The Stars Align for Britain & Ireland’s Restaurant Scene

As Britain and Ireland undergo a restaurant renaissance, Fine Dining Lovers talks to some of the UK’s top chefs about Michelin stars and casual dining.

from Fine Dining Lovers

Vinexpo 2017 Dedicates Space for Organic Wines

The upcoming 2017 edition of Vinexpo to be held at Bordeaux next summer will dedicate a space to organic and biodynamic wines.

from LUXUO

Artist Elling Reitan: Norwegian Touch

Art Republik goes on a color binge with Elling Reitan, whose work will be showcased at the upcoming Art Taipei 2016.

from LUXUO

Review: Casio G-Shock MTG-G1000AR

Casio’s latest premium G-Shock, the MTG-G1000AR recalls ancient sunken treasures with its exterior, but comes packed with the latest technologies.

from LUXUO

The top 3 premium shopping streets in Barcelona

Barcelona may not be as well known as other European cities for its shopping hotspots, but if you’re looking for some retail therapy in a beautiful setting, then the Catalan capital will definitely have something for you. From unique boutiques to big brands, including some of the best designers around, here we give you the […]

The top 3 premium shopping streets in Barcelona is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The post The top 3 premium shopping streets in Barcelona appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

from A Luxury Travel Blog

Our pick of India’s palaces-turned-hotels

India’s succession of powerful dynasties and empires has a complex story, but each leader had one thing in common – a fondness for decadent architecture. Expensive to run and almost impossible for their builders to maintain, many of these important palaces have now been lovingly turned into befittingly opulent hotels. We’ve chosen some of the […]

Our pick of India’s palaces-turned-hotels is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The post Our pick of India’s palaces-turned-hotels appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

from A Luxury Travel Blog

Top 5 big city breaks for independently-minded travellers

Anyone reading this doesn’t need to be told where to go. On the contrary – the savvy traveller knows exactly where to go. But at the heart of it all, exploring and discovering is something we all crave when planning our holidays. Travel can refresh your senses and revitalise your take on the world, shaking […]

Top 5 big city breaks for independently-minded travellers is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The post Top 5 big city breaks for independently-minded travellers appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

from A Luxury Travel Blog

Branson Ditches His Cruise Line for Something Sexier

Sir Richard Branson isn’t a fan of cruises. Or at least, doesn’t love the sound of them. “I have never been on a cruise, and never wanted to—they sound stuffy and dull. But I would love to go on a voyage—they sound adventu...

via JustLuxe.com

from JustLuxe: LuxuryTravel News

Hyatt Launches New Loyalty Program

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has overhauled its loyalty program with the launch of "World of Hyatt" planned for 2017.

from LUXUO

Bali’s Villa Mana, With Luxury Retreats

Hot off the press from Bali! Whether you’re taking a family trip or planning that group getaway with your besties, Luxury Retreats has got you covered with their 6 bedroom fully staffed Villa Mana. This jungle hideaway is located on the vibrant Indonesian island of Bali. It is set amidst a backdrop of sprawling lush green rice fields, tropical foliage and beautiful beaches. The elegance of the modern décor partners perfectly with the tropical surroundings. See the video >>>

from Wildluxe

3 Spanish Chef Recipes, With Wine and Water Pairings

A trio of top recipes taken from Spanish chefs during a special S.Pellegrino.dinner at Gastronomika, San Sebastian 2016, along with wine and water suggestions.

from Fine Dining Lovers

Review: BMW M2 Goes Back To Basics

BMW’s new little M2 takes the brand back to its roots, but can it compete in this growing segment?

from LUXUO

UK and Ireland's Best Pub Named by Michelin

The Marksman pub in Bethnal Green, London has been chosen as the best food pub in the UK and Ireland by the Michelin Guide.

from Fine Dining Lovers

FlashTorch Mini

Inside The $40K Abu Dhabi Suite At The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

A luxurious Abu Dhabi suite that normally goes for $40,840 USD a night is opening its doors for the regular folk, in a series of brunch events that offer a lavish experience at a fraction of the cost.

Easily identifiable from a distance as the glass unit bridging two towers on the 48th and 49th floors, the Abu Dhabi Suite at the St. Regis Abu Dhabi has, up to now, been eyed wistfully by the common folk below as an exclusive experience reserved for the world’s most affluent guests.

The suite holds bragging rights to being the highest suspended suite in the world.

