With Fashion Week, Fashion Friday came a little late…. Remember in Rumpelstiltskin when the miller’s daughter was supposed to spin straw into threads of gold? Well friend and designer Wes Gordon made my childhood dreams come true. This cable knit turtleneck is a favorite of mine, one of those pieces in my wardrobe that intend to wear well into old age. But I’ve never worn it quite like this before…
bracelet, TACORI
Yesterday, I was informed that my list of the most romantic places in the world was incomplete because I did not include Edinburgh. While as a Scotsman he may have been partial, he had the research to back it up! According to a study, Edinburgh was recently ranked ahead of Paris as a Valentine’s Day destination. So naturally when compiling a Valentine’s Day playlist for you guys I thought, “who better to ask than a Scotsman.” Well, he did not disappoint. Here’s a playlist I like to call, Scottish Slowjams and ya, it was all Daryl. I’m pretty impressed.
Valentine’s day is coming up and that definitely has me inspired. There are some places in the world that put you in a perpetual state of amour, like Paris, the city of love. These are the places that just effuse love as you’re walking down the street, leaves you starry-eyed and elated. Here are 10 of the most romantic places in the world; pack your bags!
photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Tunnel of Love, Ukraine. Located near the town of Kleven this train “tunnel” is a brilliant leafy green and truly a site to behold. Almost 2 miles long, the tunnel was made naturally as mother nature grew and the passing train molded the tree line. A popular spot for lovers, it is said that if you and your love make a wish and are sincerely in love, the wish will come true.
photo courtesy of Kyoto Tourism
Japan. From bonsai trees, to cherry blossoms to wisteria, the Japanese definitely know their horticulture making Japan one of the most fragrant and romantic places in the world if you go at the right time of year. There’s nothing like taking a romantic stroll with your love in the spring time with cherry blossoms in bloom in Kyoto or under the canopy of bold purple wisteria in Kitakyushu.
photo courtesy of Biobay.com
Vieques, Puerto Rico. You know the famous, “Kiss the Girl” scene in The Little Mermaid where Prince Eric and Ariel are on a little rowboat and the water around them is literally glowing and alive with Ariel’s fish friends? Well, how about if I told you that you could definitely recreate that scene in Mosquito Bay off of Vieques, Puerto Rico. Millions of glowing microscopic organisms light up the water and scatter with every moment you make. It’s truly magical.
photo c’est moi! See more on Kaua’i.
Kaua’i, Hawaii. The most underdeveloped inhabited Hawaiian island. Kaua’i is often thought of as Hawaiian’s favorite islands. Backdrop to movies such as Jurassic Park and The Descendants, the inspiration of Avatar, Kauai is like the garden of Eden.
photo courtesy of Visit Positano
Positano, Italy. Meandering through charming streets with a glass of wine, or maybe it’s the way the lights from the villas illuminate the cliffs of the Almafi Coast at night, or the brilliant blue of the Adriatic, Positano is definitely for lovers.
photo courtesy of LonelyPlanet
Bruges, Belgium. Picturesque with cobblestone streets and medieval buildings dating back to the 14th century, the Belgian city of Bruges is straight out of a fairytale. Take a beautiful stroll through the narrow alleyways and pass over the Minnewater Bridge and the Lake of Love. Legend has it that the lake was named after the legend of star-crossed lovers Mina and Stromberg. Mina was forced by her husband to marry another man while her true love Stromberg was off at battle. Distraught, Mina ran off into the woods and died of exhaustion. Stromberg then honored her by building a dam to hold back the stream, burying her and then letting the water flow over her grave. Now isn’t that sweet?
photo courtesy of Ladera
Ladera, St. Lucia. There are 32 suites in this hotel and all of them have only 3 walls so you can take full advantage of the beautiful views of St. Lucia’s famous Pitons. It’s not the the beautiful views and privacy that makes this property the peak of romantic, there’s a “romance concierge” on staff that schedules things like “massage your mate” spa treatments and aphrodisiac cocktail making classes!
photo c’est moi! More on Rockhouse.
