Exploring the juxtaposition of the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“Travelers never did lie, though fools at home condemn them.”

-The Tempest

Welcome, fellow swagsters, to a captivating journey through the vibrant city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I know my title was a tad bit cheesy, but stay with me. ;-)

Often overshadowed and overlooked because of stereotypes about what this country might be like, Jeddah is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. I actually made an Instagram reel that juxtaposes the two sides of this city. Join me as I recount my unforgettable visit to this city, where ancient history meets contemporary charm.

A tapestry of Culture and Tradition

Jeddah is a city that embraces its cultural heritage with open arms. Visiting the old, historical district will transport you back in time. The old buildings with their ornately carved shutters and wooden balconies tell a tale of this city’s past.

I found myself lost in the labyrinthine streets, discovering hidden gems like the Nasseef House, a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion that now serves as a museum, and also in the bustling atmosphere of Souq Al Alawi, a traditional market where shopkeepers enticed me with their colorful displays of spices, textiles, and traditional handicrafts. I actually bought some beautiful traditional Saudi shoes from a shopkeeper who inherited the shoe shop from his father.

A Gastronomic Delight:

No visit to Jeddah is complete without indulging in its expansive selection of cuisine.

Now, you can choose from traditional Saudi Arabian dishes like Kabsa (spiced rice with meat) and Mandi (slow-cooked meat and rice) to international flavors. Let me tell you, Jeddah's culinary scene is a true melting pot. I was SHOCKED to see a bevy of American restaurants there. It ranged from the Cheesecake Factory, to IHOP, to the Olive Garden, to P.F. Changs! To say I was flabbergasted, is an understatement. I actually even saw multiple Krispy Kreme doughnut stands!. Now, the above mentioned restaurants were just the tip of the iceberg. There were also the usual suspects ranging from McDonalds, Subway, KFC, and even Arby’s. Yes, you read that correctly! Arby’s. And many, many more! Now, I must say, that as a vegan, my pickings were slim. When I mentioned vegan dishes, I was often met with a lot of blank stares, flat out “NOs” with looks of confusion, and I even got offered chicken twice when I mentioned vegan. So, it was a bit of a struggle for me. However, if you aren’t vegan, then you’ll be in food paradise.

Really, Jeddah?

I found some vegan food at Paul’s Restaurant at the Red Sea Mall. The lentil soup was delicious.

A Shopper's Paradise.

No one is surprised when I say Jeddah is renowned for its vibrant souks, but when you type in “What to see and do in Jeddah” in your preferred search engine, various shopping malls appear. Since it was extremely hot during the day when I was there (temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius), people often only ventured out beginning at around 4:00 pm. (If I didn’t mention it earlier, I will mention it now, Jeddah comes alive at night. )Ok, back to the malls. For a more contemporary shopping experience, I explored the upscale malls like Red Sea Mall and Mall of Arabia, where international brands coexist with local boutiques. You can also by exclusive Saudi perfume and oils which will have you smelling aromatically unique.

CAUTION: If you choose to drive to the mall in the evening, be prepared to NOT find a parking spot. Also be prepared to wait for a VERY LONG time and possibly still not get a spot. Parking in malls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia takes patience and more patience. (Sidebar: Driving, in general, in Jeddah may be dangerous for your health. I’ll leave it at that.)

Conclusion

My visit to Jeddah left me with unforgettable memories, as I discovered a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. From the Red Sea to the Red Sea Mall, Jeddah offers a unique experience that is sure to captivate everyone. So, don’t hesitate to pack your bags and book your flight to go on your own adventure to experience the juxtaposition awaiting you Jeddah.

Thank you so much for your time. Join me on all my socials to see more. XOXO

My Summer trip to Rhodes, Greece!

In July, I took a long overdue vacation to Greece. I’ve been to several places/islands in Greece, and this time I chose Rhodes. Several people had stated to me how fabulous Rhodes is, and they were all right on the button.

After the plan landed, I got my bags and got in the taxi that was waiting to take me to my resort. I stayed at the Lindos Grand Resort Spa which is actually located in Lindos, which is an hour away from the airport in Rhodes.

