Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

Prints & Patterns

What:

Fashionistas never fear: wearing Spring’s hottest #PrintsAndPatterns doesn’t have to be weird — thanks to MVM Miami, one of my favorite boutiques in The Magic City.

Why:

When Duchess Meghan Markle first burst onto the international fashion scene, I was less than overwhelmed. In fact, I found some of her outfits bland — even boring — and I didn’t care HOW much they cost or WHO the couture designer was — I just wasn’t feeling it; but that’s the thing about love, you forgive easily. Meghan loved Prince Harry and Prince Harry loved Meghan and I was so rooting for their ‘happily ever after,’ I mean, who wasn’t? So, when she stepped out looking like a monochromatic old maid, I looked the other way.

Then — somewhere between her royal wedding, numerous public engagements, that never-ending Australian tour and her pregnancy, something in my fashion perception shifted. I realized Meghan’s outfits weren’t stodgy at all, they were streamlined, sophisticated and classy. It wasn’t just the #MarkleSparkle either, although, I do love her smile, it was this innate sense of style she seemed to possess. Maybe it was her stylist/BFF, the now-famed Jessica Mulroney. Maybe it was my need to live more simply (hence, The Blouse Report blog) or maybe I was just exploring new style possibilities. Whatever it was, I started falling for the fashionings of The Duchess of Sussex.

After discovering my new-found taste, I purged my closet, lessening my ‘boho beach-y meets Santa Fe hippy chic’ look and invested in more straightforward dresses and suits; trying to tame my sometimes over-the-top #DecoDrive television fashion persona. I’m not gonna lie, it was hard and some pieces were impossible to part with, so I settled for a happy medium and wondered if anyone actually noticed. They didn’t 😂…

And so, life goes on and so does the blog and so did my semi-conservative dressing, until low and behold #SS19 whipped my wardrobe overhaul into a complete trend tizzy. Let me back up…I’ve been wanting to do a feature on MVM Miami for awhile. It’s not only one of the best boutiques in The Magic City it’s one of my secret weapons when staying fashion-forward on Deco.

When I booked the blog with owner, Melissa Mosheim, she sent some outfit suggestions featuring “Prints & Patterns” and I was sold. When doing a little more research on #SS19, it was obvious that monochromatic and color blocking was a thing of winters past. It was all about florals, animal prints, stripes, plaids, paisley, butterflies, snake skin, polka dots, pop art motifs and more. You can even mix your “Prints & Patterns,” think *more is more* on crack and that’s where the aforementioned trend tizzy comes in.

With my mind set on the distinctive duchess, I almost forgot about my OWN quirky style and how I love expressing my own life’s journey through what I’m wearing. I grew up in the desert, traveled the world as a journalist and live in one of the most vibrant cities in the world; if that doesn’t scream “Prints & Patterns”
I don’t know what does. Now, I’m just trying to find an eclectic balance and that’s why MVM Miami boutique works for someone like me. It’s worldly, avant-garde, yet romantic and Miami-esque. It’s a store with a pulse for what’s happening on the runway and in real life.

Spring is the the perfect time for new beginnings, reinvention or adding “Prints & Patterns” back into your wardrobe and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things. PS. Just in the nick of time, Meghan wore a flower-y print dress last week to one of her royal engagements. #TwinningIsWinning

Where:

MVM MIAMI
2119 NW 2nd Avenue
Miami, Florida 33127

When:

Monday – Saturday: 11am-7pm
Sunday: 12-6pm

Or shop on-line:
Be Social:
FB: @mvmmiami
IG: @mvm_miami
Twitter: @MVM_MIAMI

I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little – if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.Coco Chanel
James Woodley Photography
all outfits, sunnies & jewelry by MVM MIAMI
Styling: Melissa Mosheim
Make-up: Tabitha Rey @makeupbytabs
Hair: Jess Stuver www.zenzensalon.com
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “I Used To Be A Happy Medium” Auerbach
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Shireen's Favorite Things , ,

Shireen’s Spotlight: Sakura 736

Shireen’s Spotlight: Sakura 736

Shireen’s Spotlight: Sakura 736

Shireen’s Spotlight: Sakura 736

Shireen’s Spotlight: Sakura 736

Shireen’s Spotlight: Sakura 736

Shireen’s Spotlight: Sakura 736

Shireen’s Spotlight: Sakura 736

What:

Friday night dinner at Sakura 736 — a chic new eatery — where Japanese & Peruvian food fuse fabulously, creating a unique culinary experience.

