Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

Wordy Woman

What:

Words mean something — it’s a phrase that I live by, especially as a journalist. I pour over thousands and thousands of them a week; creating, crafting, writing and rewriting stories. Not just for television and #FavoriteThings, but in life, too. Intimate exchanges, friendly hello’s, meaningful conversations, spirited debates and heated arguments. Words are everything.

As a writer, they’re my sanctuary, my therapy, my comfort. The gift of self-expression in written form is a skill I’ve been honing since grade school. Back in the day, I wrote monster stories, alien stories, love stories and eventually human interest stories — which led me to journalism and now, blogging.

Words are an expression of our inner-most thoughts, feelings and emotions. They share joy, pain, sadness, empowerment and if you truly fall in love with them, they become art via poems, books, movies and oration. Yes, I am and will always be a “Wordy Woman”…

That’s why I can’t resist the latest haute couture fashion trend known as “Slogan Gowns.” The idea was birthed by Viktor & Rolf at this year’s Paris Fashion week. Big, beautiful ball gowns floated down the runway, featuring words & phrases like: “I’m not shy I just don’t like you,” “I am my own muse,” and “No photos please.” The slogan trend isn’t exactly new, especially with the whole “say how you really feel” on a T-shirt craze — which has exploded over the past decade.

Not to be outdone by sayings on coffee cups, purses, gym bags, shoes — the list goes on. This day and age, it’s all about expressing yourself and no word or saying is off-limits, especially if you add a hashtag. I’m partial to the “Slogan Gown” trend because of its quirky, unexpected nature. Pulling the look off isn’t easy, but with the help of ISA Couture Fabrics, originality is not a problem…

The boutique isn’t just a South Florida staple, it’s the best couture fabric store in Miami. Not only is it a family-owned business with more than 50 years experience; its owners, Jason & Jackie Castro, are working hard to modernize the way people understand & utilize fabric, hence the DALE’ dress.

They created it to celebrate the “Slogan Gown” trend, adding a unique Miami spin. Combining exquisite tulle and organza, they layered the dress with tropical personality. The detachable train gives it just the right amount of sophisticated drama. If you’re thinking “WOW, that’s a lot of dress,” well, that’s kind of the point. ISA Couture Fabrics can help any fashionista stand out in a crowd and that’s no easy task in a city that eats and breathes head-turning fashions.

Whether they’re customizing a special dress or elevating textiles for local, national and international designers, ISA Couture Fabrics is doing it like no other place in the Magic City. And, instead of just writing about it, this time I’m wearing it, too and that’s why “Wordy Woman” is one of my Favorite Things. DALE’!

Where:

ISA Couture Fabrics
200 NE 30th Street
Miami, Florida 33137

isafabrics.com

Be Social:
IG: @isacouturefabrics
FB: @isacouturefabrics
Twitter: @IsaCoutureMiami

I like good strong words that mean something.Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
James Woodley Photography
Dale Dress by @isacouturefabrics
earrings: @baublebar
Sunglasses @amazonfashions
Booties: @mackinj_shoes
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Wordsmith” Auerbach

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

Shireen’s Spotlight: Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden

What:

An early evening dinner on the garden terrace of Isabelle’s inside the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove. Pass the signature Pineapple Mojito, please! And don’t forget to share that mouth-watering Beet Salad. 🙂

Why:

If casual elegance mixed with the intimacy of a garden oasis sounds inviting, Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden inside the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove should definitely be on your foodie radar. Not only will you fall in love with its laid-back sophistication; their delicious dishes and creative cocktails will leave you wanting more. Speaking of…

I started my #Spotlight experience with a bubbly “Aperol Spritz” (mixed with Prosecco.) It’s a refreshing drink that’s all the rage right now. Isabelle’s version is a deep, yummy pour with just the right amount of sweetness. It also happens to pair perfectly with the “Salmon Tartare”…

Which is deliciously mixed with onions, capers and smoked mascarpone. The best part of the plate? The toasted slice of ‘everything bagel’ it’s topped with. Just crumble, mix and munch. The “Beef Carpaccio” is just as fresh and flavorful, served with crispy mushrooms, arugula, pecorino cheese and horseradish. If you’re a carpaccio fan, either dish is divine.

Before trying Isabelle’s amazing salads, I sipped on their signature “Pineapple Mojito” which is LIFE. 🙌 I’ve been on a pineapple kick lately because it’s filled with loads of healing properties like Bromelain, so why not have it in a cool rum cocktail? It’s #HeavenOnEarth with pineapple juice, mint, sugar, soda and lime.

“The Roasted Beet Salad” isn’t just beautiful, it’s incredibly tasty, too, with bite-sized apples and oranges placed on a bed of Greek yogurt. The sprinkling of pickled mustard seeds on top is the crescendo to a delightful symphony of flavors. It’s definitely a must-try on the menu.

More of a traditional herbivore? “Isabelle’s Salad” is filled with romaine, radicchio, arugula and nuggets of candied pecans, craisins, pears and pecorino. It’s tossed in a light honey mustard vinaigrette. It’s this deep, endless bowl of delicious greens, which is great to have before…

The delicate “Branzino” — served in a cherry tomato beurre blanc; think creamy butter sauce. It comes with a side of spring vegetable couscous. I gobbled both up like it was my last supper. I washed it all down with “The Peacock,” which came highly-recommended. The chic drink is made with Absolut Elyx, lavender, lemon and blood orange puree. The presentation made me feel like a Hollywood glamour girl.

The highlight of dinner was a perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth “8 OZ. Filet Mignon” served with two sides: creamed spinach and Isabelle’s mac & cheese. #HelloLovah #ComeToMama
#FoodieDreamsDoComeTrue Is that too many #hashtags? 😁

I didn’t think I’d have room for dessert after my decadent dinner, but I rallied when the “Creme Brûlée” with vanilla & raspberries arrived with a glass of dessert bubbly. Which reminds me, they have an extensive wine selection worth exploring. Whether you’re a vegan, seafood lover or live for a great steak, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for at Isabelle’s Grill Room & Garden and you’ll be surrounded by style and class while doing it — that’s why it’s one of my #FavoriteThings. Bon Appetit!

Where:

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove
3300 SW 27th Avenue
Miami, Florida 33133

When:

Dinner: Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-10pm
Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm-11pm
for more on breakfast, lunch & brunch: www.isabellescoconutgrove.com

Be Social:
IG: @isabellescoconutGrove
FB: @isabellesCoconutGrove

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.Ralph Waldo Emerson
James Woodley Photography
dress: @shopkoveted www.shopkoveted.com
jewelry: @bcbg, butterfly ring: @jillzaleski, clutch: @dvf, sunnies: @amazonfashion
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “#Hashtag” Auerbach