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Trunk Show: Pick Your Ippolita Pleasure

Meet Italian jewelry designer Ippolita at Neiman Marcus, Bal Harbour.

February 15, 2012

When it comes to creating timeless, handmade gold pieces, Italian jewelry designer Ippolita has got it in the bag. Touted for her sculpted designs in gold, silver, and rose-colored metals, Ippolita’s bold necklaces, chunky rings, and stacked bangles have become a fan favorite of celebrities like Brooke Shields, Sofia Vergara, Mila Kunis, and Zoë Saldana. Meet the designer behind the brand at Neiman Marcus, Bal Harbour on Saturday (February, 18; 11:30) during an exclusive spring/summer 2012 trunk show promising bites and bubbly. 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour; RSVP to 305-993-4612 or RSVPBalHarbour@NeimanMarcus.com.

—MARIA TETTAMANTI

 

Gorgeous Green Nail Polishes

Pistachio, mint and emerald hued lacquers are trending for Spring.

February 15, 2012

Fall’s teal-colored nail polishes will take on a decidedly pistachio hue this spring. We love Priti NYC's Dusty Miller ($13), Dior's Waterlily ($23), and RGB's Dew ($16). Try out the look at your favorite salon—a green manicure might be the cure for the February blues.

—Jessica Ferri

 

Accessory Find: Diamond Ear Cuffs

The edgy ’90s ear cuff trend makes a luxurious return, thanks to Diane Kruger.

February 14, 2012


Kruger, wearing Repossi ear cuffs

At the premiere of her new film, Farewell, My Queen, in which she plays Marie Antoinette, actress Diane Kruger sported these chic ear cuffs. Upon further research, fashion website Refinery29 revealed that the cuffs are by Italian jewelry brand Repossi, and are made of white gold and diamonds. Similar styles are available in the Colette e-shop and start at a cool $12,468.

—Jessica Ferri

 

Style News: TOMS Launches a Line of Ballet Flats

The charitable footwear brand pops the top off of its classic slip-on.

February 10, 2012


TOMS ballet flats

The exceedingly comfortable TOMS slip-ons have been morphed into a collection of ballet flats ($74–$84) for spring. Available in 13 colors and styles, materials include suede animal print, black leather, canvas, burlap, linen, and a woven variety. For fans of the classic TOMS shoe, there is also a limited-edition Valentine’s Day print (gray canvas, pink hearts) available only online. And, as always, for every TOMS shoe purchased, the brand will donate a pair of shoes to a person in need. Nordstrom, 7239 S.W. 88th St., 786-709-4100

—Christine Borges

 

A Salon Package for Dapper Miami Men

Salon Vaso offers a Mad Men package for well-kept men.

February 08, 2012


Salon Vaso

In an age of metrosexual-soaked pop culture, ladies aren’t the only ones who need come-hither looks to get by. Thanks to the talented staff at Salon Vaso, men can stay maintained with a manicure, pedicure, haircut, and a stiff glass of Scotch—a.k.a the Mad Men package ($80). Bring a buddy who also purchases the television-inspired package and you’ll receive $30 off of your salon tab. 1500 Alton Road, 2nd Floor, Miami Beach; 305-674-7470

—MARIA TETTAMANTI

 

5 Sweet Valentine’s Day Gifts

Heartfelt finds for friends and family.

February 02, 2012

News flash: Valentine’s Day is about more than just nauseating romance, prix fixes and drugstore teddy bears. Valentine's Day is simply about expressing love and happiness. And, though some dismiss it as a Hallmark holiday, we're not going to frown on a day that focuses on l'amour. This year, go outside the heart-shaped box and gift family and friends with these thoughtful tokens of affection from local online retailer Gretel. Through Valentine's Day, Gretel is offering 20-percent off of anything pink, red or heart-stamped. 

—Maria Argüello

 

Drink This: Valentine’s Day Elixirs

Three festive cocktail recipes for the single and the attached.

