the WOMEN
Lynsee Hee Kyeong
Creative Director & Founder
LHK Empire
StyleByLynsee.com
Her style: “Feminine, eclectic and chic.”
Style icon: “Christine Centenera.”
In her closet: “Jason Wu, Yves Saint Laurent, BCBG, Missoni, Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Louboutin, Cameo, Finders Keepers and Josh Goot — I have a mix of affordable and high-end pieces.”
Where she shops: “For unique pieces, I love to shop at Style Mafia, Neiman Marcus at Bal Harbour, Jessie Boutique, Hot Miami Styles and Net-A-Porter.”
Most prized possession: “My gold bangles and rings — they complete any look!”
Memorable fashion faux pas: “I had one moment where I thought I would try out multiple fashion trends at once, and that this would be genius. It wasn’t. I had everything from color-blocking, bold prints to metallics and platform shoes all in one look. It was like a combination of tropical cocktails all over my body!”
Must-haves for the season: “A cool grey suit and a few one-shoulder pieces.”
Style tip: “Rock a pair of nude pumps to elongate your legs and give you a long, lean appearance.”
Tara Solomon
Founder & Principal
Tara, Ink.
TaraInk.com
Her style: “Timeless glamour.”
Style icons: “Among them are Diana Vreeland, Talitha Getty, Marie Antoinette, Princess Gloria Von Thurn Und Taxis, and my mom, Amelia Solomon, whose day-look was a classic tailored sheath paired with a nude stiletto pump and matching bag.”
In her closet: “Knee-length designer dresses that can go from a luncheon to a client meeting to a cocktail event are my investment pieces; I have lots of them. Some of my favorites are by Tom Ford, Lanvin, Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Versace and Dior.”
Where she shops: “I shop everywhere, and always have a mental list of pieces I need to complete outfits. In South Florida, I spend a lot of time at Bal Harbour and the Design District. When I travel, I always like a fashion memento of my trip, typically a piece of jewelry.”
Most prized possession: “The first fashion gift from my fiancé — a set of 6 gorgeous wood bangles from the Caribbean. They go with so much, and remind me of our courtship 18 years ago.”
Memorable fashion faux pas: “The only truly heinous thing I can recall was wearing a full-on punk look — complete with black safety-pin dress, ripped fishnets and heavy Nancy Spungen makeup — to a new business meeting full of developers in suits. I had toured The Met’s punk Costume Institute exhibit in New York the previous day, and loved it so much I wanted to stay in the moment. It ended up working in our favor; the boardroom full of men appreciated my confidence and moxie as much as the strategy and concepts presented. We landed the account!”
Must-haves for the season: “Bags in bold solid colors, both handle bags and clutches. Also, an armful of Hermès enamel bangles!”
Style tip: “Wear what looks good on your body type, and always get your clothing tailored so that it fits you perfectly. I even have my nightgowns altered!”
Elena Asher
Realtor Associate
Fortune Int’l Realty
FIR.com
Her style: Classic, casual and chic.”
Style icons: “From the classics, Audrey Hepburn. From modern-day fashionistas, definitely Victoria Beckham. I just want her entire wardrobe!”
In her closet: “I have a mix of brands and styles — everything from fits-like-a-glove pencil dresses to oversized sweaters, sky-high Louboutin heels and Prada purses and wallets. I also have lots and lots of stylish gym clothes!”
Where she shops: “I can shop anywhere! I particularly like Saks Fifth Avenue, Zara and H&M. I’m not an online shopper. I like to try things on to find the perfect style and fit. That’s how I prevent having things in my closet I don’t wear!”
Most prized possession: “My sewing machine! I make alterations to my clothes all the time!”
Memorable fashion faux pas: “One word: Crocs. A baby blue pair, to be exact.”
Must-haves for the season: “Palazzo pants and ’70s-inspired flare jeans!”
Style tip: “Don’t be a copycat. It’s OK to be inspired by others, but it’s important to create your own style by blending trends with your personality so you can own your confidence and really sparkle from the inside out.”
Stephanie Pidermann
Partner
Lydecker Diaz; LydeckerDiaz.com
Co-Founder
Gameday Threadz Corp.; GamedayThreadz.com
Her style: “My style incorporates current trends with classic elements to create a chic yet balanced look.”
Style icons: “My friends will tell you I’ve always been obsessed with Jennifer Lopez, but I also love Olivia Palermo, Beyoncé, Blake Lively, Rachel Zoe and Rihanna.”
In her closet: “My closet is an eclectic combination of thrift store finds mixed with designer staples and items from local designers and boutiques. I have everything from Jimmy Choo and YSL to local designers such as Karina Grimaldi, Alexis and Kristina Ashley in my wardrobe.”
