travel Archives - Page 2 of 5 - This Time Tomorrow

June 29, 2018 — 7 Comments

a night with intercontinental hotels & audible books

5 minute read

5 minute read Will the real Holly Golightly please stand up?

June 25, 2018 — 8 Comments

6 designers to know now

4 minute read

4 minute read The brands that most fashion-obsessed girls in NYC are raving about...

June 22, 2018 — 6 Comments

36 hours in dc

5 minute read

5 minute read Jefferson, Hamilton and King George, oh my!

June 18, 2018 — 9 Comments

summer bucket list

4 minute read

4 minute read Oh hey, summer. Nice of you to show up!

June 14, 2018 — 11 Comments

sailing the BVI with The Moorings + everything I packed

10 minute read

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As someone who grew up in a very landlocked state (hello Nevada desert), the idea of sailing has always fascinated me.

The open ocean at your beckon call, allowing the wind to literally take you where it wills, the sway of the water rocking you to sleep at night. Admittedly, I've gone on large scale cruises before and of course, sailboats for the afternoon with friends of friends who had boats (note to self: make more friends who have boats!) but I've never sailed on an actual yacht. I had an amazing time on this trip and I really fell in love with boating. I was telling my friends how much I want to buy a boat since going on this trip and they told me to check out GraysOnline. It's only an idea at the minute but I would LOVE to own a boat in the future. How cool would that be!?

Naturally, when The Moorings team invited me on one of the chartered 5800 yacht cruises through the British Virgin Islands, I had to 1.) pinch myself and 2.) start packing! Despite hopping around the Caribbean quite a bit the past few years since moving to the East Coast, I haven't spent much time in the British Virgin Islands specifically, so I was excited for the chance to experience it as part of such an intimate sailing experience. By intimate I mean, the yacht comfortably fits 11 to 12 people, three of whom were our small but mighty crew: one fearless captain, Martin, one amazing chef, Katie, and the friendliest stew ever, Kay (who makes an amazing BVI painkiller cocktail). We had 5 full days at sea ahead of us, with plenty of islands to stop off at along the way, so each day started early with a coffee at sunrise, plenty of swimming and sunshine filled naps in between, and ended with sunset cocktails on our top deck.

If it sounds like I'm describing a scene from The Talented Mr. Ripley (minus the whole messy homicide plot twists), then we're on the same page -- I felt like Gwyneth Paltrow at times, and even donned my head scarf most days as a sartorial nod to her character. I'll detail our exact island itinerary below, including everything I packed for the trip -- but just wanted to underscore what an incredible experience it all was. Our crew made us feel instantly at home, we couldn't have asked for better weather and while the aftermath of last season's hurricanes is still apparent on most of the islands, it was amazing to see the communities there banding together to rebuild, and to know that, bringing tourism back to life in these areas is the best remedy for a speedy recovery.

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Huge thank you to The Moorings team for having Nora and I -- it was just the dose of Vitamin D we needed! And if you're considering a similar trip yourself, I cannot recommend The Moorings enough! They offer a wide variety of customized charters through the BVI, Thailand and Croatia to name a few, and when split amongst a group of friends, it actually is quite reasonably priced, making for a really unique vacation experience (calling all brides-to-be, perhaps?).

Keep reading for our exact island itinerary!

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[prodl brand="Maiyo" product="Luna" description="It's been years since I've ventured into crochet bikini territory, mainly because they're always a bit tricky when it comes to getting them wet. This one my Maiyo, however, is a new favorite, primarily due to that cute belt! I wore this during our trip for a morning of walking around on the beach, so I'd recommend it as a lounging bikini (as opposed to a let's say surfing bikini), if you're thinking of taking the crochet bikini dive yourself. My only thing to note is that the small (especially for tops) runs big and if you're small chested like me, you might find yourself with extra fabric." link="https://maiyo.co.uk/collections/all-products/products/luna-1"][/prodl]

[prodr brand="6 Shore Road" product="Coco Bikini" description="I picked up this bikini from one of my favorite vacation shops in the West Village, Sunni Spencer. She has the best assortment of jetset essentials and the minute I spotted this striped number, I immediately thought how perfect it would be for surfing and paddle boarding in, which is exactly what I did. Plus, the top alone would make for a cute crop top paired with a higher waisted skirt." link="http://shopstyle.it/l/MjBx"][/prodr]

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Island itinerary:

Saturday, June 2: Flew from New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Then from San Juan to Road Town, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Checked in at the Moorings Marina for the afternoon and slept on the boat docked for the evening.
Sunday, June 3: Early departure from the Marina, heading straight for Norman Island to snorkel in and around the infamous Indians formation and nearby caves. Stopped off at Pirate's Bight restaurant for some afternoon drinks and naps on the beach.
Monday, June 4: Headed to Cooper Island, which is known for their beautiful, family-run, eco-resort. Adorable bungalow rooms and white sand beaches. Then hopped over to Virgin Gorda, where we explored the Baths, a collection of boulders that have piled together to make natural pool formations, including the most famous one, known as the Cathedral (for the dramatic, overhead lighting). From there, we sailed up the North Sound to spend the night at Leverick Bay.
Tuesday, June 5: Early morning start to begin the trek out to Anegada (affectionately known as the 'end of the world'). Unlike the other islands in the area, which boast a rockier, hillier landscape, Anegada is completely flat, so as you approach it via boat, it comes into view almost like a mirage, the palm trees literally the only thing giving the land mass any tangible shape. We spent most of the day here, swimming and snorkeling during the day, before enjoying a delicious lobster dinner on shore at the Cow Wreck Beach Bar & Grill.
Wednesday, June 6: Sailed from Anegada to Jost van Dyke, where we spent most of the day at Soggy Dollar Bar (the birthplace of the infamous painkiller cocktail!) and then at Foxy's in the evening to watch Game 3 of the NBA Finals (Woot! Go Warriors!).
Thursday, June 7: Sailed from Jost van Dyke to Peter Island, where we spent part of the day snorkeling around, paddle boarding and eventually winding up at the famous (and now reopened!) Willy T's barge bar. The bar itself is an actual barge, with two decks -- and a diving platform on the top deck, which we certainly utilized a few times! We end the day by sailing back to Tortola, eventually docking for the evening at the Marina.
Friday, June 8: Head back home with a new tan and lots of photos!