Rockhouse, Negril. Another beautiful place in the Caribbean where romance is all but guaranteed? Negril’s Rockhouse overlooking Dolphin’s cove. The suites built into the cliffs make for a spectacular site that you might have come across in photos of the region. Take in the sunrise with a lovely skinny dip dive off of your private cliff.
photo courtesy of Buenos Aires tourism
Buenos Aires, Argentina. With roots in Uruguay, Cuba and Africa, Buenos Aires, Argentina is unarguably the home of the tango, the Dance of Love. Any city that produces a dance with this much passion is sure to kick start your love life.
photo c’est moi. More on Paris.
Paris. You can’t make a romantic place in the world list without including Paris. After all, it is the City of Love. Traditions of love just spring up there! Like the dearly departed love bridge. Maybe it’s the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower at night, or the rosy hue of the city after a glass of wine, but Paris is undeniably a place for lovers.
photo by Getty Images from WAYITSHOULDBE SS15 fashion presentation that I styled
Fifth Harmony’s Lauren Jauregui got a lot of flack over this past weekend for calling the Superbowl a “distraction.” While I completely understand her sentiment, that in light of the political cluster f we’ve experienced in the last few weeks, we need to stay on our toes and aware, I see a place for the Superbowl, like I see a place for the tradition of New York Fashion Week — maybe even moreso.
Fashion is not frivolous. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry that employs millions of people globally. Fashion is art. Even in protest, once we shut down art, society crumbles. Fashion can make a statement and there are far fewer platforms that attract more eyeballs than New York’s international fashion week. The CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) is already fundraising with a Fashion Stands with Planned Parenthood campaign, as is design house Altuzarra by auctioning off two tickets to their show. Here’s more of my take on New York Fashion Week.
It’s been an exhausting past few weeks to say the least. Conversations with friends and family inevitably turned to the political, listening to NPR while I worked throughout the day, once enjoyable only now served to heighten my anxiety. I chatted with friends and family abroad, almost tightening my bonds with them should anything happen. I have tons of content that I can’t wait to share with you. But to be honest, it has been difficult to get in my ‘N A Perfect World mindset. At times, it even felt frivolous. But tonight, while going through my Notes looking for a song, I came across a quote from Maya Angelou.
Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.
That was my reason for starting ‘N A Perfect World and it’s ‘N A Perfect World’s role in Trump’s America. My intent was to combine all of my interests in advocating Maya Angelou’s philosophy, not solely as just another millennial that’s a cultural voyeur and taking a selfie in a cool place.
The basic idea for ‘N A Perfect World… a curated intersection of travel, fashion, food and geopolitics inspired by the global citizen lifestyle of the millennial and quite honestly, anyone of any age that shares these sentiments.
I want more Americans (that can afford it) to have passports and to encourage cultural exchanges that will lead to less insular thinking and misunderstandings. It’s important to put a brown girl’s point of view on this. And it’s pretty wonderful when I can use my otherness to gain access into communities, that frankly are skeptical of the average American tourist.
I remember being in the pool at Disney World in the early 90s, and running to my mum, so excited to introduce her to a new friend I made from Ireland. Assuring her that I’d visit soon, maybe next vacation. That’s always been me. I don’t forsee it changing and that’s my place here: cultural exchanges, be it through travel, fashion, art that will make you think. Maybe this sh*tstorm is my call to action.
Feeling all my feelings tonight, I made this little diddy.
It’s been a week since the inauguration of President Trump and I chatted with the team about First Lady style, from Jackie O to Melania Trump. Watch it below!
The style of the First Lady is way more tied into ‘N A Perfect World than you think.
As the president is to represent the American people, so is our first lady.
