passport to morocco

Classic moroccan. I like to take a simple outfit that fits well and has interest. Then punch it up with the right balance of color, detail and texture. I'm all about the details and they are usually bold. This look is perfect for a date but I'd also wear this to work with a leather satchel and single button jacket.

Iris Barrel Apfel Exhibit

This is an old post but I had to re-share! I was inspired by seeing this fabulous style icon in the May issue of W magazine. I've always said how much I prefer accessories and jewelry even more than clothes (I inherited that from my grandmother for sure). I love that Madame Iris shares the philosophy that accessories can transform the most basic outfit. Her uninhibited self expression is infectious!

December 11, 2005

I trekked to New York yesterday. It was cold and I was tired but very excited about embarking on a brief adventure. My destination-- a costume exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art- "Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Barrel Apfel Collection."

Iris Barrel Apfel has an amazing collection of unique fashion and accessories from around the world. I envy her bold, chunky jewelry from India, Tunisia, and the Caribbean. She is not afraid to mix cultures or styles. I love that she pairs couture with ready to wear effortlessly. Granted I wouldn't wear all the pieces together as they were displayed. The average person could not pull off some of the dramatic ensembles without looking costume-y. Yet somehow it all works.

That's what individual style is about; making it your own. Layering seemingly unrelated pieces in a way that is deeply personal. Take risks. I left the exhibit feeling inspired to look once again at my own collection and kick it up a notch.

A must see for anyone who appreciates fashion.

The Costume Institute, Ground Floor. September 13, 2005-January 22, 2006.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzf_WPqsmTM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGMri955yyo

Iris Barrel Apfel Collection

My Grandmother, The Epitome of Glamour!

My love for all things stylish can be attributed to one woman, my grandmother. She is truly the epitome of glamour. I blogged about her at the Q--check it out!

Austin--Who knew?

I visited a psychic last year who told me that I would travel southwest. Could be New Mexico, Arizona, somewhere in the southwest. I thought to myself "uhh huh" as I gave her the "whatever you say" look. I'm thinking tropical islands so why on earth would I return to the desert when I'd already been to Santa Fe and Sedona? I thought I'd fulfilled that quota.

Well...less than a year later wouldn't you know it I found myself in Austin, Texas. The weather was h-e-l-l hot. But the vibe was cool and laid back.  I experienced a bit of culture shock. For an east coast girl who's used to a fast pace and city grime Austin was literally a breath of fresh air. I visited Barton Springs Pool where everyone frolics in the fresh warm water from the Barton Creek. For six bucks you can ride the kiddy train around the park and see joggers, canoers, and swimmers. The city is pro energy, nutrition and fitness. It's the birthplace of Whole Foods Market. The ginormous, well stocked, beautifully merchandised location on Lamar puts all others to shame. 

You can't talk about Austin without mentioning music. It's known as the live music capital of the U.S. I checked out a honky tonk band, and matching dancers, at the Continental Club, listened to a jam session at the Elephant Room and got entranced in some deep bass electronica at a joint on Sixth street. I must say I felt much more evolved and cool for having stepped out of my little comfort zone. Ha!

As far as food goes you can expect a lot of tex-mex. But if you want a more upscale alternative check out South Congress Cafe--loved the cool exposed brick and concrete floors. The calamari was tender and not overly fried. Walk down the street, pass cool clothing shops and home furnishing stores, to Guero's Taco Bar for a good mango margarita and grilled veggie entree. The portions were very generous. You can eat outside while taking in the action on SoCo. That's South Congress to all the locals.

Yea Mon

I went to Jamaica for the first time a couple weeks ago. It was a brief trip--two days--but I managed to pack a lot in my stay at the Iberostar Rosehall Suites in Montego Bay.

As the name implies the I.R. Suites is an all suites all-inclusive hotel. It's literally the middle child located between the Iberostar Grand (Luxury, Adults Only) and Iberostar Beaches (Family). After a twenty minute ride from the airport, I was welcomed by friendly staff and a complimentary drink upon arrival. Although it's a family resort it was pretty quiet, which I loved. I do like kids, but from a distance...is that mean?

First thing I like to do after settling in my room is explore the hotel so I know the layout. The internet cafe is open 24 hours. I didn't have to wait for a computer but even if I did there was a pool table, board games, books, and loud 80s tunes to keep me entertained. The gym is located next to the spa. It was clean and there was a variety of machines to choose from. However, it was humid (ick) and lacked an enjoyable view (sorry but the tv and concrete wall didn't do it for me.) I joined other resort guests in the large theater for their nightly entertainment. The faux Las Vegas showgirl and silly comedy routines were as cheesy as I expected. BUT as they say, "if you can't beat `em join `em," so I participated in ONE line dance with some other brave souls. It was quite hilarious.

A thing about eating at all inclusive resorts. You usually end up eating more than you expect even if you have no intention on doing so. The buffets scream "try me! try me!" Expect to gain a few pounds just by looking at the food. There are four international a la carte restaurants to choose from which require reservations. I ate at the international buffet, which you know I usually don't like, but I was with a group, so I went along. I became instant friends with the whitefish and plantains (uh, yum) and mangos (soooo sweet and delicious)!

I enjoy Bob Marley and realize his importance in Jamaican culture as well as music history. But, I know this is sacrilegious to say, I was relieved not to hear another "One Love" or "Jammin" song once I hit U.S. soil. I think part of me was craving a more authentic Jamaican experience where you not only meet "real" Jamaicans but you mingle with and get a true sense of their culture. I'm amazed by how international Jamaica is. The mostly African population is mixed with people of Asian, Spanish, and Indian descent. The colors of the flag represent the the country's legacy, history and agriculture--Yellow (the sun) Black (the peoples struggle) and Green (the land). Vacationing within the walls of any resort is great for chillin' out, grazing the day away, and enjoying yourself. But if you want a more cultural experience you have to find a trustworthy guide, make friends with the locals, venture out, use common sense and of course, have fun. I plan on going back to find out more about the legendary White Witch of Rose Hall.

English translation: "Where are you going?"

Patois translation: "Wher gwan?"

English translation: "Great", "Good", "Fine"

Patois translation: "Ire"

English translation: "Yup", "Yeah" ,"I agree"

Patois translation: "Yea Mon"

Iberostar Rosehall Suites

Montego Bay, Jamaica

1-876-680-0000

www.iberostar.com

White Witch of Rose Hall

Montego Bay, Jamaica

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Witch_(of_Rose_Hall)

Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.

 ~Spencer Johnson

Confession Time

So it's been a minute since my last post. And I feel a little guilty about it. In fact I was trying to come up with some excuses to tell you (whoever you are, thanks for reading, please come back) but came up with none. At least nothing that was worth posting-- unless you count getting caught up with work demands, dealing with a leaking car trunk for two weeks, being emotionally, mentally, physically exhausted as acceptable excuses. 

You can probably tell by now that I'm a straightforward gal and I like to share my experiences raw, with no preservatives. Blogging has become a new passion of mine. It's an extension of journaling which I've been doing since puberty. There's an internal tug of war occurring in my mind between saying what I mean and meaning what I say while being somewhat entertaining and informative.  I hope you'll stick around while I try to navigate this thing called life. The journey has been unpredictable so far.