Destinations: Heading to Austin!

Photo courtesy of the Austin CVB

This week I head out to Austin. It'll be my first time in Texas and I'm excited to see what the Live Music Capital of the World has to offer by way of hotels, dining and - of course - fashion. My visit includes stops at the W Austin, Hotel Saint Cecilia and Hotel San Jose, plus a little jaunt outside of Austin city limits to Hyatt Lost Pines for some spa-ing and adventure. Have you been to Austin? What are your must-sees?

In My Travel Bag: MyTab.co

Photo courtesy of MyTab.co

OK, your birthday is coming up. Are you praying that your loved ones will finally realize a girl can only collect so many cheap-o bath products? Or that, really, another gift certificate to Worst Chain Restaurant Ever is one too many? Enter myTab.co.

Essentially, myTab.co is a travel gift card where you can fund your own trip, and have friends and family contribute towards it. Just save travel cash on your myTab account. Then, when a big day rolls around - birthday or anniversary, perhaps? - shout "put it on myTab!" to your Facebook friends and Twitter followers. Those who are so inclined can gift cash towards your trip and then you just redeem the funds when it's time to pay for your travels.

myTab.co is a good solution if you're planning a girlfriend getaway, too. You can set group reminders so all parties involved can pay up on what they owe. That way, no "team leader" has to pay out the full trip and wait to be refunded by slow-paying pals.

Travel Beauty: Facial Cleansing Wipes

 

Airline baggage fees can be brutal. Recently, my parents almost paid a hefty $100 for an overweight bag. Just think of what else you could buy for that money! That's why I prefer to skip ridiculous charges altogether and carry on whenever I can. (For the record - this takes a lot of effort on my part. I'm in no way one of those ultra laidback travelers who can fit their lives into a rolly suitcase with ease.)

Because of that, I'm a teeny bit obsessed with TSA-friendly beauty products. This week's Travel Beauty feature is all about facial cleansing wipes. Enjoy!

 

1. Yes to Cucumbers Face Cleanser Towelettes ($5.99): I love the "Yes To" line because of the way they incorporate organic fruit and vegetable ingredients. The Yes to Cucumbers towelettes are my favorite because they're specifically formulated for sensitive skin, which I have, and are hypoallergenic, non-comodogenic (i.e. they won't clog your pores), and have a delicious cucumber, aloe vera and green tea scent. The wipes are also made with biodegradable cloth!

 

2. Neutrogena Deep Clean Oil-Free Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes ($6.99): These cleansing wipes are super-soft and not only sweep away makeup and impurities, but also moisturize skin. When I use them, my skin feels totally clean without the residue some other wipes can leave behind. They're oil-free and allergy-tested, so are another good option for sensitive skin types.

3. MAC Wipes ($15): MAC is all about makeup and cosmetics, so it's safe to say that the MAC Wipes are especially great for removing your "face" at the end of a long day. The actual wipes are over-sized and luxurious, saturated with a MAC cleanser that gives your skin a shot of protective Vitamin E, too.

4. Almay Oil-Free Makeup Remover Towelettes ($5.99): Almay's soft towelettes lift away all traces of makeup, dirt and oil while also conditioning and hydrating skin. Yes, the botanical mix of aloe, cucumber and green tea smells great but it serves a higher purpose, too - removing even waterproof or long wear makeup.

Where to Stay: Hotel Bel Air

The exterior of Hotel Bel-Air.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Bel-Air

I've always been intrigued by the effortless glitz and glamor that characterizes Hotel Bel-Air, a Los Angeles hotel known as much for its pink Spanish Colonial walls as for its decades-long relationship with Hollywood.

So when the hotel re-opened in late 2011 after a two-year restoration and renovation, I followed the media coverage from publications like Los Angeles Times and Conde Nast Traveler religiously - living vicariously through some of the country's top travel writers and imagining I was at the Hotel Bel-Air pool, sun tanning with the Canyon as my backdrop.

A suite bedroom.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Bel-Air

Hotel Bel-Air's renovation includes some pretty fantastic bits - a design that's updated but still holds true to the property's history, an all-new Spa by La Prairie, and a food and beverage program headed by Wolfgang Puck. But it's the history of this elegant hotel that I love most. Here are some of my favorite moments from Hotel Bel-Airs past and present:

1920: Alphonzo E. Bell acquires more than 600 acres just west of Beverly Hills, naming his new purchase “Bel-Air." With the belief that this spot would become an exclusive neighborhood, he enhances the surrounding area with new roads, utilities, a country club and lush, exotic vegetation.

After renovations, the pool at Hotel Bel-Air retains its classic shape.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Bel-Air

1946: Hotel Bel-Air opens and quickly becomes a favorite of the rich and famous. Hollywood celebrities and world dignitaries are frequent guests at the young and glamorous retreat.

