Monthly Archives: March 2012

BaubleBar Happy Hour

Winter skipped right over us in Miami. I can’t say I’m surprised. Just a little disappointed that my “winter” wardrobe didn’t really see much action except for those 3 days I spent in NYC in early February.  But that’s why I have accessories to turn to in the coming loooong summer months. It’s the only thing we really get to do well in this little city sauna we call home. Hence my new (and very quickly becoming serious) relationship (read: obsession) with BaubleBar.

For today’s Happy Hour, if you haven’t already heard of BaubleBar, you should probably become acquainted quickly. No, really. They’re basically just like that crazy dream accessories closet you see in movies about girls who don’t know they’re royalty but suddenly inherit a ridiculous amount of jewelry in every imaginable style to wear around their new palace while lounging on a silk chais being courted by the new prince she swears she’s only marginally interested in. The difference is that you can actually afford to bedeck yourself in their finest pieces without having to come across some sort of secret inheritance – a modern fairy tale to warm your heart.

Here are a few of my favorites – some of which I’ve been eyeing as a birthday treat… Hint!

 

 

In this post:

1) BaubleBar Acrylic Monogram – Extra Large

2) BaubleBar Pollock Cuff

3) BaubleBar Casati Cuff

4) BaubleBar Twitter-plate

5) BaubleBar Acrylic Monogram – Medium

MBIFW 2012 Swimwear: Pais del Sol

Hailing from Ecuador, Pais del Sol showed two collections at Miami Beach International Fashion Week, with most models flaunting their traditional handmade Panama hats. Since 2008, Pais del Sol has been working on small collections rather than mass-produced items in an effort to create a more personalized design experience. These two collections at Miami Fashion Week were examples of their varied style, with one being ethnically influenced and the other made with environmentally friendly dyes and fabrics.

See more pics from this show and other Miami Fashion Week events on our Facebook page. 

 

 

Note: All original photographs taken by Tony Espinoza for Bubbles & Ink. Please credit accordingly. 

MBIFW 2012 Swimwear: De Lancret

Launched in 2006, De Lancret is Brazilian designer Helen Victoria’s swimwear collection. Featuring mostly classic styles in clean prints and flattering fits, Helen says her designs are aimed at making her clients feel classic with a touch of the “offbeat.”

See more pics from this show and other Miami Fashion Week events on our Facebook page. 

Note: All original photographs taken by Tony Espinoza for Bubbles & Ink. Please credit accordingly. 

 

 

MBIFW 2012 Swimwear: Emma

Emma Swimwear’s debut collection at Miami Beach International Fashion Week brought with it the warmth of the Greek Isles, home to emerging designer Emmanuela Iliaki. Despite this being her first collection, Emma has enjoyed top-level fashion experience, working previously for esteemed fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen. Partial to prints that favor the bohemian, Emma names her inspiration as the elements and simplicity of nature. You can keep up with Emma Swimwear on Facebook.

See more Fashion Week pics on our Facebook page. 

Note: All original images taken by Tony Espinoza for Bubbles & Ink. Please credit accordingly. 

 

 

MBIFW 2012 Swimwear: Minka

Minka Swimwear Last Walks - Miami Beach International Fashion Week 2012

Miami Beach International Fashion Week wrapped on the 24th and we’ve been working hard to get some images up as quickly as possible for your viewing pleasure. Though I’m admittedly not much of a swimwear fan, I’ve plucked out a few favorite pieces from the Swimwear Showcase last week.

Below you’ll find Minka Swimwear by Bahamian designer Latoya Moxey. Think Bond Girl meets Greek goddess. The cuts were simple, clean, and referential of the 1970’s in a very sexy-spy-movie kind of aesthetic. You can see more Minka designs on Facebook and can expect to see the collection in upscale boutiques later this year.

I’ll be updating the blog with pics from my favorite shows, so keep checking back. You can also see more pics from the show on our Facebook page.

 

Note: All original images taken by Tony Espinoza for Bubbles & Ink. Please credit accordingly.

