Better Get Your Shades...

© Flickr / Haprev214

Because we’re looking straight ahead at the first weekend of 2011 and the future is looking bright! In the spirit of the New Year, we’re itching for some new adventures. From your new favorite happy hour to the best brunch around, we’re seeing nothing but possibilities, so pull full speed ahead into the best weekend of the year – so far.

Friday: Beat It

© Tucker, Aldo, See by Chloe, Miss SixtyWhat: Beats after Sunset
Where: The Bass Museum
When: 8 – 10 p.m.

Forget your ritualistic post-work Friday happy hour at the same old dive, and head over to the Bass Museum this Friday for the first night of their new Beats after Sunset happy hour series, which is set for the first Friday of every month. This week, get tipsy on complimentary tequila cocktails and tacos, while hanging out on the open-air terrace, gazing out on the impeccable manicured, lush lawn, listening to the sounds of DJ Ricardo Nunez and mingling with art-stalking socialites.

We’re loving the effortless silhouette of a short hemline with a bigger, boxy jacket so pair the kaleidoscope-printed Tucker Printed Silk Mini Dress with the clean lines of a black See by Chloe Blazer. Neutral Miss Sixty Corrine wedges are chunky and sculptural, and balance out the mini-ness of the dress – plus the nude hue makes your legs look miles long. Add some sparkle with flashy Shireen Earrings from Aldo.

Saturday: Go Go Gallery

What: "Transylvania" exhibition by Chris Dean and performance by Gold Dust Lounge
Where: Harold Golen Gallery
When: Gallery opens at 7:00 p.m.

© American Retro, Clare Tough, Arden B., Alexis Bittar, Nine WestIt may seem strange when the first-Friday comes right before the second-Saturday, but art-loving Miamians rejoice whenever it rolls around. Our pick for the first second-Saturday (confused yet?) of 2011 is the Chris Dean exhibition at the Harold Golen Gallery. “Transylvania” explores the conflicting environments of the city of Detroit’s past and future through a series of Technicolor holographic prints. As if that wasn’t enticing enough, Miami’s own Gold Dust Lounge is set to perform.

Be bold in an ever-so-transparent American Retro Tank – the artful spiral of opaque black on the filmy mesh is mesmerizing. Wear it with basic black Ankle Leggings from Arden B., and not-too-tall Nine West Gabrysia Cage Heels for a sleek, sexy look that’s still cool and casual. If you're still feeling a little bare, or the unpredicatble Miami weather takes a dip, layer on the Clare Tough Cotton-blend and Chiffon Cardigan. Small Neon Pink Pyramid Posts from Alexis Bittar break up all that black and put a punch of flattering color right by your face.

Sunday: Sugar, Honey, Honey

What: Brunch!
Where: Sugarcane Raw Bar and Grill
When: 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

© A.L.C., Vanessa Bruno, Target, VELVETIf you haven’t been to the new Sugarcane Raw Bar and Grill in Midtown, let their new brunch offerings be your introduction. Promising decadent delights such as pumpkin pancakes with homemade vanilla ricotta, waffles with duck confit, muesli and yogurt made in-house, and an impressive selection of brunch-worthy beverages that put your standard Mimosa to shame. Sunday morning never tasted so good.

Be chic and Sunday-comfortable in the A.L.C Striped Jersey Dress paired with a bright red-orange Vanessa Bruno Cardigan and you’ll look as fresh as the food. Slide on some sparkly sandals like the Titania Flat Sandals from (surprise!) Target, in lieu of fussy jewelry. You’ll definitely want to bring your purse for some post-brunch shopping (the new Guess is right around the corner) so bring along a luxe-leather VELVET Satchel in Camel.