FABULUSH

Miami is an expansive city with tourists abound, but that doesn’t mean you have to dress like one. The wonderful ladies April and Erin of Boutiquing.com asked me to pick the Top 5 Shopping Gems of the Magic City to share with their readers and I was happy to oblige.

So click on over to their amazing site to see what boutiques I’ve uncovered, and while you’re at it peruse with open eyes and an open wallet. BOUTIQUING™ is a company dedicated to connecting the best boutiques around the nation to the savvy shoppers who seek them.

Thank you Erin and April for all the sweet words in the feature and hope to see you in Vegas again soon!

This past Tuesday was the 6th anniversary of a friend’s death and instead of pulling the emo card and mourning, my dear friend Jessica and I spent the day together embracing life, paying homage and celebrating Jolene’s spirit. Each passing day reminds me of how precious people are and to never take anyone for granted. Even in a somber black and blue mood, I pulled myself together in a Geren Ford top, J Brand ‘Maria’ skinnies, a gifted Kensie ‘Permeation’ cardigan, and gifted Zodiac ‘Omni’ boots.

“Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I cannot compete with you, Jolene”
RIP Jolene.

If you or a loved one are looking for suicide prevention and crisis help, do not give up hope and please seek support at: Suicide Hotlines or The Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.

This great day marks the celebration of when settlers in Mexican Texas broke off from Mexico and created the Republic of Texas on March 2, 1836. If you make it down South, you’ll find the pace a little slower, but the pride overflowing. Anyone in the mood for Tex-Mex, BBQ, margaritas, sweet tea, Tito’s, and stomping around in some dusty cowboy boots?  I love you, Texas!

Image Credit: Elle Italia 2010

Ushering in the resurgance of glitz and glamour, these eight leading ladies of Hollywood pulled out all the stops for the red carpet of 83rd Annual Academy Awards. This year’s Oscars included major fashion trends, such as: minimalism, embellishments, haute reds, shades of purple and merlots, punchy brights, and some nice and naughty neutrals.

Hailee Steinfeld - The young True Grit star collaborated with Marchesa to produce this custom-made and very age-appropriate princess dress.  Kept it fresh and simple and sweet with a thin headband

Mila Kunis – Her svelte Black Swan ballet body resonated loudly in a gorgeous lilac Elie Saab Haute Couture gown.  Peek-a-boo lace detailing and hand crafted chiffon draping made this dress the top pick of my list. Best Dressed by far!

Michelle Williams - After her fashion mishap of a indie daisy print dress during the Golden Globes that landed her on many ‘Worst Dressed’ lists, the Blue Valentine star bounced back into everyone’s hearts donning Chanel. Back into fashion’s good graces

Cate Blanchett – In a sea of standard dresses, this Oscars presenter stood out of the crowd with a bit of edge with feminine  refinement in a Givenchy Haute Couture gown. The structured softness remains airy and light with a twist of embellishments.

Mandy Moore – The Tangled performer made a fairy tale fashion statement in a sea of floating sequins and angelic and glowing tulle. While some nude shades can wash one out, her glitzy Monique Lhullier dress highlighted and hinted at her creamy porcelain skin.

Jennifer Hudson – Out to make a statement in her skinnier self, this Oscars presenter donned a brightly hued, tangerine Atelier Versace dress.  The dress embodies and exudes much self-confidence as she went for a complete “Bombshell Beauty” look.

Sandra Bullock – Anne Hathaway should have taken some cues from this Oscars presenter and followed suit as she rocked the red carpet with a form fitting red dress by Vera Wang.  Wang does justice to her womanly curves and enhances an hour glass shape. Anne, I hope you’re taking notes!

Gwyneth Paltrow – As if the dress was casted in metal onto her body, Country Strong performer glowed in the sleek Calvin Klein Collection dress.  Not to overwhelm the dress, she kept it simple and sleek with by adding a jeweled skinny belt.

[Teen Vogue Bloggers Lounge - Home away from home during WWDMAGIC]

I normally abhor Valentine’s Day with a passion because it feels like a contrived corporate mongering day.  I mean, shouldn’t love, adoration, chivalry, and attention be a daily occurrence, instead of one day of lavish showering of overkill affection? This year was entirely different, as I spent my very special V-Day with my true love, fashion in the Teen Vogue Blogger Lounge at WWDMAGIC! It was a haven to rest tired soles, tweet the newest trends, recharge the lappy & iPhone, pick up the latest issue of Teen Vogue, and of course mingle and network with all the pretty, young things who are influencing fashion in real life and on the Internet.

Every year at MAGIC, it just keeps getting bigger, better, and bolder.  Stepping into new boundaries of fashion and embracing the  ever changing pace of trends, business, and the Internet.  Vendors, designers, brands excitedly invited us into their booths to proudly display their wares and wonders.  There was some hesitation and apprehension from a select few; those who were not so tech/internet savvy, those scared we were competitors trying to steal designs, and those with language barriers who simply said “You no buy, you no see.”  The overwhelming friendliness made up for others shortcomings; however, I’m hoping moving forward that brands, designers, boutiques, and fashion lovers can see the value and importance of the bloggers and social media.

After an up-close and personal view of the capsule collection of Christian Lacroix for Desigual that whet your appetite, prepare to begin drooling as you see how the collection drapes on the runway and in real-life thanks to Teen Vogue darling, Colby Jordan of Minnie Muse. Still dying over the velvet flocking, patchwork prints, floral brocades, and chunky knits… Dear Fashion Fairy God Mother, please find a way for this immaculate coat to make its way into my life.

Image Credits: Desigual and WWDMAGIC