DailyCandy Miami

More Than Words

2009-11-20T14:15:00Z

Library: Archives of Fashion Vintage Shop

It was Miss Lail with the horsebit belt in the library.

Need a bigger clue? We’re talking about Library: Archives of Fashion, an online vintage shop out of Charleston.

At the helm is Lauren Lail, who sees each fashion piece as a story, together creating a unique anthology.

Designer items share virtual racks with no names, all dangling reasonable price tags and detailed measurements.

Hopeless romantics will be drawn to floral dresses, ruffled tops, and crochet vests. Big sunglasses, chunky belts, and animal prints will appeal to those with a penchant for drama. And boyfriend cardis and blazers offer self-help on days when you’re not feeling your thinnest.

There are times we can all use a cover-up.

Available online at libraryfashion.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Sully Sullivan Photography

Crackalackin'

2009-11-20T08:30:00Z

Crackerman Crackers

Who can take a wafer,
Sprinkle it with seeds,
Mix it with no yeast
And a grain or three?

The Crackerman can.
The Crackerman can, ’cause he bakes the crisps with love and makes your cheese taste good.

Who can bake the whole grains
Into a tasty loaf,
Spread on a little butter,
And ooh is that good stuff?

The Crackerman can.
The Crackerman can, ’cause he bakes the bread with love and makes your sandwich taste good.

Stefan Uch makes
Everything he bakes
Satisfying and delicious.
He’ll even bring them to your party,
’Cause he’s German, and he’s hearty.

Who can be all organic,
And still taste good,
Add some spices and some oil,
So they won’t taste like wood?

The Crackerman can.
The Crackerman can, ’cause he bakes his carbs with love and makes your belly feel good.

Available Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Coconut Grove Farmers Market, 3300 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove; online at crackermancrackers.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Crackerman

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s a dog’s life.

MAKE
Cake for Canines
What: Give Fido a little something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving (or his next b-day) with a doggie dessert mix. For bonus points, get the bone-shaped cupcake pan.
Why: You’ve got a case of puppy love.
Where: Online at puppycake.com.

SAVE
Heidi Merrick Sale
What: The L.A. designer is discounting dresses, bathing suits, skirts, and blouses by 50-75 percent.
Why: It’s going, going, gone.
Where: Online at heidimerrick.com.

USE
Wordnik
What: The comprehensive online dictionary includes pronunciations, relevant quotes, etymologies, and recent appearances on Twitter and Flickr.
Why: Spread the words.
Where: Online at wordnik.com.

ORGANIZE
LobotoMe Notepads
What: Handy checklists make for more efficient packing, grocery shopping, working out, meal planning, and more.
Why: You’d forget your head if it weren’t attached.
Where: Online at lobotome.com.

WATCH
Handmade Nation
What: Artist/first-time filmmaker Faythe Levine traveled across America to make this inspiring documentary about the recent rise of crafting and DIY.
Why: Get creative juices flowing.
Where: Online at buyolympia.com.

EAT
Full Circle Flavors
What: Three lovely sisters in Pennsylvania make chocolaty Amaretto, Limoncello, and Orangecello cakes.
Why: You’re well rounded.
Where: Online at fullcircleflavors.com.

Would you rather hit the road this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Puppy Cake

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T08:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Let the binging begin.

EAT
Proof Opens
What: The outdoor area of Z Ocean Hotel gets another incarnation — this time taking over the Table 8 space and serving traditional American fare with an Asian influence.
Why: It’s got something to prove.
When: Opens Tues. Daily, 7 a.m.-1 a.m.
Where: 1458 Ocean Dr., South Beach (305-672-7901).

TASTE
Luna Corner Pizza
What: Gourmet thin-crust pies (with a multigrain option) now available for easy takeout (or delivery) at the new casual pizzeria.
Why: It Cornered the market.
When: Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: 6815 Biscayne Blvd., Upper East Side (305-507-9209).

