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

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John Lin

 

Corto Moltedo Cassette Clutch MacBook case

 

Havaianas

 

Soho Beach House

 

Smith's Rosebud Salve

 

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It is August and we have vacations on our minds, so we sat down with some of our favorite locals to find out what travels with them when they go away. First up is Ocean Drive style editor John Lin.

The 12 things I don’t leave home without:

1. My sixth BlackBerry Bold. I have a knack for losing them.

2. Membership cards to Soho Beach House and The Standard Spa

3. Smith’s Rosebud Salve to keep my lips from chapping and my cuticles soft

4. My old-school black MacBook

5. My custom Corto Moltedo Cassette Clutch to hold my MacBook. Not only is it stylish, but mine is lined in satin to avoid any scratches.

6. My PRPS black painted jeans

7. My Ray-Ban red trim aviator sunglasses during the day, and if I’m in the mood my Tom Ford circle sunglasses in the evening.

8. My Dries Van Noten printed scarf with tassles turns a day outfit into night.

9. My striped Mochila with tassels is the perfect daytime bag that holds enough for an overnight getaway.

10. My Havaianas by Issa have the perfect thong strap. Who else besides a fellow Brazilian could make a sexier sandal?

11. My GO BIG OR GO HOME pin that I received at one of Ambra Medda’s fabulous dinners in Basel during Art Basel.

12. My boyfriend Junior. Who else would keep me laughing?

From the minds and bodies behind personal training center Hiperfit, The Cottage—housed in a small home for ultra-intimate sessions—offers an array of classes including Morning Vinyasa Stretch, Yoga Flow, Vinyasa, Power Yoga and Gentle Yoga. To celebrate its grand opening The Cottage will host a house-warming event on August 10 (6:30–8:30 PM) complete with a Vita Coco bar, appetizers by local vegetarian café Mi Vida and a Lululemon trunk show. (As an introductory offer, experience unlimited yoga for the month of August for $59.) 7120a Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-762-6694; RSVP to info@thecottageyoga.com or call 480-707-2332

Asparagus al forno at Vic & Angelo's

Following the success of its locations in Palm Beach and Delray Beach, Italian favorite Vic & Angelo’s opened an outpost in Miami Beach this week. The eatery offers more than 15 different pasta dishes, most made daily in-house. Try signatures like the 11-ounce Kobe meatball as well as local favorites like a selection of the finest caviar and colossal jumbo shrimp. Lunch offers a choice of 10 specialty paninis, signature coal oven pizzas, pastas, chicken and fish. For dessert try cannoli or vanilla Venetian cake (sponge cake, vanilla custard, toasted meringue). 150 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305-531-0911

Theophilus London, one of hip-hop’s most promising new stars, takes the stage in Miami this weekend as part of the W South Beach’s continuing celebration of its two-year anniversary. We caught up with London to find out what is on his radar right now. (RSVP for tonight’s performance here.)

Where do you normally spend time when visiting Miami?
THEOPHILUS LONDON: Mostly at the W, which isn’t too bad. [laughs] I like to spend time with friends on the beach. It’s difficult when I’m working to get out and enjoy the city. I need to come back on vacation. I really like Miami.

What can we expect to hear at the W performance?
TL: A lot of songs from my new album, Timez Are Weird These Days, and also some familiar favorites from my mixtape [This Charming Mixtape], too. The mixtape is so loved by the crowd and they sing along and it’s great. Mixtape is how I found my devoted followers.

Who are you listening to lately?
TL: Oh, I’ve been listening to The Throne album, Kanye and Jay-Z’s new work. It’s a great album and they’re doing really exciting work.

You’re known for your stylish ways. What are you wearing these days?
TL: I just bought a pair of Louis Vuitton shoes and some vintage 1940 black leather polo boots which go half way to the knee. A Raf Simmons blazer because I love the fit. To me fashion is about the fit. Lots of Jordans because I couldn’t afford all the ones I wanted as a kid. I also like to create my own stuff so I work with my tailor.

Where do you go shopping when you’re in Miami?
TL: No offense, but I don’t. Too much Ed Hardy here.

You obviously haven’t been to The Webster.
TL: No, I haven’t. But…

Kayne shops there.
TL: OK. Give me the address.

Now that summer is in full swing it’s time to give your boat shoes a much-needed break. For a beach-friendly alternative to the summer staple, check out these silk weave shoes from the Brazilian born boutique Osklen. Made of handpicked, abandoned cocoon found in the Amazon Rainforest, these tan treasures ($347) are a perfect salute to environmental sustainability. They are also extremely comfortable and a perfect example of casual chic. Osklen, 1101 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305-532-8977

FROM LEFT: Proenza Schouler's PS1 in small ($1,150), medium ($1,595) and large ($1,995)

Proenza Schouler’s PS1 bag has garnered an enormous following, and The Webster will receive an exclusive collection this fall. To tide you over until then, choose from these three colorful options for the season.