Stalletto Glamour 2017 by STALLETTO

Handcrafted exterior designed utilizing one nine foot wild genuine American alligator skin in chocolate brown. The interior created with red ‘Plonge’ cowhide leather, has one large and one medium pocket with solid brass premium zippers. In addition, an interior pocket built for a charging station is included, as well as a key fob and leather loop for tucking away cords. This beauty is finished off with brown “Plonge’ cowhide leather exterior trim, American alligator handles, solid brass hardware with nine handbag feet hand-sewn onto three alligator strips, wood dowel top frame including hand painted and burnished edges, twotoned alligator shoulder strap and alligator pad.

Concept/Creative Direction- Carolyn and Alta DeKoven

Vintage Jewelry Styling -Carolyn DeKoven @vintagejewelrylounge Photographer/Vintage Garments -Nicola Wilson @nicolawilsonphotography Model -Katarina Tagliamburis @mjalltheway Makeup-Alta DeKoven @altamakeupart Hair -Lia Lavaggi @liarunswithscissors Assistants -America Salvatore/Danielle Esqueda @broklynmaryo @pins_n_irons

M AS K E D & FANCY F E BRUA RY 1 0, 2 01 8 | 7 : 30 PM LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA T I C KE TS AT K ISSTO C U R E .CO M

LIVE MUSIC • BALLROOM DANCING • DINNER & DRINKS • SILENT AUCTION

You’e Invied Kiss to Cure is JDRF Los Angeles YLC’s signature philanthropic event. Masked and fancy guests dance the night away in celebration and support of JDRF’s funding of life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications. Over 200 people impacted by type 1 diabetes attend Kiss to Cure each year. We want you to join us for an amazing evening of live music, food, dancing, and an incredible silent auction. This event only happens once a year and space is limited. Make sure you get your ticket and help us turn type 1 into type NONE!

If you would like to learn more about type 1 diabetes, JDRF, or YLC, please visit jdrf.org.

@ J D RFLAY LC

@Y LCL A

Glamour-what is glamourr anyway? Glamour is a feeling-it’s a desire that overcomes us when we see and basically are attracted to an alluring, appealing, sassy, or sexy individual. It’s an illusion-a dream, a fantasy that touches our souls and makes us feel magical. It ‘s a thrill, a fascination and we want it all! We at times, relate to glamour in a fashion sense alone, without contemplating the thought of what glamour was intended to be-basically the definition of glamour itself. The meaning behind the word and its intentions have far surpassed the actuality of how it was represented in the past. The old Hollywood movies allowed us to believe that glamour was in fact the woman in the silver gown and fur stole, sipping wine while puffing on a long filtered cigarette shooting teasing stares across the room. Well, we believe that is still so...but it doesn’t end there.

Glamour and more importantly glamour fashion acceptance, has reached deep into the nucleus of our imagination by creating its own illusion, its own dream, its own magic. Glamour has many layers that have not yet been recognized or even given the change to shine. In this issue you will see how we have knocked down the wall of narrowminded thinking by showcasing many avenues of glamour, without excluding the woman in the long gown, wine glass and filtered cigarette.. Let Us Cast a Spell on You!

Ava Rayke Editor-in-Chief

Androgyny Glamour - 16 Debutante Clothing

Vintage Glamour - 24 Before Midnight-26 People - 44

Saint Laurent - 46 Anna May Wong - 48 Satin Dollz - 56 Lifestyle - 66 Cancun - 68 Antarctica - 74 Argentina - 86 Health & Fitness - 88 Beauty - 90 Maria Afanasyeva Hollywood Glamour Morris Griffin - 98 Erotic Glamour Bruce Jenkins - 106

Skin Detailz Tender - 126 Red Carpet Siren - 134 Retro Swimsuit - 140 Enchanted - 146 Boudoir Noir - 152 Burlesque - 160 Steampunk - 166

Captivating Cancun Contributing Travel Editor John Roberts Visiting Antarctica Contributing Travel Editor Megan Jerrard A Taste of Mendoza Argentina Contributing Food Editors Rosemary Kimani & Claire Rouger Winter Fitness Stepping Stones Contributing Heath Editor Elly McGuinness Saint Laurent

Photography-Bruce Jenkins Contributing Fashion Editor Model-Lilly Loca Zack Huffman

Androgyny Glamour - 16 Debutante Clothing

Vintage Glamour - 24 Before Midnight-26 People - 44

Skin Detailz Tender - 126 Red Carpet Siren - 134 Retro Swimsuit - 140 Enchanted - 146 Boudoir Noir - 152 Burlesque - 160 Steampunk - 166

Photography-Jose Chavez Model-Sofia Raquel Stylist-Sandra Mendoza Owner Debutante Clothing Makeup/Hair-Jose J

