Haute Shopping and Dining in Leeds!

What happens when three girls who love to travel, shop and dine find themselves on the same trip to the United Kingdom? They map out a plan to venture north of London to find all the Haute spots! New York City shoe designer Hillary Latos and Visit England’s Emma Thomas and I made Leeds our first stop.

Shopping in Leeds

Leeds offers some of the “hautest” unique boutiques and high end designer shops in Victoria Quarter. This shopping and dining destination has been dubbed the “Knightsbridge of the North.” Here you’ll find international designers like Louis Vuitton, Prada and Vivienne Westwood snuggled next to cute little independent shops carrying jewelry, clothes, shoes and other little trinkets that make fashionistas swoon.

Even if you want to window shop through Victoria Quarter… you’ll find it delightful with the stain glass roof and breathtaking architecture mixing a little bit of history with modern touches. It’s simply haute!

Dining in Leeds

There are plenty of little cafes and dining options throughout Leeds. But our first stop— Piazza by Anthony in the historic Corn Exchange. The restaurant occupies the ground floor where it sits in a central open space. Along the walls of the restaurant are little stalls with an archway entrance that were once the center of barter and trade action back in the day… you’ll find a cheese shop, Chocolate and pastry spot along with the haute Veuve Clicquot Champagne Lounge and cellar. While dining here… be sure to look up at the glass dome.

Visit http://www.anthonysrestaurant.co.uk/piazza/ to learn more.

Where to stay in Leeds

If you love apartment living for short term travel then you’ve got to check out Residence 6 for luxury living. It’s modern, fresh and different, but oh so European as a matter of fact, it use to be the old post office! It’s like staying in a hotel only without room service in a location that’s close to everything. The units come with a kitchen, living room and bedroom(s) and Molton Brown products in the bath. I even spotted a washer and dryer in the closet! There’s also a business center and workout room. Visit http://www.residencesix.com/ to learn more.Visit England hosted my trip… For future information, vacation-planning advice and access to passes and transport tickets, go to www.visitengland.com

Are you planning to visit England?

American Airlines has Haute Route to Manchester!

American Airlines may extend their non-stop daily service out of New York to Manchester, England. It appears that the NYC flight AA 211 out of JFK International Airport to the UK is haute! Although the service is offered through summer in business and economy class… it could come back year round next year pending a review of the service. So far the flight loads are pretty full—people love it!

 On a recent trip to England, American Airlines hosted my air travel and offered a business class seat on my return flight thanks to Lead Passenger Service Agent Paul Smith. I loved the level of service and relative short flight to England and back to the states.

I was also pleased with the reclining seat and the heavier blanket, unlike the thin one on other airlines. The menu offering were also great. My dinner selection—Scallops with Lime Champagne, complimented by a mushroom and asparagus sauté and rice pilaf with leeks. Plus, you can dine upon request and spend the first hour sleeping if you prefer.

The travel kit is also pretty cool offering not only a tooth brush with toothpaste, but dental floss with mints! You’ll also love the eye pillow with matching socks to keep your toes warm and Burt’s Bees naturally moisturizing Milk and Honey body lotion and lip balm.

But my favorite touch… the hot fudge Sunday and the Uno Four Cheese Pizza along with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies! It’s sinful but good!

The JFK-Manchester route is scheduled to end September 30th.

To learn more visit http://www.aa.com/ and http://www.visitengland.com/

Will you fly American to Manchester?

Haute Stuff! Sharmooz Satin Travel Pillow and Mask

When it comes to beauty on the go there’s nothing better than waking up to smooth skin and silky hair. And thanks to my new complimentary Sharmooz satin travel pillow cover and eye mask, I wake up with silky hair free of tangles and smoother skin no matter where I am. Beauty industry-insiders and celebrities have known for years that sleeping on 100% Charmeuse satin helps to reduce dryness caused by sleeping on cotton leaving your hair in a “matt” state and depleting your skin of hydration.

Sharmooz satin can be washed unlike silk and it’s completely travel ready offering cooler nights and a more beautiful rest. When you wakeup, you’ll find that your hair falls right into place and your skin feels softer offering a more youthful appearance.
To learn more visit http://sharmooz.com/

What do you think about Sharmooz?

My Chanel Obssession Began in Paris!

It was 10 years ago that I made my way to Paris to buy my very first Chanel handbag. I remember walking through the boutique doors at 31 Rue Cambon and setting my eyes on all things Chanel. This is the flagship boutique where the double C logo makes you believe that starting your collection of haute Chanel handbags, shoes, clothes and jewelry is not just a shopping experience but a lifestyle!

As I entered the main area of the boutique it is customary to greet the sales team with a “bonjour” after all when in Paris… you make it a point to greet the shop keepers. As I browsed the amazing collection, I could feel the presence of Mademoiselle Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel. Her influence and philosophy about fashion is timeless.

