WATCH LIVE: Pageant Style Hangout!

Live Chat: Miss USA Style Report

Are you a pageant fanatic? Have you been practicing your pageant wave in hopes of donning a frock fit for a queen? Curious about what it's like to rock a dress that costs more than your car? Announcing the very first Kelly's Kloset LIVE Hangout! Join me right here on Thursday night at 8:30pm (EST) for the Pageant Style Hangout, with experts:

Kamie Crawford, Miss Teen USA 2010

Will Henderson aka The Pageant Guy & Miss Dallas USA Director
Robin Fleming, Gown Guru, Stylist, & Owner of La Casa Hermosa

As the Miami Fashion Blogger's resident pageant girl (Miss Cuba 2011, Miss Earth Florida 2010, and more...) I'm packing up and headed to Vegas for my annual girls' getaway to Miss USA this weekend! (Maybe you read about that on Refinery29?) The crowning ceremony will be broadcast live on NBC this Sunday night, but the competition is already underway. You can catch the preliminary pageant online tonight at 11pm ET/8 PT - this is where the top 15 contestants are selected. Tune in and take notes!

No one knows pageant gowns like Robin Fleming. In fact, she's the only woman I've trusted to dress me in every one of my competitions. Having worked with 5 of this year's contestants, there's no doubt she'll have some great insider knowledge to share.

Go behind the seams with us as we discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly from the Miss USA preliminary competition. Ask the experts: Tweet us your questions, comments, and OMG fashion moments from prelims using hashtag #PageantStyle. We'll be answering you live, so make sure to watch!

See you tomorrow @ 8:30pm EST/5:30pm PST. ♛

Fashion Friday 5 | Miami Magic

This week's Fashion Friday 5 is hitting the beach for Memorial Day weekend! What better way to suit up for the official start to summer than by channeling the goddesses of Miami's golden age? If you've been watching Starz's new series Magic City (filmed right here in the 305!) then you understand the Marilyn-esque glamour I'm referring to. The classic pin up look is right on trend this summer, with designers like Marc Jacobs, Mara Hoffman, Chloe, and Nanette Leopore offering vintage inspired, high-waist bikinis.

 1. Nanette Lepore Cherry Print Bandeau Top, $65

 2. Nanette Lepore Cherry Print High-Wait Bottom, $71

 3. ASOS Cat-Eye Sunglasses, $21

 4. Kate Spade Gemina Tote, $145

 5. Vaneli Britnee Cork Wedge, $93


Enjoy your extended weekend & don't forget the SPF! 

♥Kelly

What I Wore | Braids & Bikinis

{Dress Agua Bendita at The Orchid Boutique - Shoes bebe - Clutch Aldo - Earrings Charlotte Russe}

I've been meaning to post pictures from my Braids & Bikinis event at The Orchid Boutique for over a week now but life has been hectic! Not that I'm complaining. The Miami fashion bloggers have been quite busy as of late and I'm loving all of the positive things happening for us. It's been great meeting other fashion enthusiasts around town and collaborating on fun events, like B&B.

The team at The Orchid Boutique invited me to style the 'feature wall' where I chose my favorite swim trends for summer 2012. I wanted to offer options for women of all body types, so my selections included a deep-v one piece, neon brights, tribal prints, a high waisted pin-up look, and my favorite trend - fringe! Owner Mayra Jimenez and I discussed my styling choices in a webisode that you can watch here.

Kelly's Kloset Feature Wall at The Orchid Boutique

Let's talk about the dress I wore, because I am in l-o-v-e with it! The bright graphic print, beaded accents, peplum detail, and lightweight fabric all combine to make this dress versatile enough to toss over your bikini and go just about anywhere. (Note: Next time I wear this will be poolside in Las Vegas with sky high wedges and a fabulous hat.) If you're not familiar with Agua Bendita, the luxury Colombian swimwear brand is known for their youthful, latin-inspired designs. The line is a favorite of the Sports Illustrated Swimwear Edition, and yours truly! I have to be honest, I feel like I won the lottery with this frock because I'm told it has been discontinued. Part of the allure of owning a piece of Agua Bendita is that production is limited. Each collection is exclusive, ensuring you'll be the only babe on the beach in your handmade suit. But, if the thought of not owning this dress is going to keep you up at night, call the boutique... they may just have one left!

With Sandirose Madger aka @TheManeMuchacha of Blo Midtown & Mayra Jimenez

The Feature Wall

Thanks to Kathryn of Kathy's Kakery (my sister!) for the delish cupcakes

Cupcakes for everyone!

My mannequin is working that fringe.  Top & Pants by L*Space.

Check out more pics from Braids & Bikinis on Facebook

Summer Staple: The Chino... Short?

J.Crew 3" Chino Short in Lemon Zest. Photo courtesy J.Crew

Leave it to J.Crew to revamp the chino into a hot summer must-have. The all American retailer has chopped the legs off the boring prep school classic and created the most flattering shorts I've ever purchased. With a three-inch rise and relaxed fit, the chino short shows just enough leg without having to worry what mom would think. Good news is they're now on sale for under $35. Better news? They come in the perfect summer brights like neon peach, bright violet, and my favorite - lemon zest.

Agua at Delano Debuts Spa Menu Fit For A Queen

What's old is new again. Starting this month you can indulge in exotic beauty rituals deeply rooted in Indian culture with the new KeSARI spa menu at the Delano Hotel's Agua. The chic spa located in the penthouse of the South Beach hotel has teamed up with KeSARI beauty to offer guests the ultimate royal relaxation. Think ancient royalty - as in the diva herself, Cleopatra. Saffron, the main ingredient in the KeSARI collection, is considered the most expensive spice in the world. The Egyptian queen was known for bathing in this "spice of the gods" prior to meeting her lovers because it made her feel more desirable.

Desiring tranquility? Some of the luxe offerings on the KeSARI spa menu include an Imperial KeSARI Massage ($170), and KeSARI Renewal Mani & Pedi ($110). VS Pink model Elsa Hosk is a fan of the signature Saffron Glow Facial, which uses saffron, Indian Clay, Kokum butter, Aloe Vera, and Hydresia to leave the skin hydrated and glowing. I was treated to a KeSARI mani, and felt like I spent 30 minutes in heaven rather than in a spa chair. The manicure started off with a jasmine exfoliating scrub and Indian Clay Radiance Masque that left my hands baby soft. The massage that followed was so good I forgot I had anything to do for the rest of the day. Icing on the cake? The gorgeous 360-degree views of the beach from agua's rooftop lounge.

Pictured above: (Left to Right) Indian Oil Hair Serum, $32 (smells amazing!) - Indian Clay Masque, $30 - Triphala Radiance Firming Serum, $50 - Dark Circle Brightening Cream, $38
Get 10% OFF your KeSARI beauty purchase by entering ESCAPE in the discount box.


IF YOU GO

Agua at Delano
1685 Collins Ave. Miami Beach
For reservations call: (305) 674-6100
Open daily 9AM - 9PM

Psst... The Closet Boutique Summer Sale Starts Tomorrow!

Run, don't walk, to the The Closet Boutique's annual summer sale! One of my favorite Miami shops for up-to-the-minute trends on a budget is slashing prices up to 75% OFF to help kick start your Memorial Day weekend. Owner Loretta Vengoechea, a Parsons grad, hand picks the must-have looks that fly off the shelves on a weekly basis. Think sheer blouses, maxi dresses, colored denim, chic accessories, swimwear, handbags... My favorite part about the boutique is that new shipments are posted on their facebook page weekly, so you can preview new arrivals from home. (Tip- hot items don't last through the week. Love it? Call & order over the phone.)

The Closet Boutique is open tomorrow from 12-8pm. Happy Shopping!

Tinsley Mortimer Brings "Southern Charm" to Miami

Get Beautiful at Brilliance NY Grand Opening in Miami

Remember those late night beauty parties you had with your girlfriends in grade school? (A particular Spice Girls moment comes to mind for me...) Perhaps you were the little girl that got adventurous in mom's makeup case? Forget mom's lipstick & get your own! Join me, Ginger Harris of Electric Blogarella, and The Wordy Girl Maria Tettamanti at a grown up beauty party to celebrate the Grand Opening of Brilliance New York Boutique + Salon. Spruce up your beauty routine for summer with complimentary mini makeovers, get tips from celeb stylists, and toast to being fabulous with cocktails and light bites by West Avenue Cafe. Get there early and snag a gift bag- they're valued at $200! 