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[prodl brand="Zimmermann" product="Jaya scallop midi dress" description="Is there another brand that screams summer as much as Zimmermann? I think not. When you hail from sunny Australia, I suppose it's in your brand DNA to create summer-ready clothes, year round. I love this off the shoulder dress, perfect for throwing over your bathing suit during the day, but works just as well for evening events with the right pair of strappy sandal heels and perhaps a leather belt to cinch your waistline a bit more." link="http://shopstyle.it/l/MjEi"][/prodl]

[prodr brand="Pixi Market" product="Knit fisherman bag" description="I toted this little knit fisherman bag for most of the trip. Easy vacation bag for throwing all your boat essentials in: sunscreen, sunglasses and a bottle of water!" link="http://shopstyle.it/l/MjHv"][/prodr]

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[prodl brand="Heidi Klein" product="BB reversible bikini" description="If you guys recall, I'm no stranger to the Heidi Klein brand. I was first introduced a few summers ago on a trip to St. Lucia and I've been hooked on their swimwear since! This little bandeau bikini number embodies everything I love about the brand: it's comfortable, perfect for water sports (hence all the diving I did in it) and it's reversible! The other side is white." link="https://www.heidiklein.com/bb-nautical-reversible-wide-bandeau-bikini"][/prodl]

[prodr brand="Zimmermann" product="Tali one piece flutter sleeve" description="Before we headed to the Baths on the island of Virgin Gorda, our PR host for the trip, Anna, told me to save my best bathing suit for this exact spot. I immediately reserved this Zimmermann number in mind. The color is a beautiful rust (and unlike anything else I own in my lineup of swimwear) and the sleeves are just so statement worthy." link="http://shopstyle.it/l/Mkol"][/prodr]

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[prodl brand="Veronica Beard" product="Samara dress" description="I've been eyeing this Veronica Beard dress for what feels like AGES. I'm so glad I was able to style it for this trip, particularly as its blue color was just TOO perfect with the shades of the waters we were sailing. True to form, the Veronica's nailed it with this dress -- just the right amount of ladylike ruffles with va va voom cinching and slit action." link="http://shopstyle.it/l/Mkqm"][/prodl]

[prodr brand="Eric Javits" product="Boater hat" description="Let's say it all together here: SPF isn't enough. You need a hat on vacation. This particular hat I'm wearing here is from Marine Layer (it's now sold out), but I encourage you all to bring a wide brim hat on your next trip. I used this guy to pretty much put over my face every time we laid out in the sun." link="http://shopstyle.it/l/MkqN"][/prodr]

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[prodl brand="Self Portrait" product="Panelled maxi dress" description="Full disclosure: We may have asked our captain to put up the sails specifically so we could get this exact shot in this Self Portrait dress. Luckily, Martin was a good sport about it and happily obliged. This dress is just too dreamy -- I especially love the gold chain straps to it." link="http://shopstyle.it/l/Mkry"][/prodl]

[prodr brand="Chanel" product="Vintage earrings" description="There's something so Elizabeth Taylor about wearing your biggest and most statement worthy earrings on tropical vacation, isn't there? I like to think Liz would give her nod of approval to my styling here." link="http://shopstyle.it/l/Mksa"][/prodr]

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[prodl brand="Zimmermann" product="Melody off the shoulder dress" description="Ah, yes. Zimmermann strikes again. Are you surprised? This dress is just so fun and flirty, and while I normally don't opt for mini dresses, when Zimmermann makes one like this with just too many pretty details, I just had to give in." link="http://shopstyle.it/l/Mkuj"][/prodl]

[prodr brand="Anthropologie" product="Rina crocheted crossbody bag" description="Aside from my knit fisherman bag, this little crossbody bag was my next go-to. I brought this ashore with me for most of our excursions on land." link="http://shopstyle.it/l/MkuU"][/prodr]

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Photos by Nora Varcho

Huge thanks to The Moorings team for having us! We had a blast!

June 8, 2018 — 2 Comments

friday favorites: head above water

2 minute read

2 minute read Hello from the British Virgin Islands!

June 6, 2018 — 7 Comments

the holiday: english countryside weekend

4 minute read

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There are two types of city people.

Those who relish in escaping the city every once and while for fresh air, open space and seeing some stars at night. And those who don't. Having grown up a in pretty outdoorsy kind of town, I'm no stranger to camping and hiking, as I spent most of my childhood skiing and trekking around Lake Tahoe. Once I headed west to San Francisco and eventually east to New York, I suspected there would be this shift in me, that I wouldn't need to head out of the city limits to "stretch my legs" as I had already gotten that out of my system years ago.

But of course, the longer I find myself staying in cities, the more I get anxious to hop out of town, away from crowds and away from buildings. When I was living in San Francisco, it could be as easy a short drive over to the Marin Headlands for a day hike. Now that I'm in New York, I fully understand why folks flock to the Hamptons or to upstate New York. It gives new meaning and balance to city living, if I can leave it for a while and realize that I can see shooting stars not far outside city limits.

Naturally, when Heather and I were planning my most recent trip to visit her in London, she was rather curious herself about the English countryside -- a comparative weekend escape destination for weary-Londoners looking for a pause button, and of course, I was dying to stay in a proper cottage myself. We had our sights set on the Cotswolds, and yes, if it sounds familiar, it's probably because you may have watched The Holiday with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet a few times like me. We deliberately bookended my London stay with a jaunt out to The Barnsley House and Village Pub, before we were to fly out for Lisbon, a lovely figurative sigh, before hopping out of town again.

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So how does the English countryside shape up? It's just as lovely as you would imagine -- and even more so. The stone cottages, the wisteria growing everywhere, the winding back country roads perfect for riding your bike down and don't get me started on the gardens! As I mentioned, we stayed at The Barnsley House and Village Pub, technically two different bed and breakfasts, but under the same ownership. We booked our stay at The Village Pub but spent most of our time over at The Barnsley House -- they have an incredible restaurant, a beautiful spa and the most intricate garden grounds you'll ever see, designed by Rosemary Verey -- a renown garden designer who had worked for the likes of Prince Charles and Elton John to name a few.

We only spent a few days here but it was just the respite we were both looking for -- a relaxing recharge button, leaving us ready to head back into the city.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Mara Hoffman dress // Reformation dress // Chanel mules // Showroad jewelry

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June 1, 2018 — 18 Comments

48 hours in lisbon

9 minute read

9 minute read What to do, where to eat and how to get the best natas in town!

May 29, 2018 — 7 Comments

a weekend in miami + paraiso fashion fair

3 minute read

3 minute read It's official: I'm a snow bird.

April 23, 2018 — 9 Comments

how I find all my midi dresses and skirts

4 minute read

4 minute read You guys asked. I answered. Here's how I grow my embarrassing collection of midi dresses and skirts...

April 10, 2018 — No Comments

heading to provence: what to know before you go

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6 minute read Raise your hand if you're reading to pack your bags RIGHT NOW?

March 30, 2018 — No Comments

friday favorites: upstate getaway

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5 minute read A spring break getaway, enjoying the last bit of winter.

March 3, 2018 — No Comments

weekend favorites: bathtime

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Oh, there's nothing a bath can't fix.

Am I right? Baths are funny in that sense, too. We can all probably remember the age we started deliberating switching to showers instead of baths. It saved time. It saved water. You no longer felt like it was appropriate to make bath bubble castles and sing songs. Whatever the main reason, showers became the default, baths went by the wayside and I distinctly remember feeling like an adult when this happened -- simply put, baths were for kids.

