Summer Solstice and Adventures

I wanted to make an effort (this summer) to get out and enjoy the sunlight.  After surviving the winter months and various inches of snow it was a relief to feel the heat on my skin.

I was dead set on venturing out in Tampa, Florida.  One thing I can’t resist is a great meal and wine tasting. The photo shown is from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. It’s an upscale working winery where customers can also become members. We decided to sit outside while viewing the palm trees and water fountain.

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I am a fashion blogger and it’s a ritual to drop by shopping malls when visiting a new area.  International Plaza was no exception to my tradition. The fascinating concept about this particular center is the mixture of stores and Bay Street food court.  It’s an open-air village with restaurants; very exciting for night-life.  I’m also a people watcher and relish in the distinct styles (or fashion) for each region.

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It’s no secret that my hair is natural.  I made the transition three years ago due to chemical damage on my edges.  Being natural is a personal preference because I am more health conscious.

Amongst my friends, I’m also known for changing my hair styles (often) and can be seen wearing accessories,  twist outs, extensions, or wigs.  After watching several Youtube videos I was finally able to accomplish a turban.  This was my favorite summer go-to style when I’m seeking a sleek look.

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The Tampa Club
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Disney World Magic Kingdom
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Boy Scout Boulevard
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Supper Club

“The Tans Will Fade But The Memories Will Last Forever.” – Unknown

INKATERRA CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A GRAND ADVENTURE

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Inkaterra, Peru’s leader in luxury sustainable tourism, is celebrating the company’s 40th anniversary with a brand-new ‘Ruby Package,’ a nine-day adventure-packed trip that takes guests to four of Inkaterra’s properties across Peru.
The adventure includes 40 activities – such as guided excursions, gourmet meals and indigenous spa treatments – and takes travelers to the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the cloud forest of Machu Picchu, the heart of Cusco, and the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas:
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  • The journey begins at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, an eco-lodge comprised of 35 wooden cabanas located deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest of southern Peru. Travelers will explore one of the world’s most remote and bio-diverse rainforests, with activities such as a treetop adventure on the property’s Canopy Walkway – located 95 feet above the jungle floor – and a boat ride to Lake Sandoval to spot giant river otters, howler monkeys and side-neck turtles.
  • The adventure continues at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, where highlights include discovering the world’s largest collection of native orchids – some 372 species – in their natural habitat (a world record according to the AOS), star gazing at the RocotalObservatory, a purification session in the property’s Andean Sauna, and, of course, visiting
  • Machu Picchu, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.
    Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
  • Travelers then head to the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a two-night stay at the recently opened and already award-winning Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba.On-site, guests can pick their own produce from the property’s ecological farm, relax in their luxury rooms with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and sample the property’s activities such as bird watching and a twilight walk.  Guests will also visit various historical sites off-site such as Chinchero (Inca-Colonial village), Maras (Inca pink salt mine) and Moray (Inca circular terraces).
  • The last stop is Inkaterra La Casona, an 11-suite 16th-century colonial manor located in the heart of Cusco, where the city’s markets and attractions are steps away.  Travelers can explore the historic city by foot and unwind back at the hotel with a gourmet dinner and an Andean Hot Stone Massage.
Inkaterra’s 40th-anniversary ‘Ruby Package’ starts from $5,200 per person, based on double occupancy. The price is based on full board (excluding arrival and departure date) and excluding flights. Package price includes all forty excursions and spa treatments.

For more information about Inkaterra, visit: www.inkaterra.com.

ABOUT INKATERRA
Inkaterra is a Peruvian organization that celebrates 40 years of experience in sustainable tourism initiatives. It focuses on preserving and rescuing Peru’s geography, nature, customs and cultures and sharing them with the world. Since 2011 Inkaterra holds the Rainforest Alliance Verification in Sustainable Tourism, the Relais & Châteaux 2013 Environment Trophy, the 2012 Tourism for Tomorrow Award for Conservation, the and the 2012 Green Choice Sustainable Tourism Award. The company currently operates Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica & Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion in the Amazon of Southern Peru, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in the cloud forest of Machu Picchu, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Inkaterra La Casona in Cusco, and El MaPi in Machu Picchu Pueblo under the more affordable brand ‘byInkaterra.’ Inkaterra has an alliance with the NGO Inkaterra Asociación (ITA), through which the company’s profits are invested in research, conservation, educational and social development programs. For more information, visit www.inkaterra.com.

CABANA SOUTHAMPTON LAUNCHES E-COMMERCE Platform

Wednesday, August 3, 2016: Today, August 3, 2016, Cabana, the Southampton pop-up store where fashion, art, and culture coexist, is excited to announce the launch of the shop’s e-commerce platform at https://cabananewyork.com.

