Chicks in Kicks

Chicks in Kicks
Chicks in Kicks
Chicks in Kicks
Chicks in Kicks Chicks in Kicks Chicks in Kicks Chicks in Kicks Chicks in Kicks

What:

Kruzin, 1602 Washington Street, South Beach 33139

Why:

It’s no big secret; I have a lot of shoes, I see a lot of shoes and I wear a lot of shoes, but when I discovered “Kruzin,” I knew my shoe game would never be the same. The brand is completely awe-inspiring: sexy, sophisticated, fashion-forward, edgy and (wait for it)… COMFORTABLE! Yeah, I said it.

Imagine, looking good and feeling good. Well, personally, I could use me a big ol’ heap of that; especially as of late. A few months ago, I tore my meniscus, promptly had surgery and now, I’m in the thick of physical therapy. It’s been incredibly hard; hobbling and wobbling around for months in what I call my “unattractive, get better soon, shoes.”

For the most part, I’ve completely and unabashedly ignored my gorgeous high heel shoe collection. Sometimes, I can’t even walk into my closet without my vain little fashionista heart breaking. Don’t judge me, I miss my heels and no kind-of flat can ever take care of that… at least, that’s what I used to think.

Lucky for me, a few months ago something magical happened. Designer extraordinaire Alessandra Gold and I decided to collaborate on the latest and greatest trends from her aforementioned uber-chic, sneaker line. Our schedules have both been so crazy, though, it took an act of God to get us in the same place at the same time, but when we FINALLY did, her shoes came “Kruzin” into my life at just the right time. I mean, a girl can only wear her “unattractive, get better soon, shoes” for so long.

Kruzin isn’t just about bold and extravagant designs; originality, comfort and off-the-chart quality is priority. “We are not an athletic company, we are a fashion company,” Alessandra told me during a recent interview for Deco Drive. The designer’s IT kicks of the season? The Chrome Collection; featuring silver and gold materials, peppered with whimsical detailing, giving the shoes texture and personality. Even the shoes mascot, the Daredevil, is a surefire sign you’re wearing something exciting and dynamic.

For the blog, Alessandra didn’t just dress me in her best kicks, she also introduced me to Kruzin’s brand new Capsule Clothing Collection (in collaboration with Designer, Lisu Vega.) It’s a line of dresses, blazers, pants, shirts and skirts that have this amazing high fashion look crossed with skater-girl perfection. Add in Alessandra’s ‘Booster’ (a comfy insert she created to raise you up as if you’re wearing heels) and viola! I’m finally a member of the prestigious group: “Chicks in Kicks.’

Wearing head-to-toe Kruzin made me feel strong, pretty and unique and really, isn’t that what fashion is all about: bringing out self confidence and self expression. While the line continues gracing the feet of celebrities around the planet (as far-reaching as Asia,) its roots are solidly planted right here in the Magic City and that’s definitely why it’s one of my favorite things…not to mention the fact that I’m literally “Kruzin” my way back into fabulous footwear after a crazy knee injury. Hello, Daredevil; goodbye five-inch heels. 😈

Where:

Kruzin has the coolest shop on South Beach, right in between Lincoln Road and 16th Street (making it easy to find.) Because of the natural hustle and bustle of the beach, especially during season, street parking is really tough. The good news? There are three easily accessible parking garages right by the store: one in front, back and catty-corner.

If you make a special trip to the beach to check out the store, make a day of it and walk Lincoln, along with all the great restaurants it has this really amazing retro flea market every other weekend. The next two are November 8th & 22nd. Happy Shopping!

When:

Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm.

www.kruzinfootwear.com
Twitter, Instagram, FB @kruzinfootwear

Just dare with us; let us do something for you that you wouldn’t do for yourself.Alessandra Gold
Photographer: James Woodley
Styling: Alessandra Gold & Jackie Kay
On-site producer: Jackie Kay
Hair & MUA: Odett Hernandez

Sweater Weather

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, sweater weather, winter, cold, stylist, koko and palenki, shoes, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, sweater weather, winter, cold, stylist, koko and palenki, shoes, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, sweater weather, winter, cold, stylist, koko and palenki, shoes, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, sweater weather, winter, cold, stylist, koko and palenki, shoes, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, sweater weather, winter, cold, stylist, koko and palenki, shoes, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot

Shireen Sandoval, Shireens Favorite Things, Fashion blog, sweater weather, winter, cold, stylist, koko and palenki, shoes, wsvn, deco drive, photoshoot

“She’s my person. If I murdered someone, she’s the person I’d call to help me drag the corpse across the floor.” I absolutely love that quote from the television show, “Grey’s Anatomy,” and it’s exactly how I feel about my stylist, Shari Bloch. 

She’s my person. The one I’d call if I got arrested in the middle of the night; she’d style my mug shot with ease and then bail me out of jail. She’s the one I’d depend on if I had to flee the country at a moment’s notice with nothing to wear. She’d insist on pulling looks for my life on the lam and remind me to always buy quality and classic as she kissed me goodbye. 

