Monthly Archives: March 2019

Wet and Grey Versus Dry and Sunny

I find Seattle to be cold for much of the year. People often find that strange, since Seattle’s winters are mild relative to other cities. Part of the explanation is that I’m a tropical gal who loves the heat and has little resistance to the cold. But after living in Salt Lake City for some of the time, I think it’s more than that. The bigger factor is that wet and grey feels much colder than dry and sunny, even when the latter is at a lower temperature.  

Winter temperatures in Seattle seldom fall below freezing during the day. Snow and slush are infrequent. But it’s very, very wet. It rains for much of the year. The damp wind penetrates warm clothing, so it’s hard to feel insulated when you’re walking outside. Skies are grey, and sunshine is rare. There’s no sun relief to warm you up. I’m always wrapped up, wearing thermals, a hat, a thick scarf, and fleece-lined footwear.

Winter temperatures in Salt Lake City are much lower, and it snows frequently. But it’s very dry and beautifully sunny a lot of the time. The cold doesn’t cut through to your bones, and you can insulate quite easily. The sun helps quite a bit during the day, and there isn’t often an icy wind to contend with. Despite the colder temperatures, thermals can feel too warm during the day.

When Sam and I do our 6am walk in Salt Lake City it is often -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit) or lower. It’s very cold, but we manage just fine with the right layers and Winter accessories. Seattle with the temperature hovering a few degrees above freezing (Celsius) feels colder. I can wear my thermals, a long Canadian puffer, woolies, all sorts of Winter accessories, and still feel cold. There is little chance of overheating in a wet and cloudy cold. 

I was anxious about the winters in Salt Lake City, since temperatures are lower than they are in Seattle. I wondered what I would wear, given that I already wear all the warm stuff in Seattle. But I’ve coped well so far, and haven’t even needed my thermals yet. Still, the coldest temperatures in SLC are still coming and we’ll see how that goes.

Live the communal life for a night on an Israeli kibbutz

From the 1950s to 1970s, Israeli socialist communes called kibbutzim attracted idealist volunteers yearning to get back to nature. Everyone shared everything, from cars to income to babies born on-site, who were raised with other children their own age, away from their parents, in the so-called children’s house. Today, after an exodus and then the return of the kibbutz youth, these projects have, ironically, gone capitalist.

The kibbutz’s original vision for an egalitarian utopia didn’t last very long, but it hasn’t disappeared; it’s morphed and modernised. Luckily for travellers, that means kibbutzim are opening their doors to outsiders who want to delve into these fascinating, and still-evolving, social experiments.

In these rustic, low-key rural resorts, you’re more likely to find high-tech workers than dirt-caked farmers. Instead of being put to work, you’ll be expected to relax at alternative healing spas or on hiking trails that wind through aromatic mango groves, lush botanical gardens or historical landmarks. While the Israeli kibbutz has changed in the past few decades – grown up, some would argue – it still offers visitors the chance to partake in classic kibbutz traditions, such as the hadar haochel, the communal dining hall serving the area’s organically grown agricultural products, all for a fraction of the price of nearby hotels.

Unwind with a dip in the pool and a stint in the spa at Ein Gedi Hotel, near the Dead Sea © Shira Rubin / Lonely Planet

Ein Gedi Hotel, Kibbutz Ein Gedi

On the shore of the Dead Sea, the Ein Gedi Hotel is a veteran in Israeli desert hospitality. It was founded in the 1950s, at a time when the only access road was a dirt track, and since then, has made a point of keeping up with the times. Today, its accommodation ranges from basic rooms to luxurious suites that are outfitted with balconies and panoramic views of the nearby Nahal Arugot Nature Reserve.

Check the announcement board in the main lobby for information on guided tours of the kibbutz’s lush botanical gardens, home to nearly 1000 species of tropical flora from across the world, as well as biblical plants such as myrrh and frankincense. A pro tip: skip the free shuttle to the tourist-heavy, eroding and often unpleasantly hot Dead Sea beach and opt instead for the hotel’s serene spa, where you can float in a Dead Sea pool rich in sulphur, magnesium and potassium while overlooking 500m-high mountain cliffs.

