Following Fall trends in Miami always gets a little tricky. Not only does the weather not lend itself to fun trendy sweaters, but even shopping becomes a mission when you’re trying to find items at an affordable price.
Lucky for you, we’re making things a little easier… Now, you too can be “spotted” wearing polka dot flair, and still have some money to spare. ;)
I love polka dots. They’re feminine, classy, and also very easy to mix and match. For a simple and classic look, pair the print with a solid neutral piece and add bold (red) lips. For a more modern/runway look, mix and match with other prints (floral or leopard). How will you wear them this Fall? Have fun and get creative!
It always feels a little bit like Christmas when I get a package in the mail…. This time, the package was filled with surprises and I got to discover new beauty and life-style products!
I’m talking about my Birchbox, a monthly delivered box filled with personalized samples, just for me! When you join, you fill out a beauty profile telling the experts more about you and your lifestyle. Then, each month you’ll receive your very own box.
This month was my first month and I loved it! I’m definitely one to follow fashion trends, but beauty products tend to fall in the cracks. In fact, just a few months ago was the first time I heard about BB cream. So for me, this is definitely a good investment! :)
Here’s what I got in the Sptember Birchbox:
The Fall Lookbook – A mini-magazine filled with Fall trends.
Color Club Polish – Color #968, Status Update (Dark Grey.)
Twirl by Kate Spade – A new fruity and floral fragrance.
Sedu Pure Aragan Oil – An anti-frizz polishing hair treatment.
Twistband Hair Tie – A navy blue snag-free elastic hair tie.
WEI To Go – The perfect sleepover kit, including a gel face cleanser and a moisturizing face tint.
tili Bag – The perfect little plastic bag to store your travel sized items.
Loved: Twirl perfume spray
Could live without: tili bag
PS: Did you know that today is the last official day of Summer? Here in Miami, it sure doesn’t feel or look like Fall… Nonetheless, as we welcome Fall and say goodbye to Summer, we have two very special treats for our readers. We’re giving away a $50 gift certificate to Orchid Boutique, here you’ll be able to shop for that adorable bikini you’ve been wanting. And let’s get real, we all know that Miami folks rock white pants and bikinis all year long. Last but not least, to properly transition your style into Fall we’re giving away a $25 gift card to Madewell. To be eligible for this giveaway be sure to like us on facebook and post a comment below telling us why you think you should win. Winners will be selected Monday, Sept. 24 and contacted via facebook. Good luck!
RDo, a local women’s boutique is putting together a fall event on Thursday, Sept. 27. The event will be held at 11730 Biscayne Boulevard #101.
“It’s an evening to pamper and socialize with friends and clients that have been celebrating the brand for over five years now, and an opportunity to introduce the styles we made with so much love,” says designer and owner Rucht D’oleo
The event will offer clients a preview of the new exclusive Fall collection that was inspired by the busy lifestyle of a working woman. The night will be filled with great treats and surprises. Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle and network with other RDo’s faithful fans; while enjoying music, cupcakes and sipping on champagne. Arrive a little early, and you can even receive mini-manicures compliments of All Nails.
Be sure to bring a friend and you’ll get 10% off any regular priced items and who knows, you may even take home a $50 gift card.
This event is free and open to the public and all attendees will receive a goodie bag filled with organic hand-crafted bath and body products made locally by Jacq’s Organics; but you must R.S.V.P because space is limited. Please email info@shopRDo.com or call 305.892.4481.
A few months back, I mentioned that I signed up for a full marathon this year. (I’ve ran a total of 3 half-marathons, I figured it’s now or never.) Well, it’s that time of year when I decide to just run and start my training, or not run nor train at all. Yikes!
At this point, I’d like to start telling you reasons why I don’t want to run the race. But instead, I’ll fight the urge and tell you how training for it shouldn’t be all that bad… So let’s do this together?
5 things you should know about marathon training:
1. Training will take time and dedication.Be ready to persevere. Whether you’re thinking of training for a half or a full, training will take a lot of time. Be patient and find a friend that can train alongside you, it helps if he/she runs at your same pace.
