Shopping, shopping, and more shopping! (Miami style that is..)

On my newest blog, you will be taken on a tailspin trip around the hottest shopping spots in Miami.

So, hold on to your straw hats and slip on your linen dress and comfy sandals and get ready to hit the shops--the Miami way! Here we go..........


BAYSIDE MARKETPLACE

LOCATION:401 Biscayne Blvd.Miami, FL 33132

HOURS: Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.

PARKING: Covered parking is available, but for those of you who like to be pampered, valet parking is available behind the Hard Rock Cafe.

WHAT TO EXPECT: This is a open, outside marketplace with hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars and much more. Of course, the average Gap, Victoria Secret, and Banana Republic can be found, but also lining the marketplace are unique and inviting boutiques and shops offering different cultural clothing and accessories. (much to be desired may I add!) If it gets a bit warm, you can always opt to take a boat ride and visit Millionaire's Row (a boat tour encompassing all things and all places wealthy). If not, you can bask on in the square and let your ears listen to the sexy salsa music as parrots are placed on your shoulder! What a time!
<~~Bayside shopping!

CoCo Walk

LOCATION: 3015 Grand Ave.Miami, FL 33133

HOURS: Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.Sunday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

PARKING: There are parking garages at CocoWalk or there is metered street parking.

WHAT TO EXPECT: This is very much like Riverfront or Bayside Marketplace, but more quaint with less shops. Coco Walk boasts a mere 38 stores, and many of them are well-known. They also offer a movie theater, and many restaurants including The Cheesecake Factory. (the chocolate mousse cheesecake takes the cake!..no pun intended)

The Shops at Sunset Place

LOCATION: 5701 Sunset Dr.South Miami, FL 33143

HOURS: Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

PARKING: There is plenty of covered parking for you and all your friends.

WHAT TO EXPECT: These shops are nothing less than amazing. Amazing architecture, amazing shops, amazing night life, and also.. don't forget, amazing nightly laser light show. Resturants you ask? Here we go: Madame Tings, Johnny Rockets, Dan Marino's Town Tavern and Tout Sweet Candy Café. There are three stories of awesome stores like Niketown, Virgin Megastore, Barnes & Noble Superstore, A/X Armani Exchange, Origins, Pottery Barn, Brookstone, and Urban Outfitters. Also, don't forget about the AMC 24 and IMAX Theaters for movies and fun times!

The Shops at Bal Harbour

(AKA a bit too rich for my blood, but worthwhile!)

LOCATION: 9700 Collins AvenueBal Harbour, FL 33154, USA

HOURS: Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m.

PARKING: The Shops at Bal Harbour offer plenty of parking in its multi-level parking garage as well as open-air parking.

WHAT TO EXPECT: I will let their website talk for them http://www.balharbourshops.com/

Have fun exploring the shops of the mighty rich and famous and one of the most exclusive places around!

TA TA FOR NOW!!! MS T XOXO

A Hidden Treasure On Lincoln Road

CAROLINE DADLANI, located at 1056 17th St., 2nd Floor (staircase located at the rear of the building) in Miami Beach, is open Monday through Friday from 11am until 6pm and by appointment on Saturdays.

This store is perfection! One to browse for hidden treasures that entice the body and mind. This is a boutique offering clothing, accessories and much more gathered from areas all around the globe. Her fantastic taste and ultra-chic setup allows one to shop in a little space of heaven.

The majority of accessories are jewelry from many countries including India, Europe, etc. Dadlani also offers a wide range of items that one would find in Beverly Hills, including rare Fred Segal handbags and the like. Her nose for the finest perfumes can also be found at this beautiful boutique.

"In keeping with the shop’s discerning atmosphere, Dadlani also offers British Blush B-Lush oversize leather bags which range in price from $400 to $600. Other exclusive accessory lines featured include evening and day bags by Meera Mahadevia, an Indian designer known as India's 'Kate Spade,’ a line of evening bags and flat sandals by Dadlani’s own label, Gusto leather bags from France, and jeweled evening bags by American designer Clara Kasavina which range in price from $400 to $800," boasts Dadlani's website.

