Blogs I Love: The Wardrobe Code

I first met Nicole Longstreath by chance when I sat down at her lunch table during a blogger conference last year. She was there to pick up some extra tips for her blog, The Wardrobe Code, which originally chronicled her mission to completely revamp her closet by shopping only at Goodwill. Since then, Nicole has turned into a full blown wardrobe coach, helping women makeover their style via her blog, e-books and online seminars.

Whenever I read The Wardrobe Code, I so desperately wish I lived in Southern California and could accompany her on her Goodwill group shopping trips. I can never seem to find the gems she discovers! Through her blog, though, I'm able to pick up handy tips about shopping on a budget that I put into use on a regular basis. Check her out.

Where to Stay: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

Photo courtesy of Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

I could tell you about how the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is a luxurious beachfront hotel that's worth a visit because of its seaside pool and rooms with views of the Pacific Ocean. Or how the beach brasserie Ocean & Vine is delicious because the chef uses fresh ingredients from the local farmer's market. It's all true, and it's all awesome. But this post is about what's really important - a lending library where you can literally check out the latest in designer fashions.

Photo courtesy of Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

Yes, the Loews Santa Monica Beach has an onsite Fred Segal boutique with a collection of on-loan jewelry, purses, sunglasses and other must-have accessories. An opportunity to experience one of Los Angeles' iconic shopping destinations, the Fred Segal lending library is where you can borrow everything from designer reading glasses and cufflinks to the trendiest cocktail rings and clutches.

 

Items range from a $10 children's book to a $500 silver evening clutch. There's also a selection of embellished scarves, layered necklaces, chunky bangles, aviators and more. The service is complimentary for guests who purchase a suite at the hotel. At this time, the service is unavailable to guests who book a regular room.

Travel Beauty: Eminence Organics Detox Tube

Photo courtesy of Eminence Organics

For me, finding travel beauty products can be a hassle. Not only do I have to hunt down TSA-friendly packaging, but I also inevitably end up searching high and low for products that actually work. Last year, I attended the 2011 iSpa conference in Las Vegas and was gifted an Eminence Organics starter kit. The potent facial cleaners, exfoliates and moisturizers come in .5-ounce individual jars and are easy to tuck into your travel beauty bag.

The Detox Tube is great for travel because products are focused on rejuvenating skin, something that's a necessity after long plane rides. (Or, if you're like me, a night spent indulging in a little too much local...um, culture.) My absolute favorite is the pear and poppy seed microderm polisher. It smells so good, you'll want to eat it (don't). But it also leaves your skin baby-smooth and ready for the included sour cherry moisturizer.

Latest Article for The Knot

I wrote a few articles about trends in the Chicago weddings market for the spring/summer 2012 edition of The Knot. Are you a Windy City bride? Check out the following articles for some great wedding planning resources:

• The Wedding Hot Sheet: New venues, florists and other vendors you need to plan the perfect Chicago wedding.
• Ballrooms That Bring It: Ballrooms are back and bigger than ever. Whether you're a classic, modern or artsy bride, Chicago has the ideal ballroom setting for your big day.
• The Inside Scoop: Tips and advice from three of Chicago's top wedding planners.

Honeymoon Ideas: St. Barths

Photo courtesy of St-Barths.com

Last week, I started stressing about planning our honeymoon. Stressing about planning our honeymoon. That is NOT normal. So, I polled my friends for their favorite travel agents and was introduced to the travel planning powers of Stacy Small with Elite Travel International.

Unfortunately for Stacy, we don't have a lot for her to go off of at the moment - we won't have a better idea of our budget until much closer to our travel date - but she was kind enough to give us some ideas based on our honeymoon "wants." One of the most intriguing destinations she recommended was St. Barths.

Like most Caribbean islands, St. Barths has a long and interesting history, having been discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. St. Barths is also known as a prime foodie and shopping destination with much of its retail located in the town of Gustavia. Here, glittering jewelry stores and designer boutiques are housed in charming wooden and stone buildings dating back to the late 1700s.

Photo courtesy of Eden Rock

There's a decent list of hotels and resorts on St. Barths that are worth checking out. Eden Rock is one of the coolest I came across during my research with accommodations ranging from more standard beach rooms to beach houses and ultra beach villas. The Rockstar villa is enormous with 16,000 square feet of space that includes a recording studio and garage that you can stock with your choice of luxury cars or other sports gear. (Somehow, I don't see this in our budget, but it's cool nonetheless!)

