#ThankYouMiami for Fashion - You Say Street Style, We Say Beach Style

In the city where it's summer year-round, swimwear is like a second skin. And, regardless of where we find ourselves in the world, Miami-ans make sure our pool and beach looks are flawless. The #ThankYouMiami team's travels to Nicaragua are no exception. Check out the new #ThankYouMiami for Fashion post where we show you our favorite look from our time poolside at Nicaragua365's Fort Walker rental home. Read the excerpt below and click on the photo to read the full post.

What are your swimwear or resort-wear must-haves for this Summer season? How do you accessorize your pool and beach looks? Which designer are you most excited to see at this year's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Fashion - The Perfect Summer Look

Miami has welcomed summer with open arms and so have I. My new post on achieving the perfect summer look, including photos revealing my new hair transformation by Emilee Coyle of Studio Chroma, are now live on SoulOfMiami.org. Read the excerpt below and click on the photo to read the full post.

What are your summer essentials? How do you achieve the perfect summer look? Will you be changing your hair for summer? How do you achieve the perfect beach hair? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Fashion - The Scoop

Last week, I was honored to be announced as the new fashion contributor to Soul of Miami, one of the most popular sites in South Florida. In case you missed my first two posts, you can read the excerpts below and click each image to read the full posts. Moving forward, all posts for the #ThankYouMiami for Fashion column will also be posted on here for your viewing pleasure. I look forward to sharing with you more about Miami's fashion revolution!

What would you like to see in my new column? Personal style features? Fashion event recaps? Upcoming event information? Leave me a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Themed Weeks - Miami Fashion Week 2014

The Miami fashion scene is getting its bearings and Miami Fashion Week is one of the fixtures at its helm. As fate would have it, I was in New York for most of the week/weekend but I did get the chance to make the kick-off press conference and party on May 15. That night I joined local and international fashion bloggers at the Eden Roc Miami Beach to toast fashion and dance the night away. Immerse yourself in the contagious energy of the Miami Fashion Week Kick-Off Party with my favorite photos of the night.

La moda en Miami esta encontrando su lugar en la escena internacional y Miami Fashion Week es uno de los eventos que le ha ayudado a establecerse a nivel mundial. Como frecuentemente me pasa a mi, mi viaje a Nueva York coincidió con muchos de los eventos y por lo tanto no pude asistir. Pero tuve la suerte de atender la primera conferencia para la prensa y el after party con otras blogueras de moda locales e internacionales en el Eden Roc Miami Beach. En la fiesta brindamos a la moda y bailamos toda la noche. Disfruta de la energía contagiosa del Miami Fashion Week Kick-Off Party con mis fotos favoritas de la noche.

#ThankYouMiami for Photogenic Venues - Miami Beach

Welcome to Part 1 of my series, “#ThankYouMiami for Photogenic Venues", where I feature some of Miami's most photogenic venues by neighborhood and I recommend equally photogenic outfits that are appropriate for each. If you think your venue is photogenic and you would like it to be featured in an upcoming part of this series, contact me.

Miami is not defined by its beauty, but beauty is definitely something Miami does well. Our people are beautiful, our food is beautiful, and our scenery is beautiful. If you disagree, I encourage you to visit the #ThankYouMiami Instagram Page for Exhibits A through Z.

Since I moved to Miami, I have been fortunate to visit some of our city's most photogenic venues. Here are some of my favorites in Miami Beach with recommendations for equally photogenic Miami-style attire:

 

South Pointe Park 

South Pointe Park is located on the southernmost point of Miami Beach in the South of Fifth (SoFi) neighborhood. It boasts views of the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Government Cut and Fisher Island to the South, and the Downtown Miami skyline to the west. The park is popular for exercising, strolling, lounging, and enjoying food and cocktails with a view.

You should be clear about which of these activities you plan to cover during your visit so you can select an appropriate outfit. For the majority who are looking to stroll and people watch, a comfortable but put-together look like the one I choose below is best.

The silk, printed jumpsuit from VAVA Showroom is comfortable for lounging on the grass, but elegant enough to fit into the more upscale feel of SoFi. The American Eagle jean jacket (similar here) and the LC by Lauren Conrad chunky heels (similar here) make the outfit casual enough for the day, but could carry me to dinner in case we decided stay for dinner at nearby Smith and Wollensky.

