Category Archives: Travel

INSADONG PHOTO DIARY

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Insadong, the super old town in Seoul, was spectacular. The vibrant colors on the walls and tiny wooden traditional homes. Endless rows of tea houses, and little food stands selling local sweets and fried donuts. I wanted to taste everything. I refused to put my camera down. Early that morning, we were busy filming the REEF music/travel film where I belted a song over my keyboard (which you can still view here). 2016 is going to be amazing once again as the REEF Girls ambassador. We have a lot of travels already lined up, and a lot more music involved so get ready! Work always feels like fun when you’re just creating constantly and doing what you love. With the people you love. After a day of capturing Insadong with Team Suarez, we watched the sunset over Bukhansan National Park. We had a moment of zen at the temple followed by a quiet walk up and down the steps through park. The leaves so vibrant and the air crisp and peaceful, it was bittersweet to leave South Korea. I can’t wait for another across-the-world trip.

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// REEF rover sneakers //

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MOMENTS OF SEOUL SEARCHING

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With so much work, followed by a very relaxing much-needed holiday break (I think I’ve had one too many beach days spent reading the newspaper front to back), I realized that wow, there are so many more stories from my travels that I haven’t had a chance to get up here yet. Like SEOUL…searching, and with my two best babes, Dylana and Ashley. Our fashion week adventures in Seoul, South Korea were a definite highlight of 2015. Being in Asia is just such a ride. From the 14 hour flight to the 14 hour flight home. So long, but so worth it. Who would have thought we were only 1 hour away from Tokyo?! That’s on my 2016 must-see destinations.

Anyways here a few of my favorite SEOUL moments: 

-At Seoul Fashion Week, we were greeted by so many adorable kid streetstyle stars clad in beanies, mini denim jackets, and of course, their very stylish mothers. Yes, a toddler grabbed my cell phone to take a selfie of us. So cute.

-The rows and rows of cheeky Korean skincare stores around DDP. I was this close to purchasing the panda face masks. Yep, they sell sheet masks that legit make you look like one giant panda. They’d have been perfect for those funny Snapchats to send to pals. I didn’t have too much time to shop thought their 5 story high malls were brilliant. I went straight for the skincare.

-The berets. They were everywhere that my friends and I stocked up on a few good ones to take back to the States. Get a beret and maybe a cool pair of faux fur sneakers. Weirder the better.

Insadong: The oldest part of Seoul, with beautiful traditional wood homes, and little Mom and Pop boutiques. A close walk to Gyongbukgong Palace. You can also discover a lot of local, traditional art here!

-The karaoke. Koreans LOVE to party. And they’re fantastic at it. You’ve been warned that your host will certainly have a few bottles of soju lying around, and whiskey on the rocks in your hands at all times. Cheers accordingly before blasting out the Britney Spears tunes. I don’t think we went a day without listening to Gangnam Style.

-The FOOD. My daily fuel was the classic beef bulgogi. So good, and definitely hits the spot when you’re on the constant go. For nights with our crew, we went for classic Korean BBQ….be prepared to have your clothes smell of kimchi and spices on the way home. But our breakfasts were more insane. We always began our days with one (or two) bowls of pho at The Shilla. Pho for breakfast. Crazy, but the best thing ever made. Also a proven hangover cure (thank me later). I’ve never experienced such a killer breakfast buffet, but The Shilla, was one of my favorite 5 star hotels I’ve had the pleasure of staying at. It was hard picking between the eggs and chicken chow mein versus a classic French baguette. Decisions, decisions.

Speaking of which, the new year has brought in a ton of decision making for me! 2016 means moving into my NEW HOME in NYC (more on that soon!), traveling the world (next stop is Florence, Italia next week), and a ton of killer creative, “think outside the box” projects. I’ve never felt more me in a really long time. A girl has got to know what she wants before she gets it. Let’s crush it this year babes!! We can do it!

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// Vintage silk top and suede skirt, Gucci bamboo tote, Puma x Rihanna sneakers, Sabrina SL leather choker //

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YOU GOT FLARE

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A perfect pantsuit like this just gives you an empowering feeling. Like you could jam all night, hit the stage, or in this case, take on Miami’s South Beach in the middle of the winter. This baby was made by my gal pals over at For Love & Lemons and I’m in love with their latest collection. A lot of rock n’ roll, a bit of Mick Jagger flair, complete with killer prints that could have been pulled out of Janis Joplin’s closet. Blending in perfectly with Miami’s Art Deco architecture. We had just hopped off the plane from NYC, and had a weekend with one jam packed schedule. Late night dinners with old friends, boat rides blasting Britney Spears, and the best part, a whole city covered in art to explore and capture.

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// For Love & Lemon blazer and pant, vintage Michael Kors belt,  EXPRESS scarf, True Religion silk tank, Steve Madden shoes, Marie Turnor handbag //

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ART BASEL 2015 | PERSOL

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Art Basel in Miami is the ultimate escape in December before the holidays. One last get-together with your wildest of pals in one crazy city. I was in town with our lovely Persol crew in celebration of the beautiful Persol Cellor sunglasses. Persol is known for being effortless and timeless. The Cellor sunglasses are an everyday pair that you could pass down to your kids, then to your grandkids, and they too will find they are still in style. I realized now that those are the key pieces to keep in my wardrobe. Anything and everything timeless.

We were like kids in the glamourous South Beach. Jumping off yachts, spotting numerous celebrities at the crowded Mr. Chow, and one too many nights up late on the dance floor. I mean, it’s Miami, and Miami is killer during Art Basel, because everyone you know is in town, and everyone’s just so excited to be away for a long weekend and get a little bit of sunshine. But besides all of glitz and glamour, I now know why Art Basel draws in art lovers from all over the world. Art Basel is incredibly inspiring. It’s the ultimate escape, mentally and physically. I wanted to take all of the art home. Especially the neon signs, the bold colorful paintings, and mystical street art. Everything had an underlying positive message. Mostly about togetherness. Seeing past our differences. Overcoming everything and anything. I think in a time like now, where it seems something always interrupts our peace in the world…greatness really only starts with ourselves, one person at a time… with kindness and understanding. Basically, be the best and strongest version of yourself. Art Basel is amazing in that you can step into a whole different world with just one photo, one exhibit, and leave with your own perceptions and story. That’s the beauty of art. You make it whatever you want to make it.

To me, our weekend was definitely about togetherness, making new friends, and laughing like nobody’s listening.

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// Persol cellor sunglasses, Solid & Striped bikini, Coach denim jacket //

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// Breelayne silk blouse, VEDA trousers, NOE Undergarments bra //

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