January 30, 2018No Comments

instagram guide to NYC

7 minute read

It's a question any New Yorker, no matter how new or how seasoned, gets asked with anticipation and a hint of worry by friends, family, or mere acquaintances headed for the Big Apple (no, no one calls it that): "Where do I go to get good photos?"

The minute I hit the ground in New York, I started taking photos. It was "welcome week" for freshman students, which meant we had a whole week free of classes to attend events, mixers, and other school functions in order to meet people and get acquainted with our new surroundings. I signed up for one event to test the waters — I think it was something about being environmentally friendly in the city? — and after spending an hour in a windowless classroom watching a PowerPoint, I made the wise split-decision to never do that again. Later that day, I was back in my dorm room, meandering around trying to figure out what to eat for lunch. My new roommate, Cynthia, was also home, and she wandered into the living room where I was stationed.

"Hey," she said a bit sheepishly. "What's up?"

"Oh, nothing," I responded in that way you do when you're not really comfortable with someone yet; both apprehension and invitation colored my voice.

"Would you…" Cynthia began, "…maybe want to get lunch?"

I smiled. "I'm starving."

And so Cynthia and I set out in search of a suitable lunch — which, thankfully, didn't mean dining hall food to either of us. I quickly learned that Cynthia had a similar encounter with the Welcome Week events, and so we decided to skip any other ones we might've been thinking about attending for the rest of the day. We filled our metro cards and headed uptown, to Central Park, grabbed a coffee and quick bite and began to stroll through the park. Cynthia was introduced to my pushy style of photography ("Go stand there!" I'd command, making her nervously laugh with compliments and exclamations of "That looks so good!" (Krystal can attest to this!)), and I snapped photos at every turn. After we'd explored a good chunk of the park, we decided to head down Fifth Avenue back towards our home on 14th St, intending to maybe catch the subway along the way once we got tired.

Instead, we walked the entire 45-block, 2.3 mile stretch, stopping for photos and popping into stores the whole way down. We discovered some of our still-favorite spots on that walk, like the Toby's Estate Coffee that's also a Strand Bookstore, flower shop, and Club Monaco, the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park, and the Eataly across the street. We saw how busy it gets for about 5 blocks before and after the Empire State Building, the beauty of Bryant Park, and craziness of 5th Avenue shopping. Somehow, we weren't tired at all after that walk. If anything, it inspired us to get out and see as much of the city as we could.

Needless to say, Cynthia and I didn't go to any more Welcome Week events. We roamed around West Village, walked to Chinatown, explored the Met, stopped in coffee shops in East Village, went shopping on the Upper West Side, traversed the High Line, and more. It meant so much to my New York induction that I get out of my little Greenwich Village bubble. I knew how to take the subway, I knew which way was East and West. I felt like a New Yorker.

The most important part, though? I had thousands and thousands of pictures to prove it.

Maybe that sounds a bit shallow. Of course photos aren't everything, but for someone like me who thrives on creativity, who lives for a good shot, they provide the most amazing visual record of a life well lived.

So, long story short, I've amassed a pretty good collection of perfect Instagram spots. And now I'm going to share them with you! These are places Krystal and I shoot constantly, places I love to visit, places I eat at and stare at in wonder, places that make up my perfect, photographable, New York.

Whether you're a local or a tourist posing as a local, these spots will give you a head start on a great Instagram feed 😉 (Oh, and some lovely memories along the way, too.)

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1.) The corner of Bedford and Grove

Best known for the apartment where the exteriors for Friends was shot, the adjacent corner of Bedford and Grove in West Village is actually way cuter and often way more deserted (since everyone is snapping photos of the Friends corner!). It has some of the most beautiful brownstones in the West Village, like this one below. A few houses down is the famous Grove Court, the most adorable nook of matching homes, which at Halloween fills to the brim with carved jack-o-lanterns!

2.) La Esquina

There's almost no way you can't recognize this corner; it's absolute Instagram fodder, and for good reason. La Esquina restaurant provides a great retro background, and it's situated at the perfect junction of Soho and Nolita, so it looks both grand and industrial at the same time. Try to hit this spot as early in the morning as you can if you want photos without other people in them, because it can get pretty busy during midday (especially with popular Jack's Wife Freda just up the street!).

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3.) The Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg

We recently shot all day in Williamsburg, but in between outfits, we stopped in the Wythe Hotel's restaurant, Reynard, for an iced coffee. It is the prettiest space — huge windows line the wall, an ornate bar covers the other, and the tiling and wood details are so gorgeous. It gets busy on weekends and evenings, so try to stop by in the day for the good light and empty space.

The hotel itself is also massive and gorgeous — the rooms are a great mix of industrial and modern, with big paned windows, sizable bathrooms, exposed brick and cement floors with white and gold accents. I've personally never stayed there, but friends who have say it's a seamless experience from beginning to end. But, beware, you may never want to leave!

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4.) The pink house on Waverly Place

Every morning when I go to school, I get off at the West 4th stop and head east on Waverly. This house never fails to brighten my day — it is the happiest shade of dusty pink, and seems to fit nearly every season perfectly. In spring, it evokes the bursting cherry blossoms; in summer, the cotton candy sunsets; in autumn, the crisp mornings and late-afternoon light; in winter, the pinks of noses and cheeks brushed by the winter air. Wow, yes, I did just wax that poetic about a pink house!

It's usually relatively empty on this section of Waverly, unless they're filming a movie or delivering produce next door to swanky Babbo. Plus, I kind of love the look of strangers walking by this majestic place. Of course, though, like a lot of these spots, this is someone's home, so obviously exercise respect when taking photos!  [/third][third]  [/third][/row] 

5. Skylight Clarkson

Calling all fashion week lovers! Even though NYFW will no longer be rooted at Skylight Clarkson Sq, the area around the old venue is still an ideal place to snap photos. This photo above was actually shot at a UPS warehouse, but the rows and rows of garages actually made the perfect backdrop for Krystal's feminine outfits. The light over here is also amazing in the mornings; dapped light hits the warehouses in the prettiest way. It's also a hop and a skip away from Soho, so it can be a great jumping off point.

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6. Happy Bones

Besides having amazing coffee, Happy Bones is one of the cutest coffee shops, perhaps in all of Manhattan. Marble tables and white walls are ideal for the Instagram-obsessed, and their latte art is almost always pristine, providing both the perfect shot and the perfect sip. The only catch is that it's absolutely tiny, with only 3 tables and room to stand at the window. I wish I had a good time to visit, but honestly, it's always a gamble. My best bets are early afternoon on a weekday (like 2p or 3p) or very, very early on a weekend (close to 7a) if you want to score a table all to yourself. Otherwise, just head there and hope for the best. The area around it is adorable (La Esquina is close!), so grab a coffee and explore Little Italy — you'll find tons more Instagramable spots!

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Well, there you have it! A selection of some of our favorite spots to snap Instagrams in the city. I have a ton more up my sleeve, so if you have a particular area you're hoping to visit, leave it in the comments and I can provide even more recommendations! I hope this helped you get some locations on your list for next time you're headed to the city! Where are your favorite places to snap photos? Let me know!

January 11, 2018No Comments

how to kick jet lag

5 minute read

5 minute read My 5 tips for the jet lag blues.

Read more

October 30, 20179 Comments

down under: byron bay

6 minute read

Byron Bay marks the very end of our whirlwind trip through New South Wales, Australia and it was certainly, hands down, one of my favorite stops along the way. Very much a coastal town, Byron Bay is located in the southeastern corner of New South Wales and offers all the sea-faring charm you'd expect it to -- think Santa Cruz meets Montauk, with a dash of Venice Beach -- where surfers live to surf, where students go to spend their summer vacations with friends, where families live in the most adorable beach-facing homes, shopping at the local farmer's markets every Sunday. I'd by lying if I didn't admit a part of me hopes to return back to Byron Bay, with a vacation home waiting for me for the summer.

Keep reading to find out a bit more about where we stayed, where we ate and what we got up to! (Spoiler: we didn't run into Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth, but that doesn't mean we didn't try!)

Also, if you're just joining our Australia adventure now, make sure to check out my Sydney guide here, my Bondi Beach photo diary here and my Coffs Harbour guide here. Enjoy!

WHAT TO DO AND SEE:

Surfing: It would be a shame if you didn't try your hand at surfing while in Byron Bay -- after all, pretty much every local here grew up in the water! We headed out with the Let's Go Surfing company and had a blast out on the water. Granted, I've had a handful of lessons in my time (which makes me still pretty useless out there) but the water was still pretty warm and the waves were relatively agreeable and easy to ride.

Shopping: We didn't do much shopping for most of the trip, which was fine by me, because it allowed for us to go a little crazy in Byron Bay. The main shopping district is full of adorable boutiques, so many sure you set aside some serious time to window shop. Aje, Spell & the Gypsy and Ahoy were just a few of our favorites.

Hike to the Cape Byron Lighthouse: Definitely worth a morning hike, start at one of the trailheads down near the water and make your way up the winding trail to the lighthouse. The views alone are worth it and if you're lucky, like we were, you'll spot some migrating whales down below!

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:

Farm: This was definitely one of our highlights of Byron Bay -- Farm is a completely functioning and entirely sustainable farm property -- offering produce and livestock -- that help supply and support the on-site properties, including the restaurant, Three Blue Ducks, where we had lunch one day. I recommend showing up early for one of their property tours, before sitting down for a lazy, sunny lunch.

Harvest: We actually stopped at Harvest in Newrybar on our way to the airport in Ballina -- our last stop before heading back to Sydney for our return flight and I'm so glad we did. The property reminded me of a southern home -- perhaps something you'd find in Charleston -- with a wrap around porch and outdoor seating and the perfect amount of shady, weeping willow like trees. And the food? Some of the most incredible fish I've ever had. Definitely stop here for a glass of wine and their fresh baked bread from their bakery, as well!

Balcony Bar & Oyster Company: Such a great little dinner spot, we stopped here twice! I can easily see how this hip bar would be a favorite among local surfers and vacationers alike -- the atmosphere is lively, the decor is funky and eclectic and the oysters are killer. I'm sure come summer time, it's crawling with plenty of Liams -- so take note, ladies!

The Roadhouse: We stopped here for breakfast before heading out to the lighthouse and it was just the morning fuel we needed. Think hefty pieces of toast, topped with heavy avocado and some incredible flat whites to boot. Again, another spot crawling with locals and for good reason, too!

The Beach: After a morning of surfing, we worked up quite the appetite and The Beach was the perfect recharge for the day. We sat outside on their patio, facing the ocean, and sipped fresh green juices, before enjoying a hearty egg breakfast.

Rae's: I'm sad to report we only had time to sip cocktails here, but if I ever find myself back in Byron Bay, I hope it's to eat dinner at Rae's and possibly stay in one of their few luxurious suites on property.

WHERE TO STAY:

Byron at Byron Bay: Practically tucked away in the jungle right next to the beach, I cannot rave about The Byron at Byron Bay enough. Their property alone felt like an oasis, with the rainforest surrounding you pretty much everywhere you walked and the amenities were just what we needed to end the trip: a secluded luxury hideaway, with the most gorgeous pool and each room feeling like a spacious, private apartment suite. Added bonus: it was only a 10 minute walk to the beach from my hotel room door, making it easy to catch those Australian sunsets.

Photos by Angie Silvy

Huge thanks to the Destination NSW tourism board for inviting us on such a lovely trip and to Qantas for flying us over! 

October 23, 20175 Comments

marathon monday: getting outside

7 minute read

Growing up in Reno, Nevada, I spent a lot of time outside. This comes as a surprise to most people, a fair one at that I suppose, as Nevada in general gets lumped into the same tropes as a Johnny Cash song -- gambling in casinos or on apps like 918kiss 918kiss.care, a lonely Route 66 and a place for fast and easy divorces. But what I love about Reno, (admittedly, something I took for granted while I was living there), was how much it debunked all these stereotypes for me. Situated at the crook of the Nevada/California borderline, Reno sits in a valley at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, clocking in a 2o minute drive up to Lake Tahoe from my childhood home. I spent my winters skiing and snowboarding and my summers hiking and swimming in the many lakes in and around the Tahoe Rim Trail. I grew up a tomboy at heart, camping and playing many sports, with bruises on my knees and more than my fair share of sunshine.

Now that I'm many years removed from my childhood stomping grounds, with first San Francisco and now New York as two major cities that have shaped me, it's a bittersweet feeling when I get to escape somewhere far outside the city. Open air, open road and lots of space to just, BE. A few weeks ago, the team over at Wildfitness, a fitness retreat group dedicated to helping people rethink how they approach exercise by reconnecting them with nature, invited Nora and me on a long weekend getaway up in Hudson Valley, and it was just the recharge I needed. While in the city you don't really get a chance to enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors while building up your fitness so going on a fitness retreat was a welcome change to our lives.

We spent most of the weekend hiking the Mohonk Preserve, eating all paleo-inspired meals and playing more than our fair share of ultimate frisbee. And the team was stellar -- all wonderful coaches and fitness experts -- firm believers in rediscovering your body's full potential (a big thing for me these days as I'm knee deep in marathon training). Of course, after only a few short days, we were sore and tired, but at the same time, re-energized and excited to find ways to incorporate simple Wildfitness principles into a city-based lifestyle back home. I asked our head coach (and seasoned mountaineer), Josh Valentine to share his top 10 ways to start living a more movement-focused lifestyle. They're straightforward, which I think is a necessity for New Yorkers, as most are as easy as leaving for work a bit earlier to walk to work once a week. I'm already starting to do this to most of my meetings (yes, even some uptown ones!).

Keep reading for his tips below and I hope you enjoy the rest of our weekend activities photos, which included apple picking at Fishkill Farms and cruising around in the most incredible Bentley Bentayga for the weekend.

Huge thanks to the Wildfitness team for having us! I'm already looking into how I can possibly join for this Costa Rica retreat. Perhaps you are too? Head over and book a retreat today at 5% off if you mention This Time Tomorrow. valid now through Thanksgiving.

