Travel: Climbing Kilimanjaro Part One

Posted By: KK on 07/25/11 4:07 PM | Categories: Travel

Every one asks, “Why?” My friends are terrifically supportive and murmur words of polite encouragement, except my friend Eric, who is a real climber. “KK, are you crazy? Hmmm, I am starting to get a little nervous. It is not a technical climb, just a hike – a hike in high altitude and freezing temperatures. Did I mention that I have trouble in Aspen, a mere 10,000 feet above sea level as compared to Kili which is almost double the height? Feeling a little jumpy, but shopping on-line for the right wardrobe and equipment calmed me down a bit, afterall, that is where my expertise lies. For a complete Packing List go to Packing for Kilimanjaro. For more info, please go to Climbing Kilimanjaro Part Two.

Layers, layers, layers. Here are my picks. Of course, we would look for a complementary color scheme, like this scrumptious orange sherbert, and went shopping at Athleta, Paragon and Patagonia.

Training? Oh yes, I am training and cramming the last 20 years of being in so-so shape into one month of grueling workouts. John, my incredibly supportive, intelligent spouse, encouraged the exploratory escapade, but when asked if he will be joining us on the 7 day adventure in deprivation, he practically screams, “ABSOLUTELY NOT” – and he IS in excellent shape.

Left to Right: Athleta Printed Muscle Up Tank ($39), Patagonia Capilene 1 Silkweight Stretch T-Shirt ($29), Patagonia Merino 3 Midweight Zip-Neck ($95), Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Pullover ($119), Patagonia Super Alpine Jacket ($599)

Left to Right: Athleta Breeze Bermuda Shorts ($49), Athleta Kickbooty Bermuda Shorts ($46), Athleta WorkitOUT Tight ($59), Patagonia R1 Pants ($89), Patagonia Rain Shadow Pants ($149)

Must-have down jacket for warmth at night and hiking in the cold.

Patagonia Down Sweater Full-Zip Hoody ($250)

Tim Lapage from Safari Experts, an outfitter that specializes in “off-the-beaten track”, personalized Safari Tours and Adventures has assured me of the 98% success rate but if the high altitude causes one of us to turn back, he has the staff to do it. Oh dear! At this point I am not sure what is worrying me more; not making it to the top, or MAKING it to the top. But whatever may be, I will be dressed and geared to the 9′s. From various experts and afficionados, I have gleaned the following list of must-haves for my backpack.

IN MY BACKPACK

2 Waterbottles and Flavored Drink Mix
Camera and Waterproof bag
Cellphone and Waterproof Bag
Tilley Hat
Energy Jelly Beans
Bandaids and Blister Packs
Friction Stick
Hand Wipes
Baby Powder (for removing grit from skin)
Water Proof Pants and Jacket (in case of rain)
Leg Gators (keeps dirt and moisture from pants and boots)
iPod Shuffle (apparently iPods can freeze)
Solar Charger (hoping it works)
Change of Shirt and Bra (to keep dry)
Insect Repellant
Sanitizing Spray
Sunglasses (IREX protection rating of 100)

last but not least, a tube of Tom Ford’s Private Blend Lip Color (does this surprise anyone?)

Top Row Left to Right: Nexcare Waterproof Clear Bandages ($4.79), Band-Aid Blister Cushions ($4.79), Dr. Scholl’s Blister Defense Anti-Friction Stick ($6.99), Wet Ones Hand & Face Wipes, Extra Gentle ($3.29), Johnson’s Baby Powder ($3.45), Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer Spray ($1.79) Second Row Left to Right: Klean Kanteen Wide-Mouth 40 oz. Water Bottle ($27.95), CamelBak Insulated 20 oz. Better Bottle ($20), NUUN Active Hydration Water Tablets Variety Box ($22), Jelly Belly Sport Beans ($1.25), Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellant ($4.79), Native Eyewear Apex Women’s Sunglasses ($109) Third Row Left to Right: Sony Cyber-Shot Camera ($118), Dry Pak Camera Case ($12), BlackBerry BOLD ($384.99), Seattle Sports E-Merse Submersible Electronics Case ($15), Apple iPod Nano ($149), Brunton Freedom Portable Power Charger ($69) Last Row Left to Right: Tilley LTM6 Airflo Hat ($77), Patagonia Sports Bra ($45), North Face Crew Shirt ($35), REI Ultra Light Waterproof Pants ($79.50), Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket ($119), Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters ($37)

And soooo much other great gear!