New Menu at Soleá
What: The restaurant in the W gets a redo with the exciting arrival of new executive chef (and Por Fin alum) Marc Vidal.
Why: It’s good for the Solea.
When: Menu starts Mon. Sun.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 7 a.m.-midnight.
Where: 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach (305-938-3111).

CELEBRATE
La Piaggia’s Tenth Anniversary
What: The swank SoFi spot makes merry with sunset cocktails and free hors d’oeuvres followed by a $45 prix fixe dinner.
Why: Hit the ten spot.
When: Sat. Party, 6-8 p.m.; dinner, 8:30 p.m.
Where: 1000 S. Pointe Dr., South Beach (305-674-0647).

SEE
Swim and Skate Retro Trunk Show
What: Models roll around the Clevelander’s rooftop pool wearing neon skates and bathing suits by local designer Kristina Ashley.
Why: It’s all-wheel drive.
When: Sat., 1-6 p.m.
Where: SPF4 Sun Deck, 1020 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach (305-532-4006).

Prefer to get away? All you need are fresh undies and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Proof

Under African Skies

2009-11-18T17:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Cape Town

Humming with young boho buzz, Cape Town has emerged from its rocky past as the creative capital of Africa. From high-stakes adventures (paragliding off Signal Hill) to creature comforts (crisp, local sauvignon blancs), the city will leave you breathless.

GPS
While the day away in City Bowl’s historic open-air markets, public gardens, and cobblestoned pedestrian malls dating back to the 17th century’s Dutch East India Company. Tamboerskloof has chic outdoor cafes and prime-time people-watching. Style junkies should head to emerging neighborhoods Woodstock (for design collectives and art galleries), Bo-Kaap (for colorful cottage architecture), and de Waterkant (for a hopping gay scene).

NEST
To experience the social swirl at its best, stay within easy access of Kloof Street. Kick up your heels at Tamboerskloof’s sleek and chic Kensington Place (38 Kensington Crescent; +27-21-424-4744) for primo pampering (like your suite sprinkled with rose petals).

The Airstream Penthouse Trailer Park atop the new Grand Daddy (38 Long Street; +27-21-424-7247) offers a campy-cool vibe in the form of seven vintage caravans refurbished by local artists and set against stunning Table Mountain. Trailers have themes — Afro Funk, Love of Lace, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Sip Castle lager at the rooftop bar and catch a flick at The Pink Flamingo outdoor cinema. Really, now. Who said trailer trash was a uniquely American phenomenon?

INGEST
Native glamazons start the day with Ouma Rusks, the South African equivalent of a biscotti, and yummy meia de leites (espresso with steamed milk) at Vida e Caffe (34 Kloof Street; +27-21-426-0627). For lunch, grab a quiche at Melissa’s (94 Kloof Street; +27-21-424-5540), which has an awesome pay-per-kilo buffet. Thirsty? Sundowners are a Capetonian institution. Snag a harborside table at Cape Grace’s Bascule (West Quay Road; +27-21-410-7100) and choose from more than 400 whiskeys. The largest single malt collection in the Southern hemisphere, it’s a whiskey lover’s wet dream.

INVEST
Share the love with jealous pals back home and swing through the historic Greenmarket Square (54 Shortmarket Street) for authentic African curios like Hutu masks, soapstone giraffe sculptures, and wooden rhino salad tongs. Saturday mornings, the city’s creative cognoscenti descend upon Woodstock’s vibrant Neighbourgoods Market (373-375 Albert Road; +27-21-448-1438). Tarts, curries, and biltong (South African beef jerky) are a must. And make room for one-of-a-kind textiles, vintage dresses, and handcrafted charm necklaces.

DIGRESS
For old-world glamour and traditional Afrikaans fare, stop by Sunday jazz brunch at Steenberg Hotel and Winery in Constantia Valley (10802 Steenberg Estate, Tokai Road; +27-21-713-2222), the oldest vineyard on the Western Cape. (Owner Graham Beck’s brut NV is what the Obamas popped on election night.)

