Haute Summer Hats

Haute Summer Hats

Haute Summer Hats

Haute Summer Hats

Haute Summer Hats

Haute Summer Hats

Haute Summer Hats

Haute Summer Hats

Haute Summer Hats

Haute Summer Hats

Designer Regine Chevallier has the coolest nickname ever: “Hat Lady to the Stars.” For good reason, too. She isn’t just flanking Hollywood’s “IT” crowd with fun, fetching and fabulous headwear (not that famous people don’t wear her hats,) but rather, she’s created a one-of-a-kind hat line for the everyday South Florida fashionista.

Matter of fact, when I asked Regine where she got the hoity-toity title from, her response surprised me: “It’s our way of telling customers that we treat everybody equally,” she said proudly. What’s more, Regine mused: “We give each and every customer the rock star treatment.” Normally, I would roll my eyes if a designer told me this and go about writing my blog, but not with Regine.

She means it and if you met her in person and held one of her exquisite hats in your hands, you would understand why. At least, that’s what did it for me. Even though I’ve admired her work for some time (on social media and in boutiques,) I didn’t have the opportunity to meet her until just a few weeks ago.

With big, beautiful brown eyes, long blonde hair, velvety tanned skin and a banging body, Regine’s every inch the quintessential Miami Beach babe but yet, she’s so much more. She’s refreshingly inquisitive, extremely present, kind, warm and beyond talented. We met up at one of my favorite stores, Le Beau Maroc in Surfside (where she sells some of her hats) to talk about her collection and my obsession with “Haute Summer Hats.”

Read the rest of the blog at www.WSVN.com or shop the hat looks at www.Reginechevallier.com.
Twitter: @ChevallierRC
Instagram: @Reginechevallier
Facebook: Regine Chevallier

Twitter: @ShireenSandoval
IG: @ShireenSandoval
ssandoval@wsvn.com
www.shireensandoval.com

Photographer: James Woodley
Twitter: @BritFloridian
IG: @BritFloridian
www.James-Woodley.com

Hair & Make-up: Toshi Szpyra
Twitter: @makeupbytoshi
IG: @toshiszpyra

Styling & Assist: Jackie Kay
blog ideas: Jackiekay211@yahoo.com

Editor: Matthew Auerbach

The Best Suits of Summer

The Best Suits of Summer

The Best Suits of Summer

The Best Suits of Summer

I’ll never forget the endless summers I spent on the coast of North Carolina. My shoulders were always kissed by the sun, my hair was continually salty from the ocean and my one-piece, bright blue bathing suit was my constant companion.

It was one of the most carefree times of my life and even though I was only in my early teens, I knew it was special. There’s nothing like a good dose of love, laughter and beach-bum behavior to create magical memories. Since that snapshot in time, I’ve based a lot of my life, vacations and seaside fashion sense on the sights, sounds and spirit of those endless summer months.

Now, after growing-up in the desert (I’m originally from New Mexico,) I live and work by the ocean, spend my precious days off in the Florida Keys and dress like a bohemian beach bunny. That’s why choosing the right swimsuit is so important to me. It’s not just about the way I look, it’s about the way I feel. I love styles and trends that evoke nostalgia, but at the same time create new moments and memories. I know, I know, NO pressure! The good news is…

Read the rest of “The Best Suits of Summer” at www.wsvn.com or to get the looks featured in the blog:

Beige bikini & cover-ups
www.mayaswimwear.com
Twitter: @Maya_Swimwear
IG: @Maya_swimwearok
FB: Maya Swimwear

One piece swimsuit
www.redcarter.com
Twitter: @redcarterswim
IG: @redcarterswim
FB: Red Carter Swim

Spray tan by Valet Tan Miami
www.valettans.com
Twitter: @valettanmiami
IG: @valettanmiami
FB: Valet Tans

Beautifully Banded

Beautifully Banded

Beautifully Banded

Beautifully Banded

Beautifully Banded

I could see the door to the jet bridge closing, despite the fact that I was just a few yards away from it. Mind you, I was fully sprinting through the airport, dragging my bags behind me, yelling: “Hold the door! Hold the door!” Sure enough, just as I reached the gate, the flight attendant sealed the door shut and mouthed through the glass window: “Sorry, you’re too late.”

I backed away from the door and shook my head in disbelief. I knew that I had taken a major risk with my time, but I didn’t think it would come to this. I was officially stranded in Canada. Work was not going to be happy with me. It all started earlier that day…

Read the rest of this fun article about getting “Beautifully Banded” at www.wsvn.com or to get the wardrobe, shoes or jewelry featured on the blog: dress & headband from www.kokopalenki.com shoes www.nanettelepore.com jewelry www.cmadeleines.com

Hope you’re enjoying the end of Summer!

Thursday, August 7, 2014 , , ,

The Transparent Trend

The Transparent Trend

The Transparent Trend

The Transparent Trend

The Transparent Trend

When I got the assignment this week to do a story on VH1’s new “Naked Dating” show for Deco Drive, I was beyond intrigued and not because I needed a date, either. Although I have to admit, cutting thru all the dressings of life in one fell swoop, in my birthday suit, on national television did sound like a soul baring experience. It was really more about my obsession with all things fashionably nude.

While interviewing Chuck Handy (yes, that’s his real name,) a Miami bachelor who’s featured on the reality show, I realized that loving yourself in the buff wasn’t just a new fad on TV. Over the last few years, “The Transparent Trend” has become a major player in fashion, too.

Matter-of-fact, for the rest of Summer and into the first part of Fall, anything bare, buff, beige, naked, nude or see-through is a must have for the full-time fashionista. Whether it’s a pretty purse, sexy shoes, a pair of pale colored pants or reflective accessories, going crystal clear is completely cool. Here’s what you need to tackle the trend…

For the full article click: www.wsvn.com or to get the look featured in the blog click: www.kokopalenki.com

Cool as a Cupcake

Cool as a Cupcake

Cool as a Cupcake

Cool as a Cupcake

Cool as a Cupcake

Mattie McDonald was one of the prettiest women I’d ever seen. She had light green eyes, dark brown hair and milky white skin. When she wafted by me, she smelled of lavender, honeysuckle and some other hypnotizing perfume I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I spent a lot of my spare time daydreaming about her and not just because I wanted to know her. Ultimately, I wanted to be her.

I know it sounds a little “Single White Female” of me, but really, it was a little more innocent than that. Mattie, or Mrs. McDonald, as I knew her, was my 5th grade homeroom teacher and I was completely in love with her. I mean, everyone in my class was. I guess you could say I adored her. Here’s why…

Read about the rest of my article on cupcake fashions at www.wsvn.com or create your own ladylike “Cool as a Cupcake” look from my blog wardrobe:

T-Shirt: www.bloomingdales.com
Skirt: www.tedbaker.com
Necklace: www.forever21.com
Bracelets: www.kokopalenki.com
Ring: www.josetteredwolf.com
Purse: http://uk.monsoon.co.uk
Shoes: http://www.giuseppezanottidesign.com

Thursday, July 17, 2014 ,