Here we are now, Entertain us

This past Saturday night we wandered into a charming tiny bar that was oozing more ambiance per square inch than most South Beach mega bars that spend thousands on décor.  The bar looked more like an apothecary's supply closet than a full service South Beach liquor bar. Jars of fresh picked herbs, viles of sweet extracts, and unmarked bowls of exotic spices lined the bar. And the concoctions that the bartenders (or apothecaries) whipped up with these ingredients were even more surprising and impressive! Check out the menu below, the names of the drinks are as clever as the drinks are delicious! Being a child of the grunge age, I had to try the "Smells Like Teen Spirit".  This spicy and delectable bev combined the refreshing clean taste of cucumbers and kale with a spicy kick of red peppers and tumeric.,. Oh and there was some tequila in it too.  A.Maze!  All I have to say is Kurt Cobain would be proud. Yummy drinks, tasty food, charming atmosphere and friendly staff? Well done Broken Shaker! I'll be back!

Smells Like Teen Spirit... Tastes better!

Man Booties... Hot or Not?

Relax ladies! We are just talking footwear here! :) Fashion around the office usually varies from total snoozefest to mediocre at best. Luckily there are some secret style civilians who show their point of view from time to time. I struck up a fashion debate with one such style civ last week. The man bootie... What are your thoughts? The weather has been nice and cool lately allowing us south Floridians to give the flips a break for a while and wear actual shoes. This guy chose to be daring and went with the man bootie, a interesting choice in general but especially for a south Floridian! While I give the aforementioned bootie high points for color and leather texture, I'm not certain I'm down for the "boot" section. Go big or go home right? I mean why not go Texan and do the whole boot? Or just do a normal shoe in the same color??? I don't get it.

Verdict: Still Stylin but not my fav. You be the judge.

Roaring 20's and a Hidden Gem!

I was excited to attend my favorite local Charity's Annual Gala this weekend. The Gala's  theme was set in the Roaring Twenties and the planning committee did a great job of transporting us to a time when the stock market was soaring, talking pictures launched the motion picture industry, and fashion was entering the modern era! The provocative Charleston was the most popular dance, Ford's Model T was in every driveway,  and women were entering the workforce! After whispering the secret password at the door we entered the authentic Speakeasy where the bourbon was free flowing and we forgot all about prohibition laws and partied all night!

The fashion portrayed the optimism of the time with fun beaded headbands, cute bob haircuts and bold red lips! No more corsets for these ladies! I tried to fit in with this cute blouse with beaded fringe that I picked up at an adorable local boutique. Only $60 :) My sis also rocked it in this elegant Royal Blue sheer beaded number from Cache.  Great Gatsby it was Gorgeous!

I wanted to give a shout out to the amazing little boutique where I found this delicious vintage inspired top! It's called Etiquette Boutique in Ft. Lauderdale, just off the 17th Street Causeway.   I stumbled upon this shopping treasure when I was in the area getting a haircut...how lucky am I!?  The staff was friendly and helpful, the fashion was trendy yet special, and the prices were fair and affordable! Loves it!  They assured me that new styles arrive weekly so I will definitely be back!

Check out the cute new cross ring I picked up for only $10! Yummy!

Thanks for reading.  Stay Happy and Stylish! xo

Pinups, Paintings & Pioneers...

Hello Blogosphere! I've missed you my dear loyal readers...All 3 of you! LOL. I have been neglecting the blog lately because life has been crazy busy. I'm catching up today but couldn't narrow my rants to just one topic. So today's selection will be a veritable potpourri of notable captures from the past few weeks.

Pinups...

I have long been a fan of styles and trends from decades past, and when possible and appropriate I love to bring a little vintage flavor into my wardrobe.   This fearless fashionista flawlessly channelled her inner Pinup girl Saturday night! She looks beautiful and feminine with her bold retro curls, pretty lace peplum top and daring red lips.  Her red clutch, wooden bangles and unexpected turquoise ring make this look chic and current.  Gorgeous!

Paintings...

I've recently come across a new trend that allows us busy professionals get in touch with our creative side!  It is sortof a paint-by-numbers for grown ups! The concept is a small studio that provides the location, supplies, and an instructor for groups of 10-30 adults who are instructed on how to re-create paintings in a party atmosphere. Refreshments must be provided by participants, and wine and snacks are highly encouraged!  Small studios are popping up all across town that allow just about anyone to be an artist for the day... or at least a couple of hours! While this all sounds very nice, I have to admit I was a little intimidated walking in and seeing my blank canvas staring back at me and the finished sample looking so beautiful!   Have no fear, the instructors gave great step-by-step instruction and after two hours...viola!   Check out my masterpiece below! Move over Van Gogh...
For deets on some cool paint party locations check out these links: 

www.paintingwithatwist.com or www.uptownart.com

 

Pioneers...

As my loyal readers and friends all know, I'm a big fan of travelling.  I've been fortunate enough to travel around the globe for my studies, work and for pleasure.  But I must admit that I while I would consider myself well-travelled, I have neglected some of the most beautiful locations right here in the USA, specifically the Great West! A friend recently visited the great wide open and shared some pictures of the most spectacular sights and landscapes!