Androgyny is no longer a fad nor a Halloween costume. It is a way of life, a lifestyle, a style that one purposely choses to dress without any excuses or fashion headlines encouraging them to dress like this or that for next years fashion forecast. It is a conscious decision take it or leave it. We find androgynous style chic and glamorous. It’s where boy-meets-girl and wow, do we love it! The combination of female masculinity fashion is so fascinating, woman all over the world have emptied out their closets tossing out frilly dressy and six-inch stilettos, and filling them with classic pinstriped jacket and dress slacks sporting a one inch cuff, a necktie and a fedora. And don’t forget the Stacey's-Stacy Adams that is. Let’s take a look a Marlene Dietrich, a prime example of how empowered a woman can feel by exploring her own style sexuality when dressing like a man. She not only loved dressing in a man’s shirt and tie, she embraced the idea of having both male and female characteristics when out on the town meeting friends for cocktails. She was comfortable in her own skin or shall we say suit becoming extraordinarily famous when she cultivated her own androgynous style of dress in the 1920s and ‘30s when fashion was everything. She was glamorous in a long flowing gown and just as glamorously stunning showing off her iconic tuxedo and top hat. And then of course there is one of my favorite classic films from the 1940s-“The Philadelphia Story” whereas Katherine Hepburn plays a socialite categorically stealing the show when throughout the majority of the film, she beautifully sports women’s trousers. Remember the “L” Word, the lesbian series featuring the lives of a group of friends in Los Angeles? Androgynous fashion depicted not only who they were, but their independence in how they wanted to be recognized. The fashion alone gave it the A-Okay for androgynous style to be worn shouting -I am who I want to bewhether you were a lesbian or not. Androgynous fashion or style may not be for everyone, but we think everyone should give it a try.

Stylist-Sandra Mendoza - Debutante Clothing Model-Sofia Raquel Photography-Jose Chavez MUAH-Josie J

Nothing says women can’t be sexy when dressing in a suit. It’s not just for men and it’s not always about business. Sometimes it’s about the inner sexy Beast dying to get out.

A Gentlewoman knows her place when it’s time to fit in with the boys at a gentlemen’s cigar lounge.

Fit in-No! She’s got her own game! Let’s face it, she would turn head’s when strutting her stuff in this vintage lounge jumper from Debutante Clothing.

Photography-Magdalena Norwicka Model-Magdalena Andrzejak Designer/Stylist-Vanessa Wieliczko (Polsky Stuff)

Makeup-Aleksandra Kurowska Hair-Rafal Karol Tasarz Hair-Katarzyna Hatas

Makeup: Aleksandra Kurowska Hair: Rafal Karol Tasarz

Designer: Sandra Vanessa Wieliczko-Polsky Stuff

Model: Magdalena Andrzejak Photographer: Magdalena Nowicka

Saint Laurent by Zack Huffman Anna May Wong Satin Dollz

aint Laurent instantly conjures the idea of Parisian glamour for all who know their fashion history. The famous house and its long-time creative director, Yves Saint Laurent, played a key role in shaping the course of fashion for decades. From the 1965 Mondrian dress to the “Le Smoking” jacket the following year to the revolutionary “Operas et Ballets Russes” collection, there’s no denying that Yves was as Diana Vreeland famously said, “the master of the streets of the world.”

But the question for 2017 (soon to be 2018) is: Where is the House pushing us today? Or frankly, is it pushing us anywhere at all? The first two collections under newly appointed creative director, Anthony Vaccarello largely continued Hedi’s 1980s YSL meets party-going rocker look. When done well, there’s a certain kind of glamour to the look - especially in the well tailored jackets and bedazzled accessories. But on the whole, Vaccarello’s first two collections left a lot to be desired. They simply didn’t live up to the brand’s reputation for high glamour. As Virginia Postrel said in her insightful book, The Power of Glamour, “the nature of the concept is grounded in visual persuasion - not mere luxury or ‘chic.’” In contrast to simple sex appeal or 80s nostalgia, glamour for the modern woman is more about being effortless, multifaceted, cosmopolitan (but not stuffy), and most importantly - liberated. She has some sprezzatura to her presence. She is “trying” without looking as though she put in too much effort. This distinction then begs the question: How will Vaccarello persuade us?

