Fashion – Page 10 – Flair Miami

By Vannia Enriquez September 30, 2013 in All, Fashion, News

FOR HIM: OLIBERTE

As I write today’s post, I can’t help but be grateful for all my readers. I know often times I tend to neglect my male audience, (especially with fashion posts) sorry fellas! But fear not, I know you’re out there. Miguel (my biggest fan, and husband, whom you’ll get to meet today) always reminds me of the fact that this is not a gender specific blog and that I have quite a few male followers. Therefore, in honor of all my loyal fellas, this fashion post is for you!

Allow me to introduce to you Oliberté! This manufacturing footwear company is located in the heart of Africa: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Perhaps, you’re wondering why I’m writing about shoes in Africa… In fact, we don’t normally hear about Africa unless it’s about something devastating. For the most part all we hear is about its poverty and/or corruption.

Young Canadian entrepreneur, Tal Dehliar said, “we never have and still don’t see an Africa that’s categorized by negative generalizations. Oliberté believes that with the right partners, each country within Africa has the means and power to grow and support its people. So that’s what we do.”

The brand partners with fair trade factories, suppliers, farmers and workers to produce premium footwear.

In doing so, they support a growing middle class and create thousands of fair trade jobs for both men and women. The shoes are made from natural rubber crepe soles, breathable hand-picked leather, reverse backing, and reinforcement stitching. I loved them, not only were they stylish but also very well crafted.

And it’s not just about charity. The company believes in their product, the people and the country! Want to help make a difference in Africa? You can shop at one of their locations or purchase a pair online.

OLD NAVY chambray shirt (similar)
T.J. MAXX Pants (similar)
OLIBERTE Adibo shoes (c/o)

By Vannia Enriquez September 20, 2013 in All, Fashion, News

FOUR FALL TRENDS

Sunday, September 22 marks the official first day of Fall; that means it’s time to change up your wardrobe and start implementing this year’s trends. Luckily, you don’t have to revamp your entire closet as a few of these items may already be in your closet… Just shake of the dust, and bring them out to play. If all else fails you can decide to shop these trends with our splurge vs steal collection.

Ready for that school girl, to become a cool girl? Pair one of these plaid looks with your favorite boots and you’ll go from Summer to Fall in no time! (Even if you live in Miami ;))

Fall Plaids by FlairMiami

Mango plaid shirt $59 / Current-Elliott plaid shirt $402/ White House Black Market tweed skirt $88 / Oscar de la Renta (similar)/ Forever 21 skinny $23/ See by Chloé $480 (sold out) similar

Camo print and army wear are a big hit this season, anything camouflage or military is a must! Maybe camo isn’t really your thing and you prefer to have a look that’s a bit more subtle and girly… Try mixing an olive jacket or vest with a tan crochet or lace piece.

Army Wear by FlairMiami

Faux leather military jacket $39 / 3.1 Phillip Lim military jacket $794 / Mackage biker/army jacket $324/ Apt. 9 utility vest $24/ Rag & Bone camouflage leggins $1,045/ Old Navy rockstar pants $32

You’re already familiar with boyfriend jeans, now it’s time to borrow his coat, or you can always shop for your own. The bigger the better, at least that’s what the 2013 Fall trend reports say, NY Fashion Week was filled with large outerwear, from over-sized coats to even capes.

Oversized Coats by FlairMiami

Topshop coat $116 / Jacquemus blue coat $719/ Lucas Nascimento coat $2,177/ See by Chloé camel coat $268/ Grey Marl boyfriend jacket, $56 / Elizabeth and James red coat $795

Last, but of course not least, shoeeees!! I’ve always been a fan of thigh-high boots, but I’m a little too short for them. But who knows, if paired with the right oversized coat or cape I just may give it a try. Now if only this Miami weather would comply…

Thigh-High Boots by FlairMiami

3.1 Phillip Lim kitty heel boots $785 / ALDO boots $89 / Charlotte Russe boots $49 / Over the knee boots, $72 / Emilio Pucci $2,837 / Altuzarra $935

By Vannia Enriquez August 16, 2013 in All, Fashion

3.1 PHILLIP LIM FOR TARGET

Target does it again, yet another collaboration to look forward to! Once again, you can expect long lines and perhaps even some craziness, but it’ll sure be worth it for designer Phillip Lim.

