Miami Style Map: Florals for Fall- Groundbreaking!

Seems like florals is one of those trends that just won't quit. We saw florals for spring (groundbreaking!), floral for summer (groundbreaking!), florals for fall (gasp..groundbreaking!). And whether it is groundbreaking or not, let's face it, florals are a classic. They're packaged in different palettes and hues- tailored to their respective season and found in the trend forecast's silhouettes du jour. 

If it's one person that is happy to see a recurrence of in-your-face-florals, it's moi. I can't get enough. However, I have scaled down drastically on the floral apparel in my wardrobe. There's simply no need for three bohemian style floral tops, or four grungy floral tank tops. There just isn't. They key is to keep it to a maybe a maximum of 3-5 floral pieces that are versatile in range and style and that can be mixed and matched continuously so you don't have to keep clogging your closets with more trendy florals. Get me?

I scored this richly-hued floral frock at a Zara sale and it's everything! As I get older (and fashionably wiser), I like to invest in pieces that will take me from season to season. I can't afford (and find it senseless to be quite honest) to splurge on an item I'm only going to wear once. It's got to have life to it. This dress is so easy to take from season to season! Case in point- for this post, I gave it some (Miami) fall-like elements like socks with peep toe wedged sandals. Plus I love mixing patterns! The leopard shoes really pop when paired with such vivid colors like the yellow and bright green. 

I wore this dress over the weekend with pointy toe flats and I'm taking it on my upcoming NY travels and will be accessorizing it with a faux fur vest and either gold or black tights! 

Chris, from Ra-Haus Fotografie (www.ra-haus.com) did an awesome job at making this dress standout in the lush grounds of the Freehand Miami- one of my favorite spots to kick back with friends over some killer cocktails (www.freehandmiami.com). It's just a melting pot of cool when you mix the dress, the art deco architecture, the eclectic colors and designs of the furniture, and most importantly, the inviting greenery and refreshing poolside ambiance! Because nothing says fall in Miami like a pool! 

So next time you're out shopping and you make a beeline for the florals, ask yourself- is this groundbreaking enough to earn a spot in my closet?! Let Miranda Priestly be your guide. 

On Me: 

Dress- Zara

Heels- Chiffino

Necklace- H&M

Glasses - Forever 21 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Everything is Coming Up Roses in Wynwood

I have found another amazing wall in Wynwood to add to my collection of favorites! And it just happened to work magically with my OOTD! I love the black and white sketches with the pastel-hued details of these walls. It's understated without being too bold in color. The flowers are feminine but with a little edge and the image of the pensive girl is striking yet amusing! My photographer, Raquel (www.raquelzaldivarphotography.com), who will soon be leaving me to finish her studies in Chi-town, was also digging the artwork for our shoot. 

This blush skirt from the Lauren Conrad collection at Kohl's is my latest obsession. It's not maternity, but I couldn't wait to wear it so I hiked it up over my belly and wore it with a short blouse I had in my closet that I hadn't worn since becoming pregnant. This pleated maxi skirt is giving it a second chance! I've become a big fan of Lauren Conrad's Kohls line because it's whimsical, ladylike, and also very California-chic with it's effortless feel and casual tendencies. This skirt has all of that! 

The black and white tropical print blouse is from Forever 21 and shot against the mural, it gave off a slight 'Alice in Wonderland/Queen of Hearts' vibe for me. That's what I kept thinking about when I was reviewing the photos. The black, white, and blush pairing is soft but still edgy, which is exactly what I was going for! 

Because it's like 1000 degrees in Miami, I opted for these modern style sandals that are ultra-comfy. Unfortunately, I've had to give my booties a rest, especially during this last month because the heat makes my feet swell and grossly expand inside my boot. I'm not kidding. It really happened.  

As I near my final weeks of this pregnancy, I'm actually a little sad that I won't be able to experiment more with my maternity style. It's been so much fun photographing all these wonderful looks and I hope I've inspired you to take some risks when it comes to dressing your bump! 

Why not enhance your most stylish accessory these next nine months with some out-of-the box pregnancy fashion?!  

On Me: 

Blush maxi- Lauren Conrad for Kohls
Top- Forever 21
Sandals- Traffic Shoes 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map- A 60's Fashion Nod in Key Biscayne

Just call me Twiggy! This Peter-Pan collared 70's shift dress is one of my favorite recent looks from H&M. Let me just state that this is not a maternity dress but it sure is tailored just right if you happen to be expecting- like I am! It is effortlessly chic and readily wearable for just about any occasion with the right accessories and shoes! 

I have an affinity for certain blue and pink combos- like this blush pink mixed with dusty blue and seasoned with a bit of mint green. It's quintessential spring with vibrant pastels that work well against any skin tone. 

I seem to gravitate to these comfortable, almost mod-like dresses because they are so easy to wear and fun to style. I wore this dress on a recent family photo session with Coco and Maya (photographed by Natalie from www.sunaphotography.com), and I was going for something summery and laid back- a picture perfect beach side getaway look since we were shooting at Key Biscayne. 

