Fashion Friday :: White Chucks

Fashion Friday posts are published regularly by fashion and lifestyle blogger Heather.

You know that moment when you're traveling and a tourist asks you for directions? Or that moment when you're able to carry on a basic conversation in a country's native tongue? Those moments make you feel like you belong in the place you're visiting. Fitting in with the locals is always at the top of my travel goals. If I'm mistaken for a local, I've succeeded as a foreigner under the radar.

If you want to look like a local in Europe, there's one element that crosses more borders than the European Union: White Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers {"Chucks"}.

I know that's a bold statement, but you can trust me as I've just returned from three weeks in Europe, where, moments after stepping off the plane, I observed an entire group of teenaged girls wearing them on the train. I saw them on the feet of high-end shop girls in Amsterdam, tapas servers in Barcelona, Zara-chic twentysomethings in Croatia and supermodel moms inside Charles de Gaulle.

In Europe, Chucks aren't a trend, they're a staple.

Here's my favorite look, as seen on the Riva in Split, Croatia's second-largest city.

(clockwise from left) Equipment signature shirt, ASOS pleated maxi skirt, Retrosuperfuture lucia francis puma sunglasses, Converse chuck taylor all stars

Trip Styler Tip: Shoes are arguably the most important and agonizing item when packing for Europe. White Chucks are versatile and they'll save your feet during the inevitable miles and miles of pounding the {very old} pavement.

More Fashion Friday
Cycle Chic
Surfer Style
Made for Walkin'

[top images via pinterest]

Roam+Board :: The Ampersand Hotel

[trip style = luxury + urban]

What
Distracted by every fabric, wall covering and light fixture, I couldn't stop photographing The Ampersand Hotel, which I booked on a whim to extend a short trip to London. It was my version of a celeb and I was the paparazzi.

A stately stay influenced by the Victorian values of discovery and wonder, orchids welcome guests into the smart-whimsical lobby and the rest is history. I checked in early {10.30am} and the happy-go-lucky-meets-highly-efficient staff made a room available for me right away.

Opening the door to my overnight abode, I smiled. The bedroom's neutral tones and rich fabrics made the tufted headboard and musical wallpaper pop. Inspired, I cracked open a package of cookies and a chilled sparkling water---raiding the minibar is free and encouraged---and sat in silence studying every detail around me.

Later that day after exploring the city, I came back for a spot of tea. When in London... The Drawing Room's spread was fit for a queen. Instead of a tired tray of crumpets and clotted cream, there was an oversized marble table filled to the brim with mega macarons, tarts and pink meringue. I chose peppermint tea and a raspberry-filled, heart-shaped macaron {and ate the whole thing}. Trip Styler approved!

Where
London, England, 20 steps from the South Kensington Tube station.

When
Will and Kate's playground is brightest in the spring, summer and early fall. Winter is usually wet.

Who/Why
You're into the complete package---design, service, comfort, location and chic eateries.

Cost
Rates start around $200 per night and include WiFi and the minibar's bounty.

More Roam+Board
Mount Engadine Lodge – Canadian Rockies
Lava Lava Beach Club – Hawaii Island
Ace Hotel – Seattle
The Wickaninnish Inn – Tofino
The Burrard – Vancouver
Hotel de Glace – Quebec
Alcazar Palm Springs – California
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray – Dubai
Makena Resort – Maui
Find more R+B hotels featured here, plus our it list of worldwide hotel picks.

[photos taken by @tripstyler]

SUP n SIP

[trip style = weekend getaway + active & adventure + wine tasting]

This past weekend started at 6.09pm with this inviting vista {above}. My little family of 2.5 drove to Osoyoos, one of BC's longtime summertime sizzlers {read: lake + wine country} to visit our friends, as well as SUP and SIP.

SUP and SIP is something our friends developed for their stand-up paddling company, 3 Phase Adventures, headquartered in Osoyoos. Think of it like wine tasting with a calorie-burning twist!

From LaStella winery's beach {yes, rows of grapes run from the hill down to Osoyoos Lake}, we embarked on a leisurely paddle ending on the winery's Italianate terrace sipping wine, talking La Dolce Vita and overlooking vines. Future Saturdays may have trouble measuring up.

