I know it’s been a long time between posts, but I’ve been a busy girl lately. I left my  full-time job a couple of weeks ago, just started a new one, took a trip to Paris, and celebrated a birthday last week, so needless to say, it’s been hectic! The last minute trip to Paris was such a fun, serendipitous way to mark the end of one era and the beginning of the next.

I’ve been to Paris a few times, but usually it’s been for work or for short visits where I am unable to get in everything in, and one of the things I have always wanted to see are the flea markets around Clignancourt.

Before my trip, I was advised to check out Paul Bert and La Serpette in particular, and they did not disappoint. I knew it would be cool to walk through, but I had no idea how cool. It was endlessly fascinating from start to finish, and even my husband who is not particularly interested in antiques was totally enraptured as well.

Both Paul Bert and La Serpette are considered THE markets for decorators filled with the most interesting finds.

Paul Bert is outdoors and is comprised of miniature streets with vendors along each side, while La Serpette is indoors.

We never grew tired at looking in at each stall at the variety of items each seller had arranged. Some stalls were very focused in terms of style or era, but the most interesting ones to me were the eclectic ones that forced you to walk closer and take a look.

There are no prices on anything, it’s all bargaining, although it was obvious that there were no real bargains here, it’s still considered expensive antiquing.

I had such a crush on some of these trunks and vintage leather travel items from Goyard, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton at Le Monde du Voyage. The trunks were especially fascinating to me, looking at the amazing interior details and imagining what it would be like packing for a journey with such fancy luggage.

After we were done with Paul Bert and La Serpette, we began walking back toward the Metro and came upon another market called Vernaison on our left, the oldest and most authentic of the flea markets. We were fascinated walking around the labyrinth of little stalls, one more surprising than the next. Not as high end as Serpette/Paul Bert, this was clearly the place to hunt for affordable treasures. It was fun looking at all of the costume jewelry in cases, old postcards and books, antique dolls, trinkets & bric-a-brac.

There’s even a gentleman that wheels his cart around the market selling snacks and drinks.

Around one of the side alleys, we heard accordion music and followed it until we reached a dead end and found Chez Louisette. This strange little place has been famous since the 30′s for feeding flea market patrons and entertaining them with a chanteuse. Manuela was singing the day we visited with lots of old Edith Piaf songs which felt like a time warp and we stood for some time enchanted by this little place that seemed to come out of nowhere.

For more details about visiting the Flea Markets around Clignancourt, see this guide. On my next trip, I would love to go back again and check out some of the other markets I didn’t have time to see!

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When I saw the film Sex and Lucia several years ago, the scenes of Formentera island really stole the show. For the same reason Lucia in the film goes there to start over, it seems like the perfect place to get lost for awhile, and return to oneself amongst the elements of sun, sand, and water. It’s been on my travel wish list for some time, but now I am even more determined to get there since I’m still crushing on the similarly beachy boho style of Les Gazelles that I wrote about last week.

Known as “the last paradise in the Mediterranean,” many say Formentera is how Ibiza used to be before it became the raging party scene it is today. I’d frankly much rather be on Formentera with its rugged coastline, windmills, fig orchards, lighthouses, and pristine beaches. The ferry ride back to Ibiza is only 30 minutes, so it would be easy to hop over if you are looking to join the crowds.

There’s still plenty to keep you busy though on Formentera, and the preferred method of transportation is renting a moped to cruise around.

There are small towns with churches, ruins, artisan markets, and the picturesque Cap de Barberia and La Mola lighthouses.

There are some sophisticated beach front bars, restaurants and hangouts with gorgeous views. Or if you want to be low key, you can grab a beer for a Euro at the Sun Splash, and play backgammon while watching the sunset.

Espalmador island toward Ibiza is reached by boat and just for the day, you can feel like a castaway. On one side of the island you can dip into a sulphuric pool of mud with its natural healing properties, and then wash off in the ocean.

