​Cooling down from the summer heat: there’s nothing more refreshing than a cool dip after working on a tan. This classic one piece is perfect from the beach to the pool, and maybe even to the bar with some denim shorts. ​

​It is important to me to fill my closet with versatile pieces–something that works for many occasions. I’m also a sucker for high-quality, comfortable pants that can be worn lounging at home or out and about. This one piece can also easily be turned into a bodysuit when paired with high-waisted jeans or shorts.
 
No matter what your summer plans are, comfort and style are key. I’m so excited to spend the rest of the season relaxing in style. 

This post was in partnership with Vilebrequin. ​

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. ​

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 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

​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.

For those of you who don't know what Miami Swim Week is like from a models' perspective. Let me paint you a picture. Imagine 300+ incredibly beautiful girls in bikinis packed in the ballroom lobby of a hotel all rushing to be the first in line for signup sheets. On top of that, the guy who is controlling the sign in process is a young gentleman with a very heavy german accent with a megaphone yelling models numbers to line up for their turn. When I say yelling, I quite literally mean YELLING, like top of the lungs type-ish (It's as scary as it sounds). Once in the casting room, models walk in groups of 3-4 girls in front of a panel of judges. If they are interested in booking you for their show they ask to take your photo, if not, they say thank you and you exit the room.

It is a hilarious, chaotic, anxiety provoking process, but we all show up to do it. 

I went on Swim Week castings for the first time last year and was humbled by the fact that I did not book anything. Not a single show. About 4 or 5 brands were interested in me enough to take my photo (out of about 10 or so castings) and I did not hear back from anyone. As you can image, I was disappointed, but like anything else in this industry, you can't take it personally. 

So this time around I went to the castings with a different mindset and no expectations. I ended up taking photos for again for about 4 or 5 different brands (which is an achievement in of itself) but this year I actually got called back for one of the shows and it was for an AWESOME brand...but before we get into that, I'll take you through my week. 
​

Ishine365 kicked off their busy week at the SLS South Beach to showcase the best of their new lines from designer brands like Mikoh, Frankies Bikinis, & Acacia. 

After hair and make-up were done we had some time to goof around, take pictures, & get our hands on some sushi prepared for guests attending the event...shhhhh.

I collaborated with one of my favorite brands MVMT for the week to show you guys how I style their sunnies with different swimwear! They are so versatile I could literally pair 3 different sunglasses with this bikini and it all looked cute.

Behind the scenes- backstage for hair and makeup was just as chaotic as the week itself. 

Hitting the stage in my first look and mini me's!

HAH (Hot-as-Hell) is known for showcasing the strength and power of women in their show. For years they have incorporated women of all different age and ethnicities in their line up ranging from kids, to pregnant women, to women in their 40s. Before the show started the models were given a pep talk by designer and founder, Sharleen Ernster. She told us to be strong and bold, no hearts, no kisses. This is what makes HAH stand out from the rest of the shows and another reason why I was so happy to have booked this show specifically. 

My second look was one of my favorites from the whole show. The bright red lace made a sexy and bold statement. Not to mention the super comfy cover-up.

Swim Show is an annual 4-day convention that takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The convention is meant for buyers to connect with brands so they can make selections on what they want to hold in their stores for the upcoming season. Buyers are looking for the latest swimwear, cover-ups, and jewelry trends for their businesses. As a model working the swim show, our job is to try on the clothing so the buyers can see what different styles look like on a person rather than a hanger or mannequin. 

I find myself learning new things about business and the industry every year. Nothing beats hands-on, experience-based learning. 

This year I worked for an amazing "boho-chic" clothing brand called Skemo. I've shot for Skemo before for their catalog and working with the owner, Romi, is such a pleasure. She is passionate, caring, and hilarious to work with. ​

All of the clothing and jewelry is fair-trade and hand-made in Bali, Indonesia. Romi uses Bali as her main source of inspiration for the brand and usually stays there months at a time to design her lines. The quality and details of the pieces are second to none. I couldn't help but put in a order for myself too. 

Although I didn't get to attend as many shows as I had wanted to (due to being sick & exhausted from working) I was happy that I could make it to one of the my favorite brands Montce Swim. The designer, Ali, is such a sweetheart and also a pleasure to work with! Her swimwear has been seen on celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, and Emily Ratajkowski. 

Montce did not disappoint with this seasons line. Fun, flirty, and extremely flattering. What else could you ask for in a bathing suit? Congrats Ali!

As I look back on my week, I accomplished everything I wanted to. I booked my first big show, I worked with awesome brands, and I got to meet and network with new people! I'm thankful to live in a city that has a thriving industry and that I can participate in events like this. See ya next year Swim Week!
​                                  

Love, Liv. 

I knew right away this adorable polka-dot wrap dress from Beginning Boutique was going to be a summer favorite as soon as I saw it. I'm not usually the Polka-Dot girl but this little number does the dots just the right way. 

I paired the sundress with a belt that I got from one of my favorite thrift stores, Buffalo Exchange, and a black felt hat from Urban Outfitters. My sandals are my everyday go to from Steve Madden. 

This maxi skirt was a must have for me. I love the detail of the buttons and how it splits open at the bottom. This piece is versatile as it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I would wear it for anything from a flea market/lunch outing to a nice dinner date with bae.

My accessories from MVMT pulled together this outfit perfectly. I might have to outfit repeat this one...sue me. 

Last month I had the absolute pleasure of working with MVMT on the release of their new line of Women's Sunglasses. 

Glasses pictured: ICON
Top: Siempre Golden 

What I loved about this collaboration was that MVMT gave me total creative freedom to shoot their products however I wanted. They sent me a mood board of the vibe and type of imagery they were going for and left the rest in my hands!

Glasses pictured: SPHYNX

I chose to work with one of my favorite photographers at the moment, Darius. He has an amazing eye and is able to translate my ideas into reality...which is not easy to do if I might add. We walked down South Beach with our eyes peeled scouting spots we thought would compliment the sunnies and ended up finding gold.

Fun story about this last set. This was on the side of an Italian restaurant that caught our eye as we walked by. We snuck in and only had maybe 3 minutes (TOP-no exaggeration) to take advantage of the beautiful, old Mediterranean location. 

All in all, we were thrilled with the final shots and are looking forward to working with MVMT again! Sometimes a little bit of planning + a little bit of spontaneity= the perfect recipe. 

Photos by: Darius Brodesser