Ready, Set, Shop! The #AVMFashionista Challenge

I've never been one to back down from a challenge (especially not one that included shopping!) but this contest was one-of-a-kind... A few weeks ago I was invited to participate in the Aventura Mall AVMFashionista Challenge. 

Joined by fellow bloggers (and friends!) Daniela Ramirez of Nany's Kloset and Stephanie Camargo of Midtown Chica, we were given 2 hours and a $300 Aventura Mall giftcard to shop for a head-to-toe look representing a specific trend. 

BEFORE: Dani, Stephanie & Kelly with our selected trends

I ended up with a trend called "Baghaus Brigade" which called for color blocking, bold geometric prints, and stripes. I was given a list of only five stores I could shop at, and my final outfit had to include items from at least two. My stores were Ann Taylor, bebe, Bloomingdales, Gap, and M Missoni.

So many rules, So little time!

Though I could have knocked out the challenge in one trip to M Missoni, my limited budget would have left me with more of a commando look-- i.e. naked. (A tube top was 300!) My strategy was to briefly survey each store, and then go back for the pieces to build my outfit. Talk about overwhelming! I can only compare the stress I was under to the experience of shopping with an impatient dad or boyfriend.

Racing out of M Missoni... empty handed.

I bought my first item at the Gap, the only store I was sure I wouldn't buy anything at! My neon yellow and black striped sweater was the key piece I needed to build the rest of my outfit around. At only $19 it was a steal, but I had to get creative since it was a size XL.

To balance out the over-sized sweater I picked up sleek pleather leggings at bebe, along with a pair of sky-high platform booties. (Confession: I splurged on the shoes. I love them!)

bebe booties & pleather pants

With minutes to spare I raced back to Ann Taylor for the finishing touch to any outfit- accessories. My best find of the entire challenge was the beautiful necklace I fished out of  their sale jewelry pile for only $7! That's what I call cheap & chic.

Sweater by Gap, Necklace by Ann Taylor

My outfit complete and $11 to spare I raced back to the finish line to meet the rest of the AVMFashionista team! Stephanie looked fabulous in her flamingo print skirt representing her "Birds Take Flight" trend, and Dani was prim & proper in her 1950s themed ensemble.

AFTER: Dani, Stephanie & Kelly in final outfits

You can follow our journey as it happened by searching for hashtag #AVMFashionista on twitter. Check out the Aventura Mall facebook for exclusive video from the Challenge.

Pencil This In | LEBO at Bloomingdale's

Fashion and art will collide this Saturday night at Bloomingdale's Aventura!

HUDSON JEANS invites guests to experience a live art performance by Cuban artist LEBO.

The internationally recognized talent is no stranger to South Florida; a 1995 grad of Florida International University in Miami he later lectured at Boca Raton's International Museum of Cartoon Art.

"Red Hot Soul and Deep, Deep Blues” will offer a glimpse into LEBO's world of "Postmodern Cartoon art Expressionism," combining his trademark performace painting with a dynamic light projection for a totally unique shopping experience.

Freebie Alert!
Don't miss the opportunity to receive a HUDSON tote bag personally customized by LEBO with any Men's purchase. (Limited to one per customer, while supplies last.)

If You Go

Saturday, September 17, 6-9pm
Bloomingadale's Aventura
The Men’s Store, Level 1

What I Wore | FNO Miami 2011

On Thursday, September 8th the biggest shopping party in the world, Fashion's Night Out, took over the Village of Merrick Park in Miami. Fashionistas joined Miami style stars like Marysol Patton, Jillian Sanz and William Levy for a night unlike any other I've experienced at the Coral Gables retail mecca.

I happened upon a pair of fabulous python print silk trousers by BCBGMAXAZRIA (on sale!) the week prior and knew they were just the thing for FNO. Python is right on trend for Fall, and the perfect way to transition more summery pieces- like a coral top.

Top & Belt: The Closet Boutique

Trousers: BCBGMAXAZRIA

Cuff: Nordstrom

Earrings: Rachel Rachel Roy

Photo Credit Jose Resendez

While checking out the scene at Nordstrom (in my Gold Saturn turband), I ran into fellow blogger Rosa Cordero! Rosy interviewed me for a FNO feature on her site Curvy Chica and we chatted about Fall trends and Miami-inspired style. 

Casting Call | Are you a Shopaholic?



