Hello Darlings, I only brought my favourite Polka Dot— my carry-on suitcase with a pet name— to Miami. Polka Dot has been my loyal travel companion for the past year and has never failed to fit five pairs of heels in company of all my outfits. As I packed for this adventure, I was expecting to go shopping for new summer items.

As a Canadian shopping enthusiast, I am a frequent "victim" of high shipping fees, price inflation and crazy duties. With American travel in my future, I saved up the past few months planning to indulge in the land of lower taxes and smaller price tags. Image my surprise when it is +25 celsius outside, but the stores are stocked with parkas, boots and hats! WHAT?

I never expected in the land of sunshine that I would mostly find the north pole in stores. After a week, and some pretty serious shopping endeavours, I have only managed to find one summer-y piece - a cute pair of sandals! My summer fabulous list has only one check mark! As for all those cute bikinis, sun-dresses and beach bags, well I have reverted to clicking my little heart away with online shopping.

What I have noticed – also - is that many women in Miami wear thigh-high boots with sun-dresses, and boots with shorts, which is an awkward combination given the temperatures outside.

I AM WEARING: Wilfred  Shirt Dress // Coach Madison Leather Lindsay Satchel // 3.1 Phillip Lim Simon Sunglasse // Sergio Zelcer Teeny Flat

Thanks to a cute boutique called Joanna Paige in Brickell Village, I found a precious pair of bow leopard print sandals by a local designer, Sergio Zelcer. The store offers a great season appropriate selection of accessories, handbags and shoes.

I was so looking forward to my Miami shopping experience, but have really been caught by surprise to find that stores in warm climates stock up with winter merchandise.  Why?

With Love...

Marta