The Newly Opened Trevi Fountain, Rome. photo: Colleen Kohse
Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday (taken from google images)
I’ve been meaning to do a travel post since my last holiday but it’s been so crazy lately that I ended up having to hire a friend to go around Italy to capture some nice shots for this post.
Well that’s not exactly true. It’s just that a friend got to go to places in Italy that I’ve not yet been to and took some remarkable photos and of course she had the most amazing time. Because as she puts it “when you need a ‘spiritual’ lift, there’s no better place than the sights and delights of Italy!”So much history, so much art, so much fashion, so much food, so much style, so much…….everything.
My new favourite scooter. photo: Colleen Kohse
I agree. Twice I’ve been to Italy but never made it to Rome. Crazy, right? I’ve seen Milan, Venice and almost every quaint little corner of Tuscany including Florence. On my second visit I had to make a choice for a little side trip either to Rome or to Florence. Because of my timing situation I chose Florence.
Sunset in Florence. photo: Colleen Kohse
Florence is smaller, there’s lots of fabulous famous art everywhere and it’s such a beautiful, walkable city. I need to make a separate trip to Rome. And then I need to go to Lake Como and Capri. Sooooooon!
These pictures will whet your appetite for your next viaggio molto bella.
Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo, on Lake Como. photo: Colleen Kohsephoto: Colleen KohseOutside a perfumery in Montipulsiano. photo: Colleen KohseSorrento. photo: Colleen KohseMini mannequins (taken thru window) Rome. photo: Colleen Kohsephoto: Colleen KohseFunky Hotel Furniture. photo: Colleen Kohse
Colleen’s impression: It’s all about colour in Italy. From pastels to brights, the shops are springing up in splendid colours.
Market in Como. photo: Colleen Kohsephoto: Colleen KohseHoly Cannollis. photo: Colleen KohseAnti Pasta in Como Market. photo: Colleen Kohse
Now that summer is around the corner we should embrace all the colours of the rainbow.
photo: Colleen Kohse – Amalfi Coast, Italyphoto: d. king – Victoria Falls, Zambia
Because life is more than black & white
photo: Colleen Kohse public sculpture, Brittany, Francephoto: Lisa King – Stone Town, Zanzibar, Africaphoto: d. king taken from a closed car window – Salt Lake City, Utah.
Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to achieve the unexpected and the spectacular.
It appears that each Chanel show is outdone by the next and this latest example was really something extra special. For Resort 2017 Lagerfeld chose the intensely beautiful cityscape of Havana; a locale at an historic turning point in international relations, and a collection that was relatable, wearable, exquisitely made, and joyfully youthful.
I visited Havana with a friend when I was living in Jamaica and we really felt transported back in time. The people were vibrant and full of life and eager to make us feel welcome. As tourists we visited all the touristy places including all the Hemingway hangouts but we also met locals who told us where we could find a very good authentic Cuban (off the beaten path) restaurant which we loved. Cuba held more allure for me since becoming friends with a close relative of Che Guevara; someone I met overseas. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Of course the Mojitos were the absolute best.
The Chanel Resort Collection 2017 – May 2, 2016 (my picks from a ton of photos)
You cannot mistake this look
The American fashion press who flew into Cuba for the Chanel Resort show landed two hours before the first U.S. cruise ship to have docked in Havana in nearly 40 years. The passengers of the Adonia had no idea what to expect when they set foot on the dock; in the event, they were surrounded by crowds of Havana residents, high-fiving greetings. The historic thawing of relations between the Castro regime and the United States was palpable, a warmth that was stoked to fever level.
Seven hundred guests of Chanel were taken to the open-air street show in a multicolored convoy of the city’s open-top Buicks, Cadillacs, and Oldsmobiles. The owners tooted their horns through the streets of Old Havana, while people came out to line the streets, crowd dilapidated balconies and rooftops, wave and laugh. It could easily have gone the other way—who knew there could be such a welcome in a poor, communist country for a super-luxurious brand and the wealthy women who wear its finery?But it was the people of Cuba who set the atmosphere running—a sense of exuberant excitement that involved everyone from the models to the normally impassively unimpressible members of the press.
With guests sitting on park benches in the open air of the tree-lined Paseo del Prado, the models strolled naturally in flat brogues, flip-flops, and slides. Here was Chanel at full range—black spencer jackets over wide-legged cuffed pants; “debutante” dresses with swirly skirts hitting calf length in lace or organza; skinny long tube dresses in macramé or tattered tweed; huge floaty dresses, neatly belted, in ’50s car prints. The Chanel embroiderers had pulled out all the stops, decorating sleeves with dense layers of tattered fabric (a subtle homage to Hispanic ruffles, surely) and sequin-encrusted little dresses in the peachy-pinks, lemony-oranges, and greeny-blues you see in every direction in Havana.
