Retreat to Miami

As you can imagine, building a new career and starting a business from the ground up can be a daunting and grueling process. This past year has been one of the most challenging and physically exhausting years of my life, however I wouldn’t change it for the world! I’ve accomplished some pretty stellar goals ahead of schedule, and I can’t wait to start sharing some of them with you soon.

However, that said, it was high time for me to take a moment to reset and unplug.

Last month, my boyfriend and I decided to take a trip away from San Francisco to get away from the daily stresses of our lives in San Francisco. I, in particular, had become increasingly irritable and negative, and needed to hit pause to wrangle myself back on track. After weighing some options, we decided on Miami as a perfect opposite environment in which to do so: summer heat, beautiful beaches, and excellent dining adventures!

Among the greatest highlights was the view from the hotel. Each evening, the skies got increasingly more clear, and on the last day before dinner, we took a moment to really enjoy it.

This Herve Leger dress was such a fun pick for our final night’s outing in the budding neighborhood of Wynwood, Miami’s up and coming design district. Known for it’s colorful art/industrial architecture, craft cuisine, and trendy cocktail scene, it fit perfectly. Wearing it was a necessary escape from my usual San Francisco atheisure mixed with sweaters and booties!

The last day was of course spent soaking up the last bit of sun at the pool at the W. We could think of no better way to end the trip, and leave on a relaxed and happy note! I of course brought my favorite swimsuit, the Mazzy from Agent Provocateur. If you’ve never tried one on, do yourself a favor and do it! It’s iconic and a classic for a reason. Its universally flattering on so many body types, as well as being comfortable and totally chic. Its well worth the investment. This color is sold out currently, see the links below for more options.

It was such a blessing to get away, and I am incredibly grateful for the chance to pause and spend quality time doing some of the things I love with one of those I absolutely adore.

Key Highlights

• W Hotel (Miami Beach): This hotel is breathtaking in every way, modern, fun, but not over the top crazy on the entertainment factor. The pool was my second favorite part after the view from the room, as the poolside bar and cabana reservations were next to none on cocktail/food selection and ambiance. The spa was pretty great as well, we took advantage of a morning there the day after our arrival.
• Dinner at R House (Wynwood): Vibrantly eclectic, this restaurant and lounge offers excellent cocktail infusions, and an integrated art gallery. While dining, we were given the story behind the current artists and some of the stories behind the art work on display. If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience with a touch of funk, this place meets the mark.
• Drinks at Wood Tavern (Wynwood): Quintessential Wynwood. If you’re looking for a raw and less gentrified place to grab a drink, Wood Tavern is an excellent choice. It’s been around long before the current wave of trendy redesigns in the area, and offers a great selection of cocktails as well as a substantial outdoor space. It reminds me so much of Zeitgeist back in San Francisco. PS: they make a killer Manhattan.
• Drinks (and sushi…AND PASTRIES YOU GUYS) at Kiji Cuzco / Mercado Negro (Wynwood): If you are looking for super trendy, super industrial, check this place out. They serve up specialty cocktails as well as have a pastry counter around back in their attached bar space. Who doesn’t love pastries and cocktails? I know it’s my personal dream of a match up!

Outfit Details

Dress: Carmela One Shoulder Dress, Herve Leger (via Rent the Runway) similar (option to buy) here

Shoes: Bianca Platform Pump, Christian Louboutin in Black Patent

Bag: Classic Small Double Flap Bag, Chanel in Black Caviar

Swimsuit: Mazzy One Piece, Agent Provocateur in Blue/Pink (SOLD OUT), Bikini version in link

Makeup Details

Foundation: Too Faced Born This Way, Natural Beige

Blush: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush, Luminous Flush

Brows: Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil, Black Brown

Eyes: Urban Decay Naked2 Basics Palette

Lashes: Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara, Black

Lips: YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Oil-In-Stick Lipstick, Fuschia in Excess

Photos by my boyfriend, Emil Eklund