myretroperspective

Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld was speaking my language when he designed the Paris-New York Collection in 2007. And thanks to my personal shopper from Neiman Marcus on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, I snagged an overnight bag from the collection. She tracked the bag down in San Francisco during last call and had it shipped to me! Over the last couple of years, I’ve had a few people offer to buy the bag because I didn’t carry it due to its awkward size on commercial aircraft. But somewhere in my mind I always knew there was more to this bag than meets the eye. And I was right! Just the other day, I learned from a Chanel specialist in Atlanta that my bag was part of a limited edition collection created when Lagerfeld found inspiration in his New York City apartment. As a result he designed a collection focusing on a return to luxury travel. Although, the PNY collection has since sold out... I’m on the hunt for the roller seen here in white. You can best believe that I’ll be in a resale shop, fl...

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the county… you might want to consider The Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia, That’s right The Ritz has a little secret known only to luxury travelers until now. It takes about an hour and a half from downtown Atlanta to get to the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation sitting along the tranquil shores of the Oconee River. This AAA Five Diamond-rated resort is amazing especially if you love a great spa and outdoor activities. This 251-room hideaway offers 99 holes of golf, boating, award-winning restaurants, fishing and so much more! When I heard that Conde Nast Traveler’s annual readers poll recognized The Ritz Carlton Spa, Reynolds Plantation as one America’s top resort spas for 2010 because of their fantastic treatments, I grabbed my overnight Chanel bag and got out of town landing in the heart of a cute little antebellum town! Once I checked into a lovely rustic-inspired suite complete ...

So you want to jet off to some place haute with your BFF? It sounds like a great idea after all girls just want to have fun, right? I’ve traveled with girlfriends both nationally and internationally over the years. There’s nothing like sharing fun stuff with your gal pals, but it can also turn sour if you’re not on the same page. It's not always a "Sex in the City" moment. Here are my Haute Travels tips to making your girlfriend getaway one to remember for all the right reasons: -Make sure that you’re on the same page when it comes to spending money. If you want to take a taxi and your friend wants to take the bus because it’s cheaper that’s setting the stage for drama. And think about meals… I went on a trip with a friend once and she preferred to spend her money on shopping instead of dinner at a haute restaurant. So we parted ways when it was time for breakfast, lunch and dinner! When it comes to hotels, some people prefer to go cheap as opposed to luxurious and posh. ...

Are you thinking of getting away but everybody is busy or can't commit to travel? Think of it as the perfect time to get a little "me time" into your hectic life by going solo. I have traveled to the Bahamas, Paris, and the Caribbean alone and totally enjoyed every adventure. I have to say it’s one of the single most exciting things that I’ve done. I’ve met some really great people, while learning so much about myself. I remember relaxing on the beach in St. Lucia and got invited to dinner by a group of people from New York City who were sitting nearby. As it turns out, we all had careers in television, at one time or another, so we had plenty to talk about. While traveling solo in Paris, I took a summer photography class and spent my days learning about my classmates who came from other parts of Europe, the US and Brazil! But my favorite discovery in Paris, my friend Carole, she and I have become great friends. I met her while working on a story about French beauty produ...

If you love to blog or just thinking about putting your thoughts and ideas or expert advice to paper or computer. Whether you are a seasoned blogger or the girl or guy who just wants to blog because you have something to say—this group is for you! About Haute Travels Blog Chats™ Come out and brainstorm with the creator of this HAUTE travel, beauty and lifestyle blog and discover the strategies that she uses to make her blog grow. After less than a year, Haute Travels™ has become a popular blog destination delivering great stories, tips, reviews and travel news for the girls who love luxury travel, great beauty products and discovering haute new spots from boutiques to cute cafes. Our one hour Haute Chats will include: ●Learn and share secrets on how to build a brand ●Get insider tips on the challenges of getting started ●Learn the art of effective networking to leverage your blog for greater exposure ●Hear from PR pros on how to get on "The List" ●Learn how to create busines...

Suite Arrival provides smart, savvy travelers with solutions to their 3 oz liquid problems when dealing with airport security. The service delivers popular travel-sized products directly to your hotel rooms taking the hassle out of travel. Service includes a la carte products from top brands including Oscar Blandi, Billy Jealousy & Pantene, among others. Suite Arrival offers a variety of packages including his & hers and organic items that include shower, body and hygiene products. You can also get your favorite mini bar snacks and makeup along with first aid or baby products!   “Saving time at home, packing less and not dealing with the ‘hotel surprise’ is what Suite Arrival is all about,” says Michael Lewis, Founder of Suite Arrival. “It's a luxury and people should think of us as their own personal concierge service.” Suite Arrival delivers to domestic and international hotels and ensures that your favorite products are waiting for you upon your arrival. And get this—all...

