Layered in Adventure

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Jacket: Zara; Pants: Paige

Layering has been super important to me this season. Will an abundant array of options to keep warmth in and the cold out, it’s kind of a game to me to see how things layer. If you’re wearing multiple layers — all of them stylish — and you get hot, you can take one off and still look sharp. When you start to cool off, you slip the top layer back on and still look put together. In a sense, smart layering enables you to look great in a wide range of temperatures without heading home to change.

One of my more favorite finds recently was this super transitional and comfortably cool jacket from Zara. It’s a velvet bomber jacket that is soft enough to keep suitors close and warm enough to keep you moving during your winter adventures. I found myself hugging the fabric and wanting to find a way to make it work for every outfit.

As you all know, I am a huge foodie so on our most recent trip to New York City this jacket was my go to for hopping from restaurant to restaurant. Some of my memories from the vacation included oysters from Mermaid Inn Oyster Bar, Spaghetti from Scarpetta and of course, a huge ice cream cone from Big Gay Ice Cream!

In general, layering is a four-season look. I found that fact to be especially true this time around. This jacket lends itself naturally to fall and winter — when changing temperatures make it convenient to have pieces you can take on or off throughout the day — but with the right wardrobe pieces and the right materials you can have a layered look all year round if you want.

Needless to say, we had an absolute blast in NYC and I certainly can’t wait to go back. Layer your next trip with a bit of adventure!

Plaid in the Park

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 Shirt: J. Crew ; Jeans: Bonobos

Simple things tend to bring us the most joy. A loyal friend, a good cup of coffee or a trusted pair of old boots might do the trick. I find the most pleasure in the art of trekking. Taking the road less traveled, getting outside and blending in with nature. Call me the camouflaged connoisseur of taking to the streets and finding out how to find my drum.

Sorry if my metaphors seem a bit much. I’ve just returned from New York City, you see. The city bustled with traffic of all means, noise pollution and a certain spark that only this time of year can bring. Through it all, though, I found a sense of wonder hidden in the majestic sprawl of Central Park. The feeling called to my inner outdoorsman and so I ventured into the depths of the concrete jungle and dawned a new persona.

The king of the fashion jungle in winter time seems to be the mighty plaid. You’ll find it on scarves, belts, jackets and more. My favorite way to wear it? Shirting. Yup, call me a lumberjack because my affinity for perfectly mixed lines puts me in my happy place. After I’d seen a stretch of the park including ponds, mountains, fountains and lawns, I concluded that I’d better get home before dark. I cherished the ability to rock my new favorite plaid button down for a stroll and only wished that my next adventure would be as soothing to my outdoorsy soul.

Long Flights and Bangkok Bites

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Well hey there. It’s me. I am jet lagged as ever (we’re talking bed before 7pm and 3am wake up calls) but I made it back from Thailand. A beautiful country it is, filled with gorgeous sights, delicious food and the kindest people. I gained so much from traveling across the world to see the curiously chaotic and seamlessly chic cities I’d heard so much about. Over 13 days of traveling has landed me in a state of trance, yes. But I am here to share some of my fondest (and tastiest) memories from my adventures abroad that I hope you will enjoy!

After landing at nearly 2 am and arriving to our hotel almost an hour later, sleep was the only thing on our brains. So after a nights rest and a few cups of coffee we embarked on our first days of sightseeing. The Peninsula Bangkok is one of the most amazing hotels I have ever stayed in. Between the attention to detail, room design and overall classy feel, it’s like being in a dream. Needless to say, the beds were exceptionally comfy as well! Helps when you’ve traveled 23 hours to get there. Right, back to the fun.

One of the experiences that The Peninsula provides is a traditional Thai cooking class. Our experienced started by visiting the fresh market to select the ingredients via the Peninsula Tuk Tuk (the only way to get around the bustling city). This intriguing three-wheeled taxi is synonymous with Thailand and is a fast and fun way to get around the city. The hotel’s brand new, bespoke Tuk Tuk includes complimentary Wi-Fi, drinking water and cold towels on board for guests. No roughing it here! We zipped through bustling streets and alleys of Bangkok to local markets where we purchased fresh ingredients for our cooking class. There was so much to see and eat! I’d heard so much about Thai street food but sampling was a whole other level of cool. Fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and more. We chose our ingredients and headed back to get cooking…

I am a true lover of Thai cuisine and was thrilled when we found out what dishes we would be preparing for the afternoon. On the menu was an assortment including Som Tam (papaya salad with tomatoes and cashew nuts), Tom Yum Goong (Spicy and sour prawn soup with lemongrass), Phad Thai (Thai rice noodles and prawns, bean sprout and chive) and Khao Nhiew Ma-Muang (Fresh Mango with coconut infused sticky rice). Knowing we picked out all the parts to make the dish made it that much better. Our expert chef guided us through each dish before we sat to enjoy it. I felt immersed in the Thai way with the spice, flavors and cooking methods being explored.

After finishing the cooking class, we enjoyed a traditional Thai lunch prepared by the restaurant’s chef at Thiptara restaurant, literally translated as “heaven on water”. While we savored Thai dishes served in open-air traditional Salas set among lush tropical gardens overlooking the banks of the Chao Phraya River, we knew this was a bite of Bangkok we wouldn’t soon forget.