Known best for her Morning After bag and a celebrity following who can’t get enough of her laid-back-cool apparel and accessories, designer Rebecca Minkoff is all about Miami these days. The designer is launching two pop-up shops from April 15 through May 15 at Koko & Palenki in Aventura and at Merrick Park. Why? Because she loves the energy of Miami and the fact that women here are a bit more adventurous with their accessories. Read on to see what else this San Diego native has to say about the 305, what she does when she’s not designing and where she likes to shop.

What will we find at the pop-up shop?
REBECCA MINKOFF: You will be able to get your hands on the black patent leather MAC clutch Shenea Grimes has been carrying. The pop-up shop will have an especially large selection so you can buy a special Rebecca Minkoff piece you won’t be able to find in Florida after it’s over.

Stars from Alexa Chung and Blake Lively to Brooke Shields and Halle Berry are fans of your brand. What do you think has made you a successful designer?
RM: I think my collection is very diverse and my bags are functional and fashionable. There’s a bag for every type of woman. Some pieces are very classic like the Nikki Hobo that Halle wears, and then there are pieces I design that mix that classic with a bit of rocker edge, like the blue MAC bag Blake Lively has worn.

For Spring 2011, you have your very first footwear line available. Why shoes?
RM: I felt there was a void in the market for great shoes that fit with my brand essence: classic with a twist.

What is your favorite Miami restaurant?
RM: Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink in the Design District. I love their food and their mission.

Where do you shop when you’re in town?
RM: Scarlett Boutique, Jenna White, Koko & Palenki and Jesse Boutique

How do you spend your time when you’re not designing?
RM: I love to cook. It’s really relaxing and after a jammed pack work schedule I love to just come home and cook a good meal for my husband.

What other designers do you love?
RM: Now that I have clothes, bags and shoes I mostly wear all my own pieces, but I did just buy a pair of vintage Vivienne Westwood pirate boots that I’m very excited about.

What’s the best piece of advice you were given?
RM: The best piece I ever received was from my mom, who told me to be persistent.