Palm trees stand guard in the Arava desert © gorsh13 / Getty Images

Keren Kolot Guest House, Kibbutz Ketura

The Keren Kolot Guest House is an oasis in the southern Arava Valley that has been at the forefront of Israel’s environmental movement for decades. Founded in the 1970s by Anglo immigrants, the basic, comfortable and English-friendly guesthouse offers bike hire and tons of advice for exploring nearby hotspots like the Methuselah, a date palm planted from 2000-year-old seeds that were excavated from the nearby site of Masada. Take advantage of the many seminars offered at the on-site Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, where Israeli, Jordanian, Palestinian, American and other international environmentalists research innovations, including solar power plants or high-tech algae farming.

Go off the grid at Kibbutz Lotan © Kibbutz Lotan Desert Inn

Kibbutz Lotan Desert Inn, Kibbutz Lotan

The blissfully peaceful Kibbutz Lotan Desert Inn is a world away from the popular resort town of Eilat only 40 minutes away. A leader in sustainable ecotourism, Kibbutz Lotan offers low-cost sleeping in energy-efficient mud structures, plus the chance to feast on vegetables sourced from the on-site organic gardens. Against breathtaking views of the gorgeous desert sands and the nearby Jordanian Edom mountains, travellers can learn why thousands of migratory birds stop at this kibbutz while making their way to Africa and how both climate change and human development are threatening to change the landscape that makes it possible. It’s wise to take an afternoon power nap to escape the midday heat and also so that you’ll have energy for the midnight desert tour or the many meditation sessions that take place in the central geodesic dome. You might just fall in love with the place and opt to stay on longer; you wouldn’t be the first.

Head for the hills and stay the night at Beit Oren Country Lodge on Mt Carmel © PhotoStock-Israel / Getty Images

Beit Oren Country Lodge, Kibbutz Beit Oren

Locals and visitors alike ascend Mt Carmel for the Beit Oren Country Lodge, whose beauty the Dadaist painter Marcel Jango called ‘staggering’. At an altitude of 400 metres, it offers a breath of fresh air and stunning panoramas of both the forest and the Mediterranean Sea. Beit Oren, which translates to ‘home of the pine’, opened its guesthouse in 1942 before the state of Israel was established. In the 1980s, it joined other kibbutzim in moving away from the socialist model of wage-sharing. Its pivot means that indulgence is the norm at Beit Oren, which offers spacious suites outfitted with Jacuzzis. It’s also within range of several picturesque hiking trails, horse-riding stables and the Ein Hod artists’ village, which is home to famous galleries and some 150 artists. After a day of exploring, book in for a relaxing sauna session and a holistic treatment at the Beit Oren spa that’s set in a house carved into local rock formations.

Kfar Giladi Hotel, Kibbutz Kfar Giladi

Perched high atop the Golan Heights, a plateau that Israel annexed from Syria in the 1980s in a move not recognised internationally or by the UN, the Kfar Giladi Hotel is one of the largest and oldest kibbutz hotels. Some of the rooms have views of the beautiful Mt Hermon, which can be skied on in winter, as well as the Upper Hula Valley, a natural reserve with abundant fresh water, which is an annual pit stop for roughly half a billion migratory birds travelling between Africa, Europe and Asia. The kibbutz’s staff can advise you on the best of the region’s activities, from kayaking down the Goshrim streams to the on-site Beit Hashomer Museum, which tells the story of the kibbutz.

Nachsholim Holiday Village’s modern rooms are set on a prime stretch of Mediterranean sands © Asaf Pintzuk

Nachsholim Holiday Village Kibbutz Hotel, Kibbutz Nachsholim

The Nachsholim Holiday Village Kibbutz Hotel is located on one of the most pristine white-sand private beaches on the Mediterranean coast. The low-slung bungalows are separated by hammocks and often include a wooden deck, an LED TV, outdoor showers and Japanese-inspired zen gardens. The premises are tastefully adorned with glass sculptures, which are a nod to the kibbutz’s historic bottle factory, founded in 1891 by the French philanthropist and Israel supporter Baron Edmond de Rothschild. Today it serves as an archaeological museum. Less than an hour’s drive from Tel Aviv, Nachsholim is an easy escape that’s popular with well-heeled families, who are enticed over by the blue lagoons, charming coves, and fragrant banana and avocado groves.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.

Make the most of your travel with sightseeing tours and activities from our trusted partners.

