Electric Blogarella

I’m not even remotely kidding you. A few years back, several friends and I used to call H&M’s coprporate office at random to ask why it didn’t have a store in Miami and when in the world we were getting one. Finally, that day is here. Why was I just as obsessed then as I am now? It’s a great way to incorporate cute trends into your wardrobe without breaking the bank. In honor of Miami Beach’s H&M Pop-Up Shop grand opening, I’m showing off four finds from yesterday’s preview. 

Blue beach towels, $9.95.

Neon earrings, $7.95.

Colorful bikini top, $14.95, and matching bottom, $12.94.

Neon and tan clutch, $17.95.

Well, we love you, too, H&M.

Tomorrow is the long-awaited day, the arrival of H&M’s first pop-up shop in Miami Beach. Today, however, I, along with droves of fashion bloggers, photogs, reporters and even Real Housewife of Miami Alexis Echeverria, got a sneak peek of the store and a chance to interview Marybeth Schmitt, the U.S. spokesperson for the brand. I finally got the deets on what took the brand so long to open its doors down here, which designer collab we’ll get first and why it still, in 2012, doesn’t have an e-commerce site. 

Before you delve into my interview, note tomorrow doors to the Meridian Avenue pop-up open at noon and stay open until 10 p.m. Consider yourself warned, the buzz surrounding this opening warrants Missoni for Target-style madness.

Pops-of-color handbags, check. 

Why has it taken H&M so long to open in Miami? We were looking for the right space and the theatre on Lincoln Road is really the right space. However, we opened this pop-up shop because we knew we had fans. We needed to be here in the summer, so we are doing this small pop-up, which is about 3,000 square feet. Lincoln Road will be 22,000 square feet this fall. 

Are you prepared for the carnage that will take place here tomorrow? I really hope so, we have deliveries coming ever hour on the hour. 

There are bikini tops for $4.95. That’s just the H&M way. It’s fashion at an affordable price.

Swimwear, with bikini tops as low as $4.95. No, that’s not a typo.

When is the new shop opening? In the fall. We dont have a date yet, but in the fall. That store is so special, we want to be sure it’s done in a proper way. We want to be true to the original theatre and also bring H&M fashion and fun to it. 

Are you going to have kids clothes? Yes. 

What’s the next designer collab? Anna Dello Russo. She is a fashion director. It’s the first time we’ve done a collaboration like this. She works at Japanese Vogue now, and she’s worked at Italian Vogue. She is a fashion icon. It’s an accessory collection I think will be perfect for Miami. It’s a lot of flash and a lot of fashion.

When does that come out? This fall.

So this will be Miami’s first H&M designer collaboration experience. 

We’ve all heard about how people swoop in and poach these designer collabs. How does H&M prevent that? Do you have a limit on what people can buy? We have a bracelet once people are in line and there is an allotted amount of time for people to come in, based on the collaboration. We’re very organized. We’ve been doing this for so long and we are thrilled that everyone loves it so much, so want to give everyone a chance.

Why doesn’t H&M have an e-commerce site? We are launching online in the fall.

How ironic. We’ll actually have an H&M by then. Oh well, at least if its sold out in the store, we can find it online.

Affordable accessories en mass.

Hello, summer!

The future home of H&M this fall. 

Find the H&M pop-up shop, open tomorrow through September at 1669 Meridian Ave. in Miami Beach.

Hola from Mexico (tales from South of the Border to come later this week). Since I’m on vacation, I went shopping—of course. Here’s four of the things I found while navigating the fun tourist trap Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen.

Silver bracelets and rings (because you can’t come to Mexico and not buy silver. I think that’s against the law, actually).

Big blue boho skirt.

Kid’s clothes—native style. The kiddie guayabera kills me.

Colorful hippie dippy scarves … for $8 each. Total steal.

The Webster for Target stuff that didn’t come home with me. Both dresses were just too frumpy for my tastes. 

