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Mary Jo Shore and Kate Betts

 

Abbi Johnson and Valerie Graves

 

 

Kate Betts and daughter India Brown

 

 

Fabian Lopez and Amanda Cuney

 

Michael Leondas Kirkland and Mary Jo Shore

 

John Lin and Kate Betts

 

Maria Jose Almeida and Mary Jo Shore

 

Kate Betts

 

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Earlier this week Miami’s stylish set gathered at the classic waterfront hotel One Bal Harbour to celebrate Kate Betts’ Miami stop on the tour for her book Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style. We had the chance to ask Betts a few questions.

Do you think Michelle Obama is defining culture?
KATE BETTS: Yes. Every first lady shapes their time and what’s happening. They’re icons due to their positions. Michelle is a post-feminist icon. Her generation is the first in the White House in decades where there isn’t that pressure to be in a suit or dress more formally. She can be more casual. Hillary [Clinton]'s generation broke through the glass ceiling.

On that note, who have been some of the most stylish First Ladies?
KB: Well, they’ve all had their own style. Grace Coolidge was very sporty. She was the first one to be seen in motion. Laura Bush dressed in more conservative, quiet colors and suits. Mrs. Kennedy wore simple a-line shifts and boxy suits.

What makes Michelle Obama such an icon?
KB: Washington DC is a serious place. It’s said it’s the only place where 25-year-olds strive to look like 45. And Michelle Obama goes totally against the grain of how a political wife is supposed to be dressed.

What can women learn from her?
KB: Be yourself, dress yourself. Be comfortable in your own skin and what you’re wearing. That’s the thing—Michelle Obama hasn’t changed her style. She wears accessible labels. Too often it’s thought that if you’re stylish you’re somehow shortchanging intellectuality or you’re frivolous—that’s not the case and Michelle understands that.

Essex's House

Film: Casablanca
Synopsis: Boy meets girl, boy loses girl. Boy meets girl again. Things still don't quite work.
Where: Essex’s Terrace (1001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-534-2700)
When: Thursday, August 11
Why: Because Casablanca is worth it every time.

Film: Passione
Synopsis: A documentary on Naples by John Turturro
Where: Miami Beach Cinematheque (1130 Washington Ave., South Side, Ground Floor, Miami Beach, 305-673-4567)
When: Friday, August 12^­­­–Wednesday, August 17
Why: Who doesn’t love an explosive, sexy documentary set in Italy?

Film: Dressed
Synopsis: A documentary chronicling the journey of young fashion designer Nari Manivong from his teen years spent living on the streets to showing his work at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York.
Where: O Cinema (90 NW 29th St., Miami, 305-571-9970)
When: Thursday, August 25–Sunday, August 28
Why: The beautiful struggle is always inspiring.

Film: These Amazing Shadows
Synopsis: An exploration of the Registry, a canon of American film that solidifies why we love the movies.
Where: O Cinema (90 NW 29th St., Miami, 305-571-9970)
When: Thursday, August 18–Sunday, August 21
Why: Because we all can list films that have moved us to tears and cheers.

Film: Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop
Synopsis: Post-NBC, Conan O’Brien set out on tour to connect with his fans. This film follows that trip.
Where: Bill Cosford Cinema (School of Communication, 5100 Brunson Dr., Coral Gables, 305-284-4861)
When: Friday, August 26–Sunday, August 28
Why: It is a heartfelt look at O’Brien both on stage and behind the scenes.

Film: The Interrupters
Synopsis: As Chicago’s streets turn ever more violent, a group of “violence interrupters” puts everything on the line to break the cycle.
Where: Bill Cosford Cinema (School of Communication, 5100 Brunson Dr., Coral Gables, 305-284-4861)
When: Friday, August 26^­–Sunday, August 28
Why: For the reminder that one small group of people who really care can make an enormous difference.

The lamb shank at Egg & Dart

“With the culinary diversity of Miami’s Design District, we are excited to bring Egg & Dart—a hip, modern slice of Greece—to the neighborhood,” says Costa Grillas, co-owner of new restaurant Egg & Dart. Grillas hails from Miami staple Maria’s, and partner Niko Theodorou’s family operates Sea Satin Market in Mykonos. Authenticity is a guarantee. Vagia Theodorou, Niko’s mother, manages a catering company in Athens and a restaurant on the island of Tzia and will ensure that the Egg & Dart menu showcases a strong collection of Greek recipes that represents a vast array of regional specialties.

Look for meze options like dako (Greek bruschetta topped with crumbled feta cheese and steamed mussels infused with white wine, dill, garlic and parsley); shrimp saganaki sautéed in tomato and feta; wood-grilled octopus, prawns and calamari; bacalao croquettes; and a variety of Greek dips and spreads. Move on to main options including wood-grilled, double-cut lamb chops marinated in Greek herbs and accompanied by oven-roasted lemon oregano potatoes; chicken chops grilled with a hint of mustard and served with a garlic potato puree and medley of seasonal vegetables; and psari—whole fresh fish for two, grilled to perfection with Cretan olive oil, lemon and oregano and dramatically presented on an elevated tray of glass. Pair it all with a Greek Salad cocktail made with Smooth Ambler gin, tomato water, muddled cucumbers, pepperoncini, kalamata olives and lime garnished with feta-stuffed kalamata olives. Egg & Dart, 4029 N. Miami Ave., Miami, 786-431-1022

While Kelly Rowland was with Destiny’s Child she had four No. 1 singles in the US and sold more than 60 million albums worldwide. As a solo artist she has teamed up with hip-hop heavyweights (Lil Wayne, Nelly), international producer-DJs (David Guetta, Alex Gaudino) and sought-after songwriters (Rico Love, Ne-Yo). Her latest album, Here I Am, debuted recently. We sat down with the Miami resident to chat.