1. Get Outside More: Whether its a hike through the mountains or simply a stroll through the local park, getting outside and connecting with nature is important to physical and mental health. Sunshine, fresh air and the calming effect of the outdoors is no myth, it has proven scientific benefits, so be sure to get outside and drink it in, however you most enjoy.
2. Play More: Too often, exercise and training is approached as "getting beasted", leaving us so sore that we can't move right for a few days. Other times, it is viewed as a punishment for something we ate or drank the day before. Nobody enjoys punishment! By making exercise more playful, it becomes something we can't wait to do, rather than dread. In one game of ultimate Frisbee up in the Hudson Valley, we ran, jumped, dodged, pivoted, rolled, caught, threw, and used our hand eye coordination. Everybody got in one hell of a workout, but were too busy laughing and being competitive to even once think about how hard we were excercising. Plus, we grew closer together, which moves us to our next point:
3. Find Your Tribe: Connection with other people is integral to a happy, healthy life! Long ago, we existed in small, tight knit groups that relied heavily on one another for survival. Today, we often lack these connections with others. Finding your tribe not only helps make exercise more playful, but helps build relationships and find support in others that help sustain our positive life changes.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Joie dress // Isabel Marant boots (old, but love this similar pair in burgundy) // Janessa Leone hat // Banana Republic dress // Chanel bag // French market bag

4. Respect Rest: Often times, on days off, we wind up running ourselves into the ground trying to catch up on errands, work, or socializing and drinking with friends, often leaving us even more tired and stressed than we were from the week. While these things are important, it's also important to respect our body's natural rhythms. Take the time to actually rest, and allow your body the recharge it needs. Whether that's choosing water over wine for a night, taking the extra time to read that book you've been meaning to, getting yourself a massage, or simply deciding to turn in a bit early, it's important to acknowledge our need for rest.
5. Move Wild: Humans were designed to be capable of so much, and the more varied our movement and training, the more rounded our fitness results, and the easier it is to avoid injury or burnout. Run, jump, roll, crawl, climb! Learn Animal Movements! Begin with the basics of these simple motions, and you will find quickly that you develop stronger and more precise control over your breathing, flexibility, strength, and overall movement.
6. Take Your Breath Away: Do something regularly that takes your breath away. The human heart and the human spirit both work in the same way. If they go too long without stimulation, they start to weaken.

7. Kick Off Your Shoes: This is a very simple way to treat foot soreness. Our feet are the foundation of almost all of our movements but they spend most of the day in shiny little coffins separating them from the world. This can often be the root cause of many pain issues anywhere from knees, hips, back and even shoulders! The arches of the feet work just like the dorsal fin of killer wales, if they spend a life in captivity, not exposed to the forces of the natural world, they collapse due to lack of use.
8. Spice Up That Commute:When commuting, get off the bus or subway one stop earlier and walk. It's a great way to add exercise and stimulation to your morning routine. Over time, you can add or vary your route. Add two stops, then three, or perhaps try a different route. You never know what you might discover on the way!
9. Get Wet: The water provides so many soothing health and fitness benefits! Try open water swimming: most cities have lakes or reservoirs (or the sea) and a community of wild swimmers to expand your growing tribe, and your options for connecting with the natural world while still in the concrete jungle.
10. Never Stop Learning: Wildfitness is a philosophy and a way of life, but it's far from the only one out there! In addition to our ways of living and moving wild, seek to try a new discipline: anything from Yoga, to Tango or Thai Chi. Look for activities that vary your movement experience and inspire your passion for growth. Confuse and challenge your body with unfamiliar movements and positions.

Photos by Nora Varcho

This post was not sponsored, however, Nora and I were invited to the Wildfitness weekend at a comped rate. The Bentley was borrowed for the weekend -- although, trust me, I would have LOVED to keep it. As always, all opinions and styling are my own.

October 16, 2017No Comments

sail away to barbados

6 minute read

As many of you may remember, earlier this summer I hopped down to Barbados for a few days with my guy. It was a bit of an impromptu trip for the two of us, as neither of us had been to that part of the Caribbean before and I loved the idea of relaxing and disconnecting for a bit, with very little itinerary mapped out before hand aside from lots of beach time and catching up on Patti Smith’s Just Kids.

Admittedly, I’ve been meaning to share these photos for quite some time now, but as always, the summer got the best of me (seriously, where has the time gone?!). So when Celebrity Cruises approached me about sharing some of my favorite Caribbean spots (if you recall, I went on one of my favorite cruises ever with them last year through the Caribbean), it felt quite apropos to share today for a number of reasons. First, it's hard not to fall in love with Barbados — the people, the colors, the music and the beaches — and with some of my busiest months fast approaching (hello Q4 retail season!), I’m already plotting my return visit (and it just so happens to be a port of call for Celebrity).

And secondly, with the string of hurricanes that have affected the region, which depends largely on tourism, I’d like to applaud Celebrity’s swift relief efforts to the impacted islands. Many affected ports of call have since reopened helping those regions return to a state of normalcy -- and in my opinion, there's really no better way to experience several different islands' distinct culture and personality on one trip than with a Celebrity cruise this winter.

While I’ll be diving into our Barbados specific itinerary later this week, I wanted to highlight one of my favorite aspects of cruising with Celebrity and it namely comes down to their focus on inspirational travel — a huge focus for me when I’m looking to experience a region and culture. I think it’s easy to make assumptions about cruises (I’ll admit, I was guilty of some of them, too), and it’s this perception that everything can feel too packaged and expected. That you’ll spend far too much time on the boat and not enough time actually experiencing with locals.  What I love about Celebrity is that they make not only the journey as unique and luxurious as possible (hello Michelin-starred chefs on board!), but they put the emphasis on the destination, so you’re not simply hopping on and off the boat, but actually immersing yourself in the local flavor and culture. One of my favorite experiences with them last year was when we explored a local fish and farmer’s market with one of their chefs on board as he stocked up for our dinner that evening, chatting with vendors, and many times, the farmers themselves. It made my dinner that evening that much more special, after shaking hands with the man who actually caught my filleted fish.

As far as booking is concerned, perhaps you’re like me and get overwhelmed when it comes to planning out all the moving pieces (flights, transfers etc.), but Celebrity makes it incredibly seamless with their Flights by Celebrity offer, a complete, end to end booking process, allowing you to choose your preferred airline, collect points, and have real-time updates and accommodations in the event any of your travel details change (flight cancellations etc.).

So, while we’re in this state of travel daydreaming, where would you head to tomorrow? Personally, I’m tempted by this Ultimate Caribbean cruise, stopping off at St. Johns, Antigua, Bridgetown (lots of photos from Bridgetown below!) and St. Lucia (another favorite of mine in the Caribbean). I may just need a new bathing suit and a spray tan before I go. Who's with me?

 

 

This post was in collaboration with Celebrity Cruises. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!

Photos by Ty Johnson

October 12, 2017No Comments

nyc gems: fairfax

3 minute read

OUTFIT DETAILS: Tortoise & Blonde glasses // Sezane top (similar) // Cornelia Webb earrings (similar) 

There's something particularly charming about the intersection of West 10th and West 4th — Bar Sardine on one corner with its big windows that swing open in the summer, Empellon tacos with its dark and intriguing doorway, and of course Fairfax, bursting at the seams with gorgeous plants from end to end. Now that I'm newly 21 (finally!), I've been meaning to grab a glass of wine from Bar Sardine, but I always seem to find myself needing coffee and a bite to eat in the middle of the day (I'm a super boring 21 year old; I usually head home and make dinner at night!).

This is where Fairfax comes in. The former Perla — still in the same family — has arguably mellowed out a bit, and is now open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The space feels more open and casual, perfect for hunkering down for a morning of working on your laptop and sipping on too many almond lattes, like Krystal and I did. But it also doubles as a cozy date night spot, offering a great glass of wine + entree deal until 6:30pm and a huge drink list.

Krystal and I were so happy when we finally made it to Fairfax, taking up a little corner of bar space for our work station, grabbing delicious smoked salmon toasts and yogurt and, of course, the lattes. The staff was kind and accommodating, and we had a little too much fun with the gorgeous light that streams in through the windows. The only gripe we had with the place was the tiniest thing possible: if the staff at Fairfax is reading this, double check the spelling of Neil Diamond on your receipts! 😉

Everything about the space, the food, the ambiance of Fairfax was perfect — if you're in the West Village and in need of a casual, adorable spot, head here immediately. You might even spot us hanging here on Friday mornings, so say hi!

Photos and words by Nora Varcho

October 9, 2017No Comments

down under: coffs harbour

6 minute read

If you're just joining my Australia series now, a few months back I hopped down under with the Destination New South Wales tourism board to explore the state of New South Wales. Sydney was our obvious (and highly anticipated!) starting point (you can catch my recaps here and here), but it was the subsequent parts of our journey that I was really looking forward to -- starting with a short hop and a skip over to Coffs Harbour (less than a two hour flight from Sydney).

Coffs Harbour is relatively off the beaten path when it comes to main destinations throughout the state and Angie and I were excited to explore once we got into town, ready to stretch our road trip legs. The area itself is on the north coast of New South Wales and is primarily known for its beaches, a Big Banana Monument (yep!) and Russel Crowe (who owns a ranch house in town). But after a few short days in the area, Angie and I realized it's a lot more than that. Sweeping coastlines, rolling green hills, tucked away rain forests with waterfalls and some of the most incredible sunrises I've ever seen. I loved how remote the area felt, like a great long summer weekend getaway spot, that is returned to year after year, and for good reason: It's beautifully charming.

I've rounded up our itinerary below -- hope you enjoy this photo diary!

OUTFIT DETAILS (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE): Outfit #1: Sachin & Babi gown (sold out, similar style here) // Outfit #2: Kenneth Cole bathing suit; Frank & Eileen shirt // Outfit #3: Zara top (sold out, but dying over this top); Frame jeans; Self-Portrait heels // Outfit #4: Sachin & Babi dress

WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

Hiking: Hands down, this was definitely my highlight of exploring Coffs Harbour. We had basically one full day to explore and hike, so we got an extra early start after breakfast at Cafe Aqua. We first headed out toward Bellingen along Waterfall Way, a scenic drive, about an hour from our hotel. Highlights of Bellingen include Old Butter Factory, Hammond and Wheatley Emporium and Bellingen Gelato. We continued on from Bellingen toward Dorrigo plateau and Dangar Falls, where there's a beautiful vista point to look out over the waterfall.

We then made our way over to Dorrigo National Park, where we hiked for several hours through the rainforest no less to the Crystal Shower Falls (the waterfall spot you see in some of these photos here). It was incredible -- hardly anyone was out on the trail that day. I felt like we had the park to ourselves.

Precision Helicopter Ride: This was actually my first helicopter ride and I'm so glad I got to enjoy it over some of the most beautiful Australian beaches of Coffs Harbour. The Precision team knew how much we wanted to take photos during our flight, so they removed the doors entirely (yep, crazy!) and took us for an extra long tour of the coastline before heading inland right over Russel Crowe's house.

Beaches: We spent a majority of our time on Digger Beach (situated right in front of our hotel), but there are plenty to choose from in the area. Opt for coastal drives as well, which is what we did as we drove to Byron Bay.

WHREE TO STAY:

Breakfree Aanouka Beach Resort: My favorite part of staying here for several days? These beach photos you see here, where I'm in the pink Sachin & Babi gown? Right on property! We woke up each morning, grabbed a cup of coffee and walked right out here to enjoy the sunrise (or what was left of it). The water was surprisingly warm for the time of year, making it great for a midday dip and once the sun set behind the nearby hills, we enjoyed a glass of wine at the property's bonfire pits. Rustic and charming -- a perfect holiday resort for families and honeymooning couples alike.

 

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:

Casay on the Beach: Our first meal in town was at our hotel and it was a welcome sight for sore eyes! After a long day of traveling (flying and eating and fighting jetlag), we enjoyed fresh seafood overlooking the beach and a crisp bottle of wine, before settling in for the night.

Cafe Aqua: I always love discovering local favorites and it's easy to see why Cafe Aqua quickly filled up once we sat down for breakfast. What I wouldn't give for another round of their avocado toast and house granola!

Canopy Cafe: Situated in the middle of Dorrigo National Park, Canopy Cafe is the perfect spot for a post-hike lunch. Angie and I hopped here after trekking to Crystal Shower Falls, indulging in a light lunch of salads out on their patio, which sits right above the treetops down below.

Horizons Restaurant: Our last night in town, we headed to Opal Cove Resort, for a fitting swan song dinner before we were to leave for Byron Bay the following morning. After having my fill of seafood throughout the trip, I opted for lamb this particular evening while Angie went with prawns.

Photos by Angie Silvy

Huge thanks to the Destination NSW tourism board for inviting us on such a lovely trip and to Qantas for flying us over! Stay tuned for more Australia posts this week!

 

October 5, 2017No Comments

nyc gems: the breslin at the ace

3 minute read

   

If you ever find yourself in the Flatiron district after having done what one does in the Flatiron district — look at the Flatiron building — and are craving something a little bit more, but you're not sure exactly what, I have a little advice for you: go to the Ace Hotel.

Coffee? They've got it — a little Stumptown is attached to the hotel, with lovely natural light and a great latte. Cool space? Check — the lobby is huge and filled with tables for getting work done and couches for lounging. Food? Yes, in spades: The Breslin at the Ace is the perfect place for a cozy comfort meal — proudly "meat-centric," the menu is artisanal and seasonal, comfortable and welcoming. When Krystal and I visited, we indulged in the Scotch egg, a lovely salad, and some delicious grilled cheeses. It was the perfect place for a midday pause, and it would also be great for pre-dinner drinks.

So, next time you're in the neighborhood and either don't want to wait in line at Shake Shack or don't want to wait in line at Eataly, just head a couple blocks north and hunker down at The Breslin for a warm welcome, strong drinks, and delicious grub.

