Miami Shoot

Fashion 101

Fashion, Fashion 101

Haute Hippies Unite in Bal Harbour

Fashion bloggers, wardrobe stylists and shopaholics all couldn’t wait to preview the latest collection of the trend-setting brand, Haute Hippie, in Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour. The Cusp department was buzzing with the chatter and pandemonium by its guests, in awe of the exclusive glimpse of the brand’s newest pieces that consisted of oversized blazers and romantic, drapey necks. While visual stimulation was being had, taste buds tingled with the help of delicious pulled pork sliders and sweet potato fries courtesy of The Zodiac, the department store’s resident restaurant. By Nycole Sariol

Fashion, Fashion 101

Menswear Resurrected – The Official Opening of Cottage

The Miami menswear culture came to life this past Wednesday celebrating the official opening of the new Miami Beach boutique, Cottage. The beach-bum ambiance paired exceptionally with the mixture of fashion aficionados pouring into the boutique to check out the latest arrivals from lines such as A.P.C, Michael Bastian and the guest of the night, Todd Snyder. Liquid concoctions brought to you by Bombay Sapphire were thrown back to add to the seemingly festive, yet  easy-breezy occasion. By Nycole Sariol

Fashion, Fashion 101

Fall 2013 Trend Superlatives

Class Clown This season, don’t take yourself too seriously! These class clowns know a thing or two about bringing the quirky fun back into fashion! Wear a comic book around your hips, slap some faces on your feet and let out a deep chuckle when nobody’s watching – it just feels good! Most Likely to Succeed These two blingers are at the top of their class for a reason! If you’re looking to stop traffic on your lunch break or turn some heads at happy hour, these are your best bet to make that grand impression no matter what scene you step out onto! Give yourself a boost of success this season! Most Creative Every class needs a game-changer or two! When pondering about those individuals who continue to think outside the box – season in and season out – Mr. Wang and Miss Olympia displayed the ultimate inventiveness! Busting out some caped pants and a clutch of box office proportions, however, propelled these two to reigning champ status, seizing the throne of creative classmates! Best Hair Girls, it’s okay to be a little jealous. These two saucy minxes (no pun intended) dominated this spot not just by achieving the ultimate hair tousle! This season’s motto is the more fur, the better! So, let your hair down and be the envy of your friends’ eye! Most Popular For these shoes and this leather, hind trend, the word popular might be an understatement! It was no secret who occupied the feet of some of the most important names of fashion on the steps of Lincoln Center for NYFW this past September, or has managed to find its way onto every wearable piece of item imaginable (i.e. shoulders, leather sweaters, pants, pleated skirts – the works!)! Making these two social butterflies the coolest of cool kids! Best Eyes Here’s looking at you, kid! You don’t have to bat a full pair of lashes to win best eyes this season! Just follow in these two’s footsteps! All it takes is an over-exaggerated, rounded lens and some cat-eye sunnies to take home the prize for Fall’s best! Nycole Sariol

Fashion, Fashion 101

The Grand Opening of H&M in Pembroke Pines

By Nycole Sariol Men, women and children alike anxiously awaited in a legendary single-filed line that wrapped around the insides of the Pembroke Lakes Mall for the Grand Opening of Broward County’s first H&M store! The fashion sanctuary welcomed hundreds of future customers at noon yesterday as the store’s employees cheerfully greeted them by forming two lines creating an aisle to really make their guest feel special while they made their way towards the countless racks of clothes, shoes and accessories. The Swedish company is best known for their affordable prices and “ahead-of-the-game” trends, so it’s no wonder why citizens of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties joined forces as early as 5 O’clock in the morning, competing to be the first 100 people to snag an “Access to Fashion Pass”, giving them the chance to win up to $300 to do some major retail damage in the new location!

