Defining Chic

Spring 2024 is officially here and we are OUTSIDE! What I love about South Florida is there’s always something to do. There is never a dull moment here and there is such much variety when it comes to activities. I have literally been on the go for about a week a straight but my Sag moon loves to explore lol

Earlier this week I attended the Miami Open for the second year. Now, unlike that year’s event, the sun was a bit more generous. In fact it was 91 degrees in March. I’ve been in Florida for almost four years now but Monday was HOT! Anywho, I purchased the same Grounds Pass as last year from Ticketmaster for $15 which came to $29.50 with fees… really Ticketmaster… caught a Lyft to the Hard Rock Stadium and let the fun begin!

I wore my green and white Sergio Tacchini Monza set and I added a white sun visor to add an extra sporty touch. It was truly a blessing to have in that weather however there were plenty of shaded, comfy areas to relax in around the stadium.

Upon arrival I was given samples of Laroche Posay’s sunscreen and I also received some samples from Moroccan Oil as well as several cute fans and tennis balls.

The day was filled with so much to do and see and there were a number of restaurants and treats to keep you hydrated and full.

Whether you’re a long time tennis fan or fairly new to the sport I can guarantee you will enjoy this event. It’s the perfect day to spend with family or friends and there’s something for all ages. I definitely would love to make this an annual tradition.

And the final note, since I was prepared this year, make sure to bring a clear bag to carry all of the goodies you will receive throughout the day. If you have a purse or bag that’s on the larger size, you will need to rent a locker.

The Miami runs until March 31st so be sure to check it out this year!

And just like that Art Basel 2023 has come and gone. The anticipation and planning, the events and outfits… so much to do in so little time. This year marks year three for me being in South Florida and my third Art Basel experience. I can definitely say that I enjoyed the events, art and most of all, the fashion. I loved seeing the creative outfits and streetwear this time of year. They did NOT come to play.

While a majority of the bigger events were held over the weekend, there were a number of pop ups, exhibits, parties and installations that took place earlier during the week. As much as I would have loved to attend, a girl has responsibilities and limited PTO lol

My first stop of course was Miami Design District. There’s always so much to do in that area and it’s absolutely stunning to see at night

This has to be hands down one of my favorite places to visit in Miami any time of the year. Very photo worthy and laid back.

For Day 2 I made my way over to the Wynwood area. I made sure to check out the Living Proof pop up and I was not disappointed. Not only did I get some samples to try at home, they also had the tastiest popsicles AND I met one of my favorite YouTubers.

From the Pop up, I checked out Smorgasbord Miami to grab a quick bite to eat then went straight to loanDepot Park for Arts, Beats and Lyrics. This was their 20th Anniversary and the vibes were immaculate per usual. Free drinks, merch, dope art and music. It’s a no brainer.

For the third and final day, I kept it light and headed back over to Wynwood. I didn’t attend a particular event but there’s always something to do and see. I stopped in Soulfly to grab something to eat and I took a stroll to check out some murals.

I am already looking forward to next year! Let me know in the comments if this was your first Basel experience or if you are a Basel OG.

Can you believe that we are less than two weeks away from Thanksgiving?! I know I am not the only person that feels like these past few months, well 2023 in general, has gone by so quickly.

But such as life and now that we are in the season of Fall it’s time to swap out our closets as well as our fragrances. I’ve always liked perfumes, I mean who doesn’t want to smell good but social media has really spiked my interest in fragrances. I have soooo many samples from so many brands with different notes but I haven’t quite settled on a signature scent just yet.

Yesterday I attended Nordstrom’s Scent Masterclass in Aventura Mall. As a long time Nordy member, Nordstrom is one of my favorite stores. Not only do they provide high quality items at various price points, you know we love a good deal at Defining Chic, they also offer a number of services including styling and alterations as well as events throughout the year.

Earlier this year in April, I attended the the Spring Beauty Trend Show which was my first since the pandemic. Last month Nordstrom hosted a Beauty Trend Happy Hour that included music, sweet treats and samples. I purchased some new foundation during me visit and the staff always goes above and beyond.

Yesterday’s Scent Masterclass was exactly what I needed this weekend. Again, I am a fragrance novice and having the opportunity to learn more about the history behind the brands was very informative. Of course there were plenty of raffles, samples, music and vibes throughout the evening.

And look who won the Chanel raffle… yes, moi! I also snagged some Tom Ford Soleil Neige samples and lipsticks along with a mini Diptyque candles and body gel and a goodie bag filled with several different samples.

I am definitely looking forward to the next event. I arrived at 5pm and was home by 8pm. That’s my kind of night these days lol if you want to learn more about when and where these events are taking place, head to your local Nordstrom or Nordstrom.com. Online you can select the store closet to your location and browse the events link. Everything you need to know will be in this section. Also sign up for their email to stay in the loop and of course check their social media to get the latest updates!

Hello All! It’s Summer 2023…Even though South Florida is the home of endless summer, the vibe is just different this time of year. In the words of Aubrey, we started wearing less and going out more.

