“God I always just think of myself as a jeans and Tshirt kind of person.”- Joan Jett

I love good old classic American rock n’ roll and in fashion a pair of comfy blue jeans go hand in hand. Once you find the right pair, it’s like magic. Being that I’m on the curvy side thanks to my Cuban hips, thighs and booty, shopping for the right fitting pair can be daunting. Yet, thanks to 7 for All Mankind’s new 7 Vintage Collection, I found what I’ve been looking for in denim. These babies slim, lift and makes me feel sexy whether with a pair of kicks or stilettos. Plus, I love that washes and the distressing they come with. In this post,  I’m rocking the Roxanne Original Skinny in Rich Dark Destroyed. 

FASHION PARTY: Tonight, this Thursday, April 4 come by the 7 for All Mankind boutique, 1008 Lincoln Rd in Miami Beach’s famed Lincoln Road from 6 to 9 PM. I’ll be there along with Ocean Drive Magazine and a few of Miami’s fashionable for their denim distressing party! Yup, there’s a DIY distressing bar, loads of drinks complimentary of Miami Cocktail company, a DJ and you can try on the new collection! (check out the flyer below)

RSVP to 7forallmankind@oceandrive.com 

“I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have the expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity-all I hope for in my clothes.”- Yves Saint Laurent

“Next to my baby. Bury me in my leather jacket, jeans, motorcycle boots”- Sid Vicious

“Blue jeans are the most beautiful things since the gondola.”- Diana Vreeland

“Jeans represent democracy in fashion”- Giorgio Armani

OUTFIT: ℅ 7 for ALL Mankind jeans, Gun’s n Roses tee and fur vest (Forever 21), Chinese Laundry red boots. 

Big thank you to Sweat Records!

*sponsored post

“You are young and life is long and there is time to kill today. And then one day you find ten years have got behind you.” -Pink Floyd

Nothing says authentic Miami like the Dade County Youth Fair.  At one time or another every native frequents the fair which has been a fixture in the city for 22 years. I can’t believe it’s been around so long. I vividly remember coming here as a kid and taking it all in: the rides, the food, the performances and of course shopping. One of my first buys here were those infamous gummy bracelets Madonna made cool. My recent visit  took me down deep into memory lane. So many faces, names, feelings and ideas that had been buried long ago in the past, resurfaced that day. I walked out feeling so inspired to write about  “Time”  and of course, Pink Floyd’s Time is just the perfect song to parlay my feelings about the topic. It’s really about living in the moment and truly savoring the people and places around you because one day they will be gone and so will you.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” - J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

“Being with you and not being with you is the only way I have to measure time.” - Jorge Luis Borges

“I always felt like I was meant to have been born in another era, another time.” ― Johnny Depp

OUTFIT: ℅ Junk Food Pink Floyd tee, Forever 21 leggings, H&M hat, Target combat boots.

“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” ― Carl Sandburg

“She comes in colors everywhere. She’s like a rainbow. Coming colors in the air. Oh, everywhere. She comes in colors.”- Rolling Stones 

Happy first day of Spring! I’m so happy winter is over. It’s time for longer hours of sunshine, days of frolicking on the beach and soaking up the most beautiful season of the year. To match the magic of Spring, I selected the Rolling Stone’s song “She’s Like a Rainbow” . This song is just amazing and the lyrics are beautiful just like a rainbow. Being the universal symbol of hope, these magical occurrences remind us that though  we may often encounter storms in our personal lives, the rain eventually will stop and the sunshine will come back. So no matter what curveballs come your way, remember to keep your head up looking for the rainbow because it will appear.   

“To hope and dream is not to ignore the practical. It is to dress it in colors and rainbows.”-Dr Anne Wilson Schaef

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”-Dolly Pardon

Outfit: c/oSan Lorenzo bikini coverup, hat and CRE bracelets (ShopMiamiStyle.com), sunnies ℅ Warby Parker, beach tote and sunscreen bag ℅ Hayden Reis.

Photos by Mayleen Gonzalez of Photo Boutique Inc for Stylecaster

Over 75 fashion influencers, bloggers, models, and media gathered at the swanky South Beach hot spot, the Rec Room at The Gale Miami, for the Express Wrap-Up Party. Guests turned up rocking the many looks from the Express Spring Collection. I teamed up with Express and Stylecaster.com to cover the event.

