new inspirations: saudi arabia ...

One of our favorite friends (who is always spreading the word about cerulean on his travels around the world!) just sent us these pics from a trip through the Saudi Arabian desert. They were so majestic and foreign that we had to share as inspiration! Of course, we are fundamentally against any nation that inhibits women's rights. This is where we would normally make some stupid joke about being forced to cover up our fabulous clothes and accessories with drab robes and head scarves, but this is serious business, so we will refrain. But we do think that the (American) women in the snapshot below in billowing black robes looks tres chic! Enjoy the images- i hope they inspire some Arabian nights of your own!

precious cargo…

The cerulean travelogue is most often a place to reminisce about adventures around the world, or share stories of other people’s travels in order to inspire us all to live a more exotic and open minded life. One of our favorite quotes is “Travels’ greatest purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” That just about sums it all up.

However every once in a while, we find something so unique or inspiring a little closer to home that we have to share it. Enter the Madsen bicycles. I would normally write my own little review on this amazing product, but what the company has says it so well, so we have just copied it below.

I can picture myself riding the bicycle in one of my favorite brightly colored tunics and some ballet flats, a Moroccan straw basket in the back is filled with groceries and produce, and the cerulean mascot, Julep, has her black and white head peeking out over the top of the bucket. A perfectly chic mode of transportation for all my precious cargo! MADSEN Cargo Bikes">Click to learn more.

“Madsen Cycles was started with the idea that a bicycle should do more. Whether you want to work more or play more, a Madsen utility bike gets you and your cargo there in style.

After hauling six neighbor kids around in a wheel barrow bucket bolted to the front of our first prototype, we started to realize what a bicycle can really do. But the bucket on the front, like the box of the European design, creates an awkward center of gravity. So we stretched the chassis and put the bucket on the back. With the natural feel and balance of the rear bucket, you can ride with confidence knowing your load is secure and your cargo is protected.

Our production models have come a long way since that first prototype but our mission has stayed the same; a bicycle should do more. We are not the first to place a load on a bicycle but we are the first to do it right. Tested for up to 600 pounds, the Madsen kg271 is as burly as it is elegant.

So whether you use your Madsen Cycle to drop the kids off at soccer practice, pick up your groceries from the market, or pile in your tools for your next project, we hope you’ll fall in love with your new Madsen Cycle—like we have.”

destination: austin texas...

Austin is one of those towns that everyone says is fabulous. Great shopping, great music, great food, young and vibrant, urban and outdoorsy at the same time. A town of bicycles and Vespas, dogs on leashes sitting outside of sidewalk cafes, sculling on Town Lake, environmentally minded, music at the forefront, modern but TexMex through and through. I recently took my first jaunt to this great spot in the Texas Hill Country and am sharing a few of my favorite tips. I am sure I missed some of the best places while I was there, as time was limited, so if you feel passionate about a better BBQ hole-in-the-wall, or hotel, or boutique, send us your tips and we will share them, too!

Click here to see our must-do list for Austin!

a pirate's life for me...

I spent the weekend at a sailor’s outpost called Pirates Cove that’s reminiscent of something from a far flung Caribbean hideaway. The dress code is bathing suits and bare feet, the drink of choice is a bushwacker with a rum “topper”, cheeseburgers are divine, and the best way to get there is by boat.

Give your captain these coordinates and you cant steer wrong. L 30‘ 19.2 N Lo 87' 32.0 W, right by Intercoastal Waterway Marker #65.

The place is full of local character, which is exactly why I love it, and its been open for business for the last 87 years. Dozens of dogs wander around the place, waiting patiently for cheeseburgers to hit the decks. Some dogs sit on benches like humans and watch the sailboats and speed boats pull up onto the beach and throw anchors overboard. Some retired pirate is usually playing a guitar on the deck in the sun, and tough waitresses walk around shouting out names for people to claim their food. If the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse, batten down the hatches and stay to dance in the rain! A few rain drops won’t spoil your bushwacker. Our black and white mascot Julep is a huge fan of Pirate’s Cove. She stands on the bow of the boat whining as soon as the pirate’s flags of the place come into view on the horizon. She hasn’t won their Dog of the Month yet, but we are still holding out hope…