Fashion, Fashion 101

Nick Verreos coming to South Florida

Panamanian celebrity fashion designer Nick Verreos is visiting Southern Florida for the launch of his line at Dillard’s in Pembroke Pines on June 1st at 2PM. Nick Verreos is a highly successful fashion designer, and TV Guide Network’s red carpet host and correspondent.  In 2001, Nick co-founded NIKOLAKI, with design and business partner, David Paul. NIKOLAKI sold in over 150 stores in the US, Japan, and Latin America, and was featured in various publications including WWD, Lucky, GenLux, Us Weekly, and People Magazine. In an effort to help women look and feel their best, Nick has just launched the NV Nick Verreos dress line in Dillard’s department stores.  “I’ve incorporated my love of draping and color and also infused my years of knowledge as a fashion designer with details, fit, and shape that will flatter every woman’s figure, says Nick.  “Every woman deserves a red carpet moment. For 10 years, I’ve designed a high-end collection that has been worn by everyone from Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria to Beyonce. And now with NV Nick Verreos, I’m excited to bring this contemporary line of dresses to women across America!” MSM’s Carissa Davis goes One on One with Nick Verreos – The Dress Collection Interview What makes you most excited about your dress line for Dillards department stores? What makes this line different from any of your previous collections (other than price)? I’m so excited for the launch of my new “NV Nick Verreos” dress line, more importantly because this is the first time my designs are available across the country, as opposed to only in specific boutiques or only through “special custom order”. With my high end line of “NIKOLAKI” cocktail dresses and gowns, I had a limited reach of customers (especially with the four-digit price points) but with “NV Nick Verreos” available at about 50 Dillard’s PLUS online, it can reach a “national” market of fabulous women who want to look even more fabulous…and yes, at a lower price points since these dresses retail from $108-$168. What is your inspiration for your dress line for Dillards? My inspiration for “NV Nick Verreos” collection of dresses comes from my travels and visiting museums (paintings, sculptures), architecture, buildings. For this Spring/Summer collection, I was inspired by the Amalfi Coast of Italy and one of my favorite places to travel to, Positano. In general, however, I’m most inspired by strong confident women who are not afraid to take chances when it comes to fashion and look chic, sexy and powerful, all at the same time. Those women ARE my inspiration for “NV Nick Verreos”. How do you incorporate your everyday experiences into your designs? In terms of my “everyday experiences”, I would say those are not necessarily in every dress but instead my dresses definitely have my “DNA”; I’m half Greek and love interpreting the “Grecian Goddess” draping I love to do, in my designs. My other half is Latino, my mom is from Panama and I grew up in Venezuela so these dresses have a little bit of the fiery hot and very confident Latina woman in them! You might see that in the bold colors or more body-con shapes. Who did you have in mind when you were designing your dress line for Dillards? When I was designing “NV Nick Verreos” I thought of that confident self-assured woman I spoke of in the beginning. I always say this line is not for the “Wallflower” girl who wants to stand in the corner with your “typical” black sheath dress, but more for that woman who is not afraid to be seen across the room. She wants to be noticed and be complimented and these are dresses that give her power, confidence and as I say “an ego boost”. My “NV” woman reads all the fashion magazines, all the blogs and wants a dress that looks as if it’s $600 but for $108! She also wants to upgrade from those cheaper dresses (from “Fast Fashion” stores) that either don’t fit her right or start coming apart after only being worn twice! What is the best accessory a woman can pair with the dresses from your dress line for Dillards? Besides having me next to them as they make their entrance into a dinner/event/party…I think the (next best) accessory and/or accessories for my dresses would include one or two metallic cuffs/bracelets, a great pair of pumps, nude ones or metallic, and a fabulous clutch. Now, she’s ready for a night out in her new “NV Nick Verreos” dress. On the opposite spectrum of styling, a woman can accessorize one of the printed crepe dresses or draped jersey ones with some simple earrings, gold strappy sandals and then they are ready for a Sunday Brunch! Did your childhood play a role in your pursuit of a career in fashion and design? And if so, how? I would definitely say that “Yes!” my childhood did play a role in pursuing a career in fashion and design. As a little boy, we traveled a lot and my first memories of women with style were the fabulously uniformed flight attendants from Lufthansa, KLM, Pan Am, from back in the 70’s (yes, I am aging myself!). Also, growing up in Venezuela, I was very influenced by watching the “Miss Venezuela Pageant” and especially when they would have a GLORIOUS Fashion Show during the “evening gown” competition. I remember being 6 or 7 years old thinking “Wow, I want to make those dresses!”. What three style tips do you have for Fall 2013 trends? What should women keep their eyes out for? I would say for Fall 2013, women should keep their (style) eyes out for: Eastern Influences: Look for dresses with Obi waist wraps and Kimono/Batwing Sleeves. Leather Accents: Whether it is Faux or Real Leather; mix with Jersey and Stretch Woven fabrics for a modern and direction accent. Color Blocking: This will be one of the biggest trends for Fall 2013. Look for unique