Left to Right: The North Face Borealis Daypack ($79), Jelly Belly Sport Beans ($1.25), PowerBar Gel ($1.25), Kind Bar ($2), Tapestry Hat by SmartWool ($40), Patagonia Sun Booney Hat ($39), Montrail Women’s Feather Peack GTX Boot ($190), Sea to Summit Tek Towel ($19.95), Prana Burnout Headband ($12), Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain High Gaiters ($37), Seattle Sports E-Merse Submersible Electronics Case ($15), Moosejaw 1L Camelbak Water Bottle BPA Free ($16)

What to Wear: Summer in St. Tropez

Posted By: KK on 07/25/11 4:07 PM | Categories: What to Wear

Having just returned from a glorious holiday in St. Tropez at the YTL’s Muse Hotel. Everyone is so chic and glam and the entire scene is just so rosy or should I say rosé! Our Fashion Editor Kalliope Karella picks her fabulous and favorite haunts.

“La Place des Lices, open air market on Tuesday and Saturday from 8 to 1pm where you can buy delectable provençal specialties. On non-market day, sit at one of the many café’s that line the ‘Place’ and watch a lively game of Pétanque played for hours by locals. Shopping during the Market days, you get the best deals on cashmere, sexy tops and just about anything else. I like Gas Boutique for faux jewelry, La Tropezienne for hand made leather sandals, and ambling along the tiny streets near Le Vieux Port for small boutiques with quirky stuff.

Then it is off to the Beach Clubs for lunch and leisure – Club 55, the original of the beach clubs where notables gather for long leisure lunches, Niulargo’s, Key Largo and Le Migon on Pamplona Beach.

Love day trips on boats to the Ile du Levant, and lunch at Le Mas de Langoustier, and to Bastide Blanche on Ile de Porquerolles for a swim.

Breakfast and afternoon coffee at Senequier watching boats and people go by and at the Bar of Hotel Sube for perfect overview of the entire port. And when my darlings, Brando and Eduardo clamor for ice cream, we head to Glacier Barbarac.”

For what to wear to Club 55, we went to Tory Burch for her chic resort line. Being the only girl in the south of France wearing a one-piece suit can be daunting . . . so many thanks for this great one! And love the sheerness of this tunic as a cover-up.

Left to Right: Tory Burch Bandeau One Piece ($210), Tory Burch Daniela Dress ($275)

Sandals, low or high depending on you mood. Moi? I will take the leg-lenghtening wedge any day.

Left to Right: Tory Burch Alfie Thong ($150), Tory Burch Lucian Crochet Wedge ($395)

To finish it off, great shades and tote to carry it all!

Tory Burch Classic Cat Eye Sunglasses ($150)

Tory Burch Straw Beach Tote (SALE $207)

What to Wear: Sheer Stockings Royal Comeback

Posted By: KK on 07/25/11 3:25 PM | Categories: What to Wear

Loved this article in WWD this morning with Kate and Pippa. Looks like sheer stockings are making a comeback. Scroll below for our favorites.

Photo By Indigo/Getty Images

The Royal Road to Sheer Hosiery
by Karyn Monget, Womens Wear Daily
Sheer hosiery has become a royal favorite thanks to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and her sister, Pippa Middleton. It all began after Kate’s engagement to Prince William last fall, when the world began watching every fashion item the soon-to-be-royal wore, including legwear. Her choice for all occasions, including her recent visits to Canada and Los Angeles, was matte and shiny nude-tone sheer hosiery. Pippa is following suit with barely-there transparent sheers.

Sheer legs have also been spotted on a host of celebs such as Mischa Barton, Hayden Panettiere and Sarah Jessica Parker over the past several months. And a growing demand for fashionable, comfortable sheer hosiery by young European women who want to have a polished head-to-toe look is expected to cross over to the U.S. this fall, said executives.

“The royal buzz is really helping us and all signs indicate we [sheer hosiery] will have a very positive fall,” said Angela Hawkins, general manager of hosiery brands including Hanes and L’eggs at Hanesbrands Inc. “Sales in the U.K. of sheer hosiery or what they call ‘new tights’ have soared 85 percent over the past year.” For the entire article, go to WWD.com.

We went to Bloomingdale’s to shop these feminine and flattering styles from Donna Karen.

Donna Karan Hosiery Nude Sheer to Waist

Nude Sheer to Waist Hosiery ($20)

Donna Karan Hosiery Signature Sheer Satin Ultra High Cut

Signature Sheer Satin Ultra High Cut ($18)

Donna Karan Hosiery Nude Control Top

Nude Control Top ($20)

Sample Sales & Trunk Shows: Calypso St. Barth’s Lauren Pierce Collection

Posted By: KK on 07/24/11 1:20 AM | Categories: Sample Sales & Trunk Shows

Calypso St. Barth is known for combining timeless pieces with diverse and unique elements. We headed down to their meatpacking district boutique, located at 654 Hudson Street, for the Lauren Pierce trunk show on Tuesday, July 26th and fell in love with this collection of eco-friendly yet very wearable designs. Whether you’re looking to find those few last minute pieces to complete your summer travel wardrobe or a chic one-of-a-kind tunic to support a great cause, start shopping now!