2. To get the best results, be sure to incorporate cross-training and core strengthening into your week. Strengthening all of your muscles is key during such a time, find a training schedule that is right for you! You can find tons of training guides online. A good training plan will require a minimum of 3-4 days of running and two days of cross/strength training. Start slow and build up your mileage weekly.
3. Be sure to always stay hydrated and be conscious about refueling your body. Running will hep your body burn calories, but replacing your body’s energy and nutrients with good sugars and carbohydrates is a must! Therefore, maintaining a balanced diet is a pivotal part of good training. What you put in it is what you’ll get out.
4. Prevent injury by running with the right gear. It is very common for runners to experience injury while training. To avoid this, you can take an at-home wet test, visit a bio-mechanics expert or an experienced shoe retailer. There are three basic foot types: flat, normal, and high arches. Depending on your step and foot type, your shoe may need to be reinforced with cushion, stability or motion control.
5. Runners really do experience a runner’s high. There may be times where you’ll want to quit and it will seem as though you’ve “hit the wall.” But if you push through it, soon to follow is that “runner’s high,” a state of euphoric joy that athletes experience after a vigorous workout. Your body has done what you never thought you could, you’ve accomplished your goal and the finish line awaits!
Have you seen the latest trend in hair flair? Allow me to introduce to you the stylish satin elastic hair ties.
Not only do they prevent those annoying ponytail creases and tears, but they also look just as cute when worn on your wrist. Not sure where to find them? You can snag some at a few high-end retail stores, but they’ll cost you upwards of $2 each. Original creators, Emi-Jay, sell them for about $2.40 each, and even popular clothing stores are starting to stock their shelves.
For a limited time, Flair Miami is partnering with our friend Hana Espinosa to give you inside access to this new trend at a bargain price. Not sold yet? What if I told you your purchase would be going directly towards helping a family adopt a precious little child from China. Hana’s sister, Katie is in the process of adopting a special-needs child from an orphanage in China. Katie is once again following God’s prompting to adopt and clings to James 1:27 as it says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
Every penny spent on these hairties will go directly towards Katie and her family’s adoption process. How can a $1 hairtie make that much of a difference? Your purchase can help chip away the costs of medical procedures, travel arrangements, and food. Your purchase will make a difference. A palpable difference. One child’s life will be forever changed – brought out of an orphanage where he/she is just another child left behind and carried to a forever family who will love and nurture him/her as one of their own.
Interested in getting your hands on these trendy hair ties while making a difference in someone’s life? We currently offer 14 different color options of the satin-handmade ties. Each are sold separately for a limited time price of $1 each. All satin colors are also available as headbands for $4 each, but remember supplies are limited. Be sure to place your orders soon. (Two glitter options are also available: hairties $2, headbands $6.)
Tropical Storm Isaac is long gone, and just in time to let us enjoy our Labor Day weekend!
So, whether you want some fun in the sun, or you just want to sit back and enjoy a drink with friends, here are a few options to kick-off your weekend festivities. All under $20 or free.
OUTDOOR DAYTIME EVENTS :
Miami Critical Mass WHAT: The last Saturday of every month local bicyclists head to the streets to ride bike and enjoy Miami in a Critical Mass Ride. Participants must keep a 12 m.p.h pace and stay close to the group. The group is often over 100 individuals, so be prepared to meet new people and ride anywhere from 12 – 18 miles. Bring your bike and bring a friend.
WHEN: 08/31/12 – Meets at 6:30 p.m. and departs at 7:15 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Miami – Government Center
The 2010 Great Grove Bed Race
WHAT: A bed race where individuals carry beds down a 1/8th mile street in Coconut Grove. Teams consist of four bed pushers/runners and one in-bed rider, all contestants will race against the clock until teams reach the finish line. Prizes are awarded for creativity, decorations, and race results.
WHEN: All day long. 09/01/2012 (Pajama Pub Crawl) & 09/02/2012
WHERE: Coconut Grove, along Commodore and Grand Avenue.
“Nabor Day” Weekend at Jungle Island
WHAT: A family friendly escapade with animals and all! Miami Dade and Broward County neighbors are invited to experience Jungle Island for just $10 per person.
WHEN: 09/01/2012 – 09/03/2012
WHERE: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail -Watson Island, FL 33132
EVENING EVENTS:
Tweetup at The Abbey WHAT: A Labor Day weekend tweetup party at The Abbey Brewery Company.