I paired the dress with camel colored sandals (such a great neutral) and a braided updo with my clip-on bangs. Adding bangs to this retro inspired frock is definitely a nod to that swinging 60's modern girl who wants to be playful, free-spirited, and carefree! 

Can we talk about this amazing pearl ear cuff by Bace Jewelry that is so on point combined with the florals?! It was the only statement piece needed for a dress like this and it was center stage since my hair was pulled back. I can't tell you how many compliments I received on that ear cuff. 

But for all you squeezers that know me so well- what do you think my favorite part of this whole look is?! 

If you guessed....

POCKETS! Then you win a million dollars. JK. You win some squeezer love from me! 

On me: 

Dress- H&M
Ear Cuff- Bace Jewelry
Sandals- Dolce Vita 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: A Buccio Family Beach Escapade Just In Time For Mother's Day

I'm so excited to share my latest family session with you all! 

I teamed up with Natalie of Suna Photography, (www.sunaphotography.com), who's photographed some of the looks on my blog, to capture some snapshots of our family to commemorate Maya turning 3! It's just bananas how big she's getting and with her hair slicked back like a prima ballerina, she looks older and more sophisticated (with a witty sense of humor)! Where did my little girl go?!

I wanted to go back to the Key Biscayne Lighthouse because it is such a breathtaking landmark, and one that Coco had never visited. I thought it would fit our family perfectly and after seeing these photographs, I was right! 

I wanted Maya to be able to run around, explore, and have fun in her natural habitat (the kid is a water bug) and have Natalie capture those special moments. So many of these shots are candid shots, which unknowingly to us, Natalie was shooting. Some of my favorites are the ones of Maya loving on my belly and 'her baby Rocco' as she affectionately calls him. 

This historic brick house sits on the lighthouse property and during the week, you can pop in for a history tour of the grounds. Looking through these pictures, it's surreal to think that we will soon be a family of four. It makes me so excited, happy, nervous, and terrified. I'm running the gamut of emotions- wondering how life will be with two kids, how Coco and I will juggle it all, what kind of sister Maya will be, and the most important question of all, who will Rocco look like. Ha! Considering Maya is all me (as Coco says, 'you made this baby all by yourself'), I hope he looks slightly like Coco or we'll end up on one of those notorious Jerry Springer 'who's your daddy' shows! 

How precious is this photo of Coco and Maya by the lighthouse? She is such a daddy's girl and Coco eats it up! If there's another woman in his life, it's this kid. She ran away with his heart. Watching these two together- whether it's watering our micro-garden, singing songs, baking cookies- makes my heart melt. They have their own little thing, which is only between them, and I find it so heartwarming and special. It's the only time I don't care about being left out. I'm blessed to have him- not only as my husband and best friend- but he's the most incredible and loving father. He is Mr. Mom. 

. 

These have to be some of my favorite photos of the bunch. I had no idea Natalie had shot some of these, which makes them even more unique and powerful. I love when Maya kisses my belly, rubs it, and pretends she's feeling Rocco kick or move. She gives me these surprised faces and tells me, 'mommy, he's moving!' Then she'll say, 'Good Morning, Rocco!' even if its evening. 

She has such a personality this kid! She's got the performance gene in her- like her dad's side of the family. She's spunky, independent, and so engaging, which is evident from her 'Zealander' poses she was dishing out on the boardwalk. 

My favorite photo is the one of her hugging me. I can tell you exactly what I was feeling at that very moment- unconditional love. Time stood still at that second when she threw her little arms around my belly and laid her head on my chest. My heart exploded. Loving this little nugget is the greatest source of love and happiness I have ever experienced. I can't imagine what loving two will do to me! 

I'm looking forward to Mother's Day this weekend. I haven't been able to say that in years. Mother's Day often comes in the form of dread for me. It's the only day in the year that just knocks the wind and joy out of me, since my mother died. It's the one day I often wished I could fast forward. But since having Maya, it has taken on a new life form. Maya made my heart whole- made me celebrate the gift of being reborn as a new woman- as a mother. I feel even more so connected with my own mom through Maya and knowing that I get to spend the day with her and get all that silly love in return. It makes me wish for Mother's Day every day. 

I'll get more into detail  about Mother's Day on this week's Rocco Report so don't miss it! As far as the outfit, keep your eyes peeled. I'll be posting all those details (and new photos) in the coming weeks! 

To all those mommas, grandmamas, mommas to be, honorary mommas, godmothers (I can go on and on!), I hope you enjoy a truly special and memorable day with all the women and children in your life. Life begins with a mother- the greatest gift that God can give. 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: Crop Tops and Parking Lots

It's the trend that refuses to die- crop tops. They have a love/hate relationship with the fashion world, garnering either 'modern glam' praise or 'teenage nightmare' disdain. Is there a happy medium for crop tops? Is there an age limit? Are they just as appropriate for cocktail hours as they are for brunch? I think the answer lies in how you wear them and how 'cropped' are these itty bitty tops.