Fashion, Fashion 101

Interview with Aqua Di Lara’s Reyhan Sofraci

              MSM: How do you feel about participating in the Mercedes-Benz Swim Fashion Week? It is always an unforgettable experience. We love going to Miami every season as it is the first time that we showcase our collection to the industry and to our customers. The people, the vibe the ambiance, it is all so amazing. We love working with the team there to put on one hell of a show! MSM: To showcase Aqua Di Lara’s 2013 S/S collection in Miami you teamed up with Maui Jim sunglasses, Isola footwear, Zoya Nail Polish and Swarovski Elements? Tell us a little bit about it. There has always been perfect brand synergy with all our sponsors, bringing our looks to life. We have worked with Maui Jim Sunglasses, Zoya Nail Polish, Swarovski Elements crystals, Cutler hairstylists and Make up Forever artists for the last two consecutive years. Maui Jim – a brand that has built a reputation for quality – really knows how to up their game each season with innovative styles made with their signature Polarized lenses. We really value how they work and their dedication. Their sunglasses and brand value truly complement our suits perfectly. Zoya nail polish really sets itself apart from other polish brands. They offer a gorgeous product in a huge palette of colors with new hues added each season. Their polish just glides so smoothly, dries so quickly and lasts! We love their nail polish and definitely keep a rainbow of colors in our bags everywhere we travel. Swarovski Elements is known to offer some of the most gorgeous crystal stones it the merket. Combining their stones with our eccentric designs truly creates that sought after one-of a kind jaw dropping swimsuit pieces. Cutler creates the most beautiful art with hair – this year we let them take the stand and do what they felt best matched our looks. They captured it beautifully with the up-do that showcased the detailing of the back of our suits. I was lucky to have them do my hair this year – Finally I had bouncy hair in the Miami heat! The Make Up Forever team is always so much fun! So talented and such a pleasure to work with. Their products and quality definitely feel like second skin. We love working with them every year. I had the pleasure of having my make up done by one of their lead stylists this year – no more dripping makeup in the heat – all I can say to them over and over was Thank you! We worked with Isola for the first time this year. We absolutely loved their shoes. I personally wore one pair on the runway and walked and danced in them all night long – so comfortable! I did not want to take them off! MSM: 2013’s collection embraces and enhances the classical hourglass silhouette, which is one of the brand’s trademarks. What are some of the comments and feedback you have received from doing this through the years? We have always shown praise to curvaceous women and I believe people have grown to appreciate this aspect of our brand. We always keep this in mind when we are designing ensuring that fit, construction and style can accentuate our positives and increase the confidence of these beautiful women. With the placement of lines and the play on colors and prints, we celebrate this idealized female form. MSM: There is a sense of sexy-elegance in your designs with Aqua Di Lara’s 2013 S/S collection with some nude paneling, flesh colored fabrics, cut-outs, and the specific locations of strips and straps. What inspires you? There is definitely a common thread that can be seen in our collection throughout the years. I have always been very inspired by lingerie, eveningwear and architecture. I love angles, beauty and drapes. We divided our collection into two categories this year – the Black and the White Label. As we have such a strong passion for the feminine and beautiful and also a love for bold and edgy designs, this gave us the chance to express both our passions. White label is inspired by an escape to Eden and the Black label is by the Ethereal Goddess. Prints and silhouettes can reflect these two categories. This year we decided to reinvent the one-piece. People love monokinis however there is always the concern of tan lines. So what we wanted to do is to bring in looks that provided the coverage however showcased a look that still captured that sex appeal. We achieved this by playing with the cuts and the nude paneling. MSM: The White Label collection is matched with an assortment of beautiful dresses and cover-ups. What did you envision when creating this pair? I absolutely adore the touch of silks. I love the way it caresses the skin and flows with the slight touch of the wind. We wanted to match our suits with an assortment of dresses and coverups that our loyal customers can wear over their suits and wear from day to night. We wanted to create something that looked like body paint and make a statement adorning the body with such beauty. Our prints are lush and colorful and cuts are comfortable and chic, it was a perfect addition to complete the Aqua Di Lara woman’s lifestyle. MSM: What is your favorite White Label design and Black Label design? Reyhan: My favorite from the White label is our Benecia dress offered in our lavish Amaranta green print. From the Black label my favorite is the Dania one piece that is comprised of linear contrast paneling and square neck line. MSM: The campaign was shot at the beautiful Aruba. Tell us a little about the experience. The island is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. It has such a diverse landscape that each side of the land has a different gem to discover. The people are so kind and warm and

