April 3, 2014

Señor Sweets es un paraíso de postres. Yum doesn’t even begin to describe this Cabo San Lucas dessert heaven!

Food A

A girl knows she’s on vacation when a Señor Sweets cheesecake is her evening snack…

Food B

breakfast is a platter of pastries paired with a smoothie…

Food C

and at lunch she happens upon this irresistible treat—but it’s so small. I could easily dust off three of them in one sitting. Más por favor:)

Food D

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April 1, 2014

Before heading off for Cabo, I asked Julie, my nail guru, her secrets for keeping a mani/pedi looking good the whole trip. She said that if vacay activities consist of sight-seeing, shopping and dining, any color and application will do—but if you’ll be swimming, surfing, hiking, parasailing – and everything in between – you’ll need to take extra precautions.

Cabo A2

Pool chemicals make light-colored polish look dingy, and a standard application won’t stand up to active adventures. So choose something bold or dark, and bring your polish along for any nail 911. Put on an extra, clear top-coat, and bring that bottle too. Applying one more top coat mid-vacay will make hard-working nails look pampered! For Cabo, I chose bright Pink Flamenco by OPI.

Cabo B2

In these pics, I’m on my way to ride a horse along the shore at sunset. I got my fresh water pearls off the artisan’s cart the last time I was in Hawaii. They’ve proven adventure-proof. The rest of my equestrian ensemble is a pair of Free People ripped jeans (similar) and a Splendid top. I love TOMS’ wedges, but I’m riding bareback so they’re coming off soon.

Cabo C2

And if the sun gets in the way of our spectacular view, my Som Her cowboy hat will come to the rescue. I bought it off a cart in Cabo. Now where’s my horse? I’m so ready! You’ll see those pics tomorrow on Wild Card Wednesday.

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March 31, 2014

Since this is Meeting Men Monday, I’m sharing tips I just learned at one of my favorite weddings. I first met the bride and groom at the pool the day beforehand. They had carefully planned a beautiful destination wedding on the beach at sunset. The guest list was limited to close family and friends—but the couple arrived at their resort early to make sure that everything was in order, and made so many friends there that the list magically expanded!

Cabo

The same attitude that caused this change carried over to other aspects of the event. As the bride explained, “Your wedding is the first day of your life together. Do what you love, not what you think you have to”…and they did.

According to some etiquette books, the bride and groom have the first dance and leave shortly after that. This couple immediately got everyone dancing with them. The reception didn’t end until about 3 AM, and the bride and groom were among the last to leave. I don’t think I’ve ever had a better time, and I’m sure everyone there would say the same.

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March 28, 2014

Today, I went to Pelican Rock, an old pirate hideaway, where the Pacific collides with the Sea of Cortez. You can only get there by water…

A

So I kyaked on over—passing a whale jumping (yikes!), dolphins, schools of colorful fish, coral rocks and, of course, pelicans.

B

As John Steinbeck wrote, at this spot you can see that “the names of the pirates are still in the rock,” and visualize how “the pirate ships did dart out of here and did come back.”

C

But the pirates had to learn how to avoid winding up in Davy Jones’ Locker because there are strong currents near the rocks and the water plunges to over 3,000 feet.

D

In these pictures, I’m at the northern tip of Lover’s Beach. It’s filled with beautiful, golden sand – but beware – there are tall, jagged rocks on both sides, and it’s connected to a fierce section of the Pacific Ocean.

E

The pirates plundered vessels coming into nearby San José. You can see this traditional Mexican town – much the way it was then – and more fashions photos on yesterday’s Travel Thursday post.

F

I put together my outfit for this adventure by combining a Vitamin A bikini, Becca by Rebecca cover up, Florabella bag, and an Everything but Water cuff bracelet.

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March 27, 2014

Everyone knows that Cabo San Lucas is a fiesta 24/7. I love the beach life, friendly people, great food, and dancing. But one evening, I left my hotel seeking a more subdued experience…

Milly - Cabo

…and wound up in a traditional Mexican town.

A

San José es un oasis de tranqulidad cerca a una ciudad festejera. This place is all about art galleries, cobblestone streets, quaint, colorful architecture, and a chill vibe.

