It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas at The Falls Miami!

A couple of weeks ago, amidst the Art Basel madness, I took a little break, or as I like to call it, a 'Mommy's Time Out,' to indulge in some holiday shopping at The Falls in Miami. The kind folks at the outdoor shopping mecca, invited me along with a guest, to enjoy a beautiful afternoon at their mall. 

It's been years since I had been to The Falls and I had forgotten just how nice it was! The last time I was there, I was 17 and had gone for a movie and dinner with friends so this was a nice refresher visit to get reacquainted with all the great stores and restaurants the mall has to offer! 

Our first stop on our holiday shopping adventure was to HSI Professional, which had just opened that day. We were officially the salon's first customer! I brought along one of my dear friends, Sole, as my shopping date, who like me, really savors those mommy time outs. Plus, we always have a good time when we get together! 

The salon is small, but has so much girlish character, with pops of color -pink, gold, and white- and imported Italian furniture adorning the space. The stylists are eager to make your visit memorable and are very knowledgeable on the products and happy to show you how they work. What makes this blow dry bar extra special comes down to two things: First, they have a self-serve styling session! So after a long day of shopping if you wanted to get your hair touched up before dinner or a movie, you can pop in to the salon and help yourself to their styling tools ( curling wand, flat iron, blow dryer). There's even someone on hand to help you out! Secondly, if you purchase  one of their products, the money you spend turns into points/credits, and they are applied towards any styling service on your next visit. So let's say you bought the curling wand for $70, you would have 70 points on your account and if you came in a few weeks later and wanted to get a $40 blowout, 40 of those 70 points would be used and you don't have to pay an extra dime! 

Getting your hair blown out and styled is one of those simple pleasures in life! I like to treat myself often to them because they're an insta-feel good pick me up. Sole and I had such a great experience at HSI getting hair pampered, that we plan on coming back! 

Just look at the final results! 

After getting primped, it was time to refuel! We were treated to an incredibly tasty lunch at P.F Chang's at the mall. I haven't been to a P.F Chang's since I was a teenager so this was almost like coming for the first time and it exceeded my expectations! Our server was on-point and made excellent recommendations for our meal. We feasted on everything from tuna tartare, to crispy lettuce wraps and Mongolian beef. And no dish went to waste! We got some of it to-go! 

And these well-deserving mommas enjoyed a delicious glass of pinot noir with the meal! By the end of our lunch, we were pleasantly full. A pit stop at P.F Chang's is a must on your next shopping expedition at The Falls Miami. 

We popped into a few stores after lunch and picked up some gifts for the kiddos and husbands but I was most excited to score some goodies at the Gap, like these comfy turtlenecks that were on sale for $15! Yes, I know what you're thinking, 'turtlenecks in Miami?' Those are almost an urban myth. But these Gap special are soft, stretchy, and thin. They're perfect for a 60 something degree day. I went with grey since it's a classic neutral. 

Turtlenecks are easy when it comes to layering (think blazers and flannels) and extremely versatile when it comes to traveling for cold-weather holiday destinations. And because Gap was having a 'buy one, get 50% off' sale going on, I bought Maya the cutest outfit for our upcoming trip back home to New York! 

But no visit to The Falls during the holidays is complete without a visit to the big man on campus himself, Santa Claus! I actually came back for a second shopping day at the Falls just so that I could bring my baby girl to meet the man in the suit! She's at that age where she's beginning to understand what Christmas is, why we give presents on the 25th (Happy Birthday, Jesus), and who that jolly old man with the snowy beard represents! And I knew it would be something special and probably the first time she would really enjoy getting some one on one time with Santa! 

And I was right! She ran up to him with open arms and snuggled up to him. Santa was very engaging and even though she really didn't have anything on her Christmas wish list to give to Santa, she was just thrilled to play peek-a-boo and give high fives. Two days later, and she's still talking about her visit with the big man and showing everyone the picture. 

Santa mission accomplished! 

A BIG Thank you to The Falls (www.facebook.com/shopthefalls) for a wonderful afternoon and a special thanks to P.F Changs (www.facebook.com/pfchangs), HSI Professional, and Gap (www.facebook.com/gapatthefalls) for the extra personalized service! I look forward to coming back in the New Year! 