Fashion, Fashion 101

NADJA ATWAL ON FASHION

Summer Issue 2012 Nadja Atwal is one of those rare people who are a jack of all trades and master of several. The six foot tall former beauty queen and fashion model, who studied psychology and life coaching, became a foreign correspondent and media expert. She is a lifestyle and PR mastermind, owner of Pole Position Management working with supermodels, celebrities and brands lining up for her guidance. She recently co-produced a feature film with Eva Longoria based on a bestseller novel which helps people to be successful at online dating. She is a passionate activist against child trafficking and pro animal rights, published writer and photographer, yet says being married is in the end what means everything to her. Her husband is a young, handsome scientist and Professor for genetic cancer research. She is a mom to 6 month old Alexus who is one of the most booked baby models in New York. For Miami Shoot magazine, she sat down to guide us through the style jungle of this summer. Undoubtedly we are facing one big summer “dictate” ; skinny jeans in bright colors. I don’t mind the color aspect, BUT, while skinny jeans don’t look good on real skinny people (jeans do require a butt), they don’t work at all for size 12 and above. So given that the average American is supposedly a size 14, one would expect to find people wearing colour-popping skintight stuff to be a rarity. Instead, it has become a uniform and white noise for my eyes.  Plus the new ultra-flat ballerina shoe trend (which really only looks good on ballerina-like ladies in the end) doesn’t help here as it makes the legs look unnecessarily shorter and thicker. I’m all for color, but find there are sexier ways to flaunt yellow, bright pink and green than in something that makes you look like a cartoon sausage.  By the time the Miami summer hits its high notes, jeans are too much fabric anyway. The way I have been flaunting my curves since spring in all types of colors are the beautiful shapely polo shirts from the Rugby collection of Ralph Lauren. I even went that far to order one of the Polo mini dresses with my first name initial “N” on them and wore those over dark straight leg jeans with high heels to a birthday party. I landed tons of compliments because of the formfitting shape and enough buttons to look less polo match and more  ‘hello gorgeous’. A stylist then told me that shirts with initials are what all of Milan is currently ‘tottalli crrrrazy” about. I had no idea but welcomed the Italian solidarity with my taste… After all, I never see more well-dressed people than in Italy. Another great way to flash some color is via accessories. When we throw on that white tank top or black little dress, these new types of scarf-necklaces and cuffs (generally made of classic t-shirt fabric) look effortlessly stylish. There are many labels to choose from – I went with the Necklush. The sexiest summer dresses for the night out have the retro factor.  I wore 50s style way before MAD MEN was around and one label that delivers the best retro glam for unbelievably low prices is Stop Staring (www.stopstaringclothing.com). When you look at all the celebs that wear their designs to movie premieres, no one has to feel odd to show up anywhere high profile in a 150 dollar dress. If you prefer an upgrade to first class, then check out Roland Mouret  – his yellow O’Hara dress tattooed itself into my mind. But lets talk beach and swimwear. Labels like Beachbunny Swimwear have shown us for years how we can turn a bikini into a major bedroom attraction. The lingerie-swimwear hybrid trend is one of the best fashion ideas in decades. Even in New York I‘ve seen women sporting bikini tops under their shirts and blouses – and no, I’m not talking The Hamptons – but Soho! In fact swimwear has become so versatile, it should be called “everywear”. Now something that may seem to lack practicality but surely has that head-turner effect when you lounge all cool by the pool, are the crochet-overlay one pieces by Robin Piccone. I got this great shot of topmodel Elaine Alden posing in it and tried it on myself. It’s more comfortable than I thought and yes, turns more heads than a tennis match. I do like when fashion pulls double duty – my favorite items are those that look fabulous and have a part or all of the proceeds go to a great cause. The new must haves are the  FUR SUX  t- shirts and tank tops from my favorite t-shirt label David & Goliath in support for PETA.  And since it is never too early to teach your child respect for animals, the label was EQ enough to also provide cute onesies and footies for the little ones. I simply could not resist and got my baby boy one in every color and included a photo I shot of him in the green one.  Simply an adorable design that fights the immense cruelty and endless pain that animals have to endure when being killed for the senseless fur industry. Finally, the one must have of the summer is: a sexy tunic. There is stunning stuff from Melissa Odabash to Zara, but I’ve never found this tunic that was able to go from day to night, beach to beach party, plane to poolside, business to pleasure.  In general, too many designers focus too much on cleavage and not enough on shoulder – which is the far classier concept for seduction. If I am cut out down to Brazil, that tunic will indeed only serve as a cover up on the beach. That is why I love the off-the shoulder style which is sexy, yet classy enough to go anywhere. And since I could not find the very tunic with all the versatility

