Miami may be one of the vainest cities in the country -- but at least we look good doing it. In that spirit, we're indulging our love of the superficial by spotlighting fashion finds in the 305.
The Find: A hand dyed white beach cover-up with a single orange vertical stripe down the center and white ruffled sleeves by Martha Rey.
The Shop: At Martha Rey in Mary Brickell Village, everything is made by their eponymous house label, hand dyed, in Barranquilla, Colombia. This is a pretty standard story around here, everyone knows some girl from elementary school who's peddling the bathing suits her aunt has made in Colombia and barraging Facebook with uploads of almost-thong suits. Martha Rey's line must be the very, very best of these imports, and they have two thongs available if you're into that. For those of you looking to keep your cheeks in check, they carry a variety of cover-ups (as pictured), two pieces, and, the store's real standout, monokinis.
The Reason: We don't really do sweaters here, we get to skip trenches, and we own basically nothing wool, in turn, a wardrobe of barely-there seaside clothes is not just expected but necessary. This piece has a few little details that make it work and worth it; the sleeves have an air of polished Spanish sophistication, the circular open back, the pop of orange down the middle.
The Cost: $228 but it's 50 percent off right now and so is the rest of the rack you can find it on.
The Style: Wear this on top of a patterned bathing suit, the colors don't have to be obviously complimentary, but they shouldn't purposefully clash either. Think: colors found in nature would go well with this, shine would compete with the clean sophistication of the dress.
Try it with khaki skinnies and a nude tank for a night out or post-boat quick change. Add a belt is the loosey-goosey day feel needs a little amping up. If it's too hot for pants, a good American Apparel style slip in nude or white could work as well with a textured shoe, like a woven wedge, and long gold necklaces with hair swept up into a ballet bun.
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