New Shop We Love
Isa Boutique in Midtown works its magic.
May 26, 2011

The addition of Isa Boutique to Midtown continues to showcase the pull that Midtown, the Design District and Wynwood continue to extend over Miami. Isa brings a much-needed option for savvy shoppers with a soothing, cool collection of recognized, international brand names and newer, independent labels. (Brands include Rory Beca, J Brand, Mink Pink, Carlos Falchi, Cleobella and Halston.) This is a strong, smart move as Isa fits in well and adds balance to the surrounding neighborhoods that include high-end luxury retailers. “We want to be known as a fashion and beauty lifestyle boutique and provide an upscale shopping experience that feels feminine and personal,” says owner Isabel Aguiar. Best of all? There’s an in-house stylist available on-call (and on-site twice a week) to visit clients at their residences or offices for extra convenience and privacy. Isa, 3400 N. Miami Ave., 786-558-8027
Oh, L’Amour
The partnership of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé comes alive in a new film.
May 25, 2011

The legendary Yves Saint Laurent made an indelible mark on the fashion industry and culture. The new film L’Amour Fou documents Saint Laurent’s relationship with Pierre Bergé, the co-founder of YSL Couture and his life-long partner. The couple spent more than five decades together, and the story of their remarkable partnership includes the auctioning of their art collection, amassed over a lifetime spent together building a fashion empire. The film debuts June 17 at the Miami Beach Cinematheque. Miami Beach Cinematheque, 1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-4567
Interiors Pick: Chic Tea Towels
Thomas Paul's hand-screened tea towels give a wink and a nod to Miami.
May 25, 2011

Admit it, as a Miamian, you have a soft spot for pink flamingos. Gretel, one of our favorite home décor shopping dot coms, is bringing the pink plumes to your table with a new line of tea towels. The Thomas Paul-designed towels are emblazoned with your choice of a kettle, tree, pigeon or pink flamingo. Each tea towel is made from one hundred percent cotton and is hand-screened with piped edges.
Fitness Find: Bikram Brickell
An expansive Bikram yoga studio heats up Brickell.
May 24, 2011

Miami has a "hot" new yoga studio with major room to stretch in. Bikram Brickell, Miami's largest Bikram yoga studio, recently opened to welcome fans of the hot yoga practice performed in temps of 105 degrees. As imagined by interior designer Nacho García Vinuesa, the studio is set up to make students feel at home with private dressing rooms and showers. Through May, prospective students can score a yearlong pass for $600 ($1200 value). Now that's hot. Bikram Brickell, 809 SW 1st Ave, Miami
Gigi's Family-Style Dinners
Tuesday nights at Gigi now spell build-your-own roasted pork bao buns and fresh local oysters.
May 24, 2011

Oysters and roasted pork at Gigi
Gigi in Midtown is a popular late-night destination for those craving a midnight snack of a certain culinary caliber. Given the hours, it's also a favorite among restaurant and nightlife industry folk looking for good eats long after the dinner rush. To cater to his compadres, chef Charles Lutka has instituted Tuesday night family meals ($14, each) where his industry fan base and regular diners can enjoy a family-style spread of house roasted-pork, local oysters and fresh bao (steamed buns). Guests can assemble their bao with fixings like pickled sweet potato, cucumber, daikon and kimchee. An extra five dollars will get you a bucket of five Pabst Blue Ribbon tallboy cans and $10 scores you five draft beers (Stella or Yuengling). You can even grab a cookie on your way out for a mere two bucks. Tuesdays just got a little sweeter. 3470 N Miami Ave, Miami
Bag Line We Love: Liebeskind
A vintage leather tote hailing from Berlin catches our eye.
May 24, 2011

Summer calls for flexibility and this stone colored MIA bag ($360) by Liebeskind Berlin fits the bill. The medium carryall is made from vintage leather and is ideal for on-the-go Miamians in need of a tote roomy enough to stash a swimsuit and Havianas. Atrium, 1931 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
The Standard’s Stance On Summer Jams
The hip hotel’s gratis summer gift to you is a groovy, reggae-packed playlist.
May 19, 2011

Just in time for Memorial Weekend The Standard Miami is rolling out their summer playlist. The warm-weather jams can be played or downloaded from The Standard’s culture blog. Also available are playlists from Standard outposts in Downtown LA, Hollywood and New York. Miami’s songs have a clear reggae influence and include Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble’s “Pelotera,” Celia Mara’s “We’re Not Alone” and by Bole 2 Harlem’s “Hoya Hoye.”
Inside Look: Shikany Private Dinner Club
Chef Michael Shikany curates a series of lavish dining experiences for a handful of Miami’s elite.
May 19, 2011

