Travelling In Style - July 2019 by Fashion Studio Magazine

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eva Fydrych | eva.fydrych@fashionstudiomagazine.com CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Marino, Marie Nieves, Ian Leaf, Michael P. McArdle PHOTOGRAPHERS Also Dacaniz, Fred Otis Maples,Eva Fydrych

Cover image by Anthony Tran | Unsplash

48 STREET STYLE

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Best Solo Travel Destinations and What to Pack Solo travelling can be daunting the first few times, but it’s a truly exhilarating experience if you thoroughly prepare. Spend your summer creating memories of a lifetime by taking a risk and packing the right gear! Researching travel destinations and packing the contents of your summer subscription box accordingly can help make the process more manageable and give you a better idea of what to expect. Compared to traveling in a group, solo travelling offers a number of benefits including the ability to move at your own pace and focus on what you’re really interested in. Keep reading to get help planning your upcoming solo trip and figuring out what you need to pack.

Paris Paris is usually thought of as a romantic destination, but it can be equally unforgettable when experienced alone. It offers some of the most beautiful sights anywhere on Earth, and its varied neighbourhoods make it impossible to see everything on just one trip. There’s a reason so many people want to return to Paris after their first time going. Make sure you include a day trip to Versailles in your itinerary. You won't regret it!

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Dress by RealGoldParis

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Prague

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Berlin Like Paris, Berlin offers a completely unique mix of cultures plus classic and modern architecture. As another one of Europe’s largest cities, it’s easy to just get lost in the streets and take in the atmosphere, but there are also countless museums, historical sites, and other attractions worth visiting.

Prague Prague is a relatively small city compared to other European capitals, making it easy to navigate on foot. Places like the Prague Castle and Old Town are must-see destinations, and you can see most of the city from above if you check out the Petřín funicular.

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Packing Packing for a solo trip is often intimidating—you want to have enough with you to get by, but not so much that it makes travelling difficult or leads to additional charges. Think about the things that you would find in an accessory subscription box and use that as a guide for your travel essentials! Luckily, you can usually fit everything you need in a backpack and small suitcase if you’re willing to cut down on a few unnecessary items. Shoes are the most common problem when trying to pack light, as each additional pair significantly reduces the space you have for RealGoldParis

other items. Try to limit yourself to two or three versatile pairs rather than packing a different shoe for every occasion, and wear the bulkiest pair on the plane to save even more space. You can also make your luggage go further by only packing versatile outfits that are easy to mix and match. Clothes that you’ll only wear in one outfit or for specific occasions can be left at home—bring items that layer well in order to be comfortable regardless of the weather. Travelling alone doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it sounds, and most people have an amazing time once they reach their destination. Consider visiting some of these amazing cities and using these efficient

packing tips to save as much space as possible.

By Jennifer Marino _______________________________________________________________________

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Paris | Photo by Eva Fydrych

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Tropical Vibes & Colonial Architecture Welcome to Cartegena de Indias!

Colourful Cartagena is a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, features cobblestone streets and beautiful colonial buildings. Boasting a tropical climate all year round, the city is also a popular beach destination. Since the average temperatures don't change much, there is no better or worse time to visit Cartagena. From luxury accommodation to trendy boutiques and restaurants, this charming city has more to offer than you would ever expect. Are you ready to take a look?

Don't miss: Isla de Barú, with white-sand beaches and palm trees, and the Islas del Rosario, known for their coral reefs.

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Photo by Eva Fydrych

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Tcherassi Hotel & Spa

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

SLEEP Life can't really get any better if you are staying in one of Cartagena's luxury hotels. Tcherassi Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of the historic district (Calle del Curato #38-99), is the quintessence of the city. The property was restored by a Colombian architect, Álvaro Barrera, and by New York-based interior designer Richard Mishaan who was named by Architectural Digest as one of the Top 100 world designers. Featuring a unique blend of fashion, hospitality, and nature, this stylish hotel offers not only an unforgettable experience, but also a glimpse into the world of Silvia Tcherassi’s creations.

