Cleo Combi shorts romper ($230)

St. Barths and Miami have plenty in common, including postcard-worthy beaches, balmy tropical weather and a need for clothing that works as well on the sand as it does at cocktail hour. Poupette St-Barth opened an outpost in Coral Gables late last year, providing locals with pieces that are light, a bit whimsical and perfect for humid summers. Wear the look here (the romper is available in seven color combinations) at the pool or on a beach day. Poupette St-Barth, 330 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables, The Village of Merrick Park, 305-648-3333

SEE Eyewear is the latest boutique to pop up in South Miami. After 10 years on Lincoln Road, owners Richard and Shelley Golden have expanded with a second outpost that sits on busy Sunset Drive. Richard, a Michigan native and son of an optometrist, says his store’s slogan is “hip without the rip.” “We don’t carry any brands—SEE is our brand,” he explains. “We sell glasses between $200 to $350 that are like designer glasses except you’re not paying $800 for them.” When it comes to choosing the best frames for your face, he says there are rules. “You actually wear the opposite of what the shape of your face is, but you can always break the rules,” he says. “If it looks good on you, we tell people to run with it.”
 

The new sandwich menu at the bar at db Bistro Moderne is an excellent reason to take a quick proper lunch. Enjoy a cup of homemade soup d’jour and a handcrafted sandwich along with a side dish like Bavarian potato salad and pommes gaufrettes (waffle-cut French fries) for under $20. Among the sandwich options find the lobster-shrimp roll with crudités and tarragon dressing; the DB smoked salmon club; and the Croque Señor—a delicious local twist on a French classic and a Cuban medianoche sandwich with mojo roasted pork, French ham and Gruyère. The menu is offered weekdays in the bar and lounge. 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, 305-421-8800

The courtyard at The Setai

What: Buddha Bar XIII Launch
Where: The Setai (2001 Collins Ave., 305-520-6000)
Why: XIII is your lucky number, plus good music in a beautiful courtyard.
When: Friday, June 10 (8 PM–1 AM; complimentary cocktails from 8–9 PM)
RSVP: To RSVP (required), call 305-520-6400 or e-mail setaidining@ghmamericas.com.

What: The After Party          
Where: Grand Central Lofts (697 N. Miami Ave.)
Why: The afterparty is always better. Add a three-hour open 42Below bar, and you’re golden.
When: Saturday, June 11 (10:30 PM–1 AM; complimentary vodka cocktails all night)
Note: Enter the event on NW Seventh Street.

What: Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff
Where: O Cinema (90 NW 29th St., Miami, 305-571-9970)
Why: The cinephile in you will love learning about legendary cinematographer Jack Cardiff.
When: Sunday, June 12 (1 PM, 3:15 PM and 5:30 PM)

What: Redland Summer Fruit Festival
Where: Fruit & Spice Park (24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead)
Why: Find fresh and rare summer fruits, plus wines and specialty foods
When: Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12 (10 AM–5 PM)

 

 

FROM LEFT: Lady Gaga; Lucy Liu

The CFDA Awards creates mini mutual admiration societies between a star and his or her designer date. It all made for one sexy soiree on Monday. Patrik Ervell dressed Kirsten Dunst. She had on the sweetest girly tuxedo and wore a topknot. “He came to my house,” Dunst told Dispatches. She looked seriously cute.  

Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa escorted Kerry Washington. “This was the very first dress I tried on this morning,” said Washington, who wore a feathery white Calvin Klein gown beautifully. Michael Kors had two beauties, Miranda Kerr and Ashley Greene of Twilight, on his arm. “I love his resort collection, because it’s inspired by Australia,” explained Aussie supermodel Kerr, in a stretchy black dress with cutouts. “It’s kind of like wearing a swimsuit and a towel. It’s great.” 

“I like a glamorous girl,” added Kors. “Our resort collection was inspired by my holiday in Australia. So we brought one fabulous Aussie girl who is a Bondi babe, and Ashley is a sporty, sexy girl. It’s the double whammy.”

Special treat: Lucy Liu smooched this reporter. She wore a dress with a broad black skirt.  “This was the most fabulous option,” said Liu, standing beside her designer Monique Lhuillier. “I could do the splits in it.”

Not so much for Lady Gaga’s 10-inch heels, tights and bustier. “We had this outfit made. I had this drawing, and I sent it to everyone,” she explained onstage. “There was a turban… and it came back and it was lime green. And Nicola [Formichetti, of V magazine] and I went, ‘H’huh!’ So we had about 15 hours to dip it in dye and latex. As usual, designers send me things, and when they see them end up in videos and red carpets, they look nothing like they did. But when I say, ‘Oh, no, what’s Miuccia going to say?, she says, ‘It was so alive!'” 

“She’s an extraordinary, talented young woman who pushes the boundaries,” Diane von Furstenberg said of Gaga. “And that’s what we wanted.” (Jessica Alba, wearing DVF, showed a baby bump at her empire waist.)

Backstage after winning, Prabal Gurung said that there was tension in his row when he was waiting for the Swarovski Womenswear award. “It was me, my date, the Olsen twins—up for the same award—and Joseph Altuzarra, also a contender,” he said. “I was thinking, what should I say?” 

