Miami has become a city synonymous with fashion. Here, the streets are filled with designer boutiques and one-of-a-kind local shops. Mere steps away, on the white sandy beaches, you may spot jet setting designers and celebrity stylists alike soaking up the sun alongside some of this city’s best-dressed travelers.
With a wash of new summer styles upon us, we decided to catch up with buyer and curator Amanda Gutierrez for her fashion insight – including what to wear this season and what to shop for once you arrive at Acqualina Resort & Spa.
Once a home stylist, Amanda has catered to high-profile clients from New York to Miami to Beverly Hills and now works with luxury hotel boutiques including the recently opened space within Acqualina Spa by ESPA. With a keen eye and an innate appreciation for luxury, she identifies with lasting clothing and accessories rather than styles that are only on-trend for a single season. “I buy beautiful, classical items that you are going to be able to wear for many years,” she says. “It’s going to look trendy now, and it’s going to look trendy in ten years.”
For this summer in Miami, Amanda recommends white lace dresses or cover-ups – like those of Anjuna, one of her favorite designers – paired with floral bikinis. “White is always perfect for any beach around the world,” she says. “[It’s] so elegant and appropriate everywhere you go.”
Other standouts for the season include mesh bikinis, bikinis with tulle accents, clothing with floral embroidery, metallics, and colors like orange and cobalt blue in addition to classic white, ivory, and gold. But without a doubt, her number one summer item is a caftan.
“Every woman should own a caftan,” she says. “You can wear it having a drink around the pool or with a beautiful pair of sandals or wedges [while] out for dinner or lunch. You can wear a caftan being 20 years old or 70 years old, and it’s always going to look good.”
Besides Anjuna, Amanda is drawn to designers like the Los-Angeles-based Leah Shlaer, who makes bikinis with luxe Italian materials. “They’re sexy and beautiful at the same time,” she says. “I think [Shlaer] is going to be a big designer in the future.”
As for local creatives in Miami, Amanda likes Artesano (handmade Panama hats), TAJ (embroidered caftans), and South Parade (luxury t-shirts and espadrilles). She can actually custom-design an Artesano hat, choosing the colors and ribbons, for any visitor to the Acqualina boutique.
Newly opened in April, the vibrant boutique features carefully curated, unique clothing and accessories from some of Amanda’s favorite brands along with an array of sumptuous ESPA products. Upon entering, guests are greeted by the scents of rose geranium and palmarosa to complement their experience as they browse laidback beachwear, signature sunglasses, and beautiful pieces of jewelry.
Photo: TAJ by Sabrina Crippa
“We have things that the sophisticated traveler hasn’t found in other places around the world,” Amanda says of her selections for the boutique. “We have beautiful swimwear for both men and women, cover-ups, sandals, and great handmade hats.”
Along with attending fashion shows in New York, Paris, and Milan, Amanda finds styles during her holidays in various places around the globe. She makes sure to only choose items that she would wear herself and to highlight unique, small-production items.
When packing for your Miami getaway, Amanda recommends bringing your favorite clothing and accessories while leaving room in your luggage to discover new things at Acqualina. And if you are not sure what suits you best, simply request to be styled. “That’s where I come in,” Amanda says. “I have the eye to see what would be the ideal dress, cover-up, or bathing suit for each person.”