Here's a short video which sums it up: {Can't view this video?}

PS - looking for a place to stay in the sun-soaked area? I recommend the Villas at Hester Creek.

[photo and video by @tristyler]

Italy Or Bust

[trip style = sun + luxury] Azure ocean, rock-cut steps, steep cliffs, narrow roads; I'm longing for Italy's landscapes. It happens every May as the Euro travel season heats up, and I say to myself "I really need to get to Europe this year."

While I've hit up the Cinque Terre, Milan and Venice, there's SO much more to explore. And like most Italiaphiles, at some point in my life, I'd like to the live La Dolce Vita for a year-long stretch. My immersion would start on the Amalfi Coast.

In case you're also pining for pasta, limoncello-on-ice and {daily} gelato, here's some gorg-e-ous hotels {I've spent way too long researching} to lock you on to Italy's coordinates.

Ciao!

Amalfi Accoms Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi

Casa Angelina Lifestyle Hotel

Capo La Gala Hotel & Spa

Mezzatorre Resort & Spa

[photos via each hotel listed]

The Savvy Traveler :: Jesse

[trip style = beach]

When I was in Nashville recently, I made sure to meet with my pal Jesse. He's one of my oldest friends---we used to jam together with pots and pans when we were three---and now, as a musician, he lives in the mecca of music. For this rocker, Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" isn't just a figure of speech; it's a lifestyle. After we grabbed beers, he had to rush home to pack for a road trip playing guitar for Katie Armiger. The tour bus was leaving just after midnight.

Joking that a career with "benefits, security, stability and longevity" wasn't his beat, he pursued his passion, which has landed him three nominations for Guitarist of the Year, plus a couple of others for Songwriter of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards. Talking travel, of course, he told me he's home an average of two nights a week, and with that I implored my friend/road warrior to be this month's Savvy Traveler!

1/ Your top trip style
[trip style = beach] I love BEACHES! And also random small towns with town squares and thrift shops.

2/ The destination that rocked your world
Two Words: Tokyo, Japan. No other urban landscape like it. No other food/accommodation options even CLOSE to it. Some of the best rock music I've ever heard. Also: spent a night there drinking with The Rolling Stones crew... How could anything compare to THAT!?!

3/ Best Music City
Nashville -- it's just simply impossible to be disappointed by the performers and venues in this city. Regardless of genre, you can hear it all here, presented by the best of the best.

4/ Bands you'd travel to see
The Black Crowes, Arc Angels (if the ever reunite), Tedeschi/Trucks Band.

5/ What's it like to travel on a tour bus?
I love traveling by tour bus. I sleep frequently and very soundly. I've learned to tune out the multitude of mobile conversations all going on around me at once, too. I watch a lot of movies, and once my bunk curtain is closed, I'm in my cocoon and happy as a sardine in a can!

6/ I can’t travel without my…
- JH Audio In-Ear Monitors
- Apple MacBook Pro
- Apple iPhone 5
- Jack Spade Messenger Bag
- Mountain Equipment Co-op Rain Jacket

7/ Carry-on or checked bag?
I actually check bags more often than I carry on. I fly Southwest Air in the US a lot, and they allow two free checked bags, and since I'm ALWAYS traveling with a guitar, I check that and my suitcase. I used to carry my guitar onto the flight, but since I bought a Calton Case, I have zero worries about it arriving safely at my destination when I check it. I'm actually writing this from the Delta departure gate, and today I'm carrying on my suitcase AND messenger bag. Haven't done this in a while!

8/ My packing M.O.
I often have to pack a VERY small bag to get me through a dinner-meeting, a performance and {hopefully} a stop at a hotel gym. Dark jeans work for the first two. Sneakers and workout shorts for the third. Dark colored t-shirts work for ALL.

More Savvy Travelers
Jackie, Paris Is Always A Good Idea
Lori, A License To Move
Shaun, Packing Like A Rock Star

{If you know anyone who should be featured in our once-monthly The Savvy Traveler series, drop us a line!}

[photos via Jesse]