The Swoon For Store is Coming Soon!

I couldn’t be more thrilled to share the news that our online store is opening soon! It has been a hectic several months but we’re almost there and I’m so excited to be offering handmade items from around the world, many one of a kind. There has certainly been a lack of posts while I’ve been working on the merchandise planning, purchasing and a plethora of freelance assignments at the same time, but the Swoon For store has finally become a reality. One year ago today I started out on my adventure of freelancing full-time and it has been an exciting journey that has led to new opportunities and experiences that I am so grateful for. Even more exciting is what lies ahead and I look forward to you getting to experience Swoon For in this new way.

For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to own my own store, a little boutique in the city somewhere that would have large windows flanking the front door in which I could devise different ways to display the merchandise. While the store that I’ll be opening might not be the brick and mortar that I’ve long envisioned, it is a step closer to a long lusted after dream coming true. A shoutout and hug to my husband for the online store suggestion, a true moment of “Why didn’t I think of that?”. The rest has simply been (or not so simply) putting it all together.

Soon you’ll be able to purchase goods from around the globe on Swoon For. One of a kind Moroccan rugs, handmade jewelry from Sri Lanka, Burundi, and Afghanistan will be available along with artisan made baskets from Rwanda and Senegal, Parisian flower pots, and handmade block printed baby quilts from India as well as everything in the above image…and that is just a tiny sampling. The best part is that many of the purchases made by you give back to charitable organizations assisting the artisans to afford a better life. Each item has been picked by yours truly for its beauty and representation of a region along with my relationships with the artisans and organizations who work with them. The pieces are each truly swoon-worthy and would be an amazing addition to any home, closet or jewelry box.

I have my eye on many more items that I’m hoping to acquire for the store and will keep customers informed via the blog, which can be accessed on the store site once it launches or you can sign up on the store’s temporary page to receive email updates about the opening, too. The blog’s new permanent home in the meantime is swoonfor.wordpress.com. Be sure to follow our social media accounts for more updates, deals and discounts! We’re aiming for our opening May 1, just in time for some spring and summer shopping to add a little international inspiration to your home or wardrobe. Get ready to shop for some amazing goods while also doing good at the same time.

Cheers to chasing dreams and trying to make them become a reality!

 

 

Spring Fever: South Beach or Bust

This time of year I get serious spring fever. Without fail, the past few Februaries my husband and I have made our way to South Beach Miami for some desperately needed vitamin SEA and a dose of sun and sand. Many folks enjoy the nightlife Miami offers and the beach scene with the ever scantily clad trying to outdo one another with who can show more flesh. We simply go for the promise of warm, sunshine-filled days and relaxing nights with good wine and great food.

The further south you go down the strip the quieter it seems to get and this is where you’ll find me. Now, you won’t get your own secluded swath of sand, but it’s much more manageable for this beach bum than along the stretch of mega hotels. Your best bet for the quiet, rejuvenating, beachy long weekend you’ve been longing for starts with a stay at The Betsy South Beach. 

The Betsy, a landmark South Beach hotel, prides itself on its passionately low-key aura. Amazing ocean views, wonderful world-class food, attention to every detail in each of its 61 luxury rooms make for the perfect long weekend beachside escape.

Offering sunrise yoga at the shoreline, the only outdoor spa in Miami Beach, as well as food offerings from onsite BLT Steak and beach hands providing the best of service, it’s hard to imagine any complaints that might come up during your stay. My only caveat is that if you’re more of a pool person this might not be the ideal spot for you. Secluded in the hotel’s inner courtyard, the pool is more a place to escape the sun and relax in the shade. While a very serene spot, it doesn’t offer much sun most of the day since it’s surrounded by the hotel walls, although it certainly is a nice respite form the heat if that’s what you seek.

In a city where the hotels are growing increasingly taller, the new “It” club opens every month and sightings of Lamborghinis and Ferraris become ever more frequent, The Betsy is a classically cool take on what Miami offered in a bygone era. Pulsating house music replaced by jazz, gin gimlets instead of red bull vodkas and service offered before you even request it. The Betsy is an idyllic seaside abode where you can’t help but relax and the staff does everything they can to ensure this is the case.

All images courtesy The Betsy South Beach

Digital Detox: Sail Away

My work, like many people’s, keeps me no more than an arm’s length from my laptop, desktop or iPhone. Whether writing, researching or photo editing I need access to the internet and my gadgets to get the job done. Some might balk at the following sentiment, but for me it is the only way to achieve a truly relaxing and rejuvenating vacation: let go of the digital leash and basque in the glory of a wifi-free getaway.

