ART BASEL 2017

For one week out of the year, Miami turns into “the city that doesn’t sleep”. If you’re like me, you want to try to do every single thing possible and over book your schedule x3. Hopefully you’re not like me!

Although I’m a local to Miami, I’m still trying to master how to tackle Basel. In years past, I didn’t feel like I took advantage of this awesome week. I worked events and went to an art gallery here or there. This year I wanted to dive in. Unfortunately, the universe aligned my final exams to be the same week. As much as I wanted to pretend 60% of my final grades didn’t depend on this week, they did. So, I did what any other responsible yet FOMO driven college student would do- I was determined to do both at the same time. 

Originally, I wanted to work with a stylist for my looks but I didn’t end up having time to meet with someone (remember that whole trying to do both thing?) So I ran to one of my favorite places ever, Buffalo Exchange in Downtown Hollywood. I had an idea of the types of looks I wanted to go for, so I grabbed whatever caught my eye. Since my usual wardrobe is very casual & comfy, I wanted to do something different for me…more out there, ya know?

​I don’t always look like a fashionista, but when I do, Art Basel is my excuse. ​

I’ll always be honest with my followers, so as much as I’d like to say this event was an incredible kick off to the week; not gonna lie- my favorite part of the night was my outfit.

I came for the free live music by Miami Symphony Orchestra and the “bubbly & bites” as advertised on the flyer. Given, it was a public event but it turns out the free alcohol & bites were for VIP only. Oops! Not cool enough for this one, haha. 

However, I did enjoy the performance and my over-priced pizza from the pop-up pizza joint. 

Okay, now we’re at the good stuff. This look was probably the one I was most excited about. This glittery & sheer body suit caught my eye on the rack at Buffalo Exchange and it was just the type of vibe I was looking for. I paired it with flared pants from a previous collaboration with Pop Cherry and pulled it together with my go-to belt and Steve Madden strap heels. ​

After Wynwood, our group headed to Doheny Room in the Delano Hotel for the unveiling of art work by Nicolas Corradi. The music was great and our company was better! Damaged Goods kept the beats flowing and we kept our feet dancing. Give me good friends and music and that’s all I need for a great night. We danced up a storm. ​

​I ended up back at the Delano the next night to meet up with a few friends in town from LA. I didn’t know exactly what the night had in store for us, but I was prepared for anything. 

I was super excited to rock this funky, Chinese newspaper print crop top that was designed and hand made by one of my earliest family friends and someone who is basically family to me, stylist, Chloe Chin. I paired it with pink ruffled pants(Zara), low-cut white pointed boots, & a black sequin backpack. Every item except for the top was grabbed during my little pit stop from Buffalo Exchange…I told you guys this place is the bomb.com.

I had a completely different outfit planned for this day but Miami decided to bring a cold front to accompany its cool art. I switched it up last minute and was SO glad I did. It was a freezing high 50, low 60 degrees for us Miami folks. I felt so bad for the girls who looked at their mini dresses that night and said “it’s fine”. 

I had been waiting to wear this camo jacket that I picked up from Miami Flea last month and this was the perfect occasion. I matched it with a gray long sleeve turtle neck, olive green skinny jeans, suede rust booties & my little backpack. I have to say this was my favorite outfit of the week, it felt the most “me”…and by me I mean bad-ass. Hehe.

I thoroughly enjoyed this show. There were interesting & compelling pieces around every corner. SCOPE satisfied the craving I felt all week to see art that made me think deeper than surface level. I appreciated that. 

Another “cold” day for Miami so I planned my outfit accordingly. I re-wore my gray turtle-neck and threw on my black ripped jeans and wine booties. I finished off the look with my favorite MVMT accessories. ​

My first stop was at Jack’s Miami for the Beach Body Boutique and Kayline Collection pop-ups. Erika Wheaton & Kattya Heredia are the owners of the two swim lines & also beautiful friends of mine! I was so happy I was able to  show support for them and their business endeavors. ​Keep killing it queens. #LadyBosses

Context was our next destination. It is the neighbor to Art Miami, which is one of the weeks largest shows. The shorter line and cheaper tickets at Context had us sold. 

(PRO TIP: almost all of the shows give a student discount- typically $5-$10 off the normal price. Just make sure you have your student ID with you.)

​Here are some of my favorites.

​As the night time approached and the temperature dropped, I opted for my trench coat from Windsor Store to keep me cozy. I caught the last few minutes of the golden hour and snapped some shots.

This was probably my best Basel week so far. Each year seems to get better as I get more and more involved. It’s a booming time for art, social connections, and business. I’m delighted that I get to experience it in my home. Till next year Basel. 

Love,
​Livv