February 27, 2010
Simply Luxurious
February 26, 2010
You Gotta Have Faith
Isn't it interesting to see how suddenly an item becomes popular? It's as though the universe conspires to create a sudden burst of interest in an object or idea. Or... maybe just random coincidence and a pretty color. Whatever the case this print is the hottest thing going in the venti cafe these days. I haven't pimped my cafe in a while, so I think now's a great time.
In the interest of spring cleaning, renewal and fresh starts I'm going to add some fresh prints to the boutique soon. In the meantime, take a peek at Sakura blossom, my all time favorite piece.
The message on that top print is a powerful one. It reads:
“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop of into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.” - Patrick Overton
Hopefully those of you who have purchased her are emboldened by the strong message and invigorating pomegranite color. Thank you all so much for your Venti love! Mmmmmwah!
February 25, 2010
Steppin' Out
Before you walk out the door today make sure you have a little fun with your outfit. A pop of color. Roll up your pants to show your heels. Bust out the sequins or show off that insanely pretty bag. This ain't no dress rehearsal!
{editorial note: I still DO NOT approve of the jean shorts (eeew!) but this girl's otherwise classic look is fantastic! The fur, the black, the ivory... she nailed it. But... please, please skip the jorts!}
See more fantastic looks at Stockholm Street Style.
New Heights
This photo renders me nearly speechless. Yes, it's been expertly designed and decorated Kendall WIlkinson (see the full Decorati spread). But click on this bad boy and check out those unobstructed views. At first glance it looked like AThens. I imagined some lucky expat enjoying the fruits of their labor in a flat sipping rich, Greek cafe each morning overlooking the bay. As it turns out, this is a home in Pacific Heights, California. It's no wonder real estate in Cali is the impossible "get." With natural beauty like that I can see why.
If you can possibly forget about the views, I challenge you to look at the ceiling. Imagine unwinding at the end of a taxing day in this room? You rest your purse on the mirrored entry table (which exists in my imagination at the entrance of this home), you take off your shoes and kick back on this sectional with the latest Town & Country issue. As you gaze out at the fantastic view, you take a moment to admire your detailed ceiling. And in that moment, you are fully aware of your charmed life experience.
The room above led me to wonder... was the awe-inspiring effect of this room the handiwork of a talented designer? Or was the "gasp effect" of this space the result of the stunning vistas and/or the homeowner's blessed real estate decision. You know the old adage: location, location, location.
To answer this question I poked around her portfolio and was awestruck. Kendall makes even windowless rooms seem luminous and uplifting. It takes a talented eye to achieve the refined looks she's delivering to clients. Decorati has a fun little interview with her this month. She divulges a few signature finishing touches: the white orchid, the plush throw. Who doesn't enjoy a bit of warmth in a room? These are universally appealing. But I particularly enjoyed her response to the question about inspiration:
What do you do, or where do you go, for inspiration?
"Inspiration abounds in the most unexpected places sometimes. Whether it’s rummaging through an old childhood jewelry box, or taking my boys for a hike, I am always surprised at the ideas that come at me!
But when I am purposefully seeking to be inspired, I’ll often turn to my love of fashion, French fashion in particular to see how hemlines may translate into drapery hems!
My travels to Paris also still impact my aesthetic as well, it is a place I am forever inspired by."
Her love of travel and her globetrotting adventures clearly come through in her designs. Personally I feel a space often looks uninformed if the designer hasn't had many life experiences. There's a vast gap between those who have read about historic design periods in textbooks, and those who have seen European palaces in person, walked ancient cobblestone streets and breathed in the air on streets where locals live in faraway lands. Your experience is deepened, your references are informed and your eye adjusts just slightly to the varied tastes of there cultures.
If you have any desire to be great in a creative field I urge you to travel as much as you possibly can to as many places as possible. Most importantly, don't stop moving. Don't stop observing, don't stop craving "the new" and the different. It feeds your mind and restores your soul. I truly feel creative people like myself have a hunger in their souls for new experiences. It's a deep, constant hunger that is never sated. Left unattended, it can be destructive. But if fed and honored it will fuel your career and your passion and be your greatest ally in life. I assure you, the more you roam the better you'll be at your craft and the happier you'll be in life.
As for this talented designer, I have one thing to say: Careful, Kendall.. your Paris is showing!
