Monthly Archives: March 2019

7 Ugliest Outfits Worn By Celebrities In 2015

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Celebrities are known to dress nicely. From hot dresses to fancy suits, they work hand in hand with their designer to put together the latest fashion trends and what fits their bodies the best. They make sure to look their best.

But sometimes they can be really whacky. From bad choices of colors to just hideous outfits that should never see the light of day, celebrities sometimes dress so inappropriately that it shocks us. Here are their worst outfits for 2015.

Heidi Klum – Queen of Yellow

Heidi Klum is a beautiful woman. Millions of men will agree. But she will surely lose a few supporters after her appearance at the 2015 Emmy Awards. The ripped silk curtain-like right half of her dress, the feathery left-side, and the transparent golden net… everything looked bad. It was a really weird design. You don’t expect this from a career model.

Dencia – Straight Out of a Video Game

Dencia looked like a boss in Metroid the video game during the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. Under no circumstances is it okay to wear a full-body suit made of nylon socks and embedded with plastic jewels. There is no reason to blind onlookers with such an atrocious outfit. May be she should wear it at a video game convention.

June Ambrose – Mickey Mouse

June Ambrose looked like an animated character from your children’s favorite Sunday morning show, but admittedly, she looked happy in it. She could have tried this on the Bug’s Bunny and The Tweety Show. But it was just too much for The New York Fashion Week. You simply cannot walk among the fashion industry’ finest in this ugly attire.

Alan Cumming – Sailor Boy

Cumming tried a sailor suit for the 2015 Tony Awards for some strange unknown reason. The look would have suited a 10-year-old boy a lot more than this grown man. The material of his outfit is of good quality and the shade of blue is a good one. But overall, Alan looked creepy in this outfit.

Constance Jablonski – Stolen Window Curtains

Constance Jablonski is a gorgeous woman with a great body. However she looks totally shapeless and rather bland in this dress that reminds us of old bed sheets or window curtains. She wore it for the 2015 Tony Awards. The whole thing is very hippie-esque, but lacks the accessories. Better luck next time Constance.

David Lee Roth – The Latest Golfer in the PGA Tour

David Lee Roth looked like a golfer in this outfit. But the colors or styles don’t match. Adidas running shoes with a suit? That is weird! The suit was weird too. The diving outfit under the suit made it worse. There is no logical explanation why anyone would come up with such a creation.

Grace Coddington – Pajamawear

Young girls sometimes wear silky Chinese pajamas, but most look quite horrible in them. Grace Coddington, a creative director for American Vogue, either does not know this, or she just didn’t care how she looked when she left home that day. This won’t be a moment worth remembering in a great career.

From seaside to mountain valley: the culinary riches of Chile

Home to buzzing seafood markets, food-centric highland villages and sun-drenched vineyards, Chile offers a dazzling array of culinary temptations. The nation’s great size and wide-ranging geography has created astonishing variety when it comes to regional delicacies, and there are countless ways to partake of a memorable meal. You can indulge in ancient dishes fired up in earth ovens in Chiloé, linger over a solar-cooked feast in the Elqui Valley, and discover seafood delicacies on the hidden lanes of picturesque Valparaíso. It all goes down nicely with Chile’s famous wines and decadent pisco cocktails, too.

Fresh seaweed, fruits and vegetables at a market in Ancud © reisegraf / Getty

The Pacific Coast

No matter where you roam in Chile, you won’t be far from the ocean in this pencil-thin country with a coastline stretching over 4200km. The bountiful Pacific in its backyard gives Chile some of its best-loved staples including loco (abalone), erizos (sea urchins), machas (razor clams), jaibas (crabs), ostiones (scallops) and congrio (conger eel), plus yellowfin tuna, corvina, merluza (hake) and numerous other fish. Seafood lovers can hit vibrant mercados de mariscos (seafood markets) on or near the coast all the way from Arica in the north to Valdivia in the south. For a more targeted approach, plan a pilgrimage to Valparaíso. The bohemian port city is known for its colourful murals, steep cobblestone lanes, and a love for maritime cuisine. You can dine your way up and down the city hillsides, stopping for the fresh catch of the day at Restaurant La Concepcion, chalkboard specials at El Peral, and ceviche at Mm 450 La Cevicheria.

Traditional Chilean dessert mote con huesillo: dried peaches with cinnamon, brown sugar and husked wheat © LarisaBlinova / Getty

Elqui Valley

In the north of Chile, the Elqui Valley is a picturesque region of rolling hills, trickling mountain streams and clear night skies. It’s also the backdrop to hearty and satisfying Andean cuisine. In peaceful towns like Vicuña, you can tuck into filling plates of pastel del choclo (a casserole of sweet corn with hard-boiled eggs, olives and ground beef or chicken), or sample the local trout, perhaps finished with a traditional dessert like mote con huesillo (dried peaches with cinnamon, brown sugar and husked wheat). Chile is famed for its local goat cheeses, with hundreds of small producers nationwide, and the Valle del Elqui offers some outstanding varieties. Among the top labels in the valley is Tambo Alto, made by a sustainable producer (Agrícola El Calvario) that also grows table grapes.