Photos and words by Nora Varcho

October 2, 2017No Comments

bondi dreaming

3 minute read

Do you ever have moments when you return back to a place that you've been to once before, perhaps on a trip that make you pause? A feeling of familiarity or déjà vu, as if it's hard to distinguish that particular trip from the trip before? I visited Bondi Beach years ago, on a trip to New Zealand that was bookended by a hop over to Sydney. While that trip was short lived (only a handful of days really), I remember visiting Iceberg's at Bondi Beach and falling in love with that afternoon. Normally a bustling spot for lunch, we happened to luck out, with little to no crowd, the whole restaurant practically to ourselves. We ordered oysters and wine and took in a spectacular view overlooking where the infamous lap pool meets with the ocean, wave crashing down below. I marked it in my memory as a spot I'd love to return to someday, to sit in the sun and feel the mist of the restless ocean on my face.

Fast forward years later, and my good friend Angie and I were spending our last day in Sydney at Bondi Beach before hopping to Coffs Harbour; a lazy, sunny afternoon to ourselves at Icebergs. We were visiting in May (technically the end of fall for Australia) but it was an unseasonably warm day -- perfect for catching up with friends over a glass (or in our case, a bottle) of wine and it immediately brought me back to my first visit to Bondi. A sweet reminder of an afternoon that had long come and passed, but it felt so vivid still -- like how a word feels when it's practically on the tip of your tongue. There, but not quite.

While we didn't have much time at Bondi this time around, I was so happy to sit in the sun there again, and who knows, perhaps I'll be back, years from now, half reliving this memory with a new one.

Hope you all enjoy these photos as much as we loved taking them! Enjoy!

OUTFIT DETAIL: Sachin & Babi floral gown // Sachin & Babi red dress

Photos by Angie Silvy

Huge thanks to the Destination NSW tourism board for inviting us on such a lovely trip and to Qantas for flying us over! Stay tuned for more Australia posts this week! 

September 18, 2017No Comments

down under: sydney guide

11 minute read

As a girl hailing from the wide vastness of the Nevada desert and later eventually the seaside air of San Francisco, I often miss the ability to just BE in open spaces. It's not that New York doesn't do it for me -- it does. Usually in too many ways at once. And as often as I find myself romanticizing the city and everything it has to offer, I sometimes find myself day dreaming of my next adventure, that promises an open road, the mist of the ocean lapping my face and sunrises that are obstructed, not by buildings and skyscrapers, but treetops and sweeping coastlines.

Some of you may recall, several years ago, I hopped down to New Zealand back in 2013, the end of that trip bookended with a pit stop in Sydney. It was a whirlwind handful of days in town and I remember leaving utterly in awe of Australia and hungry for more. So much so, that ever since, I think I've developed a bit of a complex about visiting again (which may explain why I've accumulated so many Aussie friends and even an Australian boyfriend.) 😉 In my defense, I think it's relatively easy to see why. From an outside perspective, Australia truly feels like the other side of the world -- a remote, far off land that movies depict as adventure-filled, wild and raw, where the land is unforgiving and rugged. Of course, Hollywood is guilty of romanticizing as well, but there's certainly a truth to the feeling of going "down under" to the land of "Oz" when you hop to Australia. It's not just a trip. It's a journey.

Naturally, when the tourism board for New South Wales invited me down to experience not only Sydney, but a few other spots in the state, I was thrilled to finally return back to a country that had captured my heart and stolen my imagination many years ago. There's never been a better time to travel to Aus either, there has never been this many unique opportunities for tourists in the past so you're pretty much guaranteed to have a good time. There are more people visiting than ever before; just look at the cruise industry statistics and see how much they've increased over recent years! The tourism board wanted us to experience as much Australian culture as possible so our trip itinerary boasted the likes of city hopping and backroad exploring, which is always the best combination if you ask me, and I was so happy to have my good friend (and Sydney native), Angie Silvy, by my side. It's always so lovely seeing someone's hometown through their eyes and I'm happy Angie could join for the trip -- we visited her family and friends along the way, which I think helped made the trip feel like a homecoming of sorts. Heck, I even got to practice my Aussie accent with her and her friends (spoiler alert: it's awful).

Some people love Sydney so much they decide to move here. I can think of so many friends who have been on a trip to Australia and fallen head over heels in love with Sydney's unique charm. With so many amazing places to visit and things to do it's no surprise at all that people start looking into the Closest Self Storage Sydney has to offer so they can move all their things over quickly and safely - even if their plans turn out to be nothing but a dream!

As far as the timing of our trip? It couldn't have been better. We hopped over in May, which if any of you are planning a trip down under anytime soon, I can't recommend this enough. May happens to be the end of fall in Australia and while the temps in New South Wales do dip a bit, they're still quite lovely and in fact, we had many very warm days around 80 degrees. Added bonus, you completely miss the spike in airline prices for the peak, summer months (December through February), not to mention, the crowds that often come at that time of year. In fact, as of writing this, Qantas has many round trip flights around May and June for under $1300 (quite the steal!). Plus, if you have a Qantas credit card, you can also redeem your reward points and put these towards the cost of your flight! Tempted to learn more about Qantas credit cards? Head to the Qantas website where you can compare credit cards and find the right credit card for you or your business.

Now, on to the trip itinerary! I'll be breaking up our trip into parts, this first chapter focusing on Sydney, with Bondi, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay coming later this week. If I've left anything out, please feel free to ask me in the comments below!

HOPPING OVER THE BIG POND:

First things first: just getting to Australia seems like a bit of a daunting task. I mean, it's all the way OVER and UNDER there. But thankfully, the folks over at Qantas made hopping over a breeze. Granted, it's still a 13+ hour flight from LA, but that's unavoidable, and trust me, well worth the jet lag once you arrive. I have to extend a huge thank you to the Qantas team for making us feel so comfortable for the journey. It's easy to see why it's the go-to airline of Australia -- their economy section is very roomy (a godsend for those long flights), with outlets for all your devices (a must in my book!) and I just loved how many Aussies I had on my flight from LA to Sydney (again, the perfect opportunity to practice my Aussie accent). Plus, they offer quite a few inner-Australia connecting flights, which we utilized from Sydney to Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay back to Sydney. Luckily, we were able to park our hire car at the airport, with the help of Parkhound. By using that, we were able to find a parking space so easily. Anyway, that meant that we could leave the car there and travel to all of the different parts of Australia. I cannot recommend Australia enough -- seriously, start bookmarking some flights now for later this May or June.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO: For context, Angie and I had about 8 full days in Australia (keep in mind, it takes roughly 2 days of travel to just get there due to the time difference). We had about 2 and a half days in Sydney and Bondi Beach (which I'll be sharing tomorrow).

Vivid Sydney: If you're looking to visit Australia during their winter months (which I cannot recommend enough for the cheaper flights and lack of crowds), try to hop over for Vivid Sydney. It's a several week-long, city-wide festival that boasts light installations all over the downtown area, music concerts and art. Think SXSW, Aussie style. And opening night, they kick things off by literally lighting up the Opera House, with a projected light show illuminating the wings. It's breathtaking -- a feast for all your senses, and many events are free to the public to enjoy. Next year's festival is running between May 25 through June 16th (try to make it for opening night -- it's worth it!).

Taronga Zoo: I know what you're thinking. I haven't gone to a zoo since it was required as a school field trip back when I was 13. And to that I say, you'd be sorely missing out if you skipped the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. Not only is the ferry ride out to Taronga Zoo a great way to experience the Harbour (yep, I'm spelling 'harbour' the Aussie way here), but it also boasts one of the best, all-inclusive views of Sydney itself, Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and all (in fact, the word Taronga is an Aboriginal word for beautiful view). Angie and I, of course, made a beeline for the giraffes, kangaroos and koalas, but unfortunately, missed the mama Asian Elephant, as she had just given birth the day before our visit. It's a lovely half to full day activity and I recommend fueling up on some Aussie coffee before heading out here. There are gondola rides to the top of the zoo park entrance, but if you decide to walk or bus it, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Much of the zoo is situated on a hill so you'll be climbing a bit.

Sydney Opera House: No visit to Sydney is complete without a pit stop at the Opera House. While we didn't get a chance to see a performance this time around (I did several years ago for my last visit), we did happen to explore a lot of ground around the Opera House. Our first day in town, we carved out some time to stroll around the Harbour Circle Walk at sunset and happened to snap some of these golden light snaps in my Caroline Constas set (the next photo here in this series). I actually mentioned this in my first post about Australia in 2013, but Sydney really does remind me of San Francisco in so many ways and the Harbour Circle Walk is basically the Embarcadero to me. It felt wonderfully familiar and Angie and enjoyed a glass of champagne over at the Park Hyatt right on the water afterward.

Walk around Barangaroo: This was a treat for Angie and I, as this neighborhood is relatively new and recently developed. Barangaroo is a new western waterfront district, boasting beautiful, contemporary apartments and harbour-facing restaurants and boutiques. I highly recommend coming hungry at lunch and grabbing a bite to eat, before renting a bike to cruise through the area.

Museum of Contemporary Art: As I mentioned earlier, we managed to meet up with some of Angie's family while in town and we actually met up with her sweet mom and aunt over at the MCA as our very first order of business! It was a beautiful start to the trip, taking in the Harbour views over lunch at the MCA Cafe, while a table full of Australians caught up. The jet lag is definitely real the minute you land, but the people certainly make you feel at home.

Hidden Sydney: Raise your hand if you're a fan of Sleep No More and Queen of the Night? Perfect. You'll love Hidden Sydney, an interactive theatrical play that has you roaming through a historic Kings Cross building, tracing the fascinating (and at times, less than savory) history of one of Sydney's most notable neighborhoods. It's only running during Vivid Sydney, so let this be another reason to visit in May or June!

OUTFIT DETAILS (in order of appearance): OUTFIT #1: Caroline Constas top and skirt (similar style here and here) // Express heels // Celine sunglasses // OUTFIT #2: Sachin + Babi top // Express jeans // Celine sunglasses // Self-Portrait shoes // OUTFIT #3: Sachin + Babi dress // Express heels // OUTFIT #4: Joie dress // Steve Madden X Kohls sandals (similar style here) // OUTFIT #4: Sachin + Babi dress (sold out, similar style here) // Self Portrait heels

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:

Cirrus: This charming seafood restaurant is in the aforementioned Barangaroo district and is perfect for a Saturday lunch! Angie and I tried the salmon and the barramundi (which, might I add, is delicious and I wish was offered more in New York!). We sat outside and enjoyed several glasses of rose after our trek to the zoo.

Bennelong: There's a lot to appreciate about just the pure location of the Bennelong. Quite literally, it's situated in one of the wings of the Opera House, making for quite the atmospheric dining experience. And of course, the menu doesn't disappoint either. Unlike many of the restaurants situated near Broadway here in New York, Bennelong is a go-to for many concert goers and for good reason. Perfect mix of surf and turf options and their wine list is extensive!

Quay Restaurant: We hopped up here to watch the Vivid Sydney light show (as they have the perfect dining balconies to view it ). My only regret is that we didn't get to eat here, as their menu looked incredible -- they have been named one of Sydney's top restaurants year after year after all.

MCA Cafe: As I mentioned earlier, try to spend an early morning and afternoon at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The 4th floor cafe boasts some pretty stunning views and on a warm, early fall day, it's the perfect way to get acclimated to the area.

Gowings Bar & Grill: This spot is situated in our hotel, which typically I try to avoid when I'm traveling, in effort to get out and explore the area a bit more. That said, Gowings came highly recommended in a lot of local Sydney guides I had read, which eventually got me curious! We decided to have dinner here on our last night in town and I'm so glad we did. The dining space is quite intimate (read: perfect date night lighting), and the menu boasts items from all local Australian food providers and farms. We both indulged in seafood plates (a consistent theme throughout the trip) and sampled a few of their signature cocktails.

WHERE TO STAY:

The QT Hotel: For our few nights in town, we stayed at the QT Hotel, a quirky boutique hotel in the heart of Sydney's CBD district. It's a stone's throw from the Harbour, making it easy to walk to the bridge, the Opera House and all Vivid Sydney events (more on Vivid Sydney in the next bullet point). I loved the decor here, think eclectic theater backstage prop departments meets chic parlor and their on-property dining (both the coffee house and restaurant) are considered hot spots in the city among locals.

Photos by Angie Silvy

Huge thanks to the Destination Destination NSW tourism board for inviting us on such a lovely trip and to Qantas for flying us over! Stay tuned for more Australia posts this week!

September 14, 2017No Comments

nora’s nyc gems: citizens of chelsea

2 minute read

 

Let's face it: Fashion Week is crazy. As fun and glamorous as it always is, it's also physically exhausting and mentally draining, running from show to show and keeping on a tight schedule, late night events giving way to early morning meetings. It's also super hard to fit in important things like proper sleep, hydration, and, of course, food. Sometimes it's hard to even find the time to eat a granola bar, let alone sit down for a big lunch.

So, with fashion week coming to a close, it's time to put you first again, and that starts here, at Citizens of Chelsea. Tucked away on 25th St and 9th Ave, the light and airy space is perfect for a midmorning brunch session with your closest friends. The food is healthy and delicious — they are famous for their Smashing Avocado toast (of course the spot is Aussie-run), which, pictured here, is absolutely divine. Don't forget to add a poached egg and snap a pic when you do. Their bircher muesli is the perfect sweet compliment to the savory toast, and definitely get a latte in one of their pretty blue cups. The space is huge, so it's not too hard to find a seat, but be careful — on weekend afternoons, the wait can get crazy!

Go enjoy some leisure time over a beautiful brunch and let me know how you liked it!

xx

Nora

September 7, 2017No Comments

nora’s nyc gems: the elk

4 minute read

 

Krystal's outfit: Sézane top and jeans (visit their new flagship NYC store, opening today 9/7 on Elizabeth Street)

 

I'm going to make a bit of a bold claim: West Village is at its best around 5pm on a cool, rainy afternoon. No, not at 8am on a sunny spring morning, or at midnight in the middle of a wild winter storm. 5pm, in between bouts of drizzle and downpour, on a September evening, is when the village is at its most lovely.