For insider access to vineyards, hook up with Roar Africa. Its people have been in the region for eleven generations, and co-founder Deb Calmeyer can impress the pickiest oenophile. The VIP visit to UK diamond king Laurence Graff’s new winery, Delaire Graff Estate (P.O. Box 3058, Stellenbosch; +27-21-885-8160), gets you into the off-limits barrel room and a sneaky sampling straight from the casks. (The property’s chic David Collins-designed boutique hotel is set to open next year.)

THE REST
No snoozing for you: There’s high-voltage adrenalin and raw wildlife at every turn. Swim with sharks at Seal Island. Ride big waves at Muizenberg Beach. Hike Table Mountain for sweeping views of the city and the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Visit indigenous penguins at Boulders Beach. And catch a glimpse of the only free roaming white lions in the world at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (+27-28-572-1824).

Don’t worry about the eternal flight home. You’ll be sleeping the whole way.

Photos: Courtesy of Kelley McMillan; Courtesy of The Grand Daddy; Courtesy of Cape Grace; Courtesy of Neighbourgoods Market; Courtesy of Delaire Graff Estate; Courtesy of Sanbona Game Reserve

Skin City

2009-11-18T14:15:00Z

Khirma Eliazov Handbags Debut

After your FUPA made an unscheduled appearance at a late-night dance party (followed by its own tag on Facebook), you swore your skin-showing days were over.

But you’ll rethink things when you get a glimpse of Khirma Eliazov’s handbags. The fashion editor-cum-designer uses unusual exotic skins to make them stand out (in a good way).

The carryalls are comprised of Italian leather, canvas, and gold or silver hardware with textured panels made of stingray. Styles include an oversize number for day, a sleek tote you can carry into the evening, and a pouch with a long body strap good for hitting the town at night. All are available in rich fall hues like navy, eggplant, black, taupe, and gray.

The price tags are steep ($240-$1,495 to be exact).

But you’ve considered paying more for tight skin.

Available online at khirmaeliazov.com. DailyCandy readers get 20% off on purchases made today with code DailyCandy.

Photo: Courtesy of Khirma Eliazov

Ladies' Man

2009-11-18T08:30:00Z

LadyLash Studios Mobile Services

There’s a name for the kind of man who enjoys putting on makeup.

It’s Georgio Fernandez.

The makeup stylist, who’s enhanced celeb faces and worked for big names like MAC, Shu Uemura, and Laura Mercier, has now teamed up with his equally talented wife, eyelash artist Mikaela Fernandez, to open LadyLash Studios in Delray.

But no need to trek north: The operation is mobile. At-home offerings include Georgio’s famous brow sculpting (precise tweezer work), makeup application and instruction, along with extensions by Mikaela. Her full lashes make a sultry yet subtle statement — as opposed to screaming, “I’m a tranny.” The duo also teams up for wedding parties and events.

Plus, Georgio has his own line of top-quality cosmetics. But for that, you’ve got to drive to LadyLash.

It’s not such a drag.

LadyLash Studios, 170 Northeast Second Avenue, Delray Beach (561-865-5111 or ladylash.com). Call to book private/at-home appointments.

Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Lorren Photography

This Little Deal of Mine

2009-11-17T16:00:00Z

Let ’em shine!

Let's Be Ecological

2009-11-17T14:00:00Z

My, what a big carbon footprint you have! Try these green products with an edge, dear.

Isn't It Organic?

2009-11-17T08:30:00Z

Mindful Organics Food Consulting

Cook. Exercise. Recycle. Volunteer. Oh, the things you’d do more of (or, um, at all) if you had the time.

Cut the crap and go see holistic nutritionist Ginny Simon, who’ll shoot down your excuses. Through her new company, Mindful Organics, she teaches clients how to make more natural food choices.

The program begins with an individual consultation, where she analyzes your menu preferences and schedule. Then she proffers customized tips on what to eat and how to fit the prep into your day-to-day.

Don’t know where to shop or what to buy? Figure it out during Organics 101, her guided tour of local markets. Hate veggies? Learn about juicing during the Mindful Mornings seminars. Can’t cook to save your life? Take a class by yourself or in a group.

Just don’t say you didn’t get the memo.

