Jet Setter

Paris Street Style - Summer Days

One of my favorite fashion sites is Garance Dore. Garance is a French fashion illustrator and photographer who takes great photos of street style in Paris or where ever she is. It keeps me inspired, and she now has it translated into English. So, check out her site. 

And after you do that listen to our interview with our very own French girl Raney Lasusa who gives us advice on how to work that stylish French look.

Websites:

Le Scarf - The Secret to Hip Parisian Style - Listen here

Garance Dore - Paris Street Style

A Day in the Life of a Foodie in Brazil by Nicole Zimmerman

Brazilian cuisine is as rich as the country's diverse cultural heritage. Drawing from indigenous African and Portuguese roots, Brazil's culinary traditions emphasize the flavorful ingredients of each region. Northeastern fish stews infused with spices and amber-hued dende oil (reflecting the African influences of the area) are contrasted with the barbequed meats of the more European-style southern states.  

Whether lounging at the beach or dancing into the night, you can sample it all.From morning cafezinho to evening salgadinhos, Brazil's food and drinks are amazing.

Cruisin' the islands

I admit it. I've only been on 1 cruise. It was to Egypt. And going to Egypt was great, but I've never been convinced that cruises were for me. There were so many people. The days were you are out at sea just looking at an endless blue ocean. Agh! 

Then, I had a friend who went on a cruise with other friends to Alaska. She hated it. Bored out of her mind. Cruises intimidate me, seem incredibly cookie cutter and well I like adventure and anything different.

So, I'm contemplating going on a cruise. Getting my island fix and leaving everyday life behind. And I love this website. Cruisecritic.com. It's got reviews, you can select cruises by your lifestyle interests, send the editor questions, find deals. It's one stop shopping and a pretty thorough resource.

- Denise

Website

Cruises - Cruisecritic.com

Photo Credits: Agency Dreamstime

Black Gurls in Iran

Tune into our podcast featuring an interview with journalist Samantha Nhema. Sam lived in Tehran for several years and gives us her insights into the current turmoil, Iranian culture and life and travel in the Middle East.  Listen to Podcast Here .

Websites:

Zaji Magazine Premiere - Black Gurls in Iran

Yummy Gummies

I found some gummy bears, which I love. But, you CAN'T eat these. At least, I hope I don't by mistake. Online retailer See Jane Works sells these gummy bear erasers that are irresistible! Also, found the laptop cover that I've been coveting for a long time after seeing someone with it at the airport a year ago.

- Denise

Website

See Jane Work - See Jane Work Pens and Pencils

And now that I'm craving gummy bears, my favorites are the Japanese gummies - Kasugai. You can find them on Amazon, Asian grocery stores and World Market in all sorts of flavors from kiwi to strawberry.

Who's that Girl? - Derek Lam

Who's that girl? The mysterious...naughty, sexy and flirtatious girl who lives for her cocktail. According to fashion designer Derek Lam, that's the woman who is rockin' his clothes. Lam who is originally from San Francisco, found his calling as a child while hanging out at his grandparents' bridal garment factory. Given that inspiration, Lam's clothes are well-cut silhouettes that complement a woman's body. Simply put - you'll look pretty, sexy and oh so naughty when you dress up.

- Denise

Websites:

Derek Lam - Official Website

Bag Snob - Interview with Derek Lam

A Pocketful of Stones - Kenzo's Ryoko

Japan is a crazy, concrete jungle. Nature's beauty pops out every now and then. But what I'm always struck by is the Japanese approach and perspective of nature. Japanese gardens are sanctuaries in which to contemplate life and to be still for a while. Everything's simple but only on the surface.

So, I love these pocket-size nomad spray perfumes by Kenzo. Their coolness is in the design's simplicity and the lightness of the fragrance, plus they are definitely airline friendly. For some reason, they make me think of throwing stones in a pond and watching the water ripple as the waves get bigger and bigger. Just takes me to a quiet but serene place in my mind. Weird huh?

- Denise

Websites

Kenzo Perfumes - Kenzo Ryoko

I Want You Back - Jackson 5

Here's our tribute to MJ. Nothing more to say, it's just sad. 

Travel + Design + Delightful Doggy Companion = Lama Designs

Today's global village makes shopping a bore sometimes. You go to France, Japan, South Africa, Mexico - everything's manufactured in China or whereever. It's all the same. I love it when I discover items that are unique -things that make you feel you've gone somewhere or are going somewhere.

Lama Designs fills that need pretty well. It's an online retailer whose speciality is modern items from Latin America. You can find alpaca throws, great jewelry, stylish shoulder bags, vases, stationary. It's a take on Latin America's arts and crafts that's forward thinking and global. Owner Christine Martinez and her delightful doggy companion source all the designers from Latin America.

Love it.

- Denise

Website: 

Lama Designs - LamaDesigns.com

Hotelicopter.com - Finding The Best Hotel Rates

Great site for finding great rates on hotels. It searches 30+ travel sites. Pretty simple to use. Check it out. www.hotelicopter.com

- Denise