What to Wear?

Palm Beach vs. Miami—Two Worlds, Two Wardrobes Let’s talk fashion—because trust me, in Palm Beach and Miami, what you wear is just as important as where you go. I carefully curated each look for this trip, balancing Palm Beach’s timeless elegance with Miami’s bold, high-energy aesthetic.

Palm Beach is all about effortless sophistication. Think pastel sundresses, flowy linen sets, and classic resort wear. Lilly Pulitzer? A Palm Beach staple. Oversized sunglasses? A must. And don’t forget a chic sunhat to complete the look. The vibe is “graceful socialite meets European vacation.”

Miami, on the other hand, is your chance to turn up the heat. This is the land of vibrant colors, bold prints, and body-hugging silhouettes. A sleek dress with sky-high heels? Perfect for a night out in Brickell. A trendy co-ord set with statement accessories? Ideal for a day exploring South Beach. Basically, if Palm Beach is a Ralph Lauren ad, Miami is straight out of a fashion week after-party.

I loved playing with both styles on this trip, fully embracing each city’s unique vibe. Now, onto the shopping—because what’s a vacation without a little retail therapy?

Let’s get one thing straight—Florida isn’t just a place; it’s a vibe. And if you’re thinking about visiting, winter is hands-down the best time to go. The weather is perfection, the crowds are manageable, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to escape the cold and sip a cocktail under a palm tree?

I just got back from an epic adventure with friends, and trust me, I’ve got the inside scoop. From jaw-dropping hotels to hidden shopping gems, and yes, a hilarious Dr. Phil moment (more on that later), here’s your ultimate guide to doing Florida the right way.

Palm Beach: Where Elegance Meets European Charm

Where to Stay?

Luxury, History & a Few Surprises The Breakers Palm Beach – Let’s start with the granddaddy of Palm Beach hotels. If you want to go full-on Gatsby-level opulence, this is your spot. Stunning oceanfront property, insane service, and a price tag that’ll make your wallet cry ($2,000+ a night, folks). But hey, YOLO.

• The Colony Hotel – A pastel pink icon and my home for this trip. Absolutely charming with the best service, but be warned: the rooms are small. Like, Cracker Jack box small. Highly recommend upgrading to a bigger suite unless you enjoy doing yoga to get into your closet.

• The Brazilian Court Hotel – Old-school Palm Beach glamour with lush courtyards and a touch of that Great Gatsby vibe. Perfect if you want luxury without The Breakers’ price tag.

• White Elephant Palm Beach – Boutique-style luxury with ultra-modern touches. This place is impeccable. Bonus: they offer free bikes and beach access, so you can cruise around town like a seasoned Palm Beacher.

Shopping

Skip Worth Ave, Find the Secret Alleys Everyone flocks to Worth Avenue—and don’t get me wrong, it’s stunning. Think Chanel, Gucci, and a whole lot of cha-ching.

BUT—locals know the real magic is in the hidden alleys behind Worth Ave. These little vias feel like you’ve stepped into a secret European hideaway, with cobblestone paths, lush greenery, and chic boutiques. You’ll find incredible local designers, quaint cafés.

My personal favorite—gorgeous handbags from Muki, a local designer who does custom leather pieces inside the Anushka Salon, which is a short drive to west palm beach. Insider Tip: Use my code AMY10 for 10% off online or DM me for a direct connection to Muki! There’s way more to come on her stunning collection—stay tuned!

If you like to shop using more of my codes just click here or visit my previous blog:
How to Buy Timeless Designer Sh*t on Sale like a Boss

Where to Eat Like a Palm Beach Regular

• La Goulue – French bistro excellence. The ambiance is everything. Order the cheese soufflé and pretend you’re in Paris.

• Café Boulud – Fancy French cuisine from celebrity chef Daniel Boulud. A must-visit.

• Lola 41 – Asian fusion heaven. You must order the Peking duck and request warm hoisin sauce. (Trust me, it makes a difference.)

• Sant Ambroeus – The place to see and be seen. Sit outside and demand (nicely) a table by the fountain.

• Renato’s – Picture this: A dreamy patio, twinkling lights, surrounded by boutique shopping. That’s Renato’s. The food? Chef’s kiss.

A heads-up about Palm Beach: It’s stunning, it’s luxurious, but it’s also an early-to-bed kind of town. Lights out by 11:00 PM. However—we created our own fun, hanging out at The Breakers hotel until 1:00 AM each night, soaking in the ambiance and making memories.

Miami: Where the Party Never Stops

Where to Stay?

From Ultra-Lux to Chic Faena Hotel – If you want the full luxury experience, this is the spot. People dress to the nines, the steakhouse is unreal, and there’s a speakeasy, a pool, and live entertainment. You never have to leave this place. But heads up—it’s pricey. Think Breakers-level expensive.

• The Plymouth Hotel – A hidden boutique gem with a charming Art Deco vibe. Less expensive than Faena but still very chic.

• Esme Miami Beach – Stylish, intimate, and budget-friendly. If you love a boutique hotel with personality, this one is a winner.

• The Goodtime Hotel – Co-owned by Pharrell Williams, this spot is vibrant, trendy, and way more affordable than the luxury resorts. Perfect if you want fun, style, and a great location without spending Faena money.

Where to Eat?

Where to Have an Unforgettable Night Sexy Fish – The name says it all. Fun, flirty, and live music while you eat sushi. What more could you want?

• The Marion – Saint-Tropez meets Miami. Bottle service, a DJ, and a live saxophonist make this the ultimate dinner party.

• The Standard Hotel – If you want a laid-back but stylish dinner with waterfront views, this is it.

• The Versace Mansion – Yes, that Versace Mansion. It has just 10 rooms, plus a sushi and Italian restaurant. Super fun experience.

• The Sugar Bar – 46th floor, insane city views, hidden tea room, and a speakeasy. A total Miami moment.

The Best Story

How I Shocked Dr. Phil and Chatted with Russell Brand One of the highlights of the trip? Attending a St. Jude’s fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago, where they raised over $7 million for children’s cancer research (amazing).

I spotted Dr. Phil and knew I had to make my move. But here’s the trick: Don’t walk up and say, “I’m a big fan!”—they hear that all the time. Instead, I Googled a random fact about him and hit him with this:

“Hey, my daughter lives near Tulsa. Can you tell me about that college football game where you were the team captain and your team lost 100-6.” Dr. Phil looked a bit shocked and jokingly said to me, “Well, thanks for bringing that memory up”. Turns out, it was the worst loss in college football history—and his team only had 17 players left because the rest were wiped out with the flu. Yikes. I had a great conversation after breaking the ice.

Lesson: If you want to impress someone famous, make it fun for them.

Oh, and Russell Brand? I casually said, “Welcome to the Jesus Christ club.” That sparked a deep convo about his faith, past struggles, and how he’s using his platform for good. Iconic.

A Heartfelt Thank You A massive thank you to my incredible friends who organized and invited us on this trip, and to the amazing new relationships we formed along the way. There’s nothing better than sharing unforgettable moments with people who bring joy and laughter into your life.

Bible Verse on Thankfulness & Friendship

“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” – Proverbs 27:9

To God be the Glory,

Amy 💖