When you're young, beautiful, and have zero cares in the fashion world, you have the ability to experiment with style and take some age-appropriate fashion risks. Hence, the flurry of crop tops being sported by teenage girls everywhere. I'm sure we've all seen many of those barely there tees splashed with bands most of these kids have never heard or a selection of phrases like 'coffee first' or 'I woke up like this,' paired with tiny lace shorts or low-waisted jeans. That's cool when you're 17 or 18 years old, but when you're in your 30's, it's time to reinvent the look and make it work for you! You have to figure what is the best way to wear a crop top without desperately looking like a school girl.

 First, think of how you would pair your crop top. If you want midriff action, pair underneath a boyfriend blazer and some skinny jeans. If you're channeling a more ladylike look, wear it with a pretty midi-skirt. Opt for something with volume. Not only is it feminine, but it also adds a unique illusion of proportions to the eye. For the body-con brave, a matching set is more your speed. I love to see a form-fitting sets in an eye-catching print, a bright solid, and even a stark white. It's modern, sexy, and still very much luxe.

I fell in love with this grey neoprene crop top at Bloomingdales because I loved the cut and it was a more contemporary style than what I normally gravitate towards. I did pair it with a bohemian Free People lace skirt that I can wear slightly high-waisted. I'm not into showing too much midriff when I wear crop tops- just enough for a sneak peek (oh how times have changed). And if you follow my blog, you'll remember that I wore this top with a black and white midi skirt and Louboutin heels,  demonstrating how easy it is to take the crop top look from day to night.

And who knew parking garages can serve as killer backdrops! My photographer, Raquel (www.raquelzaldivarphotography.com) and I, didn't plan for this but it ended up working so well with this look. It's bohemian-meets-industrialized with a nice Miami Beach skyline. The muted color palettes was an added perk. I'm digging these parking lot location shoots!

Let's wrap up this post with some awesome accessories! One of my favorite pieces are these H&M cuffs, which I've actually resorted to wearing only one because the left cuff almost left me with permanent ear damage! But I like the one cuff look, so it unintentionally became a thing. I added a Vida Kush chain choker,  black fishnet stockings, and my favorite Steve Madden booties! 

Crop tops can be such a fun outfit choice for women of any age if styled with proper taste! Remember your age. Know your body and what kind of cut and fit would work best for you! Now that I'm pregnant and my belly is growing at lightning speed, those crop tops are starting to look more like bras- so off they go to the back of my closet where they'll be stored for the next 6-9 months!

On Me: 

Crop top- Bloomingdales 
Skirt- Free People
Boots- Steve Madden
Tights- T.J Maxx
Choker- Vida Kush
Ear Cuff- H&M 

In Style, 

Kat 

A 70's inspired morning on the Boardwalk with Marimekko

Hello Squeezers! I'm starting this post with a peppy greeting to you all! Hop you're feeling fresh, feeling happy, and if you're in those cold climate states, I hope you're feeling the first flutters of spring, even if it comes in 40-50 degree weather. If that doesn't have you looking forward to warmer temperatures, I'm sure this Marimekko dress will! 

For my latest brand collab, I teamed up with Finnish brand, Marimekko, popularly known for their bold and iconic prints and they never disappoint! Whether you fall into a classic category like black and white or maybe you like channeling that 60's mod girl with geometric patterns, Marimekko covers the spectrum of innovative designs and pops of color.  

So when Marimekko sent me this psychedelic shift dress, splashed with shades of black, white, sky blue, and pale pink, I felt like I jumped into a time machine back to the 70's.This dress is vintage magic! And how perfect does it look photographed on the Miami Beach boardwalk?! The color palette of the dress makes me think of seascapes and coastal town postcards (deep thoughts). 

My photographer, Raquel and I (www.raquelzaldivarphotography.com) took advantage of the beautiful, sunny day and headed to the boardwalk to give this dress the tropical razzle dazzle it deserved. I mean, the ocean is literally sparkling. It's not even photoshopped. If it's one thing New York doesn't have that Miami does is gorgeous beaches. Hands down. 

To keep with the 70's trend, I kept my hair sleek and as straight as I possibly could considering the Miami humidity. I added these nude Forever 21 sunnies and bright purple lips to contrast with the black and white of the dress. 

I took a different style approach when it came to the shoes. I love these metallic Steve Madden slip-ons because they're cool, sporty, and effortlessly chic and I love how they look paired with the Marimekko dress. I love meshing different styles and seeing how they work together. Add some socks and boom! I just added my own freshly squeezed touch. 

And I haven't even mentioned the best part of this dress- POCKETS! Yes, pockets. 

I know. I'm just as psyched.  

So as we change out our wardrobes to make room for some new, fun, summer looks, make sure to invest in one or two key pieces that you'll wear more than a handful of times- think a great pair of white jeans, a killer pair of nude wedges, and oh, this kick ass Marimekko dress that will take you through all the seasons. 

Side note:  it's less than $200! 

On Me: 

Dress- Marimekko dress
Slip ons- Steve Madden 
Sunnies- Forever 21 


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