And when he heard his name? “I was all choked up,” said Gurung. “It’s really emotional.  I acknowledged the Olsens. They’ve always been sweet, friendly… I was so nervous.”

Summertime means beaucoup outdoor concerts and festivals. Keep your look together despite the heat and humidity with these five must-have trends available throughout South Florida.

• Sandals: Step things up a notch in the footwear department with wedges or sandals. Check out Vivienne Westwood for Melissa at Saks Fifth Avenue in Bal Harbour (9700 Collins Ave., 305-865-1100), or hit Merrick Park for homegrown brands like Aliette Valcarce’s Cristófoli at Koko & Palenki.
   
• Tribal Apparel: Tribal prints are the look du jour, found on everything from high-waisted shorts to dresses and tunics. Whether you shop a store like BCBG (744 Lincoln Road, 305-673-9997) or go with a local label like Bianca Coletti at Rebel Boutique (6669 Biscayne Blvd.), this ethnically inspired style is a winner.
   
• Crossbody bags: Tote your essentials in a crossbody bag. Accessories designer Rebecca Minkoff has an assortment of brightly hued versions at Nordstrom in Dadeland Mall (7239 N. Kendall Dr., 786-709-4100). If you prefer a neutral tone, try Adriana Castro’s Olivia in brown python at Green Grass in Mary Brickell Village (54 SW Tenth St., 305-373-7422).
   
• Earthy baubles: Local jeweler Adriana Acosta’s oversize cuffs at ISA Boutique in Midtown (3400 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 786-558-8027) feature chunky turquoise and coral stones. Or catch a dream with dream catcher necklaces from H.O.W.L (Handle Only With Love) at Soho House. Miley Cyrus and Victoria’s Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio are fans.
   
• Straw fedoras: When it comes to hats, celebrity milliner Eugenia Kim is the go-to designer for stylish fedoras. Her high-end work can be found at The W Hotel in South Beach, and her Genie by Eugenia Kim line is available at Bloomingdale’s in Aventura Mall (19555 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305-792-1000).

The pool at The Standard Miami Beach

Where: Four Seasons Miami (1435 Brickell Ave., Miami, 305-358-3535)
When: Saturday afternoons during the summer
The vibe: Sophisticated. Cost is $25 per person, or $150 for cabana packages, which include a cabana for four, mineral water, a fruit platter and one cocktail per person. (Reservations are recommended.)

Where: The Standard Miami Beach (40 Island Ave., 305-673-1717)
When: Sundays year round
The vibe: Laid-back

Where: The Rooftop at The Gansevoort Miami Beach (2377 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-604-6832)
The vibe: Music-centric
When: Saturdays year round (NOON–8 PM)

Where: Wet Deck at the W Fort Lauderdale (401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., 954-414-8200)
The vibe: All-American with cabanas for six guests ($200)
When: Sundays during the summer (1 PM–SUNSET)

The Spa at Viceroy Miami

Where: The Spa at Viceroy Miami
The scoop: Purchase any two treatments from The Spa at Viceroy Miami’s menu through June (Monday through Friday), and receive 50 percent off services including massages, signature journeys, rituals and body treatments. (Excludes signature treatments, nails, waxing and facial additions.)
We suggest: Make reservations early. Take someone special along and purchase two massages.

To book an appointment, call 305-503-0369
 

Where: Thirty-five of the best spas in Miami—including Canyon Ranch, Spa at Setai, Spa at Mandarin Oriental, mySpa at InterContinental Miami and Acqualina Spa.
The scoop: All are participants in Miami Spa Month, which actually runs July 1 through August 31.
We suggest: Planning ahead. Look for spas with beach or pool access and turn a spa day into a mini staycation.

For a full list of participating spas, click here.

A brunch dish at Vida

Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or you prefer comforting classics, we found two new brunches that will satiate cravings of any variety. Vida in the Fontainebleau now offers a Sunday brunch buffet (10 AM–3 PM), which includes carving stations, sumptuous breakfast selections and desserts. We suggest the lobster thermidor, the ceviche bar, the orange butter glazed salmon and a stop at the charcuterie station. And Zuma at the Epic began a Sunday brunch service (NOON–2:30 PM) recently, offering sushi, sashimi, maki and cold and hot dishes from the robata grill. Try the Japanese sangria and salt-grilled sea bass—and save room for dessert.

Cha Cha Rooster at Lords South Beach 

Whether it’s Angry Birds, Portal or Words With Friends it’s evident we like our games. For a retro twist on the trend, Cha Cha Rooster at Lords South Beach is hosting a Wednesday night Game Lords event (8 PM), wherein gamers kick it offline and old school with ping-pong, Connect Four, Twister, Jenga, poker and more. To rouse competitive spirits, prizes will include complimentary cocktails, art books, Toms Shoes and the grand prize of a one-night stay at Lords. Players can also win at the bar with drink specials like $2 shots, $4 beers and $8 cocktails. Guests are welcome to bring their iPods to help create the musical score. 1120 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach