TREND ALERT: ROLLING OUT OF BED

'I woke up like this.' We've heard the popular expression time and time again and what brings it to life in its truest form, is the oddly-popular-yet-hard-to-accept, pajama trend. Sleepwear has gotten the street style treatment and more and more people (myself included) are jumping on the bandwagon. 

I'll admit- I was VERY hesitant about this trend- it could appear borderline sloppy or simply lazy- like you literally rolled out of bed and out the door, looking like a madwoman. Maybe it was part envy as well. Let's face it. We all want to be comfortable. Do you guys remember those Chinese pajama sets as kids?! I was OBSESSED. I must have had them in every color. Then Marc Jacobs came out with a collection sometime in 2001-2002 and I spent like $150 on a red Chinese top just because it reminded me of those Chinese pajamas and I wore it religiously. I remember back then thinking, 'I'm wearing a pajama top out in the street!' A very expensive pajama. Ha! 

Fast forward 16 years later, and the pajama trend has blown up. From runway shows to magazine shoots, it's a trend that has gained traction and many loyal followers. There are endless prints and patterns, fabrics, and silhouettes. You can rock anything from a slip dress to a two piece coordinating pajama set. I had done the slip dress trend plenty. It's actually really versatile and I throw it on with a pair of boots and sometimes even a tee underneath. For me, it was the two piece pajama look that I was tempted to try but couldn't get myself to do. 

I few months ago on a trip to Marshalls, I found this dusty pink set in the store's trendy Cube section. I was immediately drawn to the color, the Asian-inspired print, and the fact that the pants were culottes! That just sold me. Okay, I was going for it and there was no turning back now. 

I fell in love. Why was I so late to this trend?! I didn't think it was for me, didn't think I could pull it off, and now I was a convert. Dress me up in sleepwear any day! 

The trick to this look is how to dress it up properly so that you don't look like you're really just sleepwalking and someone needs to wake you up from the hot mess of your outfit. I personally wouldn't wear this look with any slipper-like shoe, unless you're really taking the look literally. I opted for a pair of athleisure pom-pom sneakers in the same color palette, so I was still comfortable without looking like I was ready for bedtime. 

Depending on the print and fabric, accessorize with a statement clutch. I would even do a fanny! It would look SO cute! I actually wore this look with a fanny and I loved it. Also, play with some statement earrings. Tassel earrings would look adorable with the PJ's! My focal accessory are these exaggerated heart-shaped sunnies with pink lenses. Hey, if you're on the street wearing pajamas, you can't take yourself too seriously! 

One last thing- makeup! You can make a statement with a bold lip color or a bright lid. Get playful! I kept it neutral with pinks and creams, but just think (no with this particular set) what a bold red lip or a hot pink hue would do to a look! 

When Danielle Margherite (Instagram @dmargherite)  and I got together to shoot this look, the newly renovated lobby of the Biltmore Hotel was just calling our name with this pale pink pajama set. The hotel lobby is vibrant and oozing of a marriage of Mediterranean architecture, mixed with elegant Old World features and some touches of new romantic modernism. One thing is for sure, the historic beauty, romanticism, and European grandiose is what continues to makes the hotel a popular landmark and travel destination amongst local and international travelers. 

The lighting and the mood literally set the tone for our photos. I may or may not have laid on one of the plush furniture pieces! I mean, I was technically dressed for it. Some of my favorite photographs from this batch were the ones alongside the Gothic-like standing chandelier. It gave me Haunted Mansion vibes! The staircase and fireplace added character and the lush curtain drapes were very extra- in a gorgeous and rich kind of way. 

So there you have it, folks. I am now a card-carrying member of the pajama trend and I'm already on the hunt for my next set. I've added dusters and pajama button down tops, but; what this gal needs is a new set. If you see one you think I would love, send your girl a DM! 

How do you feel about the pajama trend? 

In Style, 

Kat 

Summer's Last Hurrah Featuring TJ Maxx and Hotel Colonnade

Slap my hand for I have sinned! I have been promising this post for a few weeks now; but with the appearance of Hurricane Irma and my own two tiny hurricanes at home, well, blog stuff has gotten postponed. Alas though, I am currently here, sitting in front of my computer, tapping away at this thirsty keyboard, and bringing you the last 'summer' post of 2017 (well, because summer seems to always overstay its welcome in Miami). 

It's been a fun and busy summer, with some hiccups along the way (lice, anyone); but the Buccio family has taken full advantage of lazy days with no bedtimes; and, adventures where we could take them. We've cruised, we hit the beach, we did field trips to the museum and every indoor playground imaginable. We decorated cupcakes, did staycations, went to the movies, had countless play dates, celebrated 10 years of marriage, had too much fun back to school shopping, and visited family in NYC (thanks, Irma). Our tiny (albeit beautiful and loving) terrorist turned two and our number one girl officially became a Kindergartener. We came, we saw, we conquered summer. 

On one of our last summer hurrahs, we were invited to experience the newly revamped Hotel Colonnade in Coral Gables (http://www.hotelcolonnade.com). I've often posted about the Hotel Colonnade because it holds a very special place in our hearts- we got married here! Our wedding reception was held in the iconic rotunda and boy, was it memorable (don't ask me, ask the hotel, the guests, and the wedding planner)!  It was a breathtaking setting of red roses and candle (like the red wedding minus the gory deaths), and we sang with the band (we may have broken a guiro), puppies were let loose on the dance floor, and someone (ahem, possibly the bride), ended up in the fountain. Sign of a good time! So when we were invited for a weekend staycation, we were thrilled! Not only were we going to relive some amazing memories, but we wanted to share them with our kids too. 

                         

The hotel has undergone an impressive face lift without sacrificing any of the historic and luxurious elements that make it special. Walk into the Hotel Colonnade now, and you are transported to a more modern, more hip boutique hotel in the heart of Coral Gables. You get the coolness and sophistication rolled in one; so, whether you're a family of four or a couple of lovebirds looking for a chic getaway, its got you covered. The decor is eclectic and vibrant, with pops of color and unique architectural features that can be found on everything from bed pillows and lobby mirrors. 

There were so many things we loved about the hotel; but one of my favorite things believe it or not, was breakfast at the Aragon Cafe. The cafe is so reminiscent of a European hotspot. We loved starting our day with the breakfast buffet and delicious pastries made fresh daily- chocolate muffins for the kids, guava and cheese pastries for us. It was a comfortable setting with cute sofas jazzed up with colorful pillows and mismatched chairs. It was a great spot to catch up on some leisurely reading- which we did (it wasn't just for picture purposes)! Speaking of, the Hotel Colonnade team really knew how to make us feel extra welcome! If you saw my Instastories, I'm sure you caught some of the surprises they left for us in the room! We were so appreciative of them going the extra mile! A bottle of champagne for mom and dad, fashion magazines and a pool hat for mom, the most adorable dragon towel for our baby dragon, and a mermaid tail float for Maya. That's what I call attention to detail! 

Another favorite, especially for the kids, was the family suite! Talk about an upgrade! You really see the hotel's transformation firsthand when you step into one of the rooms. Our room was two floors, with a bunk bed, a second bathroom, and a big screen TV for the kids on the second floor. As you can imagine, they were in HEAVEN.  Mom and dad were able to have semi-privacy with our own bed and bathroom on the first floor and our own TV, where we watched whatever we wanted to watch  (it's the little things). Our room overlooked the hotel pool, with views of Miracle Mile. The hotel is walking distance to some great shops and restaurants (we made several trips to Barnes and Nobles with the kids). You can also take a trolley or jump on one of the hotel's bikes available for guests to rent at no charge! Convenience is key, and the hotel makes it SO easy to explore everything the Gables has to offer. We actually kept it very local with dinner at the hotel's 'unofficial/official' restaurant, House Kitchen and Bar (http://www.housekitchenbar.com), which is not only delicious and kid-friendly, but also happens to be a nightly hotspot with great music and a lively crowd; and, before dinner, we made sure to pop into the also upgraded and renovated hotel bar. It's so chic with old photographs of the hotel, friendly bartenders, and a conversation friendly layout that makes it a great spot to grab a drink before hitting the town! 

Have I sold you yet on a staycation at the Hotel Colonnade?! You gotta go! 

Let's not forget the pool! I'm more of a 'laid back- lounge on a chaise- swim at my leisure- kind of girl- which basically means I don't like loud pool parties with loud music, loud people, or raucous. Hanging at the Colonnade pool with the kids was DIVINE and fit the bill for my pool needs. They have pool noodles for the kids, sofas and chairs to lay out on, and though the pool is not huge, it serves its purpose! The only thing I would add is drink service at the pool. Nothing a cocktail can't fix! 

Our staycation at the Hotel Colonnade coincided with back to school shopping for Maya, so before hitting the hotel, we stopped at one of our favorite stores, TJ Maxx, and loaded up on some outfits and school supplies! Now, did you think that I wasn't going to pick up something for myself at the Maxx?! It's back to school shopping for me too, right?! I AM going to school with her, so it all makes sense. I thought it would be perfect to bring our outfits along to our staycation. 

Maya loves picking out her clothes and though I like to give my input on things (because I'm a stage mom), I want her to be able to express herself and find things she loves (with mom's approval, of course). She gets so excited when she finds something that she really likes and if it looks like anything I have in my closet, she freaks out. Twinsies! That's what I love about big box stores like TJ Maxx, you find incredible deals at amazing prices. It's guilt-free shopping! After browsing through the kids' section, Maya picked out this navy blue and white Hello Kitty dress, because hello! It's Hello Kitty! She loved the tutu skirt because its fun to twirl, she said, and she wants to wear it to a playdate with her school friends. 

