passing through – Page 2 – Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle.

July 31, 2013March 7, 2015

Marfa, Texas.

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the open road in the Summer, and out of all the places we stopped last Summer along our cross country road trip Marfa, Texas may have been the one that surprised me the most…A tiny community in the remote Big Bend area of western Texas, Marfa (and the neighboring town of Alpine where we actually stayed) was a place we chose to stop almost purely for convenience to break up a long stretch between Austin and Scottsdale. Convenience and the fact that several years ago I had seen the work of community artists who had erected a Prada store (fully sealed) in the middle of the Texan tundra there. And so, with little more than a reservation we arrived in Marfa – a place best described as cowboy meets conceptual art. Staying at The Maverick Inn was the closest I’ll probably ever get to Ranch life – with cowhide rugs, hearty breakfasts and it’s own personal airstream. And besides a surprisingly delicious meal at Reata (where I told the boy I felt like we were on a romantic cowboy date) and stopping in to a few shops (like Marfa Book Co.), we mainly just took in the landscape along those long straight roads. And if you’re ever even remotely close to this little pocket of Texas – you’ve got to see Prada Marfa. The height of Italian fashion, sitting silently along an empty stretch of two lane highway. It’s a pretty incredible sight.

May 29, 2013March 7, 2015

Austin, Texas.

After yesterday’s case of fashion wanderlust, I thought I’d share with you another one of my travel adventures. We drove through Austin, Texas last summer almost on a whim after hearing so many good things about the city – and after 36 short hours, it’s safe to say I almost stayed forever…

There’s just something so incredibly unique and at the same time so wonderfully welcoming about the Texas capital city that it’s hard, even now (after reminiscing with the boy about how much we loved it there) to put it into words. So I’ll start with a few recommendations and hope that these may inspire you to go see it in person and find out exactly what it is that makes Austin so special. For starters you’ll need a place to stay, and the emerging cultural center is the SoCo (or South Congress) area so I suggest you set up shop there. While I’ve heard great things about the Hotel San Jose, we chose the Kimber Modern and I couldn’t have been happier (the place is literally like a tree house for grown ups), plus that put us a short walk away from the main South Congress drag. Perfect for shopping (there’s a plethora of amazing vintage and local artist selections – but you’d be remiss to not stop into Uncommon Objects), and the food (again, there’s no shortage of delicious selections, but you’ll want to check out the famous food trucks for the community atmosphere alone). And when you’ve had your fill of shopping and dining – drive to the nearby Barton Springs (natural fed springs tucked away minutes from downtown that act as a giant city swimming pool). Oh, and did I mention this place is the live music capital of the world? You’re going to want to see Austin for yourself.

(All pictures my own: Barton Springs; the capital building; Sunset at Lake Austin; and the Congress Ave Bridge bats)

February 28, 2013March 7, 2015

Paris, France.

The week I was fortunate enough to spend in Paris often feels like one long, beautiful blur. But sifting through all of my photos from the trip suddenly seemed to bring all of the details back in perfect clarity…

With cities as iconic as Paris, I sometimes find it overwhelming as a visitor to judge how best to spend your limited time. For your first trip – I say, don’t skip the major tourist points. Millions from all over the world flock to the Louvre every year for good reason. So see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night and the magnificent stained glass inside the Notre Dame. As far as food goes, the fine cuisine and delicacies are endless. But a personal favorite from the trip? Authentic street crepes. They’re cheap, fast, and so much more delicious than their New York City hot dog vendor equivalent. Grab one on the go while you walk along the Seine’s famous bridges. You’re going to want to be fully charged for all of the shopping you will be doing. The great thing about Paris is the incredible range of shopping that’s available. My advice is to start at the top. Walk the Champs Elysee. See Chanel in it’s native habitat. Go to the incredible department stores (Galeries Lafayette is pictured above, and even if you don’t buy a thing is worth the trip). And then, see the other side of Parisian shopping. Roam a flea market or sift through vintage clothing in the chic neighborhood of Marais. And when you can’t see or eat or shop for another thing, go to sleep in your own private Parisian apartment. Rentals (if chosen right) are as affordable as the big hotels and completely reliable. Even if you get something small, you’re getting an authentic feel of the city – with the added bonus of being able to pick up fresh ingredients at the local market and cook a meal or two on your own (which will save precious pennies for more shopping).

There’s a million more things to see and do in Paris, but c’est la vie. Enjoy what you can in the time you can, and feel incredibly lucky, as I do, to have had a chance to visit the city of La Ville-Lumiere (the City of Light).

In Order Below: Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, Notre Dame, the Louvre, bridge over the Seine & the Eiffel Tower

(Savor, Sleep, All other images my own)

November 7, 2012March 7, 2015

New Orleans, Louisiana.

I’ve had the chance to visit New Orleans twice now and it remains one of the most unique places I’ve ever been. A captivating melting pot of old world charm (iron gates and hidden gardens), rich mixed culture (eat just one meal there and you’ll understand) and wild excess (bourbon street and beyond). The French Quarter is easily walkable, and I suggest that you do it with a drink in hand (good for fitting in and bearing crowds). From po’boys to beignets, Nola begs to be over consumed (avoid tourist traps and go to Jacques Imos – get the alligator cheesecake and a local Abita beer). Once you’ve had your fill of the Quarter, head Uptown to the beautiful Garden District and shopping-centric Magazine Street (indulgence of a different kind). And when you finally decide to call it a night, get some peace and quiet at one of the many charming Inns (we stayed at Ashton’s B&B and enjoyed seriously delicious breakfast, perfect for soaking up the previous nights damage). If you haven’t already, visit New Orleans – just make sure you’re not on a diet that week.

November 7, 2012March 7, 2015