found fall in Miami, or at least we found an autumn oasis amidst the palm trees and mosquitoes. I like to think that it was this outfit that made it happen. It's time to dish on the wardrobe and I just cannot get enough of this deep mustard prairie dress. From the moment I saw it while my husband was dragging me out of Zara, I knew it had to be mine. Fast forward a couple of weeks later on my trip to New York, and it made its way into my suitcase. I was sick as a dog and planned only to pick up this cozy knit cardigan to keep me warm, but I was out of it (too much Mucinex) and the next thing I knew the dress was at checkout (you believe me, right?). The fever made me do it. 

I love the rich tone of the dress, the small lace and embroidery details on it, and the sheer panel on the arms and neckline. It's a fall favorite. I added the oversized cardigan over it and the color combination is an autumn dream. I love how these two bold colors create a perfect synergy. 

The fun part was getting to accessorize this look! There are just so many options when it comes to jewelry. I wanted to keep showcasing this killer chain-like statement necklace against the mustard of the dress. I last wore this piece with a very streamlined and modern outfit and the fact that it can go from one extreme style personality to another, proves I got my money's worth. That, and the fact I'm a fashion chameleon. The gold serves as a great accent to the deep hues that dominate the look. Even the T-strap heels with the school girl socks, help in defining this look as feminine and fancy-free. 

You didn't think I was going to leave out the leopard out of this one, did you? I mean, it's practically begging for some animal print. This Nine west clutch with it's textured leopard flap and gold hardware, is such a versatile and complimenting bag for any kind of outfit! Keep your eye out. You'll be seeing it make several appearances in the coming months on the blog! 

I brought the bangs out for this look. Milkmaid braids just scream 'Fall' for me, and Ana from Makeup Artistry by Jessie, whips up the most delicious of braids! Thank goodness for clip on bangs. I get to enjoy the transformation without having to commit to the upkeep. 

This look (or a variation of it) is already packed in my bag, ready to take on the NYC chill! Oh how I miss that. 

What are some of your favorite fall must-haves? Do tell! 

On Me: 

Dress- Zara

Cardigan- Zara

Necklace- Aldo Shoes

Shoes- Tory Burch

Socks- Previously belonged to the husband (what's yours is mine!)

Purse- Nine West 

In Style, 

Kat