Joshua Tree

[trip style = active & adventure + weekend getaway]

It's hard to explain Joshua Tree to someone who's never been; it's a magical desert landscape that must be experienced because words can't describe this strange and surreal corner of the world.

"Somewhere in America, about two and a half hours inland from the Los Angeles sprawl is another America, a stranger one. There's a long tradition of people coming out here to get away or to simply get weird. And once you're past Palm Springs and into the high desert, people start to vibrate at a different pitch than they do elsewhere." [No Reservations: US Desert]

Joshua Tree is a dusty and desolate community about an hour from Palm Springs, where new age spiritualists, artists, musicians, hippies, hikers and even Marines (thanks to its proximity to the world's largest Marine base) coexist. 

Neighboring Joshua Tree National Park houses the Mojave and Colorado Deserts and is known for its eponymous trees, ancient rock formations and pop culture prominence. You may remember the episode of Entourage in which the gang took a trip to the park for another type of "trip" on a search for clarity. And I have to mention U2's iconic album, The Joshua Tree, which was inspired by American desert landscapes, physical as well as metaphorical and spiritual, though not Joshua Tree itself. Bono chose the title on a trip to the Mojave to shoot album photos. The band came across a single Joshua tree about 200 miles from the park and the tree inspired the title and the album packaging.

Legend has it that Joshua trees were named by Mormon travelers in the mid-19th century who believed the trees looked like Joshua lifting his hands in prayer. These Dr. Seussical trees can live, incredibly, for hundreds of years. 

Driving through Joshua Tree National Park

Visiting Joshua Tree

After three visits to the 800,000-acre park, I've barely scratched the surface and have kept primarily to the paths well traveled. While it's an excellent day trip from Palm Springs, to really experience the park, you need to camp or stay nearby.

If you only have a day, enter from the Joshua Tree gate and explore Jumbo Rocks, Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden and Keys View. The high desert is known for its extreme weather, so remember to pack accordingly {good shoes, a hat, an extra layer, lots of water}. A one-day vehicle pass costs $15.

The Shadow Mountain Band at Pappy & Harriet's

Pappy & Harriet's Pioneertown Palace

Drive five miles off Twentynine Palms Highway, down a winding, lonely road, and you'll feel like you've traveled back in time to the Wild West. Built in the late 1940s by Hollywood stars like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, Pioneertown is an 1870s western town that served as both a film set and a small community with a motel, a bowling alley and a cantina. While the film crews have long departed, the cantina remains and houses an epic roadside bar that promises "live music, great barbecue and good times." 

I loved this desert watering hole so much that I visited twice on a trip to Palm Springs earlier this month. The perfect place to cap off a day at Joshua Tree, listen to live music, order a bourbon and eat a rack of ribs with fellow hikers, LA hipsters, bikers, baby boomers and desert dwellers. If you want to sit and eat, reservations are recommended on weekends {there was a two-hour table wait on the Saturday night we visited}. Pappy & Harriet's is a come-as-you-are bar that might be my new favorite place.

Roadside rock formations

Cholla Cactus Garden

A cholla cactus and Skull Rock

Jumbo Rocks and sunset at Keys View

Sunset at Keys View

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

[photos by @heatherlovesit & @graceyvr]

Travel Beauty :: Concealer Map

[trip style = any]

When I fly I wear minimal make-up over maximum moisturizer because while I love to travel, I don't love the drying effects of recycled plane air on my skin. Before a flight, I slather heavy moisturizer on my face, followed by concealer, mascara, loose powder and lip balm. During the flight, I drink plenty of water, reapply lots of lip balm and mist my face throughout the journey. Before landing, I touch up my concealer so I can hit the ground running.

Thus, the topic of the day—what kind of concealer do we need and where should we apply it? Selection and application can be overwhelming, but we have a few tricks up our sleeves. We've even created a concealer map to help you put your best face forward.

Types of Concealer
Make-up artists suggest that women should own two basic types of concealer: a light-reflecting pen or fluid, and an opaque stick or cream. Believe it or not, they do different things; the former brightens while the latter covers.