Best Jennifer Lawrence Looks

Combat boots, braid, bow and arrow – the signature Katniss Everdeen starter pack. Off the screen, she’s simply Jennifer Lawrence wearing girly outfits for red carpets or even just a simple day. See some of her best looks.

 

J. Law was spotted in New York wearing daisy dukes, suede mules and a fedora. Her cute bucket bag is from the Olsen twins’ label, Elizabeth and James.

 

In March, she wore this ultra feminine ensemble in New York City. Her hair resembles a bit of Marilyn Monroe here, don’t you think?

 

The Hunger Games star went shopping in an off-duty cardigan and hat combination. Totally loving this look.

 

Pre-Katniss years in 2013 where she attended the 28th Santa Barbara International Film Festival in a stunning Stella McCartney jumpsuit.

 

Gorgeous little black wrap dress – Jennifer added a funky silver belt to accentuate her waist and showing off her curves in all the right places.

 

She looked absolutely young here – this was in 2009 at the premier of The Burning Plain. Love the dress and her statement bold lipstick.

 

What is she wearing? Skirt? Trousers? J. Law attended Dior’s Haute Couture show in 2013 and baffled us with this outfit (in a good way). Love how she balanced the looseness of her bottoms by pairing it with a cropped top.

 

Jennifer was in Tom Ford when she was at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2014.

 

While some stars hate pink on the red carpet, leave out J. Law. During the 2013 Oscars, she showed off her beautiful curves in a strapless pink gown by Christian Dior with elegant accessories. Glad she didn’t overdo her jewelry or she wouldn’t look too elegant for the event.

 

This is one of our favorite looks, ever, of her. The Hunger Games stars attended the Cannes Film Festival in 2014 and Jennifer wore this Christian Dior Couture during a photocall for The Hunger Games; Mockingjay Part 1.

15 Things I’m Thankful For

I love the Thanksgiving tradition of reflecting on what you’re thankful for. Here are fifteen things that come to mind for me this year. Eight are in fashion and style, and the other seven are in my personal life. 

In Fashion & Style

  1. FINALLY this year, many more retailers in the US provided extended sizes across assorted collections. More models wear a size larger than a US0 to 4. Nordstrom made a point of displaying regular sizes and plus sizes in the same in-store department. May these significant changes pave the way for a more diverse fashion world.
  2. YLF has a strong Southern hemisphere contingent who stick with the Northern hemisphere seasonal content on this site. That takes commitment, patience, and I’m impressed. Thank you Australian, New Zealand and South African Fabbers for your support and loyalty. You are an amazing bunch.
  3. Thank you Naturalizer for making fashionably fab shoes in an assortment of widths and colours that go the distance.
  4. Thank you Boden, COS, Pendleton, G-Star, Club Monaco, Universal Standard, Furla, Pendleton, Aquatalia, Ecco, Paul Green, Helene Berman, Zella, Hispanitas, Reiss, Karen Millen, 3.1 Philip Lim, and Converse for providing consistently good quality.
  5. Thank you Spring & Summer 2018 collections for the best dress and skirt season that I can remember.
  6. I’m grateful for the very large assortment of jeans silhouettes for those who wear jeans regularly.
  7. Thank you for bringing back earth tones because we were starved of them. It has taken ten years for brown to make a comeback! My word. It’s about time.
  8. I wear footwear with heels between one to one and a half inches 99.9% of the time. I’m grateful that flats and very low heels are on-trend and modern, and that there is no need to wear a higher heel for any occasion these days.

In My Personal Life

  1. Six months ago, we committed to a loft in Salt Lake City, UT, which is where Greg works part of the time. Having a second home where Greg, Yorkie Sam and I can have more family time has been a game changer. We are thoroughly enjoying our life in both cities. It’s fun to make new friends and to make a new city our home. 
  2. Our dual city lifestyle would not work if Sam didn’t travel by air as well as he does. He’s an experienced frequent flier and as good as gold. I can’t be more grateful for our precious little doggie, who is a constant source of joy, support, love, and entertainment.
  3. My flexible work schedule allows me to live in Salt Lake City for part of the month, and visit my sweet Dad in the Netherlands every three to four months. If I didn’t have YLF and a very established clientele in Seattle, things would be harder.
  4. I’m grateful to have spent quality time with Greg’s parents in South Africa this year. I love them dearly, and hope to see them more frequently.
  5. Although visiting my Dad frequently has its sad moments, being able to see Inge every time I visit is a gift. Inge is an absolute sweetheart, and I am grateful for her friendship.
  6. I come alive in hot weather and love dressing for Summer. So I’m grateful that between spending a fortnight in Italy, having better than usual Seattle weather, and spending half my time in Salt Lake City, I had a very hot and long Summer this year. Woohooo. My favourite weather.
  7. Most importantly, I am grateful for my hubs Greg, and all that he is and does. He continues to devote time and expertise to YLF despite his busy work schedule. My most fun and happy times are with Greg, and I’m thankful to have him as my best friend and partner.