The office of the First Lady is this unpaid position; while they didn’t necessarily run for it themselves, they’re apart of the package. And from the causes that they’ll be championing — Mrs. Obama with Reach Higher, education, especially among young women, childhood obesity and Let’s Move, Melania Trump and bullying — to how they present themselves, they’re expected to use their position to represent, empower and uplift the American people.
No first lady since Jackie O — and even then, her look was NOT of the people, many things being custom — has given the fashion community such a voice and platform as former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Case in point when I went to the White House for the Celebration of Design. She brought attention to smaller designers, made in the US, like Jason Wu. She can go from that Versace chainmail gown at the Final State Dinner with the Italian Prime Minister and his wife — and WOW, che bellisima — to a J. Crew sweater set. It’s Tom Ford in London, because he lives there; it’s Doo.ri Chung Korean-American designer — I’ve always loved her draping — for the state dinner with the President and First Lady of South Korea. Her choices are deliberate and thoughtful. Of the moment. She can hang with vet wives, or Anna Wintour. She’s beautiful, she’s statuesque, but she’s down to earth and sporty. Kind of similar to what we love about Kate Middleton.
It’s not only what looks good, but also about doing good through the choices that she makes. Mrs. Obama’s style choices were a wonderful commentary on globalism at it’s best. Now how ‘N A Perfect World is that?!
“They’re too expensive. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. They’re not artificially expensive. It’s how much it costs to make these things. But I think to relate to everybody, you shouldn’t necessarily [wear such expensive clothes].”
Tom Ford said that about dressing Melania Trump.
Speaking of the presidential package, I think we can’t just look at Melania but Ivanka as 
well seems to be taking some of those roles of a first lady, often by her fathers side, and vocal, with her own platforms like childcare and working women. So she’s also in a position as well to send a message through fashion; especially as owner of her brand, Ivanka Trump, who’s demographic for her ready to wear line seems to be that everyday working woman.
During the cringe-inducing RNC speech she wore designer Roksanda Illincic a Serbian designer based in London. She bought it from Net-A-Porter but perhaps it was a nod to Melania’s own Slavic roots. The sleeves, color – she wears a lot of white — she looked very chic and fashion forward.
There was the infamous Gucci Pussybow Blouse that Melania wore right after Pussygate. Was she being subversive?
For Thursday’s wreath laying at Arlington memorial Melania wore Venezuelan and Colombian immigrant US citizen Norisol Ferrari. Wearing a Norisol Ferrari military-inspired knee-length coat and coordinating sheath dress, the incoming first lady’s ensemble was meant to pay homage to American military service members. The occasion was particularly meaningful for the New York City designer whose biological father is a wounded veteran who sustained lifelong disabilities in the line of service.
So that was a thoughtful and fitting choice. What people are up in arms about though is the Gucci sunglasses. So chic, but during the service, she didn’t remove them. That definitely creates a distance, and I must say, Melania’s style, while beautiful is aloof, sometimes even sultry and Bond girl esque; it’s not the down home, of the people message of her husbands campaign. Ivanka, statuesque and beautiful definitely fulfills that role. Even with her ready-to-wear line being mid-range.
The head to toe powder blue Ralph Lauren set that Melania wore to the inauguration was a little too retro for me. It definitely was a style reference to Jackie O. Perhaps she’s on board with her husband’s messaging of Make America Great Again with a return to Camelot, a regression in civil rights…. Melania Trump’s relationship to the fashion community and her ability to use it as a platform has yet to be seen, but I’ll be watching.
