Tango Diva Travel Blog » Fashionista Files

The Quest for the Perfect Journal

Katie Palmer — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:09:37 +0000

I’m about to take off for a grand five-month adventure. Right now I’m overwhelmed by the particulars, but one task has been pure joy: searching for the perfect journal. I don’t take this task lightly and I have some pretty specific criteria:

The paper must be non-lined. Lines are constricting sometimes and I want to be able to tape in postcards, draw sketches, and write, all in one place.
The cover must not have the world “Travel” on it. In the past, I’ve always picked out the classic travel journals with maps plastered all over the cover. Don’t get me wrong; I love those journals. But since I will be living in Europe, rather than just visiting, I want to blend in.
It must be cute and classy. I have been told I’m taking this journal hunt too seriously, but it will house my ideas, inspiration, and memories. It better be cute.

These are my favorites that I’ve rounded-up (click through to check out more details):

Go Global with Anthology

Katie Palmer — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:02:14 +0000

So, I know that I’ve already gushed about Anthology Magazine here, but today their new issue arrived in my mailbox and the theme of issue No. 5 is “Going Global.” Naturally, I couldn’t resist sharing. It’s chock-full of global goodies perfect for gifts, foreign homes, exotic recipes, and of course, every page is eye candy. If you aren’t subscribed, consider buying just this issue — it’s my favorite one yet! You can see which stores stock them here or preview it for free right here.

Warm Travels to You

Katie Palmer — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:39:59 +0000

Fall can be one of the best seasons for getaways. But the changing leaves come at a cost: cold. No worries though; we’ve got you covered! Infinity scarves are pretty much the coziest and cutest accessories ever. I’ve rounded up my favorites in the classic fall color: red. Here’s to stylish and warm fall travels!

Available at Old Navy

Find it Modcloth

Buy this winner at Anthropologie

Nordstrom never fails

Designer Diva Discounts!

Teresa — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:41:52 +0000

For years, I spent so much money on my favorite brands because – well, they were my favorite! Then, Two Divas started The Real Real: consignment designer labels for less. And, I am sold. I get my faves for bargain prices and the other Divas who are selling with them get rewarded for their participation.

WIN – WIN!

So, on Saturday, October 22, our Divas are doing it again. If you live in Northern California I encourage you to head to San Rafael to score some amazing designer pieces for a fraction of the cost.

DETAILS:
Saturday, October 22nd
9 am – 3 pm
The Real Real Warehouse
3095 Kerner Blvd. Suite M
San Rafael, CA
Phone: 415-455-9300

I wish I could be there, I’ll be in Mexico writing a piece about family travel. Oh, by the way, I had a baby girl on May 30th this year. Crazy, I know. But I will always FLY SOLO when I can.

Let the Divas at The Real Real know that Tango Diva sent you!

Clink on the image to get driving directions!

A Fashionably Fall Quest

Katie Palmer — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:27:06 +0000

Fall is my favorite season just because of the clothes. Scarves, sweaters, boots, oh my! If you share in my seasonal love, here is a treat from Anthropologie (who does fall better than them?).

I dare you to find a better fall dress!

The ultimate fall color: mustard

Boots are simply the best

Infinity scarves are the easiest way to cozy it up

Because sometimes you need to glam it up

A Website With the Ultimate Tips on Shopping Hip

Katie Palmer — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 22:13:03 +0000

You know those cute little boutiques that can often lend you your favorite objects and clothes? The ones where just being in them makes you feel … hip? The hip new website, hipshops, is a haven for those stores (and all who shop in them) where unique clothes and one-of-a-kind finds are what it’s all about.

The website features 14 different cities (all in Europe, excluding New York) with listings of hip shops to visit. But this is no craigslist format. The website features a stunning, minimalist and clean layout which lets the stunning photography take center-stage. I feel cool just looking at the website.

Each shop is carefully reviewed and must have: “a premium quality of the merchandise (hard to find items, local source products are a bonus) coupled with an original and inspired interior design (with a penchant for the use of eco-friendly building materials), well-groomed staff (a good knowledge of the items on sale, willingness to help and serve clients’ needs, nice attitude and a look in line with the shop’s image are a must) and of course, last but not least, a coherent graphic concept for the shop’s identity and communication tools (printed materials, website etc).”