I had to purchase the classic shoulder bag with the gold chain and lambskin leather. I paid a pretty penny for it, but the dollar was strong at that time so it was less than it would have been had I bought it in the US. Today, the bag has appreciated in value and costs about $3,000.00, but it is expected to increase even more since prices for these sought-after handbags increase annually.

The sales clerk handed my purchase to me in an oversized black and white shopping bag with a Camellia attached with black ribbon—so Coco! As I strolled the streets of Paris with my new purchase, I remembered something Coco once said, “A girl should be two things: Classy and Fabulous!” And so it is… my Chanel obsession began to take on a life of its own.

Today, my collection consists of several handbags, luggage, accessories and clothing. Every Chanel purchase was carefully thought-out before any investment was made. After all a true collector understands the importance of capturing just the right piece that would make even Coco proud!

What's your obssession?

Piping Haute Treatments at The Spa at The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta!

When it comes to relaxation and restoration there’s no place like The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta to offer some ImmuniTEA from the insanity of life. Every travelista knows that in order to keep her sanity so she can globe trot with the jet setters, she must first capture that elusive “she-time” as often as possible. I’m no exception and I’m drawn to a great spa treatment like a moth to a flame! So when my friends at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta invited me into their haute spa to sample their new exotic TEA-inspired massage, it didn’t take much for me to jump into my car and head into town.

Once at the spa, I was surrounded by peace and tranquility. I couldn’t wait to slide out of my city gear and into that plush robe that’s hanging in my locker just a stone’s throw from the calmness of the relaxation room where a cup of tea and Park 75’s signature honey from the rooftop bee garden was beckoning me.

I love the fact that the new enhanced spa treatments feature a facial and massage with custom tea blends that are highly rich in antioxidants… once absorbed into the skin amazing healing transformations take place. I have traveled all over the world and sampled spas from Paris to Brazil… the beautiful people have one thing in common—beauty rituals that contribute to the overall wellness of the body take center stage in their lives.

My 50-minute massage started with a warm, soothing rooibos tea antioxidant masque for my back followed by a stress-relief massage targeting problem areas that just needed a little TLC. The combination of organic fruit juice extracts and vitamins did rejuvenate my skin giving it its glow. There is no better way to spend an afternoon… after all I’m worth it!

If you’re planning a little pampering at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta you should hurry because the new customized exotic tea blend treatments won’t last long. In fact, they stop brewing August 31, 2010.

To learn more visit http://www.fourseasons.com/atlanta/

Have you booked your spa appointment?

Luxury Travel Inspired by Chanel

Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld was speaking my language when he designed the Paris-New York Collection in 2007. And thanks to my personal shopper from Neiman Marcus on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, I snagged an overnight bag from the collection. She tracked the bag down in San Francisco during last call and had it shipped to me!

Over the last couple of years, I’ve had a few people offer to buy the bag because I didn’t carry it due to its awkward size on commercial aircraft. But somewhere in my mind I always knew there was more to this bag than meets the eye. And I was right!

Just the other day, I learned from a Chanel specialist in Atlanta that my bag was part of a limited edition collection created when Lagerfeld found inspiration in his New York City apartment. As a result he designed a collection focusing on a return to luxury travel. Although, the PNY collection has since sold out... I’m on the hunt for the roller seen here in white. You can best believe that I’ll be in a resale shop, flea market or Paris consignment store in the near future working to complete my collection.

Lagerfeld has been the man behind the success and endurance of the French luxury goods company for more than 25 years. He’s also credited with turning the luxury brand around. But it’s still Coco Chanel who made it timeless and worth the investment. After all, Chanel bags, shoes, jewelry and clothes cost a small fortune, but they hold their value better than many luxury cars!

What's your favorite luxury travel brand?

Haute Escape to The Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the county… you might want to consider The Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia, That’s right The Ritz has a little secret known only to luxury travelers until now.

It takes about an hour and a half from downtown Atlanta to get to the Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation sitting along the tranquil shores of the Oconee River. This AAA Five Diamond-rated resort is amazing especially if you love a great spa and outdoor activities. This 251-room hideaway offers 99 holes of golf, boating, award-winning restaurants, fishing and so much more!

When I heard that Conde Nast Traveler’s annual readers poll recognized The Ritz Carlton Spa, Reynolds Plantation as one America’s top resort spas for 2010 because of their fantastic treatments, I grabbed my overnight Chanel bag and got out of town landing in the heart of a cute little antebellum town!

Once I checked into a lovely rustic-inspired suite complete with a guest bathroom and sweeping lake views, I grabbed an appetizer from the fully stocked club-level lounge and made my way over to the spa. The path to the spa is lined with white columns and beautiful green plants. You might say it’s the path to rejuvenation, restoration and relaxation. Once inside, I found flowing water leading the way to peace and serenity.

