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Travel video: Art Deco Weekend 2013! The Betsy Hotel review, Miami restaurants & Ocean Drive.

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Do the Charleston, the Charleston! I’m very happy with my latest travel video, about Miami’s Art Deco Weekend, now published on Huffington Post Travel.

This episode recounts my Miami adventures, from the Bettie Page fashion show to the flapper gala. Be sure to watch until the end, or you’ll miss the “jazz hands”!

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I always appreciate your feedback about my work. If you’d like to see more alternative travel coverage, I’d be grateful if you can share my Huff Post article (or Like below):

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Shout-out to my collaborators for sharing my passion. I’m wearing a fringe top by Peace Love World, and a striking scarf with a face by Pitsart.

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My host, The Betsy Hotel, is consistently rated one of the top in Miami, and I quickly found out why. The staff genuinely cares about your comfort; there’s an atmosphere of home here.

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All around the hotel, there were intimate portraits of the Rolling Stones and The Beatles. The rock and roll lounge lit up a reflective film ceiling.

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The rooftop garden overlooks South Beach (right across the road). The Betsy’s on Ocean Drive, but a few minutes walk from the main strip, so you’re not surrounded by noisy revelers. It was a perfect stay; I’ll be back.

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At night, Ocean Drive’s Art Deco hotels glow with neon.

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Do you recognize The Carlyle? It’s where The Birdcage movie was filmed.

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Miami’s a winter haven for many East Coast dwellers.

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During Art Deco Weekend, there was live music all throughout the district.

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I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible seafood I had in Miami. Lantao Restaurant, located in the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, is inspired by Asian street food. I started with the “28 Days Later” cocktail: several types of rum (arr!) and house-made grenadine. Followed up with well-spiced tom yum soup, grilled paiche (South American tropical fish), and ended with pear cake — marvelous.

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I mostly stayed in South Beach, but ventured to Coconut Grove to eat at Jaguar Ceviche. Six types of marinated raw fish on a spoon… mojitos… sangria… blue tortilla chips… grilled mahi mahi… is your mouth watering yet? Jaguar’s service and flavors were spot on, and the space is great for a big group.

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Wynwood Village is also a must-visit (although be careful at night, and in certain parts). It’s an artsy district with colorful murals like this anime one.

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I think this psychic would predict my imminent return to Miami… hopefully in December, for Art Basel!

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Please take a minute to watch my Art Deco Weekend video. Did you laugh at the dancing scenes?

What are your favorite hang-outs and shops in Miami? Would you be interested in seeing me cover Art Basel?

Leopard print retro dress, flapper makeup & finger waves! 1920s Art Deco party in Miami.

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While I put together my Tokyo coverage, let’s pop back to Florida for an outfit post. I didn’t visit any Miami Goth clubs earlier this year, but glammed up for Art Deco Weekend’s Speakeasy & Gala.

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The invitation read: “Come as a Flapper, or come as you are. Dress like a Gangster, or a Silent Movie Star.” So I wore…

Leopard print retro dress: gifted by Bettie Page Clothing (I wrote about their fashion show)
White flapper-style coat: I.T store in Hong Kong

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The party was held in a secret location. These two coat-tails gave me a secret key, and I stepped through the speakeasy doors…

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… into a world of the Roaring Twenties. (With Amanda of Miami Design Preservation League).

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Above three images by Stephane Chiche.

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It was fun to people-watch; quite a few party-goers got into the swing of the era.

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We sampled wines, caviar and other delicacies.

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There was a silent auction…

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… and live music by the South Florida Jazz Orchestra.

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We goofed around by posing like the paintings. Zack gives a Marlene Dietrich stare-down.

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Can’t wait to show you our video, which involves funny dance scenes.

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Have you ever been to a 1920s themed party? Or dressed like a flapper?

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I leave you with this sunrise view of South Beach. You can see all my Miami posts here.

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And don’t forget to add my social networks (below) for sneak peeks of my Tokyo TV adventures. I ate Totoro sweets, hung with Bagelheads and Stormtroopers, went to a Pirate restaurant and steampunk party, made a drag queen film with Yukiro…

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