The valley has nearly perfect weather, with over 320 days of sunshine put to good use in the creative restaurants of the village of Villaseca. There, several family-run eateries use solar ovens to bake bread, roast meats and fire up leche asada (flan) for dessert. One of the best is Delicias Del Sol.

You can’t leave the Elqui Valley before visiting at least one pisco distillery to get a closer look at the country’s national drink. The region is home to some of the nation’s top pisco producers, and you can learn all about its origins and its fabrication on a memorable tour and tasting at Pisquera Aba — one of many boutique operators in the valley.

Las Niñas Vineyard in Cochagua Valley © Jorge Leon Cabello / Getty

Colchagua Valley

Less than 200km south of Santiago lies one of South America’s premier wine regions. The vineyards here have an incredible pedigree, with the first vines planted by Jesuit missionaries back in the mid-16th century. Fringed by mountains, the sun-drenched valley produces some of Chile’s best red wines, with great variety nourished by its diverse soils and microclimates. Among the best-known wines are bold reds with ripe tannins, made from grapes like Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. You can visit dozens of wineries in the region, touring sunny estates, followed by a tasting in the cellar. Sipping aside, there are plenty of other wine-centric activities to be had. At the award-winning Montgras, you can even make your own wine, creating a personal blend from three different varieties. The town of Santa Cruz is the gateway to the region — and also home to its lively Fiesta de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival), held in early March each year.

When planning a wine-tasting trip, just be sure to have a designated driver, as Chile has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to drinking and driving. Better yet, take a tour. Those offered by Red del Vino take you to some of the valley’s most fascinating small-batch producers.

Preparation of the traditional Chilean dish curanto © softdelusion / Getty

Chiloé Archipelago

Just north of Patagonia in Chile’s southern reaches, the mist-shrouded islands of Chiloé are home to a proud seafaring people with a strong independent streak. They have unique cultural traditions, one-of-a-kind architecture and perhaps most importantly (at least for foodies), their own rich cuisine. In photogenic food markets like those in the town of Ancud, you can sample satisfying cazuela (a meat and vegetable stew) or chupe (fish casserole), among many other dishes. The culinary highlight of any trip to the region, however, is curanto. This extraordinary dish, which likely predates the arrival of the Spanish, is traditionally prepared in earth ovens. Stones, heated in a bonfire until red hot, are set in a hole in the ground. Then the ingredients are directly piled on. First the shellfish, pork and chicken are added, followed by chapaleles (a kind of potato dumpling), various vegetables and the leaves of the nalca (a rhubarb-like plant). The whole mixture is covered and left to simmer for a couple of hours. Then the feasting begins! Many places around the archipelago serve curanto, though one of the best is fired up at Restaurant Quetalmahue, located in a small fishing village (also called Quetalmahue) around 15km west of Ancud.

Lonely Planet has produced this article for Chile Tourism. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.

Polished Casual in North Carolina

Full-time blogger Suzanne Smith (55) lives in North Carolina and documents her style on her blog, Crazy Blonde Life. She is a jeans gal with on-trend polished casual style who likes to wear softer colours in Spring/Summer, while adding darker ones in the colder months. Suzanne sports high heels regularly, has an enviable booties collection, and believes in the staying power of versatile classics.

Suzanne wore this casual outfit for a day of walking around in downtown Nashville. She’s paired full-length olive skinny jeans with a relaxed-fit linen blouse. The breezy boho blouse with its tassels and bishop sleeves creates visual interest. Combining the top with skinny jeans tempers the volume of the sleeves. Caramel-coloured slides with a low heel look wonderful with the olive, and echo the colours of the classic satchel. Lots of arm candy and a simple, dainty necklace that works well with the V-neckline of the blouse complete the look.

Pair sunny yellow with mid-wash denim and different shades of grey and you’ve got yourself a fabulous colour combo you don’t see all that often. 5’4″ Suzanne semi-tucked a ruffled top into high-waisted kick crop flares. Tucking the top lengthens the leg line, and the charcoal maxi cardigan creates extra vertical integrity. The streamlined fit and texture-rich material make it a great statement piece. Our blogger’s block-heeled booties in an eye-catching gunmetal grey and her silver crossbody bag bring subtle sheen to the outfit. The unique necklace with oversized agate pendant and long earrings amp up the visual interest and polish.

White, blue and grey is another colour combination that feels particularly fresh. Our bloggers is wearing grey cropped skinny jeans with an untucked blouse. The rough-around-the-edges vibe of the distressed jeans is in clever contrast with the ladylike top embellished with large dots. Fun juxtaposition! The jeans are the perfect length to showcase Suzanne’s crisp pointy-toe stiletto booties. Her double-breasted wool coat adds Modern Classic polish, while the sky blue colour makes it a great choice to wear on cold Spring days. The blue also looks wonderful with Suzanne’s blonde locks. An oversized cocktail ring and interesting shoulder bag with architectural lines are the fab finishing touches.

