Oh hi there…
Just a quick note to let yall know I’m alive… just busy. And enjoying the last days of “lazy” summer! Catch yall after Labor Day – I’m headed to the beach (pending any interference from Earl), what are your plans?
Filed under: Destination Inspiration | Tags: Alexis Bittar, Badgley Mischka, French Connection, hotel, Kate Spade, Louboutin, Miami, Mondrian, Tibi, Wendy Mink
I spent a lazy afternoon this weekend reading through a large stack of September glossies and it seems like everywhere I look, Fall fashion is making an appearance – I’ve gotta admit, I’m just not ready. That hasn’t stopped me from starting my Fall wish list of course (PS1 in midnight, Loeffler Randall Riley boots, Alice + Olivia Leather-trimmed Blazer, and the newest DVF Tabalah dress – on my list of life goals is owning this dress in every print ever made… it’s sooo comfy and versatile).
Anyway, back to reality (sort of)… with only 2 more summer Fridays left, I’m hanging on to every last second of the season. There’s currently a Vacationist sale for the Mondrian in Miami which has me itching for a trip down south for some REAL beach time (these East coast beaches just aren’t the same) – luckily I may have an excuse to head to south Florida soon :)
Disco-ball inspired spa reception – fabulous!
Sequin Dress, Chameleon Jewelry Indian Stone Earrings, Brumbalow Clutch (great deal!), Badgley Mischka Xuan Sandals
I love the modern mix of patterns with pops of color – and the bay view isn’t too shabby either.
The tangerine touches in this studio suites are unexpected but totally work with the blue tile wall and contemporary furniture.
French Connection Spoonful of Sugar Dress, Pade Vavra Blue Azurite Drop Earrings, Freas Clutch, Louboutin Titi 120 Panama Pumps
I need pool time in my life… le sigh.
This outdoor lounge area is out of control – seriously, the staging alone blows my mind. Also – I want a brightly colored pillow pile in my living room right about now!
Tibi Belize Drap Silk-Twill Dress (obsessed), Wendy Mink Empress of Tibet Earrings, Alexis Bittar Green Amethyst Ring, Trimino Clutch, Kate Spade Grenada Sandals
DCA –> MIA … sounds about right :)
I have a slight obsession with the idea of “resort wear” – probably because I have a slight obsession with the idea of permanently being on vacation and having nothing better to do than lounge around by infinity pools and indulge in luxury spa services (if only I could get past the 40 years of work I have ahead of me, sigh)…
On that note, its no surprise I’m dying over these gorgeous caftans from Australian designer Camilla Franks. From her most recent “Babylon Collection,” these looks are stunning examples of her signature bold and inspired graphic prints – and I’m imagining they would be perfect for paradise… regardless of where your idea of paradise might be!
IKRAN and NAVI – I’m thinking South African hotel + spa inspiration…
MARAJO and PARROT – perfect for a Caribbean cruise!
BARAKA – Brazil? Bali? Beaches… does it really matter where?
NOVAYA and KABBALAH – Ibiza is calling my name!
PEACOCK and AQUA FINA – made just for a Grecian getaway…
I’m definitely still feeling Greece this week… what’s your idea of paradise?
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: bracelet, dress, Greece, hotel, Naxian Collection, Naxos, rings, romper, Sandals, sunglasses, Vacationist
There are a number of sites I frequently visit in search of inspiring locations and places to put on my dream vacation list, but lately Vacationist.com has really caught my eye with some really fabulous hotels – if you’re not familiar with it, Vacationist.com is a members only website featuring exclusive sales for luxury and unique boutique hotels lasting only a couple of days (similar to Jetsetter) – if you’d like an invite, click here.
Anyway, there’s currently a sale for stays in the Naxian Collection villas in Naxos, Greece that have me swooning! Though its probably safe to say I have yet to come across a luxury hotel in the Greek isles that hasn’t left me with some wanderlust… There’s something about the color of the water here that just speaks to me – especially when contrasted against the soothing neutral linens, tans, and very soft grays that often characterize the hotel interiors in this region. Let’s have a look…
The Naxian Collection is fairly secluded – consisting of only 8 villas and 2 suites – all with verandas with panoramic views and private pool access.
You can find me right here :)
Shay Todd Romance Twill Playsuit, Balenciaga Sunnies, Monica Vinader Stacking Rings, Kelsi Dagger Wedge Sandals
The Naxian Collection services are seriously top notch – they can arrange private transportation (via helicopter, jet or yacht), plan sailing or horseback riding excursions and of course, provide you with a personal chef. Not to mention welcome baskets full of fruit and wine, yes please!
The 2 story villas feature simple but romantic interiors – with cozy fireplaces and fully-equipped kitchens – you’ll never need to leave!
Juicy Couture Embroidered Cotton Dress, Giles & Brother Multichain Bracelet, HTC Fishbone Studded Leather Belt, Loeffler Randall Carlie Sandals (on sale!)