I think it’s something about the way rain scatters people — everyone is either huddled under an umbrella or holed up inside, so the streets are hushed and open. You’ve given up on your own umbrella, as it’s not really raining hard enough to justify its use (you know that rain that’s more of a mist than anything else? That’s New York rain) and you’ve passed the point of caring. I think it’s something about the click of your heels against the sidewalk as you round the corner of West Fourth and Charles Street, past the staff having a family meal inside Mary’s Fish Camp before dinner service opens. The sound of your heels mixes with the clinking of glasses of champagne at Bar Sardine, celebratory midweek bubbly best enjoyed inside, but with the windows open to let the cool breeze float in. I think it’s definitely something about the air — fresh and clean in a way New York air never is, and yet smoky with a hint of Santal 33 ghosting past you like a stranger you thought you might’ve known.

West Village in the rain at dusk is the red-lipped woman whose eyes are hidden in the shadow cast by her wide-brimmed black and white hat as she crosses the street in front of you, or is it actually just time that is in black and white when the clock strikes a certain hour? You’re jolted back into color when a bright yellow cab appears seemingly out of nowhere to silhouette you in a shock of white light. Did you look both ways before you crossed?

It’s something about sneakily peering into the warmly lit windows of the monstrous homes that line the cobblestone streets, furniture and art and staircases and back gardens and children setting the table for dinner visible only when it’s just dark enough to switch on lamps all over the house. The children are inside because it’s witching hour, where what is real is not, where men in full three-piece suits wander past you with a tip of their hat, where fuzzy jazz music drifts from what you’re sure is the sky and right down into your palm so that you can carry it in your pocket from block to block. It’s that feeling of having your headphones in and not just feeling like you’re in a movie but knowing you’re in a movie. This can’t be real life. Can it?

West Village in the rain at dusk is pure magic.

I’ve thought about this far too often because, far too often, I find myself wandering through the village on days like this, usually on my way to The Elk to meet Krystal or to just sip coffee and read a book on my own. The Elk is the perfect accompaniment to a rainy West Village afternoon — delicious drinks, incredible food, and a warm atmosphere that relieves that nervous, exciting tension that builds up in your chest, walking there through the enchanted village. Before I even moved to New York, The Elk was actually already on the top of my list of places to visit, and over the years it has never let me down. Be sure to order the egg sandwich (hands down the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had) or the market rice bowl with extra avocado. Hold your coffee tight to defrost your hands, crack open a book about the magic of New York, and begin to figure out what is your West Village.

September 6, 2017No Comments

colour by numbers

3 minute read

As you may have guessed from Instagram, our little European trip was a whirlwind -- we covered three different countries after all! Of course, this lead to a bit of a packing challenge for me. For starters, I'm already a self-proclaimed overpacker. Yep. You think at this point in my life, I'd be more discerning when it comes to figuring out what goes in my bag and what stays at home, but spoiler: I'm awful at it. I always find a way to ask myself, "Well who knows, maybe I'll need this statement cocktail dress or that obscure pair of heels I almost never wear."

Naturally, this has also lead to some awkward conversations with the airline employees as I'm checking my embarrassingly overweight bag, only to scramble and throw this and that into my already overflowing carry on bag.

Well folks, this time around, I decided to spare myself a headache and a few gray hairs and actually sat down to roughly plan each outfit, given the setting and weather for each location. This may seem overly obvious to many of you, but it made a difference for me when I actually forced myself to plan my "Paris" outfits vs. my "Berlin" outfits. And this dress by Ted Baker from their Colour by Numbers collection, in particular, was the first that came to mind for Dresden, Germany. Granted, I had never been to Dresden before (or many other parts of Germany for that matter!), but after researching a bit, I loved the idea of a floral pattern pop around the regal buildings of Altstad (the old city portion of Dresden). Many of the entrances and grand staircases have this beautiful aged quality to them, slightly overgrown with ivy and moss -- a mash up of city and nature coexisting together. And this heritage-like floral print (like a bedding or china pattern that a German grandmother might have in her home) was just the sartorial nod I was looking for to pay tribute.

We roamed around the winding cobblestone streets, beer in hand (naturally), and this dress was the perfect frock for the day. Comfortable, with a little bit of a swing and ruffle -- and wrinkle resistant (always a plus when you're traveling!). What are your go-to dresses when traveling? Do you ever research a destination and plan your outfit to fit the mood or vibe of a place?

OUTFIT DETAILS: Ted Baker Colour by Numbers dress // Cult Gaia bag // Chanel heels // Marine Layer hat // Celine sunglasses

This post was in collaboration with Ted Baker. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!

Photos by Ty Johnson

September 1, 2017No Comments

nora’s nyc gems: loosie’s kitchen

3 minute read

Happy September!

It's getting to be that time…

Nights are getting a little bit cooler, days aren't overwhelmed by humidity, and you can comfortably sit outside without sticking to chairs/benches. Fashion week is around the corner, pumpkins will be popping up everywhere, and hot drinks will become the norm again. Knock on wood, but I think fall is on its way to NYC.

I'm just going to come out and say it — I'm not a summer person. I love the freedom feeling that comes with summer, and I love the relief it brings after horrible winters and unpredictable summers. But, as a girl with thick, frizz-prone hair, I absolutely despise swampy midsummers in New York, where there's no relief to be found except by sitting directly in front of an air conditioner. I also hate the feeling of sweat dripping down my neck while I wait for the train at West 4th Street (can anyone relate?!). Maybe it's partially because my birthday is in September, but I much prefer the temperate climate of autumn, the colorful changing of leaves, abundance of sweaters and coats and booties…pumpkin spice everything (yes! it's good! let's move on…), apple cider at farmer's markets and apple picking upstate. Fall dreaming is real right now.

So, with Labor Day just this weekend, I figured it'd be the perfect time to start the buy now, wear later search for all your fall necessities. Check out my picks below to see what you'll be wearing when we're all clinging to al fresco dining come October.

In other news, the photos above are from Loosie's Kitchen in Williamsburg — part of a new ongoing series here on TTT featuring some of our favorite spots around the city. Louse's Kitchen/Cafe is the most adorable, hidden-garden restaurant tucked behind Loosie Rouge on a quiet Brooklyn street. The food is incredible, but you come for the atmosphere — open air dining, gorgeous greenery everywhere, fun pops of color, Instagrammable corners abound. My favorite dishes are definitely the baked eggs (those pork meatballs are to die for!), the hot Nashville chicken sandwich, and the chia bowl (pictured here). Come here on a late Saturday afternoon and you will not be disappointed.

So go, enjoy the last brunches on the patio of the season, and then stock up on these amazing autumn finds.

 

August 23, 2017No Comments

in a new york state of mind

4 minute read


Dusting off my mic here.."Testing, 1...2...3..."

Hi guys! It's been a minute! And by minute, I mean it's been a whirlwind past 10 days of hopping around Paris, the south of France, Vienna, Dresden and finally Berlin. To be honest, after landing last night at JFK, despite such a wonderful trip of many firsts, I was beyond excited to see a familiar skyline and to finally sleep in my own bed last night. With Elvis nearby. And the sounds of NYC rolling by outside out on Hudson Street.

I always get a little sappy like this, after returning home from a trip, and usually find myself tapping into a comforting routine the first few days of coming back home -- I like to think it's one part travel withdrawals and one part delayed homesickness. Does anyone else do this? I'll opt to work at my local coffee shop a bit longer in the morning to just people watch, I'll head up to Central Park, even if it's a bit out of my way during the day, just to stroll around and, if the weather is a bit less swampy, I'll go for an extra long run where I often remind myself, "hey, I live in this fucking rad city!"

It's a grounding mental exercise that I desperately need after having my head up in the clouds (literally and figuratively), and it's amazing what it does to clear out the stimulus overload of flights and different languages and cultures and sights and sounds and, well, you get the picture. I've never been great at the whole meditation thing (much to my chagrin), but in a way, my first few days back after a trip, feel like a form of meditation to me. Appreciating everything I've seen and experienced and everything here in my own backyard.

Plus, I usually treat myself to an extra large slice of New York pizza. Because, when in New York, right?

As for this outfit? We actually shot these photos WAY back on July 4th (can you believe it?!) and I'm still wearing this set like crazy (it's also unfortunately sold out, but I LOVE this little set here from For Love & Lemons). I love how it's pretty easy to mix and match both pieces (the skirt will be making a debut in a recent outfit from Germany) and I think the top will make for a fun addition OVER a white oxford shirt come fall time. And the hat? I'll happily admit I've worn this hat to death this summer. It was only $40 at Marine Layer (now sold out, unfortunately), and it was my prized outfit possession this past trip -- I would have worn it with every outfit if my guy didn't give me a hard time about doing so. To which, I typically responded by throwing on one of my other three hats I brought on the trip. (Insert forehead slap here.) It reminded me of a recent happy hour I had with a few of my favorite gals (Grace, Blair, Mary, Taylor and Dana), where we all, without skipping a beat, agreed our hats have become like crack for our outfit posts. Sure, you could wear that gingham dress without a hat, but WHY would you want to do that? 😉

(Personal defense disclaimer here: wearing a hat means I can be a bit lazy with my hair, because let's face it, NYC humidity is NO JOKE).

OUTFIT DETAILS: Zara two piece set (sold out, but love this little gingham set here and here) // Zara satin slides (sold out, but similar style here) // Marine Layer hat (sold out, but tempted to pony up for this one) // Ray-Ban club master sunglasses // Olympia Le-Tan clutch // Show Road hoop earrings // Monica Vinader bracelets 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

 

August 8, 2017No Comments

nora’s newport guide

5 minute read

Is it just me, or is Newport the new Hamptons? While the coastal city has long been a summer getaway destination, it seems that lately everyone has been flocking to Newport to escape the city for a weekend. That might be catalyzed by the fact that the trendy Hamptons staple, Gurney's Montauk, recently opened a Newport location (more on that later!) -- or just because more people are craving the quaintness and charm of the seaside town.

I've visited Newport three times over the past couple years — one of my closest friends from college is from Providence, and her family currently lives in Newport, so I love going home with her for long weekends and soaking up everything there is to enjoy in the city. While I have to admit, my favorite time to visit Rhode Island is in autumn (sweaters, foliage, and apple picking, oh my!), I just came back from my first summer trip this weekend and it was lovely. Iced coffees, beach trips, and blooming hydrangeas abound made for the perfect quick trip.

After Krystal's visit for the Newport Folk Fest and my own trip, I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to share my favorite must-see spots in Newport, hopefully to help you plan a little escape while summer's still here! Check out my picks below.

1. Empire Coffee

Coffee shops are always necessary on my lists. I live for finding cute places to sit and enjoy an iced latte — pictured above is an iced latte with local Aquidneck honey (I mean…yum?!). With two Newport locations (this one residing on Broadway, which has a huuuuuge interior), Empire is the perfect place to grab a morning coffee with a friend, most likely while you wait for a table for brunch at the next place on my list…

2. Corner Cafe

Corner Cafe is your ideal place for a giant stack of fluffy pancakes piled high with fresh fruit. Their menu is extensive and offers lots of seasonal specials (there was an extremely tempting veggie breakfast burrito on the menu when we were there!), but definitely order a side of home fries, whatever you do — they are crispy quartered potatoes seasoned to perfection. The wait can get long in the mornings, so come early (unless your plan is to grab a coffee at Empire while you wait)!

3. Castle Hill Inn

Famously featured as the venue for Robin and Barney's wedding in How I Met Your Mother (and apologies for the Ed Sheeran song that is most definitely stuck in your head now), Castle Hill Inn is picturesquely located on the edge of the water, with a gorgeous view of the bridge. Come park yourself on one of their adorable white adirondack chairs on the sloping lawn, order a sparkly drink (vodka blueberry lemonade and vinho verde spritz pictured above!), and enjoy a beautiful afternoon watching sailboats pass.

4. Brick Alley

Head back downtown for dinner at Brick Alley, a massive, traditional tavern with an extensive menu (and make sure to wear something to coordinate with the adorable striped yellow exterior). Don't skimp — order a cup of chowdah and indulge in their honestly fabulous build your own salad bar. We ordered the Triple Hot pasta, which was impressively spicy while still maintaining delicious flavor. You'll be stuffed, but save room for dessert…

5. Gurney's Newport

…and drinks at Gurney's! The absolute perfect place to enjoy a summer sunset, Gurney's is also right on the water and offers a variety of drinks, bites, and sweets for you to enjoy while listening to live music at the Pineapple Club (open May-September) or spying on one of the gorgeous weddings they host. Krystal stayed here during the Folk Fest and had absolutely glowing things to say about it. Their back patio area is seriously gorgeous, and ideal for the Instagram-inclined.

BONUS: Rosemary & Thyme Cafe

My friend didn't want me to include this tucked-away spot on my list for fear of it being overrun by the masses, but it's too good not to share. Wake up early (we're talking 8am or 9am here) to get in line at Rosemary & Thyme Cafe for hot, fresh, stuffed croissants that would have bona fide Parisians shaking in their boots. I love the croissant with ham and gruyere, but they have amazing vegetarian options and always lovely specials. Take your treasure and go hang out on one of the many piers or drive over to Fort Adams and watch the day begin.

That's it! I hope you enjoyed and that this might help you plan your next trip to Rhode Island. There are tons of other places I could've included, but I'll save those for another guide. Maybe a Providence hit list next time? What would you like to see? Let me know!

Nora

P.S. Shop my exact outfit below! 

 

August 2, 2017No Comments

dreaming in french

3 minute read


I recently saw the new Eleanor Coppola film, Paris Can Wait, starring Diane Lane, at my all-time favorite theater in the city (fittingly, the Paris theater). Given that I'm gearing up for a little jaunt over to Europe (France and Germany specifically) in just a few short weeks, the film definitely got me in the "European holiday" mindset, and it's not hard to see why. The south of France. Charming Parisian men. Road trips in vintage cars. The most deliciously decadent meals, set in the most darling of countryside towns. Everything about it was getting me in THE MOOD. Capitals intended. Heck. Let's throw italics in there too. THE MOOD. Oui, c'est parfait.