Fast forward years and numerous jobs later, and I will literally lose my figurative sh*t if I see a hotel room with a beautifu bathtub. Why? Because, god damn it! I want to take a bath! And light candles. And listen to music. And sip wine. And snap an Insta Story or two of the running water, to document said bath. Bath time became my favorite again -- not so much as a means to get clean, but more so as luxurious ME time. And with most luxuries, it may not be the most feasible practice in a daily routine (or if you're like me: a New Yorker renting in the West Village your tub may be a limiting factor) but wouldn't it be amazing if it could be? If there was a ritualistic benefit, much like face masks and fluoride rinses do, that gave you the excuse, no the NEED, to take a bath.

Well, I do believe goop may have tapped into just that with their latest line of bath soaks. If you recall, I enjoyed a staycation for my birthday week at The NoMad hotel, courtesy of the goop team, with the main intention to test drive some of their new line of bath soaks, each custom designed and crafted by Gwyneth's NYC-based herbalist and acupuncturist Paul Kempisty. I just have to say, while I loved the stay (and the bathtub was GORGEOUS), Paul was certainly the highlight, as he showed up for part of the evening to give me a customized aromatherapy session. As someone who is a self-proclaimed novice to essential oils, I can certainly see the power in them (heck, I burned my face with tea tree oil just last week), so I loved chatting with Paul about the power of different oils and they're healing properties, many of which found their way into the specific soaks.

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The line consists of The Martini (for emotional detox), G.Night (for pre-bedtime calm), G.Tox (for a full body cleanse), Phys Ed (for recovery after exercise) and Nurse! (for when you're feeling under the weather). My personal favorites so far are Phys. Ed, which contains apple cider vinegar, arnica, turmeric, perfect for my running routine and Nurse, which contains mustard powder, manuka and eucalyptus, perfect for the impending cold that Paul mentioned I might be getting (and sure enough, did!).

All of the soaks dissolve pretty quickly and, despite what the color of the powder might indicate, they won't stain your tub. And residue is pretty easy to clean up with a washcloth afterward.

Have you guys tried the goop soaks yet? Would love to hear what you think! And if you're possibly looking to step up your bath time routine, like me!

This is not a sponsored post, but the goop team invited me to stay at The NoMad and try out the bath soaks in this incredible tub. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

February 16, 2018 — No Comments

friday favorites: warm-weather getaways

2 minute read

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It's about that time, right on cue. Winter is still in full, confusing swing here in NYC, and it's beginning to feel as though it's been going on for-ev-er. The past few months have been a mess of snowstorms, rain, hail, sleet, and the occasional (and typically welcome, ignoring global warming) near-6o-degree day. Suffice to say, this crazy weather has us dreaming of warm afternoons lounging on the beach, pleasant temperatures to explore cities, and sunshine abound. Time to start planning a trip, huh? These photos are from Krystal's recent trip to L.A. and I am seriously craving some real vitamin D.

Do you have any upcoming winter getaway plans? If so, check out our picks below for our favorite things to pack for a warm-weather escape. If not, keep dreaming and it shall come true…
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Photos by Lydia Hudgens

October 30, 2017 — 9 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 9, 2017 — No 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!

April 12, 2016 — No Comments

highway 1

3 minute read

Dress: Otte NY; Jacket: Old Navy (old, but contemplating this jacket here for an update); Shoes: Steve Madden; Sunglasses: Celine

You can take the girl out of the West Coast, but you can't take the West Coast out of the girl.

It's true. It really is. As much as I've reflected on the past year (how crazy right -- it's been an entire year since I've moved to New York!), I've undoubtedly loved my time living on the East Coast. The pace, the energy, the people, the cities and of course, the learning experiences it's brought along the way -- definitely worthy of a life update post, which I'm working on at the moment. One thing I will say though is that I have to had to learn some new driving skills to keep up with the New York pace! If you want to learn about defensive driving new york is certainly the place to do it. The roads are very different to what I am used to on the West Coast. Thank goodness there are so many traffic schools in New York that can help people master the art of defensive driving.

But there's something about returning to California, even for just brief weekend visits, that remind me how much I loved my time living there as well. Nostalgia is a funny thing isn't it? It floods back almost all at once at the smallest triggers, a sunset, a song, a long drive home. And you're suddenly remembering former versions of yourself, former afternoons you've spent and the people along the way. Whenever I head back to California, no matter how brief the visit, I try to get my hands on a car -- any car -- to just drive down Highway 1 right before sunset. This past visit I was lucky enough to partner with Sixt Car Rental, who graciously offered this Mercedes GLA you see here. It was the perfect steed to literally drive off into the sunset -- and with the right oldies blasting on the radio, I couldn't help but smile about all the good memories California holds for me and will likely always hold for me.

Photos by Anna-Alexia Basile

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

April 11, 2016 — No Comments

postcards from the sea {sailing away with celebrity cruises}

5 minute read

Floral dress: Cynthia Rowley // Wetsuit: Cynthia Rowley (mine and Christine's); White dress: Reformation (from last summer, similar style here); Hat: Hat Attack

There's an interesting thing that happens when you embark on a cruise ship. OK, actually, there's a few interesting things that happen. The first, and probably the most obvious one, is that you immediately become painfully aware of your balance (or lack there of once the ship starts sailing). And the second, you will never really understand what a nautical knot is. Trust me on this. Many of the staff will try to explain it, but your landlocked brain, much like mine, will find it hard to grasp. And the third? At times, you'll find yourself wondering how you could possibly eat another meal, but once that fresh mahi mahi comes out of the kitchen, you forget all your stomach woes.

As for what else happens on a cruise ship? Well, the rest is nothing short of an adventure (which trust me, I had my reservations about at first -- but am now a proud believer). And to borrow from my friend David Foster Wallace's piece on cruise ship sailing (mainly the writing format, not necessarily his sentiments about cruising in general), I'd like to share with you a little slice of our week long experience, sailing through the Caribbean Sea with Celebrity Cruises aboard the Silhouette last month.

Ready? Great!

I can now say that I've done and loved the following...

I've watched some of the most amazing sunrises over stretches of nothing but ocean. And then watched some of the brightest burning sunsets I've ever seen, turning the sky the most amazing shades of pink and orange and a really soft shade of fuchsia. I've cracked my stateroom balcony door each night, just to hear the hum of the ocean. And before finally dozing off each night, I was amazed at how well the sea can softly rock you to sleep.

I've tried the most amazing ceviche made my a man named Dwayne in St. Maarten. (We then tried to convince Dwayne to move to New York to open another restaurant there. He didn't bite but was flattered by the offer.) I've sailed around the waters of St. Kitts on a catamaran, sipping a locally brewed beer. I've hopped around the cobblestoned streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico, amazed that each building was more vibrantly colored than the last.

I've sipped a margarita before noon. I've eaten my own weight in fresh fish. I've mastered the art of "days at sea" -- days where your captain high tails it to the next stop -- giving you the excuse to just lay by the pool with nothing to worry about other than what cocktail you should order next.

I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the most incredible staff around, including the captain of the ship -- all of them hailing from different parts of the world, with different stories to share. I now know how the many kitchens operate on board such a large, floating hotel (and it's nothing short of a science!). I've seen how an entire boat gets into the St. Patrick's Day spirit (and may have even joined a conga line briefly for the occasion).