I love the soft feminine details like the ironwork on this bed… and more importantly those Dior Lolita Opentoe Sandal Booties, LOVE.
Spa tub, check. His and hers sinks, check.
For more pictures, check these out…
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: BVLGARI, Il Cafe, Il Cioccolato, Japan, Tokyo
Who knew there were BVLGARI hotels and restaurants?! (I didn’t, clearly.) It was a little surprising to see how casual Bulgari’s Il Cafe in Tokyo is but it’s definitely not lacking in stylish, refined presentation.
The decor is minimal, but not sterile… the color palette is neutral, but not earthy. It could be a little boring, but it’s just not.
Halston Heritage Oversized Cowl Sweater, Vince Cotton Utility Shorts, Halston Heritage Brandy Stingray Satchel, Miu Miu Crystal Embellished Leather Flats
{a casually polished look for a casually polished restaurant - recognize the Miu Miu flats? They’re still some of my faves… if only I could have all the colors ;) }
The surrounding greenery is breathtaking through the floor to ceiling windows don’t you think?
But the pièce de résistance here is really the accompanying Il Cioccolato – artisan chocolate, immaculately displayed – being an adult in a candy store sounds pretty fabulous right about now!
Blaque Label Silk Wrap Dress, Marni Horn Bead Earrings, Rachel Leigh Gumball Ring, Marc Jacobs Large Single Sequinned Bag (hello, gorgeous), Elizabeth & James Sky Pumps
I’m hoping Bulgari chocolates are less expensive than Bulgari jewels… because I want to try all of these. I don’t even like dark chocolate but something about this stunning display of semisweet goodness makes me feel like I NEED to have one.
Yum!
Earlier this summer, the legendary Claridge’s hotel revealed a series of rooms and suites designed by style icon Diane von Furstenberg (a personal favorite of mine), and they are absolutely worth a look. Full of DVF’s signature prints and bold colors, there is no question anyone else could have designed these fabulous rooms!
Even the carpet is DVF in this studio! (and you can snag that ikat printed cashmere blanket here) And of course this post wouldn’t be complete with a few DVF outfits…
Davina Silk-chiffon Dress, Stephanie Medium Bag in Star Leather, Iris Sandals
I love how clean and modern this bathroom is – but the fresh flowers add a welcoming touch.
To say I’m a little obsessed with this room would be an understatement – the headboard, chair, nailhead trim on the end of bed bench (I’ve wanted one of these forever!) and mix of masculine and feminine… it makes me want to redecorate my room right now.
Wool-blend Shantung Dress, Grace Day Bag in Metallic, Grace Shoes
The mix of patterns in this piano suite could be overwhelming… but somehow it just works. This suite would be great for entertaining AND it comes with personal butler service!
Printed Georgette Dress, Hayworth Tote in Violet, Opal Leather Wedge Sandals
I’d love to see any of these suites in person, but in the meantime I’d be happy to indulge in any of these Fall DVF looks…
Filed under: Destination Inspiration | Tags: Abercrombie & Kent, Cote D'Azur, Deer Valley, hotel, Los Cabos, Tuscany
To be completely honest, my last post bored me. For whatever reason, some jewelry caught my eye and it ended up as a post which sat as a “draft” for days until I finally published it because I was too tired/lazy to come up with anything at the end of the week… but I immediately regretted it because it just seemed lame (even though the jewelry was pretty) and I don’t want to be lame… I need my posts to go somewhere – and then I realized (cue idea bubble) – as if I hadn’t really known it for awhile, the posts that I really enjoy - that I can really feel proud of – that really inspire me (and hopefully you), are Destination Inspiration posts. While I don’t think I could be just a travel blogger, my penchant for luxury hotel stalking and wiki searching exotic locales is fast becoming more of a pastime than scouring the interwebs for new shoes and designer handbags… So. Getting back to I-need-to-post-about-things-I-really-love-to-stay-motivated, I’m challenging myself to find more inspiring places (and outfits to accompany them, of course) because it’s exciting for me! And if A Wonderfelle World ends up being a handpicked collection of fabulous places you’re dying to visit and style notes on what to wear along your journey.. well wouldn’t that just make perfect sense?
Well I think so. For now at least…
It sounds more interesting than here are 4 bags I like but can’t afford right now… (obviously.)
So let’s continue the journey through my Wonderfelle World, shall we?