Photo courtesy of Eden Rock

Another cool thing about Eden Rock on St. Barths is its partnership with British jewelry designer Stephen Webster. Inspired by Eden Rock's dramatic rocky bluff setting, the collection of statement pendants and earrings are available in white gold and turquoise or yellow gold with white Mother of Pearl. You'll also find a pop-up store from Webster at Eden Rock where you can shop his other cutting-edge designs.

Photo courtesy of Stephen Webster

We've got 3 more honeymoon destinations - interestingly, all in the Caribbean - to explore before we make our final decision. Thanks to you all for your recommendations!

Rachel Zoe's Jetset Style

She's chic, quirky and downright ba-na-nas. So what does stylist-turned-designer Rachel Zoe always take with her on the road? Givenchy wedges, a Chanel blazer and Armani silk concealer, among other things. (Who doesn't travel with their couture line-up?!) Read more about Rachel Zoe's must-have travel accessories on Glamour.com's Slaves to Fashion.

Where to Stay: Gramercy Park Hotel

Photo courtesy of Gramercy Park Hotel

What's better than a stylish hotel? How about a stylish hotel that's within a few minutes of some of the best shopping in New York City? Designed by Oscar-nominated director Julian Schnabel, Gramercy Park Hotel is a 185-room work of art set along the boundaries of Manhattan's private Gramercy Park (only local residents and hotel guests have access to it).

Photo courtesy of Gramercy Park Hotel

Gramercy Park Hotel is within easy access to uptown shopping havens like Fifth and Madison Avenues, as well the downtown funky styles of SoHo, Nolita and the Meatpacking District. If you're not sure where to begin your retail therapy, let the concierge arrange for a private shopping session.

Photo courtesy of Gramercy Park Hotel

One-of-a-kind furnishings, paintings and sculptures (with original art from the likes of Andy Warhol) make for an environment that is both regal and modern. There's a restaurant serving up Roman-style trattoria dishes and a rooftop garden that's perfect for casual al fresco breakfast and lunch. Rose Bar and Jade Bar, both designed in an eclectic candlelit feel, have a long list of classic and exotic cocktails, plus an all-day bar dining menu.

Photo courtesy of Gramercy Park Hotel

Humphrey Bogart, John F. Kennedy and Axel Rose are just some of the high-flying guests that have visited Gramercy Park Hotel since its opening in 1925. The guest suites' rich velvet curtains and carved stone mantels have even served as the backdrop to many ad campaigns, including one for Vera Wang. And we all know how big of a difference the small touches make: at Gramercy Park Hotel, staff leave thoughtfully chosen books in your bedside rack and fragrant bath salts to enjoy in your  sculpted soaking tub.

Honeymoon Ideas: Bora Bora

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Bora Bora

Bora Bora has been a dream travel destination of mine since I first laid eyes (in pictures) on the crystal clear water. It's just the perfect shade of turquoise that reminds me of home in Croatia. Therefore, I'm throwing Bora Bora into the ring myself for honeymoon ideas.

In September, the fiance (then just the boyfriend) and I spent a week in Maui and fell head over heels for the laidback island vibe. For the first time in my life - yes, even on vacation - I lost track of time and let go of schedules, stress and technology. On our trip, a couple we met told us that Bora Bora was like Maui x 10.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Bora Bora

When we first started brainstorming honeymoon travel destinations, I was a little heartbroken to find that none of the island's resorts offered all-inclusive packages. Thankfully we've got some budget to work with, but I'm no Carrie Underwood.

Digging a little further, I found the Tahiti Tourism website has Bora Bora honeymoon and vacation packages offered by third party companies like Tahiti.com and Journese. These specials aren't like the all-inclusive ones at Sandals resorts that cover food, drink and activities, but with airfare, transportation and accommodations included, they are definitely more budget-friendly.

I've heard from a lot of people that the Four Seasons Bora Bora is one of the best resorts on the island. Obviously I've never been, but I've never had a bad Four Seasons experience and it's pretty impossible to argue with this picture:

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Bora Bora

The Four Seasons Bora Bora received the title of "Best Romantic Hotel in the World" from TripAdvisor users, partly because of its Romance Package. Besides accommodations, it includes daily breakfast buffet, dinner at Arii Moana restaurant, couple's spa treatment, bath amenity and Champagne.

What I love most about Four Seasons is that its hotels and resorts find unique ways to incorporate the destination's environment and culture. This is especially true in its spa experiences and the Four Seasons Bora Bora is no different. Monoi, kahaia and vanilla are just some of the Tahitian ingredients I saw on its spa menu.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Bora Bora

Has anyone been to Bora Bora? Where did you stay?

