With sophistication, grace, and unbridled love for our city, these six women embody modern beauty in Miami, captured at the iconic Raleigh Hotel.
Monika Arenas
A Wealth of Health
Floral collage scuba dress, Reed Krakoff ($1,690). Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., 305-865-1100. 18k yellow gold, diamond, and blue topaz Albion pendant, David Yurman ($6,850). Bloomingdale’s, Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., 305-792-1000. Shoes, Arenas’s own
Arenas’s interest in healthy cuisine developed at a young age when she taught herself how to cook after losing her mother at 16. Now a registered dietician who works part time at Miami Children’s Hospital and also has a private practice in downtown Miami, the ever-smiling Arenas is revolutionizing staff members’ approaches to healthy living and sustainable weight loss. In her free time—of which she wishes she had more—this grounded and wise-beyond-her-years former model/actress takes on private personal-training clients and shares healthy cooking tips and recipes on her blog, feedmehealth.com.
Age: 25.
Neighborhood: Edgewater.
Miami inspiration: The weather and the culture.
Beauty brand go-to: M.A.C. mascara.
Fitness regimen: I mix it up—spinning, Pure Barre, Bikram yoga, running on the beach, and good old weights.
Style black book: My friend Kelly Nugent owns French 75 Vintage boutique and also does my hair.
Favorite feature: My eyes.
What makes a woman beautiful: Brains and seeing the cup half full—it changes everything.
Most proud of: Putting myself through college and getting my dietician license.
Signature style: I was a full-out rocker girl growing up in California, and then Miami spiced it up; it brought out the Latin roots in me.
Cause closest to my heart: Farmers markets and local suppliers.
Best piece of advice I’ve received: Keep going. My mom always told me, “Everything changes until you’re dead.”
Personal manifesto: There is no right, there is no wrong, there are just moments.
Person I’d most want to have dinner with: My mom. I miss her. I wish I could catch up with her.
When no one is looking: I play music. It’s my escape.
Happiness is: A state of being. You choose to be happy.
Greatest love of my life: Music. I genuinely love feeling music.
What makes me smile: I’m smiling 80 percent [of the time], so a lot of things. Good company.
What I see when I look in the mirror: Light. I see that in everyone, though.
I never leave home without: A water bottle—have to stay hydrated!
Suzie Sayfie
Philanthropic Powerhouse
Jacket, Akris ($2,690). Neiman Marcus, Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., 305-865-6161. Silk blouse, Gucci ($950). Neiman Marcus, SEE ABOVE. Sterling silver and diamond collar necklace, David Yurman ($4,250). Bloomingdale’s, Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., 305-792-1000
Ever the matriarch on a mission, Sayfie is a recognized pillar of the community. As the executive director of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, Sayfie raises both funds and awareness for those affected by paralysis. Together with her husband of 45 years, Sayfie, a Miami native, has raised four daughters, who have already established themselves as integral facets of the Miami community.
Age: 64.
Neighborhood: Bay Point.
Signature scent: Chanel No. 5. I’ve been wearing it for 40-something years.
Miami inspiration: In the morning, I look outside and see that sunshine, and it makes me stop and smile.
Why it’s important to be engaged with my community: We live here; this is where my family’s home is. I want the best for not only my family but also for all of our friends and neighbors.
Personal manifesto: If I can change one person’s life for the better, then I feel like I’ve done my job.
Best piece of advice I’ve received: From my husband—to always have a good day; whatever’s thrown at you, make the best of it.
Signature style: Ninety-nine percent of the time, I’m in a black suit.
Quality I like most in a woman: Honesty.
Thoughts on aging gracefully: It’s wonderful to be a grandmother and I think my lines add character, but it’s different for all people. Aging gracefully is what makes you comfortable.
Favorite feature: My smile.
Favorite beauty products: La Mer [and] Olay—I go back and forth.
Most valuable talent: Seeing the good in everybody.
Person I’d most like to have dinner with: Jesus Christ.
Miami guilty pleasures: Bal Harbour Shops and Toys “R” Us.
My eulogy would read: She was blessed with a great family and enjoyed every minute with them.
