Jet Setter

Listen to our podcasts on Itunes

Hey everyone,

You can listen to our podcasts on Itunes. Just search for ZAJI and you'll find all our wonderful interviews covering fashion, travel and more.

- Denise

Swahili Chic - Interview with Author/Photographer Bibi Jordan

 

One of my favorite coffee table books is this gorgeous style and travelogue - "Swahili Chic." Author and photographer Bibi Jordan does the best job I've seen in portraying a different side of Africa rarely seen unfortunately.

I spent a few years living in Kenya and there is definitely much more to Africa than wars and famines.  The East and Southern Africa I know have a deep and beautiful soul, which she captures amazingly.

Check out our interview with Bibi. Listen here.

And you can find out more on Bibi's blog - Flashnomad.com and Bibijordan.com

Sunday Brunch Dress - Interview with Shop Girl Judy Kou

We're totally diggin' Judy's selection of great dresses from international designers, such as Alexis Mabille above. Judy is owner of Sunday Brunch dress shop.  She gives us the skinny on how to slow down and dress up. She's got a great blog. Elegance for every day and what dresses pack best when traveling. Listen below!

Website
Shop Girl Judy Kou Interview- Sunday Brunch Dress
Sunday Brunch Dress

Lady Liberty and Good Eats in New York City

 

I always love stopping in New York City. I'm easily entranced by bright and shiny objects and New York, well, it's full of them. And one thing I never got to do on previous visits to New York was head out to the Statue of Liberty.  The history of the statue fascinates me, especially after spending a few months in Paris and seeing the mini Lady Liberties on the Seine and in the Jardin du Luxembourg park.

Lady Liberty was bestowed as a gift upon the United States by the people of France in 1886.  It was sculpted by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. I find it fascinating that originally it was copper. Now of course it's green due to the oxidation.

The symbolism is riveting. Lady Liberty is inspired by the appearance of Rome's goddess of freedom. The appearance of the head was taken from the Greek Sun-god Apollo, the likeness found at the ancient Colossus of Rhodes.  The Sun-God imagery is so pervasive in Paris with for example, Versailles, home of the Sun King.  It makes for a fascinating historical study.

 

And after checking out Lady Liberty, it's impossible not to dine out at any one of New York's restaurants. We enjoyed Scandinavian restaurant, Aquavit, owned by Chef Marcus Samuelsson.  They had a Restaurant Week menu which was delish. I tried the Swedish meatballs - ok. However, the desserts and cocktails were to die for.  Love the atmosphere. Aquavit is named after Sweden's version of moonshine.

- Denise

Websites

The Girls Who Ate Everything - Great review of Aquavit.

Aquavit Restaurant - Modern Scandinavian food - www.aquavit.org

Vive la France; Wine Bars; Church and State; Ice Cream Architecture - Good Food on KCRW

I'm a huge fan of Good Food on KCRW.  Keeps me inspired to eat healthy, troll the farmers markets and try new recipes. And this episode they focus on one of my favorite cuisines - that of France. 

Some great interviews with the blogger of Chocolate and Zucchini, a cultural feature with Michael Steinberger centering on the decline of French cuisine in France itself and pastry chef David Lebovitz. We also get the scoop on some great wine bars in LA. Listen below.

Vive la France; Wine Bars; Church and State; Ice Cream Architecture - Good Food on KCRW 

Gladiator Sandals - To Wear or Not

I have a love-hate relationship with gladiator sandals.  They're super-trendy. But I'm convinced they're tall-girl shoes.  They just seem to look really good on very tall women. 

I actually found a pair from Marc Fisher's collection I might even wear. Marc Fisher's sandals I'm really falling in love with.   I like his gladiators, because the one above is a wedge. They are not so over the top.  Could try them. I just don't like the flat ones.

Here's Jennifer Connelly for Balenciaga working ultra gladiator heels. Hmmm....think I like these sexy Benson sandals from Marc Fisher instead. Trends can be dangerous, or maybe I'm just becoming boring.

- Denise

Website

Marc Fisher Shoe Collection - www.marcfisherfootwear.com

Flip Flops and Tiki Bars - Ft. Lauderdale to Key West

I don't know that I'm a big fan of girlfriend getaways. As much fun as it is to gossip and sip tropical beverages and hang out...there's always a point where your girlfriends can just get on your nerves. 

Is there a perfect girlfriend getaway?

Take Time to Slow Down and Dress Up - Sunday Brunch

I love dresses! They can be fun, flirty and adventurous.  Just discovered Sunday Brunch, an online retailer specializing in dresses.  They have some beautiful selections from wonderful designers. Whether you're going to a wedding or a fun dress-up event, it can be difficult to find the right dress.  So, here's one more place to check out. I just love this ruffle dress from Belgian designer Mel en Stel.

"A dress still billows in breezes and swishes in doorways, is always a little different with each wearing and on each person. We don’t dress up to be like someone else, we dress up to be ourselves."

- Denise

Website

Sunday Brunch Dress - sundaybrunchdress.com

Here's to a Little Bling Bling - Martine Wester Boutique Jewelry

I've been looking for a cool clunky necklace to dress up a black sundress.  Love the jewelry collection from London-based Martine Wester.  Just a little bit of bling. Love the Angelina earrings and the crystal cluster necklace.

Website
Martine Wester Jewelry - martinewester.com

To Your Arms of Love by Jah Cure

Love this song by Jah Cure - it just takes me back to that island vibe. Get the acoustic version if you don't have it already.

- Denise