A Classic Summer Shirtdress with Ann Taylor

Great Harbour Cay: A Lesson in Relaxation

Happy Birthday America!

Fourth of July always reminds me of my mother... well, because her name is America. (Really!) More importantly, it reminds of the struggles that she and my grandparents endured so that I could grow up in this great land of freedom & opportunity. Had I grown up in Cuba, this blog wouldn't even be a figment of my imagination. So on this Independence Day I celebrate America, my country and my mother, and the freedom to wear what I want, when I want! We're waiting for the fireworks to start on the beach now... hope you had the freedom to enjoy the day off, too!

{Forever 21 Flag Sweater (similar) - UO Vintage Levi's Shorts - Sweetheart Sunnies} 

{Forever 21 Flag Sweater (similar) - Vintage Levi's Shorts - Henri Bendel Henri Link Bracelet - OPI Polish 'Simply Smashing'}

Holiday in Siesta Key

{H&M Camp Shirt - ALEXIS Fringe Skirt - Vintage Pineapple Purse - Forever 21 Hat}

Sun, Sand, and Resort Wear is what filled my Memorial Day weekend! The unofficial start to summer landed me in the hidden paradise known as Siesta Key. Hidden to me anyway - it was my first time visiting the oceanfront locale on Florida's west coast, but definitely not my last. The charming beach town offered up delicious eats, friendly locals, and powdery white sand that was silky to the touch. Just days before my getaway I came across this amazing fringe cotton skirt at South Dade consignment shop The Recycled Closet. When I picked it up and read ALEXIS on the label I knew I had a gem on my hands. The skirt was the inspiration for my tropical themed weekend in beach bliss....

{Ready for the weekend!}

{Classic Havaianas - Vintage Pineapple Purse - ALEXIS Fringe Skirt}

{ZARA Top - VS PINK Denim Skirt - Miss Trish Sandals - BCBGMAXAZRIA Bracelet - Gifted Clutch}

This 2nd outfit is one of my new favorites! Nothing like neon pink & orange to offset a fresh glowing tan. I picked up this hot top at the newly refurbished ZARA in Dadeland mall (aka heaven!) It has all of the elements to make it a summer must-have: tropical flowers, flourescent colors, and golden studs. Let's just say I couldn't resist it. I dug up the neon skirt from the depths of my closet, and just like that, what's old is new again. I finished off the look with my leopard jeweled sandals from Miss Trish (also worn here.) Leopard is a neutral in my book- goes with almost anything!

{H&M Cover-up - Forever 21 Hat}

{Bananas! The print from my H&M Cover-up}

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

Try It On | Boho beach babe

Confession: I'm a serial over-packer. My motto always is, "when in doubt, pack everything!" But sometimes even I have to surrender my suitcase and settle for a carry-on.

The key to lighter luggage? Pack mix & match pieces in the same color palette. For a tropical weekend getaway choose sassy cropped tees, boyfriend shorts and knit cover ups in neutral colors to accentuate your new tan. Toss in a floppy hat and a pair of jeweled sandals and you'll feel like a total diva while sipping on your skinnygirl margarita poolside.

More Forever 21...