February 02, 2012


Candy Heart cocktail

Ah, Valentine’s Day. Whether you will be wooing the one you love or celebrating solo, cocktails are definitely in order. Here are three no-fail love potions from the mixologists at Whiskey Blue at the W Fort Lauderdale to get you through.

Love Potion #9
SERVES ONE

1 ounce Stoli Vanilla
1/2 ounce watermelon liqueur
1 ounce cranberry juice
1 ounce pineapple juice
Champagne

Add first four ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a Champagne flute, top with Champagne, and garnish with a strawberry half.

Sweet Tart
SERVES ONE

1 1/2 ounces Stoli Vanil
1 ounce simple syrup
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1 bar spoon of strawberry jam
Champagne

Add first four ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice, top with Champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Candy Heart
SERVES ONE

1 1/2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream
1 1/2 ounces White Creme de Cacao
5 ounces Finlandia Vodka
5 ounces half & half
1 1/2 ounces strawberry purée
3/4 ounce fresh sour mix
2 1/2 ounces whipped cream

Add first four ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass and set aside. Add remaining ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain atop martini glass mixture and garnish with a strawberry half.

Whiskey Blue at the W Fort Lauderdale, 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-414-8200.

—MARIA TETTAMANTI

 

Miami Made: Our Prince of Peace

A bold new clothing line from the mind behind Gold Saturn debuts in Miami.

January 31, 2012


A look by Our Prince of Peace

From Miami-based designer David Jon Acosta—the creator of Gold Saturn—comes a novel line of clothing called Our Prince of Peace. “This collection is more about fabrics and prints, while Gold Saturn is all about graphics,” says Acosta. Our Prince of Peace is also inherently South Florida. “The line embodies the carefree and colorful lifestyle of my hometown, Miami Beach,” adds Acosta. Standout pieces include disco shredded pants, stars-and-stripes mini biker shorts and safari scarves. You know, the usual beachwear. The Closet Boutique, 6354 SW 40th St., Miami, 305-668-6472

—MARIA TETTAMANTI

 

Get to Know: STK Miami’s New Chef

Aaron Taylor dishes on what to eat now at STK, his favorite food blogs, late night eats and more.

January 31, 2012


Chef Aaron Taylor

STK Miami is known as much for its menu as it is for its lively ambience. Responsible for the future success of the already popular menu is newly inducted executive chef Aaron Taylor, who most recently worked at Lincoln Road’s Meat Market. Here, we learn more about the new chef at the helm of one of our favorite restaurants.

Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Education: Pennsylvania Culinary Institute
 
Current cooking obsessions: Using seasonal wild mushrooms. I love the different varieties textures and flavors. 
 
Guilty pleasure: Subway subs at 2 AM.
 
After-hours hangout: Finnegan’s on Lincoln Road.
 
What to eat at STK now: Try the sea bass with organic mushrooms, pickled onion and passion fruit or rack of lamb with maple sweet potato and roasted baby beets.
 
Food TV favoriteNo Reservations
 
Best food blogIdeasinfood.com
 
When I’m not cooking… I spend time with my kids—6-years-old and one and a half.
 
Most nostalgic dish: Sharp cheddar cheese grits with corned beef hash and poached eggs. It takes me back to my childhood.

—Maria Argüello

 

Beauty For Real's Lip Gloss for a Cause

Buy a chic lip gloss, help Miami kids in need.

January 31, 2012


RIGHT: Teri Cooper, of Yoga Gangsters. LEFT: Beauty For Real Illumniating Lip Gloss in Spark

Starting February 1, purchases of Beauty For Real Illuminating Lip Gloss in Spark ($22) will do more than just improve the pouts of Miami women, they will help local non-profit Yoga Gangsters further its mission to reach at-risk youth. Yogi and organization founder Teri Cooper teaches yoga to children between the ages of six and 18 living in areas such as Little Haiti and Overtown. Twenty-five percent of online sales of the lip gloss—Cooper’s favorite Beauty For Real product—will go straight to Yoga Gangsters.

—Maria Argüello

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