That’s quite a criteria. But this way you know that every store on the website is the hippest of the hip.

But the website doesn’t end there. You can make an account and create a personalized list of shops you want to visit, and then print off a nifty little guide to accompany you on your trip. You can also recommend shops to be considered for the website.

With an idea this fresh and so well-executed, I just couldn’t resist sharing. Now, go out in search of the hippest shops (and let us know what you find)!

Just one of their London shops (click through to hipshop website)

A Stellar Design Find in Malta

Katie Palmer — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:02:33 +0000

Design gurus, feast your eyes on this. Maison La Vallette is a design masterpiece and the perfect place to call home while exploring the intriguing city of Valletta, the capital of the island nation of Malta off the coast of Italy.

Essentially, Maison La Vallette is a self-catering luxury town house with a large bedroom, en-suite facilities, living room, and kitchen, in a house that dates back to the Knights of Malta. The space is great, but the decor is even better. With an eclectic mix of Maltese style baroque and designer furniture it will feel as if you’re living in Elle Decor.

“The attraction of the suite is that it provides a fun and exciting experience that stimulates the senses and lifts the spirit,” reads their website. “It reflects the lifestyle, attitudes, and values of the guests who are drawn to the place and provides real value to the modern sophisticated traveller.”

And the perks keep coming with a library, crystal chandeliers, music and movies, and more.

This is bound to be the next accommodation sensation and fully diva approved!

Divas Getting Dollars for Designers

Teresa — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 01:28:31 +0000

Hey Divas,

Have you ended up with a designer frock that you only wore once or a handbag you never use and would like to sell? I have. But the issue is figuring out where and how to sell it. Two glorious Divas have created to solution for that by starting The Real Real.

And in true Diva style they made the process super easy: All you have to do is mail in your designer goods and the team at The Real Real will do all the work for you. No need to embarrass yourself at consignment stores or try to sell it online yourself. Why bother, let someone else do all the work for you!

Special Limited Time Offer

All Divas who consign will receive 70% of the sales price for life when consigning with The Real Real by September 30, 2011. Typical consignment stores pay only 30-50% of the sales price and you have to schlep your goods over to them and wait. Darling, you have better things to do with you time, like book your trip to Paris Fashion Week.

Shipping is Free

The Real Real offers free pick-up for ten or more items in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles and Dallas. Shipping is free if you live outside of these areas.

Call The Real Real toll-free today at: (855) 435-5893 (9am-5pm PT, M-F) if you have questions.

Or email them at: stylist@therealreal.com

Not a member of The RealReal? Join here.

Living with Substance and Style

Katie Palmer — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:40:01 +0000

Magazines are one of those small, exciting luxuries I allow myself and as I sit carefully flipping through my favorite one, Anthology Magazine, and sipping peppermint tea, I realize things don’t get much better. Actually holding a beautiful publication is so much more satisfying than reading it on a screen.

I first discovered Anthology Magazine before the first issue was even to the printer’s. I was drawn in instantly by the website and tagline: “Living with substance and style.”

It is a shelter and lifestyle magazine that takes a narrative approach to its coverage of home decor, travel, design, entertaining and culture.

The first three issues have been centered around the themes, “the slow life,” “where the past meets the present” and “life is a party.”

The magazine is a breath of fresh air in an increasingly digital world. The articles are impeccably written, the photography and design work is art, and even the texture of the paper feels special.

And indeed, this is a very special magazine full of substance and oodles of style.

Their blog is just as stylish, with daily doses of inspiration.

It will be love – I promise you!

Warning: This Will Convert Your Travel Wardrobe

Katie Palmer — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:46:51 +0000

There is a cure for that packing predicament of too many clothes and not enough space: convertible dresses. They’re all light-weight material and don’t wrinkle, making them the solution to nights out, days at the beach, and afternoons gallery hopping (all in one dress!). Here’s our roundup of our favorite convertibles:

Convertible Dress-Skirt, Newport News

Convertible Bridesmaid Dress, twobirds

Women’s Multi Style Convertible Maxi Dress, Target

Poppy Convertible Dress, Jessica Simpson Collection

The Convertible Dress

This one can be worn in 50 different ways!