The new e-commerce platform brings the summertime pop-up to a global audience with the new online offering of high profile, celeb-favortied brands matched with expertly curated designer vintage finds from Cabana’s founder, Julie Heller, who operates a by-appointment-only vintage gallery in Soho called Eraluxe.  With the new online shopping experience at https://cabananewyork.com consumers can now get the essential wardrobe staples that have been spotted on the likes of celebrity clients including Rihanna, Beyoncé Knowles, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Chrissy Teigen and more.

Anine Bing black lace bralette ANINE BING BRA $89 ANINE BING Chunky Cardigan $349 ANINE BING Silver leather skirt $499 ATALAYE LA COTE $140 Baggu Black Static Carry All $64 HASHTAG HAMPTONS CREWNECK SWEATSHIRT Hotel Costes Body Lotion $50

Cabana serves as a resource for expertly curated luxury items for the sophisticated and educated consumer who finds themself in The Hamptons during the summer season. The shop, which first opened in May 2015, carries a mix of women’s, men’s, and home designers brought to you from cities around the globe like Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Marrakech, Paris, and Tokyo as well as the home base of founder & curator Julie Heller, New York City. Cabana’s minimal gallery-like interiors are outfitted with works by Chris Martin, Leo Gabin, Rob Pruitt, Tony Lewis & Walead Beshty. The concept store hosts a range of coveted brands such as Alyx Studios, AMO Denim, Anine Bing, Auguste, Edith A. Miller, retaW, Alex Israel’s Icarus, Deer Dana, LaCausa, One Grey Day, Simon Miller, Veda, EraLuxe, Atalaye, Industry of All Nations, Frankie, La Paz, Stampd L.A., Freeway Eyewear, Janessa Leone, KREWE du optic, Lack of Color, Love Me Baby by Curtis Kulig, Matt Bernson, People Footwear, Regime des Fleurs, Hotel Costes, Ligne Blanche Paris, Medicom Toy Bearbrick, Studio Sandoval, Well Received, BAGGU, Nikolai Rose, and more…

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Macy’s Fall Fashion 2016 Lookbook

Macy’s Fall Fashion 2016 Lookbook –

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This fall, Macy’s is helping kids kick the school year off in high style. With throwback 90s looks ruling the runways, Macy’s is offering returning students a nod to old school trends, along with incredible savings on clothing, accessories and dorm items to make this year’s start to school the most anticipated yet.

“The excitement of heading back to school is punctuated by the art of back-to-school shopping,” said Cassandra Jones, Macy’s senior vice president – fashion. “Macys aims to make that the ultimate experience, offering the latest styles and trends in everything from the right outfit to the right dorm accessories, ensuring students can head back to class in style.”

Back-to-School Fashion

Junior girls channel the 90s, sporting casual looks with plenty of attitude, inspired by the grunge style of plaid shirts, distressed denim and overalls. Denim in all silhouettes is bigger than ever this year, from dresses to shirts to wide-legged jeans. Paired with chunky platforms and booties, these iconic 90s pieces get a fun and fresh update perfect for the classroom.

For young men, the 90s comeback continues with denim styles from classic to distressed. Cuffed jeans are paired with high-top chukkas, which are given a trendy update with athletic soles. Tees with graphics of classic 90s video games, TV shows and witty memes give the old school t-shirt and jeans uniform a modern and quirky bent.

The 90s craze applies to fashion for kids, as well, but in a more scaled down version. Young girls sporting flannel dresses or cuffed denim will rock the halls, while boys in graphic throwback tees with gaming and skateboard images will rule the school in comfort.

 

Back-to-School Deals

Shoppers will have the best selections to choose from at Macy’s, the back-to-school destination for savings and style. Find all the go-tos they can’t live without—tops and tees, rompers and dresses, pants and jeans—even the true essentials like uniforms. Also, add in all the finishing touches—from hoodies, sweaters and jackets down to underwear, socks and shoes. Brands including Levi’s, Betsey Johnson, Benefit, Martha Stewart Whim, American Rag and Epic Threads have some of the best deals to match every kid’s preferred school day look. Visit your local Macy’s store and macys.com for savings throughout the season.

Dorm

Whether a first year away or packing it up for the last time, college living is cool and trendy with lifestyle essentials from Macy’s. Whim comforter sets in fresh new patterns offer options to fit each student’s personal living space. Studying is stylish with Poppin desk sets and accessories. Colorful letter trays and pencil pouches make organization fun. A Joy Mangano mini steamer is easy to store in a small dorm living space and keeps wrinkles away and help show off new, flawless threads on campus.