But starting later this month, the suite will host a series of brunch events that allow visitors to cross the threshold and explore the 1,120 square meter suite, which features everything from a cinema, spa and two-storey majlis (Arabic salons or lounges).

Different courses will be served in different rooms and include an oyster room, cheese and dessert space, caviar ice-bar, candy room, and private bar for champagne-spiked brunch cocktails.

As guests tuck into brunch, they’ll be able to admire the cascading crystal decor, 24-carat gold leaf accents, and panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, the Corniche and the city skyline.

Between courses, they can also retire to the suite’s private spa for shoulder massages, or a manicure.

“Since opening, there has been a lot of curiosity about the suite,” said the hotel’s General Manager Moustafa Sakr in a statement. “Brunch in the Clouds allows us to engage more with our local community and to let them see the suite for themselves. We also want to highlight the hotel’s genuine unassuming service and the culinary skill of our chefs.”

“We see this as a powerful opportunity for people to really understand our passion for luxury and for hospitality.”

The first Brunch in the Clouds takes place April 29, followed by monthly events on the final Friday of each month with the exception of June for Ramadan.

The price for brunch is about $110 USD and about $180 USD with bubbly.

The post Inside The $40K Abu Dhabi Suite At The St. Regis Abu Dhabi appeared first on Pursuitist.

from Pursuitist

Apple Macbook Pro

Watch Michelin Star Chefs Cook ... Everything

A round-up of some of the best cooking videos on the web. Watch Michelin chefs cook eggs, risotto, onions and more.

from Fine Dining Lovers

Nissan E NV200 WORKSPACe

A luxury weekend in and around Santa Monica, California

It had been a good 3 years since we last visited Santa Monica – and that was for a day at the beach. But whereas 10 years ago we actually used to stay in Santa Monica as our base in LA, in the last visits, we have chosen to go elsewhere.

 

And a bit of background here – on this trip, where we visited Palm Springs for almost a week, I was with Mr. O, Miss O and my BFF Trudi who had joined us from New Zealand. As we had a gorgeous villa in the desert, we had booked another fabulous villa in Beverly Hills… which was cancelled 3 days before our arrival.

What? You read it right – we had booked a villa and the owner decided to allow the current guests to extend their stay… and couldn’t care less about honouring our reservation. The downside of private rentals. And a great way for me to waste a day by the pool in Palm Springs and desperately try to find somewhere nice to stay and, more importantly – with availability on our dates, which were totally not flexible as we had 3 nights planned for LA and a flight to Charleston to spend the rest of the week in Kiawah Island with my friend Luxury Travel Mom.

But somethings happen for a reason – and this gorgeous townhouse on Santa Monica beach was to be our home away from home. That meant some other last minute changes – because if we were going to stay in Santa Monica, we did not want to spend our time stuck in traffic between the various LA cities. So for half of the trip, we were literally winging it. Mrs. O living dangerously, I know!

Could we get any closer to the beach? No!

 

The house

We needed a 3 bedroom and 3 bathroom house and this house actually offered us a bit more than that – I would love to share the booking link with you, but it seems that it has been de-listed on Homeaway.

It was advertised as being just redecorated and we kind of felt it was, but some things were missing – but not that it ruined our stay or anything!

Some of the best views in Santa Monica, for sure! Photos of us by Flytographer.

Design-wise, we felt that the living and dining area, as well as the kitchen and the master were excellent – really cannot fault it. However, we felt that the other bedrooms and bathrooms were far from what we expected. There was room for improvement – and not difficult to improve and that is my negative comment about the house.

Before arriving to Santa Monica, we stayed at the most gorgeous villa in Palm Springs, where nothing – and I repeat, NOTHING – was missing and everything in the house was thought about.

The master bedroom which we cannot fault. We particularly liked the sea views!

 

Bedroom 2 and 3 and one of the bathrooms. Just OK would be the fair assessment.

 

Bedroom 4 could be much better – look at the curtains. Really? Also see ground floor outdoor area.

Needless to say, we spent a fair bit of time in the living and dining area. The kitchen was very well stocked and I have to say, everything was spotless. Super clean and we really had everything we needed and more.

Some ‘lifestyle’ shots by Flytographer.

We only used the kitchen to prepare drinks – sunset drinks mostly. We really were not in the mood to cook and wanted to explore Santa Monica’s dining scene.