A must see when shopping in downtown Miami!
For more information, call 305.672.3360 or visit her website on www.carolinedadlani.com

Ta ta for now! Ms T xoxo

A Tan Minus the Skin Cancer, and Summer Steals

We all know we want to prevent those ugly sun spots or tanning booth disasters. I have whipped up a list of the top 5 sunless tanning lotions, creams, sprays, or mousses that will make even the gloomiest of days make you feel like the sun in beaming through your bathroom window. Also added.. I have items that will prevent chapped hair and skin, rosy cheeks, and summer scents that will make you happy to live in South Florida, even if that sun is brutal and that heat index hits a record high!

From left to right: Phyto Plage Hydrating After Sun Hair Mist, Kiehl’s Leave-In Hair Conditioner , Coconut and Sunscreen and Frederic Fekkai Sun Bandana

THE COSTS: Mist $20, conditioner $30 and gel-cream $20

WHERE TO SHOP FOR THEM? www.kiehls.com, www.sephora.com, www.beauty.com

From left to right: Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, Urban Decay Baked Body Glow and Model Co Tan Airbrush in a Can

THE COSTS: Moisturizer $6, bronzing stick $25 and spray-on tanner $28

WHERE TO BUY: www.drugstore.com and www.urbandecay.com and www.beautyhabit.com

From left to right: MAC Cosmetics Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15, IsaDora Sun Protecting Lip Gloss, and Laura Mercier Lip Kisses

THE COSTS: Lip conditioner $14, lip gloss $10, and sheer lipstick $20

WHERE TO SHOP: http://www.maccosmetics.com/templates/products/sp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY18543&PRODUCT_ID=PROD7677 and http://www.walgreens.com/store/pickcolor.jsp?CATID=100561&amp;amp;navAction=jump&navCount=0&skuid=sku1760922&id=prod1761442 and www.lauramercier.com

From left to right: Clinique Gel Blush, Colorescience Just Barely Blush and Delux Beauty Flush Stick

THE COSTS: Gel blush $12.50, powder blush $40 and blush stick $26

WHERE TO SHOP: http://www.clinique.com/templates/products/sp_shaded.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY4894&PRODUCT_ID=PROD583 and http://www.dermstore.com/product_Blush+w+Brush_4735.htm and www.deluxbeauty.com

From left to right: Bobbi Brown Beach, Marc Jacobs Cotton Splash and Fresh Pink Jasmine Eau de Parfum

THE COSTS: Beach $55, Cotton $65 and Pink Jasmine $75

WHERE TO SHOP: www.nordstrom.com and www.sephora.com and www.fresh.com

Ta ta for now! MS T xoxo

More Bang For Your Bust!

A bra that fits is the paradigm of perfection to every woman, as long as the cup doesn't overflow. Bra styles come and leave like the everyday ebb and flow of the ocean, but a bra that fits and is versatile as well as comfortable steals the show. Here are a few that are within price range but fit under the tee perfectly.



Jezebel, $25 @ http://www.jezebel.com


Ipex by Victoria Secret, $33.50 @ http://www.victoriasecret.com


OnGossamer, Bump it up Bra, $42 @ http://www.barenecessities.com

DKNY, $26 @http://www.dkny.com

As many women know, finding the right bra is rather difficult and a majority of women do not wear the correct size for their bodies. Take these tips from Ehow.com on finding the right bra for you! By just using a tape measure and your brain, every woman is bound to find the correct size bra. So--take that tape measure and start strapping yourself in. Here are a few websites that offer a variety of dainty bras and panties in delicate materials to fit the girly girl in you.

http://www.cosabella.com, http://www.macys.com, http://www.victoriasecret.com, http://www.fredericks.com, http://www.nordstrom.com, http://www.jcpenney.com

Fresh Faces in Fashion

The 3rd annual GenArt Fashion Show featured the top nine emerging fashion designers from Miami and New York in a poolside soiree. The Doubletree Surfcomber Hotel hosted the event on Thursday, March 16th, with cocktail hour beginning at 8 p.m. and a live runway showcase at 9 p.m.

The up-and-coming Miami desginers that were honored at the event included: Pelusium, Ecliptica and Uli Herzner and in accessories: Lauren Carina, Patricia Costa, and Jennifer Zeuner. They were joined by New York designers Tomer (menswear), Sarah Luna (womenswear) and Mia (swimwear).