Mindful Organics (305-972-6073 or mindfulorganics.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Mindful Organics

Get Pumped

2009-11-16T14:15:00Z

Easy Does It: How to Change a Flat Tire

We’re always looking for a reason to hang out with hunks. Especially if it requires flexing, moaning, and pushing.

So it only made sense to find a muscley beefcake to teach us how to change a busted tire for our next Easy Does It how-to video.

Don’t be intimidated by the task at hand: Fixing a flat is actually really easy — and totally beats waiting for AAA or flagging down a sketchy truck driver. Plus, we figure self-sufficiency (especially if you’re in BFE) is always a good policy.

Now it’s time for a little pump and grind.

To submit questions you’d like us to answer in our next Easy Does It video, e-mail easydoesit@dailycandy.com. Feel free to ask us anything (anything!).

Hot Pepper

2009-11-16T08:30:00Z

Miss Pepper Accessories Boutique Opens

After a frustrating “don’t ask, don’t tell” stint in the army, Sgt. Pepper was discharged. He then met Dr. Pepper, and the successful couple decided to adopt.

With happiness, we welcome the new arrival: Miss Pepper, an accessories boutique that captures one dad’s bubbly personality and the other’s attention to detail.

The South Miami shop teems with embellishments like jewelry, handbags, wallets, makeup cases, coin purses, and headbands. Scour familiar lines like House of Harlow, Elizabeth Cole, A.V. Max, and Zambos & Siega at economic environment-friendly prices, ranging from $15 to $300.

And, of course, the baby is adorable. Picture gray and yellow-flowered wallpaper, a fainting couch, and trays proffering cookies and cupcakes. Future plans include designer trunk shows and shopping parties.

It’ll be a gay old time.

Miss Pepper, 7308 Red Road, South Miami (305-668-8282).

Photo: Courtesy of Miss Pepper

Let's Take It Slows

2009-11-13T14:15:00Z

Split Pea and Okra Fritter Recipe from Detroit's Slows Bar B Q

You’ve never been the type to fritter things away. Until now. Down at Slows Bar B Q, Detroit’s destination for all things slathered in saucy sauce and washed down with craft beer, chef Brian Perrone’s split pea and okra fry-ups make a scrumptious start to any meal.

Split Pea and Okra Fritters
Makes 25-30 fritters

Ingredients
2 c. green split peas, cooked and cooled
4 c. baby spinach, packed
½ c. hot sauce
¼ c. buttermilk
6 eggs
2 tbsp. kosher salt
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. baking powder
¼ c. yellow cornmeal
3 c. all-purpose flour, plus a little more
8 c. okra, sliced

1. Combine split peas and spinach in food processor, add hot sauce and buttermilk, process until smooth. Transfer to large bowl.

2. Whisk in eggs; add salt, sugar, baking powder, and cornmeal.

3. Whisk in flour a little at a time until mixture is not too loose, not too firm.

4. Fold in okra.

5. Drop by rounded tablespoon into 350º oil, fry until golden brown and cooked all the way through. Serve immediately.

Slows Bar B Q, 2138 Michigan Avenue, at Fisher Freeway West, Detroit (313-962-9828‎ or slowsbarbq.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Greg Holm

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2009-11-13T08:30:00Z

Sale Rack Resale Store Opens

Your wardrobe is brimming with fantastic pieces in the perfect size, color, and style.

For someone, somewhere.

Take your threads to Sale Rack: the new recycled clothing store in Coconut Grove where you can sell, trade, or buy.

Owner Allison Sagehorn was living in Chicago, where unmusty, well-stocked consignment shops are the norm. Lured by her BFF to Miami, she embarked on a buying road trip, scouring yard sales and Craigslist ads along the way.

Expect brands like Marc Jacobs, Milly, James Jeans, Joie, Citizens of Humanity, and Paul & Joe — with nothing more than $75 (and starting around $12).

Sale Rack accepts women’s clothing, handbags, belts, and jewelry. When your stuff sells, either keep 30 percent of the profit or get 35 percent toward store credit.