This exclusive fall collection will include items in women’s and men’s apparel and of course you cannot have a Phillip Lim collaboration without some amazing shoes, bags and accessories. The collection includes 100 versatile pieces that will range from $19.99 to $299.99 scheduled to be available in select stores and Target.com on September 15. The concept of this collection had a simple and classy approach; Lim focused on looks ranging from morning, noon to night with a color palette of neutral hues just in time for autumn.

“One of the reasons I wanted to collaborate with Target is because I felt that together we could create a collection that would inspire – one that is cool and chic, but still very accessible,” said Lim.

Oh and here’s a little extra information for you Flair fans:

Target will have NO quality restrictions this time. HUGE bummer, I know! Plan ahead and try to snag your items quick.
Handbags are NOT real leather. But then again, they are under $60 so…

Here are a few of my favorite items:

By Vannia Enriquez August 2, 2013 in All, Fashion

PRISCILLA B TAKES MIAMI

As I mentioned in our Bikini Invasion post, this year’s Swim week was a little more special than the last… Flair Miami gals were invited to a plethora of events, and as much as we wanted to cover them all, we simply couldn’t… But with a little help from our friends, we kinda did. ;)
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Contributing post by: Tasha Wahlenberg

PriscillaB takes Miami, woos the audience and debuts her collection. Her line, Appunti Di Viaggio, (and yes you guessed it it’s 100% Italian) was showcased at Wall inside the W hotel. PriscillaB’s bold prints, and embellished accents, had the audience dancing and ready to hit the beach.

Here’s a play by play of the show… There were 5 girls and 3 platforms in the venue; the collection, which she described as a coastal voyage was made up of two lines: Black Label and White Label.

Black Label featured bold prints and jeweled accents.

While the White Label, took a minimalist approach.

The show wasn’t your average runway show, the models danced to Blurred Lines. Priscilla, came out to the sounds of Crazy In Love, and we all know you can’t help but dance to Beyoncé. and she danced indeed!

Last but not least, the girls came out with silk capes! Okay, maybe they were cover-ups that looked like capes ;).

Most of her line was made out of lycra, except for the last set of bathing suits, they were pure silk; and her adorable cover-ups were made with comfy cotton. Oh, and did I mention that all her suits are also available in youth sizes. So, those of you with little sisters or cousins who want to match, she’s got you covered!

I was able to pull Priscilla aside for a few minutes, only to realize she may be one of the most stunning people I’ve met, also a down-to-earth welcoming woman.

Ready to experience the magic for yourself?

By Giselle Valenzano July 29, 2013 in All, Fashion

L*SPACE LOVE 2014

As swim week came to a close, and the rush of it all began to sink in, I wasn’t sure where to start. Being my first Swim Week, I am proud to say it was a success. Not only were the shows and parties fashion perfection, but the simple fact that Flair Miami was featured at the Escape Miami Style Lounge was enough to make it the best yet (who knows what’s to come for next year’s swim week ;) )

This year, we were fortunate enough to have a chat with some of our favorite designers, one of them was Monica Wise, the creative director and lead designer behind L*Space.

What was your inspiration for the 2014 line?

This year’s collection is inspired by the girl that wants to travel and get away. It’s about packing different looks and learning how to pack lightly while still having a lot of looks to choose from. In this collection, I did a lot of mix and matching and a lot of reversible pieces, I wanted to make it easier to take fewer suits on a trip.

Tell us about some of the looks that we saw on the runway.

We had a few stylists from NYC incorporate hats used by Nicki Minaj. And the jewelry you saw were some of Cher’s personal pieces. Oh, and something else that was also unique about our show is that we streamed it live from www.everythingbutwater.com so people from all around the world could tune in to see the 2014 collection.

Tell our Flair Miami readers something they may not know about you.