We really did spend a lot of time in the balcony. I am sure you can understand why.

Getting in and out of the house was ‘interesting’. Coming from Malibu was relatively simple, as you literally pulled to the right and got in. But coming from Santa Monica (where we did 98% of times), you had to stop at a U-turn area… and pray that the oncoming traffic stopped. At night it wasn’t bad, but during the day, it could take 5-10 minutes (and I am not exaggerating). Also, to leave the house… you had to be brave and just join the dual carriageway. We could have walked to and from the centre, but chose not to as we weren’t sure what the walk would be at night. This is the price you pay for the location.

Some house details. I wasn’t a fan of the mismatched beach towels, but I am being picky.

 

The beach

Our own baywatch moment!

We couldn’t get any closer. The beach was there and we did enjoy walking around it. It still beats me why on earth California does not allow for sun loungers like they do in Florida or in Europe. That would make for such a civilised and nice beach experience. This is obviously my personal opinion.

 

With the scene set, here’s what we did in and around Santa Monica during our stay.

 

Day 1

We got to the house at around 1pm, as we had an early check-in. We really only wanted to drop our bags and go to lunch!

Imagine a place like this right on the beach. OMG.

As we had not planned to actually go to Santa Monica.. we did not really have meals planned or booked. So we started driving around Ocean Avenue and came across this place. It was packed and had a little queue, which obviously meant it would be good. We waited 10 mins for a table and I have to say – BP Oysterette was really nice and we really enjoyed our meal there. Lobster rolls, oysters, lobster mac & cheese. It was lovely. (Lunch was $50 per person)

We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the shopping options which, in this part of the world, are ‘a plenty’. We went to 3rd Street Promenade, where you can find a selection of the main US high street retailers, then made a stop at Santa Monica Place, which has Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and some more upmarket shops and ended our shopping afternoon on 4th Street, where you can find West Elm, Pottery Barn, CB2 and other ‘home shops’ which we love.

Breakfast at Shoops, Santa Monica Place and Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica

What I couldn’t find was Williams Sonoma (which is the parent company of West Elm and PB) and I asked the lady there and she told me it was on ‘Montana’. I had no idea where Montana was, but funnily enough it where the Dry Bar (where we had pre-dinner hair appointments was located). Little did I know that ‘Montana’ was indeed the gem of our stay in Santa Monica, and where we were to return to every single day.

We loved Montana Av (the shopping area is located between 4th and 18th Streets)

After a fab blow dry, we went back to the townhouse to change for dinner, and of course have a little sunset drink.

We managed to get a last minute reservation at Ivy at the Shore, a restaurant we have been to a few times but not in recent years, and it really was fantastic. (Dinner was $150 per person).

Mr. O still wasn’t sure how he managed to finish the lobster pasta. But he LOVED it.

 

Day 2

As we woke up, we thought that having breakfast within walking distance to the townhouse would be feasible and a fab idea. Sadly there is only 1 eating option in the area – which we tried on the first day for breakfast. Think about the dirtiest and stickiest beach cafe – and that is sadly what Santa Monica offers you. This company, called Perry’s Cafe has the ‘exclusive’ of Santa Monica beach eating and drinking and it is stuck in time. Imagine what they could be offering – from juice bars (so California), to fresh fish, lovely breakfasts. Nope. I obviously don’t know anything about the contract, but something tells me a little competition wouldn’t hurt.

I honestly think Santa Monica deserves better beach dining options.

You can rent beach chairs (from the 80s) and if you saw how dirty everything was first thing in the morning, I can only imagine what it would be like mid-morning. We never went back and had to be creative when it came to breakfast, which was a real shame. Perfect location – and so little choice.

After a little walk on the beach, we were really to be collected by our private guide and driver from Glitterati Tours, a company we had used the previous year and absolutely loved their services. Basically, you select from a set of half day or full day tours, and a big mamma Escalade comes and picks you up, complete with a very good looking male guide and off you go. I like how their service is priced – very simple, it is per car, by the hour and not by the number of people. The cars are great, complete with snacks and drinks and it really is a great way to see the local sights.

Last year we explored Hollywood and Beverly Hills (and made lots of mental notes of places to visit), and this year, as we were based in Santa Monica, we managed to change the tour we had to a Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu discovery.

I couldn’t help but smile when we got to ‘Montana’ – but I was curious about going back to Venice, which I really had not bothered in at least 8 years.