I've watched Broadway-caliber shows each evening (many of which left songs stuck in my head and my foot tapping well into dinner). I've watched how world-class chefs shop at local island food and fish markets (the trick to fish is to make sure the eye is still bright and not clouded over!). I've taken the most amazing naps in one corner hammock on the 12th floor deck. I've run 4 miles each morning at sea (and was surprised at how well I managed to not notice the rocking of the ocean while on the treadmill).

I've finally learned how to remember the difference between port and starboard (left and right, respectively -- just think "port" has 4 letters just like "left" does). I've sipped a 12-year aged rum that made me rethink my love of whiskey. I've experienced impeccable hospitality -- from my stateroom attendant to the captain himself -- all of them sharing the same goal -- to get us to just relax. And smile.

But perhaps best of all, I shared everything above with some of the best travel companions around. Thank you Ali, Christine, Lisa, Tommy and Stuart for being the best sea-faring expats a girl could ask for.

And thank you Celebrity Cruises for reminding this at times crazed New York girl it's OK to just unplug for a bit. And sip a Corona (or two) before dinner.

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!

February 26, 2016 — 11 Comments

checking in {langham place}

4 minute read

Pajamas: Marigot, gifted; Dress: Houghton borrowed from Plan de Ville; Boots: Stuart Weitzman; Fur coat: Vintage, gift from my mother

Perhaps it's just me, but there's something about checking into a beautiful hotel that makes me feel like a little girl. In the best way possible, of course. Almost as if it's my excuse to dress up, jump on the bed (at a reasonable hour, naturally) and order room service pancakes (regardless of the hour). Then there's the fact that everyone insists on calling you Ms. Bick that always makes me giggle a bit to myself. Ms. Bick just reminds me of my mom, so I can't help but look over my shoulder to check for her when called it.

Yes, at the risk of this being the most first world sentence I've ever typed here on This Time Tomorrow, beautiful hotels are my weakness. And getting to stay at them? An absolute dream, one that I don't take for granted.

This past fashion week, I had the opportunity to check into my new favorite hotel here in the city. Langham Place, located in the heart of Midtown at 5th and 37th. Granted, this downtown girl doesn't make it uptown that often, let alone, midtown, but that's the beauty in staycations, right? It allows us to see a new part of our own backyard, restaurants and shops alike, and of course, skyline views from my 19th floor bedroom didn't disappoint either.

Amidst the craziness that is fashion week, it was so nice to come back to this (not so) little refuge high above the city, each night. Langham Place boasts some of the largest rooms in the city, and upon walking into mine, I was blown away. (Let's just say, several of my West Village studios could have fit in there.) After a day of trekking around the city, bundled up in layers and not so functional shoes, I rested easy knowing that a nice long bath soak, a fuzzy robe and a bottle of wine were waiting for me. Oh, and putting a little Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald on was the cherry on top each evening.

As far as hotel amenities go, I loved that I didn't have to look far for great food (another first world priority, I know). Most evenings I ducked into their downstairs lobby bar and lounge, Measure, for a hearty bite and night cap and on one certain special Valentine's Day evening, I might have popped upstairs to their Michelin-star rated restaurant, Ai Fiori, for a delicious six-course meal for two.

Huge thanks again to the folks at Langham Place for hosting me. You certainly made this fashion week attendee feel right at home in Midtown and I hope to join you again soon!

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

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

January 26, 2016 — 11 Comments

mexican siesta with jw marriott

5 minute read

Swimsuit: Cynthia Rowley here and here; Dress: Suno (from a previous season, more Suno here); Heels: Steve Madden; Sunglasses: Celine

This probably goes without saying at this point, but I can't resist a good Mexican siesta every once and a while. Case in point? Just this past year alone, I've visited Cabo in May as well as August, experiencing completely different parts of the area and local flare both times. And as luck would have it, just this past week, I hopped back for more, this time for the grand unveiling of the JW Marriott, which opened it's doors earlier this season.

Click through to see more photos and read more about my experience across the border...

To say this trip couldn't have come at a better time is perhaps an understatement, as I'm just now starting to wrap my head around the need for frequent winter getaways. New York was just flexing her bitterly cold muscles as I was packing up my Cynthia Rowley swimsuits and hailing the first Uber I could find to take me straight away to JFK.

The flight, as it always is, was a little bumpy and despite some unfortunate delays and some serious hustling to make my connecting flight in Atlanta, I was sipping a cadillac margarita by 2pm local time, greeted with a warm "buenos tardes" by everyone I met. Those who know me, know I love any and every excuse to brush up on my Spanish (which much to Ms. Siddall from Galena High School's dismay, isn't great) but hey, A for effort, right?

Let's set the scene shall we? The JW Marriott line, as I learned upon arriving, boasts the luxury side of the Marriott family, in unique destinations like Cairo, Cusco and Caracas and now Cabo (alliteration was somewhat intentional). And what struck me the most, upon arriving, was just how much they let the surrounding environment and culture play center stage. For anyone who's spent time in Cabo, you know how nestled it sits next to a beautiful coastline -- your drive from the airport usually shows it off pretty nicely. Rolling desert hills that drop off pretty dramatically to these beautiful seaside cliffs, overlooking some of the bluest water, capping off in sprays of white, as tiny surfers down below try their luck. It always strikes me as oddly beautiful that such a seemingly arid desert oasis, sits next to such a lush coastline -- the juxtaposition is as jarring as it is mesmerizing. One of the biggest reasons why I love Cabo, truly.

And the JW Marriott? Nailed it. Where the surrounding properties exude a Spanish colonial villa flair reminiscent of Hotel California, the Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa went a different direction, modern, but still warm. Tall, grand entrances that open directly where you want them to -- to the ocean, allowing the perfect amount of breeze to roll through the lobby. Cacti and succulents are sprinkled throughout the property (an appropriate nod to the surrounding environment), amid palm trees and bougainvillea of course, and many, many pools, most of which seem to disappear just so out to the ocean at the right angle. There's something undeniably bewitching about the property when you roam around it. Slats in walls and window lookouts from different levels of the lobby allow the sun to cast some of the most amazing shadows throughout the day, especially as you're taking it all in from one of their infinity pools. I have to admit, more than once, I got a bit turned around while exploring the property, but really in the best way possible. It's almost labyrinth-like -- a delightful maze to get lost in.

As for the pools, don't get me started. I wish I was there right now.

While we were only in paradise for less than 48 hours, I do feel completely rejuvenated from it. Between the rooms, all with private balconies and not a bad view in the house, to the many delicious meals we enjoyed (including a breathtaking al fresco dinner in their courtyard), from getting my butt kicked at a morning beach boot camp session to Betty Who's private performance, this weary New Yorker returned to the States with a much needed tan and more than her fair share of sighs of contentment. Even if Jonas and 30 inches of snow were waiting for her back at home.

So Cabo, fourth's time a charm perhaps? This New Yorker will definitely be ready for you again in March. Oh gosh, let's be honest, more like February.