Tell us a little about your new album.
KELLY ROWLAND: This album is about expressing myself exactly how I want. It’s a chance to show different sides and what inspires me all on one album.

You are a judge on the next season of Britain’s X-Factor. What is that like?
KR: We just finished auditions and now it’s on to bootcamp. I’m excited to see who will step up to the challenge and thrive.

Things are busy for you: You are also the face of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ new fragrance Empress.
KR: Yes, absolutely, I’m so excited and it smells amazing.

How long have you lived in Miami?
KR: I’ve lived her for five years. I grew tired of staying in hotels and touring for years and I wanted to settle down somewhere. I loved Miami—the water, the energy.

Where do you shop and eat in town?
KR: I shop at Bal Harbour, Collins Avenue, Aventura Mall. As for as dining it’s Prime 112, Eden and Fifi’s. I love Fifi’s. I’m there almost every day. [For] play, I’m usually at my house or Mynt.

You go on tour in the fall. What will you miss most about Miami?
KR: Late-night runs to Cheeseburger Baby.

Louis Vuitton moves into the lead of the trainer race—and into many a gentleman’s closet—with its latest entry into the athletic market. This camoflage sneaker ($690) is an excellent example. “The codes have changed,” says Paul Helbers, Louis Vuitton men’s studio director. “There’s an eclecticism in the way men dress today, from Scandinavia to China and Brazil. It’s a culture clash.” Louis Vuitton, 19595 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura Mall, 305-931-3887

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Medium Hedwig bowling bag in primary red ($2,195)

 

Doyle alligator and calf crossbody bag ($8,395)

 

Wilbur alligator clutch ($7,995)

 

Logue clutch ($1,395)

 

Large Hedwig bowling bag ($2,295)

 

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Looking forward to autumn, we checked in with Burberry at Village of Merrick Park and chose the best bets for the season. Burberry, Village of Merrick Park, 358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables, 305-446-1550

Violetas

Brightening up your home or purchasing the perfect gift just got easier thanks to mother-daughter duo Patricia Anton Himmel and Patricia Kronfle and their recently opened upscale home décor shop Violetas in Coral Gables. “Violetas [offers] an eclectic repertoire of hand-selected, exclusive pieces from around the world," says Kronfl. "It was our goal to bring one-of-a-kind items to Miami that give interiors personality and radiance through artfully selected accessories and décor.” One can find antiques, rugs, pillows, Baccarat chandeliers and brands such as Christofle, Hermès, Lalique, Le Jacquard Francais and L'Objet. International artwork and one-of-a-kind jewelry from the United States, Asia and Europe are also in abundance. Let the decorating begin. 233A Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 305-381-0711

High Bar

Pool plus bar plus sky would seem the perfect recipe for a stellar day, and High Bar is here to deliver. Located on the fourth floor of the Dream Hotel, the venue is the ideal setting for drinks during the day and lounging or smart sunset cocktails and conversations. Although the bar itself is on the small side, there is an ample, airy lounge seating. Check the weather before going as the near-ocean location picks up breezes.) High Bar is wonderful for groups, so consider bringing your entourage here for a quiet Friday night. High Bar, 1111 Collins Ave. at 11th St., Miami Beach, 305-351-0820

With classic spirits and mixology all the rage, a place like Jeronimo’s is a pleasure. Drinkers can enjoy a bevy of specialty cocktails including Jeronimo’s Punch (Zu Bison Grass Vodka, St-Germain, fresh squeezed lemon, mint, ginger ale), Octopus’ Garden (Death Door Gin, cucumbers, lime slices, sugar, mint), the Azucar Morena (Johnny Walker Black, cream soda, brown sugar, lime) and the Platino Fizz (Jose Cuervo Platino tequila, crème de cassis, ginger beer). Jeronimo’s joins Haven in targeting locals via a solid concept. Become a regular early—this place is sure to become popular fast. Jeronimo's, 814 First St., Miami Beach, 305-397-8382

Scarpetta's spaghetti

For the past 10 years diners have been spoiled by Miami Spice, an unparalleled two-month-long, county-wide restaurant promotion providing three-course-meals for lunch ($22) and dinner ($35). This year 35 new venues debut on an all-star line-up including lauded Michael’s Genuine, as well as newcomers Kane, Dining Room and Tudor House. (Familiar favorites like Azul, The Forge and Scarpetta are also participating.) Navigation tip: Each eatery sets its own guidelines, so review menus before making reservations. Miami Spice runs August 1-September 30

Blo

North America’s Blo Blow Dry Bar makes its way to Miami just in time for late summer’s heat waves with not one but two locations: Blo Brickell and Blo Midtown. Simply choose a style from the Bar’s hair menu and “wash, blow, go” your way to fabulous hair. Whether you’re going for “Red Carpet” tresses or “Holly Would” hair, you may never blow-dry at home again. Planning a night on the town? Check out the Blo In-Bar for up-do options and clip-in extension ideas. For those looking to tame their mane on a regular basis, there’s even a Blo Tab. Oh, the possibilities. Blo Midtown, 3301 NE First Ave., 786-373-5256; Blo Brickell, 901 S. Miami Ave., 305-374-2565