#ThankYouMiami for Fashion - Miami Does Swim Week

Okay, so this post has been way overdue. Nevertheless, one cannot rush greatness and there is nothing greater than a recap of the best Miami highlights from this year's Swim Week. So, go forth and behold our latest #ThankYouMiami for Fashion column and make sure to check out our Instagram page throughout the weekend for snap shots from our featured events. There's a little bit of girl power, a little bit of do-gooding, a little bit of fun, and a whole lot of fashion talk. Miami fashion bunnies, this ones for us!

What was your favorite Miami moment of Miami Swim Week 2015? Who is your favorite Miami designer, brand or store of the season? What is your latest swimwear must-have? Beach accessory must-have? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for New Neighborhood Eats - Sugarloaf Gastrobar

As sign of our sincerest apologies for the brief blogging hiatus, today we're spilling a juicy secret that we've been keeping for over a month: Sugarloaf Gastrobar in Sunny Isles Beach. Way before our trip to New York, pre-Miami Swim Week, in the long, long ago, we heard rumors that the unknown land of Sunny Isles Beach had a new spot that promised great food, handcrafted cocktails, and an inviting gathering space. Sunny Isles is not particularly known for these things so we initially called "shenanigans" but we were also intrigued. Alas, a few days later we found ourselves driving out of Miami Beach, through Haulover, and into Sugarloaf.

Sugarloaf's décor alone, with its use of brick, succulents, and eye-catching art, was a sign that its creators Tatanka Guerrero and Luiz Fleury and their team gets us - in fact, we welcome them to come re-decorate our entire apartment in their restaurant's likeness. The second sign was their cocktail menu with its spicy tequila drink (because we LOVE spicy drinks) and its red pepper-infused rum offerings. Then, there's the fact that they leverage local talent in their inclusion of Miami micro-brews in their bar stock and their eagerness to allow a local resident to paint a dope mural on one of their walls. Last, but not least, the food options are varied, delicious, and impeccably plated (see below for our photographic proof).

We can personally vouch for the beet salad with its tender, sweet golden and red beets and just the right amount of goat cheese, as well as the crudo with its thin and crispy brioche crostini. We can't wait to try the fall-off-the-bone confit duck and the zesty fried chicken entrées when we come back with more friends. In fact, between the statement picnic table in the dining room and its "sharing is caring" philosophy, Sugarloaf is made for indulging with friends. Beyond that, it is as welcoming as it aims to be - not only in its ambiance, but also in its staff who is the perfect mix of friendly and helpful. As a whole package, Sugarloaf is definitely worth a visit and is just what Sunny Isles needs to get back on Miami's radar.

If you want to check it out for yourself, this week brings you the perfect opportunity (read, excuse). On Friday, July 31 at 6 p.m. Sugarloaf will be hosting their "Grand Social Gathering" debut party and you're invited for complimentary welcome cocktails sponsored by VeeV, small bites, live music and a ribbon cutting. This is your big chance to sneak a taste of Sugarloaf's twist on Poutine and Wagyu beef sliders. Just make sure to arrive before 7 p.m.!

What do you think of Sugarloaf Gastrobar? Which of their menu items sounds most enticing? What other restaurants or venues do you visit in Sunny Isles Beach? What other new neighborhood eats are you excited about? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Being Hot-As-Hell - Miami Swim Week 2015

This summer in Miami has been inarguably hot but it hasn't all been about sweat and discomfort - it's also been about sassy babes and sexy bikinis. No one delivered that better this Miami Swim Week than Sharleen Ernster who launched her first swimsuit and lingerie collection Hot-As-Hell (HAH) this year. In the name of Société Perrier, we followed Sharleen's swim week journey starting from HAH's exclusive launch party at the Soho Beach House on Friday night, to the showroom at the Hammock Show, and ending at HAH's first runway show at SwimMiami on Sunday night. Each and every event was flawless and, more importantly, flawlessly conveyed the brand's wild child, bombshell vibes. Sharleen was kind enough to take a break from the madness to talk with us about HAH and the events leading to her successful debut at Miami Swim Week. Read the excerpt below and click on the photo for the full feature.