To apply email Casting@pinksneakers.net

Sale Alert | Sam Edelman Niland Pump

Listen up ladies, because deals like this don't come around everyday. The shoe that every woman needs in her closet is on sale for $36.75! Yes, I said NEEDS.

Even at the original price of $100, Sam Edelman's Niland is a must-have. You'll want to wear this sleek platform pump everywhere from the office to your honey's family dinner.

The nude color and almond shaped toe are the secret to creating mile-long legs, while the platform not only gives you height but comfort. These shoes will go with anything in your closet-- and at this price I suggest ordering two pairs stat! Did I mention they also come in black?


Go Shopping

Sam Edelamn Niland Pump, Orig $100 Now $36.75
NationalJeanCompany.com
Use code "Summer25Off"

Sale Alert | Clarisonic

Clarisonic PLUS Skin Cleansing System

For a limited time save 20% on all Clarisonic products at www.clarisonic.com. Use coupon code “VogMag” on orders $149 or more, now through 7/24/11 11:59 PDT. 

Stay tuned for results from my Clarisonic challlenge... 

As a Vogue Influencer I was invited to test out the Clarisonic PLUS ($225). I'll fill you in on how it compares to a similar system that's available for a fraction of the price- the Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System ($30). We'll see if the 'proof' is in the price!

Miami Swim Week 2011 | Haute Natured

Just when you thought Miami Swim Week was about as shallow as a Key Biscayne sandbar, here comes Haute Natured.

The first ever sustainable swimwear show in Miami Beach is bringing together eco-friendly designers Meadow, Eco Swim, Linda Loudermilk, and MAE to showcase swimsuits made of upcycled, repurposed, and even solar-powered materials! Models will appear to walk on water as they strut down The Setai's 50-foot glass catwalk in suits created from recycled bottles and military parachutes. Hosted by Mogul Events and ecosystM, the fashion fête doubles as a fundraiser benefitting the Seakeepers Society.

The carbon-neutral runway show is a first of its kind in more ways than one, as it'll also be the first event during Miami Fashion Week to be filmed in full High Definition 3D. (Poor models!)

Guests are invited to join Miami's eco-conscious A-list and executives from top environmental lifestyle brands for a green carpet at 9 P.M. followed by hors d'oeuvres and complimentary cocktails leading up to the four runway shows. VIP tickets are available for $50 and are 100% tax deductible.

If You Go

Friday, July 15, 2011
Green carpet arrivals at 9 P.M., Fashion show at 10 P.M.
The Setai
For Tickets visit: http://haute-natured.ettend.com/

Deal of the Day | Free People Summer Sale

Free yourself from paying full price and shop the Free People summer sale today! The brand's hippie chic dress code is not just for the music festival set - try a beautiful crochet top over your bikini for a cool take on the typical cover-up. At under $70, the FP Slinky Knit Printed Halter Dress is easy to take from daytime to date night with a quick shoe swap.

Long Sleeve Crochet Inset Top, $49.95

Slinky Knit Printed Halter Dress, $69.95

Today only take an extra 10% off all Sale items with the code FRIENDS10. (Offer expires 7/9/11)

Win This | Meet Rachel Zoe at Neiman Marcus

The Rachel Zoe Collection won't be in Neiman Marcus stores until next month, but fashion-files everywhere can get their hands on the highly anticipated duds right now on NeimanMarcus.com. The classic leopard print dress (left) and chic white pant suit are iconic Rachel Zoe looks and now on the top of my must have list.

To celebrate the virtual launch of RZ's Fall 2011 collection, Neiman's is giving one lucky fan the chance to meet Rachel and Neiman Marcus Fashion Director, Ken Downing, at their Los Angeles store. BANANAS! To sweeten the deal they're also throwing in a $2,500 Neiman Marcus gift card, surely providing for an OOC* fall wardrobe.

You have until July 18th to take the Oh So Zoe Challenge on Neiman Marcus' Facebook page for the chance to DIE... or literally win!

The interactive contest puts your Zoe prowess to the test as you become the stylist, creating your own looks with pieces from the Rachel Zoe Collection and Rachel's favorite designer jewelry. There's always a back-story to an RZ look, so once you've created your ensemble you'll have to describe it using your best Zoe lingo.

And if you don't style yourself to the top, no need to pout... Sources tell me the star stylist-turned-designer will be stopping by Neiman Marcus Coral Gables in the near future.

