We started the day strolling through the Grand Bazaar. Sensory Overload! I came back with typical first trip purchases-Hamam towels, olive oil soaps, Copper Hamam Bowls, and a few treats from the Spice Bazaar.
We then walked through the Spice Bazaar which was fun and not as overwhelming. All the vendors seem to have fun with the bargaining and it is all fun and games.
We ended the afternoon eating at Mangerie -a hidden restaurant full of the chicest Istanbulites. We then came back to Nisantasi and browsed through Beyman’s Department Store-the Turkish equivalent to Barneys. It was a great shopping day mixing high and low.
We got an early start this morning and were able to see all the “Must Sees” Above is the Circumcision Room at Tokapi Palace. Most rooms are ornately decorated with the traditional Iznik Tiles. Absolutely beautiful. The jewels (especially the 86 carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond-the third largest in the world) were stunning. Also went to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Bascilica Cistern. We also heard mid morning prayer service and ate some of the best meatballs on the planet. Some favorite “atmosphere” photos below.
Off to Istanbul Modern and tomorrow we brave the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.
I have been reading many blogs for a few years now. Here are my absolute favorites that I check daily.
I love Habitually Chic edited by Heather Clawson. She and I share a similar aesthetic and I find her to be an inspiration for my blog as well. It is well edited, relevant to her interests, and very informative.
I also love Dress Design Decor run by Daniella. The photographs she chooses are beautiful and inspiring.
Style Court edited by Courtney Barnes was the first blog I ever started reading. It continues to be a daily mainstay. StyleCourt is so informative, creative, and interesting to read.
Every few years, I stumble upon a dress that takes me through the current season and beyond. A few years back it was my M Missoni that I’ve worn to death and still absolutely adore. My new fave is this beauty from3.1 Philip Lim.
I’ve already worn it a few times and I’m planning on wearing it New Year’s Eve in Tel Aviv. It feels a little Stevie-Nicks-ish with its batwing sleeves but the jewelled bib collar is so beautiful and I envision wearing it during all seasons. It is the perfect example of my cost per wear shopping strategy (that truly is just a ploy to make me feel better about expensive purchases, but I stick to it and have even convinced friends and family that it works.) The strategy is simple-only buy expensive purchases if you… read more
I would like to introduce The City Assistant-a collection of refined resources. The City Assistant is a members only directory that provides top shelf recommendations for household maintenance, daily errands, and specialty services . The City Assistant sets itself apart from other online directories by focusing on details that are important when you live in a city or when you need to find essential information elsewhere, yet you don’t have time to source it yourself. The City Assistant is a comprehensive yet selective directory of services, places, and experts that meet our highest standards of style and sophistication. At The City Assistant you will find the best florist to the best hardware store, and everything in between. Launching in 2010.
I’m heading up to SF for a day and half before we leave on our trip. I would love to visit the Legion of Honor and become hypnotized and bedazzled by some of the most exquisite pieces of Cartier Jewelry. The 300 piece collection exemplifies Cartier’s reign as the expert joailliere during the 20th Century and many of the pieces included were once owned by some of the wealthiest and stylish American women-Gloria Swanson, Grace Kelley, and Elizabeth Taylor. Happy 100th Birthday, Cartier. Exhibition runs until April 18, 2010.
I have always loved magazines and have no problem spending a small fortune each month for my glossies. I’m saddened when a favorite magazine goes under (Domino, Vogue Living) so it seems that I look forward even more each month to the survivors. I get about 10-15 magazines per month and read each and everyone cover to cover. I have three favorites- C Magazine, Vogue, and Vanity Fair. They are full of great resources (C), great inspiration (Vogue), and great stories (Vanity Fair).
I highly recommend all three!
The second issue of Lonny is up today. What an amazing e-zine this is! Editor in Chief, Michelle Adams, has really filled the Domino void wiht her publication. The presentation is awesome as well as the content. I look forward to manny, manny upcoming issues. Check it out!
I love The Sartorialist. Scott Schuman does such an amazing job photographing some of the most stylish and interesting people all over the world. Here are three of my favorite recent images from his site. All three outfits are such an inspiration to me-the subjects wear the clothes so well. Looks like I might be needing a pair of oxfords.
I don’t celebrate Christmas, so I usually choose wrapping paper that doesn’t scream Christmas or Hanukah. I like to choose off-beat colors like lime green or magenta that look festive but not holiday-ish. I keep the wrapping simple( brown kraft paper, nice satin ribbon in a fun color, and a simple gift tag or sticker) and my absolute favorite part about wrapping is choosing a present topper-a small gift or two tucked into the bow of the present. Really a present topper can be anything-I’ve used bubbles and rubiks cubes in the past. I choose things that are colorful,have some sort of use and something that looks like it’s only for kids only, but adults will appreciate too. Here are some of my picks for creative present toppers.
SMALL TOYS
Little toys or knick-knacks make great present toppers.… read more