Cocktails for Happy Hour

I love a good cocktail…ring. Seriously, though, if you’ve been following along on my weekly Happy Hour selections, you’ve probably noticed I have a healthy obsession with accessories. I love a good bauble as much as the next girl, but the thing is really how darn HOT it is in Miami all the time. Without accessories, we’re really just barely a step above walking around in rough-spun linen.

Enter the cocktail ring. If you’re Cuban or have grown up in Miami’s Cuban culture, you know the importance of punctuating a sentence with a good hand gesture. These cocktail rings deliver that point with style (and make us Cuban girls sparkle ever so gently while carrying on a conversation). Sparkle on, friends. Sparkle on.

 

 

 

In this post:

1) Vince Camuto Dome Color Ring

2) Blee Inara Evil Eye Cluster Ring

3) Kendra Scott Vaire Ring

4) Alexander McQueen Skull Cocktail Ring

5) Yves Saint Laurent Arty Gold-Plated Glass Ring

6) Vince Camuto Central Enamel Ring

Miami Fashion Week Teaser

It’s been a long week of shows and emerging designs, each fighting hard to make an impression on a crowd saturated with buyers and stylists. Though there were some collections that could have used some serious editing, for the most part, designers at Miami Beach International Fashion Week put out some memorable pieces – one of whom is shown below.

I have an incredible amount of images to share with you. But today, I leave you with one of my favorites. Art of Shade by Kayce Armstrong, recipient of the highly coveted Designer’s Choice Award at last year’s Fashion Week, returned with EVOLVE, a very well-received collection of “hard edged industry and lofty sails”, for their second appearance at MBIFW.

Check back often – I’ll be posting images from every show we attended. You can also find some daily pics on Facebook. Did any of you make it out to Fashion Week? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let me know in the comments. Happy Friday!

Photograph taken by Tony Espinoza, my incredibly supportive and talented hubby. Please credit accordingly. 

First Day of Spring 2012

Happy First Day of Spring, everyone. I hope you made some time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. I celebrated by wearing bright accessories and painting on some vibrant shades courtesy of my long-time favorite, Essie.

I’m gearing up for the beginning of Miami Fashion Week tomorrow, so check back to see my coverage. You can follow me on Instagram at @apalma419, on Twitter at @wunderland419, and on Facebook (yep, I’m connected). And hit me up if you plan to attend. I’d love to see what you’re wearing and snap some shots of your street style!

Until then, have a great week and enjoy some of my favorites for the day.

In this post:

1) ASOS Enamel Zig Zag Bangle Bracelets

2) Essie Coral Reef & Essie Power Clutch

3) Seychelles Purr Wedge in Yellow

Lucky Green Happy Hour

Oh, Friday, how I love thee. You make the whole week worth it. It’s been a little soggy in Miami, which is a sad change of pace from last week’s frizz free weather. But the weekend awaits and then a busy week celebrating Miami Fashion Week. First things first, though. To kick off the shamrockin’ weekend ahead (yep, I totally just said that), I bring you the greenest of accessories to get lucky in.

 

 

 

       

Inthis post:

1) Statement of the Art Necklace

2) Vince Camuto – Kate Thick Bangle Bracelet

3) BCBGMAXAZRIA – Exotic Technology Clutch

4) Upwardly Mobile Satchel in Green & Navy – 14″

5) BCBG Rink – Jade – Ginger Snap

6) Madeline Girl – Zippy – Green


Mondo Guerra for Nanette Lepore

Last week’s episode of Project Runway All Stars found quirky designer Mondo Guerra in the winner’s circle again, this time with an item worthy of Nanette Lepore’s approval.

The result of a runway challenge aimed at maximizing profit while working within a budget, Mondo’s dress combines five different prints and fabrics to create a playful smock appropriate for casual days and flirty dates alike.

Not surprisingly, The Mystery Dress (shown left), sold out almost immediately. But it is currently available for pre-order on nanettelepore.com, shipping again on May 15th.

Retailing for $298, all proceeds from this garment will benefit the Save the Garment Center organization in New York City. Order yours here.

In the meantime, you can snatch up some of Mondo’s other items in his online shop.

Project Runway airs Thursdays on Lifetime at 10:00 p.m.