These days escaping the internet isn’t that easy. I have traveled to some far flung destinations and was unpleasantly surprised to find that even there if “the need” arose I could access the world wide web. The only trips where I have found salvation from the constant creeping urge to check my email, Instagram or Facebook were our sailing vacations. Out at sea or anchored in a tranquil bay, we were simply unable to get a signal and for me it was bliss. You can’t really worry about the work email you receive while away if you don’t even know you’ve received it. Now, I know that might sound unprofessional or even immature, but if you’ve given the proper notice to colleagues that you’ll be away and have gotten everything done before you go, then you have every right to not worry about work while away. Out of sight, out of mind.

Whether sailing the Turquoise Coast of Turkey, San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest, Abacos in the Bahamas or B.V.I.s in the Caribbean, each of our cruising journeys was equally void of any internet interaction. Of course there is gear that you can get for your boat should you actually require it that would allot you at least some wifi service, but I suggest going without. Our cruising grounds afforded us numerous marinas to stop at to make a call had we needed or to grab a newspaper for current event updates. The sailboats were equipped with VHF/Marine Radio Communication if there was ever an emergency, to use to make a dinner reservation or to simply reserve a mooring ball or dock slip. And if you just can’t curb the addiction to catch up on social media most marinas offer basic wifi that you can pay for per hour.

While going through numerous photos of past sailing excursions for another project I realized how in need of a digital detox I am. I’m fortunate to say that I love what I do and am excited about many of the current and upcoming projects that I’m working on, but I can’t stress enough the utter joy I find in being able to unplug. I can’t wait for the next chance to catch the wind in our sails and salt air in our hair. It certainly helps to have a husband who knows how to sail, I’m more than lucky in that respect, but you can also hire a captain and even a chef for your own charter. For more information on bareboat charters or skippered charters check out The Moorings Yacht Charter and Sailboat Company. We’ve used them for all of our sailing trips and have had wonderful experiences. The Moorings has numerous marina bases around the world and offers dozens of itinerary suggestions to assist in your experiencing the best cruising grounds around the globe.

Now it’s off to work on another project that will keep me glued to my computer. I’m sure soon enough I’ll be daydreaming of reading on a boat in the sun instead of focusing on the reality of the items on my to-do list. Queue Enya…

All photos © Hillary Leo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art from the Oceans: Trash to Treasure

I recently came across an article on Design Milk by Nanette Wong that showcases artwork by the company Studio Swine. Before even reading the article I was enamored with the pieces showcased in the image gallery- their colors, materials, textures, modernity, sophistication, delicacy and boldness. At first glance I thought that these items were encrusted with semi-precious stones, made of marble and malachite and solid 24 karat gold. My brain jumped to thinking about how I would love to adorn my home with one of these treasures…yet my reasoning urged that a “price upon request” was inevitable.

My amazement and wonder about how these specimens came to be soon overtook my previous focus of having one them to beautify my abode. Studio Swine set out on a 1,000 nautical mile trash collecting expedition- from the Azores to the Canaries -to sweep the seas for plastic refuse. With their plastic hauls they created the luxurious objects you see below.

North Pacific Gyre, 2015 
Sea plastic, green abalone shell, brass, rope, shackle

South Atlantic Gyre, 2015
Sea plastic, gold plated steel, brass, rope, sandblasted glass

Indian Ocean Gyre, 2015
Sea plastic, mother of pearl, aluminium, steel, brass, rope

North Atlantic Gyre, 2015
Sea plastic, reclaimed mahogany, rope, brass

South Pacific Gyre, 2015 

Sea plastic, reclaimed hardwood, gold plated steel, brass, rope

The making of the artwork was done mainly on their ship. To aid in the process the crew traveled with a Solar Extruder that they created to melt and extrude the sea plastic with solar energy. Most importantly, Studio Swine is trying with their creations to bring attention the the major problem of pollution in our oceans. Visit their page to learn about Gyrecraft and watch the video to see more about their expedition and artistic process.

All photos courtesy of © Studio Swine

Best Places to Stay for an Edgartown Getaway

Last week I was asked by Luxury Travel Diary for a list of my top 5 Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard hotels. I was married on the island in June 2013 and my husband has been calling the Vineyard his home away from home since he was a baby. Now that we’re down in D.C. we only make it up to the island 3 or 4 times a year (if we’re lucky), but we look forward to the day when our time spent there will be far more frequent. You can never have too much of a good thing as they say. While Summer might seem far away given that a monster snowstorm is bounding towards the east coast as we speak, I thought it friendly to offer a daydream of sunny days at the beach, lobster bakes, sea breezes and being on “island time”. As I shovel the snow this weekend I’ll be thinking about relaxing by the South Beach shores soon enough. Check out the post here to see my top 5 Edgartown hotel pick.