As culinary culture continues to break new ground in Miami exclusive dining clubs are sprouting up. The long running Algonquin and foodie-centric Cobaya dinner clubs have had underground success and now chef Michael Shikany is adding a layer of luxury to the concept with Shikany, an invitation-only five star nomadic culinary series.
A graduate of New York City’s French Culinary Institute, Shikany has studied at Le Bernardin and The James Beard House and worked throughout South Florida at Ortanique on the Mile, La Cofradia and Sushi Samba Dromo. (Did we mention he’s also a sommelier?) The dining experiences he creates will take place in upscale locations such as yachts, multi-million dollar waterfront homes and penthouses, art galleries and rooftops. Each event will focus on a theme inspired by the fields of fashion, art, music, architecture and more.
Shikany will host 36 annual events for 25 to 40 guests with pricing ranging from $150 to $500 per person. The club’s first public event will take place in early June, but a private event, taking place tonight, will kick off the series with sky-high panoramic city and water views and a sunset cruise on a luxury yacht. To be invited, interested parties must submit a photograph and brief bio via shikany.com—we bid you good luck.
Fashion Cares
A Flare for Design Benefits The Lupus Foundation of America.
May 18, 2011

This week head north to A Flare for Design, an event supporting The Lupus Foundation of America’s Southeast Florida Chapter on May 19 at the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA). The evening will include a fashion show and silent auction while showcasing the latest interior design trends. (Guests will also enjoy a special performance by Grammy Award winner Rees Bridges of Dirty Vegas.) Jenny Wilensky of creative fashion agency Istylie founded A Flare For Design in effort to educate our community about lupus. “My ultimate goal is to draw awareness to help fight, treat and cure this debilitating disease,” she says. All proceeds will benefit The Lupus Foundation of America’s Southeast Florida Chapter. DCOTA, 1855 Griffin Road, Dania Beach; 561-279-8606 for tickets
Kim Kardashian Gold
The California girl goes Gold and talks perfumes, relationships, and Miami favorites.
May 16, 2011

Kim Kardashian with her new fregrance, Gold
This past weekend, Kim Kardashian made a Miami appearance at Macy’s at Aventura Mall to debut her latest signature fragrance, Kim Kardashian Gold. The top notes include Italian bergamot and grapefruit dashed with a hint of spicy pink peppercorn, while florals (jasmine, rose, violet) mix with a rich background of patchouli and sandalwood. The bottle? A sleek gold vessel with ebony accents designed by Maesa. “Gold is a luxury that stands the test of time, a universal symbol of sophistication and glamour,” says Kim. We were able to sit and chat with her about perfume, relationships and Miami.
Talk to me about the name of this perfume. Why Gold?
KIM KARDASHIAN: When people ask me what my favorite colors are, I always say silver, gold, white. I love metallics and bling. So that’s where it came from.
How is Gold different from your original fragrance, Kim Kardashian?
KK: It is a nighttime fragrance, so it’s still feminine but it is sexier, richer, more amped up. Lots of white florals, jasmine, mandarin blossom.
What was the first perfume you fell in love with?
KK: Every time my dad would travel, he’d bring us perfumes. I still have all the ones he brought. My favorite was Tribu by Benetton. I wore Angel for years, but then my dad gifted it to all his girlfriends. Memory and scent are closely related. Perfumes remind you of things and people.
You’re in a new relationship. What advice can you give other successful girls out there who seem to have trouble dating?
KK: I feel like my feelings have changed. I used to think I’d have to slow down to meet someone—maybe I can’t work this much. But now I’ve found that when the right person comes along who's secure, then he’ll support you and want you to work. And then it becomes about balance. You can’t work 24/7 and ignore your relationship, but you just have to find the right person.
Describe your style in three words or less.
KK: Polished, sexy, trendy.
What are you loving this summer when it comes to fashion?
KK: I am obsessed with long, cotton dresses but they have to be fitted. I recently wore a striped one to travel [in] and it was so comfortable with flats. Effortless.
Will you be attending Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Swim this year?
KK: I hope so. I love Miami.
You’ve been on the cover of Ocean Drive and you’ve partied in Miami—what are some of your favorite restaurants and shops?
KK: I just went to Zuma and liked it. I have to eat at Macalusos for their birthday cake—it’s to die for. I love Prime 112 always, and love to go to LIV. The Webster for shopping and Bal Harbuor. And Dash, of course, but Dash might have a new home soon. I’ve been looking at real estate for something fabulous that really represents us. You’re gonna die when you see the new Dash.














