Treasure Hunting

Treasure Hunting

Treasure Hunting

Treasure Hunting

Treasure Hunting

Treasure Hunting

Treasure Hunting

Treasure Hunting

Treasure Hunting

Treasure Hunting

What:

Shopping for the unique and eclectic at “The House of Findings” in Upper Buena Vista.

Why:

Magical, inspiring and one-of-a-kind: “The House of Findings” is just one of those special places. When I stumbled onto its social media profile about a month ago, I knew I had to see the chic new boutique in person AND the fashion Gods did not disappoint on this one. It’s simply, #HeavenOnRetailEarth …

Tucked inside the just opened “Upper Buena Vista” bohemian shopping community, “The House of Findings” is an enchanting experience from the moment you see it and its whimsical windows are just a warm-up of what’s to come. From the magnificent to the marvelous, once inside, you’ll find mint condition vintage clothing & accessories so unique, you’ll hardly believe you’ve found such treasures.

If I had my dream closet, “The House of Findings” would definitely be my template. It’s warm lighting gives way to a cornucopia of well-placed nick-nacks, hats, broaches, sunglasses, purses, dresses, skirts, blouses and shoes, but it’s the way it’s all harmoniously presented that’s truly mesmerizing. Every square inch of the lovely little space evokes a need to explore, touch and discover.

Its irresistible quality didn’t happen by chance. In fact, it’s a direct reflection of owner Mayra Gonzalez. Not only is she is a modern fashionista with a gypsy soul, her sweet smile and charming personality could disarm even the grumpiest Miami shopper. When I met her on a quiet Sunday morning, alongside her husband, Dr. Biorn (who’s just as much a part of the business,) she happily explained how her travels and family life helped shape the character of her store.

Mayra, of course, has great style, but what makes her exceptional? Her fashion instincts: she’s able to see beyond herself and identify what others would like, look good in or what they’re truly “Treasure Hunting” for. She styled me in bold and beautiful clothing and accessories. I don’t want to sound dramatic, but I’m convinced she’s a mind reader.

The night before our blog collaboration, I was droning on to a close friend about breathing new life into my wardrobe. Working in TV News (albeit , entertainment) doesn’t always give me the opportunity to express my true fashion individuality and I think Mayra got that about me. She chose pieces that said something, made a statement and let my true self shine through. If you’re a regular blog reader, you know my take on fashion — it’s not just an extension of your personality, it’s a form of true artistic expression and looking for places to cultivate that can be difficult. Especially in this on-line, cookie-cutter, buy one get one free shopping society we’re living in. I want to see, engage, lament, emote and eventually, identify with what I’m buying.

Whether you’re looking for something no one else will have or just longing for a quality boutique that puts people first, “Treasure Hunting” at “The House of Findings” is the perfect place to do it and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things. Happy shopping, fashionistas!

Where:

The House of Findings
5030 NE 2nd Avenue #404
Miami, Florida 33137

When:

Tuesday – Sunday: 12pm-6pm

Be Social:
FB: @TheHouseofFindings
IG: @thehouseoffindings
Twitter: @HouseofFindings

Collect things you love, that are authentic to you, and your house becomes your story.Erin Flett
James Woodley Photography
Outside wardrobe by Touch Dolls
Shireen’s Jewelry by Lexi Jewelry
Inside clothing & accessories by The House of Findings
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “BOGO” Auerbach

Beauty at the Beach

Beauty at the Beach

Beauty at the Beach

Beauty at the Beach

Beauty at the Beach

Beauty at the Beach

Beauty at the Beach

Beauty at the Beach

Beauty at the Beach

Beauty at the Beach

What:

Glamming it up on South Beach wearing Lexi Jewelry; a line inspired by nature, femininity and fashion.

Why:

I have a special place in my heart for Lexi Segre. Not only is she one of the first jewelry designers I featured on ‘Favorite Things’ when I first started the blog, but she also happens to be an incredibly talented artist who effortlessly captures the essence of ‘life on the beach’ with her beautiful baubles.