Secret to my success: A very supportive family and a husband who has let me find my own way. When you have somebody encouraging you and telling you to do what makes you feel good, that empowers you.
I strive to be: A better version of myself.
Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd
Skin Savior
Olive night Danielle silk safari blouse ($298) and Flote skirt ($345), Diane von Furstenberg. Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., 305-865-1100. 18k white gold and diamond Serpenti earrings ($22,800) and 18k white gold and diamond Parentesi ring ($7,300), Bulgari. Bal Harbour Shops, 305-861-8898
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd made history when she was appointed the director of ethnic skincare at University of Miami, heading the country’s first official ethnic skincare department at a university. In addition to running her specialized clinic at UM, to which other nationwide doctors refer their most difficult cases in skin of color, the board-certified dermatologist sees patients at a private practice, is an investigator on FDA clinical trials, and cofounded the Specific Beauty skincare line. Woolery-Lloyd also sits on various dermatology boards and frequents the lecture circuit, speaking to the Florida Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, the Skin of Color Seminar Series, and more. Outside the beauty boardroom, the doctor helped establish CodElla, a nonprofit program that encourages young Hispanic girls to learn about computer science so that they can build a career in technology. At home, she cares for two children with her husband.
Age: 42.
Neighborhood: Morningside.
How Miami influences my look: I love warm weather and the flexibility you have with clothes in Miami.
Why it’s important to be engaged with my community: I love mentorship programs. It’s so important for young girls to see people who are not only successful but are also approachable and down to earth.
Biggest challenge: Trying to find the time to do everything that I need to do.
Qualities I like most in a woman: Motivation, self-direction, ambition.
How important is image: The image that’s important to me is the image that you project, which is not necessarily a physical representation of you but what your core values are.
Miami guilty pleasure: Date night with my husband.
Happiness is: Peace.
When no one is looking: I sit down.
I most admire: My parents—they instilled in me the importance of education. It gives you an opportunity to do many things.
Person I’d most want to have dinner with: Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in the United States.
Beauty secret: Sunscreen.
Miami is home because: I was raised in South Florida. I love that it’s very multicultural and there’s never a dull moment. It’s the perfect place for me.
Iva Kosovic
Classical Composure
Isabela pearl blue feather jacquard dress, Herve Leger ($2,790). Bloomingdale’s, Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., 305-792-1000. Willow sterling silver and diamond bracelet, David Yurman ($2,650). Bloomingdale’s, SEE ABOVE. Shoes, Kosovic's’s own
Known in Miami’s cultural scene for her grace, impeccable style, and striking statuesque presence, Kosović plays an integral role in developing the city’s arts landscape. In her previous position as the New World Symphony’s director of development, special events, she helped raise an excess of $1 million at this year’s annual gala. Today, she’s the newly appointed director of corporate partnerships and Friends of NWS; as such, she cultivates support among Miami’s younger generations. Having immigrated to the US from Croatia at the age of 17, the classically trained concert pianist has called Miami home ever since and is involved with Fashionably Conscious, a fundraising sale benefitting Coconut Grove Cares, a local nonprofit that offers summer camp and after-school programs for children in need.
Age: 30.
Neighborhood: Brickell.
Signature scent: Thierry Mugler’s Alien.
Why it’s important to be engaged with my community: It’s important to make changes. It would be crazy not to leave your own personal mark on the city and not influence it somehow.
Signature style: Eclectic. During the day, you’ll see me in a chic dress with hair loosely in a bun, funky shades, and a big, colorful purse—I always like to add a splash of color.
How Miami influences my style: Nothing in Miami is tremendously structured. We have this very effortless way of life.
How important is image: Image is part of being respectful of your environment, knowing the boundaries.
My philosophy on aging: We have amazing technology at our disposal, and we should use it wisely. Every age comes with its own set of beautiful moments to cherish. Approach maturity with maturity.
What makes a woman beautiful: The way a woman carries and cares for herself.
Quality I like most in a woman: Somebody who can be a shark in the boardroom but at the same time can be really loving and nurturing to her friends and family.
Most reread book: The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera.
Most proud of: The life that I’ve created for myself and the life to come—it’s the sum of everything I’ve ever worked for.