Fashion, Fashion 101

Evelyne Verpaalen brings European fashion to the USA

Summer Issue 2012 MSM: Can you tell us a little about your career as a model? EV: When I was fifteen I was spotted by a model agent from Amsterdam and was offered a contract with them. I didn’t have the aspiration to be a model but since I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my life, it was a great chance for me to take a little time to explore and see the world. After graduating I started modeling internationally and lived in Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Germany and London. Four years ago I signed with Ford Models and since then I have been living in Amsterdam, New York and Miami. I love the USA, but I also can’t say goodbye to my roots and family/ friends from Holland. It’s the perfect balance to live in both. Clients include Coca Cola, Special K, Target, Livera Lingerie, Elegance, Talkies Magazine, Nouveau, Filippa K, Wrangler, Perfectly Basics, Marks & Spencer, Elle, Marie Claire, FHM, Boots Health & Beauty, Flair, Bella and She Magazine. MSM: What inspired you to import a boot collection? EV: I first saw the L’diR boots while I was modeling in Italy and had never seen anything like these boots before, so I had to buy them. When I would wear my boots, people asked me where I had bought them and when I told them that they were only sold in little boutiques in Italy the people always reacted a bit disappointed. I contacted the designers and now I sell the L’diR boots in my online store www.eveintheusa.com I am also the agent of the brand for South Florida, so other stores can carry the boots too. Each pair is handmade in Italy and I love the ‘secret heel’ inside the leather boot. I do not design the boots myself, but I do give advise to the brand on the trends that would go well with the US customer. MSM: How do you balance your career as a model and your business? EV: Modeling is a lot of traveling and waiting, so in my ‘waiting moments’ I work on my site, shipping orders, keeping updates and responding to requests etc. During the traveling for my modeling I usually spot the trends and discover new brands. I love unique pieces that you don’t find everywhere. Good quality, yet affordable and trendy. An online store sounds easy but it takes a lot of time, sometimes I fall asleep with my laptop still on my lap. MSM: What plans do you have in store for your company? Can we expect to see a store in Miami? EV: First focus is to expand the website of www.eveintheusa.com. Besides L’diR boots I now carry bracelets from Brazil and I am really excited to have the label Fab. I love their bags and accessories. They are very popular in Europe and I’m a fan of their designs and colors.  I just ordered new collections and I have connected with great new designers and I can’t wait to add all these exciting brands to my webstore. In the future I definitely see an Eveintheusa store as a possibility. I would love to mix a bit of Dutch hospitality in with it: Shopping and Stroopwafels (my favorite dutch sirop waffles) or something! MSM: What can we look forward to in both your modeling career and career as an entrepreneur? EV: More fun stuff, in front of the camera and online! www.eveintheusa.com www.zoenyc.com  

