Thursday, May 29, 2008

planet-friendly threads

As the weather heats up, and you reach for your tank tops and light weight tee's, why not throw on something sustainable? Choosing eco-alternatives is more than just a fashion statement: It takes 1/3 pound of pesticides to grow the cotton for just one conventional T-shirt. Reduce your environmental impact with these fabrics.

Bamboo
Naturally absorbent and antimicrobial, bamboo fabric feels like cotton. This easy-on-the-planet grass can grow up to 4 feet a day without pesticides and produce 35 percent more oxygen than an equivalent stand trees. Try pretty, feminine blouses by Of The Earth, www.oftheearth.com.

Cotton
Cotton production accounts for only 3 percent of the world's agriculture but generates more than 25 percent of all insecticide use. Purchasing products made of organic cotton promotes pesticide-free cotton-farming techniques such as crop rotation. Check out organic cotton beach cover-ups and tanks by Athleta, www.athleta.com.

Recycled
To produce two extra-large polyester T-shirts from recycled soda bottles requires 1/2 gallon less gasoline than shirts made of virgin polyester. Plus, many recycled fabrics are also fully recyclable. GoLite makes fantastic outdoor and athletic wear, www.golite.com.

Tencel
Made out of wood pulp harvested from sustainably farmed trees, Tencel's smooth, biodegradable fibers are stronger, softer, and more wrinkle resistant than cotton. In addition, chemicals used to break down the pulp are recycled. Be Present sell's the soft, cozy tee's on their website, www.bepresent.net.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

more on casa casuarina


Casa Casuarina, the Miami Beach mansion turned hotel and former home of fashion designer Gianni Versace, is an expense place to rent a room. If you can't shell out $2,000 for a night, check out the slideshow to learn about its history, architecture, grounds, and of course, a see peak in side this amazing hotel.

http://casasugar.com/slideshow/1629070

chanel brings la summer lacquer brights

The Ivy, Newsroom Cafe, Kiston, Lisa Kline, all line the hipster cool and hottest shopping spot in LA, Robertson Boulevard. May 2008 brings a brand new reason to shop the block: the opening of the new Robertson Boulevard Chanel boutique. To celebrate the occasion, Peter Philips, the new global creative director of Chanel Makeup, has designed four limited-edition must-have nail colors, which will be exclusively available in-store.

This mini-collection of graphic pop-art shades was inspired by the spirit of Robertson and its young Hollywood crowd. These nail colors are fresh, electric and fun brights, perfect for your nails this summer. Colors include:

Melrose: A fun, hot pink to compliment your cocktail
Rodeo Drive: A summer purple splash
LA Sunrise: A primary yellow, perfect for those tan toes
LA Sunset: A warm tangerine, my favorite!

These four nail colors are available exclusively in-store at the Robertson Boulevard Chanel Boutique May 2008, and on www.chanel.com June 2008.

Monday, May 19, 2008

gossip girls break for summer

Tonight was the final episode of Gossip Girl, leaving the cast of characters to break for summer. Where will our favorite Manhattan prep schoolers be spending the next three scorching months? If you didn't catch GG, here's the scoop:

Dan, Vanessa, and lil J: Spending the summer in Brooklyn
Serena and Nate: Hamptons
Blair: Italy
Chuck: Maybe Manhattan, maybe Italy

Surprised about the pairings? You'll have to wait till September for more details.

XOXO
Gossip Girl

http://www.cwtv.com/shows/gossip-girl

seen & heard

Samaire Armstrong, ex-OC star who is currently on Dirty Sexy Money, spotted at macrobiotic hot spot, M Cafe De Chaya in LA. The star enjoyed green tea and salmon as a post workout snack.

http://www.samairearmstrong.net
http://www.mcafedechaya.com/

mr. and mrs. beach accessories

Yes, wedding season is here. Time to gear up for showers, rehearsal dinners, and crazy bachelorette poolside parties. If you want to get the bride and groom something special for their honeymoon, or their last weekend hoorah, this would definitely work! Weddingish.com has created Mr. and Mrs. beach towels. They are sold as a set, and come in a large variety of colors, including weddingish white, caribbean blue, formal black, key lime and kiss fuscia.

This creative gift site also sells "Just Married" flip flops, which leave the expression imprinted in the sand as you walk.