Take a bow
It was Chanel that started the new lark of traveling Resort shows—immersive summertime trips to evermore far-flung locations—and Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci have been joining in. Occasionally, it has to be said that descriptions of spectacular locations can overshadow collections that aren’t so worth writing home about. But with this show, Karl Lagerfeld achieved it all.
What made it work, in essence, was the easy styling, with T-shirts and flats, a casual attitude that the models clearly felt happy in—so happy that the end of the show broke out into an anarchic kind of carnival where the girls and the audience and the local band all got mixed up together, dancing.
Don’t think I’m going off on a tangent here just because I’ve been posting lately about glamping. Mind you there is something freeing about not having to second guess your outfits while spending time in the great outdoors.The main thing about getting ready for a trip (be it by air or road) is the packing and deciding what to bring and a big part of that is your go-to jacket because you don’t want to carry so much bulk. You need something to cover up in that will keep you warm, be comfortable and at the same time go with pretty much everything except your dressy wear. Something you can throw in the washing machine and not worry about it falling apart too.
My gore-tex jacket is something I never leave home (for any length of time) without. It’s light and folds up easily to fit in a suitcase or under the seat of the camper, it’s totally wind and water proof so will keep me dry when need be and if it’s super cold outside then I can always wear a fleece underneath (which zips right in). It has a hidden hood & pockets. I don’t know how many times that jacket has saved me from the elements. I even skied in it once.
We all know that air travel can be miserable depending on your seating arrangement. Aside from all the hassles of getting on the plane, once you’re in your cramped little economy seat it becomes difficult to do anything but sit upright, elbows tucked and wait for the journey to be over.
But it seems that long-distance love has paid off for the designers of a travel jacket that has now attracted a record $9m from would-be buyers on crowdfunding site Kickstarter.
Last summer, Chicago-based startup BauBax launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for its new self-titled travel jacket.
The BauBax Travel Jacket is equipped with 15 features that makes it perfect for those traveling. The jacket’s retail price starts at $160 (plus taxes/shipping). It comes in four different styles—sweatshirt, windbreaker, bomber, and blazer—and boasts 15 features targeting the varied torments of air travel, though they’re useful for any kind of travel really. Among them are earphone holders, an iPad pocket, a drink pocket that fits a can of soda, gloves that extend from the sleeves, a telescoping pen built into the front zipper that doubles as a stylus, a passport pocket, and a hood that includes an inflatable neck pillow and sleep mask.
I think it’s a pretty damn good all around solution. Genius right?
Remember the post where I declared my love for the Vintage Airstream Trailer? That was 10 days ago although it seems like months now.
I found out that many travel companies are getting on board the vintage trailer bandwagon: In November, rental company Airstream 2 Go partnered with Texas boot-maker Lucchese (love them too – bought a pair in Nashville) on a custom itinerary through the Lone Star State, which includes a trip to the factory and a pair of custom boots.
Airstream says it’s selling five times as many trailers as it did in 2009, spent $6 million on a new office space, and recently hired 130 new employees. Sounds like the making of a major comeback story.
CHECK THIS OUT:
If you’re not the road trip type but want to experience the Airstream lifestyle for a night or two, here are five firmly planted and beautifully decorated hotels for your next vacation.
El Cosmico, Marfa, Texas
El Cosmico Photo: Courtesy of El Cosmico
There is probably no place more appropriate to situate a trailer than Marfa, the art-centric, holistic desert oasis of the Southwest. El Cosmico offers tepees, yurts, and, most important, several models of trailers that are sparsely decorated but seriously cozy. There’s a minibar in each but, intentionally, no Wi-Fi.
AutoCamp, Santa Barbara, California
Autocamp Photo: Courtesy of Autocamp
This tiny Airstream-based hotel is made up of five vintage trailers, some of which come equipped with flat-screen TVs, large bathtubs, and Malin + Goetz products. Each trailer also comes with two beach cruiser bikes for getting around the camp.
Hotel Daniel, Vienna, Austria
Hotel Daniel Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Daniel
Nestled in the garden just outside the boutique hotel, one silver Airstream trailer is available as a room option for guests. The 172-square-foot space was created by interior designers specializing in yachts and has a sleek, minimal feel. It nods to the experience of being out on the open road, but is in the middle of a busy urban center.