Suzanne wasn’t exaggerating about her love for booties. Her closet is filled with interesting and unique pairs like these greyish taupe babies with chunky lucite heels. They echo the colour of her sweater brilliantly! And that sweater is a statement piece if I ever saw one! The oversized style, chunky knit, big collar and different stitches make it a cosy piece that will stand out everywhere. Sporting it with slim-fit jeans lets the sweater do all the talking, while the white denim adds crispness to the look. The sleek shape of our blogger’s on-trend metal ring bag adds structure. Cocktail rings, earrings, pink lippie and oversized sunnies finish off the look.

Using interesting footwear and accessories is an easy way to make a simple tee and jeans outfit look fun and special. Start off with jeans like this pair with undone hems and bleached cuffs, and you automatically get extra visual interest. Suzanne is semi-tucking a grey long-sleeved tee with lovely drape. Scrunching the sleeves showcases the piles of bracelets on both arms. She then adds extra bling with a multi-strand necklace in silver and white. Her silver metallic slides with gold hardware detail and fold-over fringe add chic pizzazz and lots of polish. Suzanne’s go-to pink lipstick and matching nail polish complete this polished casual look.

A Modern Classic outfit infallibly looks current when you add in an on-trend piece like Suzanne’s black jeans with flounced ruffle cuffs. Tucking the blue and white striped shirt with bell sleeves and adding a belt creates structure. So does the tailored fit of the jeans above the ruffled cuffs. Our blogger’s fab geometrical-shaped bag and lucite-heeled booties both make a second appearance. The polka dot scarf tied to the bag is a fun way to do a spot of pattern mixing. Add silver bangles, a short necklace, pink lipstick and Suzanne is ready to go.

What do you think of Suzanne’s polished, on-trend casual style? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out the rest of her wonderful outfits on her blog.

Gozo: a weekend of history and adventure activities

Small but perfectly formed, the Maltese island of Gozo has plenty of historical and natural treasures to fill a long weekend and more. And its diminutive, Manhattan-equalling size ensures that getting from one to another, whether by foot, bicycle, taxi or public bus, is breeze.

The stone arch at Wied il-Mielaħ on Gozo’s northwest coast is accessible to hikers, mountain bikers and rock climbers © Ramon Portelli / Getty Images

Wied il-Mielaħ & Wied il-Għasri, gorgeous gorges with activities aplenty

With cliff-bound inlets, dramatic rock arches and picturesque beaches, the jagged and somewhat remote northwest coast of Gozo throws up many outdoor adventure opportunities, something Gozo is becoming known for. Two of the most inspiring sites are Wied il-Mielaħ and Wied il-Għasri. The former is an incredible natural rock formation that arches out over the sea – it’s possible to cycle and walk over it, and there are bolts in place for rock climbing on its near-vertical face. Further east, the narrow inlet of Wied il-Għasri is a great place to swim or snorkel, and you can lounge on its lovely shingle beach when the sea is calm. Gozo Adventures runs a mountain bike tour from the town of Għarb to Obajjar that takes in both these sites and plenty of cliff-top panoramas. Hiking between the gorges is also a wonderful option.

Il-Kastell (aka the Ċittadella) dominates the skyline of Victoria and offers a window into Gozo’s past © rossmagri / Getty Images

Il-Kastell, a historic fortress towering over Victoria

Not all of Gozo’s greatest vistas are found along sea cliffs – some of the best are found atop the walls of Il-Kastell. This 15th-century fortress – built over Bronze Age defences – stands tall over the island’s capital Victoria (known locally as Rabat) and has a long history of protecting Gozitans from raiders. Incredibly, it was still normal practice for all the islanders to take nightly refuge in the fortress until well into the 17th century. It’s worth tearing yourself away from the lofty views from the ramparts to head down into the modern visitors’ centre, which has been beautifully incorporated into the fort’s historical structure.

The remnants of the ancient temples of Ġgantija are a puzzle worth exploring © Jean-Pierre Lescourret / Lonely Planet

Ġgantija Temples, the world’s oldest free-standing structures

Outdating the Pyramids of Giza by a millennia, the megalithic Ġgantija Temples stand proudly over southern Gozo from their perch atop a gentle ridge south of Xagħra. While the impressive visitor centre at the entrance to the site goes into great depth about the history of these temples, which are reputed to be the oldest free-standing structures in the world, there is nothing like experiencing them in person.

As you walk down the elevated boardwalks to the two main temples, your first glimpses of them may remind you of Stonehenge; large monoliths, sometimes precariously balanced, stacked to form a crude circle. However, once you cross the threshold of either, your initial impression will be eclipse by the fine details of the internal organisation. Each temple is divided into five semi-circular niches, with various altars – some benches, others trilithon in structure – and carvings whose purpose seemed to range from decorative to functional. An example of the latter would include the eight holes in the threshold slab of the southern temple (four on each side) that are believed to have held libations during ceremonies. While these inner walls were made of relatively soft globigerina limestone, the outer walls of the complex were constructed using harder-wearing coralline limestone to withstand the elements. The sheer size of the megaliths in the outer wall (the largest weighs 57 tonnes) is impressive, particularly when considering the efforts that would have been required to put them in place some 5600 years ago.

