Our amazing hotel

Well we are back from our lovely weekend getaway to the wonderland of Miami’s South Beach.  As usual I packed light with multiply options that would work from day to night, brunch to beach, exploring the town to travel on the plane.  Knowing that we were headed to the incredible Art Deco haven of The Raleigh hotel with its incredible pool, beautiful architecture, and brilliant colors, I wanted to make sure I brought enough options to have choices for whatever we decided to do but keep the bag light enough for easy travel.

The carry on bag for the weekend

Day 1: Flight, locals’ favorite lunch spot, pool time, beach, and casual dinner outside

The Jonathan Simkhai Oversize Box Oxford with Rodebjer Insect Pencil Skirt Cover Up in Pink, Loeffler Randall Fillipa Mignon Sandal in Orange & Rider Studded Bag in Natural, and Inverni Vintage Straw Pleat Hat was super comfortable on the plane but allowed me to still arrive looking chic and ready to hit the pool.  I had my Troubadour canvas bomber jacket for the flight as another layer to combat the insane air conditioning.  Peel off the oxford and the Rodebjer Insect One Piece Bathing Suit in Pink was the perfect suit for the first day in the sun.  After an incredible day at the pool followed by the private beach, we cleaned up for dinner.  I layered the light weight gauzy silk IRO Valli blouse in Ecru tied up with the Rodebjer Insect skirt and LR Fillipa sandals.  This was great for the outdoor café we found for dinner and wonderful drinks in the outdoor bar setting back at The Raleigh.

Swim Look Day 1: Rodebjer Insect Suit

Incredible Art Deco Pool

Lovely outdoor bar in the evening

Day 2: Sunday brunch, beach, pool, dressed up dinner out on the town

We started the day with a wonderful brunch at The Raleigh overlooking the spectacular pool.  I felt like I was back in time with my Timo Weiland Alexa Houndstooth High Rise Shorts in Pink, IRO Oversize Silk Blouse in Ecru, Loeffler Randall Dree Sandals in Bubble Gum/Red & Rider Studded Bag in Natural.  After brunch we headed straight to the beach.  For my day 2 swim look the Zinke Starboard Bustier and High Rise Brief in Lemonade which worked perfectly with the Rodebjer Insect Pencil Skirt Cover Up in Pink was ideal.  For a dressier dinner out on the town I packed the Bec & Bridge reversible dress from last spring (new version arriving in a few weeks in white) with the Loeffler Randall Skye Gladiator Sandals in Cheetah.  It was just short enough to feel appropriate for a weekend night in South Beach but the wild flat sandals kept the dress from feeling too sexy.

Spectacular colors at the pool house

Lovely day on the private beach of The Raleigh

Swim Look Day 2: Zinke with Rodebjer

Day 3: Breakfast, beach, lunch in the design district, drinks by the pool, flight home

The brunch was so good that we went back for breakfast the third day at The Raleigh too.  For the day 3 swim look, the Zinke Kristen Ruffle Bandeau and Gidget Hipster Bottoms in Orchid were perfect paired with the Rodebjer Insect Pencil Skirt Cover Up in Pink again; love the versatility of that piece.  For lunch and exploring the design district I was more relaxed in the IRO Valli Gauze Silk Blouse in Ecru, Earnest Sewn Denim Cut Off shorts, Loeffler Randall Skye Sandals in Cheetah, and Inverni Vintage Straw Pleat Hat.  It was perfect for the modern café we stopped at and for relaxing in the outdoor bar by the pool.  I threw on my canvas bomber jacket for the plane and we headed home to Tulsa completely refreshed and reinvigorated.

Breakfast by the pool

Swim Look Day 3: Zinke & Rodebjer with by handsome husband

Light and Airy in IRO

 Can’t wait for our next weekend adventure!

With the highly anticipated release of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby this summer several charity functions are joining in the spirit with Gatsby themed events.  Whether you want to attend in full Deco costume or a more subtle/wearable look that you can wear again and again, we can help style you for your events.  What are some of the trademarks of the flapper age as far as women’s wear is concerned?  Longer hem lines, a dropped waist, flowy fit, light airy fabrics, beading, and anything with great movement around the legs.  Here are some of our favorite pieces to keep you styled on this spring’s it theme.

The Timo Weiland Tabitha Dress in Haring Print is an ideal look for the Philbrook Garden Party Gatsby in the Garden.  This piece is perfect for this outdoor event in the art deco landscape with its dropped waist, airy fabric, and great movement in the skirt.  Pair this with some long pearls and tuck your hair up into a short wave with a head scarf.

For an even dressier take on this theme the Timo Weiland Elliot Collar Dress in Gold Houndstooth is great when styled with a 1920’s flare.  The sheer black silk draped over the bodice adds the touch of light airiness while the Swarovski crystals provide the perfect amount of sparkle and shimmer from the metallic gold houndstooth give a feeling of decadence.  For hair we recommend a low lose twist slightly to the side of the back of the neck with a beaded headpiece.  Pair a fabulous beaded fringe or early metal mesh art deco small bag and strappy elegant shoe with this look to achieve the Gatsby look.  This would be perfect for the Mayo’s big Gatsby fundraiser.  This dress could go more Mad Men styled with a curled high pony tail and mod accessories so make sure to play up the deco styling here.

The Etienne Aigner Silk Maxi Dress in Malachite again is right on trend for this theme when paired with the appropriate accessories.  The loose column fit with slits at both sides of the legs, airy silk in a rich color, and sleeveless collar neckline hint to the 1920’s vibe.  Style this will either long layered necklaces or with an art deco rhinestone broach at the top button for some sparkle and large art deco rhinestone cuffs.  This dress would be great paired with a felt or beaded cloche from the era.

The Charlotte Taylor Chiffon Maxi Dress in Blue Marble is perfect for this theme with its flowy sleeves, airy fabric in a dreamy print, and soft colors.  Pair this with a straw cloche from Inverni and you have the perfect Gatsby day event look.  Swap the straw hat for a jeweled head wrap and light strappy heels and you are ready for a night event along this theme.

For a more casual pool party or backyard croquet night, the Carolina K Zelda dress is right on the money.  Dropped waist, longer hemline in a looser fit, and a light airy gauze fabric is perfect for the theme.  Style this with a great gladiator sandal or strappy flat and layered long jewelry or oversize art deco cuffs on both wrists.

Have fun playing with this trend and it theme this season!