Miami Style Map: Smelling the Roses at South Pointe Park

At first glance, the backdrop looks like manicured stadium seating at the Colosseum. But alas, we are not in Rome. However, we are in the picturesque grounds of South Pointe Park- tucked away behind Smith and Wollensky on Miami Beach. And I am a bit embarrassed to admit, this was actually my first time here. Thanks to my photographer, Lizzie's, urging (www.ra-haus.com), we shot two looks (and two completely different settings) at the park. It was hard for me to focus because the views are just breathtaking- a postcard come to life. Every few seconds I would childishly shout out, "OMG, look at the water! or "Look over there! It's beautiful!" If it's one thing I can't argue about Miami Beach, is that it boasts some of the most spectacular and scenic views I've ever seen. 

I scored this vintage rose-themed top from French 75 Vintage at the Lincoln Road Street Market. Actually, it was my better half, Coco, who picked it out. Not bad, husband! How many of you have let your significant other pick out or even buy clothes for you? I have, on that rare occasion. Thankfully, Coco has good taste and the few things he has purchased for me, I've loved and still wear (But there was that orange and turquoise necklace he bought me when we first started dating that was a bit questionable. Hmmm...) The roses on the blouse compliment the green of the landscape, as do the lines on both the top and the concrete benches. I paired the blouse with my high-waisted black pants. Figured I wear these before I have to retire them for the next 6 months. 

For this look, the accessories and the hair were just as important in adding character and feel to the outfit. For the fab braids, I used the services of Glam Squad www.glamsquad.com), which is basically Uber for hair and makeup. As a fashionista who's all about convenience, Glam Squad will come to you, wherever you are (office, home, hotel, etc) and whip you up into glam shape. All you have to do is download the app on your phone and the rest is cake! And you can even book same day like I did. I had a stylist at my house in the morning and in less than an hour, my hair was done and I was off to my shoot. 

A pop of red lips and my Gap sunnies, and voila! I was ready to hit the sunny streets. 

All this easy 1-2-3 shopping extends to my jewelry as well. These earrings are courtesy of Rocksbox. Every few weeks or so, I get a box with three different accessories (earrings, bracelets, necklaces) that have been tailored to my style and selected by one of their trusted stylists. And because you never know what you're going to get, every shipment is a surprise. Basically it's fun to get the mail again. 

And my trusted Sam Edelman loafers via zappos.com (www.zappos.com), never fail me. Black and white are a classic pairing and never go out of style. These will add a touch of masculinity to any look. 

On Me: 

- Blouse- French 75 Vintage

- Pants- H&M

- Shoes- Sam Edelman via zappos.com 

- Sunnies- Gap

- Earrings- Rocksbox 

- Clutch- H&M 

In Style, 

Kat 

It's a Gap Holiday in Drop Waist and Florals!

It's a holly jolly Christmas and I'm feeling happy, festive, and bright! It may sound cliche, but the holiday season is one that makes me feel all warm, cozy, and childlike- from getting Christmas cards in the mail from friends all over, to Michael Buble's Christmas album that sits on repeat in our apartment. Those are just two of the many wonderful things that make the holiday season so special! Being reunited with family, holiday movies with my little one (A Mickey Christmas, anyone?), gift exchanges, and Christmas shopping top my list of treats that put a smile on my face. 

And dressing up for the holidays is always a festive perk!  I love what Gap has been doing since Danish designer, Rebekka Bay, took the helm as creative director. There's a funky design infusion in its current collections (but still keeping to its classic reputation) that outshines the traditional Gap uniform we've been used to seeing and I've fallen in love with Gap all over again because of it. So when the opportunity came to team up with Gap at Lincoln Road for a holiday feature on how I wear my Gap, I literally (see above) did a little jig! 

This season was all about celebrating holiday looks with Gap's new Shine Collection. From 'Fair Isle' pieces to party dresses, there's something for everyone's fashion palette. 

I'm not one to shy away from florals and this drop waist black and blue floral number had my name written all over it! http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=15207&vid=1&pid=140155002) It was the perfect dress to personalize for the holidays and beyond. The blue is so striking when paired with black and I love the fit of the dress on my body, especially the poofy skirt! It's my three favorite 'F's'- fun, flirty, and feminine. 