The resort was brand new and beautiful. The staff was also very friendly and helpful. Covid protocols were also strictly adhered to. I had a room with a private pool, which I HIGHLY recommend. I spent more time at my own pool than at the main pool and at the beach.

Lindos, Greece

The town of Lindos is about a 10 minute taxi ride, which costs between 10-12 Euros. There, you can walk around the picturesque town, which is full of shops, restaurants, and they also have an acropolis. You can walk up to the top or take a donkey ride for €8. But those poor donkeys looked so hot, tired, and overworked, if you can walk, then do that.

Like I stated before, the resort is brand new, so there were some minor things that weren’t fully completed. For instance, there were two light bulbs missing on my terrace. It was minor, and it didn’t bother me at all.

The beach is about a 3 minute walk from the resort. There is a direct path where you can walk, and they also offer a shuttle bus, as well. The beach has food and drink service, and lounge chairs specifically for the resort, which is cool. There are also water sports available.

I literally had a different swimsuit for each day I was there! :-)

The floor to ceiling windows were fabulous. It was very hot, but also a nice breeze. When you opened the doors, the air-conditioning automatically shut off, which was cool.

So, if you’re thinking about a planning a trip to Greece for relaxation and great weather, I would highly suggest the island of Rhodes and Lindos Grand Resort Spa.

The resort had fantastic views, and the aesthetics were great.

Let me know if you’ve ever been to Rhodes, Lindos, and/or Lindos Grand Resort Spa.

Thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate it! XOXO

Check out my socials below.

How to get the most out of your wardrobe.

I chose the above quote for this blog because Macbeth and Lady Macbeth´s “clothing” is actually Macbeth´s new title of Thane of Cawdor. At this early stage in the play, they are thankful that they have the title and are not being greedy at this point. Let’s connect that with us literally buying our favorite pieces and caring for them so that they last and are not cast aside so quickly. (Am I reaching? Lol…just roll with me.)

Ok…we love are clothes and we want them to last. How do we do that? Let me give you a few tips on how to do exactly that.

Skirt: Gucci (about 4 years old)

READ THE LABELS:

Those labels are there for a reason. Make sure to check and see if your garment can actually be washed, or if it should be dry-cleaned. If you’ve ever washed something that should have been dry-cleaned, then you know about the possible catastrophic events that can ensue. Washing on the delicate cycle is always a safe bet, as well as mesh bags. I love mesh bags. They are perfect for delicates and anything else that may need extra tender love and care. Another thing you can do is air dry your garment. The dryer can cause shrinkage and put unnecessary heat on your clothes that may ruin them. So air drying is your best friend.

Sweater: Zara (last year) Jeans: Zara

Shoes: Miu Miu, Socks: Gucci

PROPER STORAGE:

How you store your clothes will add to their longevity . For example, hanging up your skirts and pants on proper hangers is something you should do. The right hangers can preserve the shape of your clothes, providing you hang them properly. I really like to use those special skirt hangers. You can also use velvet hangers that will prevent your dresses and shirts from slipping off the hangers, which can be really irritating. Also, keep in mind, some things should not be hung. For instance, cashmere sweaters. Hanging them might cause them to become misshapen, so I would suggest folding them.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY:

I realize that fast fashion is very tempting, and can be a good choice if you want to try a trend before investing in it. However, don’t overlook the fact that investing in quality pieces will stand the test of time. Often times, these fast fashion pieces are very inexpensive, and when you wash them, they fall apart. Threads start unraveling, hems come apart, discoloration, etc. So, what happens is, you end up wearing the item once or twice and you’re back ordering again. Contrast this with investing in a quality piece that costs more, but it will stand the test of time and you will get your cost per wear out of it….which leads me to my next point.

Boots: Alexander Mcqueen

COST PER WEAR:

Cost per wear simply means the cost of the item divided by how much you wear it. Now, don’t let the math intimidate you…lol. The basic premise is the value of the item is directly related to how much you wear it. If you follow this rule, you will be able to justify that high price tag, because you are getting the maximum amount of wear out of said item. I put this equation to the test when I purchase items that are pricey, but I know I will reach for it time and time again.