It’s not all hippy dippy, surfer girl either. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good gypsy vibe, but I also need structure for my day job, which is TV Chic and sophistication for the city side of my personality. Lexi not only delivers that delicate diversity, she also inspires fashionistas to reach beyond seasonal trends and wear pieces that truly speak to them, hence the title of the blog: “Beauty at the Beach.” Meaning…

I’m not the kind of girl you’ll necessarily find frolicking in the ocean — because working and living in Miami is an entirely different beast than vacationing here — but how I dress and the jewelry I wear IS a direct reflection of my surroundings: surf, sand, art deco buildings, a sparkling skyline and sexy people.

Using stones, shells, horns and bone, Lexi captures all of it with her one-of-a-kind pieces. While nature shapes and molds her creativity, the timeless elegance of the ancient Greeks and Romans — think Aphrodite mixed with Helen of Troy — gives her her true inspiration. What kind of fashionista doesn’t want to serve up a little bit of earthy Greek goddess or some “Beauty at the Beach” goodness? I know I do!

This year, as I’ve dedicated my blog to ALL things that truly make me happy, revisiting Lexi and her gorgeous line is something that feels like home. Maybe it’s because the designer, who’s based in Miami, seamlessly blends everything that truly “speaks to me” and if that doesn’t make you sparkle, I don’t know what will and that’s why “Beauty and the Beach” is one of my Favorite Things.

Shop the jewelry featured in the blog and then some: www.lexijewelry.com

IG: @lexijewelry
FB: @LexiJewelry

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.Ralph Waldo Emerson
James Woodley Photography
All jewelry designed by Lexi Segre of Lexi Jewelry
Pink Duster & Tights: @vchicstore
Pink Betsey Johnson Slides tinyurl.com/y8n5jasq
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “TV Sloppy” Auerbach

Lovely Lexi

Lovely Lexi

Lovely Lexi

Lovely Lexi

lexi-4

Lovely Lexi

Lovely Lexi

Lovely Lexi

I got divorced by myself on a hot February day in downtown Miami. My attorney was with me, but my husband didn’t show up. I couldn’t really blame him, though; I didn’t want to be there, either. Really, it was a sad state of affairs, as I sat in a bone-chillingly, over-air-conditioned courtroom, where broken promises and unfulfilled dreams permeated the air. It was depressing to say the least.

My soon-to-be ex-husband was in New York City working, while I waited for a judge to dissolve the vows we had both taken so lovingly together. I replayed them in my mind while I was killing time…”to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; until death do us part.”

My eyes welled with tears at the memory of the exchange. I didn’t want to torture myself, but I couldn’t help but reflect on the love I had felt on that day and the love I still had for my husband. It all seemed crazy, really. I mean, if I still loved the guy, why was I divorcing him? What’s more, why was he letting me? We had an amazing relationship, our love story was the stuff dreams were made of and we were the couple that everyone always said would actually “make it.” We didn’t.

After the judge granted our divorce, I thanked my attorney and hurried to my car, where I locked myself inside and cried…for hours. After pulling myself together, I did something totally out of character; I called American Airlines and booked a ten day trip to Mexico. Alone. I didn’t tell anyone (besides asking my boss for time off.) I didn’t think anyone would notice.

I was always on the road for work anyway; traveling was actually 75 percent of my job. Until that moment, though, I had never really thought about venturing out on my own (for lack of a better description) to go and find myself. Perhaps it was because I didn’t really know I needed to be found. I arrived in the Mayan Riviera in one piece, but a few days later, ensconced in the lush greenery of Tulum by the breathtaking, crystal blue-green sea , I unequivocally fell apart.

Read the rest of my blog featuring Lexi Jewelry at www.wsvn.com or shop the look at www.lexijewelry.com & www.nicdelmar.com.

Twitter: @lexijewelry
Instagram: @lexijewelry
Facebook: Lexi Jewelry
Pinterest: Lexi Jewelry

Thursday, January 15, 2015 , ,