Along with these gorgeous images, He also picked up an unusual necklace from the land where the Deer and the Antelope roam!  Apparently it is made from animal bones and ancient artifacts. Worn with this plaid snap button shirt, it looks oddly hipster with a bohemian flair.  I'm still deciding if I like it or not, but either way I applaud this Western pioneer's fearless style and love it when travellers collect meaningful and memorable pieces from their adventures! Either way, I must endeavor into the great west sometime soon! For the Bison, The Prairies and of course the accessories............ :)

Until next time Style civilians...Adventure on! xo

Die Tie Dye, Die!

I can appreciate the Grateful Dead as much as the next girl, I'll even don a little tie dye once in a while. But last week when I wandered into a local beach bar where a popular Dead cover band was playing,  I was not prepared for the fashion display I was about to witness.  There were so many tie dye T-shirts and Birkenstocks frankly, I felt over dressed in my tank top and mini. Here is a recap of some of the most notable ensembles.

Don't adjust your screens, this is in fact a floor length tie dye skirt paired with a homemade fringe-cut T and yes, a teddy bear backpack. This Brown Eyed Woman has it all wrong!  Ladies and gentlemen, this is an adult woman of advanced age! I won't even discuss the footwear... there are no words! I can appreciate the dedication of a Dead super fan, but cmon! Really?

This super fan has totally embraced the tie dye and Birkenstock look. I just feel like I'm back in college,and it seems odd when the average age is 50+. All I can say is Heaven Help the Fool.

Although the fashion had lots to be desired, the Dead vibe was utterly welcoming and positive.  These hippies were hugging, jumping, and singing along giving off great energy of love and contentment. If these fans could tone it down a bit... maybe with a touch of grey, they might get it right.  Until next time Style Civilians, Keep Truckin' :)

Resort Chic... in Cabo!

Style Civilians! All I have to say is if you've never been to Cabo....GO!!! It's totally Fantástico!! It was so spectacularly beautiful that I'm almost left speechless....Almost! Listen, I'm no stranger to the sun and sand. Sunny South Florida is known to be a fantastic beach locale... one of the best in fact! So while I was totally excited to make the trip out west to Cabo San Lucas Mexico for a dear friend's beautiful beach side wedding, I didn't think it would be much different than my beach around the corner... WRONGO!  It was a stunning desert paradise featuring picturesque mountains and flanked by the most beautiful idyllic shoreline on the planet. The gorgeous rock formations on Lovers Beach made our view so impressive it almost looked like a fake backdrop. Check out this view from the hotel!

Regardless of where I am on the globe, I'm always on the lookout for impressive style civilians who express themselves eloquently through their style. While in Mexico at my friend's elegant destination wedding, I spotted these muy bien guests who did just that!

Check out this lovely fashionista who stayed cool an comfortable at the reception in this graphic print maxi dress with gold wire detail on the straps.  Muy Bonita!

Second, check out this AWESOME display of fashion prowess spotted on one of the gentlemen guests.   I mean I hardly have words!  The plaid quilt pattern is perfect for the tropical scene and it looks surprisingly sophisticated when paired with a simple navy polo and leather accessories.   Gentleman: no longer do you have to wonder what to wear to an outdoor summer wedding! Well done Style Señor!

And last but certainly not least, this style civilian is the definition of resort chic! This one-shoulder pantsuit is chic, elegant, and oh-so versatile! The olive green color is perfectly complemented by her fabulous gold accessories and delicious beaded bag. This elegant piece can easily take her from dinner to dancing! And the price? Hold on to your sombreros ladies! $400 Pesos! LOL... That's only $40! It can be found at your local JCP! I know I was shocked too. Well done fashionista! Check it out here: Cute One-shoulder Pantsuit

I definitely love working the international style circuit!  I think I need to do it more often! Time to start planning the next trip.... Any ideas?

Till next time, enjoy the summer and stay bonita! Muchos Besitos Amigas!!!

Chevron! Chevron! Chevron!

These days I'm in love with all things chevron!  This simple print is elegant yet modern and trendy yet uncluttered.  And lately,  it's EVERYWHERE!!  From rugs to dresses and purses to fingertips...you can find this chic print on everything. Here are some of my favorites...

Adorable monogrammed throw pillow available on one of my favorite shopping sites Etsy.com. Get it here: etsy.com-tootledoodesigns

Image credit: Etsy.com/tootledoodesigns

I picked up this adorable black and white clutch as a Christmas gift for my sister from Etsy.  Look at how sweet it looks with these cute bright flips! I think I'll borrow for my upcoming summer vacay...Thanks Sister! ;-)

These iPhone cases are just edible in bright summer colors, you can even personalize them with your name or initials...only $20! Check it out at this cute website I discovered: http://www.beau-coup.com/

Image credit: Beaucoup.com

Last but definitely not least, check out the DELICIOUS neon manicure I got today... featuring what else? A chevron accent nail!  YUMMY!  I love it...

 Stay Happy Fashionistas!