Rock Shic

#731 OOTD in Miami

Happy Tuesday!

After a zinger of a week last week (we all managed to come down with some variation of the stomach flue that munchkin brought back from preschool), mamma’s back on the scene (sort of); which largely entails just working lots. Fun fun fun.

I wanted to do an outfit post since it’s been soooooo long that I’ve done one of these largely. In fact, I can’t remember the last one! Was it here?? Fall? Really?!

These days, my Ferragamo Boots from Milan are by far my most favorites (I’ve literally worn the heck out of these all winter long, so my cost per wear is actually looking pretty good!). I love that they’re incredibly comfortable and super versatile (jet-set straight from the office to Miami w/only one tote bag in hand? No problem!!).

The other two key pieces I’m donning here (silk black dress and blue leather bag à la Times Arrow) are all recent acquisitions from Miami. The bag I bought from the lovely boutique over at the Edition Hotel, and the dress from the pop-up shop at the 1 Hotel (called Violet and Grace). Evidently I do all of my best shopping at hotels.

This Mint Jo Tote in Paris Blue, by the way, is EVERYTHING – and definitely going to remain a major Spring Staple for 2016!!! (For similar bags see here – I totally heart that Micro Helene Crossbody btw).

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As I said from my post yesterday, though my plane landed last night and I’m just getting into the swing of things back here in New York, part of me is still very much in Miami. This was my eighth time visiting the city (first visit was in 2007), and every time I go back I fall in love with the city a little bit more.

How could you not when you come to a place like Wynwood? Yes, it’s still a little bit dodgy at night, but that’s what lends it that enviable air of edginess. Coming from the Lower East Side of Manhattan, you can see how I would appreciate that. Though seriously, parts of Wynwood, particularly the streets surrounding the famous Wynwood Walls (so this is where all of the hipsters go!) are clean as can be and safe as Disney World (you know an area is gentrified when you find both Warby Parker and Aesop near each other).

Visually, it’s absolutely stunning and a must-do for any art-lover or discerning traveler. The minute you arrive, it’s like descending upon a Hollywood movie-set chalk full of streetart… some very recognizable to me given how much I love stalking streetart (see last post on Jetset Graffiti or you could follow me on Instagram). Though you get the standard mix, including the now infamous Os Gêmeos (which yours truly first witnessed, and wrote about back in 2012… bizarrely, at the Boston Museum!)… there is also a definitely-Miami/Latin vibe imprinted on many of the other images, take a look for yourself.

OH, and if you want more reasons to go… let me just throw in the following: awesome shopping, rows upon rows of cafes and a lovely little creamery called Serendipity, Zak the Baker (a must do), Miami Underground for great coffee… and – did I mention shopping? I know I did but allow me to reiterate – great concept design stores plus galleries. Really, come to think of it, why did I ever leave?

A more Miami-esque piece #streetart #wynwoodwalls

For more on Os Gemeos -- see here

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Lazy hammock days at the Mondrian South Beach

Our New Years Eve tasting at Pied à Terre, a lovely French restaurant in the landmark Cadet Hotel (1701 James Ave, Miami Beach)

Fiery desserts at Barton G Miami (1427 West Ave, Miami Beach), they really put on quite the show!

Happy New Year!  It’s officially the 2^nd of January, and our week-long excursion to Miami has sadly come to a close. 

That said, as exhausting as it was (hello 6am wake-ups!) – it was an absolute blast, to be able to spend so much time with old friends, watch our children play together, frolic in the pool, and still be able to glam it up and do grown-up activities at night. 

The entire experience was truly a treat, and one which I will cherish for many years to come.  What’s more, our excursion to Miami this time around has truly cemented my love and appreciation for the city.  This is my seventh visit to Miami Beach, first with baby in tow, and it all keeps getting better and better!

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Lobsters by the Sea #noms #miami #foodporn

Normally – these two words don’t exactly go hand in hand, at least not for me.  Alas, this ladybird had to drive to Miami (begrudgingly I might add) for business over the holidays (yes yes, we’re dating ourselves as this happened while I was still living in Southwest Florida).

To quote Dickens –  It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  While I begrudged the notion of having to drive all the way to Miami from Naples for a work meeting I was rather ambivalent about (let’s be honest we’ve all been there), I made the best of it by popping over for a swim at the Standard Hotel Miami. 

I promise… not all of my memories have to do with the Standard, it just seems that way! (For now at least).