These gifts are a must see! Visit Weddingish.com.

http://store.weddingish.com/mrmrsbeto.html

back in la


This beach bunny has finally returned to a sunny and scorching hot Los Angeles. After traveling to Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico and Miami, it's time to get back to reality. I can't wait till I get to plan another beach vacation. Have any suggestions on where I should go next? Please post a comment or share your recent vacation adventures.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

casa versace


What's a trip to South Beach without a walk down Ocean Drive. Of course, that includes passing the famed Gianni Versace house. The beautiful home is now hotel Casa Casuarina. Ah, a stay there is but a dream. There is tight security around the hotel, and you can only check it out if your a guest. Otherwise, there is no getting through the gates.

Hotel name: Casa Casuarina (aka Versace House)
Address: 1116 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139
Rooms: Individually Designed Guestrooms
Categories: Luxury
Rating: 5-star hotel
Room Rates: Low season from $1,200. High season from $3,995.
Check in: 3pm, Check out: 11am

the color of south beach






Those in South Beach, Florida, know how to do a beach day. They all pack a small cooler, filled with water, fruit and healthy snacks. They dress with great style, color and flash. I love the thought the locals put in to a day at the beach. I also love the each lifeguard stand and food/drink bar is painted differently.

beach shirts for men


What should men wear above the waste when they head to the beach? Unless you are Kobie or Shaq, stay away from the basketball jersey (or any sports jersey). A simple t-shirt or polo works nicely. Keep the tank tops at home (unless you're in South Beach where the 1980's are still in). If it's not too hot, a button down, collard shirt looks fabulous. Roll up the sleeves and keep the top two buttons open. Play with color and fabric...go cotton, linen, pastel, or white.

Ideas for men who would rather not bare their chest when they are cruising down to the beach:
1. T-shirt (refrain from wearing one with obnoxious text or pictures)
2. Polo shirt (any brand will do)
3. Oxford button down shirt

Friday, May 16, 2008

puerto rico - day 3


I traveled across the island on my third day in Puerto Rico to see the popular surf town of Rincon. Located at the westernmost corner of the Island (over a two hour drive from San Juan) this beach town is known for it waves, sun bathing beaches, as well as for being secluded and laid back. Rincon feels like you've found a little coastal, funky town in Hawaii, but with a Spanish flair. I loved the palm trees and tropical vegetation on the beach, but the sand is very dark and grainy, which makes the water look slightly brown. I wasn't fond of any of the beaches I saw. Although I loved the mango trees and all the greenery, this small town wasn't what the concierge at the Ritz made it out to be. Another frustration was finding food, as nothing seems to be open from 2:30 PM to 7 PM.

I still love Puerto Rico. But for now, I'm sticking with San Juan or the eastern side of the Island.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

photos from fort el morro






Pictures from my day playing around fort El Morro, located at the entrance of the san Juan, Puerto Rico bay.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

el morro

I explored the beautiful El Morro fort, which sits at the entrance to the bay of Puerto Rico. The water, beaches, plants, and view from the oldest fort on the island is beautiful. It's a must see while you're in Puerto Rico, and it really gives you perspective on Old San Juan and the new city.

The Spanish began building El Morro in 1539, almost 20 years after they founded San Juan. It was another 250 years before the fort took the shape we see today. This fort was extremely valuable to all the Caribbean islands. Because of Puerto Rico's location, this port controls the entrance to the Caribbean. El Morro has withstood attacks from the English, Dutch, French, Indians, pirates and native Carib Indians.

puerto rico - day 2



The view from our hotel room at The Ritz Carlton, Puerto Rico. This beach bunny is off to climb and explore the forts in Old San Juan. Then some late afternoon beach time, including boogie boarding. The waves are looking good.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

bienvenidos beach bunny



The beach hopping continues at the Ritz Carlton, Puerto Rico.

how does the ritz rank?

I've spent four days and three nights at the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman. The hotel, which sits along 7 mile beach, seems to offer the best beach and pool amenities, as well as has the best aesthetic. Seven mile beach is lined with mostly condos, with a scattered few hotels and private residences. I peaked around four hotel properties, and the Ritz truly was the nicest. My ranking is as follows:

Top Hotels Along 7 Mile Beach
1. Ritz Carlton
2. Westin
3. Hyatt
4. Marriott

headgear


Fellow BGWB readers, I have failed you as a blogger. On my recent walk along 7 mile beach in Grand Cayman, I didn't bring my camera. The two hour walk was magnificent, but also reminded me why I write this blog. Going forward, no beach walks with out the lil digital in hand!