Under Hedi Slimane's leadership (2012-2016), the House was often discussed, but not always in the best light considering his frosty relationship with the fashion press. However, that didn’t stop Hedi from ratcheting up Saint Laurent’s relevance and growing the business. Not only did he completely re-brand Saint Laurent and add millions in profits, Hedi also played a key role in pushing the current 80s revival trend. From his very first show, Hedi paired his rocker aesthetic with YSL’s DNA - eventually culminating in the full on 80s revival collection for Fall/Winter 2016. His farewell show pushed shoulder proportions to a height not seen since the illustrations of Tony Viramontes and featured models so disturbingly thin that one couldn’t help but feel an angry, 80s edge to each look that descended the Maison steps. Thankfully, his latest collection which debuted under the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower this past September may provide the beginning of an answer. In contrast to the awkward mix of constrain and hit-you-over-the-head sexuality of his first two collections, the spring/summer 2018 show tilted towards the free, liberated, and glamorous feeling that made YSL famous. As Sarah Mower eloquently put it in her review for Vogue, “there were legs for miles and glamour as far as the eye could see.” Feathers, boots, satin, and glitter dresses abounded. Despite mile high hemlines, each dress in the latter half of the show moved beautifully - enveloping the models in gorgeous, voluminous shapes. There was definite sex appeal, but not without taste. Vaccarello made it clear that the Saint Laurent girl is still ready to party, but she’s also ready to escape, transform, and transfix all those in her wake. Perhaps Saint Laurent could return us to glamour after all.

Anna May Wong

January 1905 - February 1961

Anna May Wong was the Chinese Ava Gardner if you will, but without Ava’s status and without actually being Chinese. Her astounding beauty, sex appeal, talent and sexy femme fatale roles in Chinese and American ilms brought her notoriety for many years. And although she was born in Los Angeles, she dealt with prejudices and racism throughout her childhood life and up to and throughout her career, and never really gaining respect as an American. At a very young age, Anna became fascinated with Hollywood movies. She was thrilled with movie set transformations especially when turning China Town into a visual work of art of real China. In the 9 - 9 ’s the movies needed real Chinese faces in order for the movie to appear authentic. Anna's father was very apprehensive of her passion to seek out acting in movies, but eventually granted her permission which led to her irst role on the big screen in Alla Nazimova’s The Red Lantern. She was only 14.

She then went on to leading roles such as 9 ’s The Toll of the Sea, where an American man falls in love with a Chinese girl but has reservation about the reputation of the relationship because of her Asian looks.

With Douglas Fairbanks at the helm in (ollywood in the s, he sought out and found the perfect face to play his Mongol slave for his huge production of The Thief of Bagdad. Anna went on for several years to achieve roles in American ilms next to some considerably higher rated stars because of their American looks such as-Marlene Dietrich Shanghai Express . Newspapers with their propaganda, were too busy trying to un-Americanize her, no matter how well of an acting job she did as an American playing Chinese roles. Called at times; The )vory skinned American Anna was really never treated fairly although being cast in several ilms generally as a femme fatale or villain; -Daughter of the Dragon, 1937-Daughter of Shanghai) The fact is however that; Anna had never been to china, she stood 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;7 which is not typical for Asian women, she spoke perfect English and had the style, conversational personality and sense of humor of an American. She drank cofee-not tea. So, the question remained throughout her career...was Anna May Wong American or Chinese. Enjoy these ilms with Anna May Wong -The Toll of The Sea -Limehouse Blues -The Thief of Bagdad - Dangerous to know - Piccadilly - King of Chinatown - Shanghai Express -Bombs Over Burma

e wanted an authentic team of Ladies who stage performed solely for war veterans and soldiers and an enthusiastic audience that enjoyed wartime entertainment. With Veterans Day upon us, it just so happened that I directed a small Veterans Day Celebration show with Event Coordinator Marie Thomas in Topock Arizona for the local VFW Post 6306 with Bo Bobo singing Frank Sinatra's, ‘Thanks for the Memories’ and ‘Sentimental Journey’, and local VFW female members (Annetta, Rita and Pat) dressed in vintage WWll USO attire singing The Andrews Sisters ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’, Andrea Bobo as the pinup sign girl and comedy war reenactment skits with Ron and Freeman.

Glenn Miller background music nostalgically caressed the Veterans and their families’ souls and made them feel right at home bringing back memories of times they spent listening to wartime tunes on the radio and Bob Hope on black and white television sets. I then wondered if we could find a group of woman who did this on an on-going basis. Well, we found them and boy are we excited! This group of talented ladies are not only beautiful, they are dedicated to their craft with the utmost attention to detail in every performance. I reached out to the Allison Windsor-Founder/Producer for The Satin Dollz, (Dollface Entertainment) and my curiosity got ahold of me when asking questions about her team.

