(Living)

The Fashion Girl’s Guide To Miami

by Samantha McDonald

With temperatures steadily dropping, few vacation spots sound more enticing to us than Miami. Not only abundant in sun, sand and sea, the destination also hosts some of the country’s most glamorous hot spots and vibrant nightlife. To Style RAC partners and resident fashion girls Regina Arriola Cauff and Iman Hasan, the city is home—and with decades of experience navigating its nabes, they’re more than well-acquainted with the best of the best. From hotels and shops to restaurants and cultural attractions, let them guide you on your next visit.

Homepage photo: @christie_ferrari

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Regina Arriola Cauff And Iman Hasan

Faena Hotel: With the holidays just around the corner, this old-world beauty will impress everyone from the 'rents to the in-laws.

The Miami Beach Edition: Families feel at home at this luxury boutique hotel with resort amenities (plus the basement's bowling alley and ice rink!).

The Standard Miami Beach: More spa and less hotel, this gem on Belle Isle is perfect for a quick weekend getaway.

W South Beach: This oceanfront destination is the ideal place for bachelorette parties, romantic escapades and Instagram-worthy opportunities.

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W South Beach

Ariete: The Frita Benedict is a must-try at this farmhouse-style restaurant with a new-American-meets-New-World vibe.

Casa Tua: Sit on the patio of this Northern Italian gem, where the seasonal selections and extensive wine menu take center stage.

Kyu: Although the Thai fried rice is a house fave, you also can't go wrong with the crunchy kale or soft shell crab bun. (Don't forget to top it off with Mom's Kyu coconut cake for dessert.)

La Petite Maison Miami: This upscale French-Mediterranean bistro is a Miami staple, with delicious warm prawns, delectable roast chicken and a to-die-for French toast.

Mandolin: At this 1930s-era find, you can dine on the Greek salad sampler followed by flavorful manti dumplings for light fare that quickly satisfies.

Baby Jane: No spot in Brickell can quench thirsts as quickly as this bungalow-chic bar that serves elevated cocktails like the Bebito accompanied by expert bartender recommendations.

Broken Shaker: Cocktail curation is the name of the game, with Bar Lab's handcrafted libations at the menu's core. Hands down, the best bar on the beach.

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Casa Tua

Boho Hunter: You'll swiftly whip out your wallet at this high-end boutique, which features intricate handbags and statement jewelry from unique Latin American designers like Lola Basso and Magama.

Bossa Concept: Hunting for the perfect date-night find? This vibrant shop has one of the most well-curated selections in town, boasting international names like Paula Mendoza and WaiWai.

I Shine 365: Look no further than this store for anything swim-related. Pitusa can take you from poolside lounging to rooftop hopping while Montce is easily a bikini favorite. ("The range of colors, styles and fit makes you feel like Gigi Hadid," Iman says.)

Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour: The upscale retailer's Miami Beach outpost is the perfect destination to max out your credit card, with brands like Stella McCartney and a lavish accessories department that'll get you stylishly outfitted from day to night.

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Bossa Concept

Botox LABB: You probably aren't expecting to get Botox or fillers during a vacay—but, hey, it's Miami. At this cosmetic spa, Jennifer Leebow is the lip queen, and you can see her ultra-natural results here.

Gee Beauty: From full-on makeup glam and last-minute grooming necessities to their signature Fluttery service with lash extensions, Natalie and Celene will get you ready no matter what you have planned—a beach-filled day or a club-hopping night.

Glamsquad: No need to leave the comfort of your hotel room or Airbnb for this one! Ask for Lindsey Reyes for makeup and Keshia Gee for hair—and you're all set.

Oren Salon: High-end haircare is the highlight at this salon, where stylists not only are masters of balayage and ombré, but also employ top techniques to create on-trend looks at reasonable prices.

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Gee Beauty

Miami Design District: The modern architecture, impressive artwork and luxury boutiques make this shopping district an Instagram-worthy location that boasts a stylish crowd.

Pérez Art Museum Miami: As the city's flagship art museum, this bayside destination hosts the most enchanting exhibitions (see Toba Khedoori here), gorgeous garden plazas for date night and waterfront dining at the casual-chic Verde restaurant with stunning views of the Biscayne Bay.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens: Although both café and shop were damaged by the recent Hurricane Irma, the famed Main House and ten acres of gardens fortunately survived the elements, further cementing its status as one of the state's most historical landmarks.

Wynwood Walls: No locale truly represents the spirit of Miami better than these street-art canvases, with celebrated artists from around the world introducing colors and themes that bring attention to the many cultures inhabiting the city.

@miamidesigndistrict

Miami Design District