Primarily meant for under-eye circles, pen or fluid concealers also work wonders around the nose, lips and shadowy areas of the face. They’re thinner than normal concealers and work well on dry or wrinkled skin because of their moisturizing and illuminating qualities. Meanwhile, opaque concealers are best for concealing blemishes, scars and redness. 

Where to Apply
There’s no magic formula for concealer application. We all have unique face shapes and concerns. Though, here are a few universal helpful tips for concealer application that we've tried and tested on the jetway {and we KNOW work well}.

• Lightly apply concealer to under-eye circles with a brush or your ring finger. Try two simple application methods:

1. Apply to dark circles only, from your inner eye to below the middle of your pupil. Avoid a large half-moon shape.
2. Draw an upside-down pyramid from your lower eyelid to your cheekbone.

• Use a light-reflecting concealer on your brow bones and on the inside corners of your eyes to appear more rested. 
• Give eyebrows extra definition by tracing them in concealer and then blending the lines with your finger. 
• Sharpen and correct a cat eye by swiping concealer above the flick of your liner.
• Save space in your travel make-up bag by using concealer as an eyeshadow primer. Apply with a brush to avoid depositing oils from your fingers to your eyelids, and set with loose powder.
• Create the illusion of plumper lips with a dab of concealer in the center of your lips.
• Apply concealer around your lips for a crisp edge that makes bright lipstick pop.
• Lighten the larger areas of your face by applying light-reflecting concealer to your cheeks and forehead, and then contour with bronzer or foundation slightly darker than your skin tone.

Application + Product Tips

• Remember that less is more. Don’t apply too much product to your brush; you can always build coverage.
• The secret to even application is blending. Use your fingers or a fluffy eyeshadow brush on larger areas of your face, and a small eyeliner brush on smaller spots like blemishes and scars.
• Start with primer and follow with foundation or tinted moisturizer before applying concealer. Finish with a light dusting of powder.
• We love YSL’s famous Touche Éclat pen, but this miracle worker is a highlighter, not a true concealer. Apply to the inner corners of your eyes, along your cheekbones and—if you don't have dark circles—under the eyes in place of concealer.
• For a list of products, check out make-up artist Lisa Eldridge's suggestions. She also provides a fantastic concealer tutorial.

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

[face map by @heatherlovesit, outline via google images]

Jetset Style :: Everyday Travel Totes

[trip style = any]

I've mastered the art of carry-on travel with one simple trick: maximizing my personal item size. I push the limits on dimensions and place my heaviest items, like shoes and toiletries, inside my tote, and I stash a clutch inside for evenings and small outings.

But this column isn't just about function; it's also about fashion. And a beautiful, well-made black tote will never go out of style. Consider bag features like inside/outside pockets, zipper, handle length, cross-body strap, flat bottom and type of leather. Remember to spray the bag before use, condition it annually and store it in its dust bag when not in use.

GUYS :: This trick isn't just for women; men should travel with a versatile—and hands-free—canvas messenger case or small backpack. 

I've selected six black leather bags that are versatile enough to take you from plane to promenade in any city and climate. Chief Trip Stylist Trish recently purchased the Clare Vivier tote above in Los Angeles and I have my eye on the handmade kenza tote by Montreal-based The Stowe.

1/ Clare V. simple coated-leather tote, 2/ The Stowe kenza tote, 3/ Madewell glasgow satchel, 4/ Building Block business bag, 5/ Ampersand as Apostrophe sideways tote, 6/ Mansur Gavriel large tote

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Related
Jetset Style :: Ode to Boyfriend Jeans
Jetset Style :: Scandinavia-Inspired Jackets
Top 10 Travel Essentials :: Fall Weekend Edition

Spotlight :: Stockholm

[trip style = urban]

Stockholm is hands down one of the coolest—and most scenic—European capitals. Situated on the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is spread out across 14 islands. If you walk from historic Gamla Stan to upscale Östermalm to picturesque Djurgården you'll see that each island has its own identity and all are worth visiting. {Check out our Södermalm Guide.}

I traveled to Stockholm this summer with friends and it was a highlight of my Scandinavian vacation. With a historic yet modern feel and a hip yet friendly vibe, it's a city—like New York—that will no doubt have you—like me—saying "next time..." I'm already dreaming up my return.