We at YouLookFab wish you and your families a happy, safe and peaceful Thanksgiving weekend.

The best of vegan Philadelphia: satisfying spots for every eater

Something’s been sizzling on Philly’s food scene lately, and it isn’t just the city’s signature cheesesteak. Vegan eateries of all kinds have cropped up in recent years, earning the City of Brotherly Love the reputation of being a top-notch plant-based dining destination and drawing meat- and dairy-free diners from around the region.

But you don’t have to be a vegan to appreciate the culinary creativity and inventive flavors on display at these eight Philadelphia spots, which will satisfy diners of all stripes.

Yes, this spread from Goldie’s (milkshake included) is vegan © Michael Persico

Celebrity chef falafel with shwarma-spiced fries

It is nearly impossible to get a table at Zahav, the modern Israeli restaurant of James Beard award-winning chef Michael Solomonov. It is much easier (and no less delicious) to grab a stuffed pita, fries and frosty tahini milkshake from Goldie, Solomonov’s popular falafel joint. Bringing the same meticulous attention to flavor at this fast-casual spot as he has at his restaurants, Solomonov has created a short but sweet menu that has the Rittenhouse-area lunch crowd lined out the door. Get your cooked-to-order falafel in a pita or atop a salad and choose regular fries or shawarma spiced. The spot is outfitted with a few tables, but if you aren’t lucky enough to snag one, take a short walk to Rittenhouse Square where you can people-watch – and be watched sloppily eating your falafel – on a park bench.

Comfort food classics like fried chicken and mac and cheese are equally satisfying in vegan form at Miss Rachel’s © Miss Rachel’s

South Philly supper club

Once upon a time, when the South Philly neighborhood surrounding Miss Rachel’s Pantry was more industrial than residential, the quaint two-story building now outfitted with bistro lights was a warehouse for vending-machine candy. Fast-forward a couple of decades and the array of options now served there couldn’t be more different: the spot is home to a vegan catering company offering a twice-weekly supper club, served Fridays and Saturdays. These five-course dinners are served around a communal farmhouse table that accommodates 22, where you’re likely to sit elbow-to-elbow with epicureans all too happy to advise where you should enjoy your next meal. The menu changes frequently, but house specialties include cultured nut-based cheeses and handmade pasta (such as roasted garlic and creamy cashew ricotta-stuffed cappellacci in a flavorful thyme broth). Meals do not include alcohol, but diners are encouraged to bring their own beverages.

The Tasty has a retro look – but puts a modern, vegan twist on classic diner fare © The Tasty

Vegan breakfast all day, every day at this retro diner

Who says chicken and waffles are just for meat-eaters? Not The Tasty, a retro-styled vegan diner serving classic breakfast dishes and comfort food all day. Perched at a corner location near south Philly’s hipster Passyunk Avenue, the mismatched tables at this small first-come, first-serve eatery fill up fast, with overflow seated on barstools at an aluminum and teal formica counter. Go hungry and expect to find a menu short on veggies but rich in guilty-pleasure vegan foods like soysage, cheez and bacun. And if breakfast foods aren’t your thing, join the diner’s typically tattooed patrons in ordering off the cheezsteak and burger menu (available as of 10am, and even earlier on weekends).

Everything at Vedge is elegantly plated and served with style, including this zucchini bread pudding © Vedge

Fine dining, veggie style

Led by superstars of the local vegan dining scene, James-Beard nominated chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby, Vedge is a self proclaimed ‘vegetable restaurant’ with a months-long waitlist. A fine dining establishment that many reserve for special occasions, the quality of the food is matched by its charming setting inside a renovated brownstone, complete with working fireplaces. Fresh produce is the star of each dish at Vedge (as opposed to some places that imitate meaty fare), and crowd favorites are the velvety rutabaga fondue and wood-roasted carrots. For dessert, don’t miss the zucchini bread pudding with sweet corn ice cream, in a tart puddle of blackberry gazpacho.