And perhaps not unsurprisingly, it had me shaking and laughing my head a bit too at the tried (and true) stereotypes. There's a scene where Diane Lane's character (she always plays a lovely ex-pat, doesn't she? Under the Tuscan Sun, anyone?), singlehandedly, fixes their broken down car by fashioning a new fan belt out of her pantyhose, like any self-respecting American woman who happened to take an auto shop class at some point her life might have done. Meanwhile, her French male counterpart is simply avoiding the problem but insisting they picnic fist, worry about the car later.

It reminded me of this Vogue video that model Camille Rowe starred in a few years back quite comically documenting the nuance differences between American and French women. Many are spot on. Many might have you defiantly denying it (as I did to my guy, only to have him insist it was actually sort of true -- and I couldn't disagree. The directions part especially). All of it's pretty funny. Because, after all, what's more American or French for that matter, than to document our well known subtle differences? American women wish they had French style, French beauty, French je ne sais quoi. And French women wish they had...hold on...what is it they wish they had of ours? 😉

And after you give that a watch, hop back over here and let me know in the comments if you have any tips for my upcoming trip to Europe! We'll be flying into Paris, then trekking down to the South of France then ultimately over to Berlin and Dresden for a wedding. I cannot wait!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Marissa Webb dress, now on sale! (rented via Rent The Runway) // Kenneth Cole heels // Lola hat // Celine sunglasses // Olympia Le-Tan clutch, on sale here!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

July 27, 20176 Comments

scotland diaries: part 4

4 minute read

Ah, the last leg of our Scotland Diaries is here and I have to say, it's quite bittersweet! While the trip itself was quite short, Alisha and I packed in as much as possible, waking up early each day and driving back to our hotel pretty late each night. It was worth it though. Hands down, probably one of my favorite trips to date, with some of my favorite photos to show from it.

For the very last part of our journey, we trekked over to Glasgow, which, much like Edinburgh, is an architecture nerd's biggest dream. We only had less than 24 hours in town, so we made use of a hop on/hop off bus (sometimes they're just the perfect way to see a city and cover a lot of ground in a day)! I've noted our albeit brief itinerary below. Enjoy!

And, in case you're just joining now, be sure to check out Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of my Scotland Diaries series.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

The University of Glasgow: If you caught my Edinburgh guide, you know I'm a bit obsessed with Harry Potter. So let it suffice to say, the University of Glasgow was at the top of our must-visit list while in town because of it's uncanny resemblance to Hogwarts. Unfortunately, by the time Alisha and I made it there, they had already stopped admitting tours through the buildings itself, but we did manage to roam the grounds. The amazing column hallway you see here is part of their Cloisters and it's breathtaking.

Glasgow Cathedral: In addition to really old schools, I'm a sucker for really old churches (this one dates back to 1136!). The stained glass. The artwork. The acoustics! Usually, if I have the time, I'll sit in a back pew and close my eyes for about 20 minutes. It's amazing what you can hear and absorb in a space like that, and Glasgow Cathedral is no different.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum: If you have the time, definitely dedicate a good portion of the day to roam around Kelvingrove. The grounds are beautiful and it houses over 22 different themed installations, ranging from natural history to arms and armor. Of note, they have Salvador Dali's "Christ of Saint John of the Cross" on display and that alone is worth the visit.

 

WHERE TO EAT:

The Drugstore Social: This was likely one of our most indulgent meals of the trip, likely because we had stayed up SUPER late the night before trekking back from the Isle of Skye and it was officially our last night in Scotland. And Drugstore Social was the perfect ending note! We happened to pop in on a night when they had a live jazz trio performing (always a plus!) and we snagged pretty everything that looked yummy off the menu (which is to say, we ordered a hodgepodge of everything). We both loved the smoked trout flatbread and the wild garlic gnocchi. It's situated in the West End, which Alisha and I both agreed is the neighborhood we'd live in, if we moved to Glasgow tomorrow.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Who What Wear trench coat (sold out, similar style here) // French Connection dress (old, but similar style here) // Chloe bag // Celine sunglasses // Aldo boots

WHERE TO STAY:

Dakota Deluxe Hotel: The minute Alisha and I walked into the Dakota, we were pretty smitten! In comparison to the Principal in Edinburgh, the Dakota is a very modern take on Scottish heritage -- the decor is rich and dark in nature (think lots of dark leather, deep mahogany walls) and the art work has a personality and flair all it's own. It felt like a chic, modern take on a rustic library.

Photos by Alisha Siebel

Huge thanks to the Visit Scotland Tourism Board for inviting us on such a lovely trip and to WOW Airlines for helping us hop across the pond! 

July 25, 2017No Comments

scotland diaries: part 3

4 minute read

And the Scotland Diaries continue, this time all the way up to the Isle of Skye, the largest and most northern island of the major islands of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Of course, after our trek through the sweeping Highlands, we were anxious to see what beauty awaited us up north -- promises of mountains, dramatic seaside cliffs and picturesque fishing villages dancing in our head all the while, as we continued up the winding road before hopping on a ferry that would ultimately drop us off on shore.

The entire day, it had threatened to rain on us. And by threaten, I mean the sky kept turning a deeper and deeper gray, with the smell of rain just on the tip of our noses, as if the sky would open up at any moment and start to cry. We managed to escape any rain drops for a good portion of the day, until we stopped off for our first shoot location on the Isle, the massive mound of marigold yellow flowers you see here. I quickly changed in the backseat of our Mercedes, excited at the prospect of capturing this yellow we had spied sprinkling the green scenery every once and a while. (Side note: if anyone knows the name of this flower, please do share!) White gown and all, Alisha and I crossed the highway carefully (looking right first, of course!), I took my spot, fixing my hair just so, until...drip, drip, drip....a light drizzle started. Naturally, wearing a white dress in the rain (a white dress you've borrowed no less), standing with a photographer who's holding a very expensive piece of equipment in her hands, you start to panic a little in a sudden downpour. And, well, you freeze. Do you run back to the car? Do you hold out for a moment in hopes it stops? Do you start to imagine how much her lens costs, in the event you need to replace it?

I ran through these scenarios, contemplating each, until Alisha (in true Alisha fashion) laughed and quickly put a plastic rain bag designed to protect cameras from these crazy situations over her Canon and kept snapping. If it wasn't going to stop her, it wasn't going to stop me! I could feel my hair getting drenched, with my makeup undoubtedly running down my face and yet, I didn't care. Something about this felt fitting for a photo homage to Scotland. Raw and wild and unruly. And I honestly, wouldn't have it any other way. (Especially the last photo in this series, in the red dress!)

These again, are some of my favorite shoots to date -- I hope you enjoy them! And in case you're just joining my Scotland Diaries now, you can catch Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Sachin + Babi white long sleeve gown (now on sale!) // Sachin + Babi white short sleeve gown (now on sale!) // Sachin + Babi red gown (not available yet, but here's another favorite!) // Hunter boots

 

Photos by Alisha Siegel

Huge thanks to the Visit Scotland Tourism Board for inviting us on such a lovely trip! More from Scotland coming this week!

July 18, 2017No Comments

scotland diaries: part 2

3 minute read

"There's no place on earth with more old superstitions and magic mixed into its daily life than the Scottish Highlands." ~ Diana Gabaldon

As Alisha and I were prepping for our jaunt over to Scotland, we both were giddy at the idea of just driving through parts of the country. Isn't that funny? It's exciting to travel so far, via planes or ships or helicopters or trains, but at the end of the day, I think the way to truly experience an area, is to drive through it. Back roads. Empty roads. Detours. Wrong turns that turn into the right turn. Spotting those tucked away vista points that, if you're not paying close enough attention, could easily be passed over.

On our way up to the Isle of Skye through the Scottish Highlands (a must if you're visiting Scotland), we knew we wanted to leave super early to allow for as much aimless wandering as possible. It's roughly a 6 hour drive, if you're heading straight through, so we packed up the car in Edinburgh extremely early, with plenty of gorgeousness thanks to Sachin + Babi and one killer playlist that I made before the trip. I've included our playlist below and I have to say, I think it struck all the perfect notes, fitting for a Scottish road trip: melancholy, brooding with just the right amount of romantic mysticism. As for the photos, I think these are some of my absolute favorites to date. I hope you enjoy! And get swept away a little.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Sachin + Babi ruffled blue gown (on sale now!) // Sachin + Babi floral gown

Photos by Alisha Siegel

Huge thanks to the Visit Scotland Tourism Board for inviting us on such a lovely trip! More from Scotland coming this week!

July 17, 2017No Comments

scotland diaries: part 1

9 minute read

An excerpt from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by none other than J.K. Rowling:

"He tapped the wall three times with the point of his umbrella.

The brick he had touched quivered – it wriggled – in the middle, a small hole appeared – it grew wider and wider – a second later they were facing an archway large enough even for Hagrid, an archway on to a cobbled street which twisted and turned out of sight.

‘Welcome,' said Hagrid, ‘to Diagon Alley.'

He grinned at Harry's amazement. They stepped through the archway. Harry looked quickly over his shoulder and saw the archway shrink instantly back into solid wall."

Confession: I thought of this exact scene with my beloved Harry as he first discovers Diagon Alley many times while wandering around Edinburgh. And for good reason, too -- one that I think we can all relate to. That feeling of stumbling upon a place and seeing it with new eyes. Eyes that are ready to see and marvel and twinkle from the promise of magic around every possible corner. Eyes that are ready to take in the believable and the unbelievable, and embrace both. Eyes that don't want to miss a single detail.

Of course, it certainly doesn't hurt that J.K. Rowling was inspired by many particular spots in Edinburgh itself (as she wrote much of the series right there in town!) and you can definitely feel it while you're walking around. The stores. The winding streets. The lonely castle up on the hill. The brilliantly regal-looking school that's just missing a Quidditch field.

As someone who grew up devouring Harry Potter books, I felt like I was walking around in a dreamy daze most of the time -- half-wishing for a bit of magic to pop up, because that's the only way I can think to describe Scotland. Simply put: It's magic. One part folk lore. One part fairy tale. One part epic, sweeping adventure. And Alisha and I certainly hit the ground running once we arrived. While our trip wasn't quite long enough (it never is, is it?), I have so many photos to share with you this week! Up first, I have this mini guide to Edinburgh, our first stop along the way.

HOPPING OVER THE POND:

First things first, when it came time to sort out our flight situations, I was excited to partner with WOW Airlines as I had been hearing a lot about them lately. They're an Icelandic-based airline, with many of their flight itineraries (like the one we booked), stopping over in Reykjavik. Our original hope was to spend a day or two in Iceland before continuing on to Edinburgh, but alas, we had to trim our trip by a few days (darn, adult responsibilities!). This is where a private jet like Jettly would have come in handy too if WOW hadn't been available for us. If you get the chance, I highly recommend you set up a similar route, with a few days to spare in Iceland. The flight over was quick and easy, extremely reasonably priced and it's the perfect way to pack two trips into one essentially! Huge thanks are in order to the folks over at WOW Airlines for having Alisha and I on board!

WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

Alisha and I really only had one full day in Edinburgh and man, we certainly packed in everything we could! We were going to stay in the InterContinental Edinburgh since it looked amazing, but as I mentioned before, we, unfortunately, had to cut our trip short. We still had a great time though! Here's a rundown of what we saw. The biggest takeaway here is to walk as much as you can! Old Edinburgh is really so charming and you hear bagpipes on pretty much every corner.

Edinburgh Castle: You know you're in a really old town when all roads wind up toward the castle, which is very much the case here in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Castle is beyond stunning, situated on a hill, overlooking the city (it's a breathtaking view!). If you're a sucker for history, castles and backstabbing kings and queens, then make your way up here. The architecture and view won't disappoint.

National Museum of Scotland: If you can, dedicate a few hours to get lost here and check out the Scottish History and Archeology collection. It's an evergreen exhibit and houses everything from Neolithic carvings to Mary, Queen of Scots' jewelry!

Royal Mile: I'm a sucker for beautiful architecture so when we started walking along the Royal Mile on our way up to the castle, I was delighted at every turn. It's essentially a succession of streets that comprise much of Old Town Edinburgh -- and it's exactly like stepping back in time. Cobblestones as far as they eye can see, curious shops tucked away and hidden gardens just beyond your reach.

Covet and Thistle Street: Covet is the perfect example of a boutique that I love discovering while traveling -- chock full of new-to-me jewelry and accessory designers, that make it hard to walk away with just ONE item. If you venture out here, the shopping on Thistle Street is top-notch.

Greyfriar's Kirkyard: A beautiful heritage graveyard (yes, I find graveyards beautiful), and the resting place of many prominent Scottish historical figures. Also, yes, it's the exact graveyard that inspired Tom Riddle's graveyard, so much so, that there is actually a grave for a real life aristocrat Thomas Riddel Esq. Die-hard Harry Potter fans apparently come on Halloween to pay homage (and some even duel over He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's grave).

George Heriot's School: You guessed it. Another Harry Potter spot. Sorry, not sorry! But once you start approaching this school, Harry Potter fan or not, it's hard not to get the chills (or in my case, it's hard NOT to hear the Harry Potter theme song in your head). The school is a spitting image of Hogwarts -- turreted towers, spiral staircases and Rowling even mimicked the four house model off of Heriot's current set up. This begs the question: do they also have a Sorting Hat?!

Victoria Street: Situated on the Royal Mile, you NEED to visit Victoria Street. Why? Because this is Diagon Alley my friends. The street itself is curved and it winds a bit -- all cobblestone, and riddled with little bookstores, curiosity shops and yes, even a tricks and jokes store (Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, anyone?). I basically had to keep pinching myself -- I was beyond giddy and probably embarrassed Alisha by how much I really wanted to find Ollivanders Wand Shop.

Glenfinnan Viaduct: Technically, this isn't in Edinburgh -- it's about a 4 hour drive away from the city center and it's the first photo you see in this post here. Look familiar? Yep, I'm obsessed. It's the iconic bridge that the Hogwarts Express always crosses en route to the school. Again, you can cue the theme song in my head now...