WHEN: 08/30/2012 7 p.m. (Free drinks from 7-9 p.m.)
WHERE: 1115 16TH Street – Miami Beach, Florida 33139
PALO! Cuban Pig Out 2
WHAT: Enjoy a delicious Cuban pig roast, while jamming out to Afro-funk band Palo! You can expect art, free raffles, games, and face painting. $10 cover.
WHEN: 09/02/2012 from 4 to 11 p.m.
WHERE: PAX Miami: Performing Arts Exchange – 337 S.W. 8 St. – Miami, Fl. 33130
The Stage – Labor Day Party
WHAT: A great party with 3 musical performances by Araka and Mixed Culture performing reggae beats and Bento Box mixing it up with blues rock. $10 cover.
WHEN: 09/02/2012 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: The Stage – 170 NE 38th St Miami, Fl. 33137
EVENTS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK:
Miami Spice WHAT: A restaurant package promotion showcasing the top restaurants in Miami. Select participating restaurants are offering three-course meals for a fixed price. (Lunches $19 or $23, Dinners $33 or $39) All restaurants feature top signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs.
WHEN: 08/01/2012 – 09/30/2012
WHERE: Participating Miami Spice restaurants throughout Miami. Click here to view your options.
Fashion Night Out (FNO) WHAT: A glamorous evening filled with sales, runway shows, live music, and complimentary cocktails.
WHEN: 09/06/2012 6 to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Fashion retail stores across Miami. (Miami Design District, Village of Merric Park, Bal Harbour, Dadeland Mall, The Falls, Aventura Mall, and Lincoln Road. For more info visit www.fashionnightout.com.
DWNTWN Art Days WHAT: A unique two-day celebration of Miami’s art culture. Ride the Miami Trolley to different participating venues and enjoy free art exhibits, film screenings and even a bike tour.
WHEN: 09/07/2012 & 09/08/2012
WHERE: Locations throughout Downtown Miami. For more info visit www.dwntwnartdays.com.
Enjoy the festivities and have a wonderful Labor Day weekend.
Have you ever walked into someone’s house feeling a little overwhelmed by all of their holiday and seasonal decorations? Christmas not included. I’m talking about every season and holiday: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Halloween, Valentines Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, etc. I sure have, and I must admit I can’t help but to feel a little Scrooge-like every time this happens.
I’m what you call a modern minimalist. My place looks the same all year round except during Christmas. But this year, I decided to add a tiny form of seasonal decor to my apartment by creating my very own up-cycled wine bottle vases. Hopefully they’ll allow me to get fancy and change things up a tiny bit throughout the year, now I’m in the hunt for fall-like stems. I may or may not change them according to holidays. ;)
If you’re feeling crafty and want to join me, here’s what you’ll need:
Gloves
Newspaper, tarp or scrap paper
An empty wine bottle
Your choice of colored spray paint (I used white with a matte finish)
Spray adhesive
Epsom salt
Clear spray paint sealer
Directions:
Soak your wine bottle/s and gently remove all labels.
Once the labels are removed, wash the bottle to make sure there is no dirt, dust, or glue residue.
Surround your working area with newspaper, preferably do this outdoors.
Put on gloves and place the wine bottle in the center of your newspaper/working area.
Begin spray painting the bottle, keeping the bottle 10 to 12 inches away from the surface. Rotate as needed and air dry according to the manufacture’s recommendations. Re-coat paint if necessary.
After the paint is dry, begin spraying the adhesive in areas where you would like to add texture. (I added texture to most of the bottle.)
Begin sprinkling Epsom salt directly onto the bottle. I used a spoon to help me disperse the salt. Let it dry for a few minutes and repeat process if necessary.
After you’ve achieved your desired look, spray the sealer to finalize and seal the salt.
Let it dry overnight and you’re done.
I bought flowers from Casa Ideas and Michaels and there you have it. Get creative and enjoy your new vases.