Hole-in-one donuts for eaters of all stripes

The fact that Dottie’s Donuts is vegan is almost the least interesting thing about this ingenious donutery. The daily-changing menu of flavors (both cream-filled and glazed) is so playfully inventive that the shop has a devoted fan following that transcends vegetable/meat-eating lines. Conveniently located next door to vegan Blackbird Pizzeria in Center City, with an original West Philly location along Baltimore Avenue’s restaurant row, Dottie’s hole-in-ones have included Thai iced tea, maple bacon, matcha pistachio and stuffed s’mores donuts. If you go during football season, keep an eye out for the proprietary greased pole donut – a sugary homage to when police officers greased the electric poles along Broad Street in a failed attempt to prevent Eagles fans from scaling them after an epic 2018 Super Bowl victory.

Casual street-food fare, like these Korean tofu tacos, go vegan at V Street © V Street

Street food goes vegan

Street food around the world is dominated by endless varieties of meat on a stick, but VStreet is out to show you it can be much more. A lower-key option from the James-Beard nominated gourmands at Vedge, this combination cocktail bar and restaurant a half-block away from posh Rittenhouse Square cooks up vegan street-fare inspired dishes. Eastern Europe meets the Middle East, and hearty Korean fried tempeh tacos are served alongside Peruvian potatoes in a medley of spice blends united only by the fact that they marinate tofu, not pork. End your meal with VStreet’s signature dessert, the Halo Halo: a tall sundae glass brimming with purple sweet potato ice cream, orange crushed-ice granita, coconut whipped cream and a sprinkling of pickled pineapple.

A veggie-centric gastro-lounge

Even the herbiest of vegans would agree that the best way to drink wheatgrass is in shot form. Make that an actual alcoholic shot, and it goes down even smoother. In Philadelphia, the only place to find a spiked wheatgrass concoction is Charlie was a sinner, a swanky Gayborhood-area cocktail lounge where the elaborate cocktails and sharing dishes are all plant-based. The beverage menu ranges from basil fennel mocktail to Leaves of Grass (a combination of gin, aromatized wine and prickly ash bark tincture), and the dishes are inspired by a range of global cuisines. Zucchini crabcake appetizers can be followed by caramelized eggplant bao buns, to be topped off by Moroccan spinach bakoula (salad) and an earthy wild mushroom risotto.

Spicy vegan wings are the stars at Blackbird Pizzeria in Philly © Blackbird Pizzeria

Plant-based pizza and wings

A few other pizzerias around town will swap vegan cheese for mozzarella, but none other can boast a strictly dairy-free roster of pies (with veggie bacon and sausage, to boot). One of Philly’s more veteran vegan establishments, Blackbird Pizzeria slings pies sprinkled with toppings from the conventional to the obscure: marinated artichokes and pumpkin seed pesto, fresh spinach and roasted beets. Those in the know actually don’t go to Blackbird for the pizza, though, but rather the house-made seitan buffalo wings at an ascending scale of spiciness, from mild root beer BBQ to eye-watering habanero Buffalo. Of Blackbird’s two locations, the Center City locale next door to Dottie’s Donuts is especially popular, for obvious reasons.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.

Choosing the Right Boot Style for Your Body Shape

Get your winter shoes ready because fall season is nearing us. Wearing closed-toe shoes and boots require work to make your body look stylish. Did you know that people shouldn’t base their boots on their style, but on the body type and shape? There are boots that could make your body look sexy and there are those who’ll just make you look like a mess.

Here’s a quick summary of the boot styles that may work best on certain body types:

– For short and curvy women, knee-high and ankle-length boots
– For short and thin women, knee-high, calf-length and ankle-boots
– For tall and curvy women, all lengths will work except above-the-knee styles
– For tall and thin women, all lengths will work

When it comes to boots, you should choose wisely. You can’t just go and buy any pair that you like. If you want to know what type of boots will suit you best, read the guide below to help you make the right choice for your stylish pair of winter boots.