The light at the end of the tunnel is visible from the shore of Dwejra’s Inland Sea © Geo-grafika / Getty Images

Dwejra’s Inland Sea, a window into the great blue

As you walk down the hill towards the Inland Sea near Dwejra in the far west of Gozo, the scene that presents itself seems somewhat implausible. After all, how does this quaint and colourful fishing village survive on the shore of such a small lagoon? And then you see it. It’s just a flash of light to start, but as you near the water’s edge the shadow at the base of the cliff on the opposite side of the lagoon eventually reveals itself to be a long tunnel out into the Mediterranean. Just big enough for small fishing boats to snake through its dark confines, the tunnel also allows fishers to ferry visitors out for short but wildly picturesque tours.

Cruising into the darkness, with occasional views to the tunnel’s opening beyond, it’s a rather surreal journey. Especially as you near the exit, where the refractive properties of the crystal clear water turn it an incredibly luminous cobalt colour. Following the base of the coast’s towering seaside cliffs, these cruises also visit the site of the former Azure Window, a natural rock arch that collapsed into the sea because of natural erosion in March 2017.

Once back through the cave and with your feet firmly on shore, it’s a short hike to a viewpoint overlooking over the Blue Hole. Some 10m in diameter and 25m deep, this chimney in the limestone is connected to the sea beneath the surface and is an incredible site for both diving and snorkelling. Again, the blue hues here are worth an Instagram post or two.

The salt pans of Qbajjar, where sea water is turned into sea salt © anibaltrejo / Getty Images

Qbajjar Salt Pans, harvesting today as in centuries past

Over centuries, the limestone beds that form the foreshore west of Qbajjar Bay on the north coast of Gozo have been hewn into a series of shallow pools to enable salt harvesting. During hotter periods, the pools filled with seawater evaporate, leaving the precious commodity behind. There are a few families who still operate the pans, and it’s possible to purchase salt from them at a small roadside stand.

Matt Phillips travelled to Gozo with support from the Malta Tourism Authority. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

Workwear Commandments for Every Woman

Five days a week, we wake up with one all-consuming thought – what do we wear to work? Getting dressed for the office is no easy job. So many thoughts can go into the decision… You cannot over-dress or under-dress. You need to be comfortable in whatever you wear. It has to go with the season and the day of the week. You shouldn’t feel bored in your outfit. It should be your signature style. Plus, if there is a particular thing happening in the office or some guests arriving, then you need to keep that in mind as well when you choose the outfit. Different professions have different requirements too.

But everything boils down to 10 simple commandments. Check them out.

Layering

A simple LBD or pencil skirt can be a great outfit for the work place. But try adding a vest, jacket, or even an extra top. This will make you look even better.

Build Up Your Staples

A well-fitted wrap dress, your sleek pencil skirt, and a classic button-down are the basic outfits you will need for everyday work. So go ahead and invest in simple and yet chic starter pieces. Your Monday to Friday dressing decisions will be easier.

Achieve Balance

Many girls like bold colours and graphic prints. But you can go over-the-top too. The best thing to do is balance out more unusual pieces with the classics such as the white button-down or feminine flats.

Comfortable Heels

If you are going to spend all day in stilettos make sure you have a pair that can get you through the day without any blisters.

Stay Away From Spaghetti Straps

A skimpier top is good for going out, but it may not be appropriate for the office. Avoid any tops with a plunging neckline or straps that are so thin that there is no coverage.

Upgrade Your Casual Favourites

A sandal or sweatshirt can be good for work. However a better option can be to get an updated version of your favourite weekend wear. Try simple cuts, chic embellishments, and luxury fabrics.

Get a Good Work Bag

Get a good one whether you need an oversize tote to fit your laptop or a small clutch to carry everything. Make it go with your outfit.

Try Print Mixing

Prints can be intimidating, but you can mix and match quite easily once you get the hang of them. Try layering prints in a similar colour palette but with different sizes. This will prevent you going too over-the-top.

Dress Up Your Denim

There was a time when denim was not acceptable in many offices. But these days, a good pair of jeans is totally OK. You can wear a darker wash. Try out styles like flares or trouser cuts to look more sophisticated.

Dress to Impress

We all have lazy days while dressing for work, but remember, what you wear tells your colleagues who you are. You should certainly not overdress, but make sure that you don’t wear anything that is stained, too revealing or torn as well.

The Expiry Date of a Highly Elusive Wardrobe Item

HEWIs, highly elusive wardrobe items, are items on our shopping list that take ages to find. Sometimes the specific thing we want simply doesn’t exist, and other times it isn’t available at an affordable price point. 

We keep HEWIs on our shopping list, and hope that with tenacity, patience and a bit of luck, we eventually find them. When we do find them, it’s brilliant and all is right in the world. We can finally put together the outfits we had in mind, evolve our style, and make the HEWI a wardrobe workhorse.

Or so we thought.