*OOC- Zoe-ism for Out of Control.

What I Wore | Rendezvous with Brian Atwood

With Brian Atwood and Blogger Erika Thomas at Saks Bal Harbour. Photo credit Ria-Michelle

Blazer: H&M, Blouse: Victoria's Secret, Shorts: Forever 21, Turband: Gold Saturn

No, that's not a European model; that hot man is none other than shoe designer extraordinaire Brian Atwood. Brian was in Miami on April 27th to debut his new spring collection at Saks Bal Harbour. Socialites, fashionistas, shoe lovers, and of course Miami's most stylish bloggers (see above) joined B and Miami Magazine for an evening spent sipping complimentary Grey Goose cocktails and noshing on tasty mini cupcakes. Some well known faces making an appearance that night included Real Housewives of Miami alum Lea Black (in a very boring ensemble), and Haute Living Magazine's Fashion Director Jillian Sanz.

Sale Alert | Lady LUX Boutique Easter EGGstravaganza

Stop by Lady LUX Boutique this week to shop their new Spring shipment and save during the Easter EGGstravaganza Sale. No golden eggs here, but you will receive 15-25% off your entire purchase when you choose a mystery easter egg from their spring basket. The promotion also applies to sale items, saving lucky shoppers up to 75% off.

Carrying labels like Ark & Co., Gold Saturn, Ramon LaRue, and Jimi Vee, Lady LUX offers a stylish selection of clothing that caters to the modern Miami gal.

Go Shopping

Lady LUX Boutique

3660 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145 

305.444.0868

What I Wore | Last Friday Night

Blouse- RUGBY Ralph Lauren, Skirt- Rodarte for Target, Belt- NY&Co., Shoes- Steve Madden

Need This Now! | Double Breasted Blazer

Filthy Magic Major V Neck Blazer, $118

(Also in Black, Red, & Deep Purple.)

ASOS Blazer with Contrast Lapels, $134

Last Call Double-Breasted Jacket, $85

What I Wore | Pop-Up Shopping

I've had my eye on Gold Saturn, coveting the brand's much buzzed about Turband for quite some time now.  I got the opportunity to meet the brains behind the 'band last weekend as the local brand popped up at Villa 221 in Downtown Miami for the day. Fellow Miamian David Jon Acosta has managed to create a line of casually fabulous headbands, t-shirts, and dresses that have been featured in the pages of Teen Vogue, Nylon, and Ocean Drive, and worn by celebs like Kourtney Kardashian. David was as sweet as could be, even showing me the proper way to wear my new turband (seen above, one of three I took home!)

What I Wore

Dress- Dolce Vita via My Best Friend's Closet

Wedges- Bebe

Purse- Filene's Basement

Turband- Gold Saturn

Sunglasses- House of Sunglasses

Try It On | Brahmin Anytime Tote

Brahmin's new "Anytime Tote" won't hit stores till later this month but as a Vogue Influencer Brahmin was kind enough to send us one!

This classic leather bag didn't get its name by accident; it is so versatile we'll be wearing this baby year-round. Whether you're toting it to work, yoga, or dinner with the girls, the size allows you to carry all of your necessities without being overwhelming. Pictured above in Clay (which matches with everything!) the tote is also available in a range of fun spring colors including Canary, Light Pink, Oyster, and Pistachio. 

The interior is lined in a coordinating Brahmin print and has plenty of pockets to store your blackberry, lipgloss, wallet, pens, makeup case, and water bottle with room to spare- making it the perfect bag for a girl on the go.

Thanks Brahmin!


Go Shopping
Brahmin.com

Brahmin is also available at select Macy's stores.

Budget Babe: Aldo 'Euphrosine' Sandal Look for Less

These black gladiator sandals could have been separated at birth, but one of them will cost you double!

Meet Aldo's 'Euphrosine' and Target's Mossimo 'Panya' sandals. I guess Aldo is charging $50 for the fancy name? For that price you can get the Mossimo version in black and cognac, a steal at only $24.99. Added bonus? Panya has a tiny wedge heel, giving you an extra lift.

I laughed all the way to the bank after purchasing my Panya's and then finding Aldo's pricey copycat. 

Go Shopping

Target, Mossimo 'Panya' Sandal, $24.99

Hurry! All shoes on Target.com are Buy One, Get One 50% thru Sunday, March 27th (Free shipping over $50, too!)