Closet Confessions: Alessia Solari

Name: Alessia Solari
Occupation: Founder and Creative Director at Alessia Solari
Motto: Live the moment

Sometimes you just have to follow your passion in life, so I was reminded after having lunch with designer Alessia Solari a few weeks ago. Solari, an FSU grad who studied environmental science, was working for the World Meteorological Organization (an agency of the United Nations) when she found herself unhappy, telling her boyfriend that she wanted to design shoes. So she did! She left her job at the UN and returned home to Miami to launch her eponymous sandal collection.

With a Swiss mother and Peruvian father, Alessia is as striking as she is intelligent. Many would describe her as a free spirit, but I say she's a woman that knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to risk it all.



1. Describe your style: I love mixing classic elegance with a hint of gypsy chic. My style is very influenced by my travels abroad. I’m not a fan of all one thing.

2. Your go-to outfit: Currently I've been wearing a lot of long maxi dresses and my sandals. I have them in all different colors since I do all my own product testing!

3. Can't-live-without-it accessory: Statement necklaces

4. Favorite place to shop in Miami: Armoire Chi Chi, it’s a small vintage boutique full of great finds!

5. Heels vs. Flats: Wedges, absolutely! 

6. Most memorable fashion faux-pas? During my first trip to Chile my boyfriend invited me to a party to meet all his friends from back home. I wore a fitted dress with a full skirt and my louboutin espadrilles. It was a summer bbq so I thought I looked perfect! His sister took one look at me and laughed, she told me to wear jeans, sneakers and a hoodie. She saved me because I would have looked completely ridiculous! You can never trust men when it comes to how to dress, always ask a girlfriend! 

Ibiza, Capri and Bahia sandals by Alessia Solari. Availabe at www.alessiasolari.com

7. Who is your style icon? Audrey Hepburn, Olivia Palermo, Victoria Bekham

8. Biggest splurge? A gorgeous Cavalli dress! I had to work all summer to pay my mom back :) It was so worth it!

9. Favorite designer? Emilio Pucci, there is something magical about his colors and prints. They truly express happiness!

10. Complete this sentence: The secret to great style is... CONFIDENCE! 

Closet Confessions | Fabian Basabe

Currently a restauranteur, formerly a model— but always oh so stylish. Meet Fabian Basabe, owner of Da Vittorio Restaurant in Coral Gables.

Perhaps it's the New Yorker in him, but this Socialite has a signature style that never misses. Basabe's look is classic, clean, and easy, with the ability to make even a pair of jeans and a tee feel sophisticated. Whether he's off to a cocktail party or throwing it down in the kitchen of his classic Italian restaurant, Basabe is always impeccably dressed and groomed.

With wife Martina in the luxe lingerie biz (her family owns the Italian brand La Perla), and friends the likes of Kelly Killoren-Bensimon and Kourtney Kardashian, it's hard to blend in when you're Fabian Basabe. But don't let his All-American style and boyish charm fool you; he enjoys being the life of the party (see question #10.)


Ten questions for Miami's most influential Stylistas
Name: Fabian Basabe

1. Describe your style: Preppy and classic

2. Your go-to outfit: J Brand jeans, Fay fitted shirt, Tod’s Docksiders

3. Can’t-live-without-it accessory: I always wear a belt

4. Best place to bargain shop: On Bleecker and 6th in NYC for vintage silver buckles and vintage belts

5. Flip flops or crocs? Neither I wear Superga

6. Most memorable fashion faux-pas: Versace black suede and crocodile loafers… it was the 90s!!!

7. Whose style do you admire most? Charlie Watts, Rolling Stones

8. Biggest splurge? Double breast blue blazer and gray pants from Fratelli Di Donato, the legendary Italian tailors

9. Favorite designer? Ralph Lauren

10. The secret to great style is… personality

Closet Confessions | Tiffany Ortiz

Meet Tiffany Ortiz, a twenty-something University of Miami grad and designer of the jewelry line TAudrey. I caught up with Tiffany at Emporium in Coral Gables, a chic little shop off of Ponce Circle that carries her unique and eclectic accessory line. 

Ortiz's story is endearing and empowering. TAudrey started out as just a hobby for the former stylist, who says her friends begged her to sell her homemade designs. A year later, Tiffany is a self-made business owner. TAudrey offers a full line of bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings for women who know the importance of accessorizing . You can shop the collection online at TAudrey.com,  and at boutiques throughout Miami.

Tiffany has the honor of being the first subject of "Closet Confessions." Check out how the emerging jewelry designer responded to our little game of ten questions.

Ten questions for Miami's most influential Stylistas

Name: Tiffany Ortiz

1. Describe your style: Boho chic. Easy, elegant, comfortable.

2. Your go-to outfit: My Emporium tunic or my favorite sun dress.

3. Can't-live-without-it accessory: Too hard to choose! Can't decide between TAudrey charmed wrist wrap or my everyday autograph plate :)

4. Best place to bargain shop: Mina Miami Beach, great prices, awesome clothes!

5. Flip flops or crocs: Flip flops, definitely!

6. Most memorable fashion faux-pas? ---

7. Whose style do you admire most? Audrey Hepburn (of course!)

8. Biggest splurge? My Miu Miu bag- big expense but was well worth it! 

9. Favorite designer? DVF and Tory Burch

10. The secret to great style is... Always feel confident. Don't try to form to the trends if it's not you. Dress for your body type, and always add a touch of sexy.