Friday, January 30, 2009

destination: madrid...


Hoss-Intropia designer Paloma recently shared her insider tips into a spectacular day in Madrid with us, and we wanted to share them. Paloma writes... Madrid is a big city, full of wonderful places to get lost in and not to miss!

THE FIVE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MADRID:
1. ART TRIANGLE
Stop by and see what we call the Art Triangle of Madrid- The National Museum of El Prado, one of the most important museums of art in the world, The National Museum of art Reina Sofia which is the Spanish museum of contemporary art from the 20th Century, and The Museum Thyssen- Bornemisza, in the Palace of Villahermosa, which has one of the biggest private art collections of the world.

2. MUSIC IN THE CAPITAL
Visit The Royal Theatre, Madrid’s opera theatre, is located on the Plaza de Oriente and is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city. Or for a more relaxed concert, try the Café Central located on the Plaza Santa Isabel. Known as the best jazz club in all of Spain, it is frequented by the most important names of the international jazz arena.

3. THE RASTRO OF MADRID
The Rastro is an open air flea market held every Sundays in the historic old town of Madrid. You are sure to find really interesting things and - don’t forget to bargain. Around midday, shoppers usually head to the bars around the Plaza de Cascorro to have a "vermut" or beer and tapas.
4. SHOPPING IN THE BARRIO DE SALAMANCA
Its a must to shop the streets of Ortega y Gasset and Serrano- in the Barrio de Salamanca. Here you will find the most important fashion brands and names of the city, such as Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel or Spanish renown brands such as Hoss Intropia , Pedro del Hierro or Agatha Ruiz de la Prada.

5. A WALK
End with a nice stroll in the park of El Retiro. Situated in the middle of the city, the gardens of El Retriro are one of the most significant places of Madrid. Inside you will find several monuments and interesting landmarks, like the Cristal Palace, (Palacio de Cristal), the Puerta de España (the "door" of Spain), the Rose garden, the lake and numerous and grandiose fountains. Really worth it if you like the opulent green.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

destination: amuleto...

It is hard to believe that such a magical place is only a sort flight from the US mainland, tucked away on a cove on the pacific coast of Mexico. Zihuatanejo is a fishing village on a protected bay with charm and local flavor, but the real gem rests up on the hillside overlooking the bay. Amuleto is an exquisite boutique hotel founded by a Brazilian ex-pat (Ricardo has also lived in LA) who knows what a luxury traveler needs. With an exceptional restaurant, palapa style thatched roof rooms, open air showers, and an infinity pool perched over a cliff make for a spectacular experience when you stay in one of only a handful of suites and rooms. It’s the best way to get away from it all (no phones or alarm locks at Amuleto) without traveling half way around the world.

Zihuatanejo, Mexico
www.amuleto.net

Monday, January 12, 2009

hollywould no more...

A new year always brings the promise of exciting opportunities, fresh starts, resolutions and change. But with the economy continuing to slow, I have heard more sad news in the first few days of January 2009 than I care to share.

I have to announce that Hollywould Shoes has shut its doors. After getting my start in New York City with the fabulous and flirty line of shoes and bags, I have a special place in my heart for Holly Dunlap and Hollywould. Beginning as intern and shop keeper, then moving on to marketing and design, I travelled the world and learned an immeasurable amount. We will all sorely miss Holly’s amazing Diary, where she shared details of escapades and crazy nights out in Brooklyn, Florence Italy or Palm Beach. Never did I see someone who could so perfectly straddle the worlds of downtown hipster and Palm Beach society. I moved to Palm Beach myself for a winter to open up the Hollywould store on Worth Avenue in Via Mizner, and met amazing people during that stay. I fell in love with the sunshine and palm trees and have never looked back.

My absolute favorite pair of Hollywould shoes (and trust me... I have hundreds) is a high-heeled mule in neutral leather with an open rounded toe that is completely covered in sand and shells, tiny bits of coral and turquoise stones. Each pair of Hollywoulds was unique and exquisitely detailed. No one else does it quite like that.

Holly’s final Diary entry perfectly sums up her joie de vivre- she is truly a girl after my own heart, and I know the cerulean girl can identify… it reads, “ After nine years of lots of work and loads of fun, HOLLYWOULD and I are taking a nice long vacation. In 2009 you may find us surfing off the beaches of Brazil, skiing in the mountains of Switzerland, sailing near the shores of Italy, and sunning on the sands of Palm Beach, and wherever we are, we’ll be thinking of you. When will we be back? Maybe very soon, but hopefully not until we’ve had time to master our surf & snowboard skills, write at least one book, learn at least one new language, visit at least 3 exotic places, and learn how to dance the tango.”

Below are pictures from a Hollywould kegger from almost six years ago celebrating the CFDA Awards. We definitely knew how to have a good time! Holly and Hollywould, you will be missed- as will your fabulous girly shoes covered in ribbons and bows and shells and more. We can't wait to see where life leads you next!

Click here to view past entries of Holly’s Diary.