Thanks to Z, my newest life goal is membership to the Abercrobie & Kent Residence Club (not to be confused with the harsh smelling, headache inducing store full of shirtless models). The Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club is essentially a destination club combining the benefits of your own vacation home with the ability to pick from a portfolio of residences around the world. The club has an interesting structure as members make an up front capital investment as well as pay ongoing dues – and therefore the members own the club and the club owns the properties so your investment is going directly into maintaining and improving the various residences where you stay – maybe this is just interesting to me because my job is essentially portfolio/asset management…
Anyway, as you can expect, membership to this exclusive club does not come cheap – BUT, for a limited time, a 16 month trial membership is only $18,700 with no upfront capital commitment. Still not sounding cheap, I know… but here’s the way I look at it – most residences are 4 bedrooms, so say you split the $18,700 between 8 people – this ends up being $2,338 per person for 15 days of vacation in a luxury residence or $156 per night – which is cheaper than a night at the Holiday Inn down the street… And the best part is you can spend your 15 days of vacation any way you want…. so, for example:
we could spend 5 days relaxing in a beachfront house in Los Cabos now
and in the winter, spend a 3 day weekend at a ski lodge in Deer Valley
then in the spring we’ll jet off for a full week in Europe including a stay at a sprawling 250-acre hilltop estate in Tuscany
and a stunning Cote D’Azur villa.
ALL of this is $156 per person per night… Great idea, right?!
(So who’s in?)
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Dara Ettinger, necklace, rings, Sparkling Sage, Urban Outfitters
I happened to stumble upon Dara Ettinger jewelry on Urban Outfitters of all places and am loving the raw yet whimsical aesthetic of so many of her pieces.
Pictured are: Black Jill Ring, Heather Halo Ring, Chloe Necklace, Daisy Necklace, Heather Disco Ball Ring, Kate Sunset Ring - all available at Max and Chloe.
Reminds me a little bit of some bold Sparkling Sage jewelry I scored on Gilt a few months ago – they’re definitely statement pieces just made for throwing on over a LBD or plain tank…
Sparkling Sage Agate & Crystal Ribbon Necklace and Crushed Stone Bib Necklace
When it comes to jewelry I’m definitely in the “bigger is better” camp – can you tell ;)
Filed under: Destination Inspiration | Tags: Cartagena, Colombia, hotel, Silvia Tcherassi, Tcherassi Hotel
“Fashion and hospitality are both businesses totally committed to the creation of new experiences and new sensations, trying to awaken the inner senses of each person, whether through a new style of clothes or a perfect stay in a beautiful environment.” – Silvia Tcherassi
I came across the Tcherassi Hotel via Jetsetter and was immediately intrigued by the idea of this fabulous Colombian designer turned hotelier. Tcherassi restored a 250 year old mansion with colonial charm and turned it into a modern boutique hotel infused with touches of her personal style aesthetic.
Each of the 7 guest rooms/suites is named for a fabric used in Tcherassi’s runway collections (which are seriously works of art). Characterized by a luxe mix of textures and understated glamor, the rooms have dramatic high ceilings and private walk-out balconies – this is the type of place you go to relax AND be seen.
T by Alexander Wang Jersey T-Shirt, DVF Sequin Shorts (love!), Stein & Blye Multi Chain Necklace, Monica Vinader Ring, Alaia Whipsnake Ballerina Flats
I have mixed feelings about this bathroom – it looks pretty cool but it’s a little too open for my taste…
How cute is this poolside patio with a prime view of the vertical garden (including over 3000 local plants)! It definitely seems like a chic place to layout and enjoy a signature Colombian limonada de coco.
Splendid Dress, Gemma Redux Earrings, Chloe Aviators, K Jacques St. Tropez Sandals
And if a garden view isn’t really your thing, the rooftop overlooks the city and sea…
I hear Cartagena is the new Buenos Aires – and if that’s the case it’s definitely going on my list of places to visit!
When I started this blog just about a year ago it was originally just supposed to be a place to share pretty things, covetable finds and random acquisitions with friends/family/whoever happened to to come across A Wonderfelle World… it was never supposed to be personal, although that happened along the way, honestly it was just supposed to be a way for me to channel a shopping addiction (in a bad economy) into something more productive and less taxing on my wallet ;) (funny how that one worked out) Looking back through my archived posts its interesting (and a little painful) to see how wonderfelle has evolved… somehow along the way I think I started to care a little too much about blogging about what other people wanted (or didn’t want) to see and sort of lost the drive and excitement to just share - thus the declining number of posts over the last few months (well that and just being busy with work/life). Anyway… thanks to all of you who continue to come back and visit (hi mom!) and for all your sweet comments!
Now on to the goods…
So I’ve decided I’m in the market for “back-to-school” satchel for the fall (not that I’m in school anymore – but lets pretend… (I’ll be taking a class to further my professional development, so that counts right?) I’ve never owned a bag in this style – I generally prefer an oversized hobo or tote bag – so I’m on the lookout for just the right investment…
I’ve lusted for the Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag for ages now but I’m really crazy about these colors in particular… the midnight might be a little more practical but the purple color is sooo pretty and unexpected.
The Chloe Paraty Crossbody Shopper has also been on my wish list for awhile (along with a Python Paraty and Marcie) but I only recently came across this stone color for the first time – it’s a fantastic neutral and great year-round bag I think.
Or what about this Valentino Aphrodite Bow Satchel? Yall know how I love big bows and this bag is probably the most “me” – I just wish it had a shoulder strap in addition to the top handle… Decisions, decisions. Now I just need a “wonderfelle back-to-school bag fund!”
