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Beauty

ONE on ONE

by Mayi de la Vega

To all the mothers, Happy Mother’s Day!

By Art, Beauty, Culture, Family, Fashion, Holiday, Nutrition, Wellness

It’s important to honor these women who do so much for us and love us unconditionally. Here are some ideas to pamper them this holiday.

Heaven Scent

Fill her home with the heavenly scent of gardenias. California flower farm High Camp Supply ships cut-to-order gardenias overnight in luxe packaging. The Vine & Bloom box comes with gardenias two ways—as loose blooms and two dozen budding long stem vines. She’ll have fun arranging them in her favorite vessel.

Click below to purchase:

High Camp Supply

 

In the Bag

Mom is no exception when it comes to ladies who love handbags. Treat her to Bottega Veneta’s mini Jodie style made in Italy featuring the house’s iconic intrecciato leather. Colors range from neutrals to marine-inspired blues and greens. Colombian designer Michelle Daccarett also has chic handbags. Her signature style, handmade oak boxes accented with nylon strands and acrylic chains, are definitely conversation starters.

Net-a-Porter Bottega

Michelle Daccarett

Museum Day

PAMM has one of the coolest shows on view now, and we’re so lucky to have it. Organized by The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, “Marisol and Warhol Take New York” follows the interconnected careers of Paris-born María Sol Escobar, who went by Marisol, and Andy Warhol during the Pop Art movement of the Sixties. Marisol’s genius is being rediscovered, and her multimedia sculptures and installations depicting high society and pop culture are absolutely delightful.

PAMM Marisol Warhol

Spa Day

Under new ownership, the Standard Spa Miami Beach boutique hotel fully renovated its namesake spa. The makeover revamps popular amenities like the Turkish hammam and introduces amenities and upgrades from a cold room to reduce inflammation to multiple windows, including inside the sauna, for guests to enjoy bay views. Décor elements by Pierre Frey, Gio Ponti and House of Hackney were also used for new treatment rooms and a spa lounge with Danish rattan daybeds. Spa services are equally well-conceived. There are many to choose from, but the Sound Healing Massage with crystal bowls and Sea Change, a yuzu mimosa/sea algae wash and spirulina mud body mask, piqued my interest.

The Standard Spa

Books to Treasure

Women designers are finally getting their due in “Woman Made: Great Women Designers” published by Phaidon in collaboration with Kering.  Architect Jane Hall organized the thorough collection of designs by more than 200 women representing 50 countries. A few are Eileen Gray, Ray Eames and Florence Knoll, who lived in Miami.

Rich and I love wine country, so I’m hooked on “The New Architecture of Wine.” Through beautiful imagery and stories, readers travel vicariously to 25 spectacular wineries designed by architects like Howard Backen and Juan Carlos Fernandez and built during the 21st century. It’s the second best thing to being there.

The catalog to an exhibition at Paris’s Centre Pompidou, “Women in Abstraction” reevaluates the work of women’s role in this 20th-century art movement. More than 100 artists from painters to photographers to dancers are highlighted to reveal the overlooked story.

Woman Made: Great Women Designers

The New Architecture of Wine

Women in Abstraction

Dote on Mom

I’m very proud of my daughter, a mother herself to three children. She and her husband founded an organic wellness line called Dote. Their products are clean, eco and full of naturally beneficial ingredients like CBD, olive oil and chamomile. They’re vegan and gluten-free too. These sets make convenient gifts.

For the mother who enjoys at at-home spa day:

Unwind set with Relieve muscle cream and Calm tincture

https://dotewellness.com/products/calm-15ml-relieve

For the mother who deserves the sleep of her dreams:

Lights Out set with Dream supplement and Calm tincture

https://dotewellness.com/products/lights-out-calm-30ml-dream

For the mother who never misses her workout:

Peak Performance set with Power supplement and Relieve muscle cream

https://dotewellness.com/products/peak-performance-power-relieve

For the mother who deserves balance in her life:

Body in Balance set with Calm tincture, Relieve muscle cream and Dream, Focus and Power supplements

https://dotewellness.com/products/body-in-balance

 

My Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

By Art, Beauty, Holiday

Valentine’s Day! It is always a fun holiday to gift something to your significant other. Whether you are in, you’re in a new relationship. Or a super long-term one!

I say keep it traditional, don’t overthink it when it comes to Valentine’s gifts! Valentine’s gifts should be a mix of sexy, romantic, and sweets are always a nice bonus! After all… what’s wrong with a bit of romance?

Here’s a bit of inspiration for things I’d want and something I’d get my significant other.