Now the largest program to support emerging fashion talent in North America, we are very excited to bring our Fresh Faces in Fashion program to Miami for a 3rd year. The event will celebrate the debut of nine rising designers and emphasize our continued commitment to the growth of innovative local talent, as well as continued interest to the northeast fashion industry " said Gen Art Miami's director, Julia Brown.


Fresh Faces has become one of the most esteemed fashion shows for Miami, which has propelled big name designers such as Zac Posen, Rebecca Taylor, Chaiken, Shoshanna, Cloak, Milly, Twinkle and Louis Verdad.

You can read more about this fashion rendezvous on the Gen Art website: http://www.genart.org/


Ta ta for now! Ms T xoxo

Here Comes The Bride...

When it is over 90 degrees and the sun is beaming down on the gorgeously applied makeup that is now melting down your face, you wonder what brides in South Florida have to deal with. We now know that sleeveless and sheer materials are the way to go. Many South Florida brides take the time and effort to find that flawless dress that will prevent one from sweating (in our case --glowing), or being able to move freely without ruining the "big day". Here are a list of the top ten bridal shops for our curious soon-to-be-brides and where one can find these glamourous gowns.


TOP 10 BRIDAL SHOPS FOR SOUTH FLORIDA BRIDES:



Daisy Tarsi Boutique
311 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL

Bella Brides/Primor Bridals: Miami, FL




1302 E Las Olas Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL


Alfred Angelo
3 locations
South Florida


Merlili
88 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL


2977 McFarlane Rd
Coconut Grove, FL

Belinda's Designs Couture
917 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL

Chic Parisien Bridal
116 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL

Zola Keller
818 Las Olas Blvd
Ft. Lauderdale, FL


Patricia South's The Bride's Choice
4066 W Broward Blvd
Plantation, FL

All above Bridal shops and vendors can be found on theknot.com
______________________
Bridal Fashion in South Florida

Silvia Tcherassi is the brightest star among the new generation of Latin American fashion designers. In 2004, Tcherassi opened an atelier specializing in brides in Miami. 4101 Ponce de León Boulevard Miami/Coral Gables, FL(305) 529-0004


Brides Unlimited offers you a unique buying experience, taking the stress out of purchasing the gown of your dreams at 20-40% off retail prices. Serving South Florida Miami, FL(305) 609-2879


Chic Parisien
The Cuban born bridal designer is recognized as the leading interpreter of what is know as the contemporary-classic looking silhouettes, themes and moods. 116 Miracle Mile Coral Gables, FL(305) 448-5756


Claudio Cosano/Remior Bridals
Here you'll find amazingly artistic wedding dress creations. Newly launched in America at Remior Bridals in Coral Gables, Florida Claudio is a top designer in Argentina. 371 Miracle Mile Miami, FL(305) 476-1500

ta ta for now!!! Ms T xoxo

The Infamous "Little Black Dress"

What does every woman have in her closet that matches with the perfect pair of strappy sandals and sparkling diamonds? ...The "Little Black Dress," almost, if not as notorious as the "Little Black Book", this garment is known to turn heads, help solve that dinner date dilemma, and slims even the heaviest of women.

This such dress is helpful for a handful of reasons: matches with almost any shoe (except those Moccasins we all know you have hidden in the back of the closet), any accessory, and even every piece of jewelry. (I would opt for a sweet pair of petite pearl earrings with matching necklace, or even glittering diamond studs with an astonishing tennis bracelet would do well).


Women of the world--here comes the dresses you have been waiting (even chomping at the bit) for! Not overpriced, not underpriced, they are just right. Wool dress, J. Crew, $150 (shown left)

This sophisticated lace and polyester inspiration is made by Ann Taylor Loft. It is a mere $99, and boasts a silk sash tie and a shirred waist. The lace adds depth to this beautiful little black dress. A favorite among many!
Found at Ann Taylor online.