E e thi g is a 'p odu io ' ith e. I so e i les, that ould e f o ed upo ut i e te tai e t i le, a ists a d lie ts alike illi gl e gage ith e fo isio a d high sta da d. I spe ialize i e e ui g ideas f o pape to stage, ith a fo us i i tage ge es spa i g the s to the s . I a i spi ed u i ue tale t, ig a d jazz a d o ka ill usi , a d a thi g that spa kles o stage . I a al a s looki g fo the e t idea, e t so g, e t ostu e . Most g aif i g to e is the o u it I' e ee a le to eate th ough this o k p o idi g oppo tu iies fo a isi e p essio a d olla o aio , e plo e t, outh e to ship a d lo g-lasi g elaio ships . I fo ed Dollfa e E te tai e t i eai g the "Sai Dollz," a 's pi -up da e t oupe spe ializi g i USO WWII e te tai e t . Tou i g do esi all a d o e seas, Sai Dollz ha e pe fo ed o BBC Radio si gi g to o e illio people ith the Ji e A es a d e e featu ed o FOX Good Da LA Li e fo thei s ash To s fo Tots Holida e e t he e the olle ted o e to s fo u de p i ileged kids . Dollfa e E te tai e t also fou ded Dollfa e Pe fo a e A ade , a suite of et o pe fo a e t oupes fo hild e a d ou g adults ages - f o 8. 6 a ked the de ut of the Pa is Sai Dollz he a Sai Doll o ed to Pa is fo a o eted da e o t a t ith the ost fa ous F e h sho i the o ld; u e tl the e a e Pa is Dollz . As of this fall i , the Lo do Sai Dollz p e ie ed ate a hi l i d da of audiio s i Lo do ate ded o e tale ted hopefuls .

Stalleto-How long has your group een together? Sain-The Sai Dollz oicially started i 00 a d has gro fro Sai Dollz i Los A geles to o appro i ately 0 Dollz i each of our ajor ho e ase ciies of LA, Paris a d as of this fall Lo do for a total of 0 aci ely perfor i g Sai Dollz. We fou d ith the i creasi g de a d of sho s a d popularity i the pi up a d i tage ge re, that e eeded to gro the group that e afecio ately call the Pi Up Ar y . Stalleto-Are all Dollz original and how oten do you hange Dollz? Sain-We hold audiio s o a erage o ce a year a d add Dollz as e eed to. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a u i ue skill set e look for i a Sai Doll that is ot easy to i d. Sai Dollz ust either e highly ad a ced i tap da ci g, si g i the style of the 940s as ell as hold ight har o ies or oth. A out years ago o our irst tour to the UK, e ought ukuleles a d ha e i corporated ukes i to the Tiki secio of our sho . I addiio to the u i ue skill set of tappi g, si gi g parts, playi g ukulele our Dollz are i di idually stu i g a d e look for good hearted gals.

Stalleto-Is there o e lead si ger? Sai -The Sai Dollz ork ith a ariety of a ds i ter aio ally i the stateside a d o erseas i cludi g The Ji e Aces fro Britai ’s Got Tale t, the World Fa ous Gle Miller Orchestra, Los A geles’ A gel City S i g, Dea Mora’s Moder Rhyth ists, De er’s Hot To atoes, Ne York’s George Gee S i g Orchestra to a e a fe . We lo e to colla orate ith a ds a d so ei es i corporate guest perfor a ces he possi le fro arou d the orld, such as the Holly ood Hotshots. The Sai Dollz do ot ha e o e lead si ger; the sho s are perfor ed ith -4 fe ale pi up styled ocalists ho for the ajority of the sho si g together i co ple har o ies a d -4 a azi g pi up tap da cers.

Stalleto-How ote do you tra el? Sai -Each Sai Doll facio rehearses e ery eek i their respeci e ciies pri arily the sa e aterial a d e act choreography fro o e city to the e t. Ho e er, si ce e added Paris there ha e ee e u ers created origi ally for the Fre ch arket a d LA is al ays ge erai g e usic a d choreo to share ith the other ciies. With Paris a d Lo do o ly a hr trai ride a ay, Paris Dollz ha e ee aki g isits to the Lo do rehearsals assisi g our Lo do captai s, also k o as The T i S i g, to help the get caught up o perfor a ce aterial Our Sai Dollz tra el fre ue tly for sho s a d ha e e tertai ed i Fra ce, throughout E gla d i cludi g BBC Radio, Malta, a d i al ost e ery regio of the U ited States. Ne t o the schedule is Ha aii at the Pearl Har or Museu . Stalleto-who decides what you wear i each perfor a ce? Sai -I addiio to the ig a d usic the Dollz si g a d tap da ce to, the costu es are a ig part of our sho . The producer is o sessed ith 40s a d 0s fashio a d chooses all the costu es for e ery sho . There ca e up to 4 or costu e cha ges i o e sho . Costu es ha e e ol ed through the years a d are a i of authe ic i tage dresses a d reproducio s ith ost of the costu es for the tap da cers custo desig ed a d co issio ed. With our i ter aio al gro th a d the pi up culture ei g such a isual ediu , e are orki g a lot ore ith pi up style clothi g spo sors such as Netherla ds ased Top Vi tage Boui ue, Lo do ased Voodoo Vi e a d Vi ie of Hollo ay, US ased Beie Page Clothi g a d Girl Ho dy S i ear a d custo ade tap oufits fro Vi tage Suits By Mary featuri g this fashio i our sho s a d o social edia.