February 23, 2010
Culinary Immersion: Northern Italy
We keep having heated discussions in our home. Heated, because we are passionate about the topics and heated because the topic of cooking is usually involved. When we were expecting our daughter, I knew it was my last opportunity to take those weekend immersion classes at the Viking store nearby. They offered a few multi-weekend series on knife skills, advanced culinary techniques and - most importantly - fundamentals. I'm still kicking myself for not taking the plunge and doing it - regardless of how "busy" I seemed at the time. Now, of course, I know the true meaning of busy. The thought of disappearing for hours at a time is laughable. I can hardly step out of the room without being missed and called for by my little toddler.
But my passion for the culinary arts has only blossomed. Our TiVo is packed to the gills with Giada's shows (she has three different shows) and my husband is now a big Alton Brown fan. Keep in mind, travel is our absolute top shared passion. Which begs the question: how could one combine cuisine, children and globetrotting into one satisfactory experience?
Enter Sur La Table's Six Day Culinary Immersion Tour in northern Italy. You'll have to secure your own transportation to get there, but once in Liguria you'll be treated to five-star accommodations and celebrity treatment. Here's what you should expect:
It's a rich mix of everything I adore. Hands-on cooking classes, delectable dining, European travel, lots of socialization, an opportunity to test out my language skills and - of course - I could bring my family along for the ride. You can get more details at Sur la Table. For me, the only thing that would make this better is were just Giada, Todd and their little one joining the three of us. I imagine we'd have a blast touring the coastline and keeping our two year olds entertained while we laughed, ate, cooked and bonded. What? It's my culinary dream and I can imagine it any way I choose :)From the rolling green hills outlining Italy’s central valley to the breathtaking views of Liguria’s rugged coastline, you’ll experience the essence of Italian cooking in two beautiful and unique regions, each rich in history and culinary tradition. June is a perfect time of the year to visit Italy, and our third trip there will be the most amazing yet.
On this tour, designed especially for us by Italy’s top culinary institute, Academia Barilla, you’ll see the coast by train, take hands-on classes, eat amazing meals and more. First, you’ll spend three days in picturesque Parma, a 2000-year-old capital rich in art, culture and history. Next, you’ll enjoy two days exploring the stunning coastline of the Cinque Terre—five bewitching towns nestled in the cliffs above the Ligurian Sea.
February 22, 2010
Sugar and Spice
Carrie always has lovely images on her blog. She found this over here at Elizabeth Kimberly Design. The image on its own is sensational. But what did my wandering eyes find on the firm's site? Here's a sneak peek.
February 19, 2010
'Chow Time
I'm fairly certain most of us would tire of this overly fussy bed from Horchow quite quickly. It's a bit much, right? But for the first few days its easy to imagine sitting at staring at it forever. How can you not feel like royalty crawling into this bed? The trick to using ornate Rococo pieces such as this is to "man it up" a bit elsewhere in the room. That means no shabby chic bedside tables (gag!) no floral bedding and whatever you do - please - no royal purple bedding. You'll look like you've been sipping the Crown Royal a bit too much. No. You've got to create a modern contrast with clean lines to play the foil in this environment. How about simple Lucite tables on either side and an Egg chair? Saarinen tables might also work. The point is you've got to keep the surroundings in check. You need to give this dramatic centerpiece sleek surroundings and modern accents in order to pull it off.
Where's the fun in that, you ask? Ahh.... here's the payoff. If you can exercise restraint elsewhere in the room (think ebonized hardwood flooring) you can top off the room with a jaw-dropping chandelier overhead. (I like this one) Then, through the genius of your careful planning and deft strategy, guests to your home hardly notice the over-the-top bed. Instead they are so taken aback by the sheer beauty and drama of the room that they'll find it difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes it so gorgeous. Instead, your subjects are rendered speechless and feel compelled to bow down in homage to your design prowess, thus making you feel like the royal princess you long to be. How's that for clever?
{Found at Horchow}
Springtime in Paris
Louis Vuitton is at it again. Taunting me with pretty pretty things for spring. Like most of you, I'm drooling as much over the absolutely fabulous chair in the last pic as much as I am the sunnies, scarves and yummy spring bags. Oh, Louis...will you be my corporate sponsor? I promise, I'll dutifully wear your lovely products and be seen out and about glamming it up for all to see. Hey, MJ. Call me. We'll do coffee and work out the details!
Oh, and ladies... be sure to get a sneak peek at the festive Cosmic Blossom limited edition collection coming soon to a boutique near you. April 15th, to be exact. Dee. Lish.
Seems clear that 2010 is all about color! The fall runway collections were mostly muted - but that isn't stopping designers from pulling out all the stops for S/S collections. It is full on feminine florals and happy colors. I'm drinking it in as quickly as they are serving it up. Spring... I'm ready for you!