Things don’t necessarily work out that way. Sometimes, we outgrow the need for our HEWIs just as we find them. Annoying, but true. That’s because there are changes in the factors that affect our style. 

For example, your sartorial preferences shift over time. It’s only when you fit on and remix the HEWI into your wardrobe during an outfit creation session at home that you realize that you don’t fancy the vibe as much as you thought you would. Or the looks that you styled with the HEWI in your head don’t work in person. Quite the anticlimax. 

Your body type can also change, which might make the HEWI look less fab than you thought it would. Your lifestyle, climate and environment can change, which can make a HEWI inappropriate or useless once you find it. A HEWI can also be a trendy item that you are “over” once it pops up in stores. Or an item that feels dated-for-you when you finally track it down. 

All this to say that HEWIs have an expiry date, which can be difficult to gauge. If you catch that you no longer want or need a HEWI before you find it — so much the better. If not, be sure to evaluate your purchase carefully when you find something that has been on your shopping list for a long time. Before committing to it, make sure that it works as well for your wardrobe and style as you thought it would.

The Best Dressed Tennis Players of This Decade

There was a time when white was the only colour tennis players could wear, and it still is at Wimbledon, but players are adding their own personal touches more and more these days. Whether it is Jimmy Connors’ needless neckwear, Andre Agassi’s flamboyant mane or Roger Federer’s dramatic black ensembles, you will find them wearing all kinds of stuffs. Now, you will find a rainbow of uniforms, accessories, and even hairstyles on the tennis court.

Here are some of the best dressed tennis players of this decade.

Rafael Nadal

The “King of Clay” is more than a player. He is a legend. But while his command of the court has always been evident, his style was once less impressive. Fortunately, the multiple Grand Slam singles champion has retired the capris and oversize oxfords in favour of sleek, all-black ensembles and slicked-back tresses.

Maria Sharapova

While speaking to CNN, Maria Sharapova once said, “When you look good, you feel good”. A top ranking player, Sharapova evinces her personal motto each time she steps on the court, and certainly when she steps off it. The Russian beauty has fronted campaigns for Nike, Prince, and Canon.

She has also designed accessories for Cole Haan. At nearly six foot two, Sharapova flatters her athletic frame in intricately draped gowns, short-and-sweet mini-dresses, and unapologetic heels. Her Grand Slam outfits reflect the local environment, so for the French Open, she wore the French-inspired blue legend stripes.

Venus Williams

Once ranked No.1, Venus Williams has made history for her determination, drive, and creativity. Despite her commitment to the court, she’s also an ambitious entrepreneur. Chief among her myriad projects is EleVen, a line of ready-to-wear apparel. The label has been displayed at the New York Fashion Week and collaborated with retailers like Ralph Lauren, Gilt, and Diane Von Furstenberg.

Venus has found her style in chic and feminine colourful prints that are always accompanied by attractive cuts.

Serena Williams

The kid sister of Venus, Serena Williams is no second-place sibling. Currently ranked No. 1, the younger Williams is the only player to have achieved a Career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles. It’s certainly her game that makes her famous, but her unusual on-court outfits attract a fair share of attention too.

In 2002, she played the U.S. Open in a black Lycra catsuit. Serena regularly performs in the line of sportswear that she designs with Nike. During the evening, she prefers colourful dresses, body-skimming sheaths, and fit-and-flare silhouettes.

Roger Federer

The A.T.P. has ranked tennis icon Roger Federer as one of the top three players in the world for the past decade. He is widely considered the greatest tennis player of all time – a true living legend.

When the Swiss legend and brand representative isn’t wearing Nike footwear and apparel, he will step out in charcoal suits, smart jackets, and dark denim. Roger looks great in almost anything he wears.

Andy Murray

The Scotsman, who restored the crown to the British Empire by winning Wimbledon 77 years after Fred Perry, knows how to score off court too. His outfits are the perfect blend of formal and casual.

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic wears tasteful apparel on the tennis court, especially the black Uniqlo top with the yellow accents. He looks very businesslike, and not too flashy.

Mangroves, markets and orchards: five great day trips from Ho Chi Minh City

With more must-see destinations along Vietnam’s 1650km length than can easily fit into a two-week itinerary, it’s tempting to spend your holiday flying from one city to the next on a whirlwind tour of the country.

However, more and more travellers are seeing the wisdom in staying a few extra days in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to explore the many day trip options, making forays to visit historic wartime sites, relaxing beaches and the rural Mekong Delta. Not only will you likely save money, but you’ll escape the stresses of long travel days and come away feeling a more authentic connection that comes from spending more time in one place.

A boat drifts through a Mekong coconut plantation © Cuongvnd / Getty Images

A Taste of the Mekong Delta in Ben Tre

Two hours south of Ho Chi Minh City lies Ben Tre, the so-called Coconut Capital of Vietnam. This quiet town, just across the river from the more developed city of My Tho, makes for a quaint getaway with its many fruit orchards, cottage industries and surprisingly rural villages just off the main highway.