FOR HER:

Bottega Veneta Cassette Intrecciato Leather Bucket Bag

 Kistler Chardonnay

 

 

 

Ellie Saab Nude Strass Sling Back

 

Tiffany Hard Wear Link Earrings

 

Mariana Font Art Piece

 

FOR HIM:

Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill

Audemars Piaget Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph

Beoplay H95 Noise Cancellation Headphones

Eberjey William TENCEL™ Modal Long PJ Set

Royal Ossetra Caviar

My Gift Guide to You

By Art, Beauty, Family, Florida Finds, Holiday, Wellness

Don’t panic when it comes to holiday shopping. Here are some great gifts to wow them.

Like me, you have probably been busy with Art Basel fairs, holiday engagements, peak season business affairs and family life. There’s barely been a moment to think about holiday presents, let alone browse and shop for them in-person or online. I thought I could lend a hand by suggesting some beautiful and interesting gifts. Most importantly, take a moment to de-stress and enjoy this special time. Happy holidays.

Cool Books

I love to share “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” with everyone in my circle since it’s helped me so much. The authors reveal the Japanese philosophy about ikigai, which means “a reason for living,” and why the Japanese never retire because they love what they do. Readers hopefully come away with discovering their ikigai.

I treated my son Daniel to a copy of “Art House: The Collaboration of Chara Schreyer and Gary Hutton” published by Assouline. A visual feast for the eyes, it chronicles their 40-year collaboration of Hutton designing Schreyer’s five homes that showcase her magnificent collection of 600 artworks.

The Perfect Handbag

Need I say more than Chanel?! The Parisian fashion maison recently opened a flagship store in the Miami Design Distict. I love its longtime architect Peter Marino’s work inspired by the brand’s iconic, black and white packaging. The location carries ready to wear, eyewear, jewelry, shoes and yes, those coveted quilted handbags.

Posh Pajamas

Campo Collection’s chic pajamas for women, men and children are made locally and sustainably with natural fibers and dyes. Its Brazilian founder, a former stylist for Armani and Marc Jacobs, moved here from New York. She also offers robes, dresses and intimates.

 

Ballet Tickets

Everyone knows and loves Miami City Ballet’s annual performances of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker,” but really wow them with seats to the North American premiere of Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s new version of “Swan Lake” in February. This is making big waves in the ballet world, and it’s quite a coup for our hometown company.

Uncommon Candles

Since Loewe creative director Jonathan Anderson is all about celebrating craft, it’s no wonder his candle line features uncommon scents. Loewe’s Miami boutique, which recently unveiled its new art installation, a large-scale mural by Sol LeWitt, carries the full range of fragrances more akin to kitchen gardens and yards. Some are oregano, juniper berry, coriander, black licorice, tomato, ivy and honeysuckle. Each vegetable wax candle comes in a glazed terracotta holder whose color matches the scent.

Gifts for Guys

Crémieux, the luxury menswear label from St. Tropez, opened a Bal Harbour store just in time for finding the perfect gift for your guy. I love its cashmere sweaters in Miami colors like rose pink and azure blue.

Beautiful pastries, panettone, cookies and chocolates

Who wouldn’t want to bite into a baked good that’s as pretty as delectable? Some of my favorite sources for edible works of art are Sant Ambroeus, which ships its signature panettone and holiday tins of Italian cookies; and Bachour, whose social media star pastries are available at its several bakeries around town. Another great idea is caftan queen Marie France Van Damme’s bean-to-bar collaboration with Hong Kong’s Conspiracy Chocolate. Flavors are inspired by her boutiques’ exotic locales like Dubai, Morocco, Singapore and Miami (smoked pineapple!).

Museum & Botanical Garden Memberships  

Give them an experience that lasts all year long while supporting local institutions at the same time. Think about what they love and where they live when choosing a membership to places like PAMM, the Bass, ICA Miami, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, Frost Science Museum, Fairchild Garden, Miami Beach Botanical Garden and more.

Jeans for Teens and Twentysomethings

Re/Done, the Malibu-born women’s and men’s brand for reconstructed Levi’s denim and other reimagined vintage apparel and accessories by heritage brands that’s all the rage with celebs from Cindy Crawford to the Hadids, opened a Miami boutique. Gen Z and Millennials love its sustainable mission and retro styles and fits from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

Jewelry with Purpose

Awe Inspired, a New York-based, feel-good jewelry collection, donates 20 to 100 percent of proceeds to partner charities like CancerCare and The Trevor Project. Its popular goddess series with signet rings and pendants is now available in solid 14K yellow and white gold. In addition to mythological and religious goddesses, pieces honor real-life goddesses throughout the ages. Choose from many including Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Harriet Tubman, Florence Nightingale and Frida Kahlo.