She’s the Thelma to my Louise and if I were ever to drive my car off a cliff (like they did in the movie,) she’s the one I would want in my passenger seat, holding my hand, screaming, laughing, crying and seeing me out of this world as well-dressed as possible. It wasn’t always that way, though. 

When I first came to Miami as a young entertainment reporter, I struggled to fashionably fit in and felt very self-conscious, even inadequate at times. Especially as I started to frequent Los Angeles and New York City for my job. My clothes were cute, but conservative and nothing special. My style was, well, to be totally honest, I’m not sure that I had one, but it wasn’t from lack of trying.

I spent a lot of time roaming around the Aventura Mall and local boutiques perplexed on how to harness the sex appeal of South Florida fashions, but at the same time, balance and blend them with the class and sophistication that the movers and shakers of Hollywood and Manhattan expected. That’s how I met Shari… 

I bumped into her at an upscale boutique where she was working at the time and I fell in love with her immediately. She was affable, fun-loving and full of light and love. What’s more, she knew her fashion and was incredibly astute. She noticed something about me that NO ONE ever notices. I’m related to someone incredibly famous and there’s a very subtle clue about me that gives it away. Shari caught on immediately, but had the class and decency enough not to mention it in a room full of people. 

Read the rest of “Sweater Weather” at www.wsvn.com or shop the look at www.kokopalenki.com. Remember, if it makes you happy, wear it!

Shireen’s Spotlight: Billionaire Italian Couture

Shireen Sandoval, Shireen's Favorite Things, Fashion Blog

What: Billionaire Italian Couture, 4000 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL. 33137

Why: This place breathes fabulous new life and sophistication into the ZZ Top song, “Sharp Dressed Man.” Billionaire Italian Couture is the kind of store that makes me wanna run around the place touching, feeling, smelling and purring over every single fashion item I come in contact with. It’s decadent and daring and its duds can dress any man in head-to-toe deliciousness.

Listen guys, if you wanna get your love of luxury sartorial fashion on, this is the place, period. The clothes are bold and beautiful. What’s more, the regal, ready-to-wear brand boasts superior quality, unique designs and an attention to detail that’s hard to find in today’s fashion landscape. Everything is made by Italian artisans using exotic leathers, fine Italian silks and cottons. Why look like a million bucks when you can look like a billion? Just saying…

Where: In the heart of Miami’s thriving Design District where food, fashion and all things hip and happening seem to set up shop. The store is housed in a stand alone historical building. Inside, it’s blinged out in the most beautiful way. I don’t know why, but something tells me the late Gianni Versace would’ve loved this place.

When: Monday-Friday: 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 12pm -6pm

www.billionairecouture.com
Instagram:@billionaireitaliancouture #billionaireitaliancouture
Facebook: Billionaire Couture
phone 305-576-2300

Editor: Matthew Auerbach
producer: Jessie Rosario
writer: Shireen Sandoval
photographer: t4two photography

Birks Are Back

Birks Are Back

Birks Are Back

Birks Are Back

Birks Are Back
I had two goals while growing-up in Santa Fe, New Mexico: get the heck out of Dodge and never turn into a hippie. Well, I succeeded fabulously at the first; the second? I was doing a pretty good job until a few months ago…

That’s when I noticed that some of the edgier Miami fashion bloggers, mainly on South Beach, were featuring thick-soled, white sandals resembling what I lovingly refer to as “Jesus shoes.” At least, that’s what I used to call them when I was growing up in “The Land of Enchantment” (that’s New Mexico’s nickname.) Naturally, I swore I’d never wear them. EVER.

Read the rest of the story on my full Birkenstock conversion at www.wsvn.com or buy your own snazzy pair at www.kokopalenki.com or www.birkenstockusa.com

The Graduated Gladiator

The Graduated Gladiator

The Graduated Gladiator

The Graduated Gladiator

The Graduated Gladiator

I fell head over heels in love with all things Roman esque back in 2000, when Russell Crowe breathed life into the rugged, rough-around-the edges and somewhat romantic character, General Maximus Decimus Meridius in Ridley Scott’s epic drama,”Gladiator.

Matter of fact, everyone in the movie looked nothing short of spectacular, thanks to British Costume designer Janty Yates. Her designs were such a dazzling display of decadence, they spilled off the big screen and splashed onto fashion runways everywhere. Eventually, the Greek chic look became mainstream and Janty would go onto win her first Academy Award.

Over the next fourteen years, Gladiator styles (everything from ribbon braids, one shoulder maxi dresses, bold arm cuffs and gold wired earrings,) would fade in-and-out of fashion, but the shoe, or some version of it, would make a lasting impression. Especially this Spring and Summer. The leather-bound, head-turning, leg-climbing, sexy sandal has become a strapping wardrobe staple for fashionistas everywhere.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, but a romantic Roman look can be, just click: www.kokoandpalenki.com to get started or to find out more about the history of this bold, buckled up, beautiful shoe click here: www.wsvn.com