February 17, 2010
Fine Dining
While the Body Works, the Mind Wanders
Today as I sit glued to my laptop my soul longs to take me to much more scenic locations. First up, Kilindi resort on the East African isle of Zanzibar. It looks dreamy, doesn't it? What a view! I long for the heat of the sun, the feel of the breeze, the call of the wild. I can hardly site here I'm so drawn to it.
If you're seeking tamer fantasies, the Cerulean Villa might interest you. It looks family friendly and irresistibly sleek. Tucked safely away in Barnes Bay, Anguilla, the resort looks like a dream come true.
So... I'm getting my mind back into my work now... but my imagination is going to go for a dip in the warm water and then bake by the pool for a while. If you see me with my eyes closed and a huge grin on my face, please do not disturb.
February 16, 2010
Shangri-La
Ahhhh! Finally! I have something in common with Olympic athletes: we're both in need of some therapeutic massage followed by a good long rest. Our Olympian friends are in luck. They're just around the corner from Shangri-La, housed in the tallest building in Vancouver, offering world-class massages and breathtaking views of the city's incredible vistas. This hotel boasts some seriously swanky Asian-inspired decor, ultra-mod dining and a spa that will leave you begging for more.
When I think of Vancouver the city I think of three things: sushi (some of the best I've ever had), Starbucks (much like Seattle, they are often positioned directly across the street from one another) and shopping (from off-beat boutique to high fashion). But I hadn't really thought of the city's hotels as bastions of rest and relaxation. The metropolis offers so much activity and excitement that it only makes sense that visitors would seek a quiet reprieve from the bustle of British Colombia's glimmering lights.
Shangri-La, as the name implies, is a bit of an oasis. Judging by what I can see, it's obvious why it's been named of of the best hotels in Vancouver BC. I love this description from Kiwi Collection:
Be warned: With so much at your doorstep, you may feel a tad guilty. Rising high above its downtown foundations, Shangri-La is mere minutes from both the Pacific Ocean and BC's Coast Mountain Range. Tired of the outdoors? Lucky you - this hotel begs to be explored.
The tallest structure in Vancouver, Shangri-La champions unabashed luxury. Every room on each of the hotel's 15 floors (half of them featuring private patios) offers stunning views of the city and mountains. These plus-size suites further boast state-of-the-art entertainment, like an iPod docking station, and a digital PVR to record and play back live TV. Use your bedside controls to adjust the lighting, and throw back your curtains with the flick of a switch.
But let's get back to that spa experience, shall we? CHI offers a
"spa within a spa" environment. That means you'll enjoy private suites to fully unwind while delighting in a variety of personalized treatments. Choose from the usual array of massages, facials and body wraps - or go for the gold with the Wild Ocean package. This two-hour immersive spa experience includes Thalasso therapy, deep steam shower in your private suite, full body polish with a blend of seaweeds, Pacific sea salt, marine minerals and vitamin E. Next up is a seaweed oil massage to renew and soothe your skin and pamper those sore muscles. Top it off with a warm cinnamon foot massage and you'll leave feeling like a real winner.
I have to say, there's no WAY I'll head up to BC again without checking into this hotel. The view alone is well worth the price of admission. Add in the spa and fine dining and I'll feel like true celebrity. Shangri-La here I come!
Trunk Show
Periodically my laptop desktop becomes filled with delightful images that I'm long overdue in posting for your enjoyment. Such is the case with these Vuitton travel books. These strike me as ideal gifts to have on hand. BFF headed to Paris? Give her the Paris guide with a giftcard she can use at the Louis Vuitton "mothership" - she'll never stop thanking you for the experience!
What I really love about this image, though is the trunk. Notice the black accents rather than the traditional vachetta leather handles and edges. She'll look just as striking in 20 years as she does today. How's that for an investment in the future?
Reese's Pieces
Her looks were opulent and rich with a hint of Chanel-esque textures
and prints thrown in for good measure. And though I feel inspired to
add a few Tracy Reese pieces to my wardrobe, I also feel that I could
achieve the foundation of these looks with pieces I already own. I'll
just need a fresh pair of booties, a cashmere snood and a fluffy scarf.
While it is true Tracy didn't put on a mind-blowing avant garde fashion show, she definitely presented looks perfect for the way modern fashionistas actually dress. We layer. We want our shape to show and underneath it all we want comfort.