Taking a Horse Instead of the Highway Along the Pacific Coast

Around 6 years ago or so my husband and I headed to northern California for an August getaway to escape the heat and humidity of NYC. We began by exploring San Francisco for a few days before renting a car to head toward Monterey and continue along the Pacific Coast Highway. We had shipped our camping gear across the country where it awaited us at our San Fran hotel. The plan was to experience the nature and natural beauty of the northern Pacific coast, camping under the stars steps from the shore. It was an amazing trip that we have hoped to repeat, but instead of our humble tent I’m going to propose The Inn at Newport Ranch for a whole new experience.

Located three and a half hours north of San Francisco, the new inn is part of a 2,000 acre coastal cattle ranch with over a mile of oceanfront and panoramic coastal views. With over 20 miles of trails through the redwoods, open meadows and along picturesque ridge tops, the ranch is an idyllic place for horseback riding. If horses aren’t your forte, there is also plenty of hiking and biking as well as guided ATV “safaris”. And of course if you’re just looking for some R&R there is an onsite spa as well as sauna and outdoor jacuzzi.

There are various rooms, suites and cottages to choose from to accommodate every taste. Complimentary breakfast as well as fireside appetizers and libations are served daily. There seems to be a bit of a question as to whether or not the inn has the ability to serve alcohol due to liquor license restraints, so if you intend to enjoy a glass of wine or two it’s better to bring your own or just be sure to check when reserving. Pre-ordered lunch and dinner is also available for an added charge as well as various restaurants and stores in the nearby town of Mendocino and in Forte Bragg to serve guests’ needs.

I don’t know anyone who visits Northern California and doesn’t return thinking what a wonderful place it must be to live. The view of the coastlines north of San Francisco can only be described as breathtaking. Taking it in from our trusty rental car back in 2009 was amazing, but I can only imagine the experience of saddling up to take in that view atop a horse, along a trail rising above the sea. Except for the rancher and his workers, it isn’t the type of experience everyone gets to have, but for true experience hunters The Inn at Newport Ranch has made something very special and unique available to all of us. (Rooms from $300 a night)

All photos courtesy of The Inn at Newport Ranch

 

Vaya a la Playa: Take Me to Tulum

The cold has finally hit the east coast and it officially feels like winter. It seems as if I brought the arctic winds back home with me from our Moscow adventure. After 10 days of seriously chilly days in Vienna and Russia I had been looking forward to heading home to the mild weather we’d been experiencing, but no such luck. The frosty temps seem to have followed us and now it’s nights by the fireplace and mornings bundling up to face the cold. Luckily we have 6 days in Mexico planned which I am really looking forward to. I don’t want to wish the days away, but the sand and salt air are beckoning.

The hubby and I were fortunate enough to be invited by two of our best friends to join them in Tulum at an eco-resort in early April. We’re headed to LUV Tulum. The family owned hotel is comprised of 12 oceanfront rooms and cabanas constructed in the local Mayan style with fabrics and furnishings from the Chiapas highlands. Located between the bio reserve of Sian Ka’an and ancient Mayan ruins, there will be plenty of exploring in addition to the R&R, copious amounts of authentic Mexican cuisine and most likely endless margaritas.

One of the best parts of travel is tasting the local flavors and dishes. I’ve traveled to other Mexico locales and am an avid lover of authentic Mexican cooking which truly puts to shame much of the Mexican food we eat here in the States. Tulum is trending currently as a restaurant hot spot with many new establishments receiving various accolades and awards. The friends that we’re joining on this getaway I consider to be of the foodie camp so I’m looking forward to the research and recommendations they have on tap for the daily dining. It’s that much better to be traveling with friends who don’t judge since this traveler’s bikini body might be a bit side tracked due to my menu choices (and/or indulgences).

Even more than hunting down amazing meals (which is a top priority), I’m looking forward to kicking back with my husband and friends and enjoying some serious R&R. I have no doubt, given our past record, that things will get silly at times but that’s all part of celebrating friendship especially with friends you don’t regularly get to spend time with. We have a few months before the beach is beneath our feet, but it’s certainly great to have something fun and exciting to look forward to. Having this time available before the trip gives us the chance to delve more into discovering the offerings of Tulum. Swimming in cenotes, climbing ancient ruins, shopping at the local stalls, floating aside sea turtles…it’s sure to be quite the itinerary with more details to come.