Of course there’s no need to impress when you’re at Pirate’s Cove, but its always a good idea to bring one of our tunics or pareos to cover up after all these cheeseburgers and buchwackers! We always have something Cerulean in hand…

new obsession - juli b…

We are thrilled to be gracing the (online) pages of e-zine, Juli B - your one-stop shop to get in-the-know about everything for the fab lifestyle. It features editions for cities all across the country, so there’s guaranteed to be a locale near you. And we are obsessed with the travel edition, which features fabulous destinations, new resorts across the world, spas and more. Its sensory overload of beautiful, wonderful things. In just a few moments on the site, I found a gorgeous one-of-a-kind Nanette Lepore beaded collar that everyone in Miami is coveting, read up on the newest Aman resort opening in India, discovered a new art exhibit that is a must-see, and was informed that farmers are the new celebs (love it). There is so much info, so much style, so much to love about Juli B.

Check it out.

best job in the world…

I have mistakenly been under the impression that I have the best job in the world. Think about it- I get to shop for beautiful things all across the world and share them with all of my friends (and fans of Cerulean). I get to write about my adventures, interview designers, and help people find the perfect outfit for the special occasions in their life! I am surrounded by beautiful things all day long and spend hours talking and writing about all of it.

But as I said, I was mistaken. I have just found THE BEST job in the world, and they’ve been taking applications.

Im afraid you are too late if you want to apply, however. Sadly, I bring you this news just a bit too late. Good thing, or I would have applied and left the Cerulean life behind in a heartbeat! The islands of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia are looking for a “caretaker”. I use the term caretaker loosely, because it seems to me that all that is required of you is to enjoy everything the Great Barrier Reef has to offer, and then report back about how great it is. Snorkel and dive, hike and explore, soak up endless hours of down-under sunshine… and then blog about it, give a phone interview about it, share with the world the fabulosity of it all! What a deal.

I visited the Whitsunday Islands several years ago (the name of that string of islands around The Great Barrier Reef) and was blown away by their beauty. Endless hours of snorkeling and tranquility are offered to those who hop the boat for the jaunt from the mainland. I stayed on an island with one tiny hotel, nothing more, and hiked the length of the island on both sides without once crossing paths with another soul. As fabulous as my trip was, it pales in comparison to the three-bedroom house on glamorous Hamilton Island where the “caretaker” will keep his “office”.

They’ve narrowed down the applicants to a sweet sixteen and will pick the finalist soon. But the good news is that he or she can bring a friend… there is till hope for us all!

The above images are from the job's website. I'm trying to track down the photo album from my own trip to the Great Barrier Reef (including some horrendous pictures of me trying to windsurf (classic) but as yet no luck. Will keep you posted.

classic bride honeymoon...

We are thrilled to be featured this week on Classic Bride! Sarah Darcy brings fabulous images and insights into planning the perfect wedding (or party for that matter) and honeymoons, too! Sarah, planning her own second honeymoon, grabbed a pair of our new Mystique turquoise stone sandals to wear while on her warm-weather trip. We are thrilled to have her as a fan, and we love her beautiful blog! Check it out at http://classicbride.blogspot.com/.

on the move…

Planning and preparing for a trip is an enormous part of the fun. Reading guidebooks and reviews of restaurants and hotels, planning visits to out of the way spots, and of course, organizing your wardrobe and packing the essentials is an integral part of the travel process. The trip is rewarding from the moment you being to ponder the possibilities.

We’ve been pondering the many possibilities of the new luggage that arrived at our offices this week. Fabulous cotton canvas carry-ons and cosmetic cases in basket weave and ikat prints will let you schlep your belongings around the world in style. The bags have comfy shoulder straps, a big top zipper that opens wide to help you find your things, and perfect pockets to keep it all organized. The outside pockets are sized perfectly- one to hold your passport and plane tickets, the other to old magazines and books for the long journey. I wouldn’t have designed it any differently.These bags leave us inspired and dreaming of a vacation faraway, and so after surfing away our lunch break on our favorite site for travel inspiration, Conde Nast Traveler, we came across a Top 20 List of Journey’s of a Lifetime. I can’t imagine anything better! Below are our top three, pulled straight from their list, and we are packing our bags in our heads already…