What did you think of Hot-As-Hell's debut collection? Which was your favorite piece? Which of their events was your favorite? What did you think about their premiere fashion film? Who was your favorite designer of this Miami Swim Week? What did you like about their collection? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Themed Weeks - Miami Spa Month 2015

Nothing cures one full week of 14 hour work days and one too many drinks (A/K/A Miami Swim Week) like the spa, which is why we are ever grateful for Miami Spa Month. This week we want nothing more than to relax and detox with a facial/massage combo to reboot our body after last week's swim insanity and, with specials at a $99 - $129 price tag, a trip to the spa is totally within our summer budget. Plus, we love that Miami Spa Month deals give us the most bang for our buck by granting us access to hotel pools, fitness areas, and other amenities at no additional cost. This year, our picks include some tried and true favorites of years past, as well as a couple new options. Here are the five spots where you will find us getting our zen on until August 31.

1. COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at Metropolitan by COMO

2445 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

The COMO Shambhala Spa is a new pick for us this year - mostly because we are dying to spend time by their gorgeous pool which has been making the rounds on Instagram. For Miami Spa Month they are offering five treatments: three at $99 and two at $129. Unfortunately they do not have the facial/massage combo that we're looking for, but we are intrigued by the targeted deep tissue and Indian head massage. It sounds like the perfect way to get rid of the kinks in our shoulder from the amount of time we spend on a computer.

2. Exhale Spa at The EPIC

270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami

Even though we haven an Exhale Spa on Miami Beach, we prefer the one in Downtown Miami (GASP!) because we prefer their vibe and amenities. This year they are offering seven treatments and, in a testament to why they are so awesome, one of them includes a bottle of Prosecco. Okay, so it isn't the detoxing spa experience we are looking for but the MindBody classes and memberships included in most of their packages will counter the bubbles' toxins and keep our bikini body in line.

3. The Spa at Conrad Miami

1395 Brickell Avenue, Miami

The Spa at Conrad Miami is another spot worth a trip to the mainland. You've heard us talk about our love for the entire hotel and its staff before but this Miami Spa Month we're taking our love for the has reached another level because they have the massage/facial combo we're coveting! It's fate. The best part is that, if facials are not your thing, you have other options with which to combine the massage like a 25 minute body polish, manicure, or hydro therapy bath. Did we mention that your spa treatment gives you access to tennis courts? Sign us up.

4. Lapis Spa at The Fontainebleau

4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

The Fontainebleau is a Miami Spa Month heavy-hitter for groups because it is such a cool place to spend the day with your girlfriends. Between the gym, the rain room, the rain tunnel, the steam room, and its many pools, there is a little something to please everyone. They offer six 50-minute treatments seven-days per week for just $99 and three $129 treatments that are only available Monday through Thursday. 

5. The Spa at The Miami Beach EDITION

2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach

The Spa at The Miami Beach EDITION is new to Miami and the Miami Spa Month line-up this year. Why did it make the list? Because everything about the EDITION is flawless and we envision the spa fits that mold. They are offering four 50-minute treatments, the most intriguing of which are the Summer Melt hot stone massage for $99 and the Model Behavior pampering for $129. The down sides? Miami Spa Month treatments only include access to the steam room and relaxation lounge and they are not available on Saturdays. We're hoping by next year both those policies will improve.

Image courtesy of Conrad Miami

What is your favorite spa in Miami? What is your favorite spa participating in Miami Spa Month? Why do you love that spa? What treatment(s) do you recommend there? What amenities are musts during a spa visit? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami How-To: Road Tripping from Miami

In case you missed it (you know, because the seasons don't change in Miami...), it's summer! One of the reasons we love summer is the fact that it's open travel season. Yes, you can take a trip at any time during the year but it's never as acceptable or as encouraged as during the summer months. Today we're inspiring you to take advantage of these magical times with road trip inspo. Whether you're a visitor looking to explore South Florida or a Miami-an in need of an affordable getaway, one of these three easily reachable road trip destinations is bound to satisfy your wanderlust. Read the excerpt below and click on the photo for our latest Cruise Port Advisor feature.