1950s: The natural Californian oasis is the place to be in Los Angeles for stars like Bette Davis and Rita Hayworth. Tony Curtis lives at the Hotel Bel-Air and Redbook magazine hosts a party here in honor of Marilyn Monroe. Grace Kelly regularly visits the hotel and eventually makes it her home, prompting Hotel Bel-Air management to name a suite after her.

1960s: Marilyn Monroe poses for photographer Bert Stern at Hotel Bel-Air just weeks before her death and the shoot, commissioned by Vogue, results in a published book called The Last Sitting. John D. Rockefeller IV and wife honeymoon at the hotel.

A room at Hotel Bel-Air.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Bel-Air

1970s: Hotel Bel-Air undergoes a major restoration that takes three years, bringing colors of the gardens into rooms to create a more residential feel. Now Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco returns for a visit to the hotel on vacation from her castle in Monaco. Richard Nixon writes his memoirs in the Swan Lake suite.

1982: Hotel Bel-Air is purchased by Dallas business woman Caroline Hunt and becomes affiliated with Rosewood Hotel Group. She also buys the adjoining property and builds on the north wing, adding 30 guestrooms and suites. She has five different designers work on a new design in order to refine the look.

The patio and pool of the Presidential Suite.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Bel-Air

2005: Fourteen rooms and suites undergo extensive renovations, with no two rooms sharing the same updates. Hotel Bel-Air is named “Best Boutique Hotel – United States and Canada,” by Departures.

2009: Hotel Bel-Air is completely closed to begin a renovation throughout all 91 guestrooms and public spaces as well as 12 additional guestrooms.

2011: The iconic Hotel Bel-Air, part of The Dorchester Collection, reopens with a refreshed elegance and glamorous charm reminiscent of its history and Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Destinations: Yves Saint Laurent at Denver Art Museum

1: Black velvet sheath dress from Paris haute couture collection. Photo by Gilles Tapie. 2: Long evening ensemble from fall/winter 1983 haute couture collection. Photo by A. Guirkinger. 3: Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective. Photo by Jeff Wells, courtesy of Denver Art Museum. 4: Long evening dress inspired by Henri Matisse, fall/winter 1980. Photo by A. Guirkinger.

Prepare to be dazzled by Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective at the Denver Art Museum (DAM). A complete overview of the designer's 40 years of fabulous is on view at DAM - the only United States venue showing the exhibit - now through July 8.

Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective. Photo by Jeff Wells, courtesy of Denver Art Museum.

Photographs, drawings, films and other multimedia elements come together with a selection of 200 haute couture outfits to immerse you in an historical fashion experience. A walk through the thematically-organized presentation reveals the full arc of his career, from his first days at Dior in 1958 through his spectacular final runway collection in 2002.

Fashion Studio at the Denver Art Museum, in conjunction with Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective.
Photo by Jeff Wells; courtesy Denver Art Museum.

Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective explores:

• Birth of a Revolutionary Couturier: A display of Saint Laurent’s designs for Dior, including the 1958 “Trapeze” collection that anticipated the freedom movement of the 1960s.
• A Gender Revolution: See how Saint Laurent created a gender revolution by allowing women to express themselves freely, melding the flair of a man’s suit with the seductiveness of woman’s clothing.
• Yves Saint Laurent and Women: Clothing of the historic women who wore and supported Saint Laurent, including Princess Grace of Monaco and Paloma Picasso.
• Creating a Furor: Dedicated to his 1971 Scandal Collection that transported people back to the 1940s and a time of war and occupation.
• The Enchantment of the Exotic: Exploring the imaginary world of Saint Laurent, with a focus on his whimsical travels to China, India and Russia.
• Dialogue with Artists and Writers: Drawing direct lines between the designer and the artists he admired, like 20th century painter Piet Mondrian, whose distinctive style inspired Saint Laurent.
• The Last Ball: A succession of exquisite evening dresses from the glory days of haute couture.
• Le Smoking: A close look at 40 years of Saint Laurent creations through a wall of more than 30 tuxedos.
• The Colors of Yves Saint Laurent: Move through the collision of colors Saint Laurent famously used in his designs with vibrant examples from his collections and hundreds of fabric samples.

Travel in Style: Honeymoon Fashion

Guest post by Marlene Montanez from Style Sizzle

When I travel, I want to pack my entire life. There’s my stash of travel beauty products, sight seeing outfits to be planned, nightlife options to be scouted and the fact that I want to be prepared for every possible event that may come up. So when it comes to prepping for the honeymoon, the pressure is really on.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon spent in the city or a European jaunt, here’s a few ideas on what to pack for sizzling honeymoon style.