Venice Beach… but the canals were nice.

In all honesty, Venice Beach really had not changed much. If you have never been, by all means schedule half an hour to see it (and the ‘world famous’ Muscle Beach), but the beachfront is tacky and well, not really worth it.

But what was fantastic? He took us down Abbot Kinney Boulevard which had been gentrified to an inch of its life and OMG, really was cool. Almost too cool for us – but we made a mental note to spend some more time there. Bear with me.

From Venice, we made our way to Malibu and our first stop was a winery which really was nice. The wines were fine – but the venue really was so cute. We felt we were miles away from the city and loved it.

Isn’t this the cutest winery?

We went on a little drive around – to the centre of Malibu town and then we stopped by the beach. I never understood how the ‘beach’ in Malibu worked, but turns out that there are some public passageways between the houses and if you can find a parking space, well, you can just go.

We just went for a little walk around and I have to say, it felt weird being so close to these very nice houses. It wasn’t difficult to put yourself in the other shoes – you pay $10 million+ for a house here and anyone can just come and seat by your ‘front yard’, very very close to you.

Beach in Malibu – I love that one owner bought a bunch of houses and has ‘pretend workers’ just so you don’t park in front… If you look closely, you can see people sitting just outside the house, enjoying the beach. Surely they could move a couple metres?

Our driver dropped us back to our townhouse and it was time for lunch. We knew what we wanted to do – go to the beach in Malibu. Sadly we could not get a table at Nobu, so we just went back to the oyster place in Santa Monica and made our way to the same Malibu beach spot and spent a few hours there. It was perfect – we were at least 20 metres away from any house and I swam in the US West Coast for the very first time. I must have visited 20 times but I never had the chance. I still think some beach loungers would have been amazing. Just a thought.

After a shower, and changing for dinner, we made our way to Beverly Hills, where we had organised to meet our friends Molly and David (the best looking couple in the world) and the restaurant was so cool the first time around, we really couldn’t care less about driving and just wanted to go back to AOC. (Dinner was around $100 per person).

We loved AOC so much – we had first been the previous year but had to go back again.

 

Day 3

We spent our third morning.. at ‘Montana’. We found this great place for breakfast called GroundWorks (see photos above), and some really really good shops (including my obligatory trip to Williams Sonoma). From there, and with a little help from Jim (the owner of Glitterati Tours), we managed to find out way to the Hollywood sign (we had first visited this particular spot the previous year with the guide).

The obligatory touristy shots. And if you know this guy, can you let me know? He was filming a latin music video here.

For lunch, we went back to Tortilla Republic (I know, I am a creature of habit) in West Hollywood which was just around the corner – and the girls loved the jalapeno margaritas. I love Mexican food in California and this place really is excellent. We love how varied the menu is, and the shopping around the restaurant really isn’t bad either. (Lunch was around $50 per person)

We love Mexican food. And drink!

In the afternoon… we just went back to our townhouse and just spent some time outside. We also had a Flytographer session (which explains the very decent photos of us) and gorgeous sunset Gin & Tonics with our good friend Kiera who is also LA-based and we see everytime we visit.

The most gorgeous sunset in Santa Monica

For dinner, Kiera had picked Red O, almost next door to The Ivy and it really was a great choice. It was very lively, the food was great and not far at all. What else could we ask for? (Dinner was around $90 per person).

A fabulous way to enjoy the last night in town.

 

Day 4

Day 4 was our last day in town, as we had a midnight flight to Charleston via Charlotte. But we had a full day to enjoy! The first thing we did was make sure half of our bags were picked up by Luggage Forward and shipped directly to the UK (because shopping and internal US flights). This worked like clockwork and it really was a godsend, as we then only had 4 suitcases to take East, of which 2 were still empty.

Half our bags were taken away from us by the lovely people at Luggage Forward. And you can guess where we had our final lunch?

We wanted to take a break from shopping – well, I didn’t really – but Miss O really wanted to visit the Getty Museum, which we had not been to in 10 years. So that is there we spent out morning (which was lovely), before we had a very special meal. Yes, we went to In-n-Out for a burger, because it would be rude not to!

The J. Paul Getty Museum

Well, we did not want any extra stress, so in the afternoon, we went to get mani-pedis, massages and get our hair done – guess where? At ‘Montana’. Because ‘Montana’ was the best discovery of this trip to Santa Monica.