{All images via Getty Images. Check out the official catwalk photo stream.}
February 15, 2010
February 12, 2010
Mixing up a Batch of Fabulous
Susan Serra Kitchen Designer extraordinaire, asked me recently to describe my ideal kitchen. I can tell you in a single word what it is not: dark. I crave sunlight. The ideal kitchen for me would serve up generous portions of sunlight reflecting off of light, bright surfaces.
My dream kitchen is creamy white. Not stark white. Not yellow. Not antiqued beige. Although professional designers are yawning over blindfolded requests for granite counter tops, I still love them. Why? Because they allow an organic, chaotic visual element into a space that is otherwise tightly controlled and perfect. Granite is filled with unusual patterns shapes and forms that are beyond our control. And like a diamond, you get to choose the slab that you love the most. This feature alone adds a little thrill to the process for me. Before it is polished to perfection and outfitted with double ogee edges, one gets to choose their slab from the pack. I love the thrill of the hunt, and since we're no longer chasing down prey for our survival, little adventures like this seem to satisfy my primal hunting urges. Sorry but it's true.
The above images are from Kraftmaid. This space comes very close to perfection for me. What would I change? A few things. I'd like a more dramatic range hood. Copper or stainless steel. (I'm thinking copper to bring out the reddish brown interiors of the lit cabinets... but I do love the idea of a grand stainless hood). The chandelier should be larger. The ceiling should be higher. I'd like a thicker slab of granite on the counters. And frankly, I'd be inclined to put granite on the island as well. I know we're in an era of mix and match and all that "accidental perfection" business... but I love the durability and resilience of granite.
But let's get to the business of the view. What I really demand from my dream kitchen is a killer view. I want to open up a wall of doors (dual sets of French doors or an entire moving wall) and see the expanse of my well-manicured back yard beyond a sparkling blue pool. Ideally, kitchen should be integrated with the outdoors as much as possible. I want to see the reflection of rippling water on my towering ceilings. I want to hear trickling water through the open windows. I want plenty of room for friends and family in the room with me - but a natural flow to the action outside. The idea is to have an easy transition from the fridge to the fiesta. Know what I mean? After all, the kitchen is the social hub of the home, so in my next home I want a jewel box of a kitchen that opens to an amazing patio and pool. It's all about entertainment!
Susan... that may not be specifics about range sizes, brands and square footage... but in many ways what I described is even more important for my vision. My ideal kitchen shimmers, it shines, it has a boastful chandelier, glossy granite counter tops, expansive spaces, plenty of barstool seating for visiting friends, massive windows, warm sunlight and plenty of stainless appliances. And most importantly, a gathering place for fun!
February 11, 2010
Bergdorf Goodman iPhone App.
Sky High
{images above from the Pieces blog demonstrate one woman's commitment to achieving her dreams: "Sovereign's skyline views offer a fresh perspective for Pieces owner Lee Kleinhelter and her growing family."}
February 10, 2010
Barbara Barry Beckons Buyers to Bloomies for Bedding.
Social Climbers
February 09, 2010
My Essential 10
Editor's note: If you aren't following her yet on twitter or reading her blog you're really missing out. She's a wonderful blogger and a warm personality in my tweet stream. Get to know her better by reading the ten at the top of her life list. Thank you for including me in your series, Paloma! XOXO!
{print courtesy of The Love Shop}
Coolest. iPod. Dock. Ever.
I know what you're thinking. You've got that cool white Bose Sound Dock for playing the latest Black Eyed Peas song. But, guys... look at this cool iPod dock I found. Harmon Kardon surround-sound. AMG 5-point custom wheels. Power rear sunshade. Vented leather seating. Dual panoramic sunroof. Talk about premier example of man's mastery of design.
Imagine yourself in the driver's seat listening to the sounds of Fergie, Will.i.am and.... those other guys. Every control you could ever wish for is at your fingertips, including built in GPS navigation. Of course, this supah-fly dock comes with a stiff $90K price tag. But just think how amazing the sound will be inside the cashmere beige leather interior. Ahhh.... I can smell it now.
By the way, if ever a car epitomized my idea automotive fantasy - this is it. This is exactly my preferred color combo (I'm a white on tan with wood accents girl). It is absolute German perfection. Of course, now I'm just being redundant. Let's just turn the volume up and kick back for a few.
"I've got a feeling...."
Well-Scripted
The beautiful prints above are from MyFonts.com, showcasing some of the year's freshest faces and popular type styles. Show them some love!