The Beaches in SoFi

Speaking of SoFi, this Miami Beach neighborhood also features some of the most photogenic sections of beach in Miami. Because what is more photogenic than a beach that is not crowded and is free of rowdy teenagers and Spring Break-ers?

The sunsets are killer, as are the bodies of fellow beach-goers in this area. The beaches here are perfect for surfing, beach sports (think Pro Kadima), swimming, tanning, and even free diving about 150 yards offshore at the Jose Cuervo reef.

Anything goes with bathing suits in Miami Beach. Your final choice is dependent on your anticipated activity level and your personal comfort level. But in Miami, swimwear fashion is "a thing", so feel free to express yourself. I have provided some basic guidelines below.

I generally prefer a standard-cut bikini like this nautical bandeau option from Victoria's Secret (similar here) because it provides me flexibility for any activity. I choose bikinis in bright colors or white because they are quintessential to the Miami style (see, #ThankYouMiami for a Unique and Enviable Style). Matching accessories are also a Miami must! Here I am wearing one of Taradise Miami's "mati" evil eye bracelet (similar here) and Frends Taylor headphones in rose gold (get them here).

 

The Broken Shaker at Freehand Miami

Freehand Miami is a go-to for Miami's coolest and most fashionable locals and visitors. They are drawn by the flurry of activities that are hosted by the Freehand around Miami Beach, in their hostel, and in the gorgeous outdoor venue behind their hostel, the Broken Shaker. The exquisite food and the hand-crafted cocktails are all the more enjoyable because the décor, the pool, and the ping pong tables make you feel like you're in the backyard of a friend's house.

When you visit, dress casually cool (with emphasis on the cool if you're visiting during the hot Miami day). Your outfit should stand out, but not look like you tried on fifty other options before leaving your house. Below are three outfit examples showing my style and those of two friends during last year's Swim Week.

I am in the middle and am wearing a Maaji Swimwear top from Orchid Boutique as a crop top (similar here) paired with a white maxi skirt from Tobi (similar here) and a jean jacket vest from Forever 21 (similar here). In retrospect, the jean jacket was too hot for relaxing outdoors during summer in Miami.

Have you visited any of these venues? What do you think are some of Miami's most photogenic venues? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami.

#ThankYouMiami for Fashion Happy Hour - February 2014

Miami-ans know how to throw great parties. I can't tell if it's out of necessity, passion, or the side effect to something in our drinking water. "Irregardless", it is one of the reasons I love living here.

This month I am fortunate to co-host an event that is a testament to our local's stellar event planning, Fashion Happy Hour. You have heard me talk about the basics of Fashion Happy Hour before (see, #ThankYouMiami for Fashion Happy Hour - October 2013). In addition to 2x1 drinks, here are some of the surprises you can expect to see this Friday at Red Bar Gallery:

• Fashion Blogger Feature: As your co-hosts Tala Delgado of Pineapple Me and yours truly will be styling two beautiful ladies from the Damaris Aguiar Modeling Academy (D.A.M.A) in our own personal styles using pieces from local vendors. You can rest assured my styling will stay true to the "Miami chic" look I love.
• Local Love: Miami vendors, including Norka, Luxe MODA, Fashssories, and Pom Graphic Design & Fine Arts will have pop-up shops on-site so you can indulge in some end-of-the-week retail therapy.
• Live Music: Fashion Happy Hour attendee favorites, The Jukebox Heroes, are back again this month. Make sure you bring your dancing shoes!
• Live Streaming: 24/7 Miami will be broadcasting the event live with DJ Juan Luv. Tune in the night of the event here.
• For more information and to RSVP, click here.
  

I am so excited to have you join me at this event that I am giving away #ThankYouMiami mug featuring my new logo to one lucky reader! Enter the giveaway by following the instructions below and next week you too could be sharing in a #ThankYouMiami moment like this:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#ThankYouMiami for One-Of-A-Kind Weekends - January 2014

I love living in Miami because our weekends are one-of-a-kind. And as locals, we easily reap the benefits of having amazing venues close to home or of knowing that friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend that is our "in" to that exclusive party. Moreover, there is never a lack of great things to do - giving us a calendar full of weekend events to keep the foodie, fashionista, and Miami snob in us reeling all year.

