Fashion boutique finds, a fave new unisex beauty product, go to florist for low cost bouquets, jewelry repair, La Muse Cafe, and a not to be missed museum exhibit, all in Karens Kudos to start off the New Year right!
“Recon” missions uncovered new fashion finds, clothes and accessories you won’t find elsewhere, and at accessible prices. The first is from the sisters behind Isabel Riera which is where MiamiCurated had an event a few years ago. Sadly the Coconut Grove store is closing, but it will be reincarnated as a by appointment atelier for custom clothing.
The retail operation is now at Vicky Victoria, 2401 Biscayne Boulevard, in Edgewater, and has a new more fashion forward vibe. Find everything from WOW clingy dresses, blingy jeans and original jean jackets to filmy long patterned dresses, fun tops and statement pieces for day to evening. They also feature over the top platform sneakers from Turkey and models from Spain. Prices range from $30 to $250.
The second find is Camila Canabal in a tucked away spot on the second floor at 385 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne. The Founder-Director Camila Canabal, a former TV personality in Venezuela, opened the boutique and turned her hand to designing cool handbags which she has made in Italy. This is also a go to spot for athleisure wear including stretchy leggings that look like funky jeans, perfect for day to afternoon (or evening), attractive nightwear and underwear, and a large selection of chandelier earrings with beads and textiles that are all the thing now.
Down the hall is Piononos bakery which has a to die for Pavlova, a dessert made of meringue with walnuts, layer of dulce de leche, crème Chantilly and a choice of strawberries, mango, kiwi or mixed fruit. In case you missed the post on it, click here.
Beauty products that actually work and don’t break the bank. Loving my new discovery thanks to the New York Times. It’s the moisturizing Matcha sleeping lip mask from Once Upon a Tea. Order it online. You put it on at night with a brush and leave it on. Say goodbye to dry lips! $13.95.
A reader (and friend) tip took me to Manley’s Jewelry for costume jewelry repair and much more, a serious discovery . They’re friendly, very good at what they do, and super reasonably priced. For those of you (like me)who don’t have pierced ears, they will convert pierced earrings to clips. You can even choose which kind of clip you want! Besides that they do watch repair, shorten watch bands, change batteries, sell fine jewelry and an exclusive line of costume jewelry by Monica Barber. 12874 Biscayne Boulevard. It’s near Costco so you can do double duty.
The same reader put me onto Zoom Bloomz at 2600 N.E. 2nd Avenue for the quality and reasonable price of its bouquets. It’s a small spot in the Miami Garden Center loaded with all kinds of cut flowers — flowers by the stem or bunch, handheld bouquets, vases, floral arrangements, mini and mason jar arrangements, decorative rocks, moss, pedal bags, gift plants, and orchids.
Downtown and looking for a place for a salad, sandwich, shareable plates or breakfast with a delicious pastry? Check out La Muse Café at Avant Gallery in the Epic Hotel. The casual restaurant is the place you could imagine where Alice in Wonderland would eat, with its whimsical decor and lush plantings. Great fun. If you want a breakfast pastry, go early as they sell out of their croissants which come in multigrain, plain, almond and chocolate. Or, for something different, try their exclusive art tart that is filled with homemade vanilla cream, fresh berries, and topped with a piece of edible art. 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way.Dishes cost in the teens or low twenties. It’s open every day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Outstanding is the only way to describe the special art glass exhibit at the Lowe Art Museum. I’ve seen my share of impressive art glass, having been a member of a leading art glass society when I lived in Manhattan. I finally got to see it this past weekend, and I can’t recommend it enough.
The works, by artists from everywhere from Vietnam and Australia to Eastern Europe and Italy, are both superbly crafted and aesthetically beautiful. There’s also a special room with pieces by Giampaolo Seguso, a leading glass artist who is in the Murano school of Venice. The exhibit runs through January 27. Don’t miss it!