Do you guys have any plans to head to Cabo anytime soon? Perhaps we should meet later this season at the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa? 😉

This post was in collaboration with JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!

January 11, 2016 — 15 Comments

live your adventure {part 4: the comeback kids}

2 minute read

Part Four: The Comeback Kids

The scene: Much like any adventure you don't want to end, think of this as the comeback for our heroes. The part in which, much like perhaps most parents would do, they want you to sit and flip through their film prints and watch a little home video they whipped up.

So without further adieu, let's dim the lights and roll it...

In case you're just joining our heroes now, here's Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of this series.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens // Video editing by Jemaray Pyatt

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

January 5, 2016 — 22 Comments

old world/new world

8 minute read

Note before you begin: There are a lot more photos to be seen after the jump, simply click "Read More" below...

There's a quote from Gustave Flaubert (hello, Madame Bovary) that goes a little something like this:

"It always sad to leave a place to which one knows one will never return. Such are the melancolies du voyage: perhaps they are one of the most rewarding things about traveling."

There are few moments when I'm traveling that I get this exact feeling. Granted. while I firmly believe that each trip, big or small, is unique unto itself, I don't necessarily get overcome with a feeling of finality when I visit, say Los Angeles or Seattle. And I'm not starting this post about Israel with this quote to say that I don't think I'll ever return to this pocket of the world. Quite the opposite actually. I know, in my heart of hearts, I will return back to Israel someday. The people, the history and the culture are just too rich, too kind and too fascinating not to.

No, this quote carries a lot of weight for me because it sums up, quite brilliantly, that feeling when you realize the exact moment you're in, that very second, is so incredibly unlike any other moment you could ever hope to recreate, that it leaves you simultaneously amazed and overjoyed by the fact you get to experience it, and also saddened by how fleeting it all is. It's that half second that you have to humbly appreciate what you're about to experience can only be described as once in a lifetime. They don't come around often. And, considering this is also a very contested part of the world, for a large number of reasons too lengthy to do justice in one blog post by someone who openly admits she is but a novice in these matters, it would be remiss of me to not acknowledge, that these particular moments may not easily present themselves again. Due to ever changing circumstances of the world we live in. But that's life and seize those moments, you must!

Does any of that make sense? I may be rambling, but perhaps by sharing some of these exact moments I had in Israel, I can better illustrate what I mean. Simple click "Read More" below to hear about the moments that have changed me for forever (10 to be exact!)...

1. Visiting the Western Wall: It should be noted, walking anywhere within the gated walls of the Old City in Jerusalem is a humbling experience. Every cobblestone, every statute, every corner bears witness to times that world religions to this day put great emphasis on. And to be able to walk amongst it? To say I felt incredibly small in the best way possible would be a sore understatement. In particular though, visiting the Western Wall, or the Wailing Wall, was perhaps one of my top highlights of the trip. Situated atop the hill known as Temple Mount to Jews and Christians or the Noble Sanctuary to Muslims, it is considered one of the holiest sites and places to pray. A common practice, which I'm sure many of you have heard of, is to leave a written prayer note nestled between the large stone blocks you see in the photo above here. A whopping estimated one million notes get left every year by visitors alone. I wrote one for myself and my mom, before sitting back down to take in the wall quietly by myself for a few moments.

2. The Church of the Holy Sepelchur: Another thing that I should note, is that I don't consider myself an overly religious person, but rather someone who is fascinated by religion in general, and it's ability to unite us and, unfortunately at times, even divide us. Also situated in the Old City, this time in the Christian Quarter, is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is said to contain two of the holiest sites in Christendom -- the site where Jesus was crucified and the site of his empty tomb, where he was both buried and resurrected. Without getting into personal religious beliefs (because I assure you, that is not the point of this post), I do think there's something fundamentally amazing about getting to experience something like that first hand -- to touch, to feel, to see what many people in the world for thousands of years have revered and held close to their hearts -- it's a feeling of awe I've never quite experienced before.

3. The Dead Sea: A short drive from Jerusalem (probably no more than an hour by car), is the Dead Sea and I cannot recommend this enough. Given our short time in Jerusalem, this originally wasn't on our itinerary, but after some quick discussions and shuffling around of activities, we set out on the descent out of Jerusalem. I say descent literally because you're leaving Jerusalem, a city situated on a series of hills, to the absolute lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, measuring in at 1,400 feet below sea level. It's highly salty waters make it, yep, you guessed it, extremely easy to float and let me tell you, it was the craziest feeling ever resisting the temptation to swim, because there was absolutely no need to. We rubbed the mud all over our bodies and couldn't get over how soft our skin felt for days afterward.

4. Tel Aviv Fashion Week: The second half of our trip was spent in Tel Aviv, where we joined the incredible team behind Tel Aviv Fashion Week for a few days of back to back Israeli designs and shows. While I've been to New York Fashion Week numerous times before, there's something about experiencing one so far from home that makes you appreciate the universal beauty of design that pushes boundaries. Some of my favorite designers? Hands down would have to be Sample, Gadi Elimelech and Shani Zimmerman.

5. Tel Aviv Nightlife: I've read enough about Tel Aviv to know that their nightlife is second to none -- after all, they are dubbed the "Miami of the Middle East." So, while I definitely do not consider myself a "clubber" per se, I was excited to try out a few of their notable watering holes. Luckily, I had my friend Beca with me, who was down for the challenge. Some of our favorites included a cozy little bourbon bar, Imperial Craft Cocktail Bar, which we both agreed would be the ideal spot to take a cute, bearded date to, and Bellboy, a speakeasy style joint, with a flair for imaginative cocktails (some of them come in mini bath tubs and their oysters are delivered in a baby carriage).

6. Receiving a Kabbalah at the Western Wall: Beca tipped me off to this tradition as we made our way to the Western Wall. A Kabbalah is a red string or yarn bracelet believed to ward off evil. We received ours specifically at the Western Wall, where a rabbi tied them on us, blessing the string as he tied. The idea is that you make a wish while it's being put on you and when the string falls off, either days or, in my case, perhaps months later, your wish comes true. As of today, my string hasn't fallen off yet (and you can see it in many of my photos on my right wrist).

7. Shopping at the flea market in Old Jaffa: I love flea markets. So when I found out the old city of Jaffa (right next door to Tel Aviv) is known for their flea market district, we spent a good half day just roaming around, mulling through vendors shops and sipping on many of the juices that are available at every corner.

8. The food: I think I know why Israeli women are said to be so beautiful -- the food is both so good and incredibly healthy! We ate our weight in hummus, cous cous, fresh veggies, pita bread and the occasional lamb. My favorites included Vicky Cristina (situated in an old train station) in Tel Aviv, Mona (situated in an old art university) in Jerusalem and Puaa in Jaffa.

9. The beaches of Tel Aviv: We visited back in October, which was technically the end of their summer season, but it was still in the high 70s, low 80s (which the New Yorkers in the group soaked up happily). Their beaches are gorgeous and made for the perfect downtime spot between fashion shows.