So no one feels used.

Sale Rack, 3096 Fuller Street, Coconut Grove (305-537-6078 or shopthesalerack.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Sale Rack

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-12T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Drink up.

CARRY
Wine Totes
What: Carry vino in these perfectly sized cotton bags. They’ve got designs just for Bordeaux, Rioja, and Napa Valley wines.
Why: Beats a paper bag.
Where: Online at maptote.com.

MAKE
All-Natural NyQuil
What: The handsome Hot Knives blogger guys devised a recipe using booze, mint leaves, green chili, and ginger that’ll show your cold who’s boss.
Why: It’s good going down.
Where: Online at urbanhonking.com.

SHOP
Castor & Pollux
What: NYC-based store is bringing its equine-themed clothes, accessories, and antiques to the Net. Designers include Filippa K, Acne, and United Bamboo.
Why: Start horsin’ around.
Where: Online at castorandpolluxstore.com.

USE
Cell Phone Radiation Protection
What: These cases purport to be the first of their kind to reduce radiation from your cellular.
Why: Don’t fry your brain.
Where: Online at pongresearch.com.

EAT
Bobbysue’s Nuts
What: Delish organic snacks are the perfect combo of savory and sweet (even the It’s Raining Chocolate variety). A portion of sales goes to help homeless animals.
Why: You’ll love deez nuts.
Where: Online at bobbysuesnuts.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Kate Mathis

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-12T08:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Experiment.

SHOP
Style Lab’s Anniversary Party
What: The boutique celebrates its second year with up to 70 percent off, plus cocktails, cupcakes, and a DJ.
Why: Get a Lab coat.
When: Thurs., 6-10 p.m.
Where: 5580 NE 4th Ct., Upper East Side (305-756-1010).

PARTY
Spice Trade
What: Yelp hosts a free fete at the swank Mandarin Oriental with drinks, food (Maitardi, Sushi Maki, Indian Palate), and mini spa treatments.
Why: Spice things up.
When: Sat., 8-10 p.m.
Where: 500 Brickell Key Dr., Brickell Key (305-913-8288).

PREPARE
For All-You-Can-Eat Stone Crabs
What: Kitchen 305 serves endless plates of claws (alongside New England clam chowder, salad, and sides) for just $35 per person.
Why: Get stoned.
When: Wed., 5-10 p.m.
Where: In the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort, 16701 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach (305-949-1300).

HEAR
Lauren Grodstein’s Reading
What: At the Miami Book Fair, the author of A Friend of the Family reads from her new novel about a father’s struggle with the collapse of his suburban world.
Why: It’s a family affair.
When: Sun., 1:30 p.m.
Where: Miami Dade College, Auditorium Pavilion b, 300 NE 2nd Ave., Downtown (305-237-3258).

SAVE
Jewelry and Lingerie Sale
What: Citrine by the Stones and Eberjey team up at a boozy shopping event offering 30-80 percent off.
Why: Sale away.
When: Party, Thurs., 5-8 p.m. Sale, Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: 2146 NE 162nd St., North Miami Beach (305-405-5000).

Photo: Courtesy of Style Lab

Future Perfect

2009-11-11T17:00:00Z

Top Ten Destinations for 2010

Last week we announced our partnership with Black Tomato. Today we’re showing what it can do: get you to the destinations everyone’s going to be talking about next. (P.S. to those who haven’t booked holiday trips yet: Look. how. easy.)

Here are the top ten for 2010.

Colombia is the perfect cocktail of sea (Caribbean), mountains (Andes), and rain forest (Amazon). In Cartagena, check into Sofitel Santa Clara, then wander cobbled streets to gaze at brightly colored buildings, watch spectacular sunsets from Cafe del Mar on the harbor, and have dinner at Club de Pesca (order mahimahi). End your visit snorkeling crystal blue waters while recuperating in a stunning ecohab in the cliffs above the Parque Nacional Tayrona beaches. Details.

