March 11, 2010

Window Shopping / July 2009 / SoBe Sensational

SoBe Sensational

Bright colors, beachy sunsets, hot temps, fast music and beautiful people are all what I think of when I think of South Beach and Miami. And Madison hosted a little bit of its own South Beach paradise this past weekend at the Fashion Fridays event held in back of Butler Plaza and Old Market Bistro. As one of the featured stylists I was able to put my own spin on what I consider sizzling for South Beach.

My collection (which I forgot to put in the script!) was titled “SoBe Luxe” because it showcased high-end retailers and the beautiful things that would clothe and accessorize the body of someone out and about in Miami—whether they were shopping and lunching during the day, or sipping cocktails and dancing at night. It was important for me as a stylist that the collection didn't end up looking like "Shayna's favorite things" (i.e.: a mismashed collection of stuff) or worse, like it didn't fit the Miami/South Beach theme! Hopefully the vibrant, fun colors, and metallic accents conveyed "SoBe Luxe" to spectators.

Stylists Mollie Shambeau (Brava) and Rosalee Eichstedt (New York's Fall Fashion Week) also presented collections that showcased budget-friendly finds and a more avant-garde perspective, respectively.

The following is some of the script I wrote that I used for the collection. I thought it might give a little more context to those that didn’t attend and describes each outfit perfectly!

"Shayna’s collection focuses on high-end retailers in Madison and what they have to offer women in sumptuous fabrics like silk and soft cotton blends and classic silhouettes like a racerback tank dress or maxidress. Miami is known for its beautiful weather and beachy lifestyle. For day it’s all about low maintenance pieces, like simple maxidresses and flat sandals. At night heart-pounding clubs like Mansion and Cameo demand your hottest outfit to hit the dance floor.

Inspired by her trips to Miami in the past year Shayna chose outfits in colors that reflect Miami's lifestyle and its colorful landscape--the ocean, sunset, beaches, and of course, the Art Deco hotel district's washed out building facades in blues, peaches and pinks. Look for pieces in vivid hues like royal blue, salmon, orange and pink paired with a shot of metallic glamour in a shoe, bangle or necklace. Each look blends seamlessly in with the next; each tied in with a common color that carries over to the next look to pull together a complete collection of day-to-night looks."

SEE THE SLIDESHOW HERE

Kjersti rocks it out in a royal blue silk racerback dress by Loeffler Randall from Atticus. Add a multistrand gold chain necklace and a pair of tough gladiator heels to add the right amount of edge to this sexy, yet simple frock.
(Royal blue silk racerback dress by Loeffler Randall from Atticus. Necklace from bop.)

Claire’s royal blue cotton maxidress by Velvet is from bop. This incredibly comfy piece works overtime from day to night—wear with a scarf and beachy Marc Jacobs tote to the beach. At night, pair with glamorous gold flat sandals and major jewelry for a head-turning look.
(Royal blue cotton maxidress by Velvet, Anna Sui scarf and Marc Jacobs tote all from bop)

Laura’s washed silk dress by Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent from bop is the epitome of South Beach chic. Lightweight yet still fancy enough for a beachy rooftop party, it'll work from now into early fall—simply add a gorgeous scarf or lightweight cardigan when the chill hits.
(Washed silk dress by Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, necklace and Trina Turk tote all from bop.)

Nicole’s cotton/silk Loeffler Randall dress from Atticus is reminiscent of a SoBe sunset. Gorgeously chic, yet simple.
(Loeffler Randall cotton/silk dress from Atticus.)

Raquel sports Nanette Lepore’s “flutter” dress from Twigs. This dress is all about fun but has sex appeal with flirty straps, a deep V and a cute tie-back top.
(Nanette Lepore “flutter” dress and accessories from Twigs).

The tribal trend was huge this summer and will continue to be a hit this fall. Look for agate accessories like this AV Max necklace and fringe detailing like on the French Connection handbag from bop. Natalie wears Tibi’s tribal dress from Twigs that’s perfect for now and will fit perfectly into your early fall wardrobe, too.
(Tibi tribal maxidress and all accessories from Twigs. French Connection handbag from bop).

No wardrobe is complete without the perfect black dress. Kjerstie wears a twist on the favorite—a sexy one-shoulder Grecian style by Ogle from Twigs. Punch it up with a chunky bib necklace and major bracelets.
(Ogle one-shoulder dress and all accessories from Twigs.)

Like a perfect Miami sunset, your night should start with the perfect look. Suzy Chin’s silk cocktail dress from Terese Zache, worn by Anna, will make you the envy of anywhere you wear it—whether it’s at Mansion in Miami or Magnus in Madison.
(Suzy Chin silk cocktail dress from Terese Zache.)