2
Gettin’ Wild
I’ve got a permanent tan so I can cross that off the old booty to-do list, the other stuff I’m definitely in need of. This was the 5th day out of 6 days for my Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim adventure so you know I was pretty much exhausted. The pouring rain that decided to come join the fun didn’t help either. I had to be on the beach super early to host a brunch with Salon Allure for their Sample Sale and I was sort of feeling like going home after. I’m glad I decided to stick around. Visiting the Wildfox Swim Cabana with my girl Natalie perked me right up.
I’m pretty sure I scared a few people with my photos on instagram, making them think they’d missed the show somehow. The actual runway show would take place the next day. It was really nice getting to see the collection up close and personal and getting to try on all the sunglasses. I thought last year’s collection was cute and fun but this year’s is sort of a must have. It’s really wearable, sexy and still really fun. That floral high waisted number…sigh.
So with Salon Allure, BCBG (meh), Gottex (skipped this one in favor of Wildfox and a real meal at The Raleigh), and Wildfox behind me on my agenda next was Red Carter, L*Space, Luli Fama, White Sands, and Suboo. Whew. Um…

“My girl. Ria gives the best side-eye” – @adelduca
I’m wearing my “I’m sick of the heat and I’m ready to go home” outfit. Haha. Basically a Urban Outfitters bralette, a Unif top, a hat so I don’t have to worry about my hair, and a Forever 21 skirt you can’t see. Oh and Hellz Bellz x Vans flats. Yeah that’s right…flats. I mean they’re leather and suede with buckles and chains so they’re totally acceptable.

Shardea Washington!!! She’s got a lot of hair, so this is impressive. Love working with her & seeing her working.
Red Carter was a really fun show. Loved the prints, the metallics, the disco ball purses, the styling, the basketweave pony tails, all of it. So well done.
L*Space was typical, nothing to write home about. Definitely pieces I’d want. That whole bronze body makeup thing was a big no though. Luli Fama was nice but it was long. Like really long. Like look at your watch long…ok you get it. White Sands as always was pretty and very girly. Loved their high waisted number but the styling was bad. Suboo was PERFECT. It was my first introduction to the brand and I loved so much. I left my camera in Natalie’s hotel room unfortunately but it was almost better that way. I want you guys to see the video from the show and drool with me. They have a Refinery 29 Shops deal going on right now too that’s just calling my name.
29
Gypsy Life

Filthy Magic Floral Crown
Miu Miu Catwalk Sunglasses c/o
Gypsy Junkies Mimi Daisy Tunic
BCBGMAXAZRIA Nadalya Heel
My friends over at Miami Style Mafia snapped this photo of me at the Tory Burch collection preview at the Delano Hotel. The only other outfit photo I had from this event is via instagram. I think this was my 4th MBFW Swim Week outfit. Can’t be sure, it’s all a blur now haha. I was really excited to wear this floral headpiece out and about. It was definitely a hit at the tents and events. The dress I feel I’ve worn to death but I’ve never gotten a chance to properly shoot it on the blog which is a shame because I adore it. It’s my first Gypsy Junkies piece and it definitely won’t be my last. I picked it up from Lulu’s with a gift code I won from my friend Kirstin’s blog.


All smiles despite the heat. — My FAVORITE suit from the Tory Burch preview

The amazing view from the Mercedes Benz Star Lounge



Kooey Australia presentation faves



More from Tory Burch. — A backstage shot from Mara Hoffman. Leather Wraped perfection.
The theme of the Mara Hoffman show was described as “desert outlaw gypsies”, can I totally claim that when people ask me to describe my style. I wish. The show was my swim/resort dream. Adorned in Pamela Love the models owned the runway.




Runway photos via Getty Images
I have a lot more favorite looks from this show but if I keep going we’ll be here all day. Check out the gallery and the video of the show for yourself, it’s not too be missed.
27
Back At It With Kanon Vodka
Maya Swimwear Jamaica Bikini
Chloe Mimosa Sunglasses
Urban Decay Lip Color in Fbomb
I celebrated WMC by being extremely busy with projects and deadlines. Kanon Organic Vodka invited me to an amazing oasis every day where I could take a load off and kick it with friends. Definitely lost track of how many Kanon cocktails I drank over the past few days, but who cares when you’re bayside at The Standard with DJS spinning the good stuff. It was so great seeing the crew again, I’m missing everyone already.
Check out my coverage from my first two days with Kanon x The Standard on their blog.
8
Aventura Insider Presentation
About 2 weeks ago, Aventura mall recently invited a few miami bloggers to have an inside look at a few select stores, their Turnberry for the Arts pieces, and their newest restaurant The Grill on the Alley. We were known as Aventura Insiders. We even had our own hashtag on twitter which we all took advantage of.
We started off at Sephora with Illde Goncalves, Sephora Pro artist/celebrity makeup artist (google him, his work is sick) setting the model’s look for the day and discussing summer makeup trends with us. The whole Sephora team was really great, they were my favorite stop. Very knowledgeable, helpful, friendly just all around awesome. I’d definitely recommend this Sephora for Express makeup services, one on one private sessions to revamp your makeup collection and the way you approach beauty, or their special occasion makeovers. I really feel like you’d be in good hands with this team.