See the rest of the pictures and story on www.Stylecaster.com

Photos by Mayleen Gonzalez of Photo Boutique for Stylecaster.com 

Express headed out to the sunny shores of Miami’s South Beach last Friday for its second Spring Break Pop Up and I teamed up with the brand and Stylecaster as a blogger correspodent. The fun and stylish brand took over the widely popular venue Nikki Beach Miami where bikini-clad beachgoers lounge in between swimming and sun-worshipping. The pop-up had everything you needed for the perfect spring break beach party, from a sunscreen station that sprayed attendees to a VIP lounge and a cool Postogram photo booth, giveaways and games were also part of the event, as well as appearances by drop-dead gorgeous Express models who came by in between posing for the brand’s next big campaign. 

What I’m wearing: Express studded hi low top and neon maxi skirt. 

See the rest of the images & story on StyleCaster.com today!

What does music truly mean to you?  Could you picture your life without it? Today’s post celebrates the sound of music, local musicians and the commencement of all the amazing music festivals taking place globally and actually, locally in Miami. From Ultra Fest and Winter Music Conference to SXSW to Coachella and Bonaroo and the list goes on. Music for me represents everything from healing to consoling to love to happiness and of course, loss. If I had to choose just one song to match the story of my life, I probably couldn’t. I’d have to select several for all the chapters in my life.

With that said, here’s a mini playlist of some of my favorite  top 5 Miami bands and their songs. I hope you love them as much as I do. 

1. KRISP Purple (They just released their latest EP Mamani Vice )

2. EAGLE CHIEF Comienzos (They are currently at SXSW performing)

3. MODERNAGE  It’s Never Easy (They are performing March 30th at the Garret and premiering their next single)

4. NIL LARA “Fighting for My Love”  (The song was part of Scrubs soundtrack)

5. JACUZZI BOYS  ”Glazin” ( They are performing at SXSW)

“People haven’t always been there for me but music always has.” -Taylor Swift

“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” -Albert Einstein

“Music is the strongest form of magic.“-Marilyn Manson.

Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” -Confucius.

One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”- Bob Marley

“If you don’t know the blues… there’s no point in picking up the guitar and playing rock and roll or any other form of popular music.”-Keith Richards 

OUTFIT: AVA dress, CRE bracelets, N&K Designs necklaces, Charmdeliers Mochilla bag (available at Shop Miami Style) Turban by Gold Saturn (Available at Nikki BeachHouse Boutique in South Miami)

Welcome to this week’s Style Bite featuring all of Miami’s fashion event news (March 11-March -17

MAJOR DESIGNER COMES TO MIAMI: My mouth completely dropped open when I read that Brazilian designer Carlos Miele is going to be showing at Miami International Fashion Week. Meile is pretty major so it’s surprising to see him in South Florida at a smaller scaled show. I mean, he showcases at New York Fashion Week and Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyoncé are fans. Any how, he’s being honored with the International Designer of the Year award on March 20th and he’ll be exclusively debuting his 2013 Fall/Winter Collection at the event. If you want to see a good show, I highly recommend Meile’s show. Miami Fashion Week is open to the public. Check out  www.miamifashionweek.com for more information.

MACY’S MAGIC: Camila Alves will be in town this Saturday, March 16th at 2:00pm hosting a fashion show with Macy’s Aventura. To promote the Spring 2013 I-N-C International Concepts collection. Alves in case you didn’t know is the brand ambassador for the label. The show takes place in the department store’s 2nd Floor. Milly Almodovar, Beauty Editor from Cosmopolitan Latina magazine co-hosts. Seating is limited. RSVP via macys.com or call (305) 577-1818

SPRING BASH: Local Miami Boutique Alessandra Gold Concept Store is having a Spring bash this Thursday, March 14 from 6:30 to 9:30PM with bites from George’s Restaurant, Contenti cupcakes, a DJ and 30 percent off the entire boutique. The shop is located at 3326 N Miami Avenue; 786-518-3357

HOMEGROWN TALENT ALERT: Miami womenswear designer Valentina Shah just got her collection picked up by Neiman Marcus, and Intermix in the Shops of Bal Harbour.  Shah has also created quite the celeb following with A-Listers like Alicia Keys and Cindy Crawford. 

