I have a guest post on Pennyweight today about Christina’s World by Andrew Wyeth with a roundup of items that might exist in her house. Hop on over to Pennyweight and check it out! Thanks so much to Elise for having me!

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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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It’s a pleasure to have Julie Lungaro taking us on a dreamy escape to the Adriatic sea. Julie is a graphic designer living her big city dreams in Boston, MA by way of Arkansas. She is always collecting fresh finds on Julie Digs Design, her daily ode to lovely things that inspire her. She has a real talent for spotting unusual hues, so I especially love her Pretty Pairings and color roundups. Be sure to check out Julie Digs Design, and in the meantime, enjoy her little escape to Croatia –  I know it’s on my list of places I hope to see soon! ::: Luster

::: From Julie ::: If I could get away for a while, I would love to visit Dubrovnik – an old city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the south of Croatia and known to be one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean. Nicknamed “The Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is steeped in stunning architecture with beautiful views, and boasts spectacular churches, monasteries, fountains, and museums. You can also get lost for hours in the historical stone walls that surround the old town.

Well, if this is my fantasy destination spot, then why not live it up in Dubrovnik’s newest luxury castle hotel! This impressive villa was originally constructed in 1573 and although it has passed through various turmoil over the years, it has recently been fully renovated to it’s original beauty and combines the past & present of the historical city. It is situated on the coast and within walking distance of the old city of Dubrovnik.

Packing List:

1. Summer Flora Dress
2. Chevron Kntted One-Piece
3. Handy Neon Notebook
4. A bike to cruise around in the city
5. Carryall Canvas Bag
6. Nixon Watch
7. Classic & Comfy
8. Chanel nail polish
9. Beaded Necklace

I am so honored that the lovely Elise of Pennyweight invited me to contribute to her regular column Wanted this Week. It was such fun putting this together, so click here to check out the full post. I am also excited to say that Elise is returning the favor and doing a travel themed guest post for Luster which will be posted tomorrow. Thanks again Elise!

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Wanted this Week on Pennyweight