Fashion, Fashion 101

THE HEAT IS ON

By Isabel Salazar Photo by Jason Basset Summer Issue 2012     Are you ready to start swimsuit shopping? Summer is here and the HEAT is on. Before you hit your favorite swimsuit shop, you must know what styles and trends are hot this summer. Swimsuits this season are fun, sexy, playful, modern and a bit sassy. There are lots to choose from whether you’re a bold trendsetter or a modern lover of the latest color palette. Pinks are strong same as all shades of blue like ultramarine, royal and indigo. Other colors to look for are mint green, soft pink, coral, and the always trendy black and white. Tangerine is definitely the color of the year, whether you go for soft “fruity” hues like melon and peach. All bikinis aren’t itsy bitsy this year; one of the hottest swimwear trends is the high-waisted bikini. I am particularly not a fan of this trend, but the most conservative ladies appreciate it. Please keep in mind your body shape before choosing a swimsuit. Based on your height, weight and skin tone, certain suits types will work better. If you are PETITE, diagonal stripes are the way to go. If you are AVERAGE HEIGHT, solid colors work best. TALL, you will look great no matter what. Supermodel you!! Vertical or horizontal stripes will work. SLIM? Light colors a must. If you are small on top use ruffles to your advantage by adding volume at the top. If you are top heavy use ruffles on the bottom to balance your hips with your bust. For the fuller figure- embrace the vintage trend, halters are a great choice. * Animal print, leopard, tiger, snake… no matter the species, animal prints are bold and bright this season. * Crochet, inspired by the 1970’s, crochet is certainly making a comeback this summer. * Fringe, if you are looking for a new two-piece, try bandeau triangle or halter tops embellished with fringe. * Color- blocking is definitely the most trendy of the season, you can mix and match separates that you already own, so don’t be afraid to mix colors. If you want to emphasize the bust and de-emphasize the hips, select a darker solid bottom and a lightear floral or animal print top. Two-pieces are still hot but we’ve seen more one-pieces, monokinis and tankinis dominating the fashion runways this year. Go for electric colors, shiny textures, exotic prints that make us think of far away places… Bora Bora? All these HOT SEXY makes for plenty of motivation to get you started on your summer work out pronto!!  

Fashion 101

COLOR ME HAPPY

By: Isabel Salazar I love Spring time, it is the best season for fresh, sexy and fun fashion. It’s fresh to see the prints in new silhouettes, like on pants and jumpsuits, rather than tops and dresses. I am sure that this Spring, designers must have been revisiting their crayon boxes. We found almost every color on the runway from yellow, green to hot orange not to mention all the blues. Talk about coloring us happy. Top trends for the season are sports influences or another way to say it “chic athleticism” just perfect for Miami’s climate and lifestyle. Prints from head to toe. From graphics to florals. Futuristic prints were all over the place. If you are feeling tired of the classic pattern like polka dots, stripes or plaids, you are in luck because this Spring is full of pixilated prints and swirling graphics. You are probably thinking florals for Spring? Duh, how revolutionary. The good news is that the new floral isn’t about being soft and pretty, it’s about saying I’m here!! Try a bold floral dress paired with solid accessories, belts, purse or shoes. Asymmetric hems, a must dress to have for spring, the flowy result is magnificent, wear it with sandals. The body part midsection may not be the favorite trend for the fashionistas this season unless of course you have the perfect abs. Colorblocking is another huge trend this season. Please don’t be a fashion victim and put every look from the catwalk together in one look. Choose one look that makes you feel stylish, sophisticated and comfortable. How about some cool new color combos like neon with pastels, or yellow and orange. If tangerine isn’t your citrus of choice, there are plenty more orange hues to choose from. Creamy neutrals are great for that feminine look, and of course black and white gives us the opportunity to play and experiment with color combination. I know, I know so much to choose from, but that is why we love Spring 2012. Get your crayons out and start coloring!!

Fashion, Fashion 101

Own a Wardrobe that Compliments your Complexion

By:  Sandra Mateu Looking your best is a combination of style, shape, and color. The importance of color cannot be understood unless we compare its effect in our wardrobe. When someone compliments how well a certain shade looks on you, it is most likely because that hue belongs to your color wheel. You may not know which colors belong to your wheel, but you will certainly know when a shade flatters your look. The colors of your wheel are determined by your complexion. Your skin and hair color dictate which hues to use and which to avoid. Knowing which colors flatter your skin tone is essential, particularly, on special occasions where you want to look your best. From picking which shirt to wear to your dream job interview, to picking the perfect cream or white dress for your wedding day, color selection is crucial for your overall appearance. To accomplish a successful look, fashion trends and seasons need to be subjected to your color wheel. There is no purpose on using something that just came out of the runway if it does not compliment you. In today’s world there is a diverse mix of races with many combinations of skin and hair colors. Nevertheless, most of them can be grouped in two simple categories: warm and cool skin colors. Warm skin colors have olive undertones. This type of skin can get tanned when exposed to the sun. It is usually accompanied by natural red, brown, or black hair. Celebrities that resemble warm skin tones are Eva Mendez, Jennifer Aniston, and Halle Berry accordingly. Cool skin colors have white undertones. This skin is very pale. It usually turns red at sun exposure and it is naturally accompanied by natural yellow, red, or black hair. Celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, Lindsay Lohan, and Courteney Cox are part of this group respectively. If you are still in doubt try this test. First wear a camel color top. Then, change that top for a white one. People who look better in camel belong to the warm colors’ group, while people who look better in white belong to the cool colors’ group. The warm skin group has a color wheel composed of earth tone hues such as brown, camel, orange, olive green, mustard yellow, burgundy, and plum. Cool skin people should use blue based colors such as pastels, blue, green, yellow, light gray, white, and black. There are universal colors that both groups can use such as teal, bright red, regular pink, and eggplant. If your favorites hues do not belong to your color wheel it does not mean you cannot use them. Instead of wearing your favorite shade as your main color in the outfit, combine it with another color that belongs to your wheel. Colors have powerful effects on your overall appearance. Knowing which colors make you look best is very beneficial. By wearing colors that go with your complexion you accomplish a great look that is unbeatably and naturally gracious.