Personal motto: “Chance favors the prepared mind.” (Louis Pasteur)
Secret to my success: I’m such a happy person because I have so much love for what I do. I think that enthusiasm translates into results.
Carolyn Plummer
Beauty of Business
Nina cutout scalloped top, Herve Leger ($1,090). Neiman Marcus, Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., 305-865-6161
Despite South Florida’s infamous humidity, Plummer rarely has a bad hair day. As the CEO of It’s A 10 Haircare, her award-winning product line that includes cult favorite Miracle Leave-In Product, she has built a rewarding career helping others feel confident and beautiful. Apart from her professional role, Plummer’s pride and joy is her 6-year-old daughter, Kyana, who inspired her to establish the Kyana’s Dreams Foundation, devoted to humanitarian and environmental issues for children, such as helping teachers create safer schools, and helping the underprivileged. (Plummer is also the foundation’s president.)
Age: “47 and fabulous.”
Neighborhood: Fort Lauderdale.
Miami guilty pleasure: Eclectic martinis.
Go-to scent: Laura Mercier Ambre Vanillé Soufflé Body Crème.
How important is image: The beauty of the world is that there are many great ways to portray [yourself]. Ultimately, find the image that suits you best so you can be your best self.
Most proud of: Being a mother. I could run 10 companies and there’s not a bigger job in the world.
Most valuable talent: The ability to always find a way to make something happen, to learn, and then actually apply [what I’ve learned].
Secret to my success: Having passion and love f or what you do.
Best advice I’ve received: Everyone makes mistakes and no one’s perfect—always find a way to do better.
Cause closest to my heart: The issue of school security nationwide—training and empowering our teachers and students to defend themselves in certain situations.
What makes a woman beautiful: When a woman has balance.
Fitness regimen: My all-time favorite thing to do is to run on the beach because it mixes my solace with exercise.
Favorite feature: My passion.
Thoughts on aging gracefully: I’m an older mother—I had my daughter at 40—so aging gracefully is really about embracing life experiences, being thankful for them, and looking forward to the ones ahead of you.
When no one is looking, I: Eat chocolate.
No one would ever guess that: I’m a foster child.
What makes me smile: Love.
I never leave home without: Saying “I love you” to my loved ones.
Alexis Rivera
Local Lens
Full-length green dress, Versace (short version, $815). Bloomingdale’s, Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., 305-792-1000. Diamond and white and red gold Eros pendant, Lalique ($3,350). Bal Harbour Shops, 9700 Collins Ave., 305-537-5150
As the morning anchor at WSVN, Rivera’s familiar face is widely recognized across Miami—a place she and her family have called home for decades. The self-professed Miami girl grew up in Miami Beach (coincidentally and unbeknownst to Rivera, alongside her future husband), and after experiencing colder climes in the Northeast, she returned home to quickly ascend the ranks at her local station. The accomplished journalist also anchors her family, which includes her husband and 1-year-old son, and works with various organizations like the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science.
Age: 31.
Neighborhood: Bay Point.
What I love most about Miami: I am home; [Miami] will always be home. It’s nice to be on-air in a community where everybody knows you and you’re surrounded by people you love.
How important is image: Professionally, image is everything. The viewers know only what they see. Not only do I have to be professional, but they also have to trust me.
How Miami influences my look: In Miami, anything goes. You can have so much fun with what you wear. That doesn’t mean I’m going to wear a crop top at 31 years of age; I don’t think I can pull that off anymore.
Go-to beauty brand: I swear b y Yves Saint Laurent mascara.
What makes a woman beautiful: How she feels about herself, her sense of security, her sense of self.
Quality I like most in a woman: Compassion.
Best piece of advice I’ve received: Do what makes you happy and find something you’re passionate about.
Why it’s important to be engaged with my community: It’s part of what I do professionally. In my personal life, I was always raised to give back. I find it important to help those who helped you along the way.
Miami inspiration: Miami is a melting pot, and there are so many different opportunities here. You have the world at your fingertips.
No one would guess that: I like watching sports.
If I could teach my son one value, it would be: Kindness and understanding.
Person I’d most want to have dinner with: Oprah. She’s amazing. The woman has accomplished so much.
Happiness is: Feeling fulfilled.