Which of the three destinations are you most excited to visit? Which ones have you visited before? What did you do there? Do you have any other tips for someone visiting the area? What are your favorite road trip destinations to visit from Miami? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Photo Perfection

In case you've been living under a rock, this past weekend was Miami Swim Week. And, while the primary focus was on the season's new swimwear collections, the influx of visitors and media also put Miami in the limelight. Honestly, could there have been a more fitting backdrop for babes in bikinis than a city that needs no filter? But even in paradise, when it comes to photo perfection, there are good spots, better spots, and the best spots.

In today's post for Localeur, #ThankYouMiami contributor Brad Wells tallies the places in Miami with the best backdrops so you can make your friends Insta-jealous. His recommendation includes some of our tried-and-true favorites like South Pointe Park and the Standard Miami. Read the excerpt below and click on the photo for the full feature. Plus, if you join Localeur, you can add a place to the list and boost your influence so what are you waiting for?

What are some of your favorite photos to take a photo? What makes it so beautiful? Which of the places on our list have you visited? Which one(s) are on your must visit list? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for The Perfect Mojito

Miami is known for being good at many things, including making bomb mojitos. Between our Cuban connection and our access to prime Latin American and Caribbean rums, the mojito odds are ever in our favor. That said, learning how to make them properly is an art so when Botran Rum invited us to a mojito making class at Larios On The Beach, we jumped at the invitation. After all, knowing how to make a mojito is pretty much a right of passage in Miami and we couldn't pass up an opportunity to clock a rare local experience on the world renown Ocean Drive.

The location, the serrano ham croqueticas - every detail contributed toward a "so Miami" atmosphere that was ideal for mojito-making inspiration. Botran Rum really delivered on the 305 vibes and you can bet we channeled them as we expertly crafted classic and watermelon mojitos. For the record, they turned out delicious. And, while we value our newfound ability to make the perfect mojito (okay, okay, it was probably the Botran Reserva rum we used), our biggest take-away of the evening was discovering Larios On The Beach's new weekday happy hour. Who knew that only a few blocks from home, on Ocean Drive of all places, you can get $5 bites and $6 cocktails from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.?  It was an incredibly pleasant surprise - just like our ability to transform rum, simple syrup, lime juice, mint, and club soda into a respectable drink!

Images by Brad Wells

What is your go-to cocktail? How do you make your mojito? Do you add anything special to it or do prefer a traditional mojito? Have you been to Lario's On The Beach? What did you think? Are you excited about their summer happy hour? What are some other Miami happy hours you are excited about? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami Talks #R29StyleFestival

Only one more sleep until Miami Swim Week kicks off! To warm us up for the upcoming fashion frenzy, we wanted to spill on the super fun Refinery29 x Simon Malls event that we attended last Saturday. If you follow us on our Instagram, you got a sneak peek the day of. If you don't follow us yet, shame on you! But we digress...

You may recall that the concept of a Simon Property Group and Refinery29 partnership is old news. Last year, they brought a pop-up marketplace concept called The Shopping Block to six malls around the U.S., including our very own Dadeland Mall. The new news is that they have built on that momentum and their existing partnership to deliver an even bigger and better series of shopping events with a music theme. From live musical performances to DJs, the addition of a sound stage brought the in-mall event to another level.

#ThankYouMiami How-To: Celebrating Bastille Day 2015 in Miami

As French Lit majors and lovers of all things French (croissants, macarons, Le Petit Ecolier cookies...), we're obsessed with the fact that Miami is a French ex-pat mecca. Even though we've lost the ability to speak French fluently, we haven't lost our ability to read in French or, more importantly, eavesdrop on francophone conversations. We also haven't lost the joie de vivre we found that one summer we lived en Provence so we can still enjoy a good French party.

When Perrier asked us to put together a list of Miami's best parties for Bastille Day, the July 14 national French celebration, we tapped our inner fêtard ("party animal" in French - it sounds weird, we know) and polled our local amis français to bring them the best of the best. Read the excerpt below and click on the photo for the full feature. A huge thanks to Miami-based photographer Oscar Socarras for letting us use the sick photo of fireworks over The Biltmore that we used for the title photo. The shot is absolutely stunning and the perfect fit for the feature. Take a peek at his website for his other work on Miami. C'est incroyable!