Well, those are a few of my tips. I hope I could help. Let me know some things you do, to get the most out your wardrobe.

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO

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My morning musings......

Cows frolicking in the field (yes..they do frolic at times) , the warm sun shining on my face, the neighbor´s cat doing rollovers on the pavement underneath the chair I’m sitting in, as a desperate attempt to appear cute enough to be given a tasty treat. This is my morning. My online classes I’m teaching have their assignments, and I’m deciding on what to get on the weekly grocery run….definitely some ingredients for a vegan culinary masterpiece for myself…since I actually have time to make one. Perhaps “masterpiece” is a bit superfluous…but I have high expectations for myself..lol.

Even though the weather is warming up and I am getting antsy to go out into the world and live, to enjoy the company of my loved ones, and to once again travel to all of the spectacular destinations I have planned to go, I am still content sitting in my backyard. Breathing the fresh air, having funny conversations with my son…(while often dodging his pleas to play one on one soccer every 5 minutes….lol), looking at the bees and butterflies flutter about, I am content.

Living in the moment is all we can do. Often times, our minds are focused on the past or the future…never the present. This is our time to breathe, reflect, and live in the present. I am grateful for this moment.

Let me know what you are grateful for.

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO

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The Taming of the Corona......

What a time to be alive? I mean, I watch all of those apocalyptic movies that Hollywood churns out like there’s no tomorrow just like everyone else, but never really thought I’d see anything close to it in my lifetime. However, Covid-19 seems to have turned everything on its head, and hit the reset button.

The last time I checked the news, Switzerland was ranked number 9 on the top ten list of the countries with the most cases of Covid-19. We have put in place all of the safety measures such as social distancing, self- isolation/sheltering in place, and the closing of schools and businesses that are considered non-essential. There are tons of blogs and videos in cyberland giving tips and tricks on how to survive quarantine life, so this blog isn’t about that.

This is a short blog about my experiences while visiting the essential businesses here in Switzerland. Of course, my family and I have to eat, so I go to the grocery store when needed. And I also had to go to the post office the other day as well. The atmosphere in these two places was really strange. People were looking at each other like they were aliens, there were no smiles or laughter to be seen or heard (at least when I was there), and overall I just wanted to get in and out ASAP. Unfortunately, concerning the grocery stores, the big stores that do home deliveries are having the boom of the century, and therefore delivery dates are few and far between. Let me correct that….they’ve been non-existent.

Skirt: Gucci

My hope is that everyone doesn’t lose their sense of community because of this virus. That everyone doesn’t become so used to isolation and being isolated that we forget our humanity. So, if you happen to be out and about on essential business, it’s ok to smile at someone you don’t know (6 feet apart of course). After all, don’t forget, we’re in this together.

Tell me about your experiences during this time.

Thank you for stopping by!

XOXO

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The #1 Way to Add Instant Style to Any Look

“You have witchcraft in your lips....”

— Henry V

Sweater: Zara

White shirt: H&M

Lipstick: MAC Rubywoo

Doing this one thing will add instant style and glamour to your look, no matter what you’re wearing or how you’re feeling. You could be dressed to the nines, out on the town in your best outfit, or running errands in leggings, a t-shirt and a baseball cap, having had only a couple hours of sleep. It doesn‘t matter. Doing this one thing will pull your entire look together, no matter the situation.

So, what is it, you ask?

Well, the next time you want to snazz up your look, simply add a red lip. Yes, it‘s truly that simple! Find a color that suits you, (Mac’s Ruby Woo is fabulous on ANY skin tone…..like, I’m serious…) line your lips in a lip pencil that is a similar shade (this will ensure the staying power of your red lippie..), and then rock your lipstick.

The great thing is, whether you’re wearing a full face of makeup, or nothing but moisturizer, this red lip will not only look fabulous, but make you feel fabulous, too. (Hidden Bonus: Red lipstick makes your pearly whites appear even whiter!) Now, what’s not to love about that!