10. Experiencing a Shabbat for the first time: Oddly enough, this wasn't something that was particularly planned for us to experience. It just so happened we flew in and landed on a late Friday afternoon. For those unfamiliar, as I was when we landed, Shabbat is Judaism's day of rest, in which work activities or activities that require great rigor are refrained from, starting at sunset on Friday until sunset the following day. For most of Friday evening and all of Saturday, very few cars were seen out on the road, a lot of businesses were closed and the Old City was buzzing with families walking around together and joining together for large group meals.

Huge thanks again to the Israel Tourism Board for inviting me to your beautiful country. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience and I hope to come back soon!

December 31, 2015 — No Comments

live your adventure {part 3: how the west was won}

5 minute read

On Krystal (first outfit): Dress: Cynthia Rowley (borrowed); Hat: Gladys Tamez; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

On Krystal (running outfit): Top: Eddie Bauer; Leggings: Eddie Bauer; Shoes: Nike

On Krystal (second outfit): Dress: Tryb (borrwed); Boots: Isabel Marant (from a few seasons ago, similar style here); Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

On Lydia (running outfit): Tank: Eddie Bauer; Leggings: Eddie Bauer; Shoes: Converse; Bag: Ona

Forward Note: If you want to see more photos, simply click "Read More" below the text here.

Part Three: How the West Was Won

If you're just joining our Utah adventure now, you can catch PART ONE here and PART TWO here. And if you're up to speed, you'll be happy to know, I was saving the best, the coup, the piece de resistance of the trip, for the very last installment. This installment. The final chapter, in which our heroes stumble upon great heights, narrow caves and enchanted forests.

The scene: Ironically enough, the catalyst for this Utah road trip wasn't actually in Utah at all. It was in Arizona. The very southern border of Utah and northern part of Arizona to be exact, at one of the outer rims of the Grand Canyon National Park: Horseshoe Bend, which you can see in the photo above here. I've seen plenty photos of this particular bend in the Colorado River before, each one looking almost more fake than the last. Mother Nature has a funny affinity for things like that, huh? Where you almost could swear there's no way something was made like that naturally, especially over the course of many, many years and just by wind and water erosion alone. It's mind boggling and humbling. And terrifying when you're standing on the very edge looking down at it, holding your breath all the while. Occasionally, a strong warm gust of wind would come alone, reminding Lydia and I to take a few steps back. A cautionary note: there are no handrails. So step lightly.

It's a short trail hike out to the river bend overlook, no more than a mile from the highway, and it was incredibly hot when we set out on that particular day in September. A dry heat I hadn't experienced since my summers in Reno. And much like many of the great Grand Canyon overlook points, it doesn't fully hit you until you're standing on the ledge looking out and down over it. Personally, it took my breath away and all I wanted to do, for about a half hour, was sit on a rocky edge and just be next to it. And listen to everything and simultaneously, nothing at all.

Horseshoe Bend happens to be near another popular natural attraction, that being Antelope Canyon, which we headed to afterward and I highly recommend if you ever find yourself passing through Page, Arizona, you do the same. We opted for a late afternoon tour, which I think made for some incredible golden light for our photos (see the second photo above). What is Antelope Canyon? It's another incredible water creation -- flash flooding to be exact -- this one forming a narrow slot canyon with steep vertical walls that wind and curve in a maze-like fashion. We roamed through the northern part of the canyons with Navajo tour guides leading the way, all the while feeling like kids who stumbled upon this secret hidden world, nestled amongst the desert sandstone. Occasionally, light from overhead would creep through at just the right angle, casting some of the most incredible rays and shadows I've ever seen.

As for the forest shots you see here? This part of the trip was actually quite unplanned. For our last full day in Utah, we were driving back up north to finally settle in Salt Lake City before flying out the following morning. Along the way, we meandered through Sundance Mountain Resort (right outside Provo, Utah), at the recommendation of our Air B&B host, and I'm so glad we did. Taking the Alpine Loop (route 92), we wove in and out of the Unita National Forest, just at the precise moment when you can feel the shift from summer to fall. Crisp and golden. And the perfect convertible-top-down opportunity, which you better believe we took full advantage of. The perfect bookend to a wonderful, dusty, open-road roaming trip -- one that this traveler won't be forgetting anytime soon.

Huge thanks again to the Eddie Bauer team for collaborating with us on this trip! It certainly was an adventure that came at just the right time.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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

December 29, 2015 — 16 Comments

live your adventure {part 2: the heist}

5 minute read

First outfit: Tank top: Anine Bing; Jeans: True Religion; Boots: Isabel Marant (from a few seasons ago, but similar style here); Bandana: H&M; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Second outfit: Tank top: Eddie Bauer; Leggings: Eddie Bauer; Shoes: Nike

Third outfit: Tank top: Anine Bing; Skirt: Lord & Taylor (similar style here); Hat: Gladys Tamez; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner

Forward Note: If you want to see more photos, simply click "Read More" below the text here...

Part Two: The Heist, AKA, Where Our Heroes Take the Money and Run

If you're just joining our Utah adventure now, you can see PART ONE here. If you're up to speed, welcome! Kick your feet up and stay a while. Here's where it gets good.

The scene: So where were we? The middle of Utah with spotty access to GPS, but we had our sights set on visiting all 5 National Parks in the state: Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Zion and Capitol Reef. Lofty, yes, but luckily, we had our trusty Mustang and a lot of good music to listen (and sing along) to.

Up until then, I had never been to Utah but I truly don't think there's a better way to describe Utah than looking at just how vastly different each of it's National Parks are. Where one boasts dramatic red rock vistas, with an almost lunar-like aesthetic, the next can be heavily forested, with classic goldenrod fall colors, classically picturesque to say the least. Utah is just as serenely beautiful as it is oddly mesmerizing, the landscape changing in just the matter of a few hours drive -- one of the biggest reasons I fell in love with it immediately.

My personal favorite? Zion, hands down, which you can see in the photos where I'm wearing workout gear here. For those of you who have been to Yosemite before, there's something about Zion that reminded me our great Northern California park. Vast, majestic, nestled amongst towering peaks, rolling forested hills and cascading waterfalls off stark, dizzingly high cliffs. And then there are the Narrows.

The minute our Air B&B host brought up the Narrows, I started a Google Image frenzy. And for good reason. It's breathtaking. It's a hike that follows the north fork of the Virgin River, stretching for about 4 miles, and for about a third of it, the river runs canyon wall to canyon wall, meaning, yep, you get right into the river. Water levels depend largely on recent rainfall so it's highly encouraged that you check with park officials before heading out, as flash floods can, and do, happen often.

Lydia didn't join me for this part of the trip, so I embarked out on my own. And in a weird way, I was happy to. Not many folks were out on the river that day -- and after about 20 minutes of heading upstream, I was completely alone, this small little speck next to canyon walls that reached vertically as high as 100 feet at times. To say it was humbling would be an understatement, especially as the sun started to set, the light changing rapidly around me, with only the occasional bird passing overhead. It was a quiet I had never experience before. And while I was hiking, I kept thinking of Edward Abbey's "Desert Solitaire." Admittedly, he wrote the book while he was serving as a ranger at Arches National Park, not Zion, but the sentiment of this particular work of his still rings true, especially this quote:

"Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirt."