February 08, 2010
Peep Show
Hot or Cold?
traditional kitchen design by boston architect LDa Architecture & Interiors
Is it just me, or do there seem to be two main schools of thought with kitchen design? On one end of the spectrum you have warm cozy traditional space. On the other end, homeowners find themselves immersed in cool, sleek moderne environments. Most of us (I know this to be true because math is our friend and averages don't lie) live somewhere in the middle of that spectrum.
kitchen design by new york interior designer Priscilla Fried
To address this, designers have begun to master the balancing act of satisfying those of us on hump of the bell curve. Everywhere you look there are Top Chef grade appliances flanked by aged, hand-rubbed cabinets. The new look goes well beyond "transitional" in my opinion. These have a look of glamour to them that transcends the old ways of blending the two extremes.
traditional kitchen design by san diego architect Christian Rice Architects, Inc.
Surfaces are sleek, integration is seamless and the overall look is more difficult to describe as any one type. In most cases, the only way to describe the look is...well..beautiful. And at the end of the day, that's what we all long for: a beautiful and welcoming home. Even if that does mean demanding a 48" Wolf rangetop AND our grandmother's antique butcher block table "must" go in the design.
It's nice to know we no longer have to choose hot or cold extremes. Those of us in between can feel relatively sure our blended designs will stand the test of time better than those of our predecessors. Our generation isn't going to populate the 'burbs with cookie-cutter homes serving up avocado green kitchens and Formica counter tops. Instead, we're outfitting these sprawling spaces with high grade granite as far as the eye can see, stainless steel appliances and 42" cabinets. Designs change and standards evolve, but I do feel we've broadened the middle ground enough that mainstream kitchens are an exercise in restraint and examples of good taste. But of course, I could we completely wrong. In 15 years we may very well find ourselves cringing at these photos and wondering why we thought paying $150 for a pair of shredded designer jeans was a good idea. Only time will tell!
***Note*** Interesting story about this post. I stumbled upon the images because of an email sent out by Houzz. The topic was where to place the microwave and linked to a post by The Kitchen Designer Susan Serra, CKD. Susan and I are connected via Twitter as well. Coincidence of all coincidences Susan was emailed me this morning to say hello... upon closer inspection I realized I'd already written the above post the evening before she emailed. I'm probably not telling the story very well. The point is, we were both thinking of one another at the same time and reaching out in different ways. Big world? Hardly. Feels more cozy and warm every day thanks to technology!If you're not already reading her blog, you'll soon discover she's an expert on all things to do with the culinary environment!
Full Bloom
Check out the new Isabella Oliver 365 Collection for 2010. I love how they describe the looks:
Our Spring 2010 Isabella Oliver 365 Collection is here. This season, choose from ultra-wearable basics, nautical classic silhouettes, candy brights, and lightly tailored separates. Whether you are dressing for coffee with friends, the school run, work, or evening events, simply throw on our pieces for looks that will always work. Whatever your day holds, our multifunctional must-haves offer style confidence when you need it most.
That pretty much sums up what I love about the brand. Amidst the rest of my wardrobe, my IO pieces are just so wearable and versatile. As a lover of classic looks, I'm never disappointed by how timeless the pieces are without ever seeming dated. The new season looks sensational!!!
February 07, 2010
California Dreaming
Last night we watched (well... re-watched) Spanglish. I'm not sure why, but I love that movie. While Adam Sandler is surprisingly good, think the star of the movie is the beautiful California weather, scenic beauty and that fabulous easy-breezy west coast lifestyle. And I realized it's been a while since I flew out to the edge of the continent and looked out over the edge of the world. It's time, baby! It's time!
So this morning, with my steaming hot mug of Starbucks Via in hand I began my search. A quick hop here landed me here...and before you knew it I was at Santa Monica's Huntley Hotel. My, my my! If memory serves I've actually blogged about this before. What does that tell you? It tells me I'm due for a long weekend on the Santa Monica shoreline to take in the view firsthand.
If these seductive images aren't enough to lure you to the boutique hotel, you may need a swift reboot. I kept feeling a certain fabulous familiarity to the look. Sure enough, they are the work of Thomas Schoos - one of my all-time favorite designers. He has a very easy way of creating relationships between indoor and outdoor spaces - ideal for inhaling the fresh seascape and beauty that is the Pacific coastline.