PEDAL TO THE MEDAL: The luxury brand is launching their very first handbag called the TwinBag for women. It’s produced from a single piece of calf leather. To celebrate, attend the Porsche Design Cocktail Reception and Presentation on Wednesday, March 14th at 6:30pm. The event takes place at the Porsche Design Tower Miami, 18555 Collins Avenue. RSVP to porsche-design@bgnville.com

WEEKEND WARRIOR: If your weekend plans include heading out to the Hard Rock for some gambling fun, take note on your fashion because what you wear can actually help you win or lose. Yup, it’s hard to believe but how others perceive you can help you win the game. Click on the link to see what attire says winner. *Article was written in collaboration with Pamela Stewart.

Photos by Mayleen Gonzalez for StyleCaster.com

EXPRESS came to Miami as part of their Spring Break tour for a few days and set up two very cool pop up shops, held a two-day photo shoot for their upcoming campaign (they are debuting swimwear finally yay!) and hosted an intimate wrap up party for fashion influencers at South Beach’s REC ROOM lounge inside the Gale Hotel. I got to team up with the trendsetting brand and leading fashion site Stylecaster.com to report on the 4 day visit and my findings. 

The label’s first POP UP was at the University of Miami. Students there got to browse and shop the Spring collection (think bright hued sunnies, peplum tops, graphic tees and cool must-have Aztec print beach bags). It’s all pretty amazing and best part about it is that it’s already available in stores. See the rest of the pictures and story at Stylecaster.com

Follow Express on the rest of their Spring Break tour on Twitter and Instagram #EXPSpringBreak

“No stop signs, speed limit. Nobodys gonna slow me down. Like a wheel, gonna spin it. Nobodys gonna mess me round.”- AC/DC

Today’s post is inspired by AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” and about living life to the fullest, letting loose and not letting anything block your happiness. If your life has been stale lately, it’s time to do something different and get out-of-the-box. Life really is too short to be living without excitement and without anything to look forward to. The first time I saw this truck yard smack dab in the City of Opa-Locka, I thought adventure and the big wide open freedom of the road. For me these 18-wheelers are a metaphor for our lives and what path we decide to journey on.  We really are the drivers of our own destiny. We have the power and choice to go where we truly want to and we should never give those keys to anyone. I know in the past I have and I paid a big price for it. But, here’s the good news, it’s never to late to get them back and to climb again on the drivers seat and get on track. So whatcha waiting for? Race ya! 

Photos by Mayleen Gonzalez/Photo Boutique

OUTFIT: Forever 21, dress, headband and jacket. Clutch c/o LaMod 

Welcome to this week’s Style Bite featuring all of Miami’s fashion event news (March 4-March -10)

Photo Courtesy of Express

EXPRESS YOURSELF: University of Miami’s The Rock Plaza will have a special pop up on March 6 with Express from 10 am to 5 pm. The trendsetting brand for women and men is on tour to preview its Spring Break collection. At the pop up, find items to buy like peplum tanks, men’s polos, jelly sandals, tote bags and sunnies. Plus, there will be loads of giveaways to win apparel and accessories as well as plenty of fun activities such fuseball and cornhole. The event hashtag #EXPSpringBreak. RSVP not required.

SHOENISTA SHOP Celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian and Sofia Vergara are all fans of Sam Edelman. Looking at the above beloved ‘Lorissa’ spiked pump, we can tell why. On Friday, March 8th from 5 to 7PM, take your happy hour to Nordstrom in Aventura Mall where Edelman will be for a meet and greet as well as to showcase his new Spring Collection. RSVP not required. 

Photo Courtesy of Fibi & Clo

CORAL GABLES CATWALK MAGIC: On Saturday, March 9 at 7PM, Miami fashionistas can spend their evening at a very special fashion show featuring Fibi & Clo’s Spring collection of footwear. Expect to see lots of Miami appropriate bejeweled sandals that will let us South Florida gals get ready for beach season in style. Wine and champagne will be served. The event takes place at Sanel Salon, 1731 Ponce De Leon, Blvd; RSVP to 972-8631 or FibiandCloMiami@Gmail.com

FELIZOLA FASHION SHOW: Latino designer Nicolas Felizola is the king of creating red carpet dresses for Hispanic A-Listers and celebs. This Friday, March 9, he will be showcasing his latest collection while Miami’s DJ Irie spins. The event is part of the PGA’s Live on The Green Charity Social Weekend taking place at Trump Doral Golf Resort & Spa. (I’m giving away a pair of tickets. Down Below Tell Me Why You Want to Win).