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 Maps: Knee Highs On A Semi Chill

The Miami Weather has been nothing short of delightful these last couple of weeks with temperatures in the 60s and a cool cozy breeze that stops by every evening for a climate nightcap. I gotta tell ya, this displaced New Yorker is quite happy! I'm dusting off sweaters, cardigans, and even these knee high socks, which haven't seen daylight in almost two years! This is another 90s trend that I'm glad hasn't completely died down (Clueless, anyone?) 

Natalie from Suna Photography (www.sunaphotography.com) and I took a trip to the now shuttered Coconut Grove Playhouse and its muted grey structure to photograph this look. Here's some fun trivia for you. Did you know playwright and one time Coconut Grove resident, Tennessee Williams, put on a production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the playhouse? 

Let's break down this look because it's one that's easy to put together and it probably lives in your closet and you don't even know it! Let's start with the dress. I absolutely love this H&M tulle and lace dress from their Conscious collection. I bought it a few years back when I was pregnant and it's still in my wardrobe rotation. Last time I wore this dress, I paired it with gold tights and T-strap heels. I love the versatility of the dress- it can go from day to night with a quick change of shoes. 

And when the temperature drops, it's fair game to throw a cardigan over a dress. Think oversized! You can never go wrong with oversized. I love this mustard colored one from Forever 21, especially the color. 

And now accessories- starting off with the knee highs! An alternative to tights and a small nod to that Clueless era that we all loved so much (admit it, you can rehearse Cher one-liners in your sleep). I love pairing my knee highs with boots, like these Free People studded  ones. Paired with delicate and feminine elements like lace, tulle, and embroidery, it gives the look an edgier nudge. 

I added a pop of leopard with this Cole Haan crossbody and all my jewelry is courtesy of Rocksbox. My monthly shipment of accessories is like Christmas morning! You never know what goodies you're going to get! 

I finished off the look with a black felt hat! Go figure. They're becoming a signature 'Kat' go-to topper. 

So next time you're thinking how to 'winter up' a favorite dress in your wardrobe, think accessories and think a cardigan and jacket! It's such a quick way to update a look from season to season. 

And don't forget those knee highs! 

On Me: 

Dress- H&M

Cardigan- Forever 21

Hat- Forever 21

Knee Highs- Forever 21

Boots- Free People 

Jewelry- Rocksbox 

In Style, 

Kat 

Freshly Squeezed Holiday Gift Guide!

It's that time of the year again! A time for family, ugly Christmas sweaters, and questionable relatives from near and far. But really, one of the best things about the holidays is the shopping (second to getting to spend time with the family, of course) and getting to buy for the people you love. From the fashionable trendsetter to the family sommelier, I round up some of the best (and pocket-friendly) holiday gifts for everyone to enjoy! Get inspired, squeezers!

How beautiful is this Nate Berkus for Target Metal Winged Bowl? It's such a great statement piece for any coffee table or bookshelf. This is the perfect home decor gift for that interior design buff in your inner circle. And you can't beat a price tag of $24.99. 

http://www.target.com/p/nate-berkus-metal-wing-bowl/-/A-15414172

Here kitty kitty! I am quite obsessed with this Betsey Johnson Kitchi kitty clutch. Add an element of fun with this quirky handbag, which is sure to be a great conversation starter. The bag comes in pink and black. Wear it as an envelope clutch or as a shoulder bag. The gold nose clasp is a sweet little touch! 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/betsey-johnson-cat-clutch/3862328

Keep warm in some holiday classics courtesy of Old Navy. Plaid is so quintessentially 'holiday' and a scarf is a cool way to stay warm. Scarves make great gifts for anyone in the family so load up and give them out to those you love! Dashing men, there's something for you too! This holiday themed cardigan is cozy and chic and easy to pair with any outfit!

www.oldnavy.com

These one of a kind animal candles from West Elm make the chicest holiday gifts! Perfect for any room in the house, and when you're finished enjoying the candle, these festive creatures double as home accents. They range from $18-$25. 

www.westelm.com

I love unique jewelry with a positive message! These hand-stamped necklaces with familiar affirmations from jewelry designer, Cecila Gonzales, make a thoughtful and inspirational gift for friends and family to wear. Make a statement that inspires! 'Enjoy the ride' is my personal favorite! 

http://www.ceciliagonzales.com/collections/impressed-hand-stamped

Add some sparkle to any outfit with this $18 jeweled headband from Avon. Headbands are a great accessory to add some jazz and bling for the holidays. This leaf-motif stunner will dazzle any fashionista! 

https://www.avon.com/product/52556/mark-with-sparkles-on-top-headband

I look forward to October every year when MAC Cosmetics releases its new holiday collection just in time for seasonal shopping! And this year, they didn't disappoint. Holiday-themed lipsticks and glosses, natural and smokey eye palettes, and sleek , shimmery packaging are in abundance this season. With three different collections (Keepsakes, Heirloom, and Objects of Affection), there's something for every makeup aficionado.

