Monthly Archives: July 2012

  • Gone Fishin’!

    July 15, 2012

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    Gythios (Gythion),Greece…Anchored at this tiny port in the Peloponnesos, today is a scorcher with temps above 100 degrees!

    This sleepy fishing village seems like what Greece was like years before mass tourism. A bit worn and shabby, the waterfront is full of stucco buildings set again a hilly terrain. The harbor is littered with fishing boats that earlier brought in today’s fresh catch…I loved seeing the fresh caught Octopus left hanging in the sun to dry like a load of newly washed laundry.

    You know you are in Greece by the crystal clear waters that are like an aquarium surrounding you. This isn’t a place of big sights, pulsing nightlife, or travel guide must-sees; rather a glimpse into the simple life…
    relaxing at a waterfront cafe, listening to stories from locals, and soaking in the slow pace. Of course, indulging in the freshest of seafood and delicious Greek delicacies is a must.

    I happened to stumble into the gallery of a local artist along the waterfront…I enjoyed his enthusiasm for this place and he gave me a few pointers…he told me the beach at Skoutari is one of the most lovely in the Peloponnesos.

    It’s been proven time and again this trip, that there are design moments to be found in unexpected places…a cafe along this stunning waterfront had the most interesting perforated “Tyvek” like tarp used for shade…Now where can I get one for my roof deck?

    For now, I am chillin’ like the locals until tomorrow, which will find me ready to soak it all in at a new spot!

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  • Ahoy Matey!

    July 14, 2012

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    Piraeus, Greece…today I boarded my “yacht” for a two week sailing up the Greek coast onto the Croatian Rivieria and up to Venice and back! I am excited for 2 weeks of utter luxury aboard one of the “Yachts of Seabourn”… I love being able to unpack, relax, and let the captain steer us into gorgeous ports of call along this fabled coastline!

    I am thrilled Nichole flew from NYC to join me…last year we did a magical voyage on the uber upscale Regent Seven Seas Mariner and we were hooked on this style of luxury cruising where everything is included and the vibe is more Four Seasons instead of Sheraton!

    Boarding the 450 passenger Seabourn Odyssey was a breeze (I got a little over anxious and we showed up at the port at 1130 am, only to have to wait till after 12noon for official boarding!) and immediately we noticed the yacht-like vibe and the totally contemporary & modern tone of the ship! Any memories of yesterday’s disastrous bus ride are melting away as the uniformed staff is ready to wait on us from head to toe…

    Generous outdoor lounging areas done up with comfy furniture are perfect for 2 weeks in the Mediterranean! After a great welcome lunch, Nichole was off for a nap and I was ensconced at the aft (rear) pool for an afternoon that Thurston Howell would be jealous of!

    Bon Voyage from port as we await sail-a-way aboard the chic “Odyssey”!

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  • Making Lemonade out of Lemons!

    July 13, 2012

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    Piraeus, Greece…My Friday the 13th worries were unfounded, I arrived easily in Athens (with the help of several episodes of “The Real Housewives of New York” downloaded on my IPad).

    The challenges started once I got to Athens…I had done research and learned that there was an easy bus right from the airport to the port town of Piraeus. I chose to stay near the port as I would set off on the ship tomorrow and why go through the commute from Athens!

    I walked out of the airport to stifling heat. Athens was suffering under days of 100 degree weather! The bus was easy to find, but my vision of a coach style bus were shattered when I saw what looked like a city transit bus…ok, well here we go! At 5 euros, a deal was had and I settled into my seat. Then the bus sat baking in the heat filling to standing room only capacity with a mix of tourists and airport workers. As we took off on the hour and half journey to Piraeus, the bus barely cooled but filled with the stench of deodorant unaware riders! At this point, I was thinking “what did I do?” Finally arriving in Piraeus after what seemed an eternity, the town was chaotic and I was thoroughly lost, sweating, and starting to fear that I too took on the odor that I just inhaled for way too long! This is starting off on a bad foot and I was feeling dejected!