But not before we made a final stop. Where? Miss O had organised bookings at Gjelina in Venice weeks before, and that is where we spent out last hours (dinner around $75 per person). You know when Caudalie is doing graffiti, the place is possibly way too cool. But we loved it.

Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice really is fantastic, and I would highly recommend a shopping session in this area. You will not be sorry.

 

Gjelina really was fab – and the perfect type of food before travelling.

 

We were sad that our California trip was coming to an end – but the thing about California is that I know that I will always go back. The mix up with our accommodation really was a fortunate accident and we were delighted to have explored Santa Monica a bit more.

Not a bad place for a sunset walk! Photo by Flytographer.

Until the next time!

xo

Mrs. O

 

How to book:

• We paid $1000/night for the beach house including a last-minute discount. Normal price is around $2000 which is great value for 5 bedrooms! I cannot find a link to the house, but I will contact the owner as really I would have no problems recommending it.
• A 30-minute session with Flytographer costs $250 and we loved this shoot (as per normal!)
• I used Luggage Forward for the first time and they have offered 1 bag to be sent from LA to London free of charge. We paid for the other 3 bags (around $125 each).
• A private tour with Glitterati for 4 guests costs $179/hour, with a minimum of 2 hours.
• We flew British Airways from London to LAX – and we managed to use our Avios this time. You can read my review of its Business Class service on the A380 here.

 

 

 

The post A luxury weekend in and around Santa Monica, California appeared first on Mrs. O Around the World - a luxury travel blog by Ana Silva O'Reilly.

from Mrs. O Around the World – a luxury travel blog by Ana Silva O'Reilly

OM Presents New Furniture Range in Singapore

Luxury furniture brand OM recently unveiled a new range at its showroom that may soon be seen in its next project.

from LUXUO

The New Four Seasons Research And Discovery Studio: Perfecting The Guest Experience

When Four Seasons guests enters their hotel rooms and suites, close the door, unpack luggage, go to window to take in the view, take a shower or bath, rarely do they consider how the design of the room affects how they feel over a day or two or a week. The guests just know things feel right, they feel well, and move on with business or pleasure.

This sense of guest well-being is what Four Seasons architects and designers strive for, and is one of the major reasons why their newest idea, the Four Seasons Research and Discovery Studio, was developed, and was unveiled recently at the company’s global headquarters in Toronto.

Four Seasons R&D Studio Modular Guest Room

Complete with wall paintings, communal meeting and workspaces, the R&D Studio is a collaborative workspace where Four Seasons considers all options –everything from table settings and lighting specs to staff wardrobes and bathroom amenities – all in pursuit of perfecting the guest experience.

The space includes work areas dedicated to the fundamental touch points that create the Four Seasons guest experience, including the Four Seasons bed, a fully-functional bar for testing coffee and cocktail equipment, an atelier to sample and model employee wardrobes, and a table-top staging area to experiment with different combinations of glassware, tableware, and cutlery.  The R&D Studio also includes a dedicated area where Four Seasons can also test the scents and aesthetics of bathroom amenities, to ensure they evoke the personality of each distinct property.

Four Seasons Modular Bed

The centerpiece of the R&D Studio is a space where Four Seasons builds three- dimensional replicas of guest rooms entirely of cardboard. Designed to scale and customized with beds, closets, end tables, doorways, and chairs all made of durable cardboard, the Modular Room creates the opportunity to manipulate space and test unusual layouts and particularly challenging room designs in cost-effective cardboard before moving into production of a full model room.

Pursuitist recently interviewed Dana Kalczak, Vice President, Design, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, explains more about this new idea.

Dana Kalczak, Four Seasons, Toronto

Pursuitist: This is such a simple, yet compelling idea — dealing with the basic psychology of moveable space. How long as the R&D Studio been in existence before this launch?

Kalczak: We transformed office and meeting space in our Toronto headquarters into the new R&D Studio over the last several months and have been using the Studio since the end of September.   While the dedicated space is new, the thinking behind the Studio is not, as collaboration, attention to detail, and a commitment to perfecting the guest experience have always been a part of what we do here at Four Seasons.

 Pursuitist: The idea of design and space collaboration seems like such a root system of a sense of well-being in guest rooms. What is the timeline, approximately, from start to finish, from the conceptualization of a guest room or suite to the finish? 