Fashion, Fashion 101

GO AHEAD, JOAQUIN ORTIZ, MAKE MY DAY!

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” –Mahatma Gandhi For Joaquin Ortiz, this revelation was all too clear when he was given not a second, but a third chance at life. “I think I was too young to grasp the gravity of that situation—too immature to know what it really meant,” Joaquin said of his first evasion of death—that is, when he flipped his car off of a sixty-foot cliff back in 2001. But when he found himself crushed between a boat and a SUV six years later, he was at full attention. “The doctor told me I would probably never walk again,” Joaquin says of his condition following the accident. “My sacrum was fractured—which is supposed to be the hardest bone to break, aside from your skull. Then I thought of myself in a wheel chair and I said ‘No. I won’t accept that.’” And he didn’t.  Six months after the doctor’s declaration of paralysis, he walked back into the hospital with just the assistance of a walking cane. And now, commitment to physical therapy, acupuncture and consistent chiropractic visits has enabled him to heal almost perfectly. “But then I realized it wasn’t enough to just survive,” said Joaquin. “I started to think, what can I do?” From that soul-searching question came Provider, a clothing company that acts as a reminder that we ALL have something positive to contribute to society. The idea, while simple in concept, is massive in impact: What can I provide for someone else? “Its not about doing something huge—its about doing something period. I wanted to create an entire line that says, ‘I’m conscious of making the world a better place.’ Its about making someone’s day.” But if you’re thinking that Provider is just a LIVESTRONG bracelet on the wrist of a hipster, think again. These colorful T-shirts and accessories proclaim their purpose out loud, and they’re drumming up acts of kindness from Coral Gables to Senegal. They rang from burn-out T’s stating “I Provide” to “Eye of Ra” and “Trinity Prayer” scripts. “Provider is a lifestyle brand,” stressed Ortiz. “Its purpose is to inspire a mindset where people embrace the idea of doing something positive in some way.” From that thought came ConsciousActsOfKindness.org, a non-profit that sponsors events that spotlight kind acts—whether it is rounding up shopping carts to help out a Winn Dixie employee or paying the toll for the person behind you on the Biscayne Bay Bridge, no act is to small. “Really, there are two ways we can provide for someone else,” said Joaquin. “One way is tangible; we are happy to give a portion of the Provider proceeds to various charities.” But what is perhaps the most important aspect of giving back, according to Joaquin and those involved with Conscious Acts of Kindness, is the intangible—the provision of a smile, a helping hand, a laugh to improve the quality of someone’s day. “Just paying someone a compliment can turn someone’s day around! That’s what we are about. Of course, we get more exposure for our YouTube videos from Africa than we do about telling a joke and brightening someone’s day, but the point is that everything counts.” Since February 2011 that is exactly what Provider and Conscious Acts of Kindness has been doing—improving the world one act at a time, hoping for a “pay it forward” kind of effect. “I want this lifestyle brand to be global,” said Ortiz, who let us in on the secret that Provider will be launching scarves, pants and polos this coming year.  He couldn’t tell us what he’s planning for the globalization and the future Provider stores, but we here at Miami Shoot know it’s going to be big. By Reagan Lightsey Photo by Luis Munoz  

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