If you’re in Atlanta on a tight entertainment budget… don’t sweat it, there are some great dinner and cocktail deals for under $20. After dashing from one end of the city to the next I found cool food and drinks that just about anybody can afford. Check out what’s new with restaurants and bars from the Concentrics group. Lobby Bar at Twelve Enjoy You Happy Hour with your first Martini for just $1 every Wednesday through Friday between 5 and 7pm.   As of May 6th, Atlantic Station will screen complimentary outdoor movies every Thursday night, To celebrate, Lobby Bar & Bistro will offer all you can eat pizza for $10.00 or all you can eat pizza and complimentary beer and wine for $15.00 from 6-9pm. Simply visit Lobby Bar & Bistro (movie or not) for all you can eat pizza with a maximum of 6 toppings. One Midtown Kitchen   Mangia! Mangia! Meatball Thursday schedule at ONE. midtown kitchen Each week Chef Drew Van Leuvan offers a 3 course feast, served family style, inclu...

What: L’Oréal Paris the Fifth Annual Women of Worth Award Program (womenofworth.com) Why: The program aims to honor volunteerism, women’s empowerment, and dedication to service Who is a Woman of Worth? A Woman of Worth is an inspiring volunteer, an outstanding achiever and a beautiful person who is dedicated to making a difference in her community. She embodies the heart and spirit of the L’Oréal Paris brand which seeks to support and empower women. When: Through July 9th, consumers will be invited to nominate a woman whose service and dedication to volunteerism are making a difference. Prize: To honor the 10 Women of Worth winners, each one will receive $5,000 for their personal charitable cause and a matching donation will be made on their behalf to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, L’Oréal’s charitable partner since 1997. Additionally, one National Honoree – the woman who receives the most votes - will receive an extra $25,000 donation to her charitable organization. The Women of Wo...

Breathing in The Buddha By Alan Brigish If you’ve ever been curious about Buddhist life, Breathing in The Buddha: A Photographic Exploration of Buddhist Life in Indochina  is the book for you. Author Alan Brigish explores life in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia by uncovering the beauty of the people who live there. The book tells two stories with images and extensive captions. The first story takes us on a journey through the daily life of people in Indochina, while the second is an exploration of the Buddha’s Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path. Brigish wants the reader to explore Buddhist philosophy in the context of the daily existence of the people in the most densely populated part of the world where Buddhism is still practiced. He visited a one city in each of the four countries of Indochina uncovering something deeper than what met the eye… mystical people and special places in Burma (Myanmar). The photography is absolutely stunning… the people come to life on the pages ...

Vancouver is a world-class city with amazing shopping luring celebrities and shopaholics alike to this culturally diverse Mecca. Fashionistas in love with trendy, vintage or classic styles will love shopping in Yaletown, Gastown and fashionable Robson Street among others. If you love to venture out on your own grab a map. But if you like the idea of guided shopping walks check out ChicWalks’ apps for fans with an Apple iPhone and iPod Touch users. The apps guide you through nine walks with 1,000 stores offering fashion, accessories and home décor boutiques. The apps also allow you to locate great restaurants and bars. But wait, there’s more, ChicWalks has a mobile web version now available for Blackberry, Samsung and; Google Phone Users. If you only have 24 hours in Vancouver… decide which area appeals to you most to save time or pick two areas near each other and split your day. Will it be trendy Yaletown, South Granville for upscale fashion and art galleries or Gastown with its cute ...

If you love French elegance and want to sample a little bit of Paris by going to your mailbox… check out Panty by Post! Co-Founder Natalie Grunberg spends her summers in France, but her partner in the business, Lori Sholzberg grew up in Montreal. The dynamic pair has long admired French women of all shapes and sizes and their confidence in selecting and wearing pretty lingerie. The Panty by Post is a monthly subscription service delivering luxury unmentionables at your door. The concept took shape when the duo decided to provide women all over the world with beautiful, sexy French lingerie with superior quality and comfort. Plus, an excellent price point ($13-$16 CAD) along with a fast online process made it a dream come true. The company is based out of Vancouver, British Columbia and is already generating a buzz. Each month members receive a hand-selected or surprise delivery from the signature line like Sexy Singles, Double Dare, Ménage à Trois, Sultry Six and the Commitment Package...