Last weekend offered the perfect mix of food, fashion, and music options that are available throughout the year (and #ThankYouMiami for that):

Timeless Jazz Thursdays & 15 Steps Restaurant at the Eden Roc
The weekend started early and in style courtesy of Eden Roc's amazing staff, who invited John from Social Media 305, Alexandria from Caviar Chronicles, Dominique from #InspiredBy, and me to partake in the Eden Roc experience. We began our evening at the Lobby Bar sipping champagne while local musical talent Jahzel Dotel, Markus Gottschlich, et al. indulged the crowd in classic jazz melodies. The lobby's ambiance, amplified by Jahzel's smooth vocals, resurrected an era when musical legends walked down the hotel's now perfectly preserved main staircase. I could spend every Thursday basking in the old Miami glamour so I was ecstatic to discover that Timeless Jazz Thursdays is a regular occurrence at the Eden Roc.

We continued cocktail hour in a more modern fashion at 15 Steps Restaurant, a new farm-to-table concept from Chef Jeremy Ford that filled the vacancy left behind by Chef Paula DaSilva's 1500°. At the bar, bartender Kedar greeted us with a selection of the hotel's new bourbon-based drinks, which are a refreshing upgrade to Eden Roc's previously traditional cocktail portfolio (think frozen piña coladas). For people who prefer tequila, like me, Kedar recommends their tequila-based cocktail that is made with a homemade tamarind and habanero-infused simple syrup.

Dinnertime was nothing short of spectacular. We tried and enjoyed so many courses, that I quickly lost count. My favorites were the decadent open-faced stone crab ravioli (served with buttery greens, brussel sprout leaves, pickled mustard seed butter, and shaved truffles), the spicy charred brussels with peanuts, and the tuna crudo (served with meyer lemon, a shishito vinaigrette, and a citrus foam). The food, the drinks, and the company made for an unforgettable night that I cannot wait to repeat.

Eden Roc's attention to detail was evident the moment we walked in the door and were greeted by this fantastic spread of local fare and a bottle of champagne at the Lobby Bar.

Although Timeless Jazz Thursdays is a regular occurrence, last week we were fortunate to witness a special performance from local seven-year-old piano prodigy, Brandon Goldberg. Brandon performed with a confidence, passion, and talent that was absolutely jaw-dropping.

Later, at 15 Steps Restaurant's chic bar, Miami's most enthusiastic bartender treated us to bourbon-based cocktails named after celebrities that were regulars at the Eden Roc during its golden era, like the Lucille Ball shown above.

As a fan of Miami-inspired styles, I fell in love with the sleek and modern designs decorating the 15 Steps Restaurant. The low-lighting added to an intimate dining experience suitable for a night out on the town with friends or a dinner date sure to win you some bonus points.

Chef Jeremy's open-faced stone crab ravioli was the star of the night and the reason for our visit, but all the dishes we enjoyed during our dining experience were a testament to his creativity and his love for the local ingredients with which he makes his dishes. I can't wait to try his brunch menu!

Nikki Beach Miami's What Women Want Fashion Show Event
Saturday night, I catered to my inner fashionista by attending Nikki Beach's signature fashion series, What Women Want. At the event, I had the opportunity to peruse pop-ups of Miami's best boutiques, including personal favorites Monc Boutique and Stella & Dot, to catch-up with my favorite fashion bloggers, and to enjoy a fashion show of Nikki Beach-quality production (A.K.A. there were snakes and fire). This month the event's fashion show showcased Kalil designer Gio Diaz's fabulous Miami-inspired pieces, as well as his collaboration with Loin Cloth L.A. that was more West Coast-inspired but killer nonetheless. After the success of this month's event, I can't wait to see what Nikki Beach has in store for February!

Loin Cloth L.A.'s designs, which were on display throughout the night in the boutique pop-up area, also got their time in the limelight during the What Women Want fashion show. The caps shown here were worn by all of the male models that hit the runway during the Loin Cloth L.A. feature.

In true Nikki Beach style, the crowd of fashionistas, trendsetters, and other influential elite was wowed by dancers with snakes and fire during a pre-fashion show performance and throughout the night.

Local artist, Alex Yost, treated the crowd to a live painting of one of my favorite film and fashion icons, Audrey Hepburn.

Kalil designer Gio Diaz flashed the crowd his gorgeous smile while he escorted model Paola Urbano in the fashion show's finale.