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO

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2019 Fall/Winter Trend Alert: The Tall, White Boot

“VALENTINE
’Tis true; for you are over boots in love,
And yet you never swam the Hellespont.

PROTEUS
Over the boots? Nay, give me not the boots

VALENTINE
No, I will not, for it boots thee not.


”

— The Gentlemen of Verona Act I, i

I was sooooo skeptical about this trend. I had been hearing everywhere about how the white boot is so popular this fall/winter season, and that it is really very versatile and easy to wear. Wait. What?! How can a super white boot that seems like it would stand out, be easy to wear? I just found that hard to believe.

Well, after watching several fashion videos on Youtube showcasing white boots being styled with multiple outfits, I began to take a closer look at this trend. The first thing I did was think of an outfit that I could easily pair with the white boots BEFORE I bit the bullet and bought them. (Did you check out that unplanned alliteration?) After that, I thought of about two more outfits, which made a total of three, to justify the boot purchase. That’s a good tip, by the way. If you can find a minimum of 3 outfits to wear with whatever you plan on buying, chances are you will get your cost per wear out of that item.

So, after searching online, I found a pair of fabulous tall, white boots from Fendi. They came in a range of different colors and fabrics, but I settled on the white neoprene boots. I even caught a 30% off flash sale from Luisaviaroma which totally solidified my online purchase! I ordered them. They came.

When the boots came, I took them out of their box and drooled. Undoubtedly, they were fabulous. And I loved the modern heel shape. I decided to try the boots on with the outfit pictured: A No. 21 skirt, with a print that I LOVE, a chic Joos Tricot turtleneck, some blue tights, and a Rockstud Valentino pvc purse which was perfect because it didn’t clash with the printed skirt at all. I topped it all off with my beloved turband from Cult Gaia.

Let me tell you. I fell head over heels with these boots (like Valentine said in the Two Gentlemen of Verona quote above) and the outfit. I wore this outfit to work and my feet didn’t hurt ONCE. I’m a teacher, so I’m on my feet a lot during the day, and I had ZERO issues. I just felt fabulous, and now this is one of my favorite outfits. But wait. It gets better. While trying on outfits to go with these boots, I found SOOOOOOO many other fabulous options. It’s literally like those boots went with everything I tried on. NO LIE. The white boots actually behaved like a neutral, which means they damn near go with everything, making everything look even more fabulous.

The only problem I have now is not pairing them with everything, every single day, because they do stand out, and people will start saying, “She must be trying to get her money’s worth!”…….LOL.

Bottom line: I will be getting my money’s worth, because these boots are one of my best purchases of 2019. Shout out to Fendi!

How do you feel about white boots? What’s your favorite type of fall/winter boot? Let’s chat about it in the comment section.

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO

How dapper are you? An easy but effective way to add style to your fall wardrobe.

“I will receive it, sir, with all diligence of spirit. Put your bonnet to his right use. ‘Tis for the head.”

— Hamlet Act V, ii

I know, I know…..sometimes you just don’t have the energy or patience to plan out a fabulous outfit. You just want to throw something on and go. However, if you’re a bit like me, you like to at least look like you’ve put some effort into your outfit, even if you really haven’t. If the latter is the case, I have THE perfect solution. Think about donning a fall cap. It can transform a plain outfit into something snazzy in one fell swoop.

The outfit I’m wearing in this post is a prime example. It´s basically a black turtleneck from Zara, and some blue jeans from Dolce and Gabbana that I’ve had for a while. I added this totally rad belt from Alexander McQueen that I’ve had for ages, and my cute gold chain Gucci purse. The belt and the purse are easy ways to add some pizazz to an otherwise simple outfit. The leather jacket and hat are the icing on the cake.

Drum roll please…………This cool hat is from H&M´s men‘s department. So, gals, don’t forget to check out the men’s section for things to wear. It‘s like doubling your search field….:-)

Let me know what your favorite fall mad hatter styles are down in the comment section. I´d love to know!