Safaris always deliver, especially in Botswana, where the flood plains of the Okavango Delta are home to elephants, lions, wildebeest, giraffes, and buttloads of wild cats. Bond with the beasts from a different perspective on HMS Zib, a spanking-new houseboat that cruises the river. At Zarafa Camp, you can sleep in a four-poster bed, relax in a free-standing copper tub, and snooze by roaring open-stone fires. Details.

If you want to turn a classic on its head, set your compass to the land Down Under, which has so much more than the well-publicized East Coast. Western Australia has laid-back charm, beautiful beaches, and rugged landscapes. Start at The Richardson Hotel in Perth, then head up the coast to Ningaloo Reef to swim with whale sharks, surf alongside dolphins, and take in mesmerizing sunsets at wine tastings. From the ecotents at Sal Salis, it’s a quick kayak ride to the reef’s fish, turtles, and manta rays. Details.

Since Turkey is outside the euro, your budget will stretch further. European Capital of Culture Istanbul will be throbbing next year and, when combined with Bodrum and Cappadocia, mixes ancient and modern. In Istanbul, stay at Tomtom Suites in the historic Pera area for incredible views of the rooftops and harbor. Or across the water on the Asian side at Sumahan for huge suites with funky fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bosphorus. Look out Côte d’Azur: Bodrum’s up-and-coming beach hotspots Cesme (your hotel: 7800) and Türkbükü (book Maçakizi) have sugar white sand and emerald waters and are the coolest place to top up your tan in style. In Cappadocia, take a balloon ride tour of the stunning lunar landscapes and ancient caves, then recover from it all at Anatolian Houses. Details.

Rounding out the list: lost cities in Syria, volcano surfing in Nicaragua, spiritual awakening in Bhutan, maharaja living in India, lunar landscapes in Chile, and wildebeest migrations in Tanzania.

The got-there-first bragging rights are yours for the taking.

For more information and help booking trips, go to blacktomato.co.uk.

Photos: Courtesy of Black Tomato; Courtesy of Ningaloo Reef

I Love You, Mann

2009-11-11T14:15:00Z

Elliot Mann Handbags Launch

Your dating life is proof that men are from Mars and women are from Venus.

So Elliot Mann must be from Marnus.

One look at his bags, and you’ll suspect the guy’s too good to be true (he is, in fact, imaginary — inspired by two of the designer’s mentors).

Made out of vintage embroidered fabrics from all over the world, each carryall is a one-of-a-kind creation. All are vibrant in color and pattern with sturdy braided leather handles, and they’re big enough to tote around a laptop and groceries on top of the essentials.

The just-launched online shop stocks only twenty bags at a time, and at $275, expect them to go like hotcakes. Thankfully, inventory will constantly be replenished as it’s sold.

Looks like the planets have been aligned.

Available online at elliotmann.com.

Elliot Mann Bag Collection

2009-11-11T14:00:00Z

One-of-a-kind showstoppers, Elliot Mann bags ($275) have a rich history. Fabrics are sourced from Asia, Nepal, and Peru, with Morocco next on the horizon. They all had a previous existence in some other form — furniture upholstery, curtains, even a monk’s robe.

Get the full story on Elliot Mann.

Man of the Cloth

2009-11-11T08:30:00Z

Blue Capri Swim Shop Opens

Men lurking in lingerie shops are usually a red flag.

Unless they’re Italian.

Which is why we welcome fashionisto (what? he’s a man) Antonio Capuano and his new swim shop, Blue Capri.

The Coconut Grove boutique bubbles with swimwear from near (Miami) and far (Brazil, Colombia). Shop colorful bikinis, sultry maillots, and silky cover-ups. Big names like Ank, Miranda M, and Cia Marítima line the white walls interspersed with more affordable up-and-comers. The local showing includes Nikki Poulos swimwear and Funky Urban hats and tees.

Also on hand: dangly, beach-worthy necklaces and bangles, plus scented candles from Be Soy. And as long as you’ve already dropped trou, you may as well try on the rainbow selection of lace lingerie from Bia Bella.

When in Rome …

Blue Capri, 3082 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove (305-476-7991).