Did you also enjoy one of these events this past month and have a different perspective to share? Did you have a fantastic one-of-a-kind weekend experience in January that also deserves a highlight? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Making Moves - 3 Perks to Look Forward to in 2014

It's the second week of a new year and, per usual, Miami is in flux. While everyone else took time off to look back and reminisce about 2013, Miami was focused on the future, setting the stage for a fantastic 2014. These are the three perks that I am most thankful to enjoy this year:

1. #ThankYouMiami for Becoming a More Powerful Culinary Magnet

Miami's dining scene has been growing exponentially and I love it. When a craving hits, I know there are several viable and delicious options to meet my food, price, ambiance, and level of service needs. My options du jour range from tried-and-true favorites like 660 at The Anglers (related #ThankYouMiami for Miami Spice - August 2013) to recently established restos like Stephen Starr's Verde at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). Newest to my must-try list are my "friendly neighborhood café", Café Mistral, in SoFi and Sea Salt and Pepper Brasserie and Lounge, which is on the Miami River and the only venue on this list I have yet to visit. While I am sad to see some crowd favorites go (cough, Van Dyke Café, cough), my foodie alter-ego is hungry for what this year will bring.

In smoked salmon I trust. Cafe Mistrál is a French café with Miami roots that serves simple yet delicious food, like the smoked salmon sandwich shown above. They win extra points for serving and selling Zak the Baker bread, a locally-made artisan bread.

2. #ThankYouMiami for Becoming Fashionably Relevant

We've already established that Miami has a unique and enviable style. But, until recently, we had not been officially deemed fashionably relevant. These days, our city's fashion spotlight has grown significantly brighter and our local fashion bloggers have become common fixtures in my favorite magazines. Our most recent milestone was the January 2, 2014 launch of Racked Miami, which is an established go-to local fashion and shopping resource for fashionistas in other major U.S. cities like New York and L.A. While Racked Miami is new to our area, we Miami-ans are already unsuspecting fans of Curbed Network blogs - do Eater Miami and Curbed Miami sound familiar? I can't wait to see what editor Ashley Brozic has in store for her hometown and to be in the front row as Miami further cements its place in the fashion world.

An impromptu meeting of Miami fashion superstars.The December issue of Glam Belleza Latina prominently featured photos from two Miami fashion bloggers: Daniela Ramirez of Nany's Klozet and Annie Vazquez of The Fashion Poet. Photo credit: Annie Vazquez.

3. #ThankYouMiami for Fostering Local Creativity

The Knight Foundation is well-known in South Florida for empowering the brightest and most talented to improve their communities, most notably through financial investments which have totaled $86 million since 2006. On December 2, 2013, the Knight Arts Challenge, which first launched in 2008, awarded $2.72 million to forty-nine winning projects that will blend art and technology and will engage and celebrate the communities from which they originate. 2013 Winners from the Miami area include Art Center South Florida, Awesome New Republic, Cannon Ball Miami, The Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theater, and Miami Book Fair International. A full list of winning projects can be found here. I look forward to witnessing the development of these projects and watching them take our local arts scene by storm.

"Magic City, what do you mean?" Local musical talent Awesome New Republic, one of the winners of the 2013 Knight Arts Challenge, will bring together local musicians, dancers, and filmmakers to produce a multimedia theatrical work that explores Miami's past and present. Photo credit: The Knight Foundation, some rights reserved.

What Miami perks do you look forward to enjoying this year? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami.

#ThankYouMiami for a Unique and Enviable Style

White-on-white, light and airy fabrics - these are the pillars of my Miami style. But what represents Miami's collective style? Miami is so diverse that it depends on who you ask. Pinpointing a specific Miami style has been as difficult for me as answering "Who is Miami?" concisely. However, this much is clear: Miami has a unique style that is freely adopted by residents, visitors, and even those who appreciate our beautiful city from afar.

Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to interact with fashion industry professionals who call Miami their part-time or full-time home, including Noe Cesar, Fashion Editor for Brickell Magazine and Key Biscayne Magazine, and Tara Atsalis, the Designer and Owner of Taradise Miami, a line of Grecian-inspired jewelery and designs. My most recent encounter was with Lubov Azria, the Chief Creative Officer of BCBG Max Azria Group. I had the opportunity to briefly chat with her this week during American Express's By Invitation Only event where she previewed BCBG's Pre-Spring 2014 Runway Collection and hosted a private shopping experience at BCBG's Lincoln Road store.