After heading upstream for about an hour, I turned around to meet Lydia again and make our way back to our comfortable room back in town. But not before vowing to myself to visit more National Parks in 2016.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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

December 28, 2015 — 14 Comments

live your adventure {part 1: the great escape}

4 minute read

On Krystal (denim outfit): Shirt: Eddie Bauer; Shorts: Levis; Boots: Steve Madden; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Bandana: H&M

On Krystal (yoga outfit): Tank and leggings: Eddie Bauer

On Nicole (yoga outfit): Tank and leggings: Eddie Bauer

On Lydia (yoga outfit): Shirt, leggings and jacket: Eddie Bauer

On Krystal (white dress): Dress: Tryb (borrowed); Boots: Steve Madden

Forward note: If you want to see more photos, simply click "Read More" at the end of the text here...

Part One: The Great Escape in Which Our City-Weary Heroes Take the Road

The travelers: Two city slickers hailing from New York, one part photographer, one part adventurer, two parts curious and itching to stretch their driving legs on open roads and see sunsets over mountain ranges they hadn't seen before. You know, making Thelma and Louise proud, minus the whole driving a perfectly good rental car over a cliff. Their accomplices? Two California love birds (a Bonnie and Clyde reference seems apropos, no?) collecting on that much-needed break from the 9 to 5 in Silicon Valley, and ready to hit 95 (mph that is).

The scene: The roads (and trails) of Utah.

The mission: To not utter the word "no" in the face of the open road.

The trusty steed: One wild-spirited Mustang (convertible).

As 2015 is perhaps too quickly coming to a close, it only seems fitting that I share one of my favorite trips of the year, that being one epic road trip through Utah, over the next few days. It came at a time, as most good road trips do, when I desperately needed an escape. And escape we did. From city-life. From standstill traffic. From work. From obligations. From emails (sorta). From all the things that somehow always find a way of sneaking in even when you think you've shut all the doors and windows. And mail slots. Darn mail slots.

What were we looking for? That content sigh of relief when you realize your biggest decisions for the day are what classic rock band do we want to listen to next in the car? (Stones, Doors and Beatles didn't disappoint.) Or what arch should we do sunrise salutations at? (Broken Arch in Arches National Park.) Or my personal favorite, how do you set the darn cruise control on this thing? (We never quite figured that out -- although we loved our Mustang just the same.)

So what did we find? Tune in tomorrow for PART TWO: The Heist. Until then, click through to see more photos from Arches National Park and Canyonlands.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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

December 16, 2015 — 15 Comments

the rat pack {the cromwell}

6 minute read

Just a heads up for this post: There are A LOT more photos to see. Simply click "read more" below the text here to see the rest. And trust me, you'll want to see the rest.

As someone who's originally from Nevada (Northern Nevada to be exact), I've always had this love/hate relationship with Vegas growing up. Albeit, hate is a strong word. Perhaps it's more of a distaste? A moderate disliking? An indisputable intolerance?

Don't get me wrong. There's a love side to this relationship, too. Ever since I was young, I've logged plenty of family vacations down to Vegas, numerous road trips with friends for college football games (go UNR!) and have even had the occasional drunken gambling spree with girlfriends when we were passing through after a jaunt to the Grand Canyon. I don't think I could argue with the statement: Vegas doesn't disappoint for a good time.

But then the third day in town hits. And I usually wonder (with a pang of a hangover headache settling in), "OK, should I pack up now?"

I think I can pinpoint this to a few things. First, as much as I love playing Blackjack and a few kitschy slot machines, I hate losing money and will usually bow out once I've lost $50 (which happens pretty quickly). This is why when I am back home, I try to stick to playing games with a no deposit bonus, like the ones featured in this Handpicked Casino Bonuses guide. This way I get to hold on to my money for a little longer.

Second, I like to mix things up when I'm on vacation. There's something about just staying inside a casino or a hotel the entire time that gives me cabin fever (which for the most part, a lot of my past Vegas trips have been centered around just hopping from casino to casino). This is why sometimes, when I actually want to play some casino games, I will opt to play them online instead and head over to fb88 bet for win for a bit of gambling fun from the comfort of home.

Do not get me wrong, I definitely wish there was something I could do to improve my gambling skills! My poker face definitely needs some work. One of my best friends loves online casinos and she has recommended that I should try playing some Pkv Games. There is so much choice nowadays if online gambling is more your thing. Practicing online before hitting up a land-based casino is a great way to learn the ropes too. What do you think, do you enjoy online casinos?

So where am I going with all of this? Well, this rambling preamble is simply to say: after this last trip, my mind has changed about Vegas. Drastically.

So what changed you ask? For starters, our hotel made all of the difference. I, along with a handful of other bloggers and influencers, was invited out to experience The Cromwell, a new boutique hotel that recently opened on the Strip, directly across from Caesar's Palace. You're probably wondering, as I was at first, what difference is a boutique hotel going to make, if you're still on the Strip?

Let me put it this way: even with the ringing, buzzing and dinging of the casino floor, I didn't quite feel like I was in Vegas anymore. Instead of the typical dimly lit, "I-can't-tell-what-time-it-is-outside" feel, there are windows letting daylight in. Their casino floor bar, Bound, harkens to Vegas lounge bars of yesteryear (with zero gambling inside it and a rotating lineup of musicians on hand). Instead of a cloud of cigarette smoke, there's a faint hint of cologne. And the decor. Oh, man, the decor. One part gentleman's parlor, one part lady luck and a whole lot of whimsy (some rooms even had pinball machines in them).

Oh, it also doesn't hurt that Giada has her one and only namesake restaurant in the hotel and let me tell you, her monthly wine dinner pairing is not to be missed.

As for the rest of our stay? I think it made me see Vegas with fresh eyes. We hopped around to different museums and art galleries, including the Martin Lawrence Art Gallery (which boasts the likes of original Warhols and Picassos) and the newly opened Neon Museum (home to all the old neon strip signs of years gone by -- incredibly cool!). And for our last evening in town, we rode The Highroller (the large ferris wheel seen in the first photo), which is actually 100 feet taller than the London Eye and even includes a mini bar in some of the pods (because you know, when in Vegas).

It should also be noted that I now know how to play craps thanks to a very patient instructor at The Cromwell. I think I might stick to Blackjack still, but it never hurts to switch things up, right? Playing Blackjack just comes easily to me so it makes sense to stick to it. Once you get the hang of it, it should come easily to you to. You might want to simulate your strategy and make sure you're performing at your best before you play with big money. I just find Blackjack a little more thrilling than any other game and I always have a good time, even if I lose money.

All in all, there's something undeniably happening in Vegas right now -- a little renaissance almost with more culture and renowned restaurants opening up that reminds me of what it might have been like in years gone by when Sinatra, Bogart and Martin were prowling the town. A return to glamour. A return to glitz. A return to magic.

