Sssssseline

dress - Céline 

photography - Paul Versluis  

 Getting my hands on an “old Céline” piece was something one could only dream about... seeing as Phoebe has developed more than just a cult following. But with Hedi Slimane “manning” the ship now, hoards of crazed Philophiles have been pillaging websites such as The Real Real, Vestaire Collective and EBay for a taste of her gone-too-soon previous collections. The snakeskin dress was on my wish list when I happened across it one fateful day. It will live in infamy in my closet AND on my body until the day I die. Long Live Phoebe. 

Urban Swim

Shot by Paul Versluis  

swimwear

Ralph Lauren for Macy's  (black and white) 

Jcrew  red suit

Peony striped bikini  

Towel- Toteme 

Sunnies - Illesteva  

Greece part 2- Paros, Antiparos and Athens

The second and third legs of our Grecian adventures were probably my favorite parts of the trip. Exploring new islands that weren't nearly as busy as tourist fave Santorini. We specifically picked Paros and Antiparos over the ever popular Mykonos so we could relax and not be overrun with hoards of people (cruise ships let off daily there) taking Instagram photos (lol). We rented two cars so everyone could do as they please whether it was visiting the gorgeous Kolymbithres beach and neighboring town of Naoussa or heading to the nearby fishing village of Alyki bay. We rented a gorgeous home at the south end of Paros and could easily take a 5 min ferry over to Antiparos (my fave part of the trip) to dine and shop at The Beach House. Their perfectly curated boutique was some of the best shopping I did in Greece. Parikia is another must see town on Paros for eating and wandering the picturesque cobblestone streets. Of all the travel advice I heard, none could have been more wrong than to get in and out of Athens... or skip it all together. It's a fantastic ancient city that deserves way more than a couple nights (maybe just not when it's 100 degrees).  We stayed at the Electra Metropolis hotel and it had amazing views of the Parthenon and a rooftop pool, perfect for cooling down in the summer heat. It was within walking distance to  the Plaka, shopping (both flea markets and chain favorites like Zara) and the Temple of Zeus. No better place to end a trip fit for Greek Gods. 

Stay -  

Paros- Blue Villas Collection

Antiparos-  The Beach House 

Athens- Electra Metropolis Hotel

Greece part 1- Santorini

Santorini has always been on my travel bucket list and I couldn't have been happier to tick it off the list with some of my favorite people.   Being one of the most photographed places on earth it's almost like you have been there even before you arrive. So my favorite things we did were head to a few spots I hadn't seen before in pics and discover the island for ourselves. Perissa beach and Ammoudi Bay were among my top must sees along with taking a Catamaran around the crystal blue waters. We rented an Airbnb directly in the middle of Oia and it was absolutely perfect for our family of 7. We had a 3 year old in tow and I was a bit nervous with all the cliffside accommodations and restaurants but it couldn't have been safer. Beware the sunset crowds like a running of the bulls to get their Instagram pics before all stampeding back the other way as soon as the famous Santorini sun sets. Even though we were there in the mid July heat we definitely enjoyed our hot tub dips early morning and evening (this was something I debated for hours when choosing an Airbnb). At Perissa beach we spent the day at Seaside by Notos which was absolutely perfect (bring beach shoes if you have sensitive feet, it's slightly rocky like most of Santorini's beaches and very HOT). Same tip for Ammoudi Bay if you plan on swimming, comfortable shoes that can get wet are highly recommended. Also make sure you plan on having lunch at one of the gorgeous seafood restaurants at the bottom before embarking on your sweaty journey back to the top. Or you could take a donkey for 5 euros. Santorini was the perfect spot to recover from jet lag before heading to our next Cycladic island... Paros. 

Greece part 2 - Paros and Antiparos coming soon.  

Vietnam - Part 1. The Nam Hai and Hoi An

"No pain, no gain" is definitely something that continued to resonate loudly in my mind on our journey to the Far East.  It took 3 flights, numerous delays and even a 24 hour unexpected layover in Hong Kong. Throw a 13 hour time change on top of all that and you have a few meltdowns along the way for sure. But alas, the clouds parted and the sun shone again and my what a beautiful Vietnamese sun it was. We stayed at the Four Season's Nam Hai and it was so incredibly serene and relaxing (had I not had a 3 year old chirping in my ear I would have probably been asleep all day).  The Vietnamese people are so kind and accommodating (especially if you have small children) that it made even the worst jet lag seem better. We took daily trips into Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we drank the most amazing Vietnamese coffee (best jet lag cure) and ate spring rolls. They have tailors everywhere so come prepared with your favorite pieces of clothing to be made in every color. Be prepared to sit back, relax and drink coffee until your hearts content. Part 2 of our Vietnam adventures coming soon.... to a blog near you. 

Stay - The Four Seasons Nam Hai  , The Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Anantara 

Eat -  Morning Glory, Cocobox (for juice and smoothies), cafe Nam Hai (for Indian food) and have coffee literally anywhere. 

Wearing - Buleboo, Onia swim, Lenny Neimeyer, Prism swimwear, Raquel Allegra, Lauren Manoogian,  Redone, Zara