Kalczak: Timelines vary from project to project based on a number of factors including the complexity of the design and the location of the project. In an ideal scenario it takes about six months to complete the design of a guest room, and approximately six more months to build the room.

Pursuitist: When you discuss manipulating space and testing unusual layouts — what type of unusual layouts do you mean?

Kalczak: Our approach to design has always been very guest-centric, adapting spaces to incorporate features that our guests have told us they want, such as spaces with greater flexibility and multiple functions, using natural light as much as possible to create a sense of well-being and the ability to exercise control over their environment, which is paramount to guest comfort.  Sometimes the spaces we are working with need to be manipulated to ensure we are incorporating these features and meeting the expectations of our guests.

Pursuitist: Which professions are included in discussions of the Four Seasons R&D guest rooms? interior designers? architects? Others?

Kalczak: The Studio reflects the input of many individuals and teams across the organization, teams such as Design and Construction, Capital Planning & Procurement, IT and Operations who use the space day in and day out. It also offers a space for collaboration with interior designers, architects, engineers and consultants who are integral to creating the Four Seasons guest room.

Pursuitist: What new ideas have emerged from the creation of the R&D Studio?

Kalczak: The most exciting new idea born out of the R&D Studio is the Modular room – a full-size model guest room made entirely of cardboard. The modular room allows us to manipulate space and engage with designer’s work in an entirely new way – not just in two dimensions but in three.  It’s an exciting first for Four Seasons and, as far as we are aware, we are the first in our industry to use this type of approach.  We have a guest room mocked up in cardboard right now for an upcoming project. Once it was installed, I walked through the space and I was instantly able to recognize configurations that needed rethinking. It allows us to make decisions much more quickly and explore the impact of these decisions in real-time.

Pursuitist: There has always been a kind of spatial psychology involved in creation of a great room, whether it is a guest room, a residence, or a playroom. How much of this kind of cognitive and affective work goes into the creation or re-creation of great FS room?

Kalczak: At Four Seasons we’ve always strived to create spaces that balance form and function with the comfort of our guests. But we also know that there’s much more to the success of a product than how it looks or how it works; there are the subtler aspects of how people feel about a product – the psychological and social touchstones.

Pursuitist: How do you see the future of the R&D Studios in creating other great hotel spaces, in addition to guest rooms?

Kalczak: The R&D Studio was designed to approach the experience in our hotels, resorts, and residences from a holistic perspective, closely examining every touch point in the guest experience –from guest rooms, to food and beverage outlets, lobby spaces, function spaces, and more. This means that the work that takes place in the Studio extends far beyond just the guest room, informing everything from how we create natural light in spaces, to the music we play in a hotel lobby, the coffee we serve in our restaurants, and the unique uniforms we design for each property.

The post The New Four Seasons Research And Discovery Studio: Perfecting The Guest Experience appeared first on Pursuitist.

from Pursuitist

AUTUMN WITH BURBERRY

As leaves slowly turn into to the most beautiful Autumn colors, so does my wardrobe. Other than the usual suspects such as black leather jackets and gray chunky knits, there is forest-green, deep navy, and warm burgundy making their way out of the dark. They were sealed, stored, and patiently waiting in the back of my wardrobe, for when it’s getting colder. And it is… I love those crisp mornings, but I still have a hard time dressing accordingly. Most of my mornings I run out with either a coat too warm, or no coat at all, which is also not a such a great idea. So here’s the solution…

The poncho! I can’t believe I’ve never – I think I haven’t before – decided to wear one, but it is truly the best solution for when you have no clue how it’s out there. If it’s too warm, throw it of, if it’s colder than expected, LAYERS! I love to add a light silk scarf, when it’s a bit more chilly, which I then leave at home during the afternoon. On the playground, when it’s sunny, I drop the poncho in Stella’s pram, which is ideal because it doesn’t wrinkle. And how much I love fashion that is a tiny bit functional, when it comes to being out and about with the kids.

The backpack again, I mentioned it earlier, I’m hooked. NEVER thought I would, but honestly not leaving the house without. Also great for when going to the museum with James and Stella, and want my hands free, but also bring lunchpack to avoid hotdogs and french fries!

Burberry poncho, scarf and backpack | Chloe boots | Raey jeans | Blake LDN knitwear.