Huge thanks again to The Cromwell for hosting me! I think it's safe to say, I'll be back in town soon! And huge thanks to my fellow companions on the trip. I couldn't have asked for a better Rat Pack to hit the town with.

Photos by the very talented photographers in our group: Derrick Freske, Adam Stewart and Jonathan Zizzo.

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

November 11, 2015 — 9 Comments

upstate escape with garnet hill

3 minute read

You all have heard me romanticize the California coast numerous times. From wine country just north of San Francisco, to Monterey, Carmel, Santa Cruz...the list goes on and on, and it's one of the huge reasons why I love the west coast so much. The ease to which you can escape the city, with nothing more than a half tank of gas, some tunes and hopefully someone cute to take turns manning the wheel.

Of course, once I moved out to the east coast, I've been meaning to stretch my legs to see what upstate New York has to offer as far as city retreats. My list is pretty extensive at the moment. Catskills. Woodstock. Niagra Falls. But at the top? Hands down Hudson Valley. I remember chatting with Mike from Taylor Stitch during a recent shoot I did with the brand and he swore up and down that Hudson Valley was soon to be New York's next "Montauk." Take that as you will, but I knew I had to get myself there soon, before the rest of NYC decided to flock there.

As luck would have it, a few weeks back, the lovely folks at Garnet Hill had just the retreat I had been looking for planned, with the perfect amount of relaxation, exploration and appreciation for perhaps one of the gorgeous areas I've seen in the fall yet. I'm not exaggerating when I say, the colors blew me away. And don't get me started on our train ride out there. I'm a complete sucker for train rides.

Here's a little taste of our city retreat, including, but not limited to: local wine tasting, the most picture perfect countryside homes, s'more making and golden afternoon runs. I'm already trying to figure out when I can visit next...

Photos of me by Christine Cameron

October 8, 2015 — 6 Comments

beauty edit {desert essentials}

3 minute read

As much as I love New York, I also love being on the move. Give me a week off, a large departure board at JFK and I'll figure out the rest while I'm en route to my final destination via some albeit quite slow on-board wifi.

I guess my life lately has been a slew of flights, security lines, checked bags and noise canceling headphones. And I'm not complaining, it's been a lot of fun -- some for work and some for pleasure (more to come on our Utah road trip soon -- for now, these photos snapped at Horseshoe Bend will have to do!). Of course, this means, I've gotten some pretty decent practice at whittling down just the essentials -- which makes packing up on a whim relatively painless.

So what gets packed first? My beauty bag. There's nothing that scares me more than arriving at my final destination and having to hunt around for the nearest drugstore to pick up odds and ends I forgot. Since I like to streamline as much as possible, I keep my makeup pretty minimal (read: BB cream, some bronzer, mascara, eyeliner and an eyebrow pencil) with a few makeup removing tools that do some heavy lifting.

I was recently introduced to Simple Skincare by a girlfriend of mine (honestly, where would we be without our girlfriends?) and have been trying out their micellar wipes and cleansing water as part of my evening routine while on the road. As someone with pretty sensitive skin (especially when recycled airplane air seems to take a toll on me each time), I've been really impressed with how gentle and hydrating both have been -- while still doing the trick and getting all my makeup off.

The wipes especially have been my go-to for inflight pick me ups -- I'll usually throw them in my carry on and bust them out once we land so I can look somewhat alive (and human-like) at baggage claim. Or if you're on the road, like Lydia and I were for about a week, it's a great way to give your skin a much-needed-pick-me-up after being behind the wheel for several hours at a time (convertible air will take a toll on you!).

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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

September 1, 2015 — 10 Comments

postcards from cabo {the cape hotel}

4 minute read

I mentioned this last week in my initial Cabo recap here, but it's hard to really go wrong with any resort when your morning itinerary includes: waking up to the sound of the ocean and bottomless margaritas that no one judges you for. But! The Cape Hotel! This is a bold statement, but I truly think it's one of the nicest hotels I've ever stay in.

And here's my rambling reason why.

It's not necessarily that the resort itself is beautiful. Because it is. Stunning, actually. The architecture sets it apart from every other resort nearby (thanks to lead architect Javier Sanchez), every detail of the decor is unique and chosen thoughtfully (and needs to be in my apartment, ASAP) and there was a copper tub in our hotel room. A copper tub. I'll let that last one sink in for a minute.

It's also not because of the private beach situated right out behind the property. Which, of course, is a fun little treat when you're floating in the infinity pool, watching other hotel guests coach their 10-year olds how to catch waves that would make a grown woman like me cry and paddle ashore.

And it's also not because no matter where you are on the property, you can always see El Arc de Los Cabos in the distance. But, this of course, made for some awesome cotton candy sunset views that I won't soon forget.

So why exactly then?

The staff. I've never met a more kind, gracious and all around lovely hotel staff and I sensed it the minute I arrived. As I mentioned last week, my initial flight out of JFK was canceled due to engine problems, which meant I had to trek back into Manhattan for the day and fly out the following morning. Needless to say, I was weary and jet lagged when I showed up at The Cape Hotel and in need of a very stiff drink. When we pulled up the driveway to the resort, I was immediately greeted by several members of the hotel, including Ivan, the sweetest bellhop I've ever met and David, one of the staff leads and my personal savior as he ordered said stiff drink for me.

Everyone knew my name. They all knew my flight situation. And they all kept saying how glad they were that I arrived safely. All of this might to be expected since my friend had already arrived the previous day and had filled them in, but something about it felt very genuine. I didn't feel like I was just checking into another hotel with the obligatory "we're so happy you're staying with us" being thrown out casually. I felt like I was returning somewhere that I had already been before and they were actually just happy to see me. And that's a really nice feeling.

The rest of our stay was, as you might expect, absolutely beautiful -- and the staff at The Cape Hotel really deserves the credit here for a number of reasons, the top three being: 1. they indulged my attempts at speaking Spanish 2. each morning we had a different floral arrangement on the bed and 3. they made some wonderful recommendations for what to see and do in the area that we might have otherwise missed. (I always love getting a local's perspective.)

Oh and let's not forget. They called me señorita the entire time. Done. Deal.

Huge thank you to The Cape Hotel for hosting us and showing us such a lovely time. I, for one, have a feeling I'll be back very soon.

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

August 31, 2015 — No Comments

postcards from cabo {the usual suspects}

2 minute read

Because after the flights are booked, the next step is scooping up a new bathing suit (or two). Admittedly, I don't splurge on swimwear very often so when Cabo was officially on the books, I decided to take the plunge on this Marysia bikini I had been eying for forever. Several scalloped tanlines later, and I'm still beyond happy with the decision -- of course, it was perfect for sitting poolside at The Cape Hotel (I mean, look at that view from the infinity pool) but I could just as easily see it doubling as a crop top alternative with a high waisted skirt of some sort.

Looking to jet off for one last summer hurrah? Here are a few other favorites that I would have loved in my suitcase before taking off.

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

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