Stalleto-What is the ge re a d perfor a ce co cept a d who decides o what is wor ? Sai -Our Sai Dollz tra el fre ue tly for sho s a d ha e e tertai ed i Fra ce, throughout E gla d i cludi g BBC Radio, Malta, a d i al ost e ery regio of the U ited States. Ne t o the schedule is Ha aii at the Pearl Har or Museu . The Sai Dollz e joy perfor i g a ariety of i tage the es a d are the lo gest ru i g pi up si gi g a d tap da ci g act sill perfor i g. Our ge re is ig a d a d jazz fro the 940s. We lo e to feature usic fro a ariety of arists i cludi g Gle Miller, Louis Pri a, Nat Ki g Cole, A dre s Sisters, Ca Callo ay etc. e lo e the sou d of s i g usic a d are al ays looki g for a e u er to put our Sai Doll style to it ith har o ies a d choreography.

The est gigs to do are the o es for our WWII etera s ecause of the thrill of shari g this usic that they da ced to duri g a dra aic i e a d he e perfor i theaters ith ig stages a d a li e ig a d orchestra. I Alliso Wi dsor ha e ee produci g the Sai Dollz si ce its i cepio . I pla the costu es, decide the usic a d sho co te t, trai e Dollz a out ho to do their pi up hair a d akeup, pla a d direct photo shoots, ook the sho s, coordi ate ith the a ds, a age all arkei g a d social edia, ate d a d stage a age e ery sho i the US ut ot as easy to catch all the sho s for the Dollz i Europe. My iggest joy is the lo g stayi g co u ity I created ithi the Dollz ho ai tai frie dships to this day.

THE SATIN DOLLZ e tertai audie ces, the you g a d you g-at-heart, arou d the orld ith their ig a d sou d, ight ocal har o ies, a d sho stoppi g tap da ci g. A ight to re e er, theatergoers are delighted y their sparkli g charis a, stu i g eauty a d tale ts, ote joi i g i o the fu tappi g a d clappi g alo g. Based i Holly ood, Lo do a d Paris, the Sai Dollz ha e perfor ed uliple i es o BBC Radio si gi g ith the UK's No S i g a d Ji e Ba d, The Ji e Aces, to o er 0 illio liste ers a d at Lo do 's orld re o ed 00 Clu . Jazz reside cies ha e i cluded Los A geles' fa ous Cicada Clu ith Dea Mora's 0 pc S i g Orchestra, the historic Quee Mary i Lo g Beach, a d rece tly at the Jazz Ca e i St. Julie 's Bay, Malta. Other ota le appeara ces ha e i cluded the fa ed S i g 4 i Ne York ith the George Gee pc Orchestra, Los A geles' i augural Fleet Week, a d headli i g uliple years at Vi a Las Vegas Rocka illy Weeke der.

Jaso Giacopelli is a photographer & arist located i So Cal. His photography is hea ily i spired y George Hurrell & classic Pi up arists like Vargas, El gre a d Pety, he orks to create i tage the ed i ages u i ue to each clie t. He is a aila le for pri ate co issio

THE SATIN DOLLZ entertain audiences, the young and young-at-heart, around the world with their big band sound!

Travel-Cancun by John Roberts Travel-Antarctica by Megan Jerrard Food Travel-Argentina by Authentic Food Quest Health-by Elly McGuinness Beauty-Maria Afanasyeva

The sun sets over calming waters lapping at the crescentshaped beach. A full day of heat and time spent playing in the refreshing Caribbean Sea is about to shift to night, with its warm breezes and brilliant shining moon. Such is the daily rhythm of Cancun, and we smile broadly as we set out for our evening meal. This is just what we needed. Winter has just arrived back home in New Jersey, but here we are, enjoying a romantic week of fabulous Mexican food and adventurous activities in the great outdoors in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The main resort area of Cancun is the Hotel Zone, and this is where you can find a range of resorts, from all-inclusive luxury properties to more budget friendly options. All offer the convenience and ideal location on beautiful strips of beach right in the heart of the action. Average water temperature hovers around 80 degrees throughout the entire year-yes, even in winter.

I come with my wife to escape the cold and to recharge from our hectic day-to-day lives back in the northeastern U.S. Cancun is a resort city on the Yucatan Peninsula, and weather isn't the only thing that is warm in this region. The people are unfailingly friendly and eagerly help us with our continuing attempts to master Spanish. Most of these tutoring sessions occur as we order our meals at one of the hundreds of restaurants serving our favorite style of cuisine. We would travel here just for the salsas!

Our resort in the heart of the city is merely a launching point for all the other activities that we enjoy during our winter getaways in Cancun. Transportation is cheap and easy to use, and we take the bus (it's about $1 per trip) to downtown for shopping and the best dining options. Go to the food stalls at Parque Las Palapas and eat authentic fresh-prepared foods alongside residents out grabbing their daily lunches. You can fill up on tacos, tamales and so much more for astonishingly low prices.