Where she shops: “I frequent places such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and local boutiques such as Carpetto in South Miami and Atik Shop in Brickell.”
Most prized possession: “Antique/vintage clutches, scarves and jewelry handed down to me from my abuela. Most of the items she left me came with her from Cuba and I hold them close to my heart.”
Memorable fashion faux pas: “On many occasions, I find myself running out of the house in a hurry to make it to a hearing or meeting on time. On one particular occasion, I ran out of the house so fast I grabbed two different color shoes and didn’t realize it until I was in court mid-argument and the judge pointed it out!”
Must-haves for the season: “Fringe on pretty much everything, as well as wide-leg/high-waisted trousers, bodysuits, sporty-chic pieces and culottes.”
Style tip: “Style should always represent your personality. Don’t do what the magazines say, do what feels right and your style will come together organically.”
the MEN
Andrew Kemp-Gerstel
Partner
Liebler, Gonzalez & Portuondo
LGPLaw.com
His style: “I like to mix highs and lows, formal and casual — Stringer Bell meets Nucky Thompson.”
Style icon: “Nick Wooster.”
In his closet: “Suits, sneakers, tank tops and handmade accessories.”
Where he shops: “J. Crew, Shoe Gallery, Nordstrom, Del Toro Shoes and thrift stores.”
Most prized possession: “Handmade lapel pins from DamaskLove.”
Memorable fashion faux pas: “A 13-year-old me showed up to the first day of high school with a pretty sweet (not sweet at all) ponytail and a metallic silver shirt. I’m still working my way out of that hole.”
Must-haves for the season: “NIKEiD Roshe Ones work with almost anything!”
Style tip: “Go to the tailor. A lot.”
Matthew Beatty
Director of Communications
The Miami Foundation
MiamiFoundation.org
His style: “Urban prepster — I love combining traditionally preppy pieces with laid-back hipster looks.”
Style icons: “David Beckham, because he dresses impeccably whatever the occasion, and Kanye West, who consistently pushes the envelope.”
In his closet: “Tailored suits from Austin Burke, slim-fit checked shirts, colorful ties…and lots of striped and patterned socks!”
Where he shops: “I love boutiques for their originality. I shop at Aldo and H&M, but my go-to is Nordstrom Rack…best clothing for a steal. And never underestimate what you can find at Marshalls!”
Most prized possession: “A silver chain with my grandmother’s ring on the end of it. It’s the only item of hers that I kept and it has provoked countless marriage proposals!”
Memorable fashion faux pas: “In my younger years, I begged my parents to buy me a stark-white suit for Easter. I wore it with a clunky pair of black lace-up dress shoes and a black tie. I looked like Colonel Sanders!”
Must-haves for the season: “Autumn in Miami is all about brightly colored pants. They’re the perfect way to Miamify winter looks. Yellows, reds, cobalt blue…go crazy!”
Style tip: “Never let folks have your style figured out. Go for the unexpected!”
David M. Arditi
Founding Partner
Aria Development Group
AriaDevelopmentGroup.com
His style: “French chic business casual.”
Style icons: “Cary Grant and Jude Law.”
In his closet: “Numerous button-down shirts, great jeans, pants, blazers, loafers, Onitsuka, Tigers, linen Bermuda shorts, long-sleeve tees and Naked boxers.”
Where he shops: “Sebastian James, Arthur Fox, Canali, Fratelli Rosetti and Menlook.com.”
Most prized possession? “My Brunello Cucinelli 2-button, navy tuxedo I recently wore to my wedding.”
Memorable fashion faux pas: “During graduate school, my roommate and I mixed up our dry cleaning and I ended up at a formal wedding wearing my tuxedo jacket with his black jeans which were 4 sizes too big and 6 inches too long!”
Must-haves for the season: “Slim-fit cardigans!”
Style tip: “Proceed with caution when it comes to patterns!”
Danilo Di Michele
Founder & CEO
DDM Advertising, Inc.
DDMAdvertising.com
His style: “Dandy, simple, with accessories — the most important is cologne.”
Style icon: “Gianni Agnelli.”
In his closet: “Armani, Prada, Church and John Galliano.”
Where he shops: “Milan-Paris-New York.”
Most prized possession: “A bag from the Museum of Prada.”
Memorable fashion faux pas: “My first mistake regarding fashion was going to a wedding of a friend way too overdressed in an Armani tuxedo — I learned that day that being overdressed can sometimes be a bad thing.”
Must-haves for the season: “Lots of green, light and leather!”
Style tip: “Don’t follow fashion, follow style and think outside the box!”