Charcuterie Boards

Chaya’s Craze Boards is making a name for itself with mouthwatering, overflowing charcuterie boards. Savory and sweet options feature classic items like meat, cheese, nuts, pickles and dried fruit, as well as other less common additions like veggies, fruit, cookies and candy. They come in various sizes on handcrafted wooden charcuterie boards or in boxes.

 

The Doctor Is In

By Beauty, Wellness

Up your skin-care game in time for summer at Dr. Barbara Sturm’s new spa and boutique in Miami.

Skin-care mogul Dr. Barbara Sturm is a familiar face around Miami (I couldn’t resist the pun). With her white blonde pixie cut and glowing complexion, the German natural stunner is instantly recognizable, too. She comes here often to check in with her many fans and accounts like Gee Beauty in Sunset Harbour, one of my favorite destinations for products, facials and other spa services. It makes perfect sense then that Sturm chose our fair city to expand her Dr. Barbara Sturm Spa & Boutique empire.

Following locations in London, Düsseldorf, New York and Los Angeles, her one-stop, skin-care concept recently debuted in the Miami Design District’s Palm Court. The bilevel space’s minimalist décor with pops of color emulates her brand’s clean beauty ethos. A “discovery table” with illuminated, mobile displays invites customers to find the best products within her molecular cosmetics skin-care line for their skin type. She’s forever developing innovative products. A couple new items to pick up are the Super Anti-Aging Face Cream and the Good C Vitamin C Serum. There’s even a children’s line, and hair products are next on her list.

Her facials are also well worth your time. Multiple treatment rooms are divided between the first and second floors for express and full signature facials, respectively. Along with popular treatments like the Signature SturmGlow, the spa menu caters to specific skin types from darker skin tones to a men’s facial. Clients have their choice of several add-ons including microdermabrasion, microchanneling and microcurrent. Miami and Los Angeles also exclusively feature the Summer Facial to repair sun, ozone and pollution damage. Aestheticians begin by gently cleansing and exfoliating skin with her Enzyme Cleanser. The next step cools, soothes and hydrates skin through frozen cubes of Hyaluronic Serum.

 

“In the summer we need extra protection against UVA and UVB rays, pollution and environmental stressors,” said Sturm, of her magic formula for instant results. “Healthy skin protected by a strong skin barrier is the most functional, radiant and glowing.”

She really thought of everything regarding the total experience. Guests can relax in a lounge area, and VIPs have their own discreet entrance. The new Dr. Sturm Professional Line of medically-advanced skin-care products is available at the Miami flagship following a personal consultation in a spa suite. Non-invasive Infrared Therapy is another special service here. Sturm believes in its mood-boosting benefits beyond numerous skin enhancements from increasing elasticity to alleviating sun damage and aging effects. In many ways, the new branch is her love letter to Miami.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in Miami in the past 20 years,” she said, of her long wait for the right opportunity and time to expand. “I love its energy and have so many friends here.”

 

Moving to Miami

By Art, Beauty, Culture, Dining, Events, Fashion, Florida Finds, Interior Design

Here are some of my local tips for new residents.

Being in real estate, I’m often the first person someone meets when moving to Miami. It’s only natural that they want to know everything about their exciting new town and ask for local tips. Since so many people are in the process of relocating here, I thought I’d put together a quick guide to some of my favorite places, services and events. I hope you enjoy discovering them, as well as cultivating your own gems over time.

Shopping

Miami is a shopper’s paradise. I can’t get over how many incredible stores keep opening here. For a local lifestyle boutique, I recommend the Showroom. The owner has been in retail for decades and knows the market. The South Miami location is geared more toward homewares including Tina Frey’s handmade resin pieces, while Coconut Grove carries more denim. For home, I also shop the extensive collections at Luminaire and Artefacto. Both have huge showrooms in Coral Gables, among many locations, if you’re pressed for time.

For fashion, you can’t go wrong with Neiman Marcus’s two stores here. They cater to the stylish side of Miami with more runway looks and interesting designers. I can always count on their personal shoppers, too. The Miami Design District has really taken off in the last few years. It’s become a major worldwide destination for designer brands like Dior and Hermès, as well as contemporary labels. Recent openings include Alexander McQueen and Stone Island, and there are rumors that Chanel’s coming.

Beauty

I can’t say enough good things about Gee Beauty. I wrote about this family-owned spa and boutique’s 15th anniversary in my blog last year. The Gee women constantly amaze me with their knowledge and service. Their facials are the ultimate luxury, and I love loading up on skin care, cosmetics and supplements on my way out.