All along the peninsula you also can find tons of outdoors activities to enjoy. It's worth a day to explore the fascinating Mayan ruin sites of Coba and Tulum. Coba is a huge place and an archaeological wonder that remains largely unexcavated amid the dense jungle. Wide roads shaded by huge trees feed to the centerpiece of the destination: Nohoch Mol. The giant pyramid rises 137 feet and is the highest on the Yucatan Peninsula. You can ascend the 120 steps (careful, they are slippery from centuries of use) to see for miles above the jungle canopy. Coba also has many other structures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; temples, sports arenas, residences that help tell the tale of daily life. Tulum is among the most famous ruins in the region, and it is interesting to tour the site. But make sure to go down to spend time at the beach, which is a secret gem of the property and offers incredible swimming and views back up the hill to the ruins.

John Roberts is a fitness-focused Travel Writer and the operator of the website - InTheLoopTravel.com

Another unique activity is swimming in cenotes. These are sacred underground swimming holes formed by natural sinkhole in the limestone bedrock throughout the region. We were blessed by a shaman in a ceremony, before we descended by rappelling line to the cool waters.

Cancun sits just across the water from the charming Isla Mujeres. You can reach the island with a quick ferry ride and settle in to the slower pace of life (it's a great spot for diving and snorkeling). The island is four and half miles long and not even a half-mile wide, and like many other visitors, we rent a golf cart to tool around from end to end of the strip, stopping for snorkeling or chips, guacamole and beers as the mood strikes. Then, we return to our resort on the main island in time for a couples massage as the sun sets once again in this paradise.

All things considered, it had been a surprisingly comfortable night. I had given up my cozy room aboard a luxury cruise ship for a sleeping bag on the ice. No tent, just my sleeping bag, at the very end of the earth, atop a glacier of thousand year old ice. Correction: a sleeping bag and a shovel. We had dug ourselves a hole to sleep in for the night. But for the passengers who thought us crazy, camping on Antarctica was an experience Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll remember for the rest of my life.

Sleeping underneath the stars, overwhelmed by an incredible silence, with the most beautiful colors painted across the sky; orange, pink, purple and red hues, I knew it was something I would forever regret if I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sign up for camping. So I snuggled into my bivvy bag which protected against temperatures as low as -50, and settled in for the night. The only sounds which broke the silence were glaciers calving and the song of Humpback whales swimming by.

100 years ago no more than a handful of people had journeyed to Antarctica, however today it is slowly becoming a popular travel destination. Around 30,000 travelers visit Antarctica every year, boarding cruise ships bound for the final frontier: a continent stuck in a perpetual deep freeze; a continent of snow and ice. Though for a destination which is sold as the ultimate experience, I was apprehensive about my trip to Antarctica. Excited beyond belief, but desperately hoping that the pedestal on which this destination sat hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been placed too high. I mean, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be honest, the superlatives for Antarctica have almost run dry.

Though for a destination which is sold as the ultimate experience, I was apprehensive about my trip to Antarctica. Excited beyond belief, but desperately hoping that the pedestal on which this destination sat hadn’t been placed too high. I mean, let’s be honest, the superlatives for Antarctica have almost run dry. But as it turns out, the hyperbolic praise isn’t exaggerated. Antarctica lives up to and actually surpasses the hype. I would even go as far as to say it’s undersold. This is a continent as remote and pristine as you have ever seen, and being there evokes such a sense of raw emotion that can’t be captured or conveyed. There are few places in the world where you can feel completely removed from civilization, though this is definitely one of them. It’s immaculate and unspoiled unlike anywhere else on earth; a faultless landscape which is dramatic and powerful, though at the same time, fragile and pure.

Antarctica is a place that such a small percentage of people have a chance to visit that we are still left speechless by its photographs. This however fails in comparison to seeing its grandeur in person. The majority of cruises leave from Ushuaia in Argentina and head to the North Western most tip, known as the Antarctic Peninsula. You will see giant ice-bergs, phenomenally steep cliffs, ice shelves and stunning mountain ranges which have been frozen solid for thousands of years under impenetrable layers of … you guessed it … ice! Choose an expedition style adventure cruise and you will have the opportunity to step out of your boat for hikes through ice fields, camping overnight, and paddling on kayaks between enormous icebergs. And that’s before having mentioned the wildlife. Wildlife is one of the main draws for visiting Antarctica. There are many rare and endemic species, and animals here roam free and have no fear of close contact with human beings. Elephant seals, humpback whales, leopard seals, orcas and baleen whales are easy to spot as soon as your cruise departs South America, and once you have arrived, you will witness the impressive Antarctic penguin colonies! Some colonies are home to thousands of penguin pairs, who, once you’re on land, will waddle straight over your toes.

