Shireen’s Spotlight: Le Beau Maroc

Shireen's Spotlight: Le Beau Maroc

What: Le Beau Maroc, 9507 Harding Avenue, Miami, Florida 33154

Why: Because I’m still living off the high of my “Moroccan Dreams” that’s why. My “Shireen’s Favorite Things” feature on the stylings of “Le Beau Maroc” (which means “the beautiful Morocco” in French) got such a great response, I wanted to keep the fashion ball rolling. This little boutique is not only a hidden gem with a warm, welcoming energy, it’s couture kaftans are exquisite, sophisticated and truly one-of-a-kind.

Owner Asmaa Benkirane (who was born and raised in Casablanca, Morocco) works with designers from around the world to ensure each kaftan she carries is created with the utmost integrity, complete with gorgeous materials, hand-sewn detailing and sophisticated styles. Her pretty pieces are a true reminder of the terrific trends her native country has captured and cultivated.

Honestly, you won’t find anything like these kaftans in Miami. Whether it’s a special occasion, a fun party or just a day at the beach, the stylings of “Le Beau Maroc” are beyond beautiful. Plus, no one else in the room (party, dinner, event) is going to be wearing what you’re wearing and really, isn’t that what every woman wants?

Where: The store is in the heart of the bustling little seaside town of Surfside. I love this part of Miami, mainly because it has a small town feel but, at the same time, it boasts the fabulousness of a big city with amazing retail shops and fab restaurants.

When: Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm/Friday 11am-6pm/Saturday 12pm-9pm/Sundays by appointment.

www.LeBeauMaroc.com
Twitter: @LeBeauMaroc
Instagram: @LeBeauMaroc
Facebook: Le Beau Maroc

editor: Matthew Auerbach
producer/writer: Shireen Sandoval
photographer: Tod Phillip

PS- You can check out my full fashion article on Moroccan Dreams, or logon to www.wsvn.com.

XO — Happy Shopping!

Thursday, October 9, 2014 Shireen's Spotlight

Shireen’s Spotlight: Hollen & Jen’s Vintage Showroom

Hollen & Jen's Vintage Showroom

What: Hollen & Jen’s Vintage Showroom, 1177 Kane Concourse Suite 201, Bay Harbor Islands, Florida 33154

Why: Not only is it some of the best vintage in Miami (because the pieces they sell are always in mint condition,) but it’s run by two BFF’s whom I adore. Fashionistas by nature, Hollen Rosenberg and Jennifer Sazant combined their friendship and love of all things beautiful (clothing, jewelry, handbags and shoes) to create an amazing store called “Hollen & Jen’s Vintage Showroom.”

I’ve worn some of their uniquely gorgeous garments to red carpet events around the world and to interview some of the most famous people in Hollywood. The duo doesn’t sell ‘consigned’ items. Matter of fact, everything in their charming little boutique is something they themselves have purchased from estate sales, vintage shows or treasures they’ve unearthed from some of the most decadent and couture closets in South Florida.

When they sell something, they actually have a hard time parting with it and really, isn’t that the way it should be? Whether it’s a look of days gone by or something you’d see in Vogue magazine, this showroom has its pulse on the past, present, but more importantly, on all things pretty.

Where: The showroom is off of Kane Concourse, the main boulevard that runs through Bay Harbour Village. It’s housed on the second floor of a pretty office building with big, bold white shutters. I love the area. It’s one of the few parts of Miami left untouched by the bustling tourist beach life.

When: Tuesdays & Thursday 10am-3pm or by appointment.

www.hollenandjenshowroom.com (website coming soon)
Twitter: @HollenandJen
Instagram: @HollenandJen
FB: Hollen & Jen Showroom

editor: Matthew Auerbach
producer/writer: Shireen Sandoval
photographer: Tod Phillip

Thursday, October 2, 2014 Shireen's Spotlight ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Tongue & Cheek

Shireen's Spotlight: Tongue & Cheek

What: Tongue & Cheek, 431 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Why: Because its Owner & Chef extraordinaire, Jamie DeRosa, is a freakin’ genius, that’s why (I’ll get to that in a minute) and besides, who doesn’t love a good, smokin’ Molecular Margarita? (Pictured in the blog.) It’s made with 4 ounces of tequila, blackberry and lime. You can thank me later for the sexy introduction. It’s to die for…

Tongue & Cheek isn’t just one of the hippest and most happening places on South Beach to eat, it stacks up with the best of em’ because there’s something for everyone. Especially on its Miami Spice Menu: the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Whipped Ricotta is delicious for the dieter, the Carrot Cavatelli is the cure for the vivacious vegetarian and the Beef Cheek Burger is great for the gung-ho guy who can’t get enough meat. And…

Have you ever heard the saying that someone’s “in it to win it”? Well, that sums up Jamie to a T. Not only has he made Tongue & Cheek an amazing place to eat with quippy, pop culture-titled menu and drink items, but his infectious personality, social media prowess and personal love of all things art-related (food, fashion and film) make him one of the most relevant restaurant owners in the Magic City today.