Well, I’ve been doing this for about 13 years and I am an original Florida girl! I started in Florida and later on moved to California.

Monica Wise is not only extremely talented, she was also very sweet. Her swimwear and resort collection blended in several trends beautifully, showcasing the sophisticated pastel color palates along with the classic black and whites. Designer Monica Wise, also incorporated Aztec prints, geometric shapes, snakeskin, watercolor and old-world Caribbean and galactic map patterns that completed the overall look and theme.

Can’t wait to see what she will come up with next!

Missed the show? Here’s a look, thanks to our friends at Mercedes Benz.

Photography: Getty Images
Video: Mercedez Benz Fashion Week

By Sabrina Restrepo July 21, 2013 in All, Fashion

FUNKSHION: EMERGING DESIGNERS

Wednesday July 18, the Flair interns got to attend one of our favorite Funkshion Swim Week events yet, the Emerging Designers Fashion show sponsored by Peroni. The show presented the collections of young aspiring fashion designers from Miami International University of Arts and Design. The contestants competed for the title of Peroni Top Emerging Designer. For the challenge, the designers had to create a collection with their interpretation of Italian style.

Hosted in the SLS, the models strutted a series of romantic handcrafted pieces in an intimate pool area setting. As each collection made their way down the catwalk, I like others wondered how only one designer could be picked. The caliber of artistry and talent that night was overwhelming!

There was one collection however, that stood above the rest. In a series of complex geometric and structural hand-sewn garments, the Quyen Dimension line wowed the audience with its effortlessly Italian avant-grade look. The proud designer of the collection? Kim-Quyen Nguyen!

We got a chance to chat with this very sweet fashion prodigy:

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am 21 years old. Born in Boston and lived in St. Petersburg. I’ve always wanted to have my own fashion line it’s every girls dream to make a name for herself!

What was a common theme in your collection?

Structural geometric shapes. I wanted to create a collection that had body and different looks.

What was the inspiration behind the Quyen Dimension line?

My main inspiration behind the structural construction of my line where flower petals. If you look at a flower from one angle it’s different then if you look at it from the top or the side. I wanted my collection to have the same illusion by using shapes.

Who are you most excited to see at NYC Fashion week?

Anyone from Hong Kong. They are all my inspiration!

Who are your designs geared for?

People that want to stand out and don’t care what they look like as long as they’re making a statement.

Kim is not only a gifted designer, but also a down-to-earth girl with many talents! Her young spirit and visionary ways inspired us! We wish her all the best in her future fashion endeavors. And I have a good feeling that this won’t be the last time we see her work strut down the catwalk ;)

By Vannia Enriquez July 15, 2013 in All, Fashion

BIKINI INVASION

Miami’s most anticipated Summer event is officially here, FASHION WEEK- SWIM! That means the marathon of fashion shows and soirées begin today. Buyers, manufacturers, reporters, models, and bloggers from around the world will be attending a series of events focused around swim and resort wear.

And while the official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week events happen at The Raleigh Hotel, other smaller events also take place around the city. The Miami Beach Convention Center, the W hotel, and even some nightclubs host unofficial satellite gatherings featuring product launches and after parties.(Funkshion – Swim, for example, is offering runway shows open to the general public. This year’s line-up will be featuring designers such as Sinesia Karol, Sonia Vera, Wildfox and even Chloe. For a detailed schedule and to RSVP, email swim@funkshion.com.)

This year, will be Flair Miami’s 1st time attending the “fancy shmancy” official MBFW invite-only events, and we cannot wait! We’ll be sure to give you details on the latest trends, and keep you posted all throughout so you won’t miss a thing.