There’s an increase in places to stay compared to when I first looked a few years ago. Besides private homes, bungalows, and apartments, Es Ram and Gecko Beach are the boutique style hotels on the island.

While the sun seekers are mainly Europeans looking for a mellow beach getaway, Formentera has had it’s share of famous faces. The hippies first flocked to Formentera in the 60′s, followed by Pink Floyd and then Bob Dylan, who apparently holed up in a 200 year old windmill for a few months. Princess Grace and Prince Rainier are said to have occasionally arrived quietly by yacht and escaped for a few days at Cala Soana, and these days you might find Kate Moss or Jade Jagger hanging out at Las Banderas.

There are some stunning private homes on the island. I love the {above} family vacation home of Consuelo Castiglioni, creative director of Marni.

It all sounds so lovely right? Yeah…see you there next summer.

Packing List:

Butterfly Caftan | Golden Pennant necklace | Spring Festival Necklace | Fouta towel | Ruched bikini | sunglasses | Irina Sandals | Raffia backpack | Supergoop

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* For more on islands, check out the guest post I have over on Hither & Thither about a darling French island off the coast of Brittany!

And for more Wanderlust destinations on Luster, check out Vietnam | Belize | Ireland | Paris |  St. Petersburg |  Dubrovnik, Croatia |  Marfa, Texas |  Vancouver Island |  The Amalfi Coast |  and Reykjavik

Images: Sex and Lucia | Es Ram Resort | Consuelo Castiglioni’s house in Formentera, photos by Francois Halard, Hotel Cala Soana image gallery, Las Dunas Playa, Formentera AguaMarina, 10.7, Talaya bungalows

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I’ve always been a self-professed magazine junkie, amassing piles of tear outs over the years that I have since condensed and kept only a stash of my favorites. High on the pile is a spread from Elle back in 2006 about the Mignot sisters who call themselves Les Gazelles and live in Sayulita, Mexico. Their lifestyle is the kind you read about, and then instantly wonder what the heck you’re doing and why you haven’t figured it out the way they have.

According to Life Content:  ”The story about these girls is movie material.  The family consists of nine brothers and sisters, some born in France and others in Africa.  Their parents raised them in various places around the world, including St. Barth’s, which is where they got the idea to buy a seventy-five foot wooden boat, which they painted the Rasta colors of red, gold, and green, and then sailed around the world for a decade.  They accumulated friends, lovers, and children along the way, and soon the gypsy family traveled in three boats, seeking out the best surf towns and forgotten beaches around the world.  While the brothers kept sailing, a few of the sisters decided to settle in Sayulita, where they all live together in a building that also houses their boutique, Pacha Mama.  It conveniently overlooks the best surf spot in town.”

Their boutique Pacha Mama is filled with clothing and jewelry that cater to this “Gypset“ lifestyle, coined by Julia Chaplin after she wrote the Elle article and has since complied a book and clothing line inspired by this way of life.

Love the hand painted floor. Makes me wonder if this is where Catherine Weis got her inspiration for her kitchen floor featured on D*S?

Their namesake pieces are the necklaces with Tahitian black pearls strung on leather cord, and traditional Mexican embroidered dresses re-fashioned to look more like caftans.

As if these sisters don’t have enough tastemaking between them, their brother opened Petit Hotel Hafa in Sayulita, a small boutique hotel that mixes Moroccan and Mexican decor.

I would love to stay in a hotel that has hearts on the doors and walkways.

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Images via: Elle Magazine 2006 “Bohemian Rapsody”,  Les Gazelles, painted floor Desire to Inspire, rooftop Luxist, hotel photos: Petit Hotel Hafa and Designtripper

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It’s been a bit quiet over here at Luster while I’ve been away on vacation. It was long overdue that I really unplug, and step away from the computer…get back to the simple things in life. We had the best time off during our annual trip to Long Island.