See you there, makeup junkies! XO

If You Go

Where: Brilliance New York, 631 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach

When: Wednesday, May 16th,  7 - 10 PM

RSVP: BrillianceNY@taraink.com

Get SoBeachy at Braids & Bikinis, Thursday!

If the beautiful Miami weather this weekend was any indication, it's going to be one hot summer. With Memorial Day right around the corner, the dreaded B word comes to mind... BIKINI.

I've got you covered! This Thursday, May 10th, stock up on the hottest new swimwear and get accessorized with the season's must have 'do at Braids & Bikinis. I'll be hosting the afternoon bikini bash at The Orchid Boutique from 4-8pm. The SoBe swimwear mecca offers some of my favorite lines including Agua Bendita, L*Space, Vitamin A, and Beach Bunny.

Ever wondered how pageant girls can strut so confidently across a stage in next to nothing? I've got the scoop on that, the best fake bake (tan) in town, and some cupcakes to share from Kathy's Kakery (my sister, who also likes naming things with a K.) Bikinis, Braids, Bubbly - and Cupcakes? Yes. See you there!

RSVP Here

Derby Daze

{Bebe Lace Panel Dress - Nordstrom Fascinator Headband - HSN Ring}

In honor of today's Kentucky Derby, I bring you my photos from the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. Having never been to a horse race before, I knew there was one key component to my outfit that had to be just right... the hat! You wouldn't believe how difficult it is to find a "derby hat" in South Florida. After searching in a few stores I came across this beautiful headband, which I later learned is called a Fascinator, at Nordstrom and had to have it! Paired with a ladylike lace accent pencil dress and oversized pearl ring, I dubbed this look Cuban Kate Middleton. I even had a couple at the track ask if I had come from England. (An older woman also yelled, "Hey, it's Lady Gaga!") Mint Julep anyone?

Pictured above: Looking like ladies that lunch. At left, my girlfriend Natalie looked beautiful in a watercolor floral print sundress and straw hat. I love how the stripes in her hat matched the colors from her dress!

From instagram; me & my beau blue ♥

Fashion Friday 5 | The Webster at Target

Don't get too cray cray loco this Cinco de Mayo because The Shops at Target launches on Sunday! The fine folks at Target have changed up their popular collaboration series this time around, trading in popular high-end designers for local outposts and boutiques.

Miami will be proudly represented by South Beach fave The Webster with an exclusive collection that includes everything you'd need for a tropical weekend in the magic city. While plotting your shopping assault for May 6th, check out my 5 favorite looks from the collection below. (Find your nearest store here. Keep in mind that certain pieces are online exclusives.)

1) Strapless Maxi Dress in Wall Paper Floral Print, $44.99

2) Blazer in Melon, $49.99 - Tank in Two-Way Deco Print, $19.99 - Pleated Shorts in Melon, $24.99

3) Colorblock Cardigan in White, $32.99 - Wall Paper Floral Print Bikini Top & Bottom, $22.99 each

4) Wedges, $24.99 (Only at Target.com)

5) Straw Fedora in Navy or Natural, $19.99

All images courtesy of Target

Tennis in the Tropics

Victoria's Secret Swim Top - Atikshop Pants - Xhilaration Wedges - The Closet Boutique Bag -
Nordstrom Cat-Eye Sunglasses - Forever 21 Bracelets - H&M Ring - Borrowed Hat

I just came across these lost photos from last month's Sony Ericsson Open on Key Biscayne. My boyfriend and I attended the final matches on what felt like the hottest day of the year. I had just purchased these amazing printed palazzo pants from Atikshop in Mary Brickell Village (a gem!) and I couldn't wait to wear them for this Sunday outing. Bralettes and crop tops were all over the Spring/Summer '12 runways and this was the perfect weather to take the trend for a spin. (BF did not "get" this.) I slathered on the sunscreen, threw on a fabulous hat borrowed from his mom, and enjoyed an afternoon sipping cocktails while taking in the hottest ticket in town. I must give kuddos to my man who, for the first time ever, managed to snap blog worthy pictures of me! X

Fashion Star Designers Host Viewing Party in Miami

Fashion Star designers Orly Shani and Luciana Scarabello in their own designs.