My first thought this morning when my alarm went off at 6:30 was that Target is a cruel mistress, making its The Shops at Target collection debut the day after Cinco de Mayo. This, however, could definitely work in my favor, assuming the rest of the world had too much tequila to haul themselves out of bed for a capsule collection. 

But not me. No, not me. Nothing was going to stop me from making it to my super-secret Target location. That’s right. I wasn’t even about to deal with Midtown and it’s possible vulture shenanigans, not after the whole Jason Wu for Target WuGate scandal.

Turns out, I didn’t need to get up early, nor go to a super secret locale. The collection from The Webster for Target was basically untouched. Shocking, indeed.

I have several theories as to why this happened: 1.) Cinco de Mayo after-effect. 2.) Not enough people know what The Webster for Target is. Unless you are a fashion-obsessed junkie in Miami (hi, that’s me), chances are you’ve not only never stepped foot in the posh store on Collins, you’ve probably never even heard of it. Unlike designer collbs that reach a world-wide audience, The Webster is pretty much a Miami-only deal. People outside of Miami would look at you and say, “huh?” if you brought it up. Or, like I experienced earlier this week when I called Midtown Target, I got this response: “Is that a book?” As in the Webster’s dictionaries. No. No, it is not a book. God no.

En mass, people just don’t know what The Webster is all about. So let me tell those of you who don’t know: It’s about fashion. Super high-end, luxe designer fashion. Basically, unless you own your own jet, you can’t afford anything there. And you’ll be saving your pennies for years just to get the least expensive thing in the shop. That’s why I was so excited about the collection. Finally, I can afford something from The Webster. A celebration I experienced nearly by myself this morning. 

The Webster for Target pink stuff. A little too preppy for my tastes.

The quality of the clothes was not the same as what you’d find at The Webster, but what designer collab ever is? Given the price, however, the knits and dresses were nice. The cuts, however, ran a little on the big side. I was impressed with the men’s collection, which had great offerings, like Miami tees, swim trunks, hats and belts. The quality of the women’s accessories, however, was top notch. I had been craving the bracelets from the moment I saw then a month ago, and I’m happy to report I got all of them. And they are amazing, especially at just $16.99 a pop. Also on par with the accessories: the PJs. Not only were the cuts great (and this time ran true to size), the quality was soft and comfy. and cute. I expect it to be something you will live in, especially if you are like me and toss on PJs the minute you walk in the door. 

My only complaint was the fact that Target didn’t release any of the shoes or kids stuff to the stores. Having to order shoes online without being able to try them on first is always a bummer. I searched two Targets for shoes, even being told by one they had them in stock, when, clearly, they did not. No one did.

All in all, I was happy with the selection, but shocked it didn’t get as much play as previous collections. I thought Miami would be more in tune with it’s own representation with The Shops for Target. Clearly, it’s a fashion secret even in our own city.

My scores: The Webster for Target PJs and bracelets.

These are seriously awesome bracelets from The Webster.

That being said, I wasn’t familiar with any of the other brands myself, until I did a little online research. The dishes from Privet House are beautiful. And this kit (pictured below) was just too cute. I think The Shops at Target were a great idea, but I don’t think it turned out to be the money-maker Target was hoping for. Nevertheless, I got my bangles, my own little piece of The Webster. Hurray!

Also from The Shops at Target, this adorable custom stationary set from Privet House.

Out of Print A Clockwork Orange tote makes for whimsy beach bag.

If you’ve recently confused your big straw tote for everyone else’s at the beach, it’s time to opt for a bag with some character. It will, after all, be on your arm all summer. I’m currently crushing on these Out of Print totes. As a book worm, I couldn’t think of a more awesome theme for a tote. One that will definitely stand out in a crowd. The brand also offers totes from Animal Farm (my favorite book when I was in middle school), Moby Dick, Pride and Prejudice and The Great Gatsby. 

In addition to being a great bag, it’s also a sweet tribute to cover art, which no longer exists, thanks to e-readers.

Score your bag online at outofprintclothing.com.

The beach should always be this pristine. 