A few years ago, after many late nights searching, I found the perfect cottage in Montauk, and we’ve been returning every year at the end of June just before things kick into high gear out there. This year we lucked out and got a larger cottage with a sprawling deck and lots of windows. I loved waking up early to a sun filled room.

Fort Pond Bay is known for its sunsets, so the evenings were gorgeous, too.

Our situation really improved this year when I got a bicycle as an anniversary present from my husband who had his eyes peeled thanks to Jessica at Destined to Design. We have always talked about riding bikes out there but never wanted to bother renting, and having our own meant we could explore new beaches without being restricted by town permit parking stickers.

After days of watching boats along the waterfront, we got the idea to take a sailboat ride. With a little googling, we found Capt. David Ryan from Sailing Montauk who has a 38′ Catalina and does Sunset Sails.

We loved that he only takes 5 people at a time which makes it super private and so relaxing. Our favorite spot was right up front.

The food is another one of our favorite parts of being out there, and the biking really helped off-set all the indulging!

The Hamptons is known for their incredible farm stands that are scattered throughout the area. Newcomer The Juicy Naam has a sweet little juice shack in East Hampton with fruits and veggies for sale.

Even though there are so many high-end establishments, there are still some really great spots to find cheap eats. La Fondita is perfect for simple, take-out Mexican. They have picnic style benches if you want to eat there, or better yet, grab your tacos and head to the beach.

We try to eat as much fresh seafood as possible while we’re there, and two of my favorite picks on the high / low end is the amazing Cioppino dish at Dave’s Grill, and a lobster roll from Lunch.

We were able to extend our week a little and stay with our friends Casey & Tim in East Hampton for a couple of nights. {Thanks guys!} We hope to get back out before the summer ends!

If you make it out to the East End, here are a few more of my favorite spots:

Shopping & Browsing

Share With…{Montauk}

Cynthia Rowley {Montauk}

Steven Alan {East Hampton}

Matta NY {Sag Harbor}

Clic Gallery & Book store {East Hampton}

Silas Marder Gallery {Bridgehampton}

Glen Horowitz {East Hampton}

Harper’s Books {East Hampton}

Maison 24 {Bridgehampton}

Jildor shoes {Southampton}

Eating / Drinks :

Dave’s Grill {Montauk}

Navy Beach drinks/dinner right on a sandy beach {Montauk}

Surf Lodge for drinks {Montauk}

West Lake Chowder House (you’d never know it just by looking, but their sushi is amazing) {Montauk}

Naturally Good {Montauk}

Organic Avenue {Southampton}

Goldberg’s (try the Flagel!) {East Hampton}

Lunch {Amagansett}

La Fondita {Amagansett}

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Of all the cities in the world, it’s hard to compare any to the beauty that is Paris. No matter how many times I visit, its romance never tires, and I constantly daydream about the next time I’ll visit. Anna Tsoulogiannis of Annawithlove never tires of Paris either, and although she has already been there, I think it’s safe to say she cannot wait to get back. Anna has a photo diary blog where she posts all of her gorgeous photos of Paris, and other cities, so be sure to check them out! ::: Luster

::: From Anna ::: I dreamt about going to Paris my entire life (I mean who doesn’t right?) so when my best friend and I booked our euro leg trip two years ago it was first on the list.  As soon as we arrived, it was love at first sight/smell/sound/touch/taste.  Everywhere I would point my camera be it a street, the sky, buildings it made for a beautiful photograph.  They are right when they call Paris a photographer’s heaven…because it sure was mine.  Three days (and 3GB) later I was on the train en route to Barcelona and dreaming of Paris.  As I sat on the train writing in my journal I promised myself I would be back…and soon.  For the next month all my energy and focus was still on Paris…Paris…Paris.  Very soon after I got back to Toronto I was promoted at work and part of my new job was to attend film festivals around the world…to my delight two of the main festivals to attend were…surprise surprise in France!  And here began my love affair with Paris.  I was very lucky and fortunate to be given that incredible opportunity to travel for work.