The sunny streets of LA call for a stylish yet casual look. Lace shorts, which are right on trend, and some wedges will get you through long days of sight seeing in style.

Sexy honeymoon spots like Barcelona and Monaco mean a swanky and stylish wardrobe are total musts! Let some stunning sky-high heels be the star of your outfit.

Ahh, Paris! The city of love! And glamor. Paris calls for nothing less than sophisticated glamor and romance. Cute city shorts and some Louboutins are the perfect Parisian look.

For more style and beauty news, check out StyleSizzle, your ultimate source to living a stylish and glamorous desert lifestyle. You can also follow Marlene on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
 

Travel in Style: Camilla Graphic Dresses

If all goes as planned, the fiance and I will be setting sail (figuratively speaking) for our honeymoon in approximately 65-ish days. Though we don't have an exact destination yet, in my mind, I see sun, sand and surf...a landscape that's the perfect excuse to rock graphic and flowing summer dresses like these from Australian designer Camilla.

Photo courtesy of Camilla

Photo courtesy of Camilla

Photo courtesy of Camilla

Camilla's travel-friendly fashions are a collection of wrap dresses, kaftans, harem pants and play-suits all made in luxe silks and hand beaded with Swarovski detailing. What I like best about these dresses, besides the bright colors and intricate designs, is that many of them can flow easily from day to night. Inspired by Camilla's travels to exotic locales like Singapore and Thailand, the dresses are each created individually with custom-designed digital graphics from Camilla herself.

Honeymoon Ideas: Playa del Carmen

A room at Paradisus Playa del Carmen
Photo courtesy of Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla

Last spring, I was lucky enough to spend nearly a week in Puerto Morelos, Mexico at a fantastic yoga retreat where I spent my days practicing, meditating on the pier, and enjoying abundant servings of margaritas and ceviche. (A girl needs energy for three yoga classes a day, right?!) Puerto Morelos is a teeny tiny town in the Riviera Maya about 20 minutes by car from Playa del Carmen.

I didn't get the chance to check out Playa del Carmen during my trip, so it's been on my must-visit list ever since. Considering the convenient (and affordable) flight options from Phoenix, and the five-star luxury amenities without major sticker shock, Playa del Carmen is a top competitor in our list of possible honeymoon destinations.

The resort's beach
Photo courtesy of Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla

One of the newest all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen is the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla. Bonus: it's an adults-only resort. Don't get me wrong, I love kids. But the last thing I want after nine crazy months of wedding planning is Junior splashing up a storm in the resort pool.  (God help him if he gets chlorine water in my margarita.)

Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla looks like a fantastically elegant resort with a Mayan ecological atmosphere. The resort's oceanfront location is surrounded by a lush tropical preserve and affords views of nearby Cozumel Island, which could make for an easy and fun day trip. Onsite there are 11 dining options and 10 bars (I'm sorry, are those the harps of heaven I'm hearing?), and what looks like a full-service spa.

Swim-up suites at Paradisus Playa del Carmen
Photo courtesy of Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla

But what I'm most intrigued by is Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla's swim-up suites and their so-called "life-enriching experiences" like tango dance classes and sushi-making. Apparently, the swim-up suites offer direct access to the pool...can I seriously just dive in straight from my patio?!

An all-inclusive stay at Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla includes the following:

• Personal butler service
• Turn down service on aromatic pillows
• Daily in-room coffee service
• A la carte breakfast and lunch
• Daily continental breakfast buffet, snacks, and premium beverages
• Evening cocktails and hors d'oeuvres

Travel Beauty: Sunscreen Sticks

Spring break is over but summer travel is just around the corner. Don't forget to stock up on your sunscreen for those beach vacations! Breeze through TSA with sunscreen sticks. A nice alternative to sunblock liquids and lotions, sunscreen sticks don't count against the 3-1-1 TSA regulations and are so easy to pack in a carry-on.

1. Clinique Sun Advanced Protection Stick SPF 45 ($19): Clinique steps up protection against the aging and burning effects of UVA and UVB rays for fragile areas like eyes, lips, nose, earlobes and even scars. Besides guarding against premature aging, the product also conditions skin.

2. Banana Boat Sport Sunblock Stick SPF 50 ($4.99): If your ocean and poolside vacations are more active than lounging, the Sport Sunblock Stick from Banana Boat is a nice (and affordable!) option. Its non-greasy formula is perfect for faces, and it's sweat- and water-proof.

3. Clarins Sun Control Stick ($26): Made from 100% minerals and natural screen filters, the Clarins Sun Control Stick is an ideal solution for sensitive skin. It provides UVA and UVB protection, and is convenient and portable thanks to its tube-like packaging.