Earth Day 2012 is just days away. April 22, to be exact. Considering our species has been one of the worst tenants to date, what are you going to do to say thanks to Mother Nature for letting you trash the place rent-free? 

Join the Green Monkey team on Saturday, April 21 (we need the place to be clean for the bid day, yo) from 4-6 p.m. at 9th Street in Miami Beach. In addition to scoring good karma points and having warm fuzzies from doing something good, you’ll also be given a free class. Members will get a comp card to share a free class with a friend. And you know you know someone who needs some yoga in their life. Wear your Green Monkey shirt if you have one. 

See you on the beach. 

Check in here. 

Yes, it exists — April 16 is National Foursquare Day. And since it exists, you might as well celebrate it. You can do so at Scoop at The Shore Club, as it will be offering up 20 percent off full-price merch all day tomorrow for anyone who checks in. Be one of the first five to check in and score a free “Miami” v-neck tee. And you thought FourSquare was only for stalkers. Turns out its for fashion stalkers, too. 

Find the Shore Club at 1900 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach.  

Look for more Foursquare Day events in Miami Beach here. 

For the quickest checks ins only.

A sea of green from Alexis Bittar.

Who says Friday the 13th is unlucky? Yesterday, I got the chance to meet and host Alexis Bittar at Neiman Marcus at Bal Harbour Shops. And shoppers and attendees were lucky enough to view nearly 600 pieces from his collection. It was like playing dress up in your mom’s jewelry box when you were a kid. Brilliant baubles literally everywhere.

Inspired by a ’50s girl gone bad.

More than a few things caught my eye, including this stunning necklace below. Thanks to gal pal Erin Chainani, I now feel as though I cannot go on without this necklace. Necklace fund currently in progress. 

I think I’m in love with this O’keeffee Antique Silver necklace. Found similarly online here. 

Currently accepting applications from anyone who wants to buy this for me. 

Me and the man, Alexis Bittar.

In addition to playing accessorize me, I also got the chance to chat up the designer. Here’s what he had to say about his currently collection and upcoming projects.

You have a huge collection. What is your favorite piece?

I have a few. I love this bracelet [pictured below]. I like how the Baroque contradicts with this fine jewelry. I was going for 1960s and ’70s fine jewelry with French Baroque elements. The theme carries on in other pieces [like his Gold Parrot Cuff bracelets]. Then, over here, it’s a funky floral look [pictured above]. These flowers are all hand done.

What was your inspiration for the flowers?

A 1950s super prim girl gone punk rock.

Why a lot of green.

I like green, green and blue.

Do you always look to the past for inspiration?

Yes. My favorite decades are Victorian or 1930’s Art Deco. 

Miami is the land of Art Deco. Why do you think your line works for the Miami girl?

I think in terms of the Miami girl, she is not afraid of color, colorful trends. I also think there is a sense of abundance.

Yes, less is definitely not more. More is more. 

I feel like that comes across. It’s a nightlife, fashion world even though it’s during the day. I think the Miami girl also embraces the contemporary market and looks at art in terms of fusing fashion.

This question is from my friend Serena and her petite fingers. She’s been told your rings can’t be sized down. Is that true? 

They can’t. We go down to a size 6. Smaller than that, we don’t do. But we are going to be coming out with a line of fine jewelry next year. It should launch spring next year.

What is your inspiration behind the new line?

Using a classic sensibility, but also keeping it edgy. 

Would you ever consider having a store here in Bal Harbour?

We have such great partners that we don’t feel a need to be in Bal Harbour, but we are looking, probably in the Design District.

That area is a hot bed right now. Good luck.

The hosting crew: With Gotmar Giron, Annie Vazquez, Jenny Perez, and Alexis Bittar. 

Rings.

One of Alexis Bittar’s favorite pieces, mixing his love of green with ‘60/’70’s style and the baroque aesthetic. 

Heart that.

It has recently come to my attention, made noticeable by myself, that I currently have a thing for heart jewelry. Everything that’s made its way to my jewelry box as of late is heart-laden. And gold-toned. I thought maybe it’s just me, but turns out, hearts are big right now. 