Eat

Make no mistake: Stockholm is expensive. Cocktails are $30 each. A running joke during my trip was that we'd go out for cocktail—singular—because they were too expensive to order more than one. After an evening at the photography museum, my friend and I met up with our Swedish friend and host for late-night cocktail and tapas at AG, a meat-focused restaurant and bar tucked away on a side street in Kungsholmen inside an old silver factory.

Some popular and pricey eateries have smaller, casual restaurants attached to them called bakficka, which translates to back or hip pocket. One such restaurant combo that I'd love to visit is Oaxen Krog & Slip on Djurgården. Dine at Krog for a fine dining experience and Slip for casual fare, with both menus focused on seasonal Nordic cuisine.

Another money-saving tip, besides going out for cocktail and eating in bakfika, is to look for restaurants that serve dagens rätt, a daily lunch special that typically includes a main course, salad, bread and coffee. I met up for a $15 dagens lunch with friends at meat-centric Köttbaren in Vasastan. For additional affordable lunch options, try one of the stylish restaurants at Mood Stockholm.

Do

Walk around the harbour and over to Djurgården, a beautiful island dedicated to the pursuit of recreation, culture and fun. The island is home to many of Stockholm's museums, as well as beautiful parkland. My favorite oasis in the middle of the city is Rosendals Trädgård, a garden and cafe in an idyllic setting. Buy a kanelbulle from the cafe and take it into the apple orchard for fika, where you can sit amongst locals sprawling out on blankets or picking wildflowers from the u-pick garden. Rent a bike at the entrance to Djurgården and cycle along the water's edge.

When the weather is warm, escape the city and spend a day or more on an island in the Stockholm Archipelago. It takes only 30 minutes to reach Fjaderholmarna, where you can visit a brewery and enjoy a meal of freshly caught fish.

Rub shoulders with stylish Swedes who could be mistaken for Alexander Skarsgård and Lykke Li at the Acne Studios flagship store. While you can buy Acne anywhere, what better place to pick up their famous Canada scarf than the flagship store housed in a former bank building that was the location of the 1973 bank robbery and hostage situation that gave rise to the term "Stockholm Syndrome"? For outlet pricing, visit Acne Archive in Vasastan.

More must-visit Swedish shops include Byredo for unique fragrances, Rodebjer for progressive women's fashion, Lotta Agaton for housewares {open thursdays only} and H&M-owned brands & Other Stories and COS.

Stay

Check in to one of the many stylish yet pricey hotels around the city. While I stayed in an apartment, I'd stay at any of the Design Hotels properties or either of the Story Hotels. {See our Södermalm Guide for more hotels.}

Photos

View fullsize

Fika in the orchard at Rosendals Trädgård

Café at Rosendals Trädgård

Greenhouse seating area at Rosendals Trädgård

Street cart liquorice on Djurgården

Köttbaren restaurant

Oaxen Slip restaurant

Vintage café tram on the No 7 Djurgården Line

When to Go

The city is at its best and brightest from May to September, and summer kicks off at Midsummer, when you can join locals in a dance around a maypole and wear a flower crown on your head at the best—and most bohemian—party of the year.

Getting There

Stockholm's Arlanda Airport is located about 40 kms from the city centre. The easiest ways into town include the Arlanda Express train {20 mins/$39} or the Flygbussarna bus {45 mins/$18}. Taxi fares are posted on the side of the cab, but vary according to the taxi company. Look for the best rate instead of the closest cab.

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Related
Stockholm :: Södermalm Guide
Spotlight :: Helsinki
Spotlight :: Copenhagen {Part 1}
Spotlight :: Copenhagen {Part 2}
Jetset Style :: Scandinavia-Inspired Jackets

[images by @heatherlovesit except oaxen slip via restaurant]

Spotlight :: Helsinki

[trip style = urban]

Helsinki is a modern and forward-thinking city of design, culture, history and harbour. Design is as intrinsic to Finnish identity as saunas, which are a source of national pride {and public nudity}. The Finns roast themselves to a boiling point before jumping into the Baltic Sea and then repeat the process all over again.