Why:

Sakura 736 is just one of those places: cool, sexy and laid-back. It totally matches the vibe of the Magic City, but its food is a different story. It’s not just unique, it’s something that’s hard to find in the 305.

Its cuisine is called “Nikkei” — an interesting and artful fusion of Japanese & Peruvian foods. If you’re wondering how the unusual combination came to be, I’m right there with you. Thank God for Google…

Apparently, back in the 1800’s, a lot of Japanese families immigrated to Peru in search of a better life and a country said to be “filled with gold.” Since then, the two cultures have beautifully blended together. Sakura is a generous reminder of that historical harmony.

That nugget of information made my dining experience all the more enjoyable…

I started Spotlight with two creative drinks: the Word of Wisdom and Seppuku. I loved the presentation of both, but an Owl drink? I mean, WHO can resist a copper owl mug filled to the brim with vodka, pear brandy and spiced tea? The Seppuku, which is tequila-based, was muy caliente, made with yummy ingredients like Fresno chili, watermelon and agave. I’m a sucker for anything savory, so it’s black-salted rim was magic in my mouth.

One of my favorite dishes of the night was the Classic Ceviche (made with fish, red onions, Peruvian corn and sweet potato.) The Leche de Tigre they cure it in makes it extra special. Nothing like a marinade with moxie.

The scallops — named Hotate A La Parmesan on the menu — were pretty impressive, too. The presentation was appealing and the scallops were served in a mind-blowing parmesan sauce. If they served it in a cup, I’d definitely drink it. Lol.

The Sakura Roll was the most artistic dish of the night, made with lobster, tempura, cucumber & asapargus. Its pink spicy mayo was used to create sushi art; more specifically, the frilly leaves of a Sakura Tree (we call it a Dogwood). The restaurant and its signature roll are named after the tree, which is said to represent the fragility and beauty of life.

What’s sushi without a little sashimi? I’ve tried tuna before, but not toro, which is the pale, fatty cut of the fish that comes from its belly. Although I loved it, I feel like it’s an acquired taste — but don’t worry, there are plenty of other raw selections.

If you love quinoa, the Quinoto is interesting (made with quinoa, Peruvian corn, cheese and a gi-normous prawn.) I say “interesting” because I don’t find quinoa particularly worth inhaling, mainly due to its healthy reputation; but in this case, it added great texture to the plate and pairing it with a oversized prawn was perfect.

Before the mains, another round of drinks arrived. Both the South of Fifth and Sakura Maru packed an elegant punch, which of course (if you know anything about me,) I LOVE #LushesAreUs

The #SouthOfFifth, garnished with a lychee, is made with strawberry-infused sake and St. Germain. The #SakuraMaru (my favorite adult beverage of the night) mixes bubbly with yuzu, zamaca and cherry blossom.

I tried two main dishes — the savory Lomo Saltado (think Chinese stir-fry with sirloin) served with jasmine rice and the unusual Paiche (an Amazonian river fish) breaded with garlic panko and served with baby bok choy and wild mushrooms. As a side, I munched on little fried balls of heaven called: ‘Papitas Ocopa” or as we call them here, fried potato balls. Speaking of fried…

For dessert, I gobbled up a Peruvian specialty called Picaron (fried doughnuts.) The originals are made with squash and sweet potato and were created by Peruvian Royalty. If they’re good enough for royalty, well, they’re good enough for moi.

Sakura 736 is an alluring spot with exciting & unique food. It’s great for a date or a get-together with friends. And, if you’re a true foodie, you’ll definitely want to put this on your must-try radar and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things. Cheers!

Where:

Sakura 736
736 1st Street
Miami Beach, FL. 33139

Make a reservation: www.sakura736.com or 786-607-0199.

When:

Open Daily
Dinner Hours are 5pm-11pm

Be Social:
FB: @Sakura736
IG: @sakura_736
Twitter: @Sakura_736

Little by little one walks far.Peruvian Proverb
James Woodley Photography
Styling: Jackie Kay
Dress & Black Cami by @mvm_miami
Evening Clutch: @xobetseyjohnson
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Gi-Normous” Auerbach
Friday, February 16, 2018 Shireen's Spotlight , , , ,