Staying at Casa Cochera del Gobernador (Calle Cochera del Gobernador #33-23) is an experience in itself. "This

building,

whose

origins

that

16th

Century

the

make

oldest

city,

one

back

the

entire

has

been

formerly

renovated

combining

its

unique

colonial style with the most up-to-date elegance. Elements like the

balustrades,

courtyards,

and

halls

keep

alive

the

ancient

essence of the building, attracting you to enter and discover a piece of its enchanting history." - Casa Cochera del Gobernador

Photos by Eva Fydrych

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Tastefully decorated rooms feature pastel colour palette and all modern amenities expected at a five-star hotel. Don't miss a small outdoor pool and a hot tub located on the roof. It's a great place to unwind and relax in the evening.

Situated in the historic centre as well, Sophia HotelÂ offers fantastic views of the city's rooftops and delicious cocktails by the pool. This luxurious property won't disappoint even the most demanding travellers.

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Photo by Eva Fydrych

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

"Sophia Hotel is a perfect establishment for business travellers who are not only looking for a quiet and charming space but also for appropriate spaces to organise meetings and events. To do that,

the

hotel

inspirational

offers

vocations

one could

event be

rooms

expresses

(CALLIOPE) in

any

where

meeting,

conference or exhibition." - Sophia Hotel

EAT Often referred to as Colombia's culinary capital, Cartagena offers a wide variety of dining options. Combining tradition with innovation, Alma restaurant (Calle de la Universidad #36-44) is one of the best places to eat in the city. Coastal Colombian cuisine is not only colourful but filled with flavours that engage all of your senses. Alma's unique location, inside the luxury Casa San Agustin, makes it a perfect spot for a romantic candlelight dinner. Tuc Tuc, the creatively decorated restaurant at Tcherassi Hotel & Spa, is a must-visit place in Cartagena. Offering a tasty mix of flavours from around the world, Tuc Tuc restaurant is a refreshing option for everyone looking for casual dining with a twist. The delicious breakfast, open to non-guests as well, has a small buffet and a’la carte menu options available. Freshly squeezed juices and a variety of tropical fruits are the perfect way to kick-start your day. Dining in Colombia wouldn't be complete without checking out the local coffee scene. Our favourite coffee shops in the city included Juan Valdez Café (there are several locations of this Colombian coffee chain in Cartagena), El Café de Centro Hotel (Carrera 5 #34-80), and Serano Gourmet in Getsemani (Calle 30 #8B-108 Local 2).

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Photo by Eva Fydrych

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

SHOP Located in a colonial building with a lush courtyard, ST. DOM (Calle Santo Domingo #33-70) is a stunning concept store similar to 10 Corso Como in Milan or iconic Colette in Paris (now closed). It won't be an exaggeration to say that ST. DOM is one of the most impressive retail spaces in the city and it's definitely worth visiting – even if you are not planning to update your wardrobe anytime soon. It's a wonderful place to get familiar with both emerging and established Colombian designers and stay on top of the current fashion trends. Don't miss it! Large department malls where you c a n fi n d n o t o n l y s h o p s a n d restaurants, but also several entertainment options for the whole family, include Caribe Plaza, Mall Plaza

Castillo,

and

Plaza Bocagrande.

EXPLORE One of the best ways to explore the Old Town is taking a Free Walking Tour. Available every day at 10am and 4pm, it's a great way to meet other travellers as well. Local guides have not only lots of knowledge and experience, but they also have very engaging personalities and offer tours both in English & Spanish. Highly recommended!

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Getsemani artistic district is one of the hippest new neighbourhoods in Cartagena. If you would like to stay in this part of the city and save some money on accommodation at the same time, El Arsenal Hostel Boutique (Calle del Arsenal #10-13) is the place to be. This hidden gem has a small courtyard with an outdoor pool, lively bar with colourful murals, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere.

DID YOU KNOW?

Photos by Eva Fydrych

•

Colombia has the third highest coffee production rate in the world (after Brazil and Vietnam).

•

Cartagena was officially founded under the Spanish Empire in 1533, by Pedro de Heredia, in the former location of the indigenous Caribbean Calamarí village.

•

Cartagena de Indias is a UNESCO world's heritage site.