Exciting Update: Swoon For will also be launching its first Pop Up Shop before the trip selling Mexican inspired jewelry, travel accessories and beachy fashion pieces. It will be a first of hopefully many more travel inspired shopping options on the site starting in 2016. More details on that to come as well!

All photos via Pintrest and Luv Tulum

This little lady: Jenna Lyons

Perhaps it is our last names that I believe could make us soul sisters? Jenna Lyons and Hillary Leo go hand in hand, don’t you think? It was back in September 2014 that I first read an interview given by the well known J.Crew President and Executive Creative Director. That article was about her beauty routine for the New York Times. If you’re familiar with the Skin Deep article that runs weekly in the Times then you might realize why Jenna’s take on the article is so appealing. Many times you get a celebrity or fashion type who delves into the most minute details of the facials, juice cleanses, creams, hair products, stylists, trainers etc. that they indulge in. What I love about Jenna’s regaling of her routine is the way in which she pokes fun at herself while also seemingly being dead honest.

The article can be found here, but some of my favorite lines from the interview/article are below:

When asked about her fitness regimen: “I lift some really heavy sequins during the day. And I walk in five-inch heels regularly, which I believe is really good for my calves. Do we have to talk about diet and fitness?”

On skincare: “I also have this Shiseido eye stuff I’m obsessed with. It’s lightweight, and I put that all over my face, which is completely ridiculous. And I have a Shu Uemura big red bottle of moisturizer and a small red bottle of serum called Intense Vitalizing Concentrate. It comes with an eye dropper, which means it must be good. There’s also this Biologique Recherche serum called Yall. It’s not cheap. I’m hoping it makes me look younger, but I don’t know….My nighttime routine starts with a glass of wine. I actually shower at night. I’m not a big fan of getting wet in the morning. I love Fresh Brown Sugar scrub and body wash — just the name makes me happy.”

NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 13: Jenna Lyons attends the Prabal Gurung show during Spring 2016 New York Fashion Week: The Shows at The Arc, Skylight at Moynihan Station on September 13, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew Toth/WireImage)

I love her irreverent nature in everything she does. She does what works for her and doesn’t ever seem to care what anyone might actually think. She exudes confidence, beauty and sex appeal in a quirky, approachable way that I love. Such a successful and independent woman, she’s the kind of lady that I hope the daughter I might have one day would look up to.

Destination Daydream: Banguerra Island, Mozambique

It has been a few weeks since my last post and those weeks have been hectic to say the least. Familial obligations, work, trying to fit in time with friends, the holidays…it can all get to be quite overwhelming at times. A sure fire way for me to find peace during chaos is an escape to the beach. Given that we’re headed to two winter wonderlands over Christmas, the sand between my toes isn’t quite within reach right now, but if I could add it to our itinerary I’d be bound for Banguerra Island. A private island off the coast of Mozambique, it was hand-built by and in partnership with the locals to maintain the pristine relationship between the resort and the surrounding ecosystem. A total of 18 private thatched roof retreats with private pools and beaches, as well as a private butler per villa, await guests who are lucky enough to get a reservation. Adding to the experience is the arrival and departure by private helicopter to this oasis in the midst of a marine national park. Perhaps Santa will take note and add this to the the list of adventures awaiting me in 2016.

From Russia with Love

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I have long held that if I could raid anyone’s closet it would be Miroslava Duma’s. Some of you might not know who Ms. Duma is (if you’ve lived under a fashion rock), but she is this lady’s fashion icon as well as an extremely accomplished figure in the world of fashion media. She also happens to hale from Russia, where I’m headed in December, so I have been feeling even more inspired by her lately. Former Special Projects Editor at Harper’s Bazaar (Russia) as well as a freelance writer who contributed to Vogue, Glamour, Forbes and Tatler, her skills surpass simply putting together amazing outfits. Duma founded her own company, Buro 24/7, and is also a savvy investor getting involved in fashion startups and various media outlets. I love her chameleon style and the chances she takes both in dressing and professionally. She might measure in at 5 foot nothing, but she is a serious force to be reckoned with who continually packs a punch in the world of fashion. I am on the hunt for some of her favorite shopping haunts in Moscow (and keeping my fingers crossed for some sales). Now, back to daydreaming about having a closet like Miroslava’s one day…