Ankle length boots

Purchase it here
These boots are the most popular because it looks great with every body type. It can easily be worn with skirts or dresses. But ankle-length boots will cut your leg off to the ankles. If you’re short and thin, choose boots that have a good amount of heel to create the illusion of longer legs. Easily pair it with jeans or leggings.
Purchase it here
If you want look like you have longer and slimmer-looking feet and legs, try styles with pointed-toe shoes.

 

Calf length boots
Purchase it here
Proceed with caution with these lengthy boots. The calf-length tends to cut your leg off at the calf. Those wide shaft styles can even widen the size of your legs. So if you have slimmer calves, this will definitely work for you.

 

Purchase it here
Try wearing heeled calf length boots to get a feminine look and will also give you some extra length if you’re not that tall.

 

Knee high boots

Purchase it here
These boots is the perfect length for curvy women, especially to those with a pear-shaped body. Knee-high boots will give the illusion of longer and slimmer-looking legs.
Purchase it here
If you have short legs, avoid styles with buckles or straps because these details will cut off the length that the knee high boots are supposed to give you.

 

Over the knee boots
Purchase it here
These boots are for women who are tall and thin, giving the outfit a sexier and edgier look. If you’re short, it’s best to avoid this type of boots because it will only make you look shorter.

 

 i
Purchase it here
If you’re curvy, these won’t work for you because it will only emphasize the size of your legs making them appear bigger.

Summer Item Duplication

If you’ve had an exceptional run with some Summer purchases, now is a good time to duplicate some of the workhorses and wardrobe essentials of the season. It might be an indispensable white top, amazing pyjamas, an extremely comfy pair of shoes, the best set of insoles, exceptional yoga leggings, or a brilliant accessory. The items are probably conveniently discounted because Fall 2018 collections are in full swing.

I did my usual thing of duplicating winning footwear. I walk a lot, am hard on shoes, have fussy feet, and don’t have that many pairs. I therefore wear out the shoes quite quickly, especially when they’re white, light or suede.

I duplicate footwear by purchasing a second pair that is identical to a pair I already have in my wardrobe. This can be a risky strategy because your style preferences might have changed by the time you’re ready to bust out the second pair. There is also the budget impact to think about. Still, the strategy has worked very well for me over the last eight years. I have not once regretted a footwear duplication. On the contrary. I’m much relieved when I can pass on the first worn-out pair and haul out the exact brand new fresh pair by shopping my closet. I wore my white Franco Sarto Jolette Penny loafers into the ground, but luckily had a back-up pair to sport mid-season. Now I’m on the hunt for the next pair of white flat loafers to duplicate.

My climate changed this year, now that I spend a third of my time in Salt Lake City where the weather is more extreme than Seattle. Hotter, drier and longer Summers, and cold, snowy Winters. As a result, I needed extremely comfortable flat walking sandals both for my urban Utah life and our hot and humid holiday in Italy earlier in the Summer. I bought a pair of wild-card white huaraches back in May. They saved my feet, fit like a dream, and go the distance. I LOVE these sandals and duplicated them in July. I’m grateful that Naturalizer makes them in a narrow width to fit my feet.

I was wearing out the white huaraches very quickly, so to share the wear I purchased another style of white Naturalizer sandals. They’re one of the few brands that offer a narrow width. I loved them equally much and duplicated them last week. Now I have two pairs of hard-to-find, brand new versatile, comfy and classic white sandals waiting in the wings for next year.

By chance I found a pair of watermelon dressy pointy-toe ballet flats at Banana Republic that fit perfectly and feel fab. I’ve wanted ballet flats for a long time, but stopped looking because they fall off my feet and feel unsupported. Of course, when you stop looking for something — you find it. These were on sale and I gave them a chance. I’ve put them through their paces and, to my surprise, I can walk miles in them. I LOVE their dainty integrity and the way they dress up my outfits despite being flat. They’re a great substitute for the heeled ankle-strap pumps that I no longer wear. I duplicated them in red and have worn both pairs equally this Summer.

If they still had my size in the right colours, I’d have duplicated my metallic blush loafers and while mules that I’ve also worn into the ground. The mules were a narrow size so very hard to find. Oh, well. I tried! On to something else next year.

Who else is duplicating smashing Summer items that went the distance?