Donna Karan gets a bit more sexy and chic in this glamorous little black slip dress. This is made of all silk and boasts tiny hand sewn beads. This dress alone would speak for itself, (my vision): this dress would be worn by a New York socialite who is clutching a thin stemmed champagne glass on a penthouse balcony throwing her head back in laughter at a corny joke she just had to offer her ears for. It would be set off by a pair of silver or black strappy, heeled sandals that wrap up the calf. What more could you ask for in a dress? DKNY, $595

**All dresses below can found at Nordstrom **

Ruby Rox, $78

As U Wish, $68

Ruby Rox, $62

Oleg Cassini, $159

Tips to wearing the "Little Black Dress" from EHOW.com:

1. Think about your body type. If you need to wear a bra when you go out for the evening, you may not be comfortable in halters, backless numbers and sheer shoulders. But remember that there are plenty of other ways to look sexy.

2.
Identify your key assets. Is your back worth showing off? Want to expose a little shoulder? Is the low-cut look for you? Do your legs deserve the spotlight?

3.
Find a dress that's comfortable. Eliminate any dress that makes it hard to walk, sit or dance.

4.
Choose a well-constructed dress of a good fabric'a light wool or silk crepe is best'with a lining. The lining will smooth your figure so the shell hangs neatly.

5.
Follow the 3-1 ratio'three parts conservative to one part racy. Choose a little black dress that's plain except for that one saucy feature: crisscross straps in back; a daring neckline; a deep slit in the side, back or front.

6.
Accessorize for understated drama: fishnet stockings, a bold bracelet, a choker, or leopard pumps with a matching bag.

So slip on that LBD and get ready for a night on the town!

Ta ta for now! Ms T xoxo

Fashion in the Flashiest of Flashes

This week's blog is dedicated to those women who are always on the go, always in a rush, or just plain lazy. Tips for quickie nail polish application to oily hair that needs a lift--this blog will go a long way. According to a New York Post online survey, it takes women an average of 54 minutes to get ready for work in the morning, let alone a night on the town, which takes about 90 minutes. Think it sounds outrageous? Think again. If one adds up the time it takes for hair, nails, tanning, shower, clothing, etc. that 90 minutes comes and goes in a flick of the mascara wand. Here are some tips for getting ready and cutting back on that 90 minute mark... 3,2,1...GO!

Here are a few of my favorite products:

Avon has become genious! Creating a nail polish that doesn't smear, smudge, and takes a matter of minutes to apply. This new polish comes in eight color variations and allows for a quick change of color or a quick fix before a dinner date. These are sold through Avon reps or on the Avon website. The average price range is around $10 for 2 packages. Try that new red color in a rush and voila!


This product looks like a Benadryl Allergy pill or a birth control package--but its lip glosses. Just as easy to apply minus the messy tube. These packages offer a variety of 30 different colors of glosses in an easy pop-out package. They are dotted and can be torn to a small square that slips in a clutch or small evening bag. Use gloss instead of lipsticks and liners which could take longer. These are a definite time saver!


I have found true love! This blowdryer is a bit costly--but in the end cuts down on time and arm energy. It is approximately $119 and can be found almost anywhere. (But--thanks to my mother, the the hairdresser -- *plug for mom* -- I got this dryer for half the cost at the warehouse). The Tourmaline T3 is ionic, which soaks up a majority of the moisture in the hair follicle, yet still keeps the hair soft and silky. This is a sure way to help the hair get back in better shape and makes frizz float away.


Bumble and bumble’s new hair powder is, quite predictably, amazing. I love the powder and use it frequently since I have been informed (by mother) that the key to healthy hair is to only wash it when necessary because oils in the hair are good and keeps bacteria and pollution from entering the particle. I love this product but the aerosal spray can creates pollution for the environment *frown*you do have to hold your breath and run out of the room prior to choking. Annoying…but I guess this is what I’ll do for beauty (and somewhat clean-ish hair).




This product is a three-in-one savior! Found at Sephora.com, it is a shampoo. bubble bath, and body wash all in one. This saves space and seconds on the clock. The smell is reminiscient of mornings waking up and aroma of cinnamon buns and Christmas cider with cinnamon shavings. It is utterly breathtaking. A must have for any girl's shower ethics. Average cost? $16.




Hope these helpful hints hinder time and help the morning and night go by swifter. Till next time..

Ta ta! Ms T xoxo