Get your own First Lady Style inspired by our Camelot, Michelle Obama.
gown, LOVE REIGNS, $126 | diamond drop earrings, $225
coat, UP TO BE, $95 | boots, STEVE MADDEN, $149 | gloves, AGNELLE, $78
dress, HALSTON HERITAGE, $445 | shoes, MANOLO BLAHNIK, $595
sweater, LAND’S END, $50 | coat, BARBOUR, $419 | jeans, 7 FOR ALL MANKIND JEANS, $169 | sneakers, ADIDAS, $160
dress, AIDAN MATTOX, $395 | earrings, LORD & TAYLOR, $40 | shoes, SOPHIA WEBSTER, $495
sweater, RED VALENTINO, $306 | skirt, J. CREW, $110 | shoes, KENDALL + KYLIE, $104
It’s a strange day to be an American, especially an American for which the globalization of the world is not only cool, but an integral part of our country. Isolationism has no place on the world stage right now. We see how dangerous that can be in the form of North Korea. In my opinion, it was a sad day in American history. A mistake that we can’t undo and seeing world history, it could get a lot worse before it gets better.
Today was a strange day woke up early and was prepping for some on camera work. After almost instinctively picking an all black outfit, I decided to talk the talk, be about everything I say — fashion’s power to uplift. I instead chose a “patriotic-inspired” red white and blue number… But don’t worry, no way was it as tacky as Kelly Conway’s “Trump Revolutionary Wear” outfit? How can one make Gucci look so tacky. Ma’am, that was a miss. No, this look was a little Brit inspired, and I must say, it did lift my mood, a bit.
So I watched the inauguration with some colleagues, came back to my neighborhood and while stress eating at a pizza parlor, The Beatles, Day in the Life, came on. It spoke to me, and I couldn’t get it out of my head, in fact, I couldn’t really get any other work done until I did something, created something. That song in my head, watching videos of the good old days… Here’s what I came up with. Hope you enjoy.
And that doesn’t end. This is just a little pit stop. This is not a period, this is a comma in the continuing story of building America. …. We look forward to continuing this journey with all of you, and I can’t wait to see what you do next. And I promise you I’ll be right there with you. All right? God bless you, thank you everybody. Yes we did! Yes we can! God bless America!
– Barack Obama #forever44
And again, a thank you to Michelle Obama for opening up the White House to us the American people.
Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. day here in the US and I can’t think of a time in my lifetime when we needed to focus on Dr. King’s message as a country than right now. But you know what yesterday also was? The day the 18th amendment, prohibiting alcohol was ratified in 1919. As time told, this amendment changed the course of American history: the roaring twenties, bootleggers and the rise of organized crime syndicated, the Kennedys, HBO’s hit, Boardwalk Empire! I’m sure those teetotalers had no idea what they were in for. Well now we have the right to choose and many people choose to have a dry January in light of all the indulgences over holiday season.
If you’re one of those people, here are some yummy mocktails that will get you through dry January infused with healthy things like turmeric and mango! I’d definitely bookmark some of these recipes as they’re perfectly refreshing on a summer afternoon or even fun mocktails for a baby shower!
Casablanca created by Ray Sakover for Slowly Shirley
photo by Nick Voderman
Pour over a pebble ice in a collins glass. Garnish with a date wrapped in lemon twist and cinnamon / mint palm tree.
Salted Rosemary Paloma created by Naren Young for Dante
Pour over several ice cubes into a highball glass with a citrus salt rim. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Eastside created by John McCarthy for Greydon House, Nantucket
photo by Tim Williams
Pour over ice cubes in the highball glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice. Slap a mint sprig and insert.
Mango Chao available at Chao Chao
2 cups of mangoPour over ice cubes in a highball glass. Salt the rim and garnish with a lime wheel.
Mexican B.B. Gun created by James Horn for Añejo, Tribeca
Pour over ice cubes into a highball glass. Garnish with lime wedge.
When I first came to Sayulita, Mexico, I noticed a few of my friends adorned their purses with these colorful balls of yarn. Then, after seeing the traditional clothing of the Huicholes, the Mexican tribe native to the area of Nayarit, Jalisco, Zacatecas and Durango, I saw the origin of these pompoms and learned of their meaning. To the Huicholes, pompons signify “the way.” These bursts of colour are a reiteration of roses in full bloom as to Huicholes, their path is always filled with roses. Pretty special.