I could write for pages and pages on all the things I love to do in Paris, but for your sakes I will try to keep it brief and focus on my favorites.  My third time in Paris I stayed at a hotel near the Louvre, one night after I enjoyed a lovely dinner (avec delicious red wine) I strolled over and sat in the Louvre grounds.  It was so quiet, comforting, peaceful and just the right amount of eerie.  The big crowds of tourists had dispersed and just a few photographers were left setting up their tripods.  There I sat for two hours, alone in the city I love, with nothing but my thoughts and camera surrounded by history.  It was a perfect evening.

Aside from the basic tourist spots I visit to take photos of (Eiffel Tower/Arc de Triomphe/Notre Dame) other things I like to do in Paris is…eat…a lot.  Unless you are staying at the Ritz skip the hotel breakfast and head to a Boulangerie for fresh pastries and croissants followed by a morning stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries. Be sure to set time aside to sit and people watch at a cafe (Cafe de Flore a goody) and grab some Macarons from Laduree or Pierre Hermes! My favorite is the pistachio flavor…MMmmm.  Of course a walk along the Seine is a must…watch out for the locks of love along the bridges (specifically the Pont Des Arts).  I also adore visiting the Shakespeare and Co. bookstore in the Latin Quarter; even though I’m not much of a reader it is so visually interesting.  The main thing while in Paris…relax and enjoy!  Allow yourself at least a day to not have a plan and just wander around getting lost in the city of love.

Since this post is wanderlust I decided to choose my dream hotel in Paris over my 3 star-but-i-pretend-its-5-star hotel choices. The Ritz Paris! Talk about elegance & glamour…I don’t know that I would want to leave the hotel!   (For reference I like to stay either close to the Champs-Elysees, near the Louvre or in the Latin Quarter…all great locations!)

Anna’s Packing List:

1. A chic Burberry trench coat

2. I make sure my nails are painted bright fun colors

3. I love my Longchamp bag it fits everything I need inside and looks fabulous too!  I usually pick up another bag every time I’m in the city because they are so much cheaper than in Canada

4. Sunglasses (of course) — Ray Ban Wayfarer Tortoise Brown

5. Perhaps a cliche but I don’t care, I always pack a navy and white striped shirt — Moschino Striped knitted sweater

6. Scarves, scarves and more scarves! I pack 2-3…okay 5.  If you want to look “Parisian chic” you must master the art of the scarf

7 & 8 . A comfortable pair of flats!! Even though I’d love to finish off my outfit with a pair of killer heels, realistically I’d last about two hours.  I walk everywhere in Paris to make sure I find interesting new photos…plus why take the subway when you can walk through such an amazing city?

9. The most important thing I pack after my passport…my Camera!  Currently I use the Canon Rebel t2i

10. I love bringing back little knick knacks for my family, friends and of course for myself.  I have about three mini Eiffel towers all over my room.  I also love the street sign magnets.  I bought the Champs-Elysees magnet for my mama. I absolutely adore the black and white postcards and vintage Moulin Rouge posters which are sold everywhere.

11.  A notebook.  I’ve been to Paris twice on my own so I always carried one around to jot down my thoughts, ideas, inspirations as I sat people watching alone in a cafe

12.  An amazing guide to Paris.  This book won’t be something you will pack with you as it is both heavy and huge! But a great read  — Taschen’s Paris by Angelika Taschen

13. Photo

Hope you enjoyed Paris through my eyes! A big thanks to Jennifer for letting me be a part of her Wanderlust series, it’s been so much fun! ‘Til next time, Bisous! xo

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Thank you, Anna!

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

Look at these amazing vintage beauties from Tangier. There are no dates on them, only French phrases written below.

