My job doesn't usually require any travel, but when we found out that H&M was opening in Miami, Lincoln Rd to be exact, I just had to go! After spending my college years in Miami without the luxury of shopping at H&M, this was a pretty big deal for me. I've never had to stay at a hotel in Miami, because I have so many friends and even family there, that I usually stay with. This time I was staying at the Ritz Carlton. Being waited on hand and foot was pretty amazing, after the stressful weeks I've been having. We began our day by taking a walk to see the store. If you know Miami, you know that Lincoln Rd is kind of a big deal for a retailer. Not only would H&M be opening on Lincoln Rd, but in the old Lincoln Theater! When we arrived, they were still adding the finishing touches for the press party that night.
Later in the night, with the red carpet rolled out, guests included Chase Crawford, Matthew Morrison, Real Housewives of Miami and a special performance by Flo Rida.
The next day (opening day), there were 500 people waiting on line to get in. Yes, 500 people. I'm not sure why people wait in lines for a retail store opening. It's still mind boggling to me. We were lucky enough to be some of the very few to be able to pre shop before the massive crowd arrived. Before the doors opened and the ribbon was cut, H&M's CEO gave a really inspiring speech about how this moment is making history for H&M and Miami. I will admit, I shed a tear. Okay, maybe two. The space was so massive, I'm pretty sure I lost my sister about 4 times. My favorite part about the entire store is that there was a register in the dressing room! How genius is that?!
Oh hello..
To celebrate, that night we had an amazing dinner at Meat Market, followed by drinks, and a little trip to the Fontainebleau's LIV. Now this little trip lasted into the wee hours of the morning, which included a stolen iphone, and more fun than I've had in a long time. The next night, to continue the celebration, we headed to the SLS hotel for dinner, dessert and a night full of laughs to end a great and exhausting trip.
Exactly a week later, I flew back to Miami to enjoy some me time. I laid at the pool everyday, book in hand and trying desperately to find my inner peace again. It's not often that I find time alone, so I soaked up every minute. Literally.