Lanvin has a thing for hearts, too, according to its charm bracelet. As do David Yerman with these heart earrings. This Stella McCartney heart and key necklace takes it back. And I’m absolutely in love with these Gorjana Friendship Heart Bracelets. Perfect for knocking trends and gifts out in one shot.

And you have to love that. 

From my own collection (pictured above): Multistrand heart necklace purchased eons ago, Varelli ring from a DailyCandy piece on the designer, Lola James small heart necklace and a vintage double heart necklace gifted to me for my bday by my Aries sister Nadine. 

Behold: Nail polish. Able to perk up a girl’s mood with a single brushstroke. 

Miami girls, we love our mani/pedis. I personally got bit by the bug when my bestie Maria T. guided me to Brownes on Lincoln Road (back in its hey day), long before the now-gone upstairs even existed. It didn’t even have sinks back in those days. Just big old flowered bowls you plunked your feet into. Since then, I live for a mani /pedi. There’s just something about swabbing a little paint on your nails that makes you feel girly, even if you are makeup-less, dressed from head-to-toe in sweaty workout gear and feeling like a zombie.

All of that is why I volunteered my nails for a Deco Drive segment about nail trends at Nail Bar in Midtown today — that an a free mani. Who can resist? The fingertips at the salon were decked out in everything from Burberry and Chanel to neons, spring colors, magnetic waves, even Louboutin manis (when the backside is red, just like the soles of the brand’s iconic shoes). No matter how outlandish, how difficult, how detailed, Nail Bar nailed each mani, even with the next outdoing the last. As a beauty writer, I’d like to think I’ve seen it all. But even I was blown away by some of the offerings at this shoot. Hello, Magneto. Keep reading, we’ll get to that. So what did I get: a classic half moon. Just like the one Dita Von Teese sports. 

First, start with all white. Let it dry. Even long after you think it’s dry, keep waiting.

Next, apply stickers. Then, paint everywhere stickers aren’t touching. Wait even longer then you think again for paint to try, then gently, and I mean suave, suave, suave, peel back the sticker. Add a top coat and voila!

Half moon mani.

Where I opted for classic, others went for completely out of the box. Like Annie’s newspaper mani. Such a cute idea. The newspaper rubs off on nails and leaves the print. 

Newspaper mani.

And then there was the amazing Magneto mani. This one actually uses magnets and magnetically charged polish to create ripples in your polish. The end result looks like a cross between ocean waves and tie-dye. Or an Etch-a-Sketch.

Magneto mani. The process involves using a magnet over the polish to create the ripple effect.

There were also enough designer-inspired manis to make on think you were strolling Canal Street: Gucci, Chanel, Hermes, Burberry, if you can wear it as a handbag, Nail Bar can recreate it on your nails. Wearing Prada tonight? Why not get a matching mani? At least now you know you can. 

The Gucci mani. 

Chanel meets neon. Photo courtesy of Nail Bar. 

Burberry. Photo courtesy of Maria Arguello.

Look for Deco Drive to show off even more designs soon. And heaven forbid, give that plain old pink polish a rest and go for something new. 

Nail Bar is located at 3301 N.E. First Ave., in Midtown 4.

Come to mama. 

Wednesday, April 4: Last Call Neiman Marcus’ EPIC shoe sale 

The show gets started at 9 a.m., but we hear there’s a line wrapped around the block hours before. Get there early because if you don’t I’m going to scoop up all the size 7 Choos. And I have no shame taking the 6.5s, too. Them’s fighten’ words, I know. After surviving the Saks disaster of 2011, I will be wearing my helmet and carrying a shield. Be prepared for live-blogging and a full report later that day. 

Get behind the wheel of this cute little car.