There are so many ways to wear this dress but I opted to give it an edgier spin since it fits my boho glam personality and that's the vibe I was feeling. I took my new Steve Madden Fickkle boots for a test drive with the dress and I am obsessed with the style of the booty (http://www.stevemadden.com/product/FICKKLE/179609.uts). I should also mention that Steve Madden has never let me down when it comes to their booty selection. These almond-toe shape pair are not only comfortable, they're pleasing, complementary, and sleek, so they easily sharpen up any outfit. And you get a little extra bounce in your step (and look) with its right-sized heel. 

I'm not one to venture into the silver department when it comes to jewelry, but it was love at first sight when I saw this Aldo statement necklace in Liz's drawer! And that's Liz, as in friend/photographer extraordinaire of Ra-Haus www.ra-haus.com)! Not only does she kill it behind the lens, she has a pretty sick personal style as well. I switched out my accessories once I had my heart set on the silver piece and I am so glad I went with it, because there's something about silver combined with blue and black that's just magical. The juxtaposition of the heavy, tribal elements of the necklace work well with the insta-pop of the florals. 

By the way, can you spy my customized beaded bracelet by Jade's Jems? (www.jadesjems.com) It's my nonchalant nod to the cities I call home (NYC, I'll see you real soon!). It's a daily reminder of where my heart belongs. 

And did you notice anything different about my look? If you guessed bangs, you guessed right! I brought my bangs out to play with this Gap dress. It just called for it and so did the hat! It ties the look together in a perfect package! Now, this look wouldn't be freshly squeezed without a bit of print mixing and I did that subtlety with the help of this leopard crossbody from Cole Haan. I mean, this dress is just a fashionista's paradise for accessorizing! 

I want to put you up to the challenge! How do YOU wear your Gap? Maybe it's something that's already in your closet or maybe this dress is calling your name. Whatever it is, don't be afraid to express yourself and SHINE this holiday season with a one of a kind piece. 

Happy Holidays, squeezers!

On Me: 

Dress- Gap

Necklace- Aldo Necklace

Booties- Steve Madden

Hat- Nasty Gal

Bag- Cole Haan 

In Style, 

Kat 

Miami Style Map: A Dolce and Gabbana Ad Comes to Life in Miami

Well Dolce and Gabbana just got their first Cuban model- me! Wouldn't you say so after seeing these divine photographs by Lizzie from Ra-haus http://ra-haus.com/?! I tell you, mouth agape is an understatement when I first laid eyes on the final images. My first reaction was, "Lizzie, omg, this looks like a freakin' Dolce and Gabbana print ad. And I'm totally going to frame these on my nightstand." Ok, Paris Hilton (#healthynarcissism) 

And all my supermodel dreams have come true. BRAVISIMO! 

The setting is a historic Miami landmark, modeled after a very famous European palace (that's all I can give you, but if you're a local, you pretty much know where I am). No wonder it feels like a time capsule of sorts. I, Katherine Buccio of the Cuban Renaissance, am feeling very 'Maja de Miami" in my vintage garb. 

It takes a fabulous outfit to outshine this picturesque location and I think I found a winner in this black and white structured number from Aristocracy Bohemia in Baton Rouge. While on assignment in the Bayou for Miss USA, I came across this gallery/vintage/menswear shop in downtown Baton Rouge with the sweetest owners and the coolest finds. 

This lady-like number, with its tasteful feminine silhouette, has a 1950's throwback that still transcends today's trends. Not to mention, I feel like a character out of Mad Men without really trying too hard. I dusted off my grandmother's velvet envelope bag (it was a winter favorite in the city, now it just cries underneath my bed) to compliment this vintage look. 

These T-strap gold sequined pumps, a West Village find years ago, are a secret weapon in my closet.  I love the white piping accent and the red heel is nice touch. Who would have thought all these retro pieces would find love again? 

And last but not least, the hair. Oh, the hair. One look at this dress and the first thought that popped to mind was, "Milkmaid braids!" And so milkmaid braids I shall have. My other extremely talented hair dresser, Ana, whipped this badass braid in a matter of minutes. Seriously, how did she do that?! It's my Lebowski. It ties the whole look together. These Miami Twice earrings (a $5 find) are the perfect vintage accessory to finish off the look. 

On Me:

Dress- Aristocracy Bohemia (Baton Rouge) 

Shoes- Oh Deer! 

Purse- Vintage

Earrings- Miami Twice

In Style, 

Kat