Here are some of the great pieces we found while shopping at the event!

Love these hand-dyed silk tunics that are perfect for almost any occasion when paired with white jeans and wedges.

Lauren Pierce Side Vented Tunic ($350)

What to Wear: Weekend in the Country Fitch’s Corner

Posted By: KK on 07/19/11 7:12 PM | Categories: What to Wear

If you are looking for a wonderful weekend in the horsey countryside, head up to Fitch’s Corner for the 2011 Championships. Our sporty friends, Fernanda Kellogg and Kirk Henckels work around the clock to to produce this high level equestrian event and an action-packed weekend for spectators and participants alike. Don’t worry if you haven’t a thing to wear to Fitch’s Corner, just visit the shops at Fitch’s Market and you will find the most wonderful chicly-unique array of fashion, hats, jewelry, art and accessories for horse, hound and home. When we were shopping for an ensemble for The Blue Jean Ball, we came across these yummy sherbert frocks so perfect for the Spectator Luncheon. These two scrumptious shades are both ON SALE. We love the simple lines of this perfect summer dress to wear to a garden luncheon or just anywhere. We would recommend that you shorten the hem a bit to hit just above the knee, or shorter if you are comfortable. You can belt it, add a great statement necklace or dress it up with simple gold accessories.

Ralph Lauren Melling Linen Dress (SALE $129.99)

Then all you need is a great hat, like the ones here from Mad Hatter who are one of the fab vendors at Fitch’s Maket!

•   The shops at Fitch’s Market - open all weekend for competitors, spectators, and the public. Click on link to see all the great vendors!
•   The Blue Jean Ball on Saturday night – complete with live music!
•   The Spectator Luncheon – a social highlight - that benefits the Millbrook Rescue Squad. Ladies put on their glorious hats and enjoy a gourmet lunch.
•   Presentation of the Fitch’s Corner Award
•   The Collector Car Parade – featuring classic cars from days gone bay.

What the Chairs Wear: Fitch’s Corner Blue Jean Ball

Posted By: KK on 07/19/11 6:53 PM | Categories: What the Chairs Wear

Irie mon! Fitch’s Corner Blue Jean Ball has gone Island! And for what to wear to a Hawaiian Luau we asked Jane Hottensen, decor maven and owner of the chic boutique Folly, who sent us shopping to Ralph Lauren where we found these tropically cool selections. We love this ever-trending long dress that would be so perfect for cocktails by the pool, on a summer’s cruise, or an jaunt to catch an island breeze. In keeping with the traditions of “The Ball” we put together a fab blue-jean look, tied together with a vivid silk blouse to tie, at the waist, tuck in, or wear out with a great belt. This is a stunning piece for all of summer’s dressing. And how about an island look for smart poochie Tate? This event fills up soooo quickly so get your order in for tickets and reservations at Fitch’s Corner Reservations.

Left to Right: Ralph Lauren Silk Watercolor Dress (SALE $349), Farmer Beachcomber Hat ($4), Ralph Lauren Beaded Hoop Earring ($38), Ralph Lauren Wooden Bangle Set (SALE $35), Ralph Lauren Braided Jute Belt (SALE $59), Ralph Lauren Leather Espadrille (SALE $269), Aged Western Hat ($78), Ralph Lauren Tiger’s Eye Pendant Necklace ($44), Ralph Lauren Distressed Western Boot (SALE $599), Ralph Lauren Classic Bootcut Jean (SALE $199), Ralph Lauren Silk Watercolor Shirt (SALE $ 199), Hawaiian Pet Costume ($23)

What the Chairs Wear: HelpArgentina High Goal with Nacho Figueras

Posted By: KK on 07/19/11 6:42 PM | Categories: What the Chairs Wear

The HelpArgentina High Goal Polo Challenge will take place this weekend, hosted by Nacho Figueras, the handsomely, heart-stopping polo player who is the Ralph Lauren’s aromatic spokesman (see video below). This elegant, equestrian afternoon will bring the pampas to Long Island for anyone with a special affinity for Argentina, the sport of polo, or just a crush on Nacho. Okay, guilty as charged! Our friend and Argentine Designer, Edwina Hunt has put together the stylish VIP reception, where guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the match & interact with the players, of the exciting high-goal match. For what to wear to this high-profile event, we took our inspiration from Edwina who always manages combine her own individual, urban-chic with true Argentine style! For ticket and information, please go to HelpArgentina.

