Very excited to have the chic Erin Hiemstra from Apartment 34 giving us a peek inside her upcoming trip to Belize. It is the first time that a Wanderlust guest contributer is actually going to their dream destination. Lucky Erin! Many times I have looked into Belize, and usually because of time constraints, it gets put back on the “someday soon” list. It seems like the perfect vacation combination of beach and adventure.  ::: Luster

::: From Erin ::: Amazingly, Belize was never on my travel wish-list. It wasn’t until friends decided to hold their wedding on Ambergris Caye, the three mile long island just off the coast of mainland-Belize that has no gas powered vehicles and some of the best snorkeling in the world, and now I couldn’t be more excited.

The country is an interesting mix of island communities butted up next to untamed rainforests dense with Mayan ruins, wild birds, the Macal river and amazing waterfalls {among other untold treasures!}.

While it’s grown in popularity, Belize maintains a very low key vibe. Even its fanciest resorts look as though they’ve been in the jungle for years.  I’m particularly in love with all of Francis Ford Coppola’s resorts. The villas may have thatched roofs and authentic materials, the sparse modern décor, infinity polls and gourmet food provide a little touch of comfort to such a dramatically different setting. Something, I must admit, that I’m not opposed to.

For example, at the Blancaneux Lodge, two private houses, the Coppola Villa and the Enchanted Cottage, come with their own infinity pools and personal butlers, food so good I’ve heard British Army helicopters in regularly for lunch.

I love that adventurers and relaxation seekers (as my husband and I are respectively!) can both get what you’re looking for in Belize. One day you’ll relaxing by the pool, the next you’ll find yourself climbing the towering temples of Tikal, and then you’re snorkeling with whale sharks the day after that! I can only imagine how amazing the array of settings we’re going to encounter will be.

And I can’t wait for the opportunity enjoy the steady 85 degree temperatures – I’ve checked for months – it never changes, and spend days eating in beachside bars, exploring local shops and taking a boat ride or two, all in little else than beach wear.

Erin’s Packing List:

Marc Jacobs inspiration – I would love to juxtapose a wardrobe of bright colors against the deep greens of the jungle

1. Missoni swim suit

2. Elona floppy hat

3. Cacharel sunglasses

4. Alloy turquoise ring and beaded bracelet

5. Balenciaga Tote

6. Issa Printed Silk Maxi Dress

7. Sigerson Morrison Knotted Thong Sandals

8. Tocca Blood Orange SPF 30 toilettes

9. Poser, My Life in 23 Yoga Poses

10. Sundress

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Thank you, Erin!

For more Wanderlust destinations, be sure to check out  Ireland | St. Petersburg | Dubrovnik, Croatia |  Marfa, Texas |  Vancouver Island |  The Amalfi Coast | and Reykjavik
….

Are you following LUSTER on Facebook & Twitter yet?  ♡ Keep up with me elsewhere!

The Nautical trend has been hanging around for a couple of Spring/Summer seasons, and just about every clothing store you visit will have their version of the sailor striped boatneck shirt. Coco Chanel is credited for seeing the striped shirts worn by Breton sailors, and introducing her “marinière” shirt to the fashion world in 1917. They have never gone out of style. You could blame my Connecticut seashore upbringing, or the fact that my brother and I were dressed up in sailor suits when we were toddlers {see embarrassing photos below} but I am not sick of it yet.

1. Saint James Nautical Tee | 2. Sailboat wallpaper | 3. Striped pouches | 4. Compass, whistle and life preserver keychains | 5. Compass Pillow | 6. Sailboat Paper | 7. Whale tray | 8. Striped straw fedora | 9. Sailor Tote bag | 10. Rosewood Anchor falling knife | 11. Rope mirror | 12. Santa Rosa striped Espadrille | 13. Beside the Seaside Letterpress Print | 14. Forget me knot and Maritime Medallion necklaces by Madewell

{Above} Me on the left, my cousin, and my brother, just back from Newport probably. {Below} Me, in the family’s preferred toddler dress code: sailor style. {thanks a lot, Mom!} xo

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Top photo by Billy & Hells via Etsy |  President and Mrs. Kennedy view America’s Cup race, September 15, 1962, Photograph by Robert Knudsen via Apartment Therapy

Even though summer will be soon be ending, i am keeping the season alive with a round up of summer neutrals glammed up with lustrous metallics.

clockwise from left to right: capiz lamp, dhurri rug, stork pillow, golden seashells, furniture from bleu nature, metallic beach cardigan, dupatta lurex scarf, paper bowls, feather trays, gilded shorts, cork votives, knot linen pillows, beacon tote, sea fan earrings, manzanita salad bowl