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Observations in Fashion

The Best Apps For Travel And Other Tips For Your Next Vacation

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Every time I plan a trip, go on a vacation or just investigate traveling to uncharted territories I always discover something new that I file in my head as “Good-to-Know” travel tips. Some of these tips might seem rudimentary but I like to point them out because it’s the simple things that we forget to take notice of when we plan our trips. Not surprisingly I have compiled quite a few that I will share with you.

The Basics Before You Go

~Call your credit card company and let them know where you are traveling. Use the cards that do not charge a fee for ATM abroad. Don’t have one ? Get one.

~Disruptions, cancellations, and lost items. Be prepared. Always carry a photocopy of your passport. Check your flight before you   head to the airport and always carry an extra pair of socks, underwear, tee, and toiletries in a carryon bag if you’ve checked luggage.

~Bring an extra external battery and outlet converters.

~ Check the weather!

~Make sure you are up-to-date on vaccines, visas, and phone service.

Download These Travel Apps

~I am not sure if all carriers have apps available that allow you to check-in for flights, will keep you updated on delays and cancellations, and provide entertainment (movies). This app is absolutely essential!

~Currency Converter. For years I would get a general sense of the exchange rate and do a little math in my head. I am terrible at math. Upload currency converter and save your brainpower for your crossword puzzles instead. There are several currency apps but I like the XE Currency App

~Have you ever gotten stuck in an unfamiliar city? I have. The Hotels Tonight is priceless! It covers most major destinations and many oddball ones. You can search a city or even a preferred neighborhood and check out the deals they have for a night (or more) at any given moment.

~So many languages to learn and so little time. I never like to take a trip to a foreign country without at the very least knowing how to say thank you, hello, and goodbye. But more phrases are better. Translator is a good one to have handy when saying hello or good-bye is not enough. Check out this list from Uncubed to find one that is appropriate for you.

~ I also know that my sense of direction is worse than my math so I always have my GPS handy. However, that doesn’t help with navigating different methods of transport, Citymapper is the solution. It covers subway, train, rail, ferry, cycle and walking.

~You are going to love this next one—Sidekick Urban Navigator. This app will take you to places that are trending or places a little under the wire and worth the trip. Their recommendations for nightlife, new eateries, cafe crawl, cool walks and more are curated through bloggers and other reviewers. You can scroll through their best of list and find the perfect destination for whatever tickles your fancy.

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be travel chic!

May’s Limited Edition—The Yuliya Dress

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The Yuliya

My guidelines for a perfect summer dress include a dress that does not wrinkle, is lightweight, and machine washable. But color also plays a role in choosing a Summer dress. The Yuliya checks off each one of those boxes. It does not wrinkle (check), it’s  machine washable (check), it’s lightweight (check), and it’s colorful (check). In addition to all of that it is easy-to-wear. The stretch of this printed lace gives it a little wiggle room and the silhouette is trim at the torso and full in the sweep of the skirt. The center and side shirring is an added design detail I like to incorporate when I can because the shirring at the torso will compliment every body type. The full lining is made in a breathable rayon knit. The blues and aquas in this print will have you perfectly coordinated to the sunset or shoreline of your vacation destination. Wear the Yuliya with heels or flats—it’s your choice.

Shop now!

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!

Travel Chic—Russian River

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View from our deck at Moondance

If you are looking for an uncomplicated vacation to somewhere laid-back and surrounded by raw beauty look no further than Russian River.


Just a 1.5 hour drive from San Francisco is Russian River where you will find exceptional wine tasting, wonderful areas for hiking, beaches nearby, and lots of good comfort food. We began our trip in the Armstrong Woods State National Reserve. And drove to the top where there were very few tourists and endless majestic scenery.

From there we took a drive to the rocky shoreline of Johnson Beach. It’s pretty quiet in the spring but traffic picks up during the summertime when you can rent canoes, umbrellas and
beach chairs.

You can still feel the free spirit of the 60s in downtown Guerneville— We grabbed coffee at the Big Bottom Market where they serve delicious freshly made biscuits with whipped butter and jam. Don’t be put off by the slow service—it’s simply the pace of this bohemian town.

One of the best things going on in Guernville is Chili Pies Banking Co. located in an old refurbished bank that sells some of the best pie I’ve ever had—you must try their signature apple chili pie!

Just a 15-minute drive from Guernville is Duncans Mills, an old lumber mill which is filled with charming shops. We hopped on the old railroad cars which gave us a glimpse into Duncans Mill’s past.

Another 13-minute ride from Duncans Mills is Goat Rock Sate Park on the coast in Jennner. Take a jacket with you because the coast is moody and can be 20 degrees (or more) cooler than the inland area of Russian River.

We stopped for lunch at Cafe Aquatica which sits right on the waterfront. The wait for our food was no different then our wait for coffee in Guerneville. It’s simply the way things roll here. Sitting outside we relaxed and listened to live Spanish guitar.

Afterwards we stopped in at Stumptown Brewery known for their craft beer and located right on the river. Check the weather on their webcam before you go and make an afternoon of lounging in the sun on their expansive deck.

Onward for a little wine tasting at Porter Creek Winery in Healdsburg about 18 minutes from downtown Guernville. We loved these Russian River burgundian styled wines as much as we loved the setting.

Close by is Gracianna Winery which had just opened their tasting room. This venue is incredibly elegant—it’s a wide open tasting room adjacent to their patio which overlooks their stunning vineyards.

The 1950-ish style of the Monte Rio Theatre is a landmark. The funky murals and faded marquee only add to its charm.

We later stopped at Seaside Metal for their happy hour menu. Most everyone comes here for the $1.50 oysters but we had a hankering for the herb and jalapeño mussels. If it’s dinner you want their menu will not disappoint!

Moondance, our vacation rental through Russian River Getaways, is located right on the river and newly renovated. We spent our last night on the deck taking in the view of this tranquil space.

Eat well, laugh a lot, and travel chic!