 I have a thing for men’s watches. I’m all about making statements and being different when I dress. Personally a man’s watch looks bolder and better on a woman’s wrist— at least on mine it does ( and I have tiny wrists too but, boy I rock those over-sized accessories anyway). Yes, I am one of those gals who loves to borrow her boyfriend’s watches and wear them. Don’t get me wrong, I do have a nice collection of time-pieces myself which brings me to this post. I am actually looking for a vintage looking piece with a leather strap and these by far are my favorites from ShopNBC.com

Which would you get? I’m leaning towards the two Invicta watches. 

Invicta Men’s Corduba Quartz Chronograph $136

Invicta Men’s Vintage Collection Quartz  $173

Timex® Men’s Easy Reader Quartz Brown Leather Strap Watch $33.00

Claude Bernard Men’s Classic Swiss Made Quartz Leather Strap Watch $389.75

                                               *commissioned

“Here comes the sun. Here comes the sun and I say it’s alright. Little darling it’s been a long cold lonely winter. Little darling the smiles are returning to their faces.”- The Beatles

Today’s post is inspired by The Beatles’ “Here Comes The Sun and enjoying the simple things in life again. I’ve loved this song since I was kid. Yeah, I was bouncing around to the Beatles since I was in my mother’s womb. I use to live for playing my parent’s Beatles records and 8 Tracks and jamming out with them and my siblings in the living room. I can still remember holding Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band record album in awe and my siblings and I playing it over and over till the words themselves became locked inside our heads forever. Even when we’d all squish into my dad’s brown Oldsmobile, to go get a slice of pizza from Frankie’s or a hotdog from Arbetter’s, The Beatles would be playing. It’s safe to say, though we are all leading different and separate lives, The Beatles will forever bring us always back together. It was such good times back then. Sometimes, life can get so complicated that we forget to live in the present like we did as children and to bask in the simple things. Like sitting outside to watch the sunset, playing video games, watching an old flick, going rollerskating or bowling. What as a kid made you happy? Make a list. It’s time to revisit those things. Because it is indeed those things that give us the same freedom that was running through our childhood veins. I hope today’s post brings some sunshine back into your life.

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.”-Walt Whitman 

I styled this outfit to be simple and a reflection of my childhood spirit. I use to run around in boots, pull up wild daisies from the backyard and my hair was tousled and a bit messy all the time (I was never a fan of blow-drying or brushing my hair…I’m still not). p.s. how amazing is the Miami-made daisy necklace I’m donning? See down below where I scored it. 

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air”-Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Daisies are like sunshine to the ground.”- Drew Barrymore 

OUTFIT: Nasty Gal dress, 13 Daisies necklace, Fergie boots

HAIR:  Femme Coiffure, 103 Lincoln Road; Miami Beach; (305) 864-4400 

Welcome to this week’s Style Bite featuring all of Miami’s fashion event news (Feb 25-March 2)

Photo Courtesy of Peter Marino Architect for Chanel

NEW BOUTIQUE: CHANEL will be reopening its new boutique at the Bal Harbour Shops on March 21. The new store is being renovated by architect Peter Marino. The color scheme in the 8,000 square-foot shop will be all about soft pale gold and white. Check out the rendering above.  

WELCOME TO THE FUNHOUSE Elektrik Boutique is hosting a trunkshow called the Elektrik Funhouse to feature designers Jimmy Dugazon and Jared Lang. The event takes place on Wednesday, February 27 from 7 to 10 PM.  Dugazon is known for his bow tie collection while Lang has a made a name with his fine button down shirts. Attendees can enjoy an adult face painter, circus performers, bar by American Social and lite bites. Elektrik Boutique is located at 619 E. Las Olas Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale.