Travel in Style: Spring Break Fashion

I wrote a guest post for Style Sizzle about spring break fashion. Check it out for inspiration on what to wear on the beach, during sightseeing and on a fun night out!

Travel Style for the Home: Colorful Throw Pillows

How cute are these handcrafted throw pillows from Peking Handicraft? I love the idea of bringing my favorite travel destinations into home decor. Great way to make the memories last!

Win a $500 Spring Wardrobe from Ted Baker

Dying for a spring wardrobe re-do? Ted Baker at Scottsdale Fashion Square has you covered with its Get Off Your Rear and Cheer contest. Just stop by the store with your Cactus League spring training ticket stub and enter to win a $500 shopping spree. The contest runs through April 4 and the winner will be drawn the week of April 9. Good luck!

Where to Stay: The Saguaro AZ

The lobby at The Saguaro AZ

"Hi, guys. Welcome to The Saguaro. Are you checking in today?"

This is all it took for me to fall in love with The Saguaro AZ in Scottsdale.

Why? Because the valet attendant was nice and even sincere.

Prior experience with this particular property, long before it was The Saguaro from Joie de Vivre, wasn't exactly warm and welcoming.

Long ago, this hotel was a Mondrian property. And I realize Mondrian hotels are supposed to be "sexy" and "hot," like the girl in high school every guy wants to date and every girl wants to be. But I have stayed at plenty of Mondrian hotels where I felt like my patronage was wanted and I just never felt quite "cool enough" for the old Mondrian Scottsdale. (I later found out this was because I wasn't a wannabe model into shady trysts.)

The Saguaro has done a stand-up job sweeping away this sordid past to create a hotel that is just as hip and modern - and they've done it without alienating 90 percent of the population.

Retro reading material in the lobby is a nod to Scottsdale's Wild West history

My favorite part of the property is the lobby, where you're greeted with vibrant splashes of green, yellow, orange and pink. The layout is the same as it's always been: check-in desk is immediately to your left and down the stretch of the hallway is a bar and restaurant - now called Old Town Whiskey and Distrito.

Lobby artwork is a highlight at The Saguaro AZ
Photo by Stjepan Alaupovic

More pop art at The Saguaro AZ

Distrito warrants its own blog post (coming soon!), so I'll focus this paragraph on Old Town Whiskey. There's something like 100+ varieties of whiskey, bourbon, rye and scotch on the menu, plus a fun collection of Prohibition era cocktails, local and regional beers, and decent list of wines.

Entrance to Old Town Whiskey

Old Town Whiskey
Photo by Stjepan Alaupovic

Old Town Whiskey is loosely modeled after a speakeasy so the furniture and mood is noticeably darker than the rest of the hotel, but there are still the characteristic pops of color in chair legs and wall fixtures. James Beard Award Winner Chef Jose Garces crafted all of The Saguaro's onsite dining facilities. At Old Town Whiskey he focuses on creative bar snacks, burgers and other comfort foods. There's also a raw bar and, my favorite, a section dedicated entirely to pickled veggies.

Bright pops of color at Old Town Whiskey
Photo by Stjepan Alaupovic

Rooms at The Saguaro are mostly white with a brightly-colored throw, pillow and accent wall adding a touch of variety. You've got your bed (extra comfortable), TV stand/desk and a seating area. Design is modern and bordering on minimal, but done well.

I have to say that the only place I saw traces of "the old hotel" was in the guestrooms. Telltale paint jobs and (I think) some existing bathroom fixtures reminded me that The Saguaro wasn't a complete gut-and-rebuild project. But the rooms fit the hotel's character, are clean and comfortable, and use LATHER bath products. Bonus!

A pool at The Saguaro AZ
Photo by Stjepan Alaupovic

From our room at The Saguaro, we had a great view of the pool (there are two on property) where we saw all types of travelers - from families to young hipsters and everyone in between - enjoying a 70-degree February afternoon. Next to the pool is the fitness center and The Saguaro Spa, which is a boutique-style spa. Here, desert-inspired treatments come with a Nuevo Latin twist (more on that later, too).

The Saguaro AZ was the prototype for its sister property that recently opened in Palm Springs. It's also called The Saguaro and looks to have the same clever Joie de Vivre design and sensibility. I'd be interested to see how the two hotels compare. Has anyone been to The Saguaro Palm Springs?