B

Here enticing little enclaves with antique entrances await you.

C

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants is Mi Casa. There’s one in both San José and Cabo. The staff feels like family, the food is delicious to an extreme, and from this pic – taken on steps near our table – you know that the ambience is A+!

D

What should a girl wear to an evening adventure in San José? I couldn’t think of anything better for milling about than this Milly dress.

E

After all, designer Michelle Smith creates her gowns as works of art with intricate detailing.

F

I paired my frock with Söfft shoes. The brand is known for its stylish yet foot-friendly creations. I’ve tromped all over the world in this pair. I even stood in them at a cocktail party for hours. They’ve always been comfortable companions.

G

Goodbye, San José. I’ll miss you until next time!

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March 26, 2014

Or, as they say in Cabo… No fui yo.

https://instagram.com/p/mCHI7KifGu/

The fringed top in this Insta-video is exploding on the Cabo fashion scene. Before heading off, I’d mainly seen the fringe look on Victoria’s Secret bikinis. But here in Mexico, babes on beaches and in clubs and restaurants are all about it. Expect to see this trend in vogue as spring heats up!!

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¿Quién es mi compañero de viaje? Chanel Nº 5…por su puesto:) Marilyn Monroe was famous for saying that all she wore to bed was this scent. That blonde vixen was onto something. Chanel Nº 5 is a go-to fragrance at home, away, and in flight. I not only brought my travel size to Cabo, but my matching tee.

A

These pics were taken at a Cabo glass goldmine. Aegean Gallery is a handmade exotic chandelier hub!

B

The store also sells unique leather bags.

C

And then there are the beautiful glass necklaces for reasonable prices.

D

This evening was a global fusion. I wore my Chanel Nº 5 tee – in tribute to Coco, my favorite famous Parisian – and shopped at a Mexican store that sells glass necklaces imported from Italy!

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March 24, 2014

Bring on the beach, the sunsets, the sea, and the dance parties! When I asked someone what time it was, he said, “Cabo time…whatever you want it to be!”

Cabo A

For today’s sun togs, I chose a Karla Colletto swimsuit and a Wayf shawl. The wrap was designed for nights on the town, not days at the beach—but I found that it worked there just as well!

Cabo C

Cabo-B

I always pick a one-piece suit when I’m in the mood for something adventurous like slipping down the slide, entering the belly flop contest, or joining the losing team in water volleyball.

Cabo C

With my Sun ‘n’ Sand butterfly bag and Steve Madden shoes (similar), I’m ready to rock any impromptu poolside party.

D

And watch out…when I’m wearing these Michael Kors reflectors, you can see yourself coming! One lady said, “Don’t mind me,” as she stopped to check out her lipstick in my shades:)

Cabo-E

Since today is Meeting Men Monday, I’m giving a shout-out to an adorable couple in their 80s who I met on the plane. They’re in Cabo celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary! Their advice for keeping love alive? “Never let the fun wilt in a relationship.”

I saw this principle in action. Upon boarding the plane, the wife mistakenly led them to the back when their seat assignments were in the front. A flight attendant straightened this out, but upon landing, she could not find one of their bags and got flustered. The husband reassured her with a joke. He hugged his wife and said, “My sweetheart hid it really well. It’s probably under the captain’s seat by now.” Everyone around them laughed and helped find the bag.

Cabo-F

I’ll be posting more vacay pics on my blog and Instagram. If any of you have been to Cabo, I’d love to hear your hot spot suggestions!

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March 21, 2014

When it comes to designer Christian Louboutin, he’s in a red-soled, style-setting shoe universe all his own. While wearing one of his creations, your feet snatch all the attention!

A

At this Christian Louboutin trunk show, I got to try on several of his wearable works of art…some of which are new for spring and have coordinating handbags—that are so exclusive they aren’t even sold in most stores featuring his line.

B

But a cornucopia of shoes Louboutin Land is not. At all times, he sells only a limited amount of styles and sizes. That way a lady is assured that she won’t attend an event and see other women prancing around in her soles.