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:

Cannonball: For our first day in town, we popped in here for lunch and a much needed glass of whisky (when in Rome, or in this case, Scotland, right?). I'm a big whisky gal and an even bigger fan of whisky bars. They always manage to evoke that amazing feeling of walking into someone's intimate library, where there just happens to be a crackling fireplace and an oversized broken in leather chair with your name on it. Cannonball has all those things and more. Be sure to pop in if you can! It's conveniently located right at the base of the final hill trek to the castle.

The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen: So good, we went here twice! First for dinner and then on Sunday, for none other than a Sunday Roast. I've never experienced a full Sunday Roast before but had heard tons about it from my friends who grew up or lived in London at some point and I gotta say -- I love the concept! It's like a mini Thanksgiving meal that you indulge in every Sunday with friends and family. What''s not to love? And Printing Press? Well, it's located in the Principal, so you can imagine it hit all the amazing design details we had already come to love about the hotel. Let's just say, if I lived here in town, I would beg my guy to take me here for many a date night.

The Elephant House and Spoon: Confession time again.We didn't get to stop into either cafe (the lines were too long and we were on a tight time schedule), but as you've probably already guessed, both served as refuge to a former penniless J.K. Rowling when she was writing the series. It's a fun, quick visit, if you're a nerd like me and perhaps looking to absorb some of Rowling's creative energy.

OUTFIT DETAILS: St.Roche sweater (from last season, but similar style on sale here) // Frame jeans // Isabel Marant boots (old, but similar style on sale here) // Alexander McQueen leather jacket // Sachin + Babi dress (now on sale!) // Self Portrait heels // Celine sunglasses // Chloe bag // Who What Wear trench // French Connection sweater dress // Aldo ankle boots

WHERE TO STAY:

The Principal Edinburgh: For our few nights in town, we got cozy at The Principal, situated right on George Street (a major thoroughfare) and a stone's throw from great restaurants and Old Town itself. Rich with history and riddled with all the Scottish decor accents you could ask for, including oak, marble, leather, tartan, plaid and numerous parlors full of brooding Scottish landscape paintings -- Alisha and I immediately fell in love. It's the perfect balance of history and luxury -- a sweet spot in my opinion! Plus, you're greeted by some kilt-sporting men at the front desk, which is always a win, win in my book!

Photos by Alisha Siegel

Huge thanks to the Visit Scotland tourism board for inviting us on such a lovely trip! Stay tuned for more Scotland posts this week!

July 10, 2017No Comments

designer crush: aje

3 minute read

This dress is a prime example of one of those shopping trips that's over before it's even started.

A few weeks back, while I was still hopping around Australia with one of my favorite Aussies, Angie, we were doing a bit of last minute window shopping in Byron Bay. For anyone who has ever visited Byron Bay, you know its charm is practically irresistible. It's one part Venice Beach, one part Montauk, with a dash of Santa Cruz -- the cafes and restaurants have the perfect, laid back breeziness to them and the boutiques? Don't get me started. We happened to pass one in particular for a new-to-me, but not-new-to-Angie, Aussie designer, Aje -- and I kid you not, it was love at first sight.

Here's how it went down:

ME: "Hey, Angie, have you heard of this des...." [Voice trails off as I dart inside the store]

ANGIE: "What, Aje? Oh yeah.... [Starts to answer only to look around and notice I'm already gone] ...

ME: "Angie, how perfect is this?" [Motioning to the black version of my dress here]

ANGIE: "It's beautiful but did you see that it comes in...?"

ME/ANGIE: "White!"

ME: [to sales associate] "I'll try this one on, please!" [At this point, I'm literally throwing myself into the dress as we have to start leaving town to catch flights.]

2 minutes later...

ME: [Before I know it, I'm in a daze, handing over my credit card, practically salivating as to when I can wear this dress!]

1 minute later ...

Running back to car, with new purchase in tow, rushing out of town, so we both could catch our flights home.

Since then, I've sported this dress around New York (on mildly cooler days, mind you) and have loved every minute of it. The open back, high neck, flared sleeves and crisp white color were all just too good to pass up and I'm already waiting for their New York debut to hit (the sales associates at the store mentioned their NYC flagship was in the works!). Until then, I've rounded up my favorites from them down below that you can already snag online at Revolve. Unfortunately, this dress is part of their fall/winter collection, which is already sold out on their site, but fingers crossed it'll be restocked once fall/winter collections start hitting here in the states. Happy shopping!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Aje dress (sold out, but I love this spring/summer dress of theirs!) // Sergio Rossi heels // Olympia Le-Tan bag // Celine sunglasses


 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

July 5, 2017No Comments

wcw: in the studio with judy clark

7 minute read

I think one of the biggest reasons I love travel so much, isn't necessarily how different each location can feel and look from the last (although it certainly doesn't hurt!), but rather it's the people that I meet along the way. Vendors. Locals. Shop keepers. The man who sold me my bus ticket and proceeded to tell me about his family and why he loves his home country so much. Most of my favorite trips are purely made by the people I meet while on them. They allow me to see their home through a lens that is indescribable and, quite frankly, irreplaceable when it comes to truly experiencing a place.

So when I had the opportunity to meet with local womenswear designer, Judy Clark, while hopping through Edinburgh, Scotland, I couldn't agree fast enough. Granted, I've never been to Scotland before, but after last summer's trip to Ireland (not to mention the fact I'm part Scottish), I was eager to explore more of this part of the world, for all the reasons you can probably imagine. Cue rolling green hills. Moody skies that threaten to crack open and pour on you at any moment. Lone farm houses tucked away from the world, with nothing but their sheep as witnesses. Dignified architecture harkening back to the age of kings and queens (and yes, even a certain Harry Potter).

And Judy Clark's designs harmonize quite well with this world I had imagined, for a woman blending modern and heritage together, for a look completely her own. It's as if you can see the woman she designs for, sporting a men's tweed swing coat but with lace and intricate beaded details, playing out a role in a great adventure novel, roaming the beautifully melancholy Highland hills -- a heroine of her own destiny, answering to no one.

To say I fell in love with this world Judy had created would be an understatement -- and it was just the right note for Alisha and I to kick off our trip through Scotland. I hope you adore her work as much as I do.

As a literature and history buff myself, I love how your designs incorporate a modern, edgy nod to eras gone by. Where do your design inspirations come from?

I love old things and places. Vintage shops, thrift stores, historical architecture. I love looking back at period clothing; they had such intricate undergarments and structure to the clothing. I am very inspired by these historical shapes and translate these beautiful silhouettes into more wearable but statement pieces. I am always inspired by the places I travel to and sometimes there is a such varied heritage in the world and I love to investigate who was wearing what at different times.

What does your design process look like from start to finish?

Research, mood boards sketching ideas in pen or ink in my design journals, pulling fabrics together from my fabric boxes, creating new patters, toile’s and then creating the final pieces.

Who is the Judy Clark woman?

Individual style atheistic who’s not afraid to be a little eccentric.

I love that you incorporate some very uniquely Scottish elements in your work -- tartan, lace and  tweed for an effect that is both dramatic and romantic. Does Scotland play a role (as muse or otherwise) in your work? If so, how?

The fabrics are probably the biggest inspiration from Scotland; i usually pull together different textures and colours in the studio and drape them over the mannequin to see what works.

You’ve garnered quite the list of accolades and awards (and rightfully so!), including Womenswear Designer of the Year by the Scottish Style Awards. How did you ultimately land on designing as your calling? Was it an early discovery or something that came about later in life?

I have always had an interest in art – I spent many an afternoon in the art department in school pottering around with new ideas. If I could I would have spent my entire secondary education there. Our school didn’t have a specialized textiles or fashion department but we were encouraged to follow our interest and mine was fashion.  It really came from an illustrative journeys drawing from life then pushing that into a new area of fashion illustration. I always loved to draw and still do.

I began really learning to sew at university -- I have to admit I was perhaps the last in the class in completing our first projects as most had learnt to sew through school or college. I think in some way it made me more determined and now I am probably one of a handful of people that have continued creating in the fashion line.

What are some of your favorite pieces to design? Do you have a particular favorite piece to date and why is it your favorite?

The Pheasant feather tartan Frock coat is one of my favourites; the image by David Stanton is one of our most iconic pieces. I love the drama of it. The coat combines tartan from the Scottish borders, silk velvet collar and leather sleeves with a pheasant feathers bustle.

Your studio space is stunning (such great light!). Can you describe a typical day to me, from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave?

Tunes on, kettle on, cup of tea, patten cutting, draping,  stitching, creating, emails, social medial, back to the sewing table to create .

Speaking on tunes, what do you listen to while in the studio? 

Annie Lennox, Florence and the Machine, Goldfrap, Beyonce,  I love power ballads and divas!

We love a good diva, too! Which is why we’re personally huge fans of the Lace Noir collection. It has a wonderful empowered femininity to it -- this begs the question: what does style mean to you?

Style has to be comfortable, feminine, bold and strong.

Who are some designers you admire? Artists?

McQueen , Galliano, John Byrne, Joan Eardley

What has been your career highlight thus far?

Scotttish Style Awards designer of the Year – it came as a complete surprise and I was delighted!

Alright, lightening round! Can you finish these sentences for us?

The first thing I did this morning was … kiss my little boy good morning

Right now, I’m obsessed with … red wine

Every woman should own … a great pair of boots!

The three things you can always find in my bag are … lipstick, perfume, phone

I’ve been listening to ... Annie Lennox on repeat lately.

I’d kill to design something for …. Beyonce – she rocks!

My style icon is …. Daphne Guiness

My guilty pleasure is … I do like a good music contest such as X-Factor or The Voice.

To be a good designer, you must ... have ambition, determination and raw talent.

Photos in Judy Clark's studio by Alisha Siegel // Lookbook images provided by Judy Clark and shot by David Stanton, modeled by Victoria Middleton. Hair and makeup by Molly Sheridan

June 28, 20177 Comments

hello from barbados!

2 minute read

Greetings from Barbados! As I'm writing this post, I'm sitting out on our balcony overlooking the Caribbean, listening to the waves crash ashore. Sometimes I forget how much I love being next to the ocean but when I am here, I just can't seem to get enough salt water in my hair and sun to kiss my skin. I'll be out here for the week, unplugging a bit, but I wanted to share a few of the key pieces I packed first for this little island getaway. A lot of these pieces (like this suit!) would be perfect for our long holiday weekend right around the corner so happy shopping!


June 22, 2017No Comments

first time guide to naoshima and hiroshima

8 minute read

Here we are! The last leg of our two-week trip through Japan, and it was actually the most spontaneous part of the ordeal. Originally, Heather and I had planned to split our time mainly between Tokyo and Kyoto, with a short stopover at Miyajima and Hiroshima to visit the Peace Park. But after reading through multiple Japan trip guides, I randomly stumbled upon a few lists that recommended the small island of Naoshima, known primarily for their modern art museums, architecture and public art installations scattered around the island. As we were sitting in our small hotel room in Tokyo on that first day, fresh off the plane, Heather and I agreed to skip Miyajima (which I still hope to make it back to someday) and book Naoshima ASAP.

And man, I'm so glad we did.

First off, it's a good train trek from Kyoto, so make sure you budget sufficient travel time (heads up, you'll be taking multiple trains and a ferry ultimately to make it to the island). That said, it was arguably, one of our favorite spots of the trip, so if you have the chance to go, I highly recommending squeezing it into your itinerary. We only had about a day and a half to enjoy the island itself, so we really hit the ground running once we arrived.

Secondly, I've also included a few photos of Hiroshima here as well, which is a must-see if you're visiting Japan, even if you can only fit in a day there. The Peace Park is utterly beautiful, in a very humbling way. We happened to go right at sunrise, which I think made the visit that much more special, as the park was quiet, almost deserted, with just the birds overhead reminding us we weren't alone. I get chills still just thinking about it.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

For a bit of context, the island is small and easily explored via the shuttle that runs through town or via bike (which are available to rent at most hotels/hostels). The beaches and coastline of Naoshima reminded me a lot of Northern California, specifically parts of Marin. Rocky in some areas, patched with wild flowers until opening up to white sandy beaches, with plenty of little alcoves and bays to make the ocean feel a bit more wild, with waves crashing down below you.

We stayed at the Benesse Art House, the Park property, which like all the Benesse properties, blends the idea of an art museum with a hotel, allowing guests to really immerse themselves in the culture of the island. Admittedly, I'm about to date myself right now, but for anyone who played the computer game Myst as a child, you'll understand my next reference. Walking around the island feels a bit like you're back on that remote island from the game -- wandering around alone, solving puzzles as you go, occasionally stumbling upon random sculptures and oddly placed buildings. It was eerie and mesmerizing at the same time and after we started walking around Naoshima, I remember mentioning this déjà vu feeling I was having to Heather -- it was like I had been here on this island before. Part of me hopes, who ever designed that game, had Naoshima in mind. They just had to.

Much of the island is set up for discovery sake. There are plenty of well designated art museums, many of them Benesse properties, and plenty that you practically stumble upon as you're walking or biking the island (so keep your eyes peeled!). Tip: Many of the homes and buildings in town have art elements to them -- so pay attention to murals (some are very subtle), landscaping and even what they might have displayed in their windows or yards. Japan has a very rich history where art is concerned. From traditional paintings dating back to the past to modern forms of art like anime and manga, there is something for everyone in Japan. Anime and manga are so popular here that you can even find adult versions on websites like cartoonporno.xxx. Who would have thought?

Benesse House: The Benesse lineup is comprised of four buildings scattering the south side of the island: the Museum, Oval, Park and Beach. Each property offers it's own unique art installations, with rooms that are just as niche and individual. We hopped to the Museum first but make sure you grab a property map of all the Benesse installations -- there are at least 20 that sit in and around the surrounding area, so yep, it feels a bit like a scavenger hunt! The most notable, of course, are the brightly colored pumpkin sculptures you see above, created by artist Yayoi Kusama.