As winter in Antarctica is severe and inhospitable, trips are only run during summer months between November and March. The best time to go is during December, January and February. Make sure you book a cruise which includes land based excursions. International regulations limit the number of people allowed on land at any one time, so large cruise ships with 500 passengers generally offer a â&#x20AC;&#x153;look but not touchâ&#x20AC;? experience. Booking with a cruise company who limits their passengers to around the 110 mark means the opportunity to step out off the boat.

Antarctica today doesn’t involve the hardships it used to – you travel on a comfortable passenger cruise, and don’t have to worry about hunger, deprivation or exposure as explorers in the past. Though landing on Antarctic will leave you with the same feeling that you have achieved something special in your lifetime, and to step foot here is still considered an honor and true accomplishment.

A Culinary Experience By Contributing Food Editors Authentic Food Quest-Rosemary Kimani & Claire Rouger

The gorgeous scenery, endless vineyards, the famous Argentinian beef and sweet pastries, Mendoza, Argentina, has much to offer. Mendoza is Argentina’s Malbec homeland. Within Mendoza are more than 1500 wineries spread out over three main wine regions. Maipú Valley is closest to Mendoza city. Lujan de Cuyo is home to some of the best Malbec wines and Valle de Uco (Uco Valley) is known for its high altitude wines. Wine and food lovers will delight in the wide open spaces, gorgeous mountain scenery and relaxed pace of Mendoza.

Fine cuisine goes hand in hand with fine wines. In Uco Valley, on the foothills of the Andes Mountains, is one of the best places to experience a typical Argentine meal.

The Vines Resort & Spa in Uco Valley offers laid-back luxury at the base of the majestic Andes Mountains. It is a spectacular place with the perfect combination of high desert, the Andes and vineyards. The Vines Resort offers guests a plethora of experiences to choose from. Enjoy long fabulous meals, while taking in the views of the Andes. See the mountains explode in color with a sunrise horse ride. Learn how to blend your own wine working side by side with a winemaker. Cook Argentine cuisine in an authentic way with a chef from the resort.

Siete Fuegos, or “seven fires, is the signature restaurant at the resort. It is where Argentina’s legendary chef, Francis Mallmann serves up regionally inspired cuisine using open fire cooking techniques. The open fire cooking technique is inspired by Argentine gauchos and European migrations, and refined through hundreds of years of history. You can savor rustic, fiery flavors of specialties like 9-hour slow-grilled rib eye, cast-iron baked salt-encrusted salmon, grilled seasonal fruits, and more, paired with award-winning boutique wines.

To explore Argentine cuisine deeper, take a cooking class and experience the different cooking with fire techniques. Learn how to make the traditional Argentine empanadas using the clay oven. Grill your beef slowly in the parilla, as you learn about the wood used and its impact on the taste. Taste the bursting flavors of seasonal fruits in frutas a la piera dessert where kiwis, bananas, apples, strawberries and oranges are cooked in a dutch oven until they caramelize and topped with vanilla ice cream. With no temperature knobs to regulate the fires, you will appreciate different types and fires and the skillful attention of the chef. Enjoy your scrumptious meal at the chef’s table overlooking the majestic Andes. Pair your delicious dinner with the nectar of an award winning Uco Valley wines. When you’re ready, retire to your private villa. Enjoy your private sanctuary and soak into a hot bath outdoors with the views of the Andes. Curl up in the most luxurious sheets and enjoy a “little slice of heaven”. Your experience at the Vines Resort is like no other. Savor it! Getting There The Vines Resort & Spa Ruta Provincial 94, KM 11 Tunuyan, Uco Valley, Mendoza Tel +54 261 461 3900 http://www.vinesresortandspa.com/

A Healthy Winter By: Elly McGuinness-Contributing Holistic Health/Fitness Editor

Simple Steps to Prepare Your Body for a Fit and Healthy Winter Season As the cooler months approach it’s time reassess your health and fitness regime. If a fit and healthy lifestyle is something you strive for, have you considered the habits you might want to tweak over this time of the year? Maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle certainly requires a year-round focus. Planning and preparation are required to instill habits that will support your goals. Let’s take a look at a few areas to focus your attention for a fit and healthy winter season ahead.

Take a look at your current exercise regime and consider whether you have the potential to continue with it throughout the winter months. *Create an indoor workout plan for the days when you don’t feel like braving the elements. This could include bookmarking your favorite YouTube workouts so they’re ready to go. Or perhaps you’ve pinned the group fitness timetable for your local gym to the fridge. *Have a ‘super easy’ workout plan ready for any days that you might feel low on energy. Perhaps you’ve got a stretch routine you can follow or a restorative yoga class you can attend. *Find a workout buddy if you know you’re likely to have trouble with motivation over this time of the year. Perhaps this is the time of year that you invest in a personal trainer, for the ultimate level of accountability.

