Dahvi's Weekend Debrief (4/5/26)
I was in Miami for a week (!!!) + gifting suites and events galore
It’s probably rare to come back from Miami feeling refreshed, but my eight-night solo trip at the end of March was actually quite tame. The last time I visited was in 2023 for my milestone birthday. This time was a completely different vibe. I was flown out with two different brands (what are the odds?!), and with a few days in between trips, the brands agreed to put me up in hotels. So I was basically on a solo vacation. Also, these two brand experiences were extremely chill, which was also part of why I returned feeling refreshed.
Before I get into the brand experiences, I’ll share details about my general time there. It was really nice to explore town and see different areas and just enjoy some me time, catch up on work, mental health, all the things. I had breakfast at the stunning Four Seasons with Alex from Purple, excitedly met up with my mom’s cousin who I hadn’t seen in 20 years, enjoyed a hosted dinner at Otto & Pepe and checked off a major bucket list milestone: kayaking to raccoon island.
I also love the style in Miami. Because I had so much extra time to take everything in, I really picked up on the fun colors and prints that everyone wears. Clean girl aesthetic, who? There’s so much life to Miami and things to do. Obviously LA is my home and heart, but Miami is definitely an exciting thrill.
On the days when I didn’t have plans, I mostly just hung out and went on walks. My friend Yana was in town from NYC, so on the final night, she, me and my friend Richard (who did PR for the second leg of the trip) hit up Soho House and this other super fun bar. We ended up hanging out with these fun German soccer players. Did I make my 8 a.m. nonstop flight home? No. Was getting home at 5pm after a layover in ATL worth it? Yes.
The first part of my trip was with Lincoln (yes, the car). And if you’re thinking huh?, let me explain… They had a partnership with mindbodygreen, which was hosting a really cute wellness event in the Coconut Grove section of Miami (an area I hadn’t been prior). It was beautiful and refreshing. Lincoln has also partnered with the Calm app to offer a full-on sensorial meditative experience in their latest SUV models. FWIW, I’ve always been a huge fan of Lincoln SUVs. I was obsessed with Escalades in college (hip-hop culture infiltrated my whole life), but when I first rode in a Navigator, I was like wow, this is luxury. Therefore it really was a full circle moment to be invited on their behalf.
Bottom line, Lincoln really wants to tap into the beauty and wellness space. The brand doesn’t do many partnerships and they want to be associated with that side of things. The Lincoln team was great. So professional and very sweet and welcoming. It was just me and them. Our event ended at 2pm, and then the Lincoln publicist and I grabbed a bite and then we both went our separate ways. I couldn’t believe I had so much time to myself.
After a few free days, the second half of my trip began with Carroten, a brand of natural tanning enhancers. Between the tanning brand and the luxury SUV brand, I felt like these opportunities were made for me. So perfect. Much like with Lincoln, there wasn’t anything aggressive expected of me on the Carroten trip. We had a yummy Italian dinner at Avra, got a massage at the St. Regis, went to the Miami Open (Carroten had a giant suite) and checked out this hot new restaurant in Bal Harbour.
One of the biggest highlights of Miami was staying at the Sunny Hotel (in Sunny Isles, slightly off the beaten path - 25 minutes from South Beach). The hotel is two months old and had so much bright, lively character. There was also a cute little snack shack on the premises, and an outdoor bar and dining area by the pool. The hotel also was connected to the beach, so everything was at your fingertips once you were there. Ahhh and the rooms, omg don’t get me started. It was such an uplifting experience getting to stay there.
So anyway, Miami was a success. No ELEVEN which I’ve gotta do next time, butttt a time well had.
Gifting Suites + Events Galore
As soon as I got back into town, it was Coachella prep to the max. I say this as someone who lives vicariously through the perks (not the Coachella madness itself). I attended the annual ICA suite, which is pretty much a who’s-who of influencers and lifestyle/beauty journalists. Thankfully, Amanda Lauren was invited, so we plowed through it together after fueling up with Starbucks. I got these really cute leopard moccasin-type shoes and I’m def excited to wear them with the L’Agence denim shorts I walked away with.
Next up was the Michele Marie PR Coachella suite. I had just gotten a facial at Formula Fig, so I was nervous walking in and having to see people with nothing but sunnies to save me. Thankfully I got there at the tail-end and it was a very in-and-out experience. I appreciated the organization. They had a curated bag ready for me in no time. I snagged these really funky 4ccccees sandals among many other things. I’m excited to wear them. They’re pink and chunky and fun.
There was also a Fenty Beauty suite at one of my fav hotels, La Peer. I snagged some skin tints and a personalized brush engraved with skye (iykyk). I also hit up a MAC lip glass event this week. OMG so first off, MAC is the best. I feel so honored when they invite me (it’s only been my second time). They gifted me their whole new lip glass collection WITH liners. It was a reminder that MAC really is that girl. My new lip combo is so elite I could not be happier. Then next week there’s a Bollare suite on Tues, and I got invited to a True Religion suite on Wed (which I’m kind of curious about for nostalgia sake), but I will be on the other side of town that day and will have to miss.
This week was actually super busy. There was also a Rare Beauty foundation launch party with Selena (if you’re interested in the topic of product packaging (namely accessible packaging), I gained insight from Rare’s chief brand officer Joyce Kim. I think this is truly an interesting read.
Speaking of Coachella, again, I am not going (trust me, I’ll have more JOMO than FOMO), but yes it feels just as popular as ever. As I’ve gotten older, I’m just not down with crowds and lines anymore. Even if I get invited for free, it doesn’t make it not a schlep, ya know? That said, I put together this awesome list of unique festival fits in case you need a last minute find. I also interviewed a handful of founders about the importance of social-first dressing during this time of year, and how that plays into what they create or carry at the stores.
Capped off the busy week with a bday bash for longtime friend Allison McNamara (founder of MARA Beauty). She rented out the upper level of Alba restaurant (great spot I’ve been to several times) and it was a lot of fun catching up with some old friends (Hi Candice, if you’re reading this!). Candice and I spent the night talking about age and feeling empowered as we get older—even without a husband or some of the things society deems “important.” Both of us are in really uplifting places in our lives, and it’s a reminder that it’s OK and possible to be happy without checking every box.
Anyway, with that I hope you all have a great week! I am tiredddd but my reiki healer is coming over tomorrow in exchange for beauty products (gotta love a good trade, amirite? ;)), so I have that to look forward to. Also, I’ll be spilling major tea this week (this story is bonkers!), so come back later. Love you guys! <3
What a trip. Gorgeous and great mix of work and play.
Oooo the tea 🫖 😏