Sunscreen 101: Why It's That Worth It

For the eleventh year, Miami Swim Week took over Miami Beach last weekend with a bevy of hot bodies strutting across stages and floating runways to entice buyers and media with next season's swimwear and resort wear looks. With models on full display, there was one thing they all had in common: a golden tan*. It's the summer trend that never goes out of style, yet most don't realize it's also the most dangerous.

Diary of a Weekend Staycation

Summer Essentials with Olay Total Effects + Miami Swim Week Giveaway

Andres Sarda FW14 at Miami Fashion Week

Photo: Humberto Vidal

Andres Sarda brought a Vegas-style party to the Miami Beach Convention Center for the second night of Miami Fashion Week on Friday. While I missed the opening night soirée, (I was hosting Macy's American Icons,  I was interested to see what MFW had to offer this year, as they've made an effort to collaborate with bloggers for the first time. The show was in one word - spectacular. From the incredibly chic blinged-out bodysuits, to the strobe lights, video wall and EDM music, I felt like I was transported to one of the hottest clubs in Las Vegas. The lingerie and swimwear pieces weren't just sexy, they were art pieces. Complemented by bold jewelry pieces from TOUS, models strutted down the endless runway in looks ranging from futuristic dominatrix's, to Studio 64 bad girls. Sarda created a world that seemed only suitable for divas like Beyoncé and Rihanna. I wouldn't be surprised to see either one of them in Andres Sarda sometime soon. After the show, we were invited to celebrate at the after party hosted by TOUS at the Surfcomber Hotel. (See photos on my Instagram @kellysaks.)

 

#EscapeMiami at the Sagamore

Swimsuit: American Apparel | Sunglasses: H&M (old) | Earrings: Forever 21

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim has arrived! These shots are a peek at the first-ever Swim Week street style photo installation debuting this Saturday at the Sagamore Hotel. The series entitled "Summer Crush" features thirty of Miami's hottest fashion bloggers as captured by Mayleen Gonzalez of Photo Boutique. Miami is synonymous with itty bitty bikinis, so a swimsuit was the only thing that came to mind when I was styling my favorite summer look for the shoot. I was so excited to finally get in front of Mayleen's lens - the self proclaimed photog ninja got these amazing shots in about 10 minutes. No joke! The fastest photo shoot of my life! Needless to say, I'm in love with the final product; I always wanted to be a pin-up girl! 

If you were able to RSVP for Escape Miami before the deadline, get ready for a whole lotta fun: spa & beauty treatments, snowcones (yes!), pop-up shops, a DIY jewelry bar, tan touch-ups, swimwear presentation, blogger corner, & more! 

Dock Days

After the very rainy (and windy) weekend Miami just experienced thanks to tropical storm Isaac, these photos are making me antsy for another sunny day! I can't complain really, considering us South Floridians enjoy a year-round summer... which is why bikinis, sunglasses, and stylish hats are staples in every Miami girl's closet. These Chloe aviators are my new go-to sunnies, and my favorite gift from Miami Swim Week thanks to Ditto. If you've ever been frustrated trying to shop for sunglasses online you definitely have to check out the innovative e-store; Ditto allows you to virtually try on a slew of designer frames by capturing a 3-D image of your face via webcam. Hassle free online shopping? Sounds like the perfect activity for the next rainy day. Later this week I'll be sharing what's in my beach bag - summer isn't over yet!

What I Wore

Eco Chic by Meadow Coverup

DvF Tote Bag

Baja Wedges c/o MLE Mia Shoes

Chloe Sunnies c/o Ditto

Septimo Ring

The Webster x Target Hat 

Jamaica Bikini c/o Maya Swimwear

Photos by Bella Mente Photography

Wicked Summer

Welcome to my dark side! If the bright, neon, and patterned outfits I constantly post haven't given you a clue, I'm a big fan of color. From electric yellows to bold reds, I'm not one to shy away from making a bold color choice. When you live in paradise the last thing you want to do is mope around in boring black. Save for a sexy black bikini, of course - like this chic high-waisted swimsuit from The Orchid Boutique. (Confession: I will happily spend the rest of my summer in it.) I wanted the photos to evoke major drama, and the historic Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami provided the perfect backdrop. (For the locals: I got confused for a quinciañera during the shoot. HA!) Photography by Andrea of Bella Mente Photography; Creative Direction/Styling/Makeup by me.

What I Wore

Malai High-Waisted Swimsuit c/o The Orchid Boutique

Victoria's Secret Fringed Glitter Cover Up

Spike Necklace from The Closet Boutique (old)

Bracelets by Henri Bendel and Bar III

Round Black Ring by Bebe

Round Sunnies

Black Fringe Heels by Daniblack (old)

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

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

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

The Orchid Boutique Opens Flagship Store on South Beach

Miami sun goddesses have a new place to shop for designer swimwear, and it's not too far from the water's edge.

The Orchid Boutique opened it's inaugural store in the heart of South Beach earlier this month and celebrated with a grand opening bash last Thursday night. I just happened to make it on the VIB (very-important-blogger) list.

As I pulled up to the store off of 8th and Collins it was obvious that owner Mayra Jimenez knew how to throw a party! Complimentary valet parking, a red carpet, friendly door hosts, great music, and flowing drinks kept the capacity crowd in great spirits.

The store itself is gorgeous; crisp white walls and high ceilings immediately draw your eye to the swimsuits, which range from cute to downright sexy. Accented with amazing chandeliers and an intricate orchid shaped window, the boutique is as chic as the merchandise on its shelves. The luxury swimwear outpost carries brands like Beach Bunny, Maaji, L*Space, Agua Bendita, and their private collection Orchid Label.

From left: Ria Michelle, Myself, Model, and owner Mayra Jimenez. Photo credit Brett Hufziger.

What I Wore
I can't get enough of electric hues lately. South Beach is no place to play it safe so I was ready to rock some eye catching brights. In this case I worked my outfit around these amazing neon Jessica Simpson sandals. Although I rarely wear head-to-toe black, the shoes demanded the spotlight so I paired them with a black crop top (American Apparel) and pleated skirt from ZARA (similar.) Finishing touch was a fun neon Ann Taylor necklace that picked up the color from the shoes.

Fashion bloggers don't always dress in theme, promise.  From left: Amanda Del Duca & Ria Michelle

One of my favorite swimsuits of the evening. Audrey Estella bikini by L*Space. Fringe is hot!

Not your typical beach bag. This embroidered satchel is now on my wish list. (similar)

Best part of the night? Getting home to find all of these amazing goodies in my swag bag.
Spring break, bring it on!

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...

Try It On | Go wild!

Perhaps it's because my mother has adorned my house with every animal print known to man, but I absolutely adore leopard print! From pretty ballerina flats to a luxurious scarf, it's a fun accent that can make even the most boring of outfits pop.

Unless you're Bobby Trendy, you can never go wrong with the classic spotted print. From the runways to the racks, lately it's been splashed on everything from booties to bras. The globally chic trend has left the fashionably fabulous seeing spots!

Get the Look

Forget a safari-- take a walk on the wild side of the beach in this VIX "Sky Bikini". The aqua cheetah print is oh so sassy, and at $59 (for both pieces!) it's just the right price. Hurry on over to Swirl.com before the sample sale ends this Friday, 4/30.