Where to Stay: Kimpton's Surfcomber Miami

Photo courtesy of Kimpton's Surfcomber

Apparently, South Beach is poppin'! A recent article for my Checking In hotels column on SheKnows.com detailed all of the new and upcoming hotel openings in the United States. While conducting research, I felt like every other hotel opening I stumbled upon was in Miami.

One of the newly renovated hotels in Miami is Kimpton's Surfcomber, a stylish escape with fun pop prints, a poolside pasture, and chic European porch-style furniture. Like all hotels in the Kimpton brand, the Surfcomber is sexy and fashionable, but doesn't take itself too seriously. It's still laid back, casual and welcoming.

The top-to-bottom renovation included a revamp of the Surfcomber's two towers, guestrooms and public spaces. It's a South Beach classic hotel that's been reinvented in an eclectic look that "marries European Bohemia with down home, American porch appeal." Props to Kimpton for keep the hotel's original art deco geometry in the re-design, too.

Photo courtesy of Kimpton's Surfcomber

Surfcomber's "backyard bliss" vibe is thanks in part to treasure hunts conducted around Miami. A walk through the hotel reveals wood sculptures salvaged from downed trees in Florida; sweet decks with furnishings from rural Italy, Spain and vintage Miami; and a pasture with life-sized sculptures of cows and sheep.

Throughout the Surfcomber's 186 guest rooms, 70s-inspired summer dress prints dance with pickled natural wood and smart brass fittings. Walls the color of air are punctuated by carpets that are pure pop art. And, naturally, the surfer's lifestyle is celebrated with sculptures and other art pieces.

At Lantao Kitchen & Cocktails, the focus is on Asian street food and a beachside lifestyle. Executive Chef Freddy Ortiz, who comes from a long run at Asia de Cuba, offers authentically updated takes on Hong Kong street food served family style and divided into four categories: Gansig (snacks), Shala (salads), Bo ling (bowls), and Zhuban (entrees).

Photo courtesy of Kimpton's Surfcomber

Striking flavors like lemongrass, ginger, kaffir lime, coconut milk and curry are menu mainstays, balanced with a creative list of cocktails. Signature dishes include Banh Mi "Miami" style with beef, pork belly, pickled vegetables, cilantro and spicy mayo on a baguette.

There's no onsite spa at the hotel, but Surfcomber does offer in-room spa experiences. An oceanfront pool is another major draw. Curl up in one of the cabanas or take advantage of beach activities like volleyball, jet-ski outings and kayak tours.

Travel in Style: Bring the Right Bra

Photos courtesy of intimacy

With current ungodly airline fees and taxes, traveling with just a carry on is the way to go. One of the best ways to save space in your suitcase is by packing one or two convertible bras (depending on the length of your trip). Simple enough, right? You'll travel lighter and still be armed with the right undergarments, no matter what you're wearing. 

One of my favorite convertible bras is the L'Aventure 'Tom' ($101) from intimacy. You can wear it as a regular bra, halter and occasionally a racer-back depending on your frame. The price tag is a hefty one, but investing in at least a couple of high-quality bras will save you money in the end because you're not constantly replacing cheap-o ones that wear and tear after just a few uses. intimacy has a ton of great tips and bra fit facts for you to peruse.

Destinations: Outlet Shopping in Europe

British Design Collective
Photo courtesy of Chic Outlet Shopping

Outlet shopping in Europe just got a whole lot swankier. Pop-up boutiques from a company called Chic Outlet Shopping have, well, popped up in London and Milan, slinging high-fashion threads from the likes of Alexander McQueen and Missoni. So if you're traveling to Europe for the Queen's Jubilee or the 2012 Summer Olympics, take note: you can save up to 70 percent on designer clothes at these pop-up outlet stores.

Alexa Chung kicked things off with the opening of a temporary British Design Collective pop-up at Bicester Village in London. On sale are goods from Marios Schwab, Jonathan Saunders, Preen and more. It'll be around through May 16 and then a men's boutique will follow with designs from YMC, Folk and Olive Spencer, among others.

British designers with Desiree Bollier, chief executive of retail, and Alexa Chung
Photo courtesy of Chic Outlet Shopping

Need a reason to add outlet shopping in Fidenza Village to your Milan itinerary this summer? Here it is: Matthew Williamson's pop-up store is there now through the end of July with a selection of the brand's ready-to-wear clothing and accessories.

Photo courtesy of Chic Outlet Shopping

Besides finding designer clothes at major discounts, there's also a possibility you may just spot your favorite style icon. Two of mine, Olivia Palermo and Kate Middleton, have been known to visit the European shopping centers where they're staged. Just imagine!