If your hair is anything like mine, I’m more than certain that you’ve had your share of bad hair days. Maybe you brushed your curls out because you didn’t know any better; or you lathered it with more than a handful of good ol’ (and by good I mean gross) LA Looks gel. Didn’t we all? All the cool kids were doing it back in the 90’s…
Or perhaps you thought your curly girl problems were solved the day you discovered a blow dryer and/or a hair iron. Think again! After years and years of fighting my curls, I’ve not only learned to work with them, now I embrace them and even love them.
Still not sure how to tame that mane? Here’s a quick guide on how to style curly hair…
I hydrate my curls by using only sulfate and silicone free products. My current favorite is DevaCurl. I’ve tried quite a few, but I’ve stuck with this one the longest. I cleanse my hair with their No-Poo Shampoo. I moisturize with the One Conditioner, and style with the Angel Gel and Set It Free.
I never use a brush or a comb, and when I say never I mean it! I only untangle my hair by running my fingers through it with conditioner and in the shower.
I only use alcohol-free gels. All other gels will dry out your curls causing them to friz even more.
I wash my hair with shampoo only twice a week, every other time I only use conditioner. Your curls need all of their natural oils to maintain and enhance the curl in each strand. This habit may be the hardest to change, but I encourage you to give it a try! Click here to buy a DevaCurl Try Me/Travel Kit.
Last but not least, before styling and in order to prevent friz I dry my hair using a microfiber towel. The most important thing is to not use a terrycloth towel, it absorbs all the moisture that your curls need. Instead of wrapping my hair I flip my head forward and I scrunch with an upward motion.
Once the hair is towel dried I begin styling with the products in the same manner.
After I’ve styled my curls I let them air dry and voila!
Great things are happening at Flair Miami, it has been a little over 2 months since we’ve gone live and there is so much to tell…
Flair Miami now has a new team member, an awesome new intern. Please join me as we welcome, Giselle Valenzano!
Giselle couldn’t have joined at a better time, my husband and I will be leaving on a trip to Europe tomorrow morning. Germany, Italy, Austria, and France, here we come!
Last but not least, so far we’ve reached over 2,000 people with our posts. Woo hoo! Thank YOU so much for reading and for joining us on this journey.
Today’s post is a little different, Flair Miami was invited to cover the 2012 Miami Salsa Congress and one of our awesome readers, Izabella Lipnharski, got to attend the event and tell us all about it… Thanks for your contributing post Bella!
Held every summer in Miami Beach, the Annual Miami Salsa Congress was a hit yet again! This 5-day Latin dance conference included a series of live concerts, dance showcases, workshop classes, dance parties, and pool parties. This year marked their 11th anniversary, making it one of the largest salsa dance congresses in the East Coast of the United States. The event took place August 1-5 at the historic ocean front Deauville Beach Resort.
The party kicked off Wednesday, August 1st, with parties welcoming all artists and fans attending. Throughout the day, guests had the option to attend workshops to help sharpen their dance skills, or enjoy poolside dancing, lounging, and partying; not to mention beach side yoga in the mornings.
Here’s a preview:
Image and Video Source: Miami Salsa Congress
The 2012 Miami Salsa Congress offered over 40 hours of unique workshops, giving guests the chance to learn a variety of salsa dance styles and techniques taught by world famous dance instructors, covering ladies styling, body movement, shines, lifts, dips, and tricks, and much more.
The event was attended by a blend of newbies and pros, the free beginner salsa dance boot camp was designed to get beginners through the basics and on the dance floor in almost no time!
As the event progressed, the Miami Salsa Congress offered 3 nights of 80 dance showcases, featuring over 500 performers across the globe who came together to showcase their talent and share their passion for salsa. Each year, the Miami line up offers a unique blend of the world’s top talent, including international touring artists, youth groups, amateur teams, and word championship dancers.
Following the spectacular dance showcases, the official 2012 Congress DJ Team opened the main event with a full scale live concert featuring the industry’s leading talent. Guests danced all night long and in true Miami fashion, the party continued until 6 a.m.
This event is offered every year, and if you’ve got some Latin flavor or would like to, it is truly worth attending. Whether you know how to salsa dance or not, I encourage you to attend next year and watch the amazing performances, or even consider taking some workshops to learn the basics.
Dancing some salsa, and sipping on agua de coco by the poolside… ah! Hope you’ll join us next year. Dates are still to be announced.
