Valentine's inspiration: Shades of Pink

(Chanel Spring 2010)

Whether we want to celebrate it or not, Valentine's day is just around the corner. If anything this holiday should be an excuse for girls to be girls. So make pink cupcakes (the more sprinkles the better), paint your nails with Tendresse, Chanel's perfectly pink polish, and find something feminine to wear!

Let's stay in the Ice Hotel before it melts

Once you land at Kiruna Airport in Sweden you are given warm clothes and whisked off by dog sled to this architectural masterpiece that melts every spring and is rebuilt in stages every winter. When you stay at the Ice Hotel enjoy watching the northern lights or spend time at the ICE Bar. Don't worry about missing church because there is one built into the hotel. At night, sleep in thermal blankets on blocks of ice covered in deerskin and wake up to a cup of hot lingonberry juice at your bedside. All that to say, the vacation may not be the warmest one you've ever been on but it's definitely one to remember.  

Chambray

January 2010 W Magazine

I will admit the last time I wore a denim shirt was in the mid-90’s and in the form of a button-up collared vest that I tucked into my denim jorts and paired with white Keds (which was practically my daily uniform). Hopefully that trend is buried with the other fashion faux pas of the past but I really do love the classic look of a denim shirt.  Ashley Olson wore one a few years back and the look was all over Spring 2010’s runways ranging from Ralph Lauren to Louis Vuitton. I think this chambray shirt from jcrew paired leggings may become my new (and improved) denim uniform.

A door to look forward to

(Domino Magazine)

Going outside on a cold winter day is no easy task.  Before stepping outside you have to somehow convince yourself there is a reason you are leaving your warm house with the cozy fire behind. Well I thought about it and if the door is inviting, I think leaving the house will be a lot easier. I just love the idea of painting the front door an inviting color, like turquoise. The color reminds me of summer days and the Caribbean Sea. Now if the door could just magically open up to reveal a sandy beach…

Tramonti: Barcelona

(Sunset over La Marina in Barcelona, Spain)

In Barcelona, become a part of history by stepping into Gaudi's ongoing masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia. Walk along the cobblestone streets of Carrer Moncada to the Picasso museum housed within five Gothic palaces. At sunset, enjoy the delicious paella and sangria in one of the local eateries overlooking La Marina.  

Try this recipe for a little sangria with your sunset: 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup brandy

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/3 cup frozen lemonade concentrate

1/3 cup orange juice

1 bottle red wine (a merlot or cabernet is good and the cheaper, the better)

1/2 cup triple sec

1 lemon, sliced into rounds

1 orange, sliced into rounds

1 lime, sliced into rounds

1/4 cup white sugar (optional)

a few maraschino cherries

2 cups carbonated water (optional, but I usually use champagne instead for added sweetness)

Directions:

In a large pitcher or bowl, mix together the brandy, lemon juice, lemonade concentrate, orange juice, red wine, triple sec, and sugar. Float slices of lemon, orange and lime, and maraschino cherries in the mixture. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor (but you don't have to). To make it a little more fizzy, add the club soda (or champagne) just before serving. 

Let me know how it turns out, I think I might make this for the Super Bowl!

Inspiration: silver and white

(Prada spring/summer 2010)

(Versace Spring/Summer 2010)

(Gucci Spring/Summer 2010)

It's the details that make an outfit and these pieces just make me happy! 

Let's Escape to South America

(Chanel 2010 Spring/Summer Campaign)

(Gauchos riding on Isla Victoria, Argentine Patagonia, Conde Nast February 2006)

(The Vineyard at Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa)

Argentina has it all: cosmopolitan cities, gorgeous waterfalls, incredible hotels, a bustling nightlife and the location of Chanel's 2010 spring/summer ad campaign, what more could you ask for?