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When I first started planning our Thailand honeymoon in the early spring of 2009, I was lucky enough to stumble across Hither and Thither, a fascinating travel blog written by Ashley and Aron Bruhn who are native Californians living in New York City. I was really impressed by the detailed account of their honeymoon in Thailand and found their recommendations and comments immensely helpful when planning our trip. I’ve been a huge fan ever since. You could spend hours reading their travelogues covering all the amazing places they’ve been, and I also really enjoy reading about their life here in NY. I always wonder how they manage to fit it all in! Also in the works? A baby boy on the way which Ashley has been writing about on her new blog, Baby Mine. Considering I found Ashley and Aron while researching Thailand, it seems so fitting that Ashley is taking us to Southeast Asia again, but this time for a future trip she hopes to take with her family. p.s. I want everything on her packing list ::: Luster

::: From Ashley ::: I think it was a feature in Gourmet Magazine that first brought on my case of Vietnam wanderlust. The glossy spread featured steaming street food, colorful lanterns, enchanting bays, chaotic moped traffic, and talked of an exotic and fragrant place where a French colonial past had left a unique culinary mark. Having traveled to Southeast Asia for our honeymoon in Thailand, I can’t wait to go back—and a trip to Vietnam is top on my wish list.

We would start in Hanoi—sampling the café culture and wandering through narrow passageways, alternately touring Belle Époque French villas in the French Quarter and Buddhist complexes built on limestone cliffs (at the nearby Perfume Pagoda)—before detouring to see the greens of the rice paddies around Sapa, the ancient Cham tower-temples of My Son Sanctuary ,and the limestone towers of Halong Bay (where we might board a traditional junk boat or find more quiet and get up-close by kayak).

In Hue, we’d rent bicycles and explore the fortified Imperial city, before heading south. Along the way, we’d take time to relax at one of the resorts along the 400-mile stretch from Hue to Nha Trang, and board boats to go diving in the clear life-filled waters around offshore archipelagos.

In Hoi An, perhaps after putting in an order at a custom tailor in the Old Quarter, we’d do our best to capture the faded colors of this trading port, preserved since the 15^thcentury, as well as the vibrant ones at the riverside fish market.

It would be a dream to set up camp for a few days at the Con Dao Islands—at the luxurious Six Senses resort with a view of the turquoise South China sea—before finishing the trip in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), rich with history.

Ashley’s Packing List:

1. Day tripper pant

2. City Walk Fedora

3. Sunglasses

4. Iris Jacket

5. Essie Clambake

6. Madewell Bike Bag

7. Salina Sandals

8. Isabelle Dress

9. Scenic route shirtdress Madewell

10. My son

11. Scarf

12. Theory colsten top

13. Swiss Army Bicycle

14. Triwa watch

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Thank you, Ashley!

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

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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

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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
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What a way to end the week with Sarah Klassen of Haute Design, who is taking us to the lush Emerald Isle. Haute Design is a constant source of inspiration, and I always love scrolling though the gorgeous images Sarah puts together in this visual encyclopedia of style. I really resonate with Haute because she approaches it the same way I do Luster – as an online library; a place where she can store all of her magazine tear outs and many sources of inspiration. It’s a pleasure to have her show us what she would see, where she would stay, and what she would pack if she went to Ireland ::: Luster

::: From Sarah ::: I am so happy to be here today, sharing a place that I would love to visit someday soon: Ireland. I am always keen on adventure and exploration and adore traveling for this very reason. I find the unexpected and new to be completely exhilarating and inspiring. I soak in every bit of Ireland that I see featured in books or snippets from films. I long to tour the quaint and charming villages, rambling medieval castles and grand churches, plunging cliffs and acres—lush green, rolling hills that seem to stretch on, endlessly and majestically. I would tend to shy away from destinations that are large and new and instead, opt for a more rural and historical Ireland experience.

