Bettina Looney’s Shopping List After Moving to Miami

Bettina Rooney is Who What Wear Resident Editora stylist, tastemaker, entrepreneur, and creative consultant known for her discerning eye and influence across industries. Spanning fashion, interiors, and beauty, she translates style into substance through private styling. Edited by Bettina Rooney.

Moving across continents, storing most of my wardrobe in storage, and adjusting to life in Miami (which feels like an eternal summer) was not the wardrobe refresh I had planned. But it turned out to be an effective one.

For most of the past year, I’ve been wearing clothes. Rotate through the same lineup of pieces as you juggle home renovations, a whole new routine, and the logistics of life in general. When half your wardrobe is stuffed away in storage like a distant memory, you’ll be very honest about what you actually enjoy wearing and be a little more strategic about what you buy.

Here’s what I’ve stopped buying and what I keep adding to my basket instead.

Out: Shoes that are prone to chafing // In: Comfortable and chic shoes

I used to tolerate beautiful but impractical shoes. Now I just run away from that thought. If I couldn’t survive an entire day of walking a few blocks and chasing two little lives without thinking about my feet. Not worth the investment or taking up space in your wardrobe. Miami allowed me to wear stylish flats, minimalist sandals, and easy low heels. It’s actually quite freeing.

These Alaïa heels are the most comfortable heels I’ve ever worn.

Buy your favorite shoes in Miami

Out: Rely on outerwear // In: Single items and easy basics

Miami weather has completely changed the way I think about clothing. When it’s warm, there are few outer layers you can rely on to pull your look together. Items need to stand on their own, so I’ve started focusing on clean silhouettes and outfits that work without a lot of styling.

One of my biggest “obsessions” is to stick to the basics every day. I went through a phase of only buying very unique clothes and realized that I had nothing to wear when I just wanted to be comfortable. Lately, I’ve been buying a lot of simple tops. Aritzia, it’s like she’s collecting them. I wear them all the time because they have a good shape and are reasonably priced. In what is essentially a climate of perpetual summer, reliable basics start to feel more useful than statement items you can’t reach every day.

Chic Aritzia basics.

Shop Aritzia and Zara’s Basic Picks

: Efficient coordination

The solution for mornings when you don’t have much time is a two-piece set. It may look like you have planned your outfit, but you really don’t. Lately, skirt and top combinations from Posse, Aligne, Le Set, and Eaves have been all the rage. It has become a very efficient way to get dressed, especially when life is busy.

White always feels so refreshing and clean, and I love the look and feel of this eaves set.

Purchase my coordination recommendations

Target: Activewear

Thanks to Miami, I now wear training pants much more often than I expected. Oversized anorak and proper style Trainer, it feels easy but still solidly put together. I live in Salomon and New Balance. Comfortable and practical, yet modern enough to wear all day long.

Shop your favorite activewear

Start: The stage of falling in love with interiors

Right now, I spend more time looking for things I need for my home than anything else. Living in and renovating means constantly sourcing things to fill the space and add calm to the room, whether it’s lighting, tableware, or sculpture.

I became drawn to alabaster details, travertine pieces, and dark wood and metal accents that felt beautiful and sculptural. Zara Home and Crate & Barrel have become my de facto best friends. I feel very happy when I see the space I worked so hard to create slowly coming together.

I packed 20 pieces of alabaster light in my suitcase that I bought at an Egyptian market, but Zara Home also has great options.

The Pottery Barn pots we have at home are available in the link below.

Shop my home decor picks

: Skin first beauty

Permanent sunlight has led to fewer skin care options. Broad-spectrum SPF is now essential, and I find myself leaning toward formulas that focus on repair and hydration. Purcell Peptide products, Dr. Jarto Ceramidine Cream, Nanbujin NAD+, and Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Cream are all part of my daily routine.

Shop the new staples in my skincare routine

Location: Cute Miami cafe

Exploring one Miami cafe after another is also one of the easiest ways to calm down after a lot of traveling. My favorites are Frankie and Wally’s for an authentic latte, Grove Grocer in Coconut Grove on Sundays, and Big Face Coffee in the Design District.

globe grocery store in coconut grove

frankie and wally in Coral Gables