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER:  On 
Wednesday, February 27th Segafredo in Brickell is hosting 
It’s a Fashion Affair! to celebrate its 5th year anniversary. The event features a Designer Denim & Fashion Show by Gasoline 415 and
pieces handcrafted by Parisian Designer Roberto De La Fuente.
 Attendees can get their denim custom styled at a denim bar. Arrive before 9pm and receive a raffle ticket to win his or hers custom-made Diesel Jeans and complimentary Monte Carlo Vodka. RSVP to marketing@verestaurants.com

24 HOURS OF RUNWAY: It’s baccck! Cotton’s 24 Hour Runway Show starts Friday, March 1 at 8PM on Ocean Drive between 8th and 9th Street. The 2nd annual event hosted by Bill and Giuliana Rancic will feature 24 hours of fashion. Yup, models will be walking around the clock in the most stylish of outfits all made out of cotton. Plus, celebs like Lauren Conrad and Camilla Belle will be making appearances. A total of 1,440 looks will be showcased.

Photo Courtesy of Vahife Boutique

BAUBLE BASH: This, Saturday, March 2, Vahife Boutique owner Valentina Hidalgo along with other Miami notables will be hosting a fashion paty called Trend Evolution all in the name of charity Care Resources. Fashion Bloggers Nany’s Klozet, Moda on the Rocks and myself will be making an appearance. Other participants include GG’s Art Work, Acid Flame by Genesis Fonseca, Valeria Amaral Designs and more.  Plus, there will be sips and sweets. Trend Evolution takes place at 500 Brickell Avenue RSVP on their FB page HERE 

IF THE SHOE FITS:  Steve Madden is coming to Nordstrom Aventura, in Aventura Mall  Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 3:00PM- 4:30PM. The afternoon event will be hosted by TV personality, Julissa Bermudez, of the Style Network’s hit-series Empire Girls. Guests will be able to pose for photos as he autographs complimentary branded tees and tote bags. A special gift will be given to every customer with the purchase of any Steve Madden product over $50 on the day of the event. NO RSVP NECESSARY

GOING TO THE CHAPEL: See the 2013 Vera Wang Bridal Collection in a runway show on Sunday, March 3 at 5:30 PM thanks to Modern Luxury Brides South Florida and the Caribbean. The glossy is hosting the first ever “Evening of Bridal Luxury.” which explores all things bridal. There will be sips by Remy Cointreau and bites by the culinary experts at the Mandarin Oriental. Tickets for the event are available at www.BridesSFL.Eventbrite.com at $65 for brides and $25 for guests. Bride tickets include a luxury swag bag filled with items such as a Vera Wang Lovestruck perfume, stationary, vendor discounts and more. Mandarin Oriental is located at 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami.

Photo Courtesy of Keith Haring Miami

FASHION POP: Good things always happen when art and fashion meet face to face. The upcoming Keith Haring exhibit in the Design District’s Moore Building is evidence of that. The show takes place March 6-10 and it celebrates the life and art work of the pop artist. Miami’s top photographer, Manny Hernandez, is the brainchild behind the cool expo which is no doubt going to be sold out. Get your tickets now before they fly. www.haringmiami.com

YOU’RE A BARBIE GIRL: The Barbie™ The Dreamhouse Experience is coming to South Florida. Two life-sized houses - complete with pink elevators, a walk-in “glitterizer,” an endless closet and a dazzling “diamond” ring display — will be unveiled during March 2013, one in Berlin, Germany and the other at Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the US. Fans can choose between general admission tickets, starting at US$14.95. The Dreamhouse Experience is currently scheduled to run through the end of 2013. Check out: www.barbiedreamhouse.com.

This week’s Weekend Wear spotlights more than one local designer. It actually features a few.  Excitingly enough I had the opportunity to give a shout out to Miami’s homegrown talent on the Today Show(yes, the Today Show. amazing right?!) alongside my fashion blogger friends Electric Blogarella and The Wordy Girl. The New York based morning show came to Miami for the weekend and wanted to know what definres “Miami Style” from our perspective.

I styled the beach-wear which was so much fun to do especially since my beautiful 6-year-old niece Mia modeled in it. She is a little star in the making as is my other model Jackie G Casals who holds the Miss Coral Gables title.

***WATCH THE SEGMENT HERE: http://www.today.com/video/today/50904816#50904816

What THE MODELS Wore: 

Jackie: Letarte red full piece, N&K Designs necklaces, CRE bracelets, Charmdeliers bag, Saha coverup and hat (available at ShopMiamiStyle.com)  

Mia: Old Navy ruffle tankini and flipflops, Claires.com heart shaped sunglasses and accessories.

What I Wore: AVA dress, N&K Designs necklace, CRE bracelets (available at ShopMiamiStyle.com)