Available at any MAC Cosmetics counter. 

www.maccosmetics.com

It's the gift that pays it forward. This '100 Good Deeds Bracelet' is part of a handcrafted collection symbolizing a commitment to perform good deeds and bring about positive change. At $30, the bracelets are made by women in Africa and helps them earn a dignified livelihood. Celebrity fans include Katie Holmes, Susan Sarandon, and Alicia Keys. 

www.100gooddeeds.org

For the fashion forward men in your life, I present a twist on the classic. The boys behind TV Head and Co. created these eclectic wooden bow ties that are sure to be a conversation starter. Dress them up or down, this unique gift will make a great addition under the Christmas tree! 

www.tvheadco.com

The gift of relaxation never goes out of style! And now with Zeel, you can book same day massages in your home with the click of an app! What's more convenient and affordable than a massage in the comfort of your own home when you want it? Santa, I'll take one of these please! And from now until Thursday of next week, you can find them on Gilt City. 

www.zeel.com

Well, we know he can sing, but did you know that Dave Matthews is also a winemaker? His line of wines, The Dreaming Tree, offers everything from a medium bodied cabernet to a fruity and dry Chardonnay. At $15 a bottle, these babies will score you "most liked" at any holiday party. 

http://www.dreamingtreewines.com/

And you need wine glasses to go with that wine! How about these fun lip-stained stemless ones from Marshalls. Marshalls is holiday heaven when it comes to finding gifts for everyone in the family. From home decor to novelty gifts, this is one stop shopping that has something for every stocking. 

www.marshalls.com

The Buddha Board makes for a genius gift for kids of all ages. Whether you have a toddler or a tween, this water-based paint set, provides an outlet for imagination and hours of endless entertainment. All you need is water! My two and half year old is a big fan!

http://buddhaboard.com/

How cuddly and cozy are these 'Guess How Much I Love You' stuffed rabbit baby accessories? This lovable bunny straight from the children's book, is such a plush and adorable holiday gift for any infant! Watch them coo with delight when they see this familiar face! 

Available on www.amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Guess-Much-Love-Jack-Box/dp/B001V2KBIC

A little humor this holiday season? Yes, please! A home run gift for the budding comedian/comedienne and/or avid reader in your family. Or maybe they're just a huge Parks and Rec fan like me. I predict many LOL moments when you read through Amy Poehler's latest tome. 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/yes-please-amy-poehler/1119614549?ean=9780062268341

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping! 

In Style, 

Kat 

Style Spotlight- Art Basel Edition: Talking Shop with Emerging Artist, Jenny Perez.

Chances are you've walked or driven by one of Jenny Perez's murals on any given day in Wynwood. The bold colors and vibrant strokes of her artwork are prominently rich in technique and spunky in color. Jenny leads the pack in a new generation of visual artists making a name for themselves through artistic expressions and social reform through art. Her pieces are reminiscent of an abstract Picasso with a dash of Kandinsky. It's hard to take your eyes off her work. 

In the short time I got acquainted with Jenny, it was her easygoing and sweet personality that first shone through. Then it was her story- an art school drop out with undeniable talent- that got me curious. She recently returned from showcasing some of her pieces in Dubai and she's already hard at work on her next street art project. 

I had a chance to chat with Jenny in between her Basel rendezvous and we got down to what drives her, the first thing she ever painted, and her favorite thing about Art Basel in Miami. 

Watch out, world. Jenny Perez is coming for you and she's not looking back! 

FSF: I’m impressed with your work and technique. How long have you been painting? 

JP: I have been painting for about 7 years now with no formal training. I dropped out of university to pursue art and apprenticed under several respected artists to learn as much as I could along the way. When I made that decision it was also accompanied by a promise. I gave myself a chance, devoted a solid 6 months to create a body of work. I promised myself that I'd give myself a year to see where my work would take me and that Id return to school if it hadn't gotten me anywhere at all. Turns out it did, and so here we are. Haven't gone back since.