Pan American Highway , From North To South America
The Pan-American Highway is a network of interconnecting roads stretching some 22,500km, as the condor flies, from north of the Arctic Circle down to the tip of Chile through a vast range of landscapes and climates. You can cover the North and Central American section from Anchorage to Panama City in 16 weeks, or travel the entire journey from Anchorage to Ushuaia in 25 weeks (including a short flight from Panama to Quito). The list of highlights is almost as long as the journey itself and includes National Parks (Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion), ancient sights ( Machu Picchu, Tulum, Chichén Itzá) and many cultures (Navajo, Mayan, Aztec and Inca). Safety might be a concern in some parts, and various companies lead trips with groups, but we love the idea of renting a Land Cruiser and heading off on this adventure!

Trans Sahara Journey, Africa
Journey into the awe-inspiring wilderness of the largest desert and one of the hottest places on earth on a five-week camping safari through the Western Sahara from Morocco to Senegal, organised by adventure and discovery holiday specialist Guerba (01373 826611; www.guerba.com). Starting in Casablanca, the route takes in the cities of Rabat and Fès (including a tour of the Roman ruins at Volubilis), and, after a camel trek into the desert at Merzouga, crosses the High Atlas past Todra Gorge to Marrakech. The remaining weeks are spent following the Atlantic Ocean coast southwards, through the vast expanse of desert and the Banc d'Arguin National Park, rejoining Tarmac roads beyond Nouakchott. At Dakar, the final stopping point, there is an excursion to the former slave-trading centre on Goree Island. The thought of all the marketplaces full of leather goods and jewels, plus the image of us riding a camel, have us entranced by the possibilities!

Glacier Express, Switzerland
The Glacier Express runs between St Moritz and Zermatt, a journey that takes about seven to eight hours along a narrow-gauge track through unsurpassed Alpine scenery. Highlights include the Albula Pass valley where the Express climbs quickly, reaching the village of Bergün and looping through superbly engineered tunnels to Preda, the Oberalp Pass (where you wind down a valley from 1,525 metres), and the climb to Zermatt with the Matterhorn in view. We are hoping to go in the winter to see the snow.

lucky you...

We just found out that Lucky Magazine has picked one of our fabulous scarves as a "Top 10 Scarves for Spring" on the Lucky List! We have always loved Lucky and their ability to poke out the cool, new, wearable and affordable items for all of us shopaholics, and we are honoreed to be included (again!) on one of their Top Lists! Check out the scarf by clicking the image at right, and check out the Top 10 List on Luckmag.com!

new inspirations in kuala lumpur...

One of our favorite bloggers is jumping ship for the far east. Courtney Barton of In(side) the Loop has left her Houston home for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! We tracked Courtney down in an airport halfway between her former Texas home and her new one to get the scoop on what is happening to her fabulous blog. Courtney assures us that In(side) the Loop will continue under its name, but with slightly different inspirations.

As a blog on fashion, design, lifestyle and more, Courtney finds daily inspiration from the world around her, and until this week, that world was inside the loop of Houston, Texas. Her travels also heavily influence her writings, as well as the time she spent living and working (designing!) in New York City. Courtney and I worked together at Hollywould Shoes during its early days (sigh- it is now closed and so is my access to those fabulous ballets and girly stilettos!), and we are two Southern gals who love the big city and find our inspirations in very similar things.

So In(side) the Loop continues, but will be just as interesting, if not more so now that Courtney’s surroundings will be incredibly exotic! We can’t wait to find out what she has to say from her new Malaysian outpost!

Below is an excerpt from In(side) the Loop. Courtney often features a list of things to see, eat, shop and drink in the cities to which she travels. It is only fitting that her last list from the old USA covers Houston. Enjoy…

“Last but not least, I'd wish for more time in this city I now call home. I think Houston is the one of the most overlooked and misjudged cities in the States. It's far hipper than most people imagine and literally has something for every walk of life. It's warm, engaging and treats you like a friend the longer you stay. But then again it should be pretty special because, after all, Houston was the first word spoken when the Lunar Module touched down. This city's list may be a tad longer than the rest, but isn't everything bigger in Texas?”

Click here to read the who, what, where of Houston on In(side) the Loop.

mardi gras revelry...