Will you be celebrating Bastille Day? Which of the featured events will you be attending? What interest you most about it? What other national days do you celebrate from other cultures? Why? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Fashion - Miami Swim Week 2015

Happy Miami Swim Week! We are buzzing with energy as we prepare to cover the hottest in trends, events, and other "So Miami" fashion news at the end of this week. Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Periscope (we're @ThankYouMiami everywhere) so you don't miss a single second of the action. We'll also be posting daily on "#ThankYouMiami for Fashion" once the madness kicks off on Thursday. Read the excerpt below and click on the photo to see how you can join in on the fun. And, don't forget to enter the raffle at the bottom of this post for your chance to win VIP tickets for you and a guest to this year's Escape Miami Style Lounge and Pool Party (#EscapeMiami3)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What are you most excited to do at the Escape Miami Style Lounge and Pool Party? What other events do you look forward to attending? What do you love most about Miami Swim Week? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for A Packed Social Calendar - You're Invited!

Every month we humble brag about how packed our social calendar is because...Miami, bro. But July has broken the record with so many events that this is our second post on the subject in a one-week period. Remember the post from last week on July in Miami? If you missed it, we recommend taking a peek.

To avoid redundancy, this post will not repeat the events we have already mentioned, rather it will build upon the list we've already created by providing you information about 7 newly-announced events that are coming up this month. Whether you're a foodie, a party animal, fitness fanatic, or a fashionista, as always there's a little something for everyone. And guess what? You're invited! P.S. If you don't see any Miami Swim Week info, don't worry - we are preparing a special post on next week's most anticipated events that we will be releasing soon!

#ThankYouMiami How-To: Planning Your Miami Wedding, Part 2

July 7 is a very special day at Thank You Miami HQ because it is the anniversary of our "SO Miami" wedding. Exactly three years ago we (read, our moms) tapped our local know-how to put together a party worthy of our Miami love story that included everything from a key lime pie cake by the Queen of Miami cakes to the mariachi band from Sábado Gigante. When we first started our blog, we took you step-by-step on how to plan your Miami wedding with the vendors we used and loved. Today, in honor of our three year anniversary we are building on that foundation by bringing you three new tips that we picked up from Wedding Salon's recent bridal show in Miami. A huge thanks to Carrie Rodman Wedding Photography for letting us use her amazing photos from the event!

1. Nothing is more Miami than a waterfront wedding. Wedding Salon gets us. We know because they picked The EPIC Hotel in Downtown, with its stunning views of Biscayne Bay, for their high-end bridal event. The boutique hotel (below) was the perfect setting for showcasing the show's numerous and varied wedding displays, proving its worth as the backdrop for your wedding. Plus, nothing beats the fact that it is situated on the water...

2. There is no need to stress about hair and make-up. Whether it's for you, your bridesmaids or your mom, hair and make-up are covered by express beauty service providers like Glam & Go and on-demand beauty services like GLAMSQUAD (below). They are perfect for everyone from busy moms to wedding parties because you can book a hair and/or make-up appointment with as little as two hours notice. And, time and time these services have proved they hire only the best beauty professionals. P.S. Did you know you can get a $20 credit at GLAMSQUAD just for signing up to their mailing list today. #winning!

3. Colorful flower arrangements help you bring Miami's vibrancy indoors. We're obsessed with white everything so, for our wedding, we chose white flower arrangements as part of our décor. During Wedding Salon's event, the displays by Precious Moments Social Events (below) and local flower vendor Rio Roses showed us how beautiful it can be to bring some of Miami's colorful aesthetic to your decorations. Their bright flower arrangements livened up the setting and made us reconsider our preference for white-on-white-on-white.

As you prepare for (or daydream about) your Miami wedding, we hope that these tips have been helpful. For more tips, inspiration, and vendors, make sure to keep an eye on Wedding Salon's calendar for the dates and locations of upcoming shows. Most importantly, remember to enjoy every moment - the wedding planning process really does go by so fast! Over here, we're still in awe that we're going on Year 4 of wedded bliss...