Italy Airstream, Venice, Italy
Italy Airstream Park Photo: Courtesy of Italy Airstream Park
The website touts this as “the first Airstream park in Italy,” and it’s certainly the first of its kind on the Adriatic Coast. Recently opened in April, the six Airstreams each sleep up to four people, with a shaded canopy bed outside. It’s 30 minutes to Venice by car, or you can take a longer two-hour ride to reach the Dolomites. There’s also a beach just outside the park.
Caravan Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Caravan Tokyo Photo: Courtesy of Caravan Tokyo
For those looking to skip the Ritz or the Park Hyatt for something a little more low-key, Caravan is the place to stay in Tokyo. It’s a single trailer that sleeps two, parked near the bustling Harajuku neighborhood in a mixed-use office complex. It’s a fantastic example of innovative, smart Japanese design, with a gray exterior, modern pendant lamps and paper stools inside, and a wooden outer deck and lounge area.
I know this is not the same thing but….
It’s what I have for now and it’s more easily transportable. I’ve made many meals in this rig including once in Texas a fully-cooked Christmas dinner. It’s true! Coffee anyone?
Source: Vogue Magazine Article (by Brooke Bobb) 5 Airstream Rentals That Trump Traditional Hotel Rooms
If you live in VANCOUVER or are just visiting you must experience the HOTTEST NEW ATTRACTION over at Canada Place.
Photo: d. king
I went with three others yesterday and absolutely loved it. It was so thrilling and you really feel like you’re flying and can even feel sensation of the elements. I loved it so much that I wished it lasted longer.
It’s the ULTIMATE VIRTUAL FLIGHT over Canada’s most spectacular sights along with a limited time same admission price, Flight of the Dragon ride over iconic Chinese sites.
You will fly above the electrifying city of Shanghai, the snow-peaked Himalayas, and the majestic Great Wall before immediately lifting off again for an absolutely amazing flight over Canada (including Niagara Falls and the Rockies), as part of this limited-engagement event. I can’t say it enough….it was extremely exhilarating.
Photo: d. king – this is where you ENTER to Experience the Thrill
See Flight of the Dragon(for a limited time only) and FlyOver Canada back-to-back!
January 14th – March 6, 2016
Daily from 10AM until 9PM
What to Expect
Raindrop Sculpture Photo: d. king
Start your experience off in our pre-show room, where you will see beautiful festive theming and still images of Chinese New Year celebrations. Then, buckle up your seatbelt and get prepared for the virtual flight ride. First, follow a mythical dragon as you soar over some of China’s most spectacular landscapes and scenery during Flight of the Dragon, a unique 6 minute flight ride experience. Then, stay seated and take off again to experience, the Ultimate Flying Ride, FlyOver Canada, a thrilling virtual flight ride that takes you across Canada from east-to-west. Both rides incorporate state of the art special effects including wind, scents and mist.
The complete experience will last between 20 – 25 minutes.
Entrance/Show Times
Entrance times are every 20 minutes
Please note that the queuing area is partially exposed to the elements. Please dress accordingly for the weather particularly on weekends when it’s possible there may be wait times. To purchase tickets now, click here!
There is a certain style to GLAMPING and it means No Tent Required.
Photo: Mikael Jansson, Vogue (OF COURSE, YOU MUST DRESS THE PART)
Nothing wrong with those adventurous, real outdoorsy, down to earth types who lug around a backpack and set up their tent and make a fire to cook their food. It’s just not for me at this stage (and it never was). But I love the outdoors, breathing in fresh air and sleeping partially outside.
I forgot my gown for this trip but at least I brought my heels!
The next step up from tent camping is owning a VW Eurovan Camper that comes equipped with a fridge, a 2 burner stovetop, a furnace, 2 fold down beds (you can call it a two-bedroom but it’s a bit of a stretch), storage space, surround sound for music and a pop top so you can actually stand up and move around a bit. And a shower…out the back (you have to open up the back so it’s better in warm temperatures and it’s not always the best idea to use it completely naked). Just ask me how I know this!
The best thing about a smaller camper is that you get to park it almost anywhere rather than having to stay in an RV park.Almost…because many places don’t let you camp overnight just anywhere but there are countless beautiful state parks which means you can drive into a spot either right on, or much closer to lakes, rivers and the ocean. It feels like camping…just much more comfortable. That, and wearing my cashmere pajamas. Having a dog or two wagging along is a big bonus. In fact, I wouldn’t want to do it without them.