Thursday, April 5: Fiat of North Miami Grand Opening

As a Fiat Fashion Ambassador, I’ll be hosting this soiree at 13110 Biscayne Blvd., from 6 to 9 p.m. alongside Annie Vazquez, Gino Campodonico, Kelly Saks and Jilian Sanz. Come for a night of fashion, Italian inspiration, cocktails, bites and tunes. You can finally see what you look like behind the wheel of the Gucci model. Hello, Instagram. I’m calling this as the party of the week. RSVP to info@spinhouse-pr.com is a must.

Restock your closet for summer at the Tricia Fix sale.

Friday, April 6: Tricia Fix Moving Sale & Isa Boutique Sale

Sad but true, Tricia Fix is moving to Cali. We’re loosing a great local designer, but we can still keep her presence strong in Miami by snatching up a ton of her wares at $20 for samples an $30 for inventory at her moving sale. All items range in sizes from xs to xl. The sale kicks off Friday from 2-8 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at 760 N.E. 76th St., Miami in Belle Meade. 

Happening at Isa.

Then, hop over to Isa Boutique for the Courtyard Sale. Score wine, sweets and RaMona La Rue for $35 to $80. The sale ends Saturday. Plus, the Midtown boutique is giving away $500 toward a spring wardrobe. To enter, like Isa on Facebook (Facebook.com/isaboutique), follow Isa on Twitter (@isa_boutique) and retweet “I love Isa and want to win a $500 spring wardrobe” and then e-mail isa@cm-publicrelations.com. Find Isa Boutique at 3400 North Miami Ave., Miami.  

Ready to roll?

Saturday, April 7: Evian Presents: Live Young, Skate On!

Miami’s first pop-up roller skating rink takes over Collins Park (across from the Bass) this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. There’s free skate rentals for adults, professional skaters and live tunes to roll around to. Why? Evian is trying to get Miami int the books as the city with the largest roller skating conga line. Sign me up. RSVP online at facebook.com/evian to get your skate on.

There’s no reason for you to be bored. Happy first week of April. 

Me with Yigal Azrouel, who is wearing his own jacket and an American Apparel tee.

Yesterday, Israeli-born designer Yigal Azrouel showed off his spring/summer collection at Saks at Bal Harbour Shops. I got the opportunity to chat up Azrouel about his namesake line, as well as Cut25, his ready to wear collection. A little FYI: Cut25 is named such because cut is a word Azrouel frequently uses, and 25 is the day he was born (in August), as well as the mark of the letter Y in the alphabet. He’s hoped the line would obtain its own identity, instead of just being dubbed a less expensive collection, which is why he didn’t put his name on it directly. 

Who do you design for?

I always think about a woman with confidence. She’s fashion forward, confident, effortless.  She thinks less is more. 

What’s your favorite piece from each collection?

When I design a collection, I see it as a complete collection. It’s hard for me to separate them. I can’t like one more than the other. They work together. 

OK, but that orange dress from Cut25 is pretty amazing. [Note how I’ve just picked one for him.]

Who is your favorite celebrity to dress?

I work a lot with Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman. I don’t particularly design for them, I don’t make special clothes for celebrities. For me, I always think of it as the one is who simple, who doesn’t try too hard. 

What do you do in your spare time?

I surf.

Do you have any plans to open a shop in the Design District or Bal Harbour?

They [the Design District] reached out to me and it’s something we are talking about. 

Here’s to brunch at Michael’s and a stop in at your hopefully upcoming boutique. 

Yigal Azrouel with Miami fashion bloggers: Electric Blogarella, The Fashion Poet and The Wordy Girl. Because I know all you single ladies out would be wondering: Yes, this easy-on-the eyes designer is up for grabs. But you’ll have to fly to his motherland of Israel to find him. He’ll be celebrating Passover with his fam next week. Don’t forget to pack some matzah. 

Taking a break between tweets at The Blogger’s Corner, a first at Saks. See what we had to say at #yigalsaksbalharbour

Yigal Azrouel posing with his designs. Loving the yellow.

For me, this neon dress defines Yigal Azrouel’s style. It’s sleek, sexy and draped in the most stunning of ways. Absolute perfection. I’ll take one, please.