Day trips from Ho Chi Minh City offer the opportunity to get away from the crowds and discover appealing towns like Ben Tre © James Pham / Lonely Planet

A convenient way to see a slice of the Mekong Delta in a day is by arranging a boat trip to the four river islands between Ben Tre and My Tho. Neatly packaged tours take visitors by horse cart and boat between the islands, visiting bee farms, coconut candy factories and scenic orchards where you can sample tropical fruit while being serenaded by Vietnamese folk singers. Cheesy? Yes. A fun day trip without too much hassle or driving? Definitely.

Fresh fruit and folk singers are among the highlights of a trip to Ben Tre © James Pham / Lonely Planet

Getting there: Join the better-off locals on private air-conditioned buses and mini-vans for the two-hour, US$4 road trip to Ben Tre, where you can arrange a boat and guide to visit the islands. Easier still are day trips bookable from HCMC for as little as US$10 including lunch. If you’re confident on a motorbike, two hours is a manageable drive, and you’re free to veer off onto the many small paths leading to village markets and authentic countryside scenes completely devoid of tourists.

A Vietnamese woman rowing a wooden boat in Cai Bei, the Mekong Delta © InFocusVideo / Shutterstock

Floating markets and waterways in Cai Be

The Mekong Delta’s intricate labyrinth of waterways is perfect for a day spent on the water. While smaller than the better-known floating market just outside of Can Tho, the Cai Be floating market takes just two hours to reach from Saigon. You’ll see the same barges with their distinctive painted eyes (said to bring the boats safely home) and long poles with produce hung high up to announce what’s for sale. Smaller canoes can also be hired for trips through narrow waterways lined by water palms. While in Cai Be, Le Longanier Restaurant is a beautiful lunch spot in an Indochine-style mansion serving up elegant versions of Mekong Delta favorites, including deep-fried elephant ear fish rolled up in rice paper.

Getting there: The Ha My Bus departs from HCMC’s District 8 for the US$7, two-hour drive to Cai Be, where you can negotiate your own boat to take you out to the floating market. If you’d rather leave the hassle to someone else, budget-friendly day tours are plentiful and easy to book from HCMC’s backpacker area (Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao Streets). For those with a little more cash to flash, a private day-cruise offers the ultimate in comfort.

Chilling beachside in the pool at the Imperial Hotel, Vung Tau © James Pham / Lonely Planet

Beach day the French way in Vung Tau

Known as Cap Saint-Jacques when it was a beach playground frequented by French colonists, modern-day Vung Tau is Saigon’s closest ocean beach. While its long list of attractions includes a giant Jesus (larger than the one in Brazil), a turn-of-the-century lighthouse and a cable car-accessed amusement park, the main reason to hit up Vung Tau for the day is to laze around on its handful of respectable city beaches. Most are fronted by seafood restaurants with beach chairs for customers (double check your bill as some have been known to overcharge), but you can also lay out in style at the Beach Club at the Imperial Hotel. Modeled after Roman baths, with the addition of an infinity pool and loads of sun loungers, a day pass will set you back only US$12. As a bonus, there’s a covered evening seafood market just behind the hotel where you can choose live seafood and have it cooked to order.

Getting there: Both the US$10 fast boat and US$5 mini-van take about two hours, with the mini-van able to drop you off at a centrally-located Vung Tau hotel. Once you’re in the city, taxis are plentiful to explore the sights.

The Cu Chi tunnel network stretches for 250km – visitors can explore narrow passages and bunkers © View Apart / Shutterstock

Duck and pray in Cu Chi

If you’ve ever wondered how Vietnamese farmers were able to defeat one of the most powerful militaries in history, a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is in order. Built over a period of 25 years, the 250km of underground tunnels just 40km outside of HCMC allowed the Northern Vietnamese forces to mount surprise attacks and then seemingly vanish into thin air. Visitors can scamper their way through narrow passages – not for the claustrophobic – leading to underground bunkers, living quarters and even a hospital. There are also very loud, pay-by-the-bullet gun ranges on site.

Getting there: There are two sections open to visitors, Ben Dinh (closer and more visited) and Ben Duoc (where more of the locals go). Both are accessible by public bus #13 from the September 23 Park in downtown Saigon to the Cu Chi Bus Station and then #63 to Ben Dinh or #79 to Ben Duoc for just over US$1. You can also book a half-day tour to visit just the tunnels or add on the Cao Dai Holy See, a colourful temple dedicated to Vietnam’s homegrown religion of Caodaisim that was described by Graham Greene as the ‘Walt Disney Fantasia of the East’.

A woman manoeuvres a boat around the waters of Can Gio, Vietnam © James Pham / Lonely Planet

Getting Close to Nature in Can Gio

Exchange the urban jungle for a much greener one in the UNESCO-listed Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. Functioning as the ‘green lungs’ of HCMC, this vast area of wetlands, salt marshes and mangroves just 2.5 hrs south of the city is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna including king cobras, saltwater crocodiles and fishing cats. You can cruise the bat lagoon in a row boat or climb up a 25m-high observation tower to look for birds over the treetops.