Oh, and in case you’re in need of an escape from the bikini invasion, make sure to stop by the Sagamore Hotel to check out a street-style photo installation featuring 30 of Miami’s top fashion bloggers. You may or may not see some familiar faces ;)

The event is hosted by Sagamore – The Art Hotel, Peroni Italy and Miami fashion blogger Annie Vazquez of TheFashionPoet.com; and you’re invited to join the fun! The Escape Miami Style Lounge provides a getaway from the fashion week chaos with a complimentary, curated fashion and beauty retreat. Guests will rejuvenate with spa and beauty treatments, get crafty with a DIY jewelry table, and get a preview of a few fashion presentations. Be sure to RSVP and see you there! Here’s a sneak peek…

What I Wore:

Urban Outfitters High Rise Denim Shorts & Bustier Top / Blossom Collection Wedges (old) / Italia Independent Sunglasses

What Giselle Wore:

Juicy Couture Top / Zara Skirt (similar) / Zara Wedges / Italia Independent Sunglasses

By Giselle Valenzano July 12, 2013 in All, Fashion

SWIM WEEK ESSENTIALS

Our favorite time of year is here… Swim Week! I don’t know about you, but I am beyond excited for this years swim week (not only because of the amazing designers but also because it’s my first year going!). Where do I begin? Wildfox, L Space, and Luli Fama…here I come!

Since I am in the swim week spirit, I thought it’d be fun to put some outfits together, so here you have them!

Long summer skirt/ American Retro/ Zara ankle wrap sandals / Gold glasses / Essie nail color

H&M/ Pull&Bear pull bear/ Olsenhaus vegan sandals/ ASOS watch / DANNIJO chain necklace

H&M bustier top/ Topshop circle skirt/ ASOS leather footwear/ H&M glasses

What will you be wearing at this years Swim Week?

By Giselle Valenzano July 5, 2013 in All, Fashion, Fun, Travel

MANHATTAN MADNESS

Last week, I (Giselle) went on a mini-getaway to one of my favorite places in the United States…Manhattan. Between the fabulous shopping, Broadway shows, delicious New York pizza and the fast paced city life, I loved it all.

First stop: SHOPPING. I spent one full day on Fifth Avenue and one full day in SoHo. But, let’s be real. I spent a full day window shopping on Fifth Avenue, and a full day blowing all my money in SoHo. Between LF Boutique and Brandy Melville I was in heaven. PS. I just learned that there is also an LF Boutique located on Miami Beach! Woohoo! Anyway, I left both spots with lots of goodies, probably more than I should have.

Next stop: BROADWAY. When I tell you that the main reason I went to New York was for a specific broadway show, you may not believe me. But, a couple of months back, I saw that Matilda was on Broadway and I was beyond excited. Matilda was my favorite childhood story, and I knew I had to see the musical! How could I miss it? So, a couple of months later, there I was in New York City at the Shubert Theatre reliving my memory of Miss Trunchbull and the chokey.

Last Stop: FOOD. Those who know me know that I love food. Yes, I love to eat, & I knew I could not leave New York with out having some authentic New York style pizza. So I am telling you about this next place because if you are ever in the Big Apple you must try them out! John’s Pizzeria (not to be confused with Papa John’s) has two locations, one in Jersey and one in the heart of Times Square. This is definitely the place to go for authentic New York style pizza. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that the restaurant is located in what was once the Gospel Tabernacle Church built in the 1800’s. They kept all the original architecture from that time, so you get to enjoy your pizza while time traveling back a couple hundred years.

I wasn’t kidding when I said Manhattan was one of my favorite places in the US, there’s always something to do and there is always people to see.

By Vannia Enriquez June 14, 2013 in All, Fashion

FIVE FAVORITES: DAD SWAG

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16, and while some dad’s may want tickets to a Miami Heat game (well, who doesn’t want tickets during finals), or maybe even some help mowing the lawn… Other dads may have a need for cool swag.

This weekend as you shop for dad, try to think of different ways to make him feel special. Honor him with more than just a gift, or a card: Surprise him with a hand-written letter to say thanks, give his car a wash, make him a delicious BBQ, reminisce old times by looking at an album of photos, or spend time together watching his favorite flick.

Now, once you’ve done that, let’s kick things up a notch and add some swag to his look. Here a few items that are sure to help!

Bonobos Gingham Tie
Asos Black Skinny Tie
Hommage Verona Razor
Converse Chucks

Pier One Mustache Mug
Lacoste Polo

Wishing all the dads a wonderful Father’s Day!