On Tuesday Daily Candy & Suave Beauty teamed up to host a posh Style Suite and viewing party of NBC's Fashion Star at Miami's Viceroy Hotel. Four of the show's remaining designers were on hand to greet fans and dish behind the scenes secrets, including Orly Shani, Ronnie Escalante, Nzimiro Oputa, and Miami native Luciana Scarabello.


While I'm not a devoted Fashion Star viewer, I do catch the show occasionally and was excited to meet two of my favorites, Orly & Luciana. I was attending the GUESS 30th anniversary party in South Beach (more on that later) during the first half of the evening so I missed out on the mini makeovers by Suave. I arrived just in time to catch the show at 10pm and was treated with fresh baked cookies by the Club 50 staff, and a sweet goodie bag of Suave styling products that I can't wait to try. 
Orly is as funny as she is beautiful. There's a cool, confident vibe about her that draws you in. She was dressed in one of her own designs, a fun cobalt blue dress with zippered back that she sold to H&M in a past FS episode. Everyone in the room was clearly disappointed when her motorcycle dress/vest wasn't purchased (me included!)
Local girl Luciana had quite the fan club in attendance, with the room erupting in cheers whenever she appeared on screen. I couldn't help but join in the applause for her super sexy design this week, which was ultimately purchased by Saks. The Argentinian designer is a pint-sized beauty, making me feel like I was towering over her-- and that doesn't happen. She was also wearing her own design, a gorgeous floral frock from the show that I'm sad I missed out on.
There's only six contestants left on the NBC fashion competition - Vote in the poll below and let me know who you think the last designer standing will be!

What I wore- Floral Dress by Romeo + Juliet Couture via Loehmann's (similar here), Steve Madden Leopard Heels

Miami Marlins Get PINK'D by Victoria's Secret

Victoria's Secret has been showing Miami a lot of love this Spring! (Remember: VS Very Sexy Tour and Pink Spring Break Party.) This time around the very sexy brand's hot little sister, VS PINK, teamed up with Major League Baseball for a collection of fun sportswear for us girlfriends. Super sweet VS model Elsa Hosk joined Miami Marlins baseballer Logan Morrison at Miami's Dolphin Mall to debut the hometown edition of the sporty fashion collab.

Miami Marlins Left Fielder Logan Morrison. This Marlins leopard print burnout tee is available in store.
(Similar baseball tee online for $39.50.)

I didn't know what to expect when I met Logan, but I was prepared for anything. (The twitter-lebrity is rumored to be a huge flirt!) I'm happy to report that LoMo, as his fans call him, was on his best behavior, and even complimented my ring. I chatted up the 24-year-old and got the scoop on his love affair with twitter, the new Marlins uniform, and exercises to make your booty pop. 

Kelly Saks: Why do you like twitter so much?

Logan Morrison: I like the fact that you can interact with fans on it, people that I would never talk to. I can talk to them, make fun of them, flirt with them.

KS: What's your take on the new Marlins logo?

LM: Did you know that we're the number one selling merchandise in MLB? So that's pretty cool.

KS: There was a lot of controversy about the new logo when it came out, but I guess people are liking it?

LM: Change is always rejected, then it's accepted, right? That's what I did. I didn't know if I liked it and then I put it on and thought, hey, it's pretty cool.

KS: Elsa and I were talking before you got here, and we were wondering why it is that baseball players all have really nice butts? (Laughing.) What is your secret exercise?

LM: Ha! Well, I think I'm an exception to that because I have no booty. I went to Vegas, came back, and I lost it somewhere in between. I don't know what exercise, I don't do anything... Just do lunges, glutes, monster walks. I dunno, I just have a really long back!

KS: How are you liking your new home (Marlins Stadium)?

LM: I love it! It's an awesome stadium. Air conditioning is the best part, that's for sure. 

Logan loved every minute of this.

This girl is unreal gorgeous. Elsa wears the Pink Loves Marlins burnout baseball tee.

This was my second time meeting Elsa and I must say the Swedish model is a total sweetheart! We bonded over our mutual admiration for baseball players' behinds (see above) and the 305. While Miami is known for some of the worst drivers in the nation, Elsa says she's learned how to get around since she works here so often. No word on if she's made it out to Hialeah yet. ;)

What I wore- H&M Blazer & Dress, Furor Cross Necklace, Bebe Ring. 

All photos by Bella Mente Photography