My conversations with individuals like these talented three, as well as my observations during local fashion events, continuously refine my definition of Miami style. For example, during the BCBG runway event, I was convinced that the Pre-Spring 2014 Runway Collection was especially designed for Miami. The pieces, which consist of light and airy maxi dresses and jumpsuits in all-white or in flower patterns, are bold, sexy, and celebrate the woman's body. 

In my opinion, BCBG's Pre-Spring 2014 Runway Collection fully embodies the Miami style and, per our conversation, Noe agrees that the piece's various components (i.e. fabric, cut, boldness) are key features of the Miami style. As such, I was surprised to hear Lubov Azria state that she did not design the collection for one city, but for the traveling woman. Her comment, which tempered my initial assumption that the collection was Miami inspired, made me question where Miami's style comes from, what it truly consists of, and how it influences fashion beyond our borders.

In Noe's experience, the outside world is increasingly adopting aspects of Miami's style, like the flower-inspired patterns which are prominently featured in BCBG's Pre-Spring 2014 Runway Collection. He thinks of Miami as a port with a style of its own that is adopted by others who want to see what the Miami lifestyle is about. He points out that high-profile visitors who are photographed during their visit are a testament to this phenomenon because they are mostly captured in what he envisions as the Miami style. And, although that often means bikinis on the beach, Noe knows Miami has style beyond just the bikini. After all, Miami cannot live on bikinis alone.

Tara associates Miami style with a luxurious island vibe, which is one reason why she left New York to launch Taradise Miami here. While her hand-crafted designs are Grecian-inspired, Miami, like the Greek islands, captures the beauty of the ocean and island living so her designs translate seamlessly. Taradise's gorgeous bracelets and headpieces with their signature "mati" evil eye are primarily white and scream Miami chic. The kimonos come in vibrant colors and look as at home in Star Island as they would in the Greek island of Chios.

My observations over the past year have confirmed my initial suspicion that Miami's style is variable - variable between individuals and variable over time. The constant remains that Miami has a unique style and an enviable style. Check out some of my favorite displays of Miami style below.

Noe Cesar, Fashion Editor of Brickell Magazine and Key Biscayne Magazine, shows us how the fashionable Miami man looks handsome wearing classic pieces in vibrant colors. Noe says "#ThankYouMiami for the boldness of its people who know that it feels good to look good". Photo courtesy of Noe Cesar.

The BCBG Pre-Spring 2014 Runway Collection featured gorgeous maxi dresses in light fabrics with flower print details. Lubov Azria mentioned before the show that her inspiration was "Kate Moss at Coachella".

My favorite piece from the BCBG Pre-Spring 2014 Runway Collection is this white jump suit with side cut outs. This classic, bold, and sexy piece is a Miami girl's must-have.

This romper from Norka, a local and family-owned boutique, is perfectly equipped to keep you looking fabulous in Miami's warm weather. The piece was part of the boutique's fashion show at the November Fashion Happy Hour.

This white and gold bracelet stack featuring, a Taradise "mati" evil eye bracelet and a wrap leather cuff designed by Noe Cesar, expresses my personal Miami style. Tara Atsalis says "#ThankYouMiami for Miami's fantastic weather and atmosphere".

How do you express your Miami style? What are the staple pieces in your closet? What are some of your go-to local designers and boutiques? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Fashion Happy Hour - October 2013

I have a love/hate relationship with Miami and one reason is the absurd amount of events going on at one time. There is almost TOO much to do in Miami. And, as locals, we are stuck with the burden of choosing between going to that music festival, pool party, business opening, or art event. Let's face it - they all sound really fun, but we can't do them all.

Luckily, some events make the decision-making process easy. Enter, Fashion Happy Hour, a monthly event hosted at different Miami venues that is free and open to the public. Fashion Happy Hour merges all of the elements of your usual happy hour experience (e.g., music, 2x1 drinks, delicious food, and new friends) with art, fashion, and shopping. Best of all, most of the participating vendors are Miami-based or Miami-originated businesses (and #ThankYouMiami for that).

Last month, I grabbed my best friend and checked out the September Fashion Happy Hour at RedBar Gallery in Brickell. Needless to say, I had a cocktail in hand, two shopping bags, and a handful of new friends within 5 minutes of arriving. The highlight of the night was enjoying shopping, cocktails, and the awesome vibe with Miami chicas like Maya from A La Mode Maya, Mariamely from Local Genie Miami, and Yoana from Think Red, Inc.