    I arrived at my hotel and the day turned around…I booked the Phidias Piraeus Hotel, which I still can’t believe was only 35 euros ($43)! A totally modern designed hotel that was pristine and very chic! Wow, what a great place to layover if you have a ferry or cruise the next day!

    There was more to this town than the bustling port…fruit trees lined the streets, great shopping galore, and the most charming Marina Zea, the antithesis to the main port area. Lined with waterfront cafes looking out out at the marina filled with gorgeous boats, this area was the perfect end to a roller coaster day. Sitting outside enjoying a marvelous Souvlaki dinner, I watched the sunset over the harbor and knew i turned this day around and a big smile came over my face! I was reminded yet again, how “sweet it is” to travel the world!

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  • Getting Lucky!?!

    July 13, 2012

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    En route to Athens!

    I didn’t realize today was Friday the 13th and I am flying on what is considered an unlucky day! I wonder why we consider this day unlucky?

    In Europe, they don’t have this superstition…maybe I’ll be ok!
    It seems 13 is following me this trip or has some hidden meaning that I am yet to find out; in Barcelona, I was in room 13, now I am flying on Friday the 13th, and the hotel I was just in had 13 in the address…

    Putting the date out of my mind, I am sitting in the Barcelona airport and enjoying people watching and fashion critiquing! It’s amazing how fashion is so universal. Certain clothing trends just click worldwide..this is the summer of NEON everything,TOM’s shoes, guys wearing slouchy tanks, and everyone in colored skinny shorts/pants…definitely less fedora hats, cargo shorts, and maxi dresses that are suddenly seeming so last year! It’s like the 80’s really made a comeback minus the shoulder pads. My youth re-lived! I do love how European guys really embrace fashion and make it seem so effortless…

    Well off I go, hoping for continued good luck!

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  • The Extra Ordinary!

    July 12, 2012

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    Sitges…Spain. My last day in this great beach town and the skies once again don’t disappoint in the perfect shade of clear azure blue. I have totally gotten into my groove of lazy days seaside just in time for it to end!

    Strolling to the beach this morning, I was struck by the everyday beauty I was amongst and in a way I was totally taking it all for granted. I stopped and slowed down and decided to REALLY LOOK!

    As a tourist, we become fixated on the big sights, the bucket list moments, and the postcard perfect pictures to bring home. But wait, I am forgetting the beauty of the ordinary…the unique yet mundane elements that make up every locale…inspiration many times comes from obscure places and things. Suddenly, you can look at something you have seen a thousand times and it strikes you as totally new, seeing something you never did before. As a fashion designer, I am constantly making the everyday into the fabulous; re-looking at vintage finds, re-discovering classic movies, and re-imagining iconic eras in a new and modern way!

    I was struck by the beauty of Spanish tiles…on floors, walls, and doorways…these beautiful works of art that are so prevalent throughout Spain! Graphic & artisan geometrics in sun-washed colors look utterly chic! I can see re-adapting these into an accent ottoman, a throw pillow, a chiffon blouse, or cool printed short. Let your imagination run wild!

    Muchas Gracias to Spain for the sights, tastes, and inspiration!

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  • My own Poseidon adventure!

    July 11, 2012

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    Sitges, Spain…I am thoroughly enjoying my chill time at the beach! But I love to eat and I am finding some YUMMY treats seaside in Spain…

    This tiny town was a former sleepy fishing village and it definitely stays true to that DNA with amazing fresh seafood. Of course, this is Spain, so cured meats, tapas, olives, and potatoes (patatas bravas) are in abundance. To accompany your meal, Spanish wines, white or red Sangria, and every version of Mojitos (strawberry Mojito seem to be a local favorite) are on the drink list.

    I have experienced some amazing seafood while here and I especially like how creatively Spanish staples are mixed with fresh caught fish!