Christian Louboutin C

Throughout the event, pairs of Louboutin shoes were being snapped up in seconds—even though the prices would give any wolf of Wall Street pause for thought. I asked the rep if this was usual, and he confirmed that the show featured cutting-edge designs expected to sell out fast. If a girl waited even a few hours to contemplate a purchase, her size in that style could be sold out nationwide! Talk about hot!!

D

“Comfortable” is not a word used in a Louboutin shoe description, and he’s the first to admit it. In fact, he thinks any girl who calls his heels comfortable is crazy. These masterpieces are supposed to make you a style icon, not a marathon winner.

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Britain’s Parliament is now allowing some of the Kingdom’s magnificent premises to be rented out for events…complete with champagne, dinner, homemade scones, and discounts for charities.

Westminster Palace

The royal palace, Queen Elizabeth’s London residence, has even been rented. In my opinion, there couldn’t be a better place to hold a party…particularly if one had free range of the Queen’s gowns on display there. When I studied in London, I got a private tour. I can describe her dress collection in four words…“Love at First Sight!”

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The 66 gorgeous horses in Odysseo – the traveling fantastical production by Cavalia – mean business. They move in elaborate patterns, often carrying acrobatic riders, at times under the canopy of trapeze artists, and always with elegance.

Odysseo A

The audience is transported to a mystical world where every moment is a visual tour de force. Horses gallop down a 35-foot mountain which changes with the choreography to a succession of territorial scenes from around the world. A waterfall appears, and then a massive pool of water. The horses seamlessly continue the performance, as their hooves send water flying in sync with an airy musical accompaniment.

B

Throughout the show, I was especially impressed with the loving guidance the horses received. Even the beautiful, young stallion with an obstreperous streak was brought back into the fold with a reassuring pat.

C

Everything about Odysseo is a work of art, even the lighted beams that hold up the bleachers inside the tent.

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March 18, 2014

In two minutes, tops! These tips are coming from Bobbi Brown celebrity makeup artist, Marc Reagan. He says a girl doesn’t need professional help to be mistaken for a red carpet regular. Here are his favorite cosmetic concoctions to let you reach skin stardom…

A

Extra Repair Moisturizing Balm. Ladies shine when their skin glows. Keeping it hydrated will do this and tell future wrinkles to take a hike. This balm is a glow potion.

Extra Face Oil. If your face becomes stubbornly dry, just add a touch of the oil and you’re ready to receive raves about your complexion.

Long-Wear Even Finish Compact. This was formulated to give skin a silky sheen in pics. Use it and click with confidence.

Bobbi Brown B

Pale Pink Lip Gloss. And while you’re posing, steal Katie Holmes’ soft lips. It’s easy with this product…no liner or lipstick needed.

C

On the subject of pics, Marc and I couldn’t resist taking one together—with matching poses, of course;)

B

And I’ve been enjoying these treats that Marc gave me.

E

So all you beautiful babes, remember this makeup artist’s philosophy…I’m talking to every one of you. Looking like a star is within your reach.

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This video is packed with appealing European men revealing their romance secretsincluding some enticing Irish lads. They were in NYC for a soccer tournament, and are so loveable you’ll want to say, “Kiss me, I’m Irish”…whether you are or not.

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With this green Diane von Furstenberg blouse, I’m ready for any kind of Saint Patrick’s party this weekend.

The Pinch-Proof Ensemble

For a casual get-together, you can dress it down by throwing on a pair of leggings and black boots. If you’re a lucky lady invited to an upscale Irish bash, show off the silky sheen by combining the shirt with slacks and stunner heels. And say a charming Irish gent pulls you in for a dance. No problem! This top is good on the go. I had always associated DVF with her fabulous wrap dresses, but I’m a fan of all her creations after spying this keeper.

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March 13, 2014

Anyone anywhere can enjoy St. Patrick’s Day festivities, but it’s hard to match those that will be going on in Ireland.

Paint the Town Green

Beginning tomorrow (2/14/14) in Dublin, there will be a festival with pop-up performances, concerts, traditional Irish dancing, and a green-over for some of the most iconic buildings. That’s just a smattering of what’s in store.

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