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

Summer Romance

Summer Romance

Summer Romance

Summer Romance

Summer Romance

Summer Romance

Summer Romance

Summer Romance

Summer Romance

Summer Romance

Summer Romance

Summer Romance

What:

Falling head over heels for Kendra Scott’s 2018 Summer Collection, because who doesn’t want to wear eye-popping statement jewelry, drenched in vibrant colors, that leaves a lasting impression? That’s not all: if you smell it, they will come or something like that…introducing Kendra’s newest conquest: “The Candle Collection”.

Why:

I remember my first “Summer Romance” as if it were yesterday. It blossomed in a sleepy seaside town in North Carolina. The smell of the salty air, the feel of the sunburn on my fair skin and the taste of my boyfriends soft lips — it was all heavenly. We were both fourteen at the time and hopelessly in love.

That summer was one of the most special times of my life; wrapped in the warmth of a group of young friends, whose parents had bravely invited a dozen of us on an extended trip filled with endless days of laughter on the beach and lazy nights with planned putt-putt outings and picnic food to feed us. Once the house fell silent with sleep, my boyfriend and I would sneak outside and rendezvous on one the house’s large balconies.

We held hands under the stars, gazed into one another’s eyes and let the gentle breeze of the ocean do the talking. When we felt comfortable enough, we kissed and kissed some more. It was innocent, pure and nothing about the weight of life had complicated it yet.

Looking back, not only do I remember the bright blue color of my boyfriend’s eyes, but I recall the deep aqua-greens of the ocean, the vibrant textures of a summer well-lived and the smells of the sea, salt and sand. Even at a young age, it made me feel incredibly alive and present.

And now, thanks to Kendra Scott’s 2018 Summer Jewelry Collection, those moments seem to be more than just a distant memory. The designer, whom I’ve always adored, has somehow managed to capture the essence of my “Summer Romance” with her unique and memorable new pieces.

Bathed in exotic colors and enhanced with something called Raffia (a paper-thin tropical texture,) Kendra’s created fringe and tassel- centric necklaces, bracelets and to-die-for earrings. Her new baubles are brave, bold and have individual styling power. My favorites are the Kristen & Denise (both pictured in the blog.) When you wear a pair, you don’t need any other accessory. #EarCandyAtItsFinest

And while Change isn’t easy for any of us, Kendra does it with sophistication, sex appeal and the kind of “Summer Romance” you can’t help but fall in love with. Her fashion-forward summer trends can literally transform any outfit. Speaking of transformations — using the power and healing energies of crystals and the rich & delightful smells of nature, Kendra is also introducing a new Candle Collection with three distinct creations.

The Rose Quartz, a stone of both the heart and unconditional love, smells of peony, vanilla & rose. The Amethyst, which can cleanse, calm and protect, has notes of blackberry, sandalwood & lilac blossom and Malachite, used for deep energy cleaning, is a fragrance of green ivy, frankincense & warm amber. The candles, which come with gorgeous crystals, are specifically designed to reflect different moods because as Kendra says: “Somedays I want to feel flirty, or even sultry. Others, I need a moment of calm and rejuvenation. But everyday I always choose optimism.”

No matter what kind of mood Kendra’s in these days, she’s channeling beautiful energy into some of the things I adore most: jewelry and home decor. Whether you’re making a fashion statement or filling your home with the positive and powerful — a fabulous “Summer Romance” is always a great place to start and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things. Happy Shopping!

Where:

Kendra Scott
Brickell City Centre
701 S. Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida 33130

The Kendra Scott Boutique is located on the second floor of Brickell City Centre. There’s garage parking and it’s free for the first two hours or shop the jewelry looks & home candles here: www.kendrascott.com

When:

Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 12-6pm

Be Social:
IG: @KendraScott
FB: @KendraScott
Twitter: @KendraScott

She lived in me
like the first days of summer
she was warm
and new
and
infinitely possible.Atticus
James Woodley Photography
Shot on location at Kendra Scott located at Brickell City Centre
All Jewelry provided by Kendra Scott
Two-piece white dress www.touchdolls.com
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew ” Summer in the City” Auerbach