If you’re from New York or Los Angeles, chances are you’re already familiar with IGK Hair. The partners behind the salon’s initials actually opened their first location here. They’re also known for their inhouse line of healthy hair products like Good Behavior Blowout Balm, the perfect protection for Miami elements.

Fitness

Miami has a serious wellness scene. There are many state-of-the-art gyms like Anatomy, but I trained one-on-one with Faheem Mujahid. Beyond being a master personal trainer, whose practices extend to yoga, meditation and breathwork, he’s a licensed life coach, mental conditioning expert and mindfulness speaker who’s helped moguls to corporate teams from major brands get on the right track. Check out his podcast and website for upcoming workshops. https://www.faheemmujahid.com/about

Dining

I like to eat light without missing out on flavorful ingredients and beautiful settings. Located on the bay in Brickell, Cipriani has one of the most gorgeous dining rooms in the city. It works on so many levels from power lunches to special occasions. Old World details and authentic cuisine instantly transport me to Italy. Milos in Miami Beach offers a similar vacation vibe. I feel like I’m in the Greek Isles with its airy décor and fresh Mediterranean seafood like whole, salt-encrusted fish and charred octopus. Its homey, private dining room is often booked, and the three-course, prix-fixe lunch is super popular.

Annual Events

Miami is as famous for its nonstop events as its moonrises. Many tourists time their holidays here around them, and locals never get any rest during season. Attending the Miami International Boat Show is a must. But of all of the events, December’s Art Basel fair is tops. Not only did it permanently transform Miami in remarkable ways, but the exchange of ideas and the people you meet during art week can’t be compared to anything else here. It feeds my soul, and I learn so much. I always come away with new inspirations and friends.

 

Fearless at Fifteen

By Beauty, Wellness

The glamorous Gee Beauty spa and boutique celebrates its 15th anniversary.

I’ve always supported women-owned businesses, which is just one of the many reasons I’m a huge fan of Gee Beauty. Named after a chic Canadian family—the impossibly gorgeous, savvy and kind Miriam Gee and her equally accomplished and stunning daughters, Natalie, Celene and Stephanie—the breakthrough beauty concept was founded 15 years ago in their hometown of Toronto. Years later, they expanded to Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood.

The spa/boutique hybrid is tailored for the time-crunched modern woman (and man, since they offer a full range of men’s products and custom treatments). The basic idea is that we all love a spa day, but it’s just not practical most of the time with our hectic schedules, whether you’re a busy parent, professional or both. They saw a white space for a 21st-century urban spa, where people can pop in for quick yet effective services such as their signature Brow Shaping and Medi Multi Express anti-aging facial in the same manner that they visit their favorite coffee shop for a latte. By thinking of your spa routine in daily snippets, you can still stick to your beauty routine without spending precious hours all at once.

I can attest to the quality of their services and products including their namesake cosmetics line. When I really want to treat myself, I indulge in one of their Luxury Facials whose themes are often based on their premier brands like Dr. Sebagh, Tata Harper and Dr. Barbara Sturm. Each of the four women has her sub-specialties regarding services and product niches, and they personally test every single item that comes into the store. Because the beauty market is flooded with options, it’s one less thing I have to think about—if it passes their approval, I know it’s great. When I’m in Sunset Harbour, I add it to my round of errands and treats like dinner at Naiyara and Lucali.

Since reopening in the pandemic, I’ve been impressed with how they’re handling protocol. They’re really good about spacing clients through limiting appointments and installing plexi-glass dividers. During services, the staff wears masks, face shields, gloves and gowns, among many thoughtful safety measures. You can also order online or arrange for curbside pickup to tide you over until you feel safe enough for in-person treatments and shopping.

I also like how they’ve always been ahead of the curve. Before clean beauty was trendy, they believed in a holistic approach and were among the first stores to bring in natural and organic skin-care lines. They’re constantly searching for better alternatives and address all skin types and tones. They recently introduced Epara, a luxury, skin-care brand whose ingredients from essential oils to botanicals are specifically designed for women of color.

For the 15th anniversary, they assembled the Glow Into Fall Skin Kit, a crème de la crème package with their top beauty picks in a complimentary tote commemorating the achievement. Some goodies inside are the Joanna Vargas Bright Eye Firming Mask, Mimi Luzon 24K Gold Hyaluronic Serum, Gee Beauty Soothing Lip Balm and Slip Skinnies silk hair ties. What a great gift for a friend or yourself.

Congrats ladies, and here’s to another 15 years!