See you in Colombia! By Eva Fydrych _________________________________________________________________

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Palamacea (Photos courtesy of BFW)

Saha

Palmacea

Jorge Duque

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

5 Reasons Your Next Girls' Getaway Should Be in the Maldives

If you are an experienced traveler who is hooked on all things picturesque, the Maldives may be a destination that can serve as a ceaseless source of inspiration. Let’s be perfectly honest here, an enthusiastic ‘think tank’ of girls will have their standards set high, and this is one of those destinations that is destined to deliver, but the appeal of this archipelago goes way beyond the aesthetic appeal. Here are 5 reasons why your next girls’ getaway should be in the Maldives.

It is the perfect girl getaway When you plan a trip with your group of girlfriends, this usually entails a simulation of a getaway – running away from your life and the world, possibly due to work troubles or a broken heart, and settling on a faraway destination that introduces you and your friends to a whole new and different set of experiences. In that sense, the Maldives tick off all the boxes. While the capital of Male may seem like a typical Miami-like beachside urban area, the selling point of this archipelago are the secluded resorts that are sprinkled across multiple islands which belong to 26 coral atolls. Are you ready for a true doozy? The entire archipelago boasts nearly 1,200 islands, out of which 280 are inhabited, at least to an extent. If this doesn’t scream ‘adventure’ to you and your girlfriends, hardly anything will.

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

The packages are incredible Topographically, the sheer number of islands and the square footage they cover (along with the sea in between) is too vast to be completely covered in a single visit. However, you can still have the most dazzling Maldives experience by choosing the right island and the right resort. All you’ve got to do is skim through these amazing Maldives travel packages to be positively dazzled by the rich selection of wonderful accommodations, glamorous activities and captivating backdrops.

While you may be an avid adventurist with your group of girlfriends, you should probably opt for one of such premier Maldives packages if you are a newcomer – they include quality tours

that will lend you a sort of ‘vertical slice’ of all stellar experiences on the sandy beaches of this azure island grouping.

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

It has something for every type of gal Your group may be a motley crew of disparate character descriptions, but the Maldives are bound to cover all sensibilities. 80 out of 1200 islands have exclusive resorts, so you can relish in the glamour of a tropical paradise while still retaining that sense of adventure. Going on daring boat rides to explore other islands is something you can enjoy, but let’s not kid ourselves – it is also about savoring cocktails (remember – alcohol is only allowed within the confines of the resorts), chatting away into the night by the bonfire and sharing communal wardrobes.

It is a photo-ready paradise There are certain aspects of modern technology that really go in our favor. All of our phones have in-built HQ cameras that can capture every second of our adventures, and if you are going on a tropical Maldives holiday with your girlfriends, you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be some photo snapping. If any of your friends have artistic inclinations when it comes to photography, you’d better get ready for endless shoots that will immortalize your holiday. And in the Maldives, pretty much every step you take will be graced with a backdrop that is photo-ready.

You can all get pampered Now, depending on the size of your group – and let’s assume that there are at least four of you girls – it is probably a good idea to keep an eye out for bigger resorts that boast a number of accompanying facilities, including spa centers and beauty shops. If relaxation is the name of the game, you will be overwhelmed with incredible service when it comes to massage parlors, saunas and beautifying treatments that will be only a short walk away from your accommodation. Quality time with your besties will only be enhanced if you are able to keep a conversation going as you all get pampered by the incredible staff of the resorts.

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

For some unfathomable reason, the Maldives are often considered an exclusive honeymoon playground, which often encourages groups of friends to look elsewhere for fellowship escapades. However, this popular belief is proven wrong as soon as you glance at the cavalcade of attractive features and activities you can partake in should you decide to have a good time on this archipelago in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

You and your girlfriends are bound to assemble an impressive sequence of invaluable memories that will warm your heart for years to come and tempt you to return to this island paradise.Â

BY MARIE NIEVES __________________________________________________________________

Photo by Eva Fydrych

Visit: www.mferenceco.com

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

7 Unique London Restaurants When you visit London, one of the things you want to get right is choosing the perfect restaurant. Regardless of whether you are looking for a spot to accommodate your family or just your personal needs, you have a wide array of restaurants to choose from while in London. It gets down to your preferences and the way you select from the huge list of places to eat.Â