Spent this year’s Mardi Gras at the real home of the celebration, from back before New Orleans made it famous (and a bit trashy I have to say), Mobile, Alabama. An old colonial town that was ruled by the French and Spanish during its early days, Mobile could have been the oldest city in the United States, surpassing St. Augustine, had it not been for a vicious hurricane that wiped the town away in its early years, forcing it to be re-founded at a later date.

My favorite part of Mardi Gras is not the parades or the beads, "Chattanooga" Moonpies or King Cakes- it is a Sunday street party that I never miss full of steaming oysters, bloody Marys and chic ladies in pastel suits and stilettos. The sun always seems to shine on this party, put on by a parading organization that was founded in the 1860s. Party goers enjoy fresh seafood, cocktails, and jazz from the Excelsior band, an ensemble also founded back in the 1800’s. The day was perfect.

I found among Cerulean’s new Spring accessories the perfect clutch for such a fabulous party- the yellow and green beaded clutch shown at right. While it might seem an obvious pick for a sunny Mardi Gras Sunday, I also love it worn more casually. Picture it this spring with white jeans, gold ballets and my chocolate brown safari jacket. Very chic, just the right pop of color to wear with all my browns and neutrals. You’re going to see this clutch pop up often in my wardrobe as Spring turns into summer… keep watching!

the lost art of letter writing...

I was surprised to find, this week, amid the stacks of bills and junk that usually clutter my mailbox, no less than four hand written thank you notes. While it is not completely uncommon to receive thank you notes these days, it is less frequent an occurrence, for sure. Four in one week was an anomaly. Was I just that wonderful to people? I don’t think so. One was for a wedding present (I sent months ago…), one was a birthday gift. The things I did to deserve a thank you note were completely unremarkable, and yet those hand written messages from friends near and far really does make you feel somewhat… remarkable. Special. Someone took the time and their very own hand to write words just for you. The words are not fleeting, they are permanent. These four little notes leave me a little bit sad over the lost art of letter writing.

I was once a proficient letter writer. My grandmother who lived three hours away and I would write back and forth every few weeks. Of course, each of my letters was neatly returned to me with red markings up and down (she was a former high school teacher, so you can imagine), but I cherished the special feeling of receiving each letter, and of sealing and stamping each one I sent. Computers and cell phones have replaced the letter, and I am sure we are the better for it. Or are we?

After all this pondering, a package arrived at the doorstep of our Cerulean headquarters, filled with the most beautiful hand made letterpress stationary, all neatly packaged in printed gift boxes. What timing! Before these gorgeous boxes of paper could make it to our stock room shelves, I had to reserve one box for myself so I could try my hand at letters once more. I don’t think it’s too late to revive this art form. Now if everyone gave a box of this beautiful stationary to someone they love (and its perfect for the person who already has everything!) then each of us would surely get a beautiful handwritten thank you note in return, and we would have then done our part to revive a beautiful tradition of hand written letters! While I plan to use every last notecard in the set to write something special to friends and family, the box just looks gorgeous sitting on my desk in the meantime. This set puts the “art” back into this “lost art”.

cuba by way of nolita…

We at Cerulean travel the world looking for the newest, most unique, or most exquisite items possible for the pages of our catalog and website. These travels often lead us to New York, epicenter of design and fashion for the US. When in NYC, there is only one restaurant we can not pass up. Every trip, without fail, rain or shine, regardless of the long line or any other deterrent, we hit Café Habana.

Nestled on a quiet corner in the Nolita neighborhood, Café Habana has been serving up home-style Latin food with unique Cuban and Central Mexican accents for two decades now, and it is unforgettable. Modeled after the famous Mexico City diner with the same name, this family-run home-style hangout features a sleek metal diner-style façade and a retro interior. Sip on Mandarina Jarritas or Horchatas while you wait for the luscious grilled corn with cheese and spices, the huevos rancheros, or the tortas (sandwiches) with chorizo and beans. The atmosphere is enticing, the clientele perfect for people watching, and the ceiling glows a bit, thought we can’t figure out why. Maybe it’s from the energy of the place???