Getting there: From the September 23 Park near Saigon’s backpacker quarter, take the public bus #75 and hop off at the Vam Sat Ecopark. The trip takes just over 2 hours and costs about US$1. There’s also the option to take a luxury speedboat trip right from downtown Saigon. The journey there is almost as interesting as the destination, passing stilt houses, barges laden down with produce and rustic scenes of life on the river.

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Simple Outfit Ideas with Mini Dresses

Dressing up on busy mornings can be a struggle. If you don’t want to look effortlessly stylish, mini dresses are your best friends. All you need to consider when styling your mini dress is the right accessories – do you want to look like a fashionista for today? Or do you want to sport just a simple yet trendy ensemble? Check out below for outfit ideas on how to style your mini dress.

 

For brunch or lunch, you can easily wear your mini dress paired with a cute boxy clutch and strappy flat sandals. Accessorize with not so over-the-top gold pieces. Its laidback yet super stylish.

 

Pair cool footwear to go with your mini dress. What do you think of these three-strap slip-ons for the perfect casual daytime look? Complete the outfit with a vintage-looking backpack.

 

Run errands but continue to look chic in this daytime-appropriate ensemble – you minimal dress with leather gladiator sandals, classic handbag, teardrop bib necklace and cute bangles.

 

Here’s another one that consists of your favorite pair of sneakers – a girly look for the afternoon with your mini dress, cute crochet sneakers and a white zip envelope clutch.

 

Continue to look chic and smart by pairing your mini dress with matching mid height court shoes, mini hand bag, a classic bracelet watch and stacked rings.

 

Try a mod or vintage inspired look with your mini dress by adding in a matching scarf, round sunglasses, matching closed toe high heels and a nice handbag. Style your ensemble with simple Swarovski earrings then you’re good to go.

 

For the evening, go with super sleek and trendy high heels with an elegant leather flat clutch. Finish off the look with a brooch and teardrop earrings.

 

One easy outfit to wear to music festivals is by adding a kimono and suede boots to go with your mini dress.

Nordstrom Roundup: Picks from the Half-Yearly Sale

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There are end-of-season sales everywhere, which are worth browsing when your Winters are long and cold. My own Winters are just that, especially now that I spend more time in snowy Salt Lake City and Park City. Sometimes I add the odd coat, pair of pants, boots or pullover in January, and sometimes I don’t add a thing. 

For what it’s worth, here are some of my favourite sale items, some of which are tried and tested in my own wardrobe.

