Travel Inspirations

I've been lucky enough to travel around the world the past couple of months and you can't help but become influenced by the culture around you.  In November I was in China, followed by a trip to Japan in December, and then a quick jaunt to Miami in February.  Each place is unique and I found that I took away a love of many things from all that maybe you will love too.

InterContinental Hong Kong
Every time I stay in Hong Kong it's at this hotel and I'm never disappointed.  The lobby bar is situated perfectly on the harbor so you have a great view of the nightly light show.  The choice of restaurants (Spoon by Alain Ducasse, Nobu, THE Steakhouse, among a few more) are just superb.  Service is top notch.  Plus, the hotel location is great for those looking to do some heavy shopping.

Pork Tonkatsu from Maisen

A coworker of mine had told me about this little place that was really hard to find but was known to have the best pork tonkatsu in Tokyo.  I knew I had to find it.  I actually didn't find the actual restaurant but it found me at one of the many depachika (or food floors in department stores) - a must see.  I got two of the sliders and after a long day of slight seeing they were the perfect pick me up.

Maisen at Mitsukoshi Department Store

Maisen Pork Sandwich

Maisen Pork Tontaksu

iHome iP4 Boombox with FM Radio and Apple iPhone and iPod Dock in Pink - $159.99 - Best Buy

When I was in Miami my friend and I saw this young girl on the beach with this boombox and we both just looked at each other and said "What is that thing and where can we get one?"  It reminded us of growing up and taking a boombox to the beach with some cassettes and listening to your favorite tracks.  Now, it's modernized so that you can use your iPod but still have that old retro look.  I think it's just fabulous.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/iHome+-+iP4+Boombox+with+FM+Radio+and+Apple%26%23174%3B+iPhone%26%23174%3B+and+iPod%26%23174%3B+Dock+-+Pink/4661666.p?id=1218500964465&skuId=4661666

I love NY

Just wanted to send a post today about how much I love this city of NY!  I hope everyone is doing all they can after our area was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.  I have donated food, supplies, clothing, shoes, and blood.  But, more is still needed for many so please continue to do your part.  We all matter.  Below are some ways you can help.

New York Blood Center
http://www.nybc.org/index.jsp

Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/templates/render/render.jsp?pageId=11400031&scode=RSG00000E017&subcode=paiddonationsbrand&gclid=CMTx2PXGw7MCFQWe4Aod6xsACw

Animal Haven - Donate Money to Animals Rescued
https://secure3.convio.net/ah/site/Donation2?idb=759316720&df_id=2400&2400.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=ww98gdm6d1.app333a

Block Rockin Beats

I've been really digging the headphones I've been spotting around the city and I'm ready to ditch my earbuds.  My eyes (and ears) are on the Solo HD headphones by Beats by Dr. Dre.  They fold so they can fit into my bag when I'm not using them and come in a variety of fun colors.   Another plus is that it works with your cell phone so that if you get an incoming call you don't need to take off your headphones to take the call.  Get ready for some serious play time.

Beats Solo HD - Beats by Dr. Dre - $199.95

http://www.beatsbydre.com/headphones/beats-solohd-white/900-00012-01,default,pd.html 

Carolyn Murphy - This gorgeous supermodel was the hostess at the Bazaar's Fabulous at Every Age event.  She's such a style icon and an inspiration to all others.  I can only hope to look at good as she does in the next 10-15 years. AaMmAaZzIiNnGg - You go girl.  The event was held in the London NYC hotel with winner's picked from different age groups ranging from 20's-60's.  Starting now I'm going on a full body makeover to look like the fab Carolyn Murphy - only shorter.

Stack Up

I can't leave the house without adding a few pieces of jewelry to my outfit.  I'm drooling over these statement rings from Efva Attling.  Personally, I'd wear the diamond ring on one hand and one of the message rings on the other.  If you're really bold wear all 3 at once!

Funky Bling Ring - $15,715.00
Funky Ring - Sans Peur - $470.00
Funky Ring - Fuck Off - $470.00

 

http://www.efvaattling.com/

Poof - You're Chic

I've always had an affinity for puffer vests even though they have a very short time span in which they can be worn here on the east coast.  Plus, it can be difficult to glam them up, although I try.  Now, the puffer doesn't need to be jazzed up because it's pretty fab on its own.  It's from one of my favorite designers, Alexander Wang, who's got the cool downtown girl thing down pat.  I think the best way to wear this is similar to how it's styled below - head to toe in sleek black and some killer shoes of course.  Done!

Alexander Wang Leather Puffer Vest - $1,595.00 - available at Barney's New York

 

http://www.barneys.com/Alexander-Wang-Leather-Puffer-Vest/502097898,default,pd.html 

Battersby - Brooklyn

We all know by now that Brooklyn is home to an ever growing food scene.  There's another restaurant in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood looking to make a name for itself.  Battersby is run by a young team of talented chefs with an impressive resume (Gramercy Tavern, The Spotted Pig, Momofuko Ssam Bar - among others).  The menu is a tasteful mix of New American with some Italian influences.  They offer a tasting menu upon request which is such a treat.  Let these pictures inspire you to rush down there and have your next meal.

Battersby - Tuesday-Sunday - 5:30-11pm - 718-852-8321

http://battersbybrooklyn.com/