Despite the hot temps, I still really enjoy being out and about and exploring. This past week was Miami Swim Week and while I did not partake in as many events as I wanted to, I did attend one event hosted by the Miami Bloggers on Sunday. The event was held at the Mr. C hotel located in Coconut Grove. After three years of living in South Florida, I finally made it to that area lol

I was able to connect with some great people as well as enjoy a fashion show with some lovely swimwear and indulge in incredible views of the Marina. It was exactly what I needed after a long week and I’m really glad that I was able to attend. Next year I will make it my personal mission to be front and center for the all the happenings that are scheduled.

Mr. C is a very beautiful hotel and The Bellini restaurant is located within steps from their rooftop pool. It was the perfect Sunday and absolutely worth the drive from Broward. Once the Swim Week event ended, I made my way to Regatta Grove. It was about a five minute drive from the hotel and there was plenty of parking. I have literally been stalking social media since their grand opening and couldn’t wait to see it for myself.

For those that are familiar with The Wharf in Fort Lauderdale, there’s a very similar set up. There was plenty of seating and I was able to order my food online and pick it up with no issues at all. I ordered the Jerk chicken thigh and truffle Mac n Cheese from House of Birds and Drop Biscuits.

Again, I am a sucker for views and the waterfront was so peaceful and serene. Regatta Grove makes for a great weekend stop whether you are with your family, friends or a date night. The vibe was very chill and there were plenty of places to sit and lounge. I definitely will be returning.

You can also watch my full video over on YouTube: Defining Chic. Make sure to like, subscribe and leave a comment!

It’s officially Spring 2023 and with that being said, there is no better time than the present to create a new blog post! A new season is upon us and with a new season comes new beginnings, a new wardrobe and new outdoor activities. This past Sunday marked the beginning of the 2023 Miami Open. The event is held at the Hard Rock Stadium located in Miami Gardens until April 2nd, so you have plenty of time to check it out.

I purchased the Grounds Pass for $15 which came to about $26 with tax and fees. Parking is $40 at the stadium and $35 for Sunpass holders however rideshare is also a great option. With the Grounds Pass I was able to access the outer courts and general admission areas of the Grandstand Court.

There’s plenty of seating available, a variety of food choices including Bodega, Kiki on the River, America Social and a food hall. There’s also shopping including a Lacoste pop up store and interactive activities. The Cadillac Experience invites you to take a short survey in which you will be given a $20 gift card that can be used towards your purchase at the Miami Open Shop.

I really enjoyed the overall experience. I’ll admit that I don’t know much about tennis however it was a lot of fun for a newbie like myself and I’m sure avid tennis fans will have a great time. In the coming days there will be even more activities lined up including concerts on March 31st and April 1st.

I definitely wouldn’t mind attending next year. The layout was phenomenal and watching the players was a great experience. Just a note in case you do plan on purchasing a ticket… wear comfy shoes, bring a small wallet or a clear bag to carry your personal belongings around campus. A hat or visor because hey it’s Miami and it’s hot. If you need some additional space for items, there are also lockers located near the front gates to store your items.

P.S. The full video will be live on Wednesday, March 22nd at noon on YouTube!!!

Hello all and Happy August!!! It’s a new month and the Summer is winding down. Summer 2022 also marks two years since I packed up my entire life and left behind all that I knew. If I had to do it all I again, I would without question. I honestly don’t think that we give ourselves enough credit at times but I am extremely grateful for this journey and my resiliency throughout these two years. I have done things that I never thought I could do and I encourage anyone that has something on their heart or mind to take that leap of faith. Sometimes we can be in our own way by overthinking and overanalyzing the “what ifs”. Will there be hiccups? Yes, but keeping an open mind and changing your perspective can make a world of difference.

Had you asked me five years ago, in 2017, where I’d be today, I definitely would not have said Florida lol Every since I graduated from high school, I’ve wanted to go to a new city and start a new beginning but life happened and I believe I was meant to leave when I actually did. 2020 forced us all to slow down and take inventory of our lives and our dreams. I believe that if I left any sooner, the timing would not have been right. I am in the process of learning to embrace the opportunities that are being presented to me and take advantage of all that is around me. I have meet some amazing people along the way and I must say I have definitely stepped out of my comfort zone. It actually feels quite good if I do say so myself!

As I continue this journey, I plan on focusing more on what I actually enjoy and becoming the best version of myself with each day. I want to try new things, explore new places and just feel free. Prior to my relocation, I felt like I was on a continuous loop. By no means was my life bad at all, but I knew that I wanted more and in order to get what I wanted, I had to bet on myself. Again, there will be hiccups and it can feel scary but what was even scarier to me was being complacent and having the same conversations about what I wanted and not acting on it. So here’s to two years down and many more years to come. I am excited to see what this next chapter has to offer and I am open to it.