Over the years the demand for these Huichol treasures seems to have increased as tourists pile into the town and I’ve heard some amazing uses for them: purse adornments, home decor, and even one particularly awesome use from a Burner. As more Huicholes sell their pompoms, one side street in Sayulita has been transformed into PomPom Alley. How fitting for a Pueblo Magico…
Let’s take a stroll, shall we?
top, OUT FROM UNDER similar here | shorts, vintage LEVI’S similar here | shoes, WE ARE HANDSOME x SOLUDOS similar here | bag, TOPSHOP similar here | sunglasses, ILLESTEVA
PHOTOS BY ISIS LOVE
See pompom alley in live motion below!
There’s nothing like quality time with your squad and if your crew is anything like mine you’re likely to go through a few glasses of wine, so why not go directly to the source! I caught up with my girl Tamu photographer extraordinaire and mastermind behind blog, All the Pretty Birds and showed her how to do a Girls Get Away in Bordeaux. Check out a little preview below and head over to All the Pretty Birds to see how to spend 5 great days with your squad in the French countryside of Bordeaux.
entering into the old city walls of Bordeaux
Have you ever heard of noble rot? Maybe by it’s more elegant name, botrytis? It’s a form of grey fungus affecting wine grapes that has to be timed just right to develop a delicious sweet wine like the internationally renowned French sauterne. Timing, climate, moisture and picking-time has to be just so, or the whole harvest is ruined. There is no better time of year to visit Bordeaux and see this delicate process — pourriture or pourriture noble in French — in action and taste the delicious wines than autumn (so pencil in a trip for October now). And want a novel way to do it? Via a cruise along the Garonne river and it’s estuaries! This isn’t your grandmother’s way of cruising. A cruise is actually the perfect way to vineyard hop in style while in this picturesque region — and without any worries of “who’s going to drive!” Round up the squad, and let me show you how to have the perfect Girlfriend Getaway in Bordeaux.
How to get there:
Bordeaux is located in the Southwest region of France. You can fly into Paris catch a connecting flight into Bordeaux’s airport, Bordeaux-Merignac. OR you can take a lovely 3hr and 15minute train ride from Paris to Bordeaux. Great news though, coming in July 2017 there will actually be an even faster option: a 2-hour train from Paris to Bordeaux that’s sure to create an influx of visitors and commuters for this city that’s already gaining momentum as the place to be. Another great thing about booking with a cruise is they figure out a lot of these logistics for you in case planning is simply not your thing.
my Uniworld cabin in Bordeaux
Where to stay:
But let’s take a step backwards. Maybe you won’t have to figure out these logistics at all depending on your accommodations. My suggestion? Go with the cruise. Think of your favorite luxury boutique hotel, add a dash of that booze cruise you and the squad went on with an unending supply of rum punch and sprinkle in the elegance of when travel by ship was at it’s peak with the fun of a jazzy steamboat barreling down the Mississippi and you have Uniworld Cruises. Before this experience, I “didn’t do cruises” they were for my grandparents. Well come to think of it my Grandma Hazel was a woman who appreciated the finer things in life and knew how to live it up better than most people I know. Pack beautiful patterned silks for elegant dinners — you can even rent a private room and do a multi-course wine pairing and chef’s tasting — Instagram worthy looks for touring castles & biking through vineyards and your best sun hat for mornings on the deck. And if you’re Tamu fit, pack your work out clothes too because there is a gym and classes on board. Doing the Uniworld Bordeaux cruise is definitely a great option for exploring this region.
enjoying my afternoon Kir Royale in Bordeaux
The best thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like in terms of activity and often times you’re docked over night giving you the chance to explore Bordeaux and other cities’ night life. I ended up at a hookah bar with a friend across the river from Bordeaux’s historical district! Here’s how to spend a great few days in the region of Bordeaux.
Wanna know how I spent my days? Head over to All The Pretty Birds to find out about my cooking classes, market visits and more!