What I wore: Anna Sui for Target, vintage jewelry, vintage clutch and $20 shoes from a  company you’ve never heard of. 

Meet and greet alert.

Yigal Azrouel makes a sexy dress. This I know. I fell in love with his designs when I came across a slinky black gown with plunging neckline and ever more daring back. Today, March 28, I get the chance to chat up the designer at Saks Bal Harbour Shops from 2 to 4 p.m. I’ll be live tweeting from the event, alongside The Wordy Girl, The Fashion Poet and Kelly’s Kloset. Follow me @gingdawn and look for the hashtag #yigalsaksbalharbour. Or, drop by and say hi. Food, drinks and fashion will be served. RSVP to 305.865.1100 x5292. 

Yigal Azrouel s/s 2012.

That’s me!

Miami’s fashion blogger pool. I’m all the way down at the end, second to last. 

Last night I holed up with Miami’s top fashion bloggers to give a little chit chat about what it is we do. Buddy Maria Arguello (@mari7305) MCed the event, like a champ, while we weighed in on how we got started, why we do what we do, what format we prefer and where we shop. I also confessed I stalk Ria Michelle via Twitter. And now that I’ve met KarGar, who is a hoot, I’ll just go ahead and admit that she’ll also be added to people I fashion stalk. Kudos to the audience who offered up some great questions. Here’s what I took away from the experience: Electric Blogarella is a work in progress, and I promise great things to come. 

Tucker!

Speaking of great things, the Tucker sale at Soho House is off the charts. Almost all of the items are around $100, and, considering some of the dresses sell online for close to $400, that’s a steal. The sale is for members only, so I suggest if you aren’t a member buttering up to someone who is so you can get in on this goodness. It may cost you a cami or two, but it is well worth the investment.

The Wordy Girl in Tucker holding up a Tucker print that fits her to a T.

Mine oh mine.

I scored this little number, which I wore last night to the event. It’s silk and flowing and tribal. Perf for Miami. The sale continues through today, so go and score yourself some Tucker.

Workin’ the pink carpet with The Wordy Girl. Yes, her jeans are amazing. They are from Current/Elliot.  

Last night Soho Studios in Wynwood transformed into a chic shopping space for It Girl Expo. The Wordy Girl, Maria Tettamanti, and I, armed with our Twitter apps, checked in to report on the scene. And here’s what we found:

Art!

Up first, we stumbled upon art, which was actually being made right in front of our eyes. By using shreds from fashion mags, the artist constructed iconic pieces, like this of Audrey, which reads: “For poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” Love that.

Also, brilliant, this gem from FashionistaFixes.com. It’s a listing of the last time you wore said outfit, so you don’t double wear (gasp) too soon with the same crowd. 

My Last Look wardrobe tag even lets you pair up which accessories you wore with said dress. So smart. 

Going on a trip in the near future? You’ll need to check out ArriveChic.com. The site is packed with bikini bags, shoes bags, laundry bags, travel tags, passport covers, basically, everything you’d ever need to get the heck out of Dodge.

Customizable, flavored lipsticks.

Slip to the back of the space, where you’ll find the A+B = Artisan Beauty booth that makes customizable and flavored lipsticks. The company, based out of Orlando, is making it’s launch debut here in Miami. And it’s definitely worth a look-see.

For lashes that won’t run, check out Winks by Georgie. And give LipSmart a stop and shop for pouty lips that require nothing more than a balm application. Another smart invention worth looking into: Dog-e-Glow leashes for pets. 

There’s also libations and snacks, because, you know a girl needs those things when she’s putting in some serious shopping time.

I also scored an adorable tunic for the kiddo from TunicLove. Check out the sale rack and thank me later.

Best of all, I got the chance to hang out with Miami’s blogging beauties. So great meeting like-minded girls. 

Me and Wordy with The Fashion Poet Annie Vazquez.

Check out Susset Cabrera in pink.

Where all the Tweeting went down at the chic Blogger’s corner. 

All in all, good times. Check it out tonight at 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. at 2136 N.W. First Ave., Miami 33127.