A Breath of Fresh Air

Photos courtesy of Elle Spa

About 2 weeks ago I was tucked away at the Eden Roc Renaissance’s Elle Spa for a little bloggers relaxation day. I’m already thinking of my next visit. It has such a warm, inviting, and homey vibe. I immediately parked myself in front of the windows overlooking the wate and everyone else followed suit. Aside from being right in front of the fireplace, it’s clearly the choice spot.

Second photo via Electric Blogarella

I love the Plant the Future decor at the spa. Sidenote, they make Munny’s and robot figures like this, how cool right. I love the Elle magazines everywhere, a given of course. From the fitness center, to the gift shop they’re conveniently placed for your pleasure and complimentary of course. A big mantra from the massage and facial experts was for me to drink lots of water and I don’t think I’ve ever been more hydrated in my entire life. There was always someone to make sure I was getting plenty of the good stuff.

Photos courtesy of Elle Spa

I received the Elle Spa Signature Facial which is their “most luxurious facial experience” it was designed exclusively for Elle by famed beauty expert Tammy Fender (who also sat with us later on in the day for a incredibly informative chat). I got to pick the essential oils used during the session, the foot reflexology was so good I fell asleep, and the facial itself was choice. I see why it’s the best of the best. I also did the Flash Glow which I expected to just be a exfoliating body scrub but my massage expert noticed some tension in my shoulders and neck (thanks blogging) and really got in there and worked that out too. Going the extra mile to work on a problem area always seals the deal for me.

Plunge pool photo via @m0m0ney’s instagram

Amanda and I wrapped up the day braving the plunge pool which is apparently really good for you but a little more than I can handle. I’m a baby. It does refresh the heck out of you though. Then we headed back up to the Spa Terrace where we’d all had lunch in the private cabanas (they have tv’s!!) to chat, lay out and have exotic mimosa’s. Our bartender was the BEST!

This visit was complimentary courtesy of Elle Spa, all opinions are still my own.

Swarovski’s Summer Soiree

Forever 21 Striped Puff Sleeve Top Ted Baker Anniey Printed Bow Detail Skirt

I recently hosted an event and livestream show with “Gossip Girl” costume designer Eric Daman and Swarovski. It was such an amazing experience and I couldn’t be happier that I braved my fear of public speaking and did it. Eric is a truly fabulous person to know and work with.

The Lincoln Road store was packed! We showcased the latest summer trends with Swarovski pieces, announced the winner of the online “Dress as Your Favorite Gossip Girl” contest, gave away prizes to our in store contestants, answered style questions submitted by fans, and premiered the first episode of Eric’s new webseries “The Daman Chronicles” on Cambio. It was a jam packed night of fun and fashion.

I got to meet and have dinner with the incomparable Bevy Smith. Fellow Miami fashion blogger, Kelly Saks dressed as Blair and totally nailed it so of course Eric chose her as the winner! Check her out above sporting her new Swarovski Rocket necklace and seasons 1-4 of Gossip Girl. Make sure you tune into The Daman Chronicles for more chances to win Swarovski & Gossip Girl goodies!

Swarovski Rapture Necklace  Swarovski Nera Large Tanzanite Pendant

For those of you who couldn’t make it to the event, check out the livestream!

All photos by John Parra/Getty Images for Swarovski

Blo’s & Quickie Manicures

During Art Basel I scheduled a blow out at Blo Midtown a new outpost of the ever popular blow dry bars. Such a treat, I was pretty excited to get my hair done so I’d be ready for my events of the evening. I came in UBER stressed after a mad morning of running around, sitting in traffic, and driving around for 20 minutes to find parking. Art Basel madness at it’s finest.

One of the lovely pink wig girls took my picture for me as I browsed the hair menu and sipped champagne. So silly of me not to get her name, but I’m sure we’ll meet again since she knows a photographer I know.

I have a keratin treatment (KeraPure) in my hair so I can’t use any products with sulfates if I’d like to maintain it. Just as I was going to tell my bloer that she’d have to use a sulfate free shampoo + conditioner she informed me that they don’t use any products that contain sulfates. How ecstatic was I! No worries for me, I could lean back and relax. For those of you unaware sulfates can be rather harsh for sensitive skin and may strip away color. They can dry your hair if you have naturally curly or dry hair which I do.

The snack bar by Sweet Point Bakery and Cafe was boss! I definitely indulged in all sorts of tiny pastries.

In my rush to get from the salon in midtown back to the beach to my next event I stupidly forgot to take a picture with my actual camera. The bloer did a great job washing my sew-in extensions and my hair was so light and fluffy after. A real deep down clean. Love the bounce and silkiness my curls had too. Above you can see me moments after.

The picture above is of me returning home that night. How is it possible that my curls look even better than moments after getting them done. She said the curls would fall but I didn’t think they’d look this good after a full night out. Needless to say I think I’m kinda hooked on the blow dry bar concept. They’re still doing a grand opening special Saturday (December 10th) from 11am – 7 pm. $21 blo outs. For more info check out my events page. P.S. – How much do I love that you can book online.

One of my stops for the night was at Dzine’s Imperial Nails a pop up shop at The Standard Miami. So much fun getting some fancy nail art on my pinky. It looked majorly cool and paired with my hair I was feeling pretty glamorous by the end of the night. I mean peep my curls!

What I Wore: Evil Twin Tides are Turning Maxi Cape Rebel Against the Recession tank Black Milk lace flares

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.

Shoe Crazy with United Nude

I got a chance to visit the United Nude shop I wrote about last week and I ran into a blogger from Switzerland. So cool! Her name is Romina and she took the picture of me above and a few others. I hope you’ll check out her blog, she’s so cute and has great style. Onto the shoes!

Trying on the Abstract from the newest collection

I tried on lots of different shoes that I fell in love with including some from the new collection and a few from their previous collection. Seeing United Nude online is great but seeing the collections in person is quite impressive. Being able to wear these amazing designs is a marvel.

The abstract was surprisingly wearable though at first I was a little wobbly as I didn’t know what to expect when I stood up.

Everyone has been talking about the Haiku on twitter. It’s really stable but still uniquely designed. I’d definitely recommend it as a United Nude must. My personal favorite and the one I definitely wanted to take home was one of the block heel styles. Specifically the open toe pump with the strap. They only had one left in my size but I refrained from purchasing because I’m a responsible adult/good girlfriend haha. Did I mention they’re on sale. Yes! All of last season’s styles are now 60% off. I think I’m going to have to go back and I think if you have a United Nude nearby, you should make it your business to drop by.

Visit United Nude Miami
Miami Design District
161 NE 40th St
Miami, Fl 33137