Do I regret the extra two plus hours I sat in traffic for my detour?  Absolutely not! Was I slightly concerned about losing my laptop and getting a ticket from the Miami traffic police for my dubious parking decisions – you betcha. 

If two words could sum up my afternoon experience sunning at the old stomping ground, it would be the following: perfectly imperfect.  After all, isn’t that what the world of shabby chic is all about?  

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#135 Life’s a Beach, at the Standard Miami

Bikini: Salinas (bought in Brazil) | Shorts: Theory | Sandals: Banana Republic 

Or a bay… depending on how you look at it.  Either way, my strategy of unpacking poolside and never moving pretty much went on without a hitch.  There were some momentary musings on paddle-boarding lessons, which sadly never took place due to a scheduling mishap (though I must admit I was partially relieved).

My general rule of thumb on beach holidays is to pack as many bikinis as I can possibly squeeze into my carry-on (they are small, though in aggregate they can still bulk up!).  This may sound silly or redundant, but there is nothing more unappealing than putting on a wet bathing suit from the day before, so I make sure to leave myself plenty of options!  Plus, they conveniently serve double duty in the evenings (best worn under a casual top or a shift dress).  

Jetting off to Miami certainly has its perks! @standardmiami

Mud bath facilities by the pool!

This is how I envision my own paddle-boarding experience

Every morning should start like this! @standardmiami

A relaxed smile to go with my poolside cocktail, @standardmiami

Nothing beats Lazy Sundays...

The couple that spas together, stays together ;)

#134 Lush and Easy

Shirt: Calypso | Skirt: T by Alexander Wang | Shoes: Betsy Johnson | Sunglasses: Cole Haan | Necklace: Vintage from the Preppy Turtle | Bracelet: Joe Fresh | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Mornings in the pool, lazy afternoons by the grill, and evenings out on the town with hubby and pals – this is my kind of holiday!  Normally, when I go away, I tend to be super active and over-plan (I can’t help it, it comes with the territory of being Type A).  However, this time around in Miami, I managed to let myself slow down and do literally very little.  Suffice to say, it was a nice change of pace.

Here, we’re strolling in the gardens at the Standard Miami, and I’m wearing my own interpretation of Miami glam (viva la black and gold!).  It all began with the shoes (sometimes I style my look that way – from bottom to top).  I decided to take my golden platforms for a night out on the town (I don’t wear these puppies very often, though I must admit, this is the second time I brought them to Miami… must be a Pavlovian trigger of sorts!). 

The rest came together rather fluidly.  I really like my new Alexander Wang skirt, the stretch fabric guarantees comfort and plenty of utility (particularly forgiving after a sumptuous meal), and the back zipper lends an added, symmetrical detail (not to mention a little hint of sexiness that goes a long way).  The speckle of sequins on my flowy Calypso top is about as bedazzled as I can go, and the rest are just statements I adore… a little bit of shine, with a little bit of edge. 

It was a lovely date, one that took us to the Design District of Miami (my first time, and I absolutely vow to go back!!).  Though you can never go wrong by kicking off an evening with some waterfront cocktails – it just sets the perfect tone for the rest of your night out!

Isn't he adorable? Totally wanted to take Buddy home with me.

A little pre-dinner Ping Pong! @standardmiami

#133 Love of Miami

Shirt: Young, Fabulous & Broke | Shorts: Theory | Sunglasses: Kate Spade | Shoes: Corso Como | Bag: courtesy of the Standard Spa

Like a mistress, Miami Bach seduces.  This is my fifth visit here (including a business trip, which I don't technically count) and I must say, I am enjoying it more and more... and can truly apprecate why SoBe beckons Northerners in search of surf, beach, and sun.

For the next few days, we’re shacked up at the Standard Hotel, which I think of as a little lush sanctuary for grown-ups.  Tropical grounds, a divine spa and Turkish hammam (which we plan to hit up later), plus an infinity sound pool by the bay! (You can literally listen to music underwater, genius!).

Today’s technically our second day in Miami, but it didn’t take me long to groove into the rhythm of this place (maybe that’s why I’m feeling tie-dye!).  White shorts are a must (in fact, I believe that white is the new black), although I made sure to pack a beach sarong and a pair of sandals in my tote for post pool movements.  Note to self: a cute and roomy bag is a must to hold hat, Kindle, magazines, sprays, potions, camera, and more!

Now, looking forward to my sunset yoga class!! 

Breakfast-Style!

Yummy shopping at my doorstep!

A vision!

Vacation essentials