Whether you’re drinking a Classic Whiskey Sour during Happy Hour or whiling away a weekend night with a long, lackadaisical dinner, dining at Tongue & Cheek is totally delicious.

Where: T&C is located off of Washington Avenue between 4th and 5th street. It’s a bustling part of South Beach, but don’t worry; they offer valet parking for $5.

When: Dinner – Sun 6pm-10pm/Tues-Thur 11:30am-3pm/Fri-Sat 6pm-12am
Happy Hour Tuesday – Sunday 5pm – 8pm

www.tandcmiami.com
Twitter: @TandCMiami
Instagram: @TandCMiami
FB: Tongue & Cheek

editor: Matthew Auerbach
producer: Jessie Rosario
photographer: Tod Phillip

Thursday, September 25, 2014 Shireen's Spotlight ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Surfcomber Hotel

Shireen's Spotlight: Surfcomber Hotel

What: Surfcomber Hotel, 1717 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139

Why: I’ve always adored this sassy little boutique hotel. It’s a quaint oasis, smack-dab in the middle of the hustle and bustle of what’s sometimes a chaotic vacation destination. It has an air of privacy to it that I’ve always appreciated. I love its pool, too, because it’s perfectly placed between the ocean and a few of its gorgeously raised seaside cabanas. Speaking of…

Those cabanas are the perfect place to lounge around during a weekend getaway, a day at the spa (I love their “Cafecitio Massage”) or for their newest creation that’s called: “One Last Fling.” Yep, it’s just like it sounds. The hotel maps out the last single moments of a guy or girl’s life with lite bites, fab bubbly, bottoms-up beer and of course, the beautiful beach. Does it get any better?

Ahhhh… marriage isn’t that bad! I’ve tried it a few times myself. Call me romantic, but I’d rather spend that quality time with my plus-one. Either way, it’s definitely a terrific place for a time-out, no matter what the season or reason.

Where: The hotel is right in the middle of all the South Beach excitement (on Collins Avenue.) You’ll not only be able to enjoy Art Deco buildings and walk to great restaurants, it offers some of the best people watching in the world. It’s way better than any airport. Take it from me, I’ve been around the globe a handful of times.

When: The Surfcomber is open all year round, but its “One Last Fling” package only lasts through December.

www.surfcomber.com
Twitter: @kimptoninfl
Instagram: @kimptoninfl
FB: The Surfcomber South Beach

editor: Matthew Auerbach
producer: Jessie Rosario
photographer: Tod Phillip

Thursday, September 18, 2014 Shireen's Spotlight , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: V73 Boutique

V73 Boutique

What: V73 Boutique, 4218 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33137

Why: A V73 purse is the kind of bag that makes people stop you in the street and ask: “Where did you get that beauty?” The Italian purse company (helmed by designer Elisabetta Armellin) focuses on creativity, quality and elegance. One of its tag lines is “Life In A Bag” and believe me, that describe me to a T! I carry my professional and personal life in my purse and then some. So, why not do it with class, sophistication and style?

A V73 is roomy, rare and ridiculously addicting. Every bag comes with a logo charm and what woman doesn’t like a little eye candy for her constant companion? Stand-out purses include the Miami Bag from its Cruise line and the Venezia in Vivid Blue. If diamonds are a girls best friend, than a V73 purse must be her lover.

Where: The pretty little boutique, styled with all things Italian (from the furniture to the gorgeous chandelier,) is perfectly positioned inside a charming little house in the Miami Design District. It’s right off the District’s main road, 2nd Avenue, making it easily accessible. Stop by for a look, you’ll find a warm, welcoming and wonderfully relaxing atmosphere.

When: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 11am-5pm (closed Sundays)

ps. Fall & Winter purses are coming to their boutique soon and you’ll go crazy over the V73 fringe bag, it’s amazing!

www.v73.us
IG: @V73Official
Twitter: @V73Official
FB: V73 US
Pinterest: @V73bag

editor: Matthew Auerbach
producer: Jessie Rosario
photographer: Tod Phillip
Purse pictured: Cruise Paillettes in Navy/Red

Thursday, September 11, 2014 Shireen's Spotlight , ,