FSF: Do you remember the first thing you ever painted? 

JP: I do! The 1st thing I ever painted was actually a nude inspired by a photograph I had taken during a brief photography lesson. It was still very pop. I used bold colors as contrast and I still managed to use black outlines but also that piece was one of the most realistic I’ve ever painted. I hadn’t yet developed a style for myself, and so, it was a true reflection of the process of “finding yourself” 

FSF: You and I talked briefly at an art event last month and you told me you were actually an Art School drop out. Did you feel that hurt you or challenged you in the long run? 

JP: Being a college drop out had its pros and cons. I am definitely thrilled at the fact that I have zero college debt as oppose to most people my age who work so hard to pay off their loans, etc. Artistically, it gave me tons of room for error, but with that also came growth. I feel that is what makes the work so raw and unfiltered. I didn’t learn formal technique but I suppose I have developed one of my own- a unique style that works for me and allows me to express. I am constantly learning, developing, progressing and challenging myself - that’s what’s most important.  

FSF: You would actually sneak back in to the school to paint. Is that true? 

JP: I had to sneak into the school because it was the only place I knew where I could paint. Before that it was in my small bedroom where I learned to paint on the floor (which I still do). Every semester, the combination would change, and each semester I would sit in front of the lock and guess the combination, sometimes it took me hours! I did this for about 2 years after dropping out of school. One evening, my former art professor caught me in the studio, she recognized me and knew that I was trespassing. Instead of calling security she complimented the work and congratulated me for continuing to paint. It was one of the most unsuspecting moments of which I'll be eternally grateful for.

FSF: Tell me about being an artist in Miami and what it feels like to have your art plastered on the streets of Wynwood? 

JP: Being an artist in Miami is wonderful. The movement here is really starting to gain lots of momentum. I enjoy Art Basel more than anything and look forward to having my peers come visit, exchange ideas and work together. It’s enough fuel to inspire me constantly. Wynwood is a wonderful place to be. There's so much talent here that it creates such a high standard for quality of work. My artist friends are people I look up to and learn from. Seeing them work fuels my work ethic, and vice versa. The culture in Miami is also unique- because everyone here is from all over the world. I enjoy the high concentration of different cultures too- makes it easy to tap into my own for inspiration.

FSF: Where do you get your inspiration to create? Favorite thing to draw? 

JP: I gain inspiration from the experiences in my life; they are mostly connected to emotional connections, dreams, Living and loving this city and my Cuban roots. I enjoy drawing different versions of myself. This character I have created is a repeating theme in all of my work and didn’t realize until just recently that those women I paint are all me, connecting with different aspects of my personality or mood. So essentially, my work is a compilation of self-portraits much like Freda Kahlo, with an urban pop twist! 

FSF: Who are you most excited to see during Art Basel and where will we find you? 

 JP: I am most excited to see all of the artists that I don’t normally have access to. Living and working in Wynwood allows a year round connection to artists whom I respect and often times have the pleasure to work with, but only during Basel do I get to see the most inspiring of the bunch. They are the plastic surgeons of the street, transforming the walls and giving us something to enjoy until the year that follows. Much like Christmas, when you start to see those lights popping up on homes, I relate Basel to this feeling, somehow connecting it to the moment I begin to receive text messages from Anthony Lister and Rone alerting me that they are in town! 

Unfortunately, I have taken a back seat this Basel because I've just returned from Dubai where I exhibited all of my paintings at my 1st solo show titled "rich girl". Since all the work is still there, I had to decline offers to display here for Basel. I will however be painting a new mural at Wood Tavern this week which I am so excited about! 

You can read about my experience in Dubai alongside other things on my blog www.thewynwooder.com 

FSF: What's up next for you? 

JP: Next up, more painting! I look forward to collaborating with some local artists and revamping my studio space in little Havana by painting murals on the outside of the building, etc. I want to dedicate more time to that space because it is my home away from home :) it is a very old building and needs some serious TLC! 

Learn more about Jenny at: http://jennyperez.com/ and follow her on Instagram @jenn_aaa
*** ALL PHOTO BY: ALESSANDRO ABATE. INSTAGRAM: @SANDROBATE ***

In Style, 

Kat