To make the work of choosing the perfect place to eat in London easy, you are advised to consult with experts who specialize in doing restaurant reviews. Ian Leaf is one such person as he has been researching about different restaurants while traveling around the world. One of his most frequent places to visit is London and he has been offering advice to travelers to help them choose the right places to eat. Here are seven restaurants that are unique that you might want to consider.Â

1. Bob Bob Ricard The first thing you need to understand about this restaurant is that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Soho restaurant that accepts bookings. Second, it features amazing Art-Deco interiors that are lavishly furnished that you get a feeling similar to taking part in a film set. On top of this it includes buttons that you can use to summon some champagne any time, so just be careful not to nudge it by mistake. Although

TRAVELLING IN STYLE you might find it a bit on the higher side as far as pricing goes, you will definitely celebrate the experience you pay for. You are awarded an experience not common within the city and anywhere else.

2. Bubblewrap The Bubblewrap takes up the Hong Kong phenomenon and due to its quirky design, you will always get fans around the block. The bobbly batter is designed into a cone that’s filled with sweet ice cream, chocolate, fruit, and anything else you think serves your fancy. Before you visit, make sure to wrap yourself up well as you may be forced to queue and this is not a cozy café so the experience might turn out humiliating.

You can even take the food onto the streets since it is fancy and ideal for outdoors. This is not the place you go to get yourself full essentially as

the foods are based on snacks and fruits as well as chocolate.

You will enjoy some waffles at a cheap price and the service generally is awesome if you are lucky to arrive early so you will not have to waste a lot of time on the queue.

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

3. The Chinese Bar This is an entire restaurant that is dedicated to Chinese food; basically stocking the perfect stuff including dairy and cheese. You can also go wild on baked camembert, oozing toasties, and queso fundido. One advice before you head there is maybe to skip lunch as there are many goodies that you might curse yourself for arriving full. You don’t want to miss the cheese curds, chips, some fried eggs, bacon gravy, and candid pancetta. Also take some time to enjoy the sweet cheeses. Toasties are available at around £5 or less, so it basically is not an expensive spot as you might imagine.

4. Duck & Waffle

Photo: Duck & Waffle

At the Duck & Waffle restaurant, you are offered 24-hour licensing. The location of the restaurant at the top of a skyscraper offers you 360-degree views of the capital, which enhances your dining experience.

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

5. Dans Le Noir All the staff in the restaurant are blind and with this gives them an upper hand because all meals are served in deep darkness. So you might face issues locating and using your knife well. It’s a perfect spot for those who would like to have fun while enjoying some delicious meals.

6. Indian YMCA This is among few restaurants that don’t care about looks and one thing about it is that it offers strongly made and cheap curries that are pleasingly authentic. Enjoy veggie delights like dahi vada.

7. La Bodega Negra Enjoy sharing plates as you take down slow-roasted lamb served with booze-laced sauce. This also comes with bespoke margaritas. The atmosphere is Mexican and speaks of film stars from the time you step on to the door. Enjoy new Mexican cuisine as well as custom recipes served to your satisfaction

BY IAN LEAF

_________________________________________________________ ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ian Leaf is a fashion expert. He is also a professional photographer, an artist, author, and blogger. Ian Leaf has traveled extensively in Ireland, the UK, and Switzerland documenting precious memories along the way. He has written several books among them, “Ian Leaf’s Starting a HFC Business at Home.”

_________________________________________________________

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

COLOMBIAMODA 2018 STREET STYLE BY ALSO DACANIZ

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Photos by Also Dacaniz | Inexmoda

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Living & Loving Life The ultimate goal in life is to be happy. We can become happy by accomplishing goals. School, careers, relationships, marriage, starting a family, buying a home and hobbies help to give us satisfaction. Satisfaction will bring us the happiness we all desire.

This list provides the ingredients we need to get there but the order they are achieved will be different for different people. It sounds like a simple recipe.

Having a positive attitude about where you are in the universe while attaining these goals is essential. Once in awhile something may happen that can derail our happiness. It can come in multiple forms.