    Fresh calamari rings, large langoustines (large shrimp), sardines prepared in a myriad of ways seem on every menu straight from the morning catch. Paella made with an array of seafood is an easy shareable plate that is super satisfying, black squid ink paella with shrimp (arroz Negro) is definitely an interesting looking choice if you want to try something new and a bit more rich… But, I love finding more creative fish preparations that I would rarely see back home…

    Yesterday, I had a delicious lunch beachside that I am still thinking about! Local fresh Turbot sautéed with Iberian Ham in a light garlic vinaigrette (Rodaballo con vinagreta tibia de jambon iberico y ago). Unusual, yet delicious! Lucious fillet of white meat turbot with crunchy bits of ham, sautéed like bacon…sooo good! You know I never met a pork product I didn’t like..

    Today is fresh caught Tuna (Atun) that I am swooning over! Now this is definitely NOT “chicken of the sea”!

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  • Going Au Naturale!

    July 11, 2012

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    I am still getting on Spanish time..dinner is late, cocktails even later, and dancing until silly o’clock!
    They even serve breakfast in the hotel until 12 noon…today I ate breakfast just in time at almost noon, still a bit groggy.

    After dancing under the stars at an outdoor beach party, I made my exit at almost 5 am and it seemed the party was just starting to get going! Phew…I must be showing my age, this is hard… I guess there isn’t any need for “after-hours” clubs here as that would just mean brunch!

    Well continuing on my comfort zone destruction, today I am off to Balmins beach…called Sitges prettiest beach and also it’s Nude beach! What’s the point? At other beaches women are topless and men wear the tiniest, leave nothing to the imagination, barely speedos!

    The walk is lovely along the water past the main church and San Sebastian beach, then you will see the Melia hotel in distance and eureka! A 10 minute walk in all from town…

    Its a lovely beach set amongst craggy rocks, calm water and no vendors pushing drinks, massages, etc…Unfortunately, there were few loungers & umbrellas available which limited my stay! These bits have never seen the sun, so I had to say “been there, done that” and move on…I didn’t really unleash some inner naturalist or exhibitionist, but I did as the locals and added to my growing list of “experiences”!

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  • A new obsession!

    July 10, 2012

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    I love finding that one thing, that new accessory, that cool piece that becomes like a new toy on Christmas morning…

    I am totally surprised by how much fashion shopping there is in Sitges…mostly beach oriented, but definitely cool watches, amazing glasses/sunglasses, and shoes. What has surprised me is the designer beach towels…who knew you could get a Moncler or Dior beach towel, I guess everybody likes to get their designer fix in a different way!

    Well, I am totally obsessing over my new flip-flops,of all things! I know everybody is still coveting their Havaianas, not me…I found these all rubber sandals here in a cool little store that I want in every color!

    These made in Italy matte rubber “Henry & Henry” flips have a grooved sole and are as light as air…you don’t even feel you have anything on! I think the bright range of colors are great way to “pop” your wardrobe…best of all they were 24 euros or just under US $30.

    I love that I can discover new destinations as well as new fashion finds! Luckily I am practicing some self control and not buying every color cause I have already reached max capacity in my luggage…20120710-113104.jpg20120710-113140.jpg

  • Going for the Bronze!

    July 9, 2012

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    Sitges, Spain…An easy 30 minute train ride from Barcelona, I have reached an oasis! This sleepy town by day turns into a party spot by night. The afternoon is spent either lounging at a cafe or catching some rays along the long beach, as the siesta is a long 1:30-4:30 and no stores are open!

    I am enjoying a lazy day seaside trying to work on my tan and get some relaxing in. The beach has a plethora of loungers and umbrellas for rent, thankfully…I am feeling a bit self conscious as the men are all bronze, fit, and swarthy in their speedos. Well, a guy can only dream…and I guess I better cut down on those tasty croquettes and fried artichokes! Luckily, the beach has a beautiful wide boardwalk for me to get alot of walking in, if I can’t have the six-pack, at least I can have the calves!

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