Speaking of energy, you can feel good about your carbon footprint when eating at Café Habana or its sister outpost in Brooklyn. Owner Sean Meenan strives to make his restaurants Eco-Eateries- restaurants that use earth-friendly practices in their design, construction, and day-to-day operations. This jewel box of a restaurant is packed day and night, but its worth the wait every time.

inspiration: the sartorialist...

www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com

Style comes from inspiration. And nothing will inspire you to try something new like seeing the coolest girl in the world rock the look down the streets of New York, or seeing the most elegant outfit slip into a waiting car on the street somewhere in Europe. You get inspired to try that look you’ve always wanted to achieve, or motivated to experiment with a new style. The Sartorialist recreates these moments for you, online, simple and edited, with everyone from the street removed except that one inspiring person. The Sartorialist describes it as what “real people (really cool people) are wearing in real life.”

Selected as one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 Design Influencers, the Sartorialist is the only place to get inspired without leaving the comfort of your home. “I thought I could shoot people on the street the way designers looked at people, and get and give inspiration to lots of people in the process. My only strategy when I began The Sartorialist was to try and shoot style in a way that I knew most designers hunted for inspiration. Rarely do they look at the whole outfit as a yes or no but they try and look for the abstract concepts of color, proportion, pattern mixing or mixed genres. I’m really touched when I get emails from everyday people who say they have been inspired to see themselves and others in a new and usually more accepting way.” Be sure to get your dose of inspiration today...

maharaja’s tent…

Two of my great friends (and possibly the two most intriguing people I know) had me to a little birthday soiree with a Chinese theme over the weekend. As importers of fabulous trinkets, jewels and furniture from the world over, but namely China, Marty & Rex entertained a bevy of close friends in their mid-century gas station-turned Chinese antique emporium.

The room was glowing red with twinkling lights and red curtains, Moroccan glass lanterns and tea lights, but the centerpiece was the handmade Indian tent they had erected in the center of the old mechanics bay. The simple and clean white cotton canvas exterior revealed a stunning printed ceiling as you stepped inside. Scalloped edges and hand-tied tassels adorned the sides, and lanterns hung from its ceiling. It was the most glorious little world in that tent- perfect for a patio or courtyard at your home, or in the middle of a field transformed for a gala or wedding. If your yard is lacking, you need one of these amazing tents to spice thing up.

I also caught a glimpse of an amazing all-white tent specially imported for a wedding, complete with a hand-embroidered inner lining in whites and creams with tiny pieces of mirror inset into the embroidery. Stunning. It even had coordinating lanterns that hung from rich cords and tassels inside.

When I came home, I looked again at my dismal courtyard and have decided that a maharaja’s tent is exactly what is needed to create ambiance for my little cocktail parties. Want one too? Each tent is special ordered and hand made, so it take time, but the beauty is it’s made to your exact specifications. Size, even shape, color and detail is all dictated by the buyer (but Marty has fabulous taste if you don’t know which direction to head, so anything she picks is a winner). Mine will, not surprisingly, be all white on the exterior but have rich indigo blues and jade greens, with tassels of cerulean blue, of course!

Their website of amazing import goods is coming soon… www.martimports.net. Email Marty and Rex for info on ordering your own maharaja tent!

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.

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

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.

celebrating the holidays...

Happy holidays from cerulean! It has been a pleasure being a part of so many memories-in-the-making this holiday season. As we wrapped each present and shipped it off to its recipient, we have no way to know the many stories that will be told and the memories made from all the gifts exchanged and the packages sitting on doorsteps. The beauty of the internet is that showing you care about the people you love is only a click away! We have enjoyed helping you celebrate this holiday with your loved ones!

As for my gift giving, rest assured that all the women in my life received lovely little items purchased overseas in foreign marketplaces, or from artists turned textile designers, or from the newest accessory designers. Everything under my tree is wrapped in the signature Cerulean turquoise tissue that always puts a smile on people’s faces around my house!

With a new year upon us, and thus the obligatory New Year’s Eve celebrations, I am already envisioning glistening clutches and sparkling accessories for a memorable night on the town. Click here to visit our how to wear section, where we outline the best accessories for any festive outfit this New Year’s Eve! I will be attending a Joie de Vivre- Night in Parisbenefit at an art museum that promises to carry on until the early hours of the night while we dance amid sculptures and paintings galore to bands and DJs, one after the other. Never one to be underdressed, I have picked out the most fabulous Grecian column and am accessorizing it with long dangling Indian Earrings. Here’s to fireworks in the New Year!