She also picked up this furry penguin notebook for school because that's where she wants to write about her day and her feelings, she told me. That's right girl, let those feelings out! Express yourself! There's a budding writer inside of you. 

It's on to my look, kids! The obsession is real with this TJ Maxx wrap around dress; and, for $19.99 it was quite the steal! The color combination instantly caught my eye! The fuchsia with aqua just screams, POP POP POP! I'm all about versatility and what I love about this dress, is that I've worn it several times in different settings, with different shoes, makeup, and accessories. When I go shopping, I'm all about practicality. Long are the days of buying something and only wearing it once. Goodness, I think back at how much money I spent in my 20s buying a trend piece that I only wore one time. I would probably have a designer closet with all that wasted money.  Nowadays, if I can't wear something more than five times, it doesn't go home with me. My dollars need to take me far! 

This is one of those dresses. I've already worn it three times and no doubt I'll be wearing it again, considering Miami is an endless summer. Guess what, though?! If I really wanted to take it into fall, all I have to do is throw on a leather jacket, some tights, some leather booties or heels, and I'm ready for pumpkin spice lattes! 

I've really been into dresses with sneakers in the last year and it doesn't look like I'll be retiring that 'ladylike ath-leisure' vibe anytime soon. Case in point- I paired the dress with these insane Sam Edelman pom pom slip-ons I scored at the Maxx! Not a likely combination, but that's whats fun about fashion- pairing the unexpected and making it work! Like a true Maxxinista, I scrounged through every shelf to find a size 6 in these beauties and I did!

You're looking at a very satisfied fashionista. 

No look is complete without the perfect shade of lipstick, and mine was begging for a hot pink pout! I couldn't think of a more fashionable way to wrap up such a fun staycation! 

In Style, 

Kat 

Style Spotlight: The Biltmore Hotel's Palme D'Or Continues it's Epic Success in the Dining Room

Last week, I had the pleasure of being invited ( on an Ocean Drive Magazine assignment) to an off-the-charts fine dining experience at the revered Palme D'Or restaurant in the Biltmore Hotel. If you're from Miami, you're familiar with the Biltmore Hotel- that grand and illustrious Mediterranean style structure that's housed presidents, celebrities, and socialites alike, and sits in the elegant hood of Coral Gables. 

Sure, Bad Boys was filmed here and Al Capone used to walk it's corridors afterhours, but did you know it's also home to one of the most iconic and delicious restaurants in Miami? I would call it our own local treasure. Creating the masterpieces in the kitchen is Michelin starred chef, Gregory Pugin, who once trained under the helm of French top chef, Joel Robuchon and is now making culinary history in our Magic City with his classic and timeless recipes. After eight courses (yes, eight!), and some additional surprises from the kitchen, my J.Crew skirt felt a little more snug than when I first arrived. 

The chef indulged us with a savory sampling of the restaurant’s upcoming summer menu and each dish by far exceeded my expectations. From the Langoustine Au Caviar (relished with Passion Fruit Tapioca and Vodka Gelee) to the stupendous LOursin Dans Sa Coque (a Sea Urchin soup with bay scallops, fennel confit, kefir lime sauce) served in a porcelain shell bowl, every first bite delivered a mouth watering gasp from our table of 10. 

The seared Branzino (above), buttery and crisp, was one of my favorite dishes of the evening, and just plain delicious. I’m running out of adjectives to describe this memorable five star dining experience! And no French cuisine repertoire is complete without some fois gras. The foie gras terraine with strawberry salad and cranberry bread was a delicious treat. I had to practically restrain myself from licking the plate. Yes, that good.

We capped off the meal with the a few desserts, but the one that hit the mark for me were the fruit forward chilled peaches with verbena ice cream, and blackcurrant coulis served in a funky lit up ice bowl. Paired with a New Zealand Riesling, it was off the charts.

Fine dining is alive and well in Miami and one reservation at Palme D’or will have you eating like a king for an evening. Chef Pugin made a special (and quick) appearance during dessert and I had the good fortune of asking him a few questions (see below)! 

Salute!

FSF: After so many years, what continues to makes Palme d'Or such a dining institution?

GP: Palme D'Or has a legacy of French fine dining, which is what attracted me to come and work here. It is quite rare to have such a restaurant in any city but especially in Miami. I continue to build upon this legacy and hope to take the restaurant to another level of luxury dining experiences.  

FSF: What inspired this summer menu?

GP: Fresh produce, lots of vegetables, light fare with a mix of Mediterranean spices and hints of flavor from Basque region inspired the summer menu. Also, more fish for a lighter summer fare.

FSF: Do you have a favorite dish on this menu that all yours diners should try?  

GP: The Sea Urchin and the Langoustine Caviar are staples on my menu; however, the flavors will change seasonally. In the current menu, the Sea Urchin has lemongrass and the Langoustine has lemon verbena, both light and fresh tastes for the summer.

In Style,

Kat