This Friday, Fashion Happy Hour will be hosting its monthly event again at RedBar Gallery, but with a Halloween twist. I can't wait to get into the Halloween spirit with festive body painting by Miami local Vee Marie of iBrushYou and a manicure from Miami nail salon, Candy Coat Nail Boutique. I'm also excited to check out this month's vendors and to meet more fascinating locals so see you there, Miami!

Check out some of my favorite moments from the September event below:

A social butterfly's dream. Fashion Happy Hour combines shopping, fashion, art, and your typical Friday evening socializing into one convenient monthly event so you don't have to make any social trade-offs.

Unique fashion finds. One of the vendors, Pretty Odd Boutique, had me hooked as soon as I walked in. Check out Thank You, Miami's Instagram for a sneak peek of the gorgeous dress I picked up at the event.

Late night munchies. RedBar Gallery is outfitted with a little cafeteria window that offers latin bar food specials like these ground beef tacos.

I owe how much? RedBar's Happy Hour prices were more than reasonable. So much so, that I took a photo of my receipt at the end of the night.

Have you attended a previous Fashion Happy Hour? What were some of your favorite moments? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami! Also, let me know if you are coming on Friday. I would love to meet you!

#ThankYouMiami for One-Of-A-Kind Weekends - July 2013

I love living in Miami because our weekends are one-of-a-kind. And as locals, we easily reap the benefits of having amazing venues close to home or of knowing that friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend that is our "in" to that exclusive party. Moreover, there is never a lack of great things to do - giving us a calendar full of weekend events to keep the foodie, fashionista, and Miami snob in us reeling all year.

Our July weekends looked a lot like this (and #ThankYouMiami for that):

Standard Hotel Spa & Pool Day

My husband is such a sweetheart. He is not a spa person, but for our one-year anniversary he booked us a couples massage at my favorite spa, the spa at The Standard. The highlights of our romantic stay-cation were meditating in the Hamam, enjoying tequila sodas and fresh food by the pool, and staring at the gorgeous view of Biscayne Bay.

Guilt-free pool side lunching. Chef Mark Zeitouni offers so many delicious, healthy options from which to choose, but I can never not get the Mediterranean Flatbread (pictured above).

Unparalleled vistas and lounging. There's nothing like lounging poolside with a tequila soda and this view of Miami's gorgeous mainstay, Biscayne Bay.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW) Swim Week

In the summer, there's no hotter place than Miami Beach. We do summer year-round so we know how to do it right. That is why every year for the past 9 years we have welcomed locals and visitors at our hotels, beaches, and nightclubs for MBFW Swim Week to party and commiserate in our collective love for swim and resort wear fashion. It is also our biggest opportunity as locals to stock up on our beach bum wardrobe for the year at the amazing sample sales. Worst case scenario, you make a lot of awesome new friends, get pampered and drink free booze. This year, I had the chance to enjoy the Escape Miami Lounge at The Sagamore, the What Women Want event at Nikki Beach, the Don't Worry Baby pool party at Freehand, and the Lazy Sunday BBQ at The Standard - all enjoyable in their own right.

Bubbles, baubles, and bikinis. Enjoying free Zonin prosseco and Voli vodka cocktails with friends at the Sagamore Hotel during the Escape Miami Lounge event.

Whimsical details. The "Don't Worry Baby" pool party at Freehand Miami was one-of-a-kind thanks to the artsy decor and the kryogenifex machines that kept the crowds cool in the Miami heat.

WD555 Tuesday Tasting

Everywhere else Tuesdays count as a weekday, but in Miami our weekends are week-long. And, nothing screams "weekend" to a woman more than a free champagne tasting. If you're a local male, this is THE place and time to find Miami's single ladies and woo them with your knowledge of wine and culinary know-how. The featured wine is well-chosen and WD555's menu is a what's what of fancy french eats. Plus if you like any of the selections at the tasting, WD555 offers all of them at reasonable prices as part of their "Weekly Offer".

A single man's dream. A mostly female crowd congregates at WD555 for Tasting Tuesday to enjoy free champagne and chatter.

Excellent wine, excellent prices. WD555 offers the wines from their Tuesday Tasting at a reasonable cost in their "Weekly Offer".

Did you also enjoy one of these events this past month and have a different perspective to share? Did you have a fantastic one-of-a-kind weekend experience in July that also deserves a highlight? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!