Where to go for Budapest’s New Wine and Cheese Festival

The New Wine and Cheese Festival comes to the fairytale Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest’s City Park on 24 November. Packed with stalls offering spreads of local cheeses and bottles of újbor (young wine from the newest vintage), it’s the perfect occasion to learn about Hungarian wine and nibble on some craft cheese. This year the festival lasts one day but if you miss the date or feel like making a weekend out of it, you can taste local wine and cheese at wine bars across the city. Here are a few great places where you can get into the spirit of the event.

Tasting Table cellar and tasting room is a great place to learn about Hungarian wine © Carolyn Bánfalvi / Taste Hungary

Sip Hungarian wine at the Tasting Table

Slip into this basement in Budapest’s up-and-coming VIII District for a tasting trip around Hungary’s wine regions. There are some 200 different bottles of Hungarian wine available to try or buy at Tasting Table, including a great selection of Tokaj wines. But to get the best out of it, go for one of their Wine, Cheese and Charcuterie Tasting sessions with a sommelier (you can book daily for 3pm; the cost is 9900Ft). You’ll get to sample five Hungarian wines paired with a plate of the country’s best artisanal cheeses and cold meats. The local delicacies to try include parenyica (smoked and steamed cheese, woven into a spiral) and mangalica pork sausages.

Doblo wine bar in Budapest is the place to try some excellent Hungarian artisanal cheeses © Doblo Wine Bar

Munch on craft cheese at Doblo

Although it’s located above ground, Doblo in the city’s old Jewish Quarter looks like a cross between a vaulted cellar and an industrial-chic loft, with its huge arched windows and brick-clad walls. By night the amber glow from the metallic chandeliers and surrealist lamps creates a cosy atmosphere. You can order wine by the glass as you fancy, or opt for one of their themed tasting menus that include nibbles, such as the Hungarian Mini (with four different wines, for 6950Ft) or the Kosher Pálinka (three types of the famous local fruit brandy, for 5900Ft). Sate your appetite with a plate of Hungarian craft cheeses, including an aromatic blue moulded goat’s cheese and a crumbly mature ewe’s cheese.

Apropó bistro in the Jewish Quarter is a perfect starting point for a fun night out in Budapest © Apropó Budapest

Start the night at Apropó

Apropó on Király utca began life as a wine bar but evolved into a trendy modern bistro. Hungarian wines (from Sopron to Tokaj) and various accompaniments dominate the menu, but there’s also a choice of all-day breakfasts or filling steaks and main dishes. For more wine-and-food extravaganza, you can pick up a delicious plate of artisanal cheeses (from 2500Ft) to accompany your tipple of choice. Apropó’s location in the heart of the Jewish Quarter makes it the perfect and refined starting point for the evening, before you head out to explore Budapest’s vibrant nightlife in the nearby ‘ruin bars’.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.

Check out adventure tours for every traveller from our trusted partners.

Joggers for Men: A Complete Guide on How to Wear Joggers

Joggers have been around for many years now. They were commonly worn for exercising but it’s only recently when people took it to the next level. In the past years, it became a fad because people really couldn’t see joggers to be fashionable or attractive, but as fashion continued to evolve, joggers have made their existence known even more and are now a staple to everyone, most especially to men. Read on  and find out ways to wear jogger pants attractively for different occasions on our complete guide on How to wear joggers for men!

What is a Jogger Pant?

To start off, you need to know, what exactly are joggers? Joggers are loose pants made from stretchy fabric and typically elasticated at the waist and ankles, worn especially for people who exercise or specifically for people who love to jog!

How to Wear Joggers Athletically:

One of the main ways you can wear joggers is for exercising! Due to its elasticity and soft material, it makes it perfect for working out, running, hiking, and even for the most hardcore spartan races! Check out these stylish workout joggers you can wear to look attractive and sweaty at the same time!

Tank top and joggers are perfect for working out at the gym and showing off your pecks. They are both very light materials so no need to worry about being too hot or sweaty. image credit , image credit
Rock out a whole branded outfit with your fave brand, like ADIDAS, for a very stylish and super athletic look. image credit
Going for a quick run outdoors, pair up a light long sleeve with a loose jogger for a more flexible and easy to maneuver outfit to keep you fit on a nice sunny and windy weather. image credit
How to wear joggers in winter? By pairing a dark colored joggers with a loose turtle neck athletic sweater. Make sure your joggers are a bit more heavy on the material to keep you warm and stylish. image credit

How to Wear Joggers Casually:

Another way to wear joggers is basically wearing it with clothes you already have in your closet! Don’t put much thought to it and grab the first tee or polo shirt you see in your drawers and wear it with your joggers for an effortless and super casual look!

