My trip to Miami was short and consumed by work but I managed to find a little pocket of time to enjoy the gorgeous weather, beautiful sunshine, and no humidity while exploring a small piece of the Miami Design District.

The Design District, a mere 2.8 miles from Downtown Miami, has become the destination for the arts, design, and fashion.  Mostly made of old low-rise warehouses that have been converted into art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and high-end retail, this area – at a quick glance – reminded me of Rodeo Drive (or the makings of) albeit without the palm trees and with an obvious focus on design and abundance of art.

I was in search of a pair of shoes for a casual work event and found the Tory Burch Bima Wedge Espadrille which was perfect. I have a small collection of Tory Burch shoes and they tend to combine the all too important walkability and aesthetic factors.  Happy with my purchase, I decided to walk around and found myself drawn to the floral framed gilded door of Van Cleef & Arpels.

Tory Burch Bima Wedge Espadrille

It just so happened that I was there on a Wednesday which is when the Jungle Plaza hosts the weekly market featuring vendors selling local produce, fresh flowers, and artisan goods.  The massive Jungle mural which represents the south Florida natural landscape and the urban landscape of the Miami Design District and live music served as backdrop to children playing, people chattering, and others still who couldn’t miss a chance to take photos and selfies in the colorful and vibrant plaza.

Against the stark cement ground were the canopy-like art installations Flotsam & Jetsam, one of the world’s largest 3D printed objects made of biodegradable bamboo 3D print medium.

While taking in the Jungle Plaza scene I couldn’t help but think, “okay Miami, I get it, you are a lot of fun.”

Jungle Plaza, Miami Design District

Jungle Mural

Organic Produce at the Jungle Plaza Market

Van Cleef & Arpels Photo Credit: Haute Living

de la Cruz Collection

de la Cruz Collection