Check out my other Instagram‘s from my tour
I didn’t plan on using instas for the blog but hey it happens. Above you can see some goodies Sephora gifted us. I’ve been using the Full action Extreme effect mascara for 2 weeks straight now. Though loyal to DiorShow, I usually have mascara ADD. I like to mix it up and try a bunch. This is the first time that I’ve been using something exclusively when I have all of my regular mascara’s at my disposal. Definitely recommended. The Jumbo liners are only $10 a pop and I will be hitting up Sephora for the purple, green and basically any other color they come in. These are wonderful, did I mention they are waterproof up to 12 hours. Oh yeah. Though I use some Sephora makeup brushes & their OPI collaborations, I’ve never considered using products from their makeup collection . Another great item I like is the Sephora Lush Flush lip and cheek stain. I usually avoid stain’s like the plague but these give my lips a kind of “just bitten” glow. I haven’t used it on my cheeks yet.
With our model beautifed we headed to my home away from home at Aventura, Zingara. Zingara is a Mexican brand that uses high quality Italian fabrics in vibrant colors and prints. Their store is essentially a one stop swim destination. You can grab accessories, hats, bags, wraps, cover ups even shoes with your swimsuit. You don’t need to go anywhere else. They have a very bohemian vibe to their pieces. On my Tumblr you can see some photos from another Zingara event I attended.

Koko & Palenki owner Pamela Garcia in J Brand Martini denim
The final store stop was Koko & Palenki. I think Koko & Palenki really bring something special to the mall, in that it’s a boutique right in the mall. Introducing mass market consumers to boutique shopping in a way that’s comfortable for them. I love going into K&P. They carry Furla candy bags (though they were sold out on this visit), Halston, J Brand, Alexis, Equipment, Elizabeth & James…basically everything you want. All thanks to the style savvy of Pamela and stylist Shari Bloch.
This was my favorite look at Koko & Palenki. It features a snakeskin print Equipment top, with Goldsign denim flares and a Hammitt bag with 24kt studs. Apparently this bag has been featured on True Blood. I’m keeping an eye out for it. Not to be outdone by the bag’s hardware the jewelry featured is an assortment from Jewels by Dunn, Gerard Yosca, & French Kande.
Lunch time was AWESOME. I had a burger that was like bigger than my head, I had to take it home. We were given an assortment of appetizers to try and desserts but we got each picked our own entrees. The menu is extensive and I can’t wait to go back and try some of the other things the girl’s ordered that had me green with envy. Haha.
Some other things I really dig about Aventura Mall: A chance to grab mochi ice cream from Bearded Papa’s a place I frequented in Orlando. I love popping into Inglot, the only one in Florida might I add. Amazingly pigmented eyeshadow, so worth it. They’re also opening a boba (bubble tea) place. Yeah, I’m dying. The wing of the mall where it’s opening is already a fave so couldn’t be happier about THAT placement haha.
I had a friend comment on instagram that all my pictures were making her miss South Florida (she lives in Orlando now) and that it’s her absolute favorite mall. I may have to agree. All it needs is an H&M hint hint. Thanks so much to everyone involved and for inviting me out. I had a great time, hanging with my girls and squeeing over makeup, clothing and delicious food.
4
Shay Todd Swim 2012 at Villa Vecchia
Last but not least right. I promised one more post on Miami Swim Week, this show was one of my favorites so I have the most content for it. It was a bit daunting and there is a Flickr upload for extra unedited runway shots if you are interested. This was an offsite event held at a private estate on Miami Beach. You may remember that I spent most of the day lounging poolside at this estate at the Beauty Bungalow for iRenew with Maria Menounos.

Custom dress by Peeps.org
Jeffrey Campbell “Potion” wedges
Thanks to Lukas for the photos of me
I really enjoyed Shay’s collection, from the perforated ruffle/draping on the bikini tops, to the cowl-neck one pieces and the burnt oranges/muted reds I became more enamored with each model’s strut down the runway. I also loved the hair on the girls, so cute. I saw a lot of braiding going on at basically every show I attended this season but nobody did pigtail ringlets like these so it was a nice to see something unique with the girl’s hair. Here are my favorite looks.
The first and last bikini’s are my absolute favorites and will definitely be on a wishlist in the future. I’m also having a white moment so the fact that there was so much white in this collection fulfills another 70s dream for me à la Robert Rodriguez back in May. The kaftans speak of innocence and a little bit of mystery. It’s just perfection for me.

Backstage with these two gorgeous models. On right is Shardea Washington

Adrienne Bailon backstage and my 3LW fan days flashing before my eyes
Chatting and posing for photo ops backstage. Maria Menounos, Shay Todd, Shardea, & Adrienne

The mastermind herself – Shay Todd
Play in HD otherwise it’s just icky looking
If you made it this far in this post congratulations and thank you I know it’s long.


















