The highlight was the headgear I saw. Here in the Caymans, it's a melting pot of cultures. You have local Caymanians, as well as tourist and all those foreigners working in the service industry on the island. During out visit, the majority of people seem to be from Canada, Europe or America. Therefore, everyone comes with a different idea of what to wear on your head at the beach. I wish you could have seen the man in the stunning Cayman waters, with two Ziploc bags over his hair, trying to keep his trestles dry as he takes a dip. Or, the women swimming in the water, with her baby blue shower cap on.

Appropriate headgear for a day at the beach:
1. Baseball cap
2. Visor
3. Straw cowboy hat
4. Straw, canvas or linen fedora
5. Panamanian style hat
6. Sea captains hat
7. Lifeguard hat

Say no to these hats:
1. Bucket hat
2. Beanie
3. Shower cap
4. Anything plastic
5. Wizard hats
6. Anything out of a heavy, winter material, such as wool

caymans - day 3




A grand morning in Grand Cayman. Breakfast at the Ritz, then a long walk on 7 mile beach.

Monday, May 12, 2008

caymans - day 2




The highlights on the island have been the soft, white sand, and the stunning blue, warm, refreshing ocean water. No waves at the beach, but the color and the temperature make up for it.

Saturday, May 10, 2008


a grand beach day





Beach bunny made it to her long awaited vaca in Grand Cayman! Photos above are from Day 1 at the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman, located on the islands famous 7 miles beach.

new surf & skate company on the scene

Surf legend Laird Hamilton has launched Wonderwall, a surf and skate clothing and lifestyle company.

Laird Hamilton is one of the most celebrated big wave surfer in the world, and his a new ambition is fashion. "This clothing line has been a long time coming!" he laughed at Thursday's launch party for his Wonderwall line. The 165-piece surf and skate collection will be sold exclusively at Steve and Barry's as of May 15. "My interest in fashion began when I started surfing. I noticed that the most financially successful people in the surfing community were apparel manufacturers. I actually worked in downtown L.A.'s garment district back in the 80's to learn the trade. I dabbled in every aspect of the business, from logo design to pattern-making to advertising."

"We saw a demand for it from our consumers, so we approached Laird," explained Howard Schacter, chief partnership spokesman for Steve and Barry's. "He's so authentic and has great knowledge of the surf community. He grew up in humble beginnings, so he understands what so many of our shoppers are going through."

Hamilton agreed. "The quality and style are there, and it represents my philosophy. It's a big endeavor, but I wanted to create something that would appeal to everybody."

To find the nearest Steve and Barry's, visit the website: www.steveandbarrys.com

For more about Wonderwall: www.thisiswonderwall.com

Thursday, May 8, 2008

no gracias


Hitting the beach in Mexico is always a blast. When you start your day on the sand you never know what to expect. The only draw back to Mexican beaches are the locals that cruise by selling their goods. When visiting Puerto Vallarta, Cabo or Cancun (to name a few) tourist are often hounded with locals asking them to buy their trades. These men and women usually dress all in white, and carry a case selling nicknacks and jewelry (most commonly silver). This gets a tad annoying when all your trying to do is relax and enjoy a day at the beach. It's best to politely say 'no thank you'. Or even better, use the native tong and say 'no gracias'.

As you see above, these tourists got a little tired of repeating themselves.

dress me vivre!

My new favorite site for summer essentials:

http://www.vivre.com

summer specials at the standard

The famous boutique hotel, The Standard, has launched special summer hotel rates at all three of their locations: Downtown LA, Hollywood and Miami.

When you call the hotel or go online to book your reservations, be sure to submit the code, SUMMER, in order to get the special rate. Rooms start at $199 with this deal. Enjoy!

http://www.standardhotels.com/summer-promo/

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

seen & heard

The Hills star Whitney Port checked out the new diamond watches from Curtis & Co. at their Coutdown to Summer party at Fred Segal in Santa Monica.

http://www.fredsegalfun.com/
http://www.fredsegalbeauty.com/

Friday, May 2, 2008

pool games

Loyal 'Day at the Beach' reader, Justin Schmid, reports this ghastly etiquette sighting at a preppy pool day in Dallas.

"Men in there mid 30's, playing college drinking games."

Need he say more. Flip cup is not appropriate at a pool unless your in Mexico. Ay Caramba!