Little chilly outside? Grab a striped navy sweater and match it with Khaki joggers to keep you warm and simple. image credit
Pair up a monotone colored jogger with a plain solid shirt for a quick errand run. image credit
Don’t know what to wear when you’re friend decides to call you for a hang out at 11 PM? Pair up some maroon joggers with a logo tshirt and you’re ready for a fun night! image credit
Pair up some dark jogger pants with a light washed button up shirt for a semi-casual look. image credit
A great summer outfit to wear with your joggers is a tank top that reminds you of the sunny, beach-y weather! image credit

How to Wear Joggers Professionally:

How do you wear jogger pants to work? A professional look doesn’t always mean wearing a suit or high end brands. Make your joggers look professional and work ready by pairing them with more decent tops like shown below!

Pair up a nice dark washed jogger pant with a colorful plaid shirt and sweater combo and top if off with a light washed blazer and boots for a professional and edgy work outfit. image credit
Feeling a little more chic? Pair up an army green jogger pant with a solid white button up shirt underneath a black sweater and top if off with a dark solid blazer. image credit
For a more comfortable and business casual jogger outfit, pair up black jogger pants with a solid tee and a cozy cardigan. image credit

How to Wear Joggers Fashionably:

As if you didn’t think joggers weren’t fashionable enough by themselves, taking them to the next level is not as hard as you think it would be! Check out these fashion statement jogger outfits that’s for sure an inspiration to achieve!

Pair up Khaki joggers with a plaid shirt and a color blocking sweater with the classic denim jacket and your favorite kicks for a trendy casual outfit.image credit
Go for a more eccentric look by wearing a bright pair of joggers and a knit sweater together with an over sized coat and a bright beanie! image credit
Channel your inner dark vibe and go for an all black outfit with a pair of black joggers, black button up shirt, black blazer, and black shoes. Black on black on black! image credit
Feeling a little more on the wild side? Grab a pair of army themed jogger track suit and match it with a black fedora hat! image credit

 

Joggers are becoming a fashion need rather than a fashion want! It’s super comfortable and can be worn in many different ways! It’s a no brainer that it can be seen worn by almost every man! Grab yourself a pair joggers today and show us your ways of rocking out your favorite joggers!

Trend: Slingback Pumps & Flats

There’s an incredibly rich list of ingredients simmering in the melting pot of fashion right now. Fashion has moved on from fads, and trends now have more longevity. The range of colours, silhouettes and outfit combinations in fashion is greater than ever, and keeps growing. We are at the point where almost anything goes. 

For the last few seasons, fashion has been bringing back classic and iconic looks. In fact, the bringing back of the looks is a trend in itself. This is FABULOUS because it increases variety and diversity, and celebrates the “personal” in personal style. Items also don’t date as easily as they used to.

A great example of all of this is the return of the closed-toe slingback shoe. Slingback pumps and flats look like regular closed-toe pumps, loafers and flats in front, but have open backs to expose the heel and ankle. A strap that “slings back” keeps the shoe on the foot and is what differentiates it from a backless mule. The collection below showcases a variety of examples.

The pointy-toe flat and stiletto-heeled versions look particularly modern classic to me. The block-heeled, wedged-heel, loafer, and mule versions look a little “newer”. The versions with vamp straps have a Mary-Jane vibe and look more Modern Retro.

Where closed-back pumps and flats without straps can slide off your feet, the strap of the slingback can make it a very secure style of shoe. That said, you need a little luck with the strap so that it doesn’t slide down the heel (very annoying). Another annoying thing with slingback styles is when the hems of regular length wide hemmed pants or jeans slide under the heel as you stride because the heel is exposed.

I like slingback pumps and flats because they create a breezy, yet closed-toe look. I prefer to keep my toes covered, but exposing my heels gives the shoe a sandal vibe. I feel a little ahead of the curve because I wore my low block-heeled white slingback pumps into the ground last year. I tried to duplicate them, but they were gone in my size. I LOVE how dainty and dressy they look. The extra strap across the vamp cleverly prevents the strap around the back of the ankle to slide down the heel. It also gives the pump more of a ‘60s Modern Retro vibe.

I bat for Team Slingback Pumps and Flats. How about you?