But what are all our fabulous Cerulean customers and friends doing to ring in two-thousand nine??? One of our dearest customers is whiling away the hours in sunny Key West at the Marquesa hotel, where I had one of the best dinners of my life several years back. Another friend and great Cerulean supporter is dancing the night away as we speak in some club in Jordan- who knew? I just got a text message that the New Year has already rung in the Middle East. Still others are in New York, and Santa Fe, and Paris, and places closer to home.

Let us know where you are spending YOUR New Year's Eve!

a page from your travelogue...

One of our favorite Cerulean customers shared photos of a recent trip around the world trip, beginning with a romantic weekend in Paris and ending with a relaxing stay in several locales across Thailand. You might see Cerulean accessories in a few of the pics we are sharing- sandals, sunhats, shimmering necklaces and pareos from our stock were packed along with sumptuous scarves and wraps to cover the temperature swing from snowy Paris to steamy Thailand and back! Enjoy the images as we all dream of being there, too!

westward ho part III...

Part III:
Stayed the first part of the trip at a cozy bed and breakfast run by an adorable young couple- the perfect place to lounge by the massive stone fireplace while it snows outside and sip wine or maybe something warm. But better views and deluxe suites began to call our name, and we made our way up the butte to Amangani, a luxury resort right outside of Jackson Hole, for the remainder of our stay in Wyoming.

The Aman Resorts are all over the world- but only in exquisite natural locations and always with less than 30 suites. It was quite an upgrade from our quiet inn, now having expansive views of the snowy Tetons from every window. It was perched precariously on a rock face some 1000 feet above the valley floor and featured glorious architecture that perfectly melded rustic lodge with mid century modern. The service was impeccable, the food was delicious, and the company exciting. Let me just say that a very well-known British couple who loves soccer and stilettos enjoyed the lobby fireplaces next to us last night.

It was more difficult than I can describe to leave my corner suite with fireplace and cocktails on call to get in the car for the long drive home. Why is it that a road trip sounds exciting before you set out, but seems miserable on the way home? Should have planned ahead. I think most guests leaving the Amangani do so on their private plane, but the trusty Volvo awaits, along with almost 2000 miles.

Visit Amangani at http://www.amanresorts.com/amangani/home.aspx.

westward ho part II...

PART II:
We arrived to a Jackson Hole with no snow, fell asleep at our cozy bed and breakfast (where we are the only guests! Fantastic!) and awoke to a fresh blanket of snow. Just enough to do all the winter activities I had hoped!

We first headed out on a hike through freshly fallen snow- the first to blaze the trail- among picturesque Aspen trees under an amazing view of the Teton Mountains. I later went show shoeing through the Old Teton Pass, closed in the 60's when they built the new road, and saved for hikers and cross country skiers. Downhill-skied at a resort in Idaho with fresh powder snow and hardly a tourist in sight (ahhhh). I have a feeling the winding, iced-over road to get there is deterrent, but it makes it more pleasant for the rest of us! All in all, enjoying fresh air, sunshine, snow, and amazing gourmet food at every restaurant we try. What’s not to love?

I have to say, some people seem to think enjoying the out-of-doors and looking great are mutually exclusive. I disagree. Check out my new fur-lined trapper hat I have been wearing all over the mountain. Staying warm never looked so good! (humble, huh???)

westward ho...

PART I:
We did it, as promised… an adventure. I woke up at 4 am yesterday and loaded the car with all kinds of gear to begin a cross country expedition. I love road trips and something about the new snow falling out west began to call me.

As my little Volvo wagon was pulling onto the interstate at such an un-godly hour (my body was not meant to be awake before the sun has fully risen) I instantly flashed back to a road trip of my youth. I was 7 years old and my entire family was loaded into my mom’s mini van as we set out for New Mexico and Arizona to deliver my brother to some back packing expedition during summer break. As I sleepily but excitedly sat wrapped in a sleeping bag on the back seat, I heard my dad say to my mom that no one on the road at 3 am was up to any good. I’m sure this innocuous statement was referring to the possibility of drunk drivers on the road, or kids joy riding looking for some trouble to get into, but my seven-year-old mind took the statement literally and became convinced that EVERYONE driving cars at 3 and 4 am was evil. I looked out the window and nice men on their way to work at some early shift, convinced they were robbers, pirates and worse. The statement my dad made has always stuck with me, and it crosses my mind to this day every time I get in the car really really late or really really early. Funny how kids seem to hear everything and never forget.