What to Wear to a Polo Match

Left to Right: Alice+Olivia Printed Crepe Dress ($390), Pachacuti Panama Fedora ($90), Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski Earrings ($95), Tory Burch Reva Leather Clutch ($295), Jimmy Choo Navy Patent Espadrilles ($375), Yves Saint Laurent Cat Eye Sunglasses ($295), Mallarino Hoop Earrings ($360), Philippe Audibert Sienna Bracelet ($190), Marc by Marc Jacobs Wedge Ankle Boots ($295), Milly Silk Tunic ($250), Current/Elliott White Jeans ($195)

Heart-throb Nacho Figueras

Support this great event!

Sample Sales & Trunk Shows: Indagare Souk

Posted By: KK on 07/12/11 5:57 PM | Categories: Sample Sales & Trunk Shows

The Indagare Pop-Up Souk comes to Southampton, NY for two days July 18 & 19. Melissa Biggs Bradley, Indagare Travel Founder, has assembled the most fabulous collection of one-of-a-kind finds from around the world, including stunning and unusual jewelry from Africa, Colombia and India; chic caftans from Mexico and India; suede and leather bags from Argentina; hand-woven table and bed linens from Mexico; children’s clothing from Bali plus much more. The Souk is open from 10am until 6:00pm at 187 North Magee Street, Southampton. For more information, please visit Indagare Souk, A Marketplace of Global Finds.

What to Wear: Dan’s Taste of Two Forks

Posted By: KK on 07/12/11 5:37 PM | Categories: What to Wear

The first ever, Dan’s Paper is presenting Dan’s Taste of Two Forks and it is the must-do, fantastic gastronomic event of the summer. Master of Ceremonies, Rosanna Scotto, and host, Chef Marcus Samuelsson with be whipping up the fun and festivities at the tasting event that celebrates the many wineries and restaurants from both the North and South Forks of Long Island. The event is also a benefit for East End Food Pantries through Have a Heart Community Trust. For what to wear to on a beautiful evening in summer, we came up with a selection of cool white frocks to ward off summer’s sizzle. Each one of these easy, breezy beauties can be worn all summer long but you better buy them quickly, before they disappear from the racks. You can dress them up with metallic shoes and accessories, or dress them down, with neutrals and naturals, either way, it is a scrumptious look.

The Beauty of Crisp Summer Whites

Left to Right: Teri Jon Necklace Sheath Dress ($460), Amsale Metallic Dress ($990), Shoshanna Belted Twill Dress ($330), 3.1 Phillip Lim Wrap-Dress ($575), Ports 1961 Sheath Dress (SALE $416)

Left to Right: Versace Stretch Bustier Dress (SALE $798), Shoshanna Eyelet Strapless Dress (SALE $198), Pink Tartan Shift Dress (SALE $158), Laundry by Shell Segal Embellished Dress (SALE $135), Alexander Wang Seamed Wrap Dress (SALE $172)

So many celebs and chefs!

For more information and to purchase tickets click here!

Dan’s Taste of Two Forks Sponsors

What to Wear: Summer Soireé by the Sea

Posted By: KK on 07/12/11 4:01 PM | Categories: What to Wear

Packing for a holiday by the sea, whether the south of France, the coast of Tuscany, Capri or the Greek Isles? Here is a fail-proof packing list to take you there in style, RESORT PACKING LIST. For an upcoming trip, we went shopping at SAKS.com and fell in love with so many great neutrals that make packing a breeze. The color scheme - white, cream, tans and browns, highlighted with gold and looking smashing with a tawny tan. For other great resort ideas, see our Whites of Summer..

Neutrals by Day

Left to Right: Maison Martin Strapless Dress (SALE $115.99), Oliver Peoples Sunglasses ($310), Dominique Cohen 18K Rose Gold Hoop Earrings ($800), John Hardy Horn Cuff Bracelet ($496), Red Valentino Straw Bucket Tote ($395), Lola Raffia Fedora ($170), Kenbradly Snakeskin Bead Necklace ($395), Jimmy Choo Espadrille Slides ($375), Splendid Rugby Top ($72), Vince Bermuda Shorts (SALE $111)

Neutrals by Night

Just the right amount of sparkle for a midnight stroll along the sea or dance in the open-air disco! With what you save on the Michael Kors dress on sale, you can splurge on this great new evening purse by Gucci.

Left to Right: Michael Kors Strapless Dress (SALE $99.99), Isaac Mizrahi Crystal Drop Earrings ($365), Gucci Bamboo Evening Bag ($1,490), Michael Kors Braided Sandals ($150), Gurhan Teardrop Earrings ($780), Isaac Mizrahi Rock Bracelet ($345), Michael Kors Metallic Leather Sandals ($150), BOYOD Hand-Beaded Peplum Top ($196), Citizens of Humanity Cropped Skinny Jeans ($154)

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