  • Botkier Botkier Moto Leather Top Handle Satchel | Nordstrom: Polished, professional and a little playful for the office. Lots of compartments and fits a laptop. Beautifully made. Available in grey and black, but the purple is unique.
  • 7 For All Mankind 7 For All Mankind Dojo Wide Leg Jeans (Authentic Fate) | Nordstrom: Streamlined wide legs, that fit like modern bell-bottoms or exaggerated bootcuts. Excellent fit on a straighter figure, and can work on a slightly curvier figure too.
  • Topshop Topshop Angie Trench Coat | Nordstrom: A fun on-trend trench coat with an ’80s and early ’90s vibe. You have to like grey to like the trench coat. Lightweight. Great length and lots of room. Fab on broad shoulders. I like the name too.
  • Kate Spade New York kate spade new york cable sweater | Nordstrom: An easy throw-on-and-go pullover that works on a range of body types. Fluid yet streamlined. Comes in black. Pretty.
  • Kurt Geiger London Kurt Geiger London Mayfair Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag | Nordstrom: For Team Blue & Cool Metals. A chain-strap bag in an unusual shade of blue with gunmetal hardware is unique. Nice size too. Available in pink with gold hardware.
  • Ted Baker London Ted Baker London Florence Long Silk Scarf | Nordstrom: For Team Kitty & Winter Floral.
  • London Fog London Fog Double Breasted Trench Coat | Nordstrom: London Fog coats are excellent value for money. Very well made, good fit, durable, gorgeous hardware, great lengths, and less than a designer price. They run a little large so you might be sized out of the XS when you wear a very small size.
  • Eliza J Eliza J Stripe Midi Dress | Nordstrom: A great dress that is WARM, drapes well, and quite nice quality. Fab fabric with heft. The fit & flare silhouette, length and long sleeves caught my attention, so it’s hanging in my closet. It’s a little clingy on the lower belly area so you have to be okay with that, or wear shapewear if you like.
  • Dries Van Noten Dries Van Noten Asymmetrical Colorblock Print Skirt | Nordstrom: A lovely A-line skirt for a curvier body type with a defined waist. Soft and pretty, so not Winter weight. Best worn with a tucked or very short black top, and fun with black footwear.
  • Halogen Halogen Hooded Coat | Nordstrom: Super cute, casual and cosy fuzzy coat that runs at least a size big. Fun hood, and fits over chunky knits. Cuddly.
  • EMPORIO ARMANI Emporio Armani Metallic Crop Pants | Nordstrom: On-trend metallic crops with a high rise that look best on a defined and long waist, or long rise. Can work on a curvy body type.
  • Naturalizer Naturalizer Wright Pump (Women) | Nordstrom: A cool-toned turquoise is a unique colour. This pump is comfortable if you can manage the heel height, and comes in three widths. Available in silver, and plaids.
  • Joie Joie Alphina Floral Faux Wrap Skirt | Nordstrom: A refined and dressy skirt with a romantic flounce that’s begging to be worn with a tucked or semi-tucked pullover. Works on a straighter and curvier body type with a defined waist.
  • Lauren Ralph Lauren Lauren Ralph Lauren Quilted Jacket | Nordstrom: Equestrian Fabness. This is a repeat style that looks even better in person. I have happy clients in the topper because the silhouette is streamlined, easy to pull on, and elongating. The fabric is durable and looks polished. Comes in black.
  • A.S.98 A.S.98 Nathaniel Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: For Team Post Apocalyptic Fabness. It has a back zipper for easy access. Read the fab reviews.
  • Naturalizer Naturalizer Aster Bootie (Women) | Nordstrom: Casual, yet polished, and very comfortable. Nice shade of navy. Read the rave reviews.
  • Naturalizer Naturalizer August Loafer (Women) | Nordstrom: Platform loafers are hard to fit because they slip off your feet. These on the other hand are a better fit, hence the rave reviews. Comfy, and comes in tweed.
  • Ted Baker London Ted Baker London Aliysa Crackle Bow Leather Clutch | Nordstrom: For Team Teal.
  • Derek Lam 10 Crosby Derek Lam 10 Crosby Flare Leg Crop Trousers | Nordstrom: I haven’t seen these in person yet, but Derek Lam makes great pants. I have a few pairs, and they fit well and have worn well. These look flattering and versatile.
  • Madewell Madewell Texture & Thread Crepe Wrap Top (Regular & Plus Size) | Nordstrom: A great top for a shorter torso, shorter neck, and larger bust. Fab top to wear over bottoms.
  • Majorica Majorica Round Simulated Pearl Clip Earrings | Nordstrom: Clip-on pearl earrings for those who don’t have pierced ears.
  • Ted Baker London Ted Baker London Babylon Long Scarf | Nordstrom: Ted Baker Floral Fabness. The scarf looks even better tied because the grey wraps around the neck while the pink lies vertically down the chest. Striking.
  • Kate Spade New York kate spade new york seasonless dot scarf | Nordstrom: For Team Graphic Tonal Blues.
  • See By Chloé See by Chloé Contrast Detail Silk Lace Blouse | Nordstrom: Gothic, romantic and pretty with black pants. Fits a range of body types because of the fluid silhouette. Can work on broader shoulders.
  • Trouvé Trouvé Keri Nylon Crossbody | Nordstrom: A fun and robust crossbody for very relaxed settings.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Scotch & Soda Shiny Structured Trench Coat | Nordstrom: A luxurious trench with a relaxed integrity. Well made, and in an unusual shade of cool-toned brown. Gorgeous fabric.
  • Converse Converse Chuck Taylor All Star CT 70 Street Warmer High Top Sneaker (Women) | Nordstrom: A repeat Converse style with a refreshing new watermelon stripe. Fleece-lined, VERY comfortable, cosy, and insulating. Excellent for cold-weather travel and urban walking. Good in gentle snow and on icy pavements too. Excellent traction on the soles. Works on a range of foot widths because the laces can be adjusted to fit the foot. Comes in black.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Scotch & Soda Voluminous Sleeve Shift Dress | Nordstrom: A fab little earth-toned sack dress to wear over skinnies, cropped flares, leggings or as is over hosiery and bare legs. It’s voluminous yet fairly streamlined. Lovely fabric.
  • SCOTCH & SODA Scotch & Soda Starry Jacquard Tailored Stretch Pants | Nordstrom: A pair of tailored trousers with a relaxed fit and subtle pattern. Fits a range of body types, and might run a little big on the waist. An easy alteration.
  • Madewell Madewell The Delilah Mary Jane Pump (Women) | Nordstrom: Blush Glitter Rose Gold Retro Fabness. Very comfy on a low and regular volume foot. Excellent on those who like low heels and a secure pump. Beautifully made, and the glitter does not come off. The surface of the glitter is hard, but the inside of the shoes is very soft. Good with or without hose. Looks like a Jimmy Choo, but at a fraction of the price. More comfy too. They come in a warm brown suede. The pink glitter earned a place in my wardrobe. Dainty and delightful.
  • Naturalizer Naturalizer Auburn Derby (Women) | Nordstrom: Platform oxfords are on-trend, and these are COMFORTABLE. Their grey sole is unique and pretty. They can be your “white sneaker”.
  • MILLY Milly Simona Blouse | Nordstrom: A blouse with alluring details such as the vented back tie and front shoulder slits. Best on a long neck and smaller bust.
  • Boss BOSS Vadelina Asymmetrical Flare Skirt | Nordstrom: An architectural skirt for Team Defined Waist. Beautfully made and even better in motion. Gorgeous with a heeled pump.

Go to the collection page to see the items alongside my descriptions.