Back to the adventure at hand… 30 hours worth of driving through America’s heartland on my way to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. While this long of a road trip may seem like torture to some, to me it is a time to relax and breath fresh air, see interesting landscapes and get to know new states. The wide open expanses and emptiness of Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming are amazing and beautiful. Every big-city dweller should be forced to make this drive just to see that the world does not revolve around their way of life (no offense meant, as a former resident of that New York City myself, but it has to be said). As we crossed a small crest in the landscape somewhere in Kansas, a wind field opened before us, perfectly dotted by an army of enormous wind mills. What a fascinating site, but encouraging about the resourcefulness of America. Tiny red lights blinked in unison on the tops of each slowly turning wind mill to warn passing aircraft. We would continue to see these fields as we crossed the west, and I am transfixed by the sight.

As the sun sank over the horizon last night, the landscape turned into a ridiculously beautiful, Bob Ross “Happy Painter” type picture. The land tuned to a black shape and the vivid sky lit up behind it in a display that makes you feel the strange urge to grab a paintbrush and capture the scene in some cheesy painting on black velvet. I see why those people make that horrible art! If I had to look such an amazing sky every night, I would feel compelled to do the same.

I promise, this is not a shameless plug for Cerulean products, but this morning as the sun rose over the Colorado prairies, the sky became an exact replica of a scarf we are selling right this minute. Pale golden yellow shifted to a light turquoise and I was struck. I don’t have a picture of the sunrise, but you can see the scarf by clicking here. Its as close as I can get you. (and its now on sale!)

We arrive in Jackson Hole tonight and I will bring you more tales of adventures in the snowy west as the week goes on!

the best part of traveling is coming home...

While we spend our time in pursuit of travel, the holidays simply make you want to go home. Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like a crackling fire, gusty cold winds outside, and something warm and full of spice in the oven. We spent our Thanksgiving Holiday with family on the coast, and I am always amazed at how empty the summer homes are during the colder months. Why do these people who frequent their homes all summer long skip out on one of the most beautiful times of the year at the beach? Walks on the beach are more enjoyable when there is no one around and the waves are crashing under a gray sky. Fires made of driftwood crackle with a warm glow and bonfires on the beach welcome family and friends around cocktails and grilled food.

Of course travel is always the hot topic of conversation when family gathers, and I love hearing people recount their recent adventures. It inspires me to try new places, see new things, and catch a glimpse of the times they’ve had. After a few tales from my uncle of float plane take-offs that were near misses, or heard the spices of the middle-east described in delicious detail, or learned the proper way to prepare conch fritters when there isn’t a full kitchen in sight, I am motivated again to head off on an adventure.

Stay tuned for where it will lead…

coastal tidings ...

Cerulean is proud to have our products featured in the pages of Coastal Living’s November and December issues! We love Coastal Living’s readers- they seem to be right in line with our way of thinking here at Cerulean. In fact, everything about Cerulean is inspired by the water. Our name and our colors- beautiful turquoises, teals and royal blues. Our products fit right in at a coastal town or on vacation somewhere tropical. Water is a part of who we are and from where we come.

Growing up on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, in a quiet town called Point Clear, Alabama, the water became a part of me, as seems to happen to anyone who lives an extended period of time near the water, no matter the coast or country. Spanish moss hanging from ancient live oaks, warm shallow water and old wooden boast is the vernacular of my youth.

Years later, I worked on Worth Avenue, just a block from the ocean in Palm Beach. With sunny days, palm trees, breezy attire and bright colors, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the sea even more. That time in Palm Beach is the single greatest influence of the Cerulean style. Overlooking the plethora of fancy cars and enormous egos, Palm Beach had an abundance of sunshine and nature that becomes addictive.

You can see that the coast is a part of us, and we are thrilled to be included in the bible of coastal culture, Coastal living!