Love Bravery

Macy’s partnered with Grammy®, Tony® and Academy Award®-winning legend Sir Elton John, along with Grammy and Golden Globe®-winning icon Lady Gaga to create Love Bravery, a high-spirited, limited-edition line of clothing and accessories that inspire compassion and combat prejudice. Perfect for anyone heading back to school, Love Bravery includes shirts, sweats, outerwear, clutches, backpacks, scarves, beanies, keychains, pins and even speakers, water bottles and skateboards, all rendered in vibrant graphic prints and designs that fuse both artists’ renowned musical talent and revered inimitable style. Love Bravery is sold exclusively at select Macy’s stores and on macys.com/lovebravery, with 25 percent of the purchase price benefitting Born This Way Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and will be available globally later this year. All donations from the limited-edition line, on sale through Aug. 30, 2016, will be made to Born This Way Foundation, which will use 50 percent to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

In-Store Celebrations Nationwide

Macy’s is throwing back to the 90s through in-store themed events nationwide that prove everything old is cool again. On Saturdays from Aug. 6 to 27 at select stores, Macy’s will host throwback-themed shopping parties with awesome activities, including styling tips and fashion must-haves, photo booths with totally 90s props, and a DJ spinning old school beats. Cosmetic outposts with makeup artists will provide 90s-inspired beauty makeovers to show how to flawlessly achieve a throwback look with a modern twist. To add to the excitement, actresses Katie Cassidy and Ashley Rickards will be making several store appearances for a photo-op and meet and greet with customers. For the 4*1*1, visit macys.com/events.

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About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 734 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

 

Soothe On-Demand Massage and Wellness Company

Soothe, the largest and fastest-growing on-demand massage and wellness company, is launching Sept. 1, 2016 in Baltimore.
Soothe delivers a licensed, vetted, certified massage therapist to your home, office or hotel room, with as little as 60 minutes advance notice. Services include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and Pre-Natal massage for individuals and couples, in treatment lengths of 60-90-120 minutes for a fixed fee – with no need to tip ($99-$139-$169). Their hours are 8 am – midnight daily. People can book 24-7 via the iOS or Android app, soothe.com, or via the toll-free concierge number 800.960.7668.  It’s consistently received 5 star reviews.

 

Now available in 39 cities with nearly 6000 licensed massage therapists, Soothe currently serves: Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, London, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort Worth, Ft. Lauderdale, Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Long Island, Memphis, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Newark/Northern New Jersey, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Orlando, Philadelphia, Portland, Phoenix, San Diego, San Jose, Salt Lake City, Scottsdale, Seattle, St. Louis, Vancouver (British Columbia), and Washington D.C.

Get The Mermaid Look with a Twist

Summer is all about getting the mermaid look (with a twist). Create a fun style with a pop color that is sure to stand out.

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Get your glam on with the Hairdo Human Hair Color Strip. Great for making a statement, snap in these individual 16-inch pieces of human hair, which are available in 5 unique colors; Teal, Amethyst, Blue, Purple, and Pink. You will be sure to make a statement anywhere you go ($10; Ulta.com)

Kylie Cosmetics Birthday Edition Launch

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Kylie Jenner’s new cosmetics kit is scheduled (at 3pm est) to be available online. The reality star turned beauty guru launched this edition in collaboration with her upcoming birthday.  It’s expected to be infused with real gold which is a plus for customers!

Kylie stated on instagram, “wanted to do something fun and find a way to celebrate my birthday together.”  Additional shades include copper, bronze, and shades of pink.

To purchase visit kyliecosmetics.com

Instant Vintage 78’s 3rd Annual ‘Guys & Dolls Vintage Pop-Up Shop’

Last weekend, Instant Vintage 78 hosted their ‘3rd Annual Guys & Dolls Vintage Pop-Up Shop’ in Washington, DC at Penn Social! They successfully turned the entire bottom floor of Penn Social into a vintage shopping mall and the pieces were priceless!
Hosted by Fashion Designer and Stylist KAS, with sounds by DJ Amen Ra, the vibe for this year’s pop-up shop was all things ’70s and there was even the infamous peacock chair on site for photo opps!
The vintage and hand made vendors who participated are as follows: Be Spoke Not Broke, Kurated By Kizzy Evae, Revolution Vintage, 1 Image, The Rough, Terminology, Love Allie, Keeper’s Vintage, Carpe Luxe Vintage, 3 Shades Chic, Melli Belli Craft, Kas Lifestyle & Instant Vintage 78
To stay in the loop with Instant Vintage 78, visit www.instantvintage78.com to subscribe and receive updates on the latest vintage finds and future events.

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Photos & Video By: J2Design