Part of the agenda would be to stop in at great little restaurants and small, curious shops, like the iconic Avoca, as well as to blend in with the locals. To me, to travel is to experience and acquaint oneself not only with a place, but also those who live there…

As part of my stay, I would love to book a few nights in the beautiful hotel you see above, Adare Manor—a five star castle hotel. What I enjoy most about this hotel, apart from the grand spaces, is the serene grounds and the interesting history of the hotel.

My outfit inspiration: lovely, chic and easy outfits that are made up of fun layers; Simple to mix and match and ideal for spending the day out and about.

Packing List:

1. & 3. Smythson accessories: wonderful and luxurious pieces for storing notes of fun experiences, pictures, postcards, business cards coins, and other such necessities.

2. & 4. Lollia Life handcreme and Lollia Wish parfum: softly scented products to keep one smelling lovely and feeling moisturized.

5. Michael Kors handbag: a great medium sized handbag that is fresh and fun for Spring and Summer months.

6. Bloch flats: arguably the first and one of the best companies in the world. They are so ideal for walking.

7. Clare Vivier clutch: ideal for carrying that sacred passport or as an alternative to a clutch or wallet.

8. Coté Sud and 9. Vogue Paris issues: with ambition to read a novel, my excitement and unraveling attention span is far too short for such a commitment. These are perfect to look through while unwinding after a full day.

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Thank you, Sarah!

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

Very excited to share today’s Wanderlust destination by Elisa Cachero. Elisa lives in Vancouver, and is a textile, product and surface designer {as evidenced by the gorgeous Folklore pattern on the header above}, but she also has a real knack for eyeing & collecting vintage pieces and styling photo shoots. It’s only appropriate that her love of history, decor, and details would bring us to St. Petersburg. ::: Luster

::: From Elisa ::: Touring St. Petersburg has been a dream for me since studying the Russian Revolution in high school.  There’s something haunting but beautiful about the city that saw the end of the Romanov dynasty.

The execution of the Romanovs is a violent one: the family was living under house arrest following the fall of the monarchy, and were summoned at midnight on July 17, 1918 to be informed of Lenin’s orders.  The Tsar apparently had time to reply “What?” before he was gunned down in front of his family by a firing squad, who then fired upon the remaining family members. The daughters managed to survive the initial shooting, as they were wearing corsets made of diamonds and precious gems, but were later stabbed by the executioners using bayonets.  A heartbreaking history lesson!

In my fantasy trip, my vacation would be spent posing in front of the Narva Triumphal Arch as well as the Church of the Savior on Blood with its colorful, confection-like domes, and spending days getting lost in the Hermitage Museum–the world’s largest museum, which is made up of six buildings on the Palace Embankment.  And no visit to St. Petersburg would be complete without catching a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre, the preeminent music theatre that opened in 1860, where many of the stage masterpieces received their premieres. In addition to the Mariinsky Opera and the Mariinsky Orchestra, the theatre is also home to the Mariinsky Ballet Company, and I would love the opportunity to catch a classical performance of Swan Lake.  I’d also try to squeeze in a visit to the Bolshoi Saint-Petersburg State Circus, the first stone stationary circus of Russia that opened on December 26, 1887.

Being able to visit buildings that have stood since Imperial Russia would be like walking through a living history book.

Only in my dreams could I stay at the Taleon Imperial Hotel, the luxurious boutique hotel nested inside a 18th century Russian palace with all the historic trimmings.  Since my Emperor Suite combines two bedrooms, living room, dining room, separated study, wardrobe and two marble bathrooms of sheer over-the-top opulence, I think I’ll have enough room for some friends on this trip.

Packing List:

1. Forget Me Knot Ring
2. Russian Fur King Hat
3. Anna Karenina Book
4. The Flight of the Romanovs
5. Heirloom Lace Pencil Skirt
6. Swing Back Mac Coat
7. Canvas Combat Boots
8. Olympus PEN E-P1 Digital Camera
9. Upwardly Mobile Satchel in Cambridge University
10. Double Wrap Belt