The added advantage of a smaller camper is we’ve ended up in places and spaces that could not accommodate a large RV, like the middle of the Redwoods, Ca, the Badlands in S. Dakota and on top of Dead Horse Canyon, Utah (where Thelma & Louise drove off that same cliff, we decided to take the slow road down). It’s an adventure in itself.
glamping with Debbie… a flask comes in handy!
Having a luxury RV like a Country Coach or Prevost is a way of life for many people and I can relate to the charm of life on the road and stopping here and there for a length of time. But you should see some of these RV’s…I’m talking luxury homes away from homes. Million dollar+ homes on wheels that are nicer than many people’s condos. I have a few friends who live like that. They have a home base but drive their luxe coaches from place to place and set up anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The true beauty of travelling this way is that you get to see so much more than if you were to hop on a flight to go straight from A to B. You must also have the luxury of time.
Owning a vehicle/home like a large RV means that you must reside in RV parks that are setup for that size of home away from home. There are only a few RV parks that I’ve encountered (one is “Outdoor Resorts” in Las Vegas where our friends stayed – it was beautiful with a huge outdoor living space complete with tiki hut, living area and kitchen) that I can imagine myself staying in, except no VW’s allowed. Anyway, it’s whatever works for you. These people end up paying each night to park, more than some hotels charge.
So even though I love the roominess of some RV’s I’ve come across, what I really want is…. drumroll…..an AIRSTREAM. Only people who really know me will understand this. Yes, since the first time I saw one I’ve wanted one. There’s just something about the Airstream. It has a caché of its own.
Owning one for camping purposes is the equivalent to owning a Vespa for scooting purposes.
Allright allright allright… it’s the stylishness I confess. I’ve been eyeing them for a while now. One guy even caught me taking pictures of a vintage model in Palm Springs a perfect place for one wouldn’t you say?.. and there I was snapping away and it turned out to be his Vintage Airstream. Then we had a whole conversation on them becoming more mainstream now (aw, I hate when that happens), more pricey and more exclusive and definitely a collectible. He owns two but has homes elsewhere….blah, blah, blah…(airstream talk). His name was Matthew.
If you don’t believe me just refer to the paragraph below from a recent article in Vogue Magazine. I mean….it’s Vogue, so let’s talk about style.
The first Airstream was built in 1929, and almost 90 years later, the iconic aluminum trailer still has quite a following:Matthew McConaughey and Lenny Kravitz are proud owners, and many restaurants, shops, and hotels have invested in Airstreams as new forms of food trucks, showrooms, or guest room options. And let’s not forget the Airstream’s supporting role in Karlie Kloss and Taylor Swift’s BFF road trip for Vogue back in February.
See? I told you so!
Mini “V” and Airstream in Los Olivos, Ca. Adorable, and let’s just say – more affordable!driving away in my red pickup truck
A pleasurable daily Dog Walk atRiver Walk in Palm Springs
a short walking distance from where we stayed in South Palm Canyonsomething to smile about – view from where I sat for lunch at Thai Smile – just chillin!
LAGUNA BEACH IS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S PREMIER COASTAL DESTINATION IF YOU LOVE SURF, ART, HEALTHY FOOD AND A LAID-BACK NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL ATMOSPHERE.
It’s where I met Aristotle, a handsome 34 year old native New Yorker who blurted out “I love you” within a minute of meeting me. I immediately fell for him but he was living with someone else. Then, when I left hesitatingly he said “later baby.” Such is life. I saved his photo for last.
This seven-mile stretch of sand and surf is located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. It offers a year-round retreat for art lovers, nature enthusiasts and beachgoers.
A re-cap of my second visit to Laguna Beach and certainly not my last.
Some AbstractArtful Sign PostsSapphire’s globally inspired fine coffees, cheeses, wines & prepared foods. They cater too.Surfer dude. My drawing from a photo I took.
SHOP LAGUNA
The main shopping streetDesign stores mixed with surf and upscale boutiques. Lots of ART Galleries.
The best salads, rice bowls & frozen yogurt.This is Michael. He is the friendly official “unoffcial” greeter of Laguna.This is Aristotle, my 34-year-old looker that talks back!
A recap of my time between Christmas and New Year’s:
And speaking of Year of the Monkey:
Las Vegas JackThe Bellagio bear is made out of flowers. The magical Christmas display was like being in Santas workshop.Christmas Day – joining friends at the Cosmopolitan Hotel “Wicked”
More Trouble in Palm Springs
New Year’s Eve – I started out like this – complete with silver sparkle shoes.At the stroke of midnight my carriage disappeared and I lost one shoe.I ended up like this…waking up with 2 boytoys.So I decided to climb a tree in honour of the Year of the Monkey.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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