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO

2019 Trend Alert: Making a statement with statement sleeves!

Dress: Zara, Bag: Fendi , Necklaces: Dylanlex Palm cuff: Gucci

Headband: Cult Gaia Socks: Gucci Shoes: Louis Vuitton

Puffs. Tiers. Ruffles. Ruching. The statement sleeve trend this season has got you covered. Literally. Whether you are going grocery shopping or going to a gala, there is a sleeve that will suit the occasion. Some people may feel that this trend is just too unwearable, that it only looks good on the runway. Let me just shout a resounding NO to that. At every price point, you can find a sleeve to fit your comfort level. There are poofs, puffs, and ruffles of various sizes to fit the statement you’re going for. Take a look at my first outfit below.

This fabulous khaki-colored dress from Zara has sleeves that aren’t that extreme, however they still make a statement. It´s a very wearable way to dip your toe into the swimming pool of this trend. If you want to dive into that pool and do a few laps, check out my next outfit.

This Cynthia Rowley dress has glorious statement sleeves. I could hide this cat in them, and no one would know….lol. These ballon sleeves will instantly elevate your look and take your outfit to a whole new level. Believe it or not, this is actually a summer dress. Pairing it with jeans and combat boots extends the life of this outfit, allowing me to wear it in the fall and winter. I believe in getting as much cost per wear from the outfits I wear, and this is how it can be done.

If you haven’t already, try this trend this season. Make a statement without saying a word. Let me know how you’ve styled your statement sleeves!

Thank you for stopping by! XOXO!

I‘d rather be naked! (3 things to do when you have NOTHING to wear.)

“He wears his faith but as the fashion of his hat.”

— Much Ado About Nothing Act I, i

PC: me

Headband: Gucci , Dress: Vivetta

How many times a week do you stand in your closet and proclaim “I HAVE NOTIHING TO WEAR”…knowing good and well that this should NOT be the freaking case. (This is definitely a first-world problem,…and the sin of gluttony at the very least…..but don’t judge…lol. Before running to the nearest mall in despair (are malls still a thing)….or your nearest keyboard to order something cute online, check out my three tips.

TIP #1 PINTEREST

Are you still sleeping on Pinterest? Well, today you are going to get that app and get yo life all the way together. Pinterest is a powerful search engine that you can use for all kinds of inspiration, including fashion. I love to type in a particular looks, such as spring/summer outfits, or transition to fall/winter outfits. You can even get specific and type in boots, or leather coats, etc. Go ahead and create some boards and keep your looks on tap. That’s what I do. Check mine out for all kinds of swagalicious looks.

TIP #2 SHOP YOUR CLOSET

Don’t underestimate the depths of your closet. First, have a clear out. Donate or sell all of the clothes and shoes you know for sure you won’t don anymore. Take them to your local Goodwill, or sell them at a second-hand shop, or on apps such as DePop, Poshmark, or TheRealReal, for example. Now you’re ready to take a double take at all of those shirts, sweaters, and skirts, that got pushed to the back of your closet. That skirt you bought on sale, it’s a great color, great fit, still has the tags on it,…pull it out! What about that sweater you haven’t worn in a while, pull it out of your drawer and give it some love. Now, lets see what we can do with these pieces that we’re about to give new life to.

TIP 3 TRY DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS

After perusing Pinterest, you no doubt have several outfit ideas you can’t wait to try out. Instead of pairing the same outfit combinations you normally do, try something different. Pair different patterns, colors, add some new jewelry, etc. Also, try different shoes that you wouldn’t normally wear with the outfit you’re creating. All of this will give you the feeling as if you are wearing a brand new outfit. And the best part is, you didn’t spend any money, and you potentially made some money from the sale of unwanted clothing items. Now that’s a WIN-WIN!

BONUS TIP

There is also an app that I’ve recently discovered called Stylebook. With this you can upload your clothes to the app, and the app gives you wardrobe suggestions that you may not have thought of. There are also other features such as a calendar which can potentially help you take the guess work out of what to wear for the upcoming week. Give it a try! :-)

Those are my tips on solving the “nothing to wear” problem, and avoiding you just giving up and leaving the house in your birthday suit…lol.

Let me know if this is something you regularly do, or if you decided to give something I mentioned a try. Would love to hear from you!

Thank you for stopping by! XOXO