Hello and welcome to December. It is now the holiday season, even though it doesn’t quite feel like late Fall/almost Winter here in South Florida. The warm weather hasn’t seemed to deter anyone from the holiday spirit. There’s nothing like taking a trip to the beach in December or seeing Palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights on a 70+ degree evening lol

This past weekend, I attended the Art Beats Lyrics event sponsored by Jack Daniels for Art Basel. I’m a newbie and this is the first year since the pandemic that events were held in person. I really wish that I’d been better prepared and attended more events but hey, there’s always next year.

As a person that makes the commute from Broward to Miami for work during the week, the thought of being caught in more traffic on my days off was a major factor. The event I did attend was located at Loan Depot Park aka the Marlins stadium. The admission was free and I received some goodies to take home.

I really enjoyed the atmosphere, art and music. I was definitely a vibe and I’ll 100% make sure I’ll have all the details regarding events next time around. I will be READY.

What were some of your favorite events from Art Basel????

Greetings everyone! Hope you are all thriving and flourishing and having an incredible day. Even if you aren’t feeling your best, there’s still a whole lot of day left to turn that around. Now that it is October, most of us have started to transition our closets in preparation for cooler temps.

I literally grabbed everything out of my drawers and placed it on my bed for sorting to make room for the new items that I’ve ordered. I feel like I’ve been gravitating to simpler pieces that are both stylish and comfortable. It just makes things easier especially when you have to wake up early and make it to the office. I used to work in Fort Lauderdale which was about a 25-30 minute drive but now I’m in downtown Miami and because of traffic, it’s never under an hour commute. With that being said, my morning prep time has made a change and I’m opting for pieces that I can literally throw on but not look thrown together if that makes sense lol

Here are some easy, stylish and most importantly affordable pieces that are Fall ready and can be worn in the office or something comfy and cute for virtual meetings.

All of these looks are $30 and under and come in sets which makes styling stress-free. For more looks head over to Shein.com and take a look at their Two-Piece outfits. Also check out the MOTF premium line. You won’t be disappointed and for additional savings, shop at SHEIN using my unique link and get an extra 10% off your first order over $29.

http://shein.top/dvtffoc

 

Hello All!!!! It is September and the last remnants of Summer are slowly fading away. As much as I love the Summer, I am also looking forward to the Fall. With that being said, a new season is approaching and it’s time for a new look. Over the past few years, protective styles have been my go-to. For the most part, I’m pretty low maintenance when it comes to my hair. If I’m not wearing my signature bun or a ponytail, I usually opt for wigs. I absolutely adore curly or wavy looks and most of the styles that I’ve worn in the past have been synthetic blend wigs. While they are affordable in terms of pricing, they generally don’t last very long due to tangling and shedding, especially if you wear them frequently.

I recently received a new unit from Luvme Hair. It is a human hair wig from their headband line which is something slightly new for me. While most of the wigs I’ve worn in the past were half wigs, they did not have the actual band attached. Again, I’m all about low maintenance and I prefer hairstyles that are first and foremost comfortable and easy to apply/maintain. I chose a curly unit with honey blonde highlights. My natural hair is a reddish-brown and I thought the colors worked well with my hair along with being a nice touch for the upcoming season. It also arrived quickly, just in time for Labor Day. As you all know I am a complete sucker for cute packaging. The wig arrived in a box wrapped with a bow, how cute, and the wig itself was packaged inside of a drawstring bag. Storage is key! The box was also filled with other goodies including hair clips, a wig cap, hair pins and a brush to lay those edges, which is a very important step. In addition, I received several headbands in a variety of solid colors to cover the band that is attached to this unit.

One thing that I can really appreciate about this wig is that is feels very secure. Not only does this unit have several combs but the headband has velcro attached at the nape. I found it pretty easy to install and within minutes I was ready. I used a few sprits of water and a wide-tooth comb to achieve my look and I love it!

The volume, the color, the texture are all great. It gives a very natural look and can be worn in a variety of styles. Again, I’m pretty simple so I’ll likely continue to wear it down or in a pony. It is very comfortable and the hair itself is lightweight. I’ve worn it several times so far and the curls are still in place.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this unit. It is easy to wear, fairly comfortable, has amazing curls and I love the texture and color. For more deets on this wig check out the pic below.

Let me know what you guys think in the comments…. Would you rock this look?

Welcome! I am back and it is now June! Yes 2021 is half way done. Summer Solstice is just around the corner and the streets are calling! As life slowly makes it way back to “normal” and restrictions are starting to ease, it’s time for day trips, vacations, brunch and everything we know, love and all missed so dearly.

It is also time to refresh your wardrobe. Fresh new white tees, sundresses and swimwear are a must. Looks that you can dress down or up, wear day or night. I’m always looking for a budget-friendly options so here are a few of my fav looks from Shein that are all under $20. And no your eyes did not deceive you, $20 or less. Depending on where you live, the warm weather may not last too long (I’m in South Florida, so all year round) so you may not want to spend a lot on items that you won’t get much wear out of.

I also found several affordable pieces at H&M. Thank me later…

You do NOT have to break the bank to get Summer ready and even better both Shein and H&M give you the option to pay later. Setup an Afterpay or Klarna account and then you will be good to go! Let me know in the comments if you would buy any of these pieces and how you would rock them.