Photos by Daniel Kim (@WalkingCanucks)

The post AUTUMN WITH BURBERRY appeared first on THEFASHIONGUITAR.

from THEFASHIONGUITAR

Chic in Paris: Divellec

Everyone keeps asking me when I’m going back to Paris. Unless something comes up sooner, it probably won’t be until the Spring. In the meantime, I’m putting together my list of new places to visit and Divellec is topping the list. Le Divellec was a venerable seafood restaurant located in the Invalides area of Paris until the owner, Jacques Le Divellec, decided to sell in 2013 at the age of 80. It was relaunched in September of this year by chef Mathieu Pacaud of the Michelin-starred Hexagone and Histoires restaurants to rave review under the name Divellec. Interior designers Studio Ko created the new interiors with references to Paris of the 1960’s and 70’s with a bit of a tropical feel. Perhaps a nod to the seafood roots of the restaurant. Definitely add Divellec to your must visit list too.

Divellec, 18, rue Fabert, 75007 Paris

from Habitually Chic®

Thomas Keller Creates Hot Dog for London Restaurant

The three Michelin star chef has developed a lobster topped-dog for Bubbledogs, available throughout December.

from Fine Dining Lovers

Bran Castle Stay: Fright Night With Dracula

Armed with courage and hopefully garlic, two horror fans become the first guests in almost 70 years to spend a night at Dracula's castle in Transylvania on Halloween.

from LUXUO

Made in the Shade: Drapery 101

While renovating an entire house is a massive headache project, it’s actually the final details that will have a lasting impact. With the holidays around the corner, I’m working overtime to make our house feel as finished and as cozy as I can (even though we’re still a long way from complete – this is the house that will never end, I swear!). One way to help a space feel finished is with drapery. When looking at the work of interior designers have you ever noticed how often rooms include window treatments? All the time, right?! That’s because drapery can serve as a dramatic design statement. They can tie a room up with a chic bow.

But custom window treatments can be an intimidating thing. I’ve certainly never purchased them before (a piece of fabric and a rod from Ikea doesn’t count!) That’s why I turned to The Shade Store to help me figure it all out. While you can shop The Shade Store online, I’m lucky that there’s a Shade Store showroom in San Francisco – it’s certainly place to get inspired – it’s rather purdy.

 

There are a lot of options to consider when it comes to drapes. There’s the style of window treatment – roman shades, blinds, drapes – different types of folds, different options for hanging, all kinds of finials. And we haven’t even talked fabrics yet! If you love customization, you’ll be a kid in a window candy store in this place.

Thankfully, The Shade Store has their own in-house designers that can help you navigate all of these options. The process is actually quite fun. It starts by getting professional measurements of your windows – something that the Shade Store arranges for you. With those in hand, The Shade Store can create mockups of your rooms and help you cherry pick the perfect designs. With new fabric collections from designers ranging from Jonathan Adler, Kate Spade New York, Jeffery Alan Marks to Diane Von Furstenberg and the Novagratz, you can really get creative. While neutrals are certainly my comfort zone, you can actually use drapery to inject some print, texture or even color (gasp!) to a room. Decisions, decisions.

    

Did you spy that sexy Kate Spade New York stripe sneaking its way into my fabric samples?!

I’m so excited for my final selections to arrive. They’re going to be the perfect touch to make our rooms feel warm and inviting for the holidays. While I’d never claim to be a window-treatments expert, I did pick up a few key basics about classic drapery from The Shade Store that I thought would be helpful to share.

1. Maximize the Height.  Drapes can actually make your ceilings feeling taller. Classic placement is half way between the top of your window and the ceiling – but you can go all the way up to the ceiling if you like the look!

2. Pick Your Fold. Ripple, pleats, invert pleats, grommets, rod pockets. There are all kinds of options for how your drapes will drape, but the Tailored Pleat is a timeless, sophisticated option that is equal parts traditional and modern.

3. Take a Risk. It is easy to just pick a basic fabric and call your decision making done. But don’t overlook the extra details you can use to make your window treatments pop. While you might not see a crazy print in our house, I love the idea of a contrast border to create

4. Go Low. You want to make sure drapes graze the floor. Some people like a puddle look, but that’s very dust bunny friendly. Measure to 1/2 – 1/4″ off the floor to get that long extended look that isn’t too puddled.

 

Check out the progress on the rest of our house RIGHT HERE.

original photography for apartment 34 by delbarr moradi, inspiration pic 1, pic 2 , pic 3

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