You’re probably aware that nourishing food choices are a key part of a healthy lifestyle. Your immune system is likely to be challenged a little more over the winter months, so consider these points to help you to stay as healthy and well as you can. *Smoothies and juices can be wonderfully nourishing, but they’re not going to help your body to warm up on a cold day! Instead make sure your cupboard is stocked with warming herbal teas. You can also ensure that you’ve got ingredients on hand to make your own winter wellness teas. Honey, lemon and ginger tea is a tasty winter tea that you can prepare yourself. *Get a winter specific cookbook or start looking for healthy winter recipes on the web. Think warming soups and slow cooked dinners that are full of vegetables and protein. Spices such as chili, turmeric, garlic and onions can be useful cooking ingredients for the months ahead. *Consider some supplements such as vitamin C and zinc, Echinacea, garlic capsules, or olive leaf to strengthen your immune system. Make sure you’re aware of any benefits and risks of different supplements, and speak with your doctor first if you’re on any medication.

*Recognize that rest and rejuvenation are just as important for vitality as exercise is! Prioritize sleep and find ways to keep your stress levels under control *Check your winter wardrobe is ready to go. Natural fibers that can be worn close to your skin, as well as basics like woolen hats, gloves and socks can help keep you warm and well *Learn how to listen to your body and adapt your routine as needed. Some days might require more sleep and rest, whereas there will be other days that you’ll feel like doing a really good workout

Photography-Pavel Parshin Model-Christina Pankova Makeup/Hair/Accessory Artist-Maria Afanasyeva

Some images may not be suited for persons under the age of 18. Some images may contain partial nudity. Please be advised.

Maria specializes in photo and film makeup with a clear focus on high-end projects for advertising and editorials. She has been seen in magazines such as: Allure Cosmopolitan, Playboy, The Hollywood Reporter, Harperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bazaar plus many additional highly recognized magazines and now Stalletto. The imagination and creativity from Maria, allows us to enjoy not only her makeup designs but her body art and accessory art as well.

Photography-Morris Griffin Model-Tricia Mauro Makeup/Hair-Tatyana Davis Dress-Pinup Clothing Dress-Ramin Salamoun Shoes-Helens Heart

Photography-Morris Griffin Model-Tricia Mauro

Hair and Makeup-Tatyana Davis

Dress-Pinup Clothing

Laura Byrnes California Monica Gathered Cocktail Dress

Hair and Makeup-Tatyana Davis Dress-Rami Salamoun

Elegant beading split evening dress-appliqued high neck mermaid sequins

Dress-Marilyn Monroe inspired -Red sequins full length mermaid Shoes-Helens Heart-Red sequins leather prom shoe

Photography-Bruce Jenkins Model-Rose Halfpenny Model-Carmen Kilss Model-Arelle Hug Model-Loran Ward Model-Heidi Heart

“I am a full time professional photographer, it’s my life, I live and breathe it and could not imagine doing anything else (although I have tried)”. “Life before photography had me in the jewelry business, in fact I have recently graduated as a Diamond Grader because the finer points of gemology still interest me”.

“That industry taught me the love of style, the love of sophistication, and of understated elegance”. “These elements I try to bring out in my photography, particularly when working with beautiful models. “No one did this better than Helmut Newton whose work has had a huge influence on the way I approach a shoot”. “I try to ensure that there is a strong element of sophistication in my shoots but with a hint of the erotic and touch of fetishism”.

“This is one of the reasons nearly all of my images include genuine fully fashioned nylon stockings and extreme heels (preferably-Louboutin’s)”. “Id like to think that this has become a signature of my style which I aim to continue with and improve on”. “So keep following and let me know if you want to shoot”. Bruce

Concept Design/Stylist-Skin Detailz-Sanne Schmidtberg Photography-Oz John Model-Joy Kidston Makeup-Alannah Strickland

Concept Design/Stylist-Skin Detailz-Sanne Schmidtberg Photography-Oz John Model-Joy Kidston Makeup-Alannah Strickland Camisole and Hoop-Courtesy Margaret Hines

Concept Design/Stylist-Skin Detailz-Sanne Schmidtberg Photography-Oz John Model-Joy Kidston Makeup-Alannah Strickland Some images may not be suited for persons under the age of 18. Some images may contain partial nudity. Please be advised.

Concept Design/Stylist-Skin Detailz-Sanne Schmidtberg Photography-Sam Taylor Model-Joy Kidston Makeup-Alannah Strickland Some images may not be suited for persons under the age of 18. Some images may contain partial nudity. Please be advised.

Photography-Sa Taylor-Beauty I My Le s Beautyi yle s.co

Concept Design/Stylist-Skin Detailz-Sanne Schmidtberg Photography-Oz John Photography-Sam Taylor Model-Joy Kidston Model-Starla Makeup-Alannah Strickland Some images may not be suited for persons under the age of 18. Some images may contain partial nudity. Please be advised.

Photography-Sam Taylor Beautyinmylens.com Model-Joy Kidston