If you're not familiar with his work, Schoos is a lover of nature. I originally fell for his outdoor living spaces designed for many a Hollywood celeb. That's the beauty of the climate in southern Cali: there's no need to distinguish between indoor and outdoor spaces. I'm SUCH a fan of that lifestyle! *swoon*
Here's a photo of the master of nature-embracing design, as well as a peek into one of his exotic gardens. Aren't those paneled wooded doors fantastic?! I can't wait to have a home that allows me to finally incorporate similar ones into the design. They are so fabulous. And look at those bulldogs! So cute.
But wait... back to the hotel. We've been plotting out or spring trip. As much as I adore the idea of Hawai'i, I have to admit I'm a bigger fan of the short flights out west. The Huntley is calling my name and would allow me to see the work of Schoos up close. I've been a fan for many, many years, so it would be a fantastic place to immerse myself in his work.
The only question is... will I ever want to leave?
February 06, 2010
Simm-ply Fabulous
Molly Simms. Designer Showcase. New York Fashion Week. Former Project Runway Contestants. Do I have your attention yet? I thought so. Here's the inside scoop:
The Gen Art New Garde showcase happening next month hosted by Molly Sims. Designer duo WesFeld (two former Project Runway contestants) have won a prime spot to showcase their collection at the show as a part of New York Fashion Week.
When: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 7:00PM
Where: Drive In Studios · 443 West 18th Street (between 9th and 10th Avenues) · NY 10011
What: The New Garde show will feature four emerging designers, who represent the best in rising fashion talent, in a dynamic non-traditional fashion presentation, featuring live model installations
WesFeld's winning designs are whimsical and romantic creations inspired by elements of water and nature (see attached photo.) We’d love to invite you to join in the unveiling of their entire collection at the New Garde show. The show typically attracts over a 1,000 attendees and past designers include Project Runway winner Jeffrey Sebelia, Geren Ford, Society for Rational Dress, FORM and Kit Pistol. Celebrities and other press will be in attendance.Need more details? Find them on facebook. Ciao!
February 04, 2010
Homecoming Queen
A few nights ago I discovered my favorite barista had returned to my nearby Starbucks. He possesses the quintessential espresso-serving personality: smooth, easy going, warm with a hint of earthy goodness. I'd been missing him for the better part of a year. While we chatted it up I discovered he'd relocated to Vancouver and was only back in town for a short while. From there we sprang into a long discussion on his fabulous his new city.
Vancouver! If ever I was going to move north, this British Columbian gem would surely be the reason. It is unlike any other place I've visited. Somehow, this city with towering buildings and a gleaming city skyline offers the ideal blend of city living and abundant nature. Their impossibly chic downtown is walkable, their connection to nature will astound you and their culturally diverse population greets you with open arms. You'd be hard pressed to have a bad time in this world-class Canadian wonderland.
When we visited a few years ago, we were blown away by the top quality restaurants, the bustling art galleries, lively waterfront districts and beautiful architecture. And then... we discovered it: Stanley Park. If you could combine rugged wildness of the Pacific Northwest with Central Park's manicured spaces, add in a dash of European flair and a heavy serving of "are we still on the same planet?" beauty, you'd still be unable to sum up the wonder of the area. It is shockingly beautiful.Whether you enjoy hiking kayaking, biking, rock climbing or simply sunning yourself on the sand, Stanley Park is the cure for what ails you.
With the Olympics starting up shortly, I realize the entire world is about to descend upon this marvelous part of the world. It makes me want to pop up for a quick trip before it becomes too popular. While it's doubtful we can make in there in the next few weeks I'm dreaming of the places Id' stay if we could. Top of my list is the cosmopolitan Loden Vancouver. Billed as one of the best hotels in Vancouver BC, The Loden is a masterpiece on the city's waterfront. Just look at those photos! It doesn't get more sexy than that.
If you're looking for places to stay during the winter games, poke around HelloBC.com for things to do while you're there. I promise you'll consider relocating or at least buying an apartment in one of the many high rises that dot the downtown landscape. It's a spectacular city.
And as for my barista? He's headed back soon to enjoy the fresh sushi and vibrant lifestyle of his new home. Rather than be sad when he returns I'll look at the bright side: now I know a local who can show me around the next time I visit!
{Editor's note: I'm THRILLED to announce that I found this hotel the via Kiwi Collection site. Kiwi focuses exclusively on the world's best boutique and luxury hotels. I wish to thank them for being the premier 2010 Venti Cup sponsor. Stay tuned for more exciting destinations!}
February 01, 2010
Pack Your Prada Bags!
Authored by designer Franki Durbin.
Your stylish guide for living a glamorous, adventurous life.
Get in touch | About me
Your stylish guide for living a glamorous, adventurous life.
Get in touch | About me
