A Hurricane of Memories, and Old San Juan

My heart and my head are both in Puerto Rico tonight, the adopted home of my mother, stepfather and youngest sister.

Everything I Wore to Miami Swim Week

What to Pack for a Tropical Getaway

If you’re like me, you’re already in need of extra motivation to keep your new year’s fitness goals on track; and by “extra motivation” I obviously mean a weekend at the beach! There’s nothing like the thought of donning a swimsuit to remind you to put down the french fries and stop snoozing your gym alarm, right?

What's In My Beach Bag

Accessorizing White for Summer

Creating a Summer Oasis with Hawaiian Tropic

A Morning with Tory

Rise and shine? I'm not much of a morning person, but I managed to roll out of bed bright and early for a preview of the Tory Burch 2014 Resort collection on day three of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

Mercedes-Benz Swim Week Miami, Look 1

After a stormy start, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2014 kicked off last Thursday at the Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach.

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)

Deal of the Day | European Wax Center

With fireworks stands popping up on every street corner you can almost smell the Fourth of July! But before we all go skipping around in our teeny bikinis there's always some "housekeeping" that needs to be taken care of first. 

Yes, I'm talking about the dreaded bikini wax. 

Get over your fear (I did!) and head over to the new European Wax Center in Coral Gables, where first timers can get their bikini wax for FREE. The recently opened facility is offering a free body wax to first time clients; women can choose between a complimentary eye brow, under arm, or bikini line wax, while fellas have the option of a free eye brow, ear or nose wax.

EWC Coral Gables gets the Editor's Seal of Approval! The center is not only clean and welcoming, but the staff is friendly, professional, and knowledgable; making a not so enjoyable beauty routine much less of a pain. (The chocolate treats on your way out don't hurt either!)

If you're a frequent waxer, make sure to take advantage of EWC's Unlimited Wax Pass which gives you unrestricted waxing access for an entire year. The pass ranges from $195 to under $500, depending on the area you wax.

If You Go

European Wax Center Coral Gables

1212 South Dixie Highway

Coral Gables, FL, 33146

Try It On | Summer Sandals

‘Tis the season for bare shoulders, shorts, and sassy sandals!  Here are 3 basic sandals that will get you through the summer, and take you from the beach, to brunch and even the bar.

Beach: Thongs

No, not the kind in your boudoir

I have been know to parade around everywhere in 5-inchers (yes, even at the supermarket!) but sometimes you just need something practical. Beach sandals should be durable, but always cute! An alternative to the boring old flip-flop? The ‘Fit’ by Havaianas is an adorable rubber slingback thong and comes in a rainbow of colors.  At just $28, get a pair to match each of your bikinis.

Brunch: Gladiators

Sparta never looked this good  

Yep, they’re still around and better than ever. Gladiator sandals are gracing the displays of every shoe shop and department store window.  This summer there is nothing more chic for your feet. Splurge on a pair in a neutral tone— you’ll keep reaching for them time and time again. Try BCBG’s ‘Irmah’ sandal, $111 at bluefly.com.

Bar: Wedges
A step up on the competition 

Tall and chunky meet to make the perfect, sexy summer shoe. From jeans and leggings, to sundresses and shorts, a wedge complements any look and makes your legs worthy of a double take. Bebe makes some of the fiercest shoes, and their summery espadrille-style denim wedge is no exception. Pick your poision–‘Steffi’ is 

available in black, white or traditional blue denim,  $114.95 from zappos.com.

Sale Alert | Tom Ford Sunglasses

The perfect summer accessory? Sunglasses! How about a pair from Tom Ford- for only $99! These chic designer shades are a favorite of Hollywood's A-list and retail for a pretty penny ($450 & up!) Check out the sale on Swirl.com before it closes on June 10th. 

Not a member of Swirl? Join Now

Try It On | Blaze of Summer

My summer uniform consists of one key piece- my beloved putty colored boyfriend blazer. Worn over jeans, a mini dress, or even shorts, a casual blazer can polish any ensemble. 

When it comes to wardrobe staples like a blazer, don't be afraid to spend a little more for a great tailored fit. This is an investment piece you'll wear time and time again. This season bypass plain old black and go for a cream or khaki color. Neutrals are right on-trend and will look ever so chic paired with light tones like white and blush.

For a look that's straight out of my personal style book, pair your boyfriend blazer with a simple white tank and shorts, and a neutral snakeskin heel. Let your accessories do the talking with a pretty blush bag and oversized lucite necklace.