In a country that borders Russia and stretches into the Arctic Circle, Helsinki feels one part Scandinavia and one part Eastern Bloc. It's both edgier and friendlier than its Nordic neighbors, which is admirable in the winter when it sees as little as five hours of daylight. You may want to visit in the early summer, when it sees up to 19 hours of daylight. Don't forget your eye mask!
 

DO
Everything is within walking distance in Helsinki. Charming cobblestone streets connect the must-see churches, parks, art nouveau buildings and design shops. But you'll need an umbrella in a city that sees an average of 191 days of rainfall every year—that's more than Vancouver, but less than Twilight-famous Forks, WA. During my four-day mid-August visit with friends, I experienced sun, rain and hail but I didn't let the weather rain on my parade. As the Finnish say, there's no bad weather, only bad clothing! {Check out our stylish rainwear picks!}

The most engaging and colorful afternoon of our trip was spent at Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. The best part of the experience was that it was so tactile; we were encouraged as visitors to touch many of the installations, which made us feel like we were breaking the rules. Helsinki's quirky and contemporary cultural scene is so strong that the city is in negotiations to become the next outpost for the Guggenheim Museum.

Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the churches of Helsinki. The statuesque Helsinki Cathedral sits high above Senate Square and its steep steps are a popular gathering place when the sun is shining. A minimalist escape from the chaos of the city, Kamppi Chapel is a small space made from curved wood and designed for silent prayer and contemplation. Temppeliaukio Church {Rock Church} feels more like a Bond villain's secret lair than a Lutheran church; quarried out of natural bedrock in the 1960s, this famous church welcomes visitors year round.

Don't miss the Design District, an area of 25 streets with 150 boutiques, galleries, antique stores and cafes ripped from the {web}pages of Etsy. Next, stop by tiny Finnish design shop Salakauppa for a modern twist on traditional Finnish footwear, Artek for innovative furniture and Marimekko for housewares, textiles and clothing in the Finnish brand's iconic graphic prints.

EAT
The Finns are the highest consumers of coffee per-capita in the world. In an effort to blend in with the locals, coupled with a bout of bad weather, we had an especially caffeinated visit to the Finnish capital. Our Helsinki motto was "But first, coffee", which led us to multiple cafes a day. Since man cannot live on macchiatos alone, I've included restaurant suggestions to dampen the coffee buzz.

Freese Coffee Co // Friendly staff, fantastic coffee and fresh food can be found at this delightful coffee shop a stone's throw from the Rock Church. This cozy cafe was a haven from a freak hail storm; we shared cakes and thumbed through modern periodicals like Cereal and Lucky Peach while waiting out the storm. {Note: hours are limited, so check before you go!}

Old Market Hall // Eat at Story inside the newly renovated food market or grab candied salmon skewers, a loaf of bread and lingonberry jam and step outside to hop a ferry for Suomenlinna, an 18th-century island fortress popular with locals and visitors.

Sandro // Middle Eastern fare in Finland? Why not? This laid-back restaurant in the hipster Kallio District, born out of a food truck and into a brick and mortar, serves dishes like confit duck burger with pomegranate yogurt and za'atar fatan salad with avocado mousse. After the meal, pop next door to Good Life Coffee for the neighborhood's best brew.
 

STAY
I stayed in an apartment a short tram ride outside the city center {there are lots of cool spaces on airbnb}, but if a boutique stay is more your speed, try Klaus K or Glo Hotel. Whatever you choose, look for accommodations close to the harbor in the Punavuori, Kallio or Centrum districts.

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Related
Spotlight :: Copenhagen {Part 1}
Spotlight :: Copenhagen {Part 2}
Jetset Style :: Scandinavia-Inspired Jackets
Roam+Board :: Hotel Kakslauttanen
Experience Whistler :: Scandinave Spa

[images by @heatherlovesit & @graceyvr except freese coffee co via kinfolk & story restaurant via retail design blog]