Art House Project: We spent much of our full day in town doing this, as there are seven different houses scattered around the island that are part of this. What I love most about this particular project is how unexpected it all feels. The installations are built inside seemingly normal single-family-dwelling homes, but once you walk inside, you're transported immediately into another world. Our favorites were Haisha (which is where you can see the two-story Statue of Liberty) by Otake Shinro and Minamidera by James Turrell (incredible light installation!).

I Love Yu: The way they describe this gallery is a "way for you to experience art with your body" as part of the experience is actually taking a bath in this modern take on a traditional Japanese public bath house. Unfortunately for us, neither of us could partake during our visit, for timing reasons if you catch my drift, but the outside of the gallery is well-worth the visit! Mosaics and intricate tile work cover the building in an almost scrapbook-like fashion.

Lee Ufan Museum: Featuring the works of Korean artist Lee Ufan, this museum has a variety of his stone and rock sculpture work, in addition to some of his earlier paintings. The architecture, like most of the other buildings on the island, is designed by Ando Tadao, which is arguably as much of the exhibit as the artwork, so make sure to pay attention to the nuances here!

Chichu Museum: This was actually the first museum we explored once we got into town and I think, it arguably got Heather and I really excited for everything else in store for us on the island. Much like the rest of the Benesse properties, the architecture here is just as much on display (Ando for the win, again!), and Chichu in particular was where I experienced by biggest Myst moment of the trip. The building itself is stunning, set literally into a hillside, with walls seemingly cutting in and out of earth. They currently have an exhibit for Monet paintings (with a matching water lily garden outside the property) and a James Turrell light installation.

Ando Museum: Of course, after walking around the island, you start to realize just how ubiquitous Ando's work is (to the point you literally start pointing out all the Ando walls, which are very distinct in design). We decided to needed to pay homage to his work, so we hopped over to the Ando Museum after we wrapped up the Art House Project. He has a pretty prolific portfolio and the museum does a great job with building models and design anecdotes direct from Ando about his different projects.

WHERE TO STAY:

Benesse House: As I mentioned earlier, we stayed at the Park property of the Benesse House, which is directly down the hill from the Museum. Granted, it's on the pricier side as far as available accommodations on the island go, but we were definitely happy to splurge on our one night here. As you can imagine, the property itself is stunning, again designed by Ando, with numerous artist sculptures scattered around the grounds and an intimate gallery inside. Our room overlooked the ocean and we were never found lacking for beautiful walls to take photos in front of (the teal wall with crystal squares was a favorite of ours, clearly!). The hotel offers a free shuttle service around the island, which made it incredibly easy to get around. If you can, try to snag a room at one of the Benesse buildings -- it's definitely worth it!

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Admittedly, I may not be able to help much in this area, as we were only in town for a day and a half (so most of our meals were at our hotel, which was delicious!). If you can though, pop into any of the museum cafes for a light little snack and grab some green tea soft serve ice cream while you're out and about in town.

Photos of me by Heather Clark

June 19, 2017No Comments

first time guide to kyoto

10 minute read

Wow! It's June! Two questions: First, how the hell did that happen so quickly? And secondly, are you guys cool to forgive me for my very delayed guide to Kyoto? There are so many top places to visit in Kyoto!!

I suppose this is where I should insert some sort of explanation for the tardiness. In all honesty, I thought I had started off strong with my Tokyo guide back at the beginning of May. Admittedly, life got a bit in the way (as it always does), not to mention a few other trips, none of which I'm complaining about -- but it has been weighing on my mind a lot lately. I want to make sure I'm prioritizing these trips in a timely manner for you guys, so they can be as fresh and as relevant as possible! When it comes to Kyoto in particular, I wanted to knock this one out of the park for a few reasons, but namely, Kyoto was my favorite stop of the trip. From the people, to the food, from the numerous temples to the adorable neighborhoods, I could easily see myself living there in a heartbeat, if I wasn't fussed about learning a whole new language, of course.

So without further adieu, let's dive right into Kyoto, shall we? Also, if you're just joining now, make sure to check out my post about Tokyo, where I also included a few pointers you'll need to know before heading to Japan.

WHAT TO DO/SEE (for cherry blossom recommendations, keep scrolling!):

Fushimi Inari-Taisha: Raise your hand if this is one of the first spots you think of when visiting Kyoto. (Raises hand.) Yep, I think it's pretty fair to say this temple (which boasts walkways covered by over 10,000 orange torii gates), gets a lot of foot traffic (pun intended). Is it worth it? 10,000 over, YES. Again, pun intended. Just a heads up, you'll have to be patient to get a photo that's relatively empty of people. Heather and I waited (in the rain, mind you), for over 20 minutes at a time just to get a clearing. This is most certainly a 'must-see' for anyone thinking of going on any japan tours!

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Temple): Aside from Fushimi, The Golden Temple was among my favorite temples of the trip. Why? Well, I think you all know by now, I'm a sucker for gold. And the entire roof of this temple, fittingly enough, is covered in gold leafing. It's surrounded by a stunning lake, which makes for some beautiful reflection shots.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: This is going to be an awfully embarrassing comparison to make, but I think it's spot on. Does anyone remember the movie Fern Gully when they were little? Granted, we're talking about a bamboo forest here, not a rainforest as the movie depicts, but there's something about walking through this forest that makes you feel like you're lost in another world.

Kiyomizu Dera: Unfortunately, this temple was under construction while we were in town and will be undergoing renovations until March 2020. You can still visit, but much of it is under scaffolding, making photos a bit less than ideal. The grounds and surrounding gardens seem worth the visit, although we eventually decided to skip in order to head to Nara Park.

Nara Park: Speaking of Nara, I have to say, this was such a highlight for me. Literally, my cheeks hurt that entire day from smiling too much. Granted, we had a bit of a snafu en route (Heather had a really scary allergic reaction at a ramen shop), but once that crisis was averted (and she safely made it back to Kyoto to take refuge at the St. Regis Hotel), I made my way straight to the park that is said to be covered with deer. And let me tell you, there are deer everywhere. They're extremely friendly and not afraid of people in the slightest. Of course, if you happen to pick up a few deer snacks (they sell them in the park), you'll make some furry friends quite quickly and they can get a bit aggressive, if you tease them. (So don't tease them!). Maybe they will have some great deer feeders to keep deers happy. If you want to learn more about deer feeders get more information from sites like feedthegame.com. So if you spot deer feeders you might be able to buy some snacks to add to the feeders. This is a great idea if you want to feed them but you prefer to see them from a distance. I personally like to get up and close though. If you happened to catch my Instagram Stories that day, you know how giddy I was. I was basically chatting with each deer I passed, half tempted to take one home with me like ol' Audrey here. What do you think Elvis would say? 🙂

Geisha spotting: Sigh. What I wouldn't have given to have a geisha spotting during the trip! I guess I can't say I was surprised though. Every article I read said geisha spottings are rare and you have to be quick and in just the right spot at the right times to maybe catch one of them on their way to meet clients for the evening. This write up was extremely helpful though. My two cents: hang out in Gion on Hanami-koji-dori around dusk/early evening, on a weekend if you can swing it. And if all else fails, you'll end up seeing some adorable mother/daughter duos dressed up in their kimonos.

Nishiki Market: A long, open air market with so many different kinds of vendors. We didn't have time to properly shop through here but it seemed like a fascinating collection of food and artisan work.

Shopping in Gion: As you've probably guessed by now, Gion was one of our favorite neighborhoods and the shopping had a lot to do with that. If you can, give yourself a day or half day to just stroll around and window shop. You'll see everything from fan shops to kimono shops, from ceramic stores to tea houses.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK:

Heikichi Takasegawa: This was the perfect dinner to kick off our stay in Kyoto. Situated in Pontocho Alley (which I describe below in the cherry blossom section). Very traditional Japanese restaurant and cuisine -- we took off our shoes at the door (I noticed we did this far more often in Kyoto than Tokyo) and sat cross legged on the floor (SUPER comfortable -- I'm kinda into dining this way now!). They're known for their green onion dish, which Heather and I agreed, was one of our favorites. Go early, if you can, it gets quite crowded. Rest assured, it appeared to be a lot of locals joining for dinner that evening, which is always a relief!

Bar Cordon Noir: If you're a whiskey gal like me, you'll appreciate all the Japanese whiskey at your disposal around Kyoto. We popped into Bar Cordon Noir after our dinner at Heikichi and it was perfect night cap for a rainy, drizzly day. I highly recommend Hibiki whiskey -- extremely smooth and surprisingly light, in a refreshing way!

% Arabica Higashiyama: You didn't think I'd leave coffee off this list, did you? One glance at this coffee shop and you'll understand the hype. Clean, modern and very Scandinavian in aesthetic, we stopped by here several times to refuel on caffeine (the iced lattes were delicious)

RAMEN everywhere: So I have a confession. We may or may not have gotten addicted to ramen at this point of the trip. Seriously. I can't tell you how many times we looked at each other, when planning our next dinner move, and we secretly were hoping the other would just cave and say, "Ramen, again?" Good news is, ramen places are pretty ubiquitous, so they're easy to find. And most are excellent.

Tea ceremony: Perhaps a bit touristy, I actually really loved taking an official tea ceremony class. They walked us through the steps, traditions and even had us make (and whip!) our own green tea. We went to a tea house in the Gion district (the name of which is escaping me, so I'm bugging Heather at the moment to see if she can remember, stay tuned!).

Green tea soft serve ice cream: I mean, who can say no to green tea flavored anything, let alone, ICE CREAM? Not this girl. The vendors are pretty common and you'll usually find a bunch of them near popular temples.

Kura Kaiten Sushi (conveyer belt sushi): I'll be the first to admit, I had my reservations about this. Something about seeing my sushi pass me by on a little plate didn't exactly scream FRESH to me. But after seeing crowds of people head to this spot after leaving Kinkaku-ji, we figured it was worth a shot. And I'm so glad we did. First off, to set expectations, it's run very much like a fast food joint. Think In N' Out line and number system. Next, that sushi isn't on the conveyer belt for very long. We literally could peek inside the kitchen to see each piece being made before it was set out on the belt -- seconds later, it was grabbed by a hungry customer. We got in the spirit of it and decided we had to move faster if we wanted to eat. We cleared at least 20 little places between the two of us!

Tempura Endo: Arguably, one of our fancier meals of the trip, it also was one of our more adventurous ones as well. We're talking heads and eyes and tails and fins and some things we couldn't translate no matter how hard we tried via our Google Translate app. But! It was delicious and fun. I think Anthony Bourdain would be proud of us.

WHERE TO STAY:

Japaning Hotel OXA: This hotel was our home base the entire time we were in Kyoto. It's conveniently located (most major subway lines and bus lines were nearby) and there were at least 3 different ramen spots within 2 minutes walk in any direction. Plus, it was more of an apartment set up situation, which was a nice change from our tiny little room in Tokyo.

WHERE TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS:

Philosopher's Walk: Hands down, this was my favorite cherry blossom spot of the trip. Tucked away in a more residential part of town, Philosopher's Walk is a winding riverside path, canopied by cherry blossoms on either side of the river. It's a bit of a trek outside of the city center (tip: we took the bus everywhere and it was surprisingly our preferred method!) but once you get there, you'll immediately understand why it's my favorite spot. Charming. Quaint. Quiet. Peaceful. And don't get me started on all the adorable mothers and grandmothers in their traditional kimonos casually walking to work. Plus, there's a decent amount of pottery and ceramic studios along the walk, perfect for unique souvenirs.

Pontocho: This alleyway runs parallel to the Kamo-Gawa River between Sanjo and Shijo. We actually walked along it on our first night in Kyoto as we were heading to dinner, only to have it start to really rain on us while we were en route. Luckily, we both had umbrellas with us, so we were able to really enjoy just how cinematic everything looked. Isn't it funny how rain can really do that too, in certain situations? Each scene around us felt like a stolen moment from a movie. Couples huddled under their umbrellas, stopping every once and while to appreciate the cherry blossoms overhead. Late night dinner patrons enjoying the last of their sake before saying goodbye. If you can, try to walk around this area at dusk or early evening -- I snapped some of my favorite photos of the trip in this spot and I credit that to just how beautiful the fading light looked in this area.

Stay tuned -- Naoshima and Hiroshima recaps are coming soon!

Photos of me by Heather Clark

May 30, 201714 Comments

comforts of home (on the road)

4 minute read

There's something about having the comforts of home when you're traveling, right? Something that makes you instantly feel zen, centered and a little less like you've just stepped out of a plane full of recycled air.

This summer, I'm hopping around. A lot. Japan was earlier this spring, followed by Scotland and I'm currently writing this post in Sydney, Australia. And while I wouldn't have it any other way, I do appreciate when I can have a slice of home with me while on the road. At this point, I've put together a mini arsenal of luxuries that make a long day of travel and sight seeing a bit more relaxing -- my favorite tea to enjoy before heading to bed, a mini bottle of lavender to drip onto my pillowcase to help me fall asleep at night, a nightly routine of writing in my journal and then, of course, there's my hair care products. Of course, being on the road takes a massive toll on my hair. Between the long flights, changing climates, consistent heat styling and then the inconsistency of hotel shampoos and conditioners, it can be a lot for someone with already dry, somewhat damaged hair.

As some of you may know, I've partnered up with L'Oréal to try out their Ever Crème line, which has been a godsend during my travels the past few months. I've been packing their Deep Nourish lineup, including the mask which I'll use the night after my long flight getting into town, and it's made all the difference in making me feel like myself again. Coupled with the fact I'm also training for the New York Marathon, which means I'm now stepping up my running and cross training routines, my hair needs the extra TLC, now more than ever. All of the Ever Crème line line is sulfate-free, which until recently, I hadn't realized are common amongst shampoos and pretty much the kiss of death for anyone with fragile hair like mine (they're aggressive cleansers that can cause hair to become brittle over time). Yikes. No thank you.