In my own case I had a serious car accident when I was 21 years old that has led to a lifetime of chronic pain that changes with the weather and how much physical activity I was involved in. I kept my positive attitude though, as I lived my life and started obtaining the things on my list: career, travel and marriage.

Through most of that time I was happy. Eighteen years after my car accident however, I was living with unbearable hip pain and I was absolutely miserable. I needed a hip replacement. The first two doctors said 38 years old was too young to have replacement surgery. My third doctor saw how terrible the situation was and agreed to the joint replacement. The surgery was a complete success. After clearing the hip obstacle, I started a business that my wife and I operated for 24 years.

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

TRAVELLING IN STYLE Around 2013, I started to have extreme knee pain. X-rays showed bone on bone and my pain levels were starting to climb. Knee replacement was starting to sound good, but recovery took 3 months of total concentration on the recovery process. Being self-employed I was cautious. I did not want to be out of commission for that long. My participation in my business required an intensity that I would have to give up while I healed. I waited until the surgery became a need. It is difficult to stay positive and happy while dealing with extreme pain.

In addition to the recovery process, one of the side effects of major surgery can be depression. You go home from the hospital with paperwork stating this fact in BOLD letters, just so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget.

I felt the emotional toll immediately. The explanation of what it felt like is difficult to explain. It felt like a weight was on me. I felt it from the moment I woke up in the morning until the time I laid in bed at night.

The first three weeks after a knee replacement is the worst, while your body attempts to heal itself. There is no way to describe it other than to say it is awful. So while I was slowly healing my body, my emotional weight hung on as well and I just thought as my body healed so would my mind. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

At week nine my knee was doing great. Physically I felt better than I had in 15 years or more. Physical therapy means having a personal trainer working with you as a fitness coach. Emotionally though, I still had the depression. Instead of it getting even a little better, it was actually getting worse. No matter how well I felt physically, emotionally I was crashing.

I needed help.

The two most feared words in the English language are "mental illness". There is a stigma that exists in our society about these two words. The words have been changed to "mental health" but no matter how its stated, it carries an admission that many will not make because of the consequences.

Utter them, admit to needing emotional help and you will cause a chain reaction in your medical record-keeping at the least. Admitting to "mental illness" on a medical form will automatically give you 3 more pages to fill out. All this information then goes to your insurance company.

TRAVELLING IN STYLE

Your insurance company will judge you. Everyone will judge you. At least that's how I saw it.

I needed help. That's all I knew. I had been handling the situation on my own but it was getting worse. I needed to talk to someone else. I needed to admit that I had a "mental illness". I made an appointment with my doctor. I was put on an anti-depressant and I made an appointment with a counsellor. The meds worked immediately to make me feel better. I felt so good in one week, I quit taking them. I wanted to believe I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need the pills. Two weeks later I was back on them and stayed on them for 6 months.

I saw a counsellor for about 3 months. There was no "couch moment" where everything was resolved, but talking through things made me realise a couple things. I had old memories about my car accident 40 years before. Apparently old memories can reach out and grab you sometimes when you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expecting them.

As part of my recovery I started hiking the Ice Age Trail. The IAT is a 1200 mile footpath located entirely in the state of Wisconsin. As I hiked I would shoot photos of the trail and the trees and flowers. I started to feel better.

About 8 months after my surgery I took up acrylic painting. I started painting the photos I took of the Ice Age Trail. It started as a hobby and has grown into a passion. That was three years ago. I belong to Sheboygan Visual Artists (SVA) a local art group that puts on shows every month. In July I will be the featured artist at Gallery Night and Day at the Hudson Business Lounge in the Historic Third Ward in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Creating Art has provided a path for me to obtain more happiness than I ever thought possible. It soothes my heart and satisfies something in my mind. Something I needed my whole life. Admitting to myself that I needed help curing my "mental illness" and then getting treatment for it has changed my life forever.

If you need help, do not be afraid to reach out. Call your doctor or search online for the nearest mental health organisation.

By Mike McArdle __________________________________________________________________

Travelling In Style - July 2019

Articles inside

Latest edition of Travelling In Style is now online!