Are you planning your Miami wedding? Congratulations! What locations do you have on your radar? Why do you like those venues? How many guests are you planning to invite? What color scheme are you considering? What other tips would be helpful as you start and/or continue your wedding planning? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Killer Views, Delicious Food and Great Company - Atrio at Conrad Miami

Photo courtesy of Conrad Miami

Memorable dining experiences rely on three main ingredients. Killer views are a good place to start because they provide a background suitable for making magical memories. You also need delicious food - after all, we're talking about dining experiences. Finally, you need great company to make you comfortable and indulge you in enjoyable conversation. Think back to your most memorable dining experience. What did you eat? What was the view like? And the company?

As bon vivants, we have had our fair share of memorable dining experiences. The most recent one took place last week on the 25th Floor of Conrad Miami when we joined the Conrad Miami team and fellow writers to sample Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room's new dinner menu. If you've ever been to the Conrad Miami, you know that their claim to killer views is indisputable. No matter where you are in the hotel you're surrounded by Miami's breathtaking beauty. During our visit, we confirmed they also offer delicious food and great company for the whole package.

#ThankYouMiami Talks This Month In Miami - July 2015

Welcome to July, the busiest month of the year for Miami locals. In addition to higher temps and more manageable tourist crowds, this month brings a ton in fashion, food, and events you can't miss. Per usual, we have sorted through the subpar stuff (ain't nobody got time for that!) to bring the best of the best in July news. We'll hop to it because there's A LOT.

If you're staying in town for the holiday weekend, you have a suite of Fourth of July festivities at your disposal. For a South Beach-style soiree, there's no one better than Nikki Beach who will be hosting its 11th Annual IndepenDANCE Beach Party with DJs, private fireworks and a decadent BBQ with a foie gras burger and a burger served on a glazed donut. More of a grilling at home type? Midtown Oyster Bar is simplifying your meal prep with ready to grill burger kits. You have until tomorrow to e-mail your order of either four raw 10 oz. patties ($26) or an upgraded kit that also includes buns, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and homemade ketchup ($32) to info [at] midtownoysterbar.com. In line with our perfect beach day plans, we'll be in Miami Beach hosting a potluck with friends.

This month also sees the revival of local bloggers, many of whom have been dormant during the months of scant content. On July 11, we'll all be flocking to Dadeland Mall for fashion, beauty, DIY, and music at the second Style Festival. The free event, which is a collaboration between Simon Malls and Refinery 29, is a great opportunity for you to come shop, mingle, and learn about current beauty and style trends with us. The following week Miami Swim Week makes its highly anticipated return and completely takes over our social calendar from July 16 through July 19 with runway shows and parties. Last but not least, South Florida Bloggers will host a free blogger meet up on July 25 for novice to experienced bloggers at Vixi Gelateria. If you've ever wanted to blog, this is a great opportunity to come meet the local blogging community and ask questions.

In the land of bon vivants, July also doubles as Miami Spa Month - with so much going on, we definitely need the break! We'll be doing a full round up of our favorite Miami spas soon. In the interim, may we suggest you begin with The Spa at Conrad Miami? The services are heavenly and are made all the better by the hotel's amazing views of Miami.

While we're on the subject, Conrad Miami's Atrio Restaurant and Wine Room recently launched a new dinner menu that is mouthwatering (stay tuned for full details in this Friday's post). In fact, the local food scene is the bearer of amazing news this month. Here's a few exciting buzz worthy restaurants that have opened or will soon open their doors: La Moderna, MesaMar Seafood, and Sugarloaf Gastrobar. Also, did you know that Juan Valdez Cafe opened an outpost at Miami International Mall and that Bourbon, Beer and 'Cue returns to The Dutch every Wednesday in July starting today? Aaaand, thanks to Munchkin Fun's Munchkin Eats restaurant promotion, all month long kids 12 and under can eat free at 30+ South Florida restaurants with a paid adult entrée.

We know this is a ton to process so we'll leave you to read, re-read and absorb what resonates most with you. Make sure to let us know in the comments or on Twitter which types of news you would like to see more in future monthly news round-ups and to share any events, news, or other fun facts for July that we may have missed. P.S. Don't miss our #OdeToMiami2015 for the month of June on our Instagram page!