As for the benefits? I've already seen vast improvements in my overall hair health. I experience far less split ends, my hair feels stronger and more durable and the shine is coming back (a novelty for someone like me whose hair is typically dry and can teeter on the brink of feeling like straw). And of course, there's the added luxury of taking an extra long bath in an extra large hotel room bath tub, so you can let that hair mask soak in. Glass of wine is optional, but highly encouraged.

How about you guys? What little comforts of home do you always travel with? And what does your hair care routine look like while you're on the road? Best news is, you can easily pick it up at any local drug store while traveling, like Rite Aide, CVS, Duane Reade etc.

This  post was in collaboration with L'Oréal. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!

Photos by Nora Varcho

May 26, 20177 Comments

friday favorites: wheels up

3 minute read

Don't be alarmed: this post isn't written by Krystal. Today, I'm taking over this little corner of This Time Tomorrow, so let me introduce myself. Hi! I'm Nora, Krystal's editorial assistant. I'm a rising senior at New York University majoring in media and communication, and I've been following TTT since I was in middle school (!). Krystal's was the first fashion blog I ever kept up with, back when blogs were still burgeoning forms of self-expression and not powerhouse businesses. She inspired me to be unafraid in my fashion choices (I once wore a cardigan backwards to school after seeing it on TTT, eliciting some strange looks from classmates but feeling great the whole time) and undaunted by lofty goals and aspirations (I mean, who wouldn't want to work for a huge tech company  and be a successful influencer on the side). When Krystal took the plunge and moved to NYC from San Francisco, I had already been here for about a year and felt like it was fate that we were finally in the same city. Becoming her editorial assistant has been no less than a dream come true!

A little about me: I'm a photographer (Instagram is definitely my most-used app), avid coffee drinker (my boyfriend is a barista at a Harlem coffee shop), Wes Anderson fanatic, and I've watched Friends too many times to count (but my favorite TV shows include off-air classics like The O.C., Gilmore Girls, and The West Wing). I love New York like no other city, and absolutely adore exploring every corner of it. I can't imagine being anywhere else.

Okay, phew! Intro over. Now to the real reason we're here. With Krystal off to Australia this week and my own upcoming travels home to Cleveland, Ohio -- less exotic but, in some ways, equally exciting -- we have to talk about warm-weather travel essentials. I spent last spring abroad in Paris, and with weekend trips abound, I had to learn what I really needed and what I didn't when packing my tiny carry-on. I like to divide it up into a few basic categories: hair, accessories, clothes, and swimwear. Below you can find my tried-and-true favorites to bring along on your next getaway. Don't forget your passport!

 

all under $100!

 

 

 
Empire State photo by Nora Varcho

May 9, 2017No Comments

first time guide to tokyo

11 minute read

A few years back, my good friend Heather and I were chatting about dream trips -- places in the world we had been dying to see. At the time, she and I had just gotten back from Turkey and loved every minute of being immersed in a culture so unlike our own -- so much so, that we were craving something crazier and even further away for our next international trip together. That's when the idea of Japan was planted, particularly for Sakura, the annual cherry blossom festival in early spring. Admittedly, at that moment, it felt like a pipe dream -- a lovely idea to think about but so far out of reach. Fast forward a few years later, and with both us living in New York and in desperate need of a cultural getaway, we decided it was time to finally pull the trigger. We're not getting any younger, right?

After having spent 2 weeks in Japan, I can definitively say this was one of my favourite trips. Ever. The country. The people. The balance of city and nature. The food. God, the food. The culture. It was a dizzyingly intoxicating trip -- with so many firsts, lots of laughs and many moments where I just couldn't believe I was actually there.

Granted, this was my very first trip to anywhere in Asia, so to say I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning process is an understatement. But luckily, we both had so many close friends (and you dear, readers!) to help us out along the way. So without further adieu, here's a step by step guide to Tokyo, the first leg of our trip.

BEFORE YOU GO...

Let's get a little housekeeping out of the way first, shall we? If you're planning a trip to Japan yourself soon, make sure you're aware of these things first.

Japan Railway Passes: Generally speaking, navigating Japan via the subway and rail system is pretty easy, as long as you have Google Maps handy (more on wifi later) and you're comfortable asking train attendants for help when you need it (every train attendant we chatted with, while their English was minimal, was extremely helpful, to the point they'd write out instructions for us). Since we were planning on heading from Tokyo to Kyoto and a few spots in between, we were told by many folks to go ahead with a Japan Rail Pass, the easiest and fastest way to get around the country. Make sure you purchase your train pass a few weeks before hand, as they take a while to ship.

Pocket wifi: I cannot stress this one enough. You will need pocket wifi and luckily, you can arrange this before you even land in Japan. Wifi devices are pretty ubiquitous (as in a lot of hotels will offer them) but I recommend booking yours in advance online and picking it up at the airport once you arrive. We flew into Narita Airport and found our pocket wifi booth at the post office located inside the airport itself. Within 5 minutes of opening it up, we had pretty fast, decent wifi connection from the very start of the trip. Just make sure to charge it each night as the batteries will wear out fast. Your phone bill will thank me later.

Don't be overwhelmed if you don't know the language: Granted, this one took me a while to get over, as I generally don't like traveling to a new country if I'm not extremely comfortable with more than a handful of phrases. But Japanese. Whew! What a beautiful but difficult to pronounce language! In general though, there's a good deal of English on most signs (especially in Tokyo) and as long as you make an effort with a few phrases (like "arigato" for thank you and "konichiwa" for hello), you'll be fine. By the end of the trip, I may have also been a bit bow happy, as everyone bows to each other out of respect.

Google Translate will be your best friend: If there was ever a time in my life that should have been an ad for a Google product, this was it. We used Google Translate pretty much every day, at every meal (you can literally take a photo of written text and highlight which portions you want translated!), and there may have even been a moment where I had to run into a pharmacy with "anti-histamine" translated for the pharmacist. Download it before you go.

WHAT TO DO/SEE (for cherry blossom recommendations, scroll down):

Harajuku: Perhaps the most obvious of spots, we swung by this district on our first day in town. The shops and the crowds are definitely worth a visit, but if you can, make sure to swing by on a weekend. Since we didn't have any weekend days in Tokyo, we missed out of a lot of the students who typically make up the Harajuku fashionable crowd.

Imperial Palace: Home to the Imperial Family, the Imperial Palace is supposed to be stunning for cherry blossom sightings. However, learn from our mistake and don't go on a Friday (when the grounds happen to be closed). Also, if you can manage it, book a tour group in advance for better access to certain parts of the palace.

Mori Art Museum: Stunning contemporary art museum in the Roppongi district. We swung by here on the same day we visited the Google office (they're in the same building and Heather happens to work there). The views up top are incredible and we managed to see the N.S. Harsha exhibit.

Hedgehog Cafe: Granted, this was more at my request than Heather's, but if there's one thing folks in Tokyo love, it's a good kitschy cafe. The minute I heard there were actual cafes with hedgehogs you could hold, I was sold. Just a heads up though, lines can be long and we eventually had to give up. There are plenty of other niche cafes to choose from though, including maid cafes (like Schatzkiste, the one we went to) and cat cafes, where you can literally hang out with, yep, you guessed it, cats.

Pet shops: While we're on the subject of cute, random animals, pop into a pet shop if you can. You'll see the likes of owls, monkeys and yes, more hedgehogs. One of my friends back home has a pet hedgehog. I was really surprised when she told me that she feeds it cat food. It seems unusual but it does make sense, as hedgehogs need protein in their diets to help them stay healthy! If you've got a pet hedgehog of your own, or want to tempt some into your garden, then you might want to consider purchasing some cat food. There's a list of the best ones here to make sure your prickly friends are happy. So cute!

Nakameguro: Whenever I travel somewhere new, I love picking out the area that I would most likely live in if I lived in that city. Nakameguro is that area for me. The cafes, the boutiques, the restaurants and the apartments. All darling. A good friend of Heather's had recommended we check out the vintage shop J'Antiques in Nakameguro and I'm so glad we did. There's a pair of Yves Saint Laurent flats there that are still haunting me to this day. It's like What Goes Comes Around, but with a Japanese curation flair.

Shopping in Ginza: While we're on the subject of shopping, hop over to Ginza for your luxury designer fix. We didn't necessarily find anything to splurge on but I loved seeing the mothers and daughters in matching Gucci outfits. Like full on matching Gucci track suits. I'm not kidding.

Kabuki theater: After heading to the fish market (more on that later) super early in the morning, we hopped over to Kabuki-Za, a traditional Kabuki theater (where yep, all actors are men, including female roles). The theater itself was stunning to see and they even offer affordable translation devices so you can follow along (much like you would during the opera).

Robot Show: If there's one thing you cannot miss when in Tokyo, it's the Robot Show. Trust me. It's the most delightfully weird thing you'll ever sign up for and I would do it again in a heart beat. And that's all I'll say about that.

Photo booth arcade: OK, so there's a bit of theme here: Tokyo is a bustling, urban, sprawling city that really loves delightfully weird experiences. Case in point: photo booth arcades. While we didn't get a chance to try one out, I highly recommend you make time for it! It's like a Snapchat filter dream on steroids. It really made me want to get photo booth hire Coventry for my wedding. Photo booths are so much fun and they create memories for life!

Tsukiji Fish Market: We originally tried making it here around 2am, which is the when the line forms for the tuna auction each day. Alas, jet lag had a different idea for us so we just rolled in around 8am to the main fish market instead. There are a lot of vendors to see here, down lots of alleyways, so make sure you give yourself ample time to just explore! And try sushi for breakfast from one of the many father/son duos you'll undoubtedly pass along the way.

Mario Kart: Again, we didn't get a chance to try this, but it sure was fun to see folks out on the street doing it! It's just as you might have guessed. You essentially rent go-karts to drive around Tokyo, dressed as characters from Mario Kart. If I were to go back, I'd be Toad.

Itoya: Picture this: 9 floors of all stationary goodies. Think pretty paper. Pens. Origami figures. I picked up a lot of postcards here but could have easily spent hours here just wandering around.

Tsutaya: Absolutely loved this book store. Apparently it's a chain, but it's a great source for indie Japanese magazines.

WHERE TO EAT/DRINK:

Ichiran: Well, we came. We saw. We ate TONS of ramen. Interestingly enough, we thought we would spend most of our meals drooling over sushi, but ramen ended up being our guilty pleasure and the fact the VERY first ramen place we went to happened to be AMAZING, we went multiple times. They're also open 24/7 (perfect after a long night at the Robot Show or hopping around Golden Gai) and you get to order everything from a vending machine.

Tatsunoya: This was a close favorite of ours, too when it comes to the ramen game. We hopped in for a casual lunch and were excited to see they even have a location in Brooklyn.

Golden Gai district: A must-see for a night out in downtown Tokyo, Shinjuku. It's a grid of alleyways, filled with tiny, niche bars, each one with a different theme, like an Alcatraz-themed one or a leopard themed one. They're all pretty small, roughly about 5 seats per bar, but the idea is to hop around for the evening, trying a few. Speaking of which, going down any commercial alley at night is quite a sight. Normally they are coated in neon signs from outside these bars and restaurants, and it does look quite dazzling.

ANA Intercontinental Hotel: This came highly recommended by a fellow New Yorker, now living in Tokyo himself (thanks Duke!) who said we needed to stop by here for a boozy, late teppanyaki lunch.

Park Hyatt Hotel for the New York Bar: If you're like me and are obsessed with the movie "Lost in Translation" then the New York Bar is probably already high on your Tokyo to-do list. We stopped here on our third night in town when we were craving a bit of home -- and the New York Bar hits all the right notes of the Big Apple. Strong Manhattans, a jazz trio playing while you overlook all of Tokyo and a mean steak.

Gonpachi aka the Kill Bill restaurant: Alright, here's another movie favorite and while we didn't actually get to stop here, we were dying to see it! Apparently, it's not the actual restaurant made infamous by the scene with the Crazy 88s, but it inspired it!

Yakumo Saryo: This was a special lunch reservation for us as we saved it for Heather's birthday! It's a bit outside the city, so be prepared for a longer cab or subway ride, but the decor and the service is incredible. Modern and traditional fusion, lots of courses and apparently, you need to be invited back for an actual dinner there, which of course, sold Heather.

Kushimura: This was another recommendation from our new friend Duke (don't you just love making friends on trips in hotel bars?!). Kushimura is a great dinner option if you're craving traditional yakitori. My favorite? The grilled pepper stuffed with cheese!

WHERE TO STAY:

APA Hotel in Shinjuku: This was our home away form home for the first three nights in Tokyo and I'm actually really glad we stayed in the Shinjuku area. It made getting around the city much easier (all the main central subway lines are nearby) and heading back home at the end of the night was always fun because you can get swept up in the downtown madness of it all. The hotel rooms themselves are pretty small, as you might have suspected, but in all honesty, we spent very little downtime at the hotel.

Just a quick note: If you can, try to reserve most of your dinner reservations yourselves either via email or phone before arriving in town. We originally planned on having the hotel concierge help us with this, but apparently this isn't very common in Japan.

Westin: We stayed here for our last night in town and it was by far, the biggest room we had the entire trip. It was a nice way to indulge for the evening (apparently the spa here is supposed to be incredible!) before our long flight the following day.

WHERE TO SEE CHERRY BLOSSOMS

Shinjuki Gyoen: We had heard amazing things about the cherry blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen, so we made a beeline here for our first full day in town. At that point, the blossoms hadn't hit their peak bloom, so there were quite a few trees still budding, but we didn't mind at all. Since it's a large public park, just be careful, you are going to be standing around in crowds, but don't worry, there are plenty of small pathways to cut away from the main group and snap your own cherry blossoms.

Nakameguro river walk: As if I needed another reason to love this area, but seriously, if the river walk in Nakameguro doesn't win you over with all it's quaint charm and tree lined river path, then I don't know what will. Some of our best photo opps came from this area, especially on a bridge with the traditional lanterns hung over head. The blossoms were approaching full bloom at this point, too. If you can manage it, get here really early in the morning before the crowds arrive to snap your own photos.

Stay tuned for part 2 tomorrow: my guide to Kyoto!

Photos of me by Heather Clark

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