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 brown silky cotton vest/bolero with matching fringe down the middle and bottom by Peppermint. This piece doesn't have buttons down the middle, is average shirt length, and has deep arm holes, so it doesn't quite meet the criteria of any one specific title.
The Shop: Emporium in Coral Gables, off of the main stretch of Miracle Mile and in a veritable gold mine of independent stores on Ponce de Leon Boulevard, is a one-woman owned Anthropologie of Miami's own. This store isn't the place to find an Mugler-style masterpiece, it's the place for a necklace that you won't take off until you lose it mysteriously, a whole assortment of 2012 tribal slap bracelets, a handmade leather carry-all that will fit your laptop, a pair of pumps made of recycled plastic, and a children's book called Buenas Noches Miami, right next to this fringe-y vest. Are you getting the Anthropologie vibe yet?
The Reason: Everyone likes fringe and it doesn't appear to be going anywhere. It's kind of like denim in that it has a flexibility in style. The flapper, the rocker, the free spirit, the trendsetter; they're all fringe fans.
The Cost: $48
The Style: This
piece has fringe in a non-obstrusive style. It's simple, it's pretty,
it's soft, and you can style it with damn near anything.
OK, but, like, how? Well, choose a single piece -- one,
no more -- from your wardrobe that resonates the "look" that you're going
for. You want to go flapper chic? Maybe a white and gold fringe skirt.
Thinking tribal? Maybe one of those aforementioned slap bracelets with
classic Levi's.
Stick
to a solid white tank -- not ribbed or "wife-beater" style, just a good
ol' cotton tank underneath. Be sure the piece you pick to style it with
is interesting, color or texture-wise, or add an interesting modern
accessory for a bit of depth a la Dries van Noten. Don't do too much, let the fringe speak for itself. That's why this piece works.