With 90 health and wellness treatments available, I selected the bamboo and lemon grass scrub followed by a 50-minute a lavender massage. It also allowed me to experience one of the spa’s unique Vichy rain shower rooms. I loved the scrub that also contained chopped walnuts designed to remove dead skin revealing a healthy glow underneath. The rain shower felt like heaven, warm and inviting… I loved it! Once my treatment ended I spent some time relaxing by the beautiful indoor-pool downstairs before moving on to the infinity pool outside just off the lake.

Lunch at Gaby’s on the lake included a lobster grilled cheese sandwich that I couldn’t wait to try. It was really good. But dinner, at Georgia’s Bistro consisted of a lumpy crab cake and scallops with a chocolate molten lava cake for dessert!

Once my complimentary overnight stay began to end… I started to mentally plan my next escape. I can’t wait to take a nature walk along the seven mile trail or sit around the fire pit roasting s’mores underneath the moon and stars. This place is HAUTE with lots of Southern hospitality and personal attention to your every need!

What do you think about The Ritz Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation?

To learn more visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/ReynoldsPlantation/Default.htm

Haute Tips for Traveling with your Girlfriends!

So you want to jet off to some place haute with your BFF? It sounds like a great idea after all girls just want to have fun, right? I’ve traveled with girlfriends both nationally and internationally over the years. There’s nothing like sharing fun stuff with your gal pals, but it can also turn sour if you’re not on the same page. It's not always a "Sex in the City" moment.

Here are my Haute Travels tips to making your girlfriend getaway one to remember for all the right reasons:

-Make sure that you’re on the same page when it comes to spending money.

If you want to take a taxi and your friend wants to take the bus because it’s cheaper that’s setting the stage for drama. And think about meals… I went on a trip with a friend once and she preferred to spend her money on shopping instead of dinner at a haute restaurant. So we parted ways when it was time for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

When it comes to hotels, some people prefer to go cheap as opposed to luxurious and posh. There is nothing wrong with spending less money on hotels because you’d rather spend the difference someplace else. The problem starts when you’re traveling together. The posh girl may want to stay at The Ritz Carlton, Park Hyatt or the Four Seasons, while the budetnista wants to save money and set up camp at a three-star hotel.

The way to avoid money problems that can ruin even the best of marriages not to mention friendships, decide up front about hotels, transportation and meals. If you can handle splitting up during your stay because you strongly disagree on these points, then go for it. But if getting away with your friend means you spend time experiencing fun things together—then pick your travel companions wisely or consider flying solo.

-Decide what you want to do before you leave home.

Talk about things that you want to experience on your trip… if you realize that you’re both thinking about two different ways to see New York City, perhaps you should travel with a friend who wants to do what you want to do. There’s nothing like going on a trip and finding that you have no interest in doing things that your friends find exciting. Again, if the point of traveling with your girlfriend is to spend time with each other, don’t forget to focus on things that you both want to do. It makes the trip much more exciting with less conflict. You can always agree to spend a couple of hours away from each other for a little “me time.”

-Know your friends

You can know someone for 10 years, but you’ll never really know them until you travel with them. When you’re in close contact with people for days or even a weekend little things about them can surface that you may find irritating.

Spend some time really getting to know your friends before you travel together. And like all good relationships sometimes you have to compromise and be flexible, don’t sweat the small stuff.

At the end of the day, you want to travel with your friends and have the time of your lives… but sometimes little things come into play that really could have been avoided with a little planning and communication. It may be that your friends don’t make good travel companions for you and that’s ok. Just send them a postcard from your haute spot! After all, you don’t want to turn a friend into a “frenemy.”

Would you travel with friends?

Haute Travels Tips for Traveling Solo

Are you thinking of getting away but everybody is busy or can't commit to travel? Think of it as the perfect time to get a little "me time" into your hectic life by going solo. I have traveled to the Bahamas, Paris, and the Caribbean alone and totally enjoyed every adventure. I have to say it’s one of the single most exciting things that I’ve done. I’ve met some really great people, while learning so much about myself. I remember relaxing on the beach in St. Lucia and got invited to dinner by a group of people from New York City who were sitting nearby. As it turns out, we all had careers in television, at one time or another, so we had plenty to talk about.

While traveling solo in Paris, I took a summer photography class and spent my days learning about my classmates who came from other parts of Europe, the US and Brazil! But my favorite discovery in Paris, my friend Carole, she and I have become great friends. I met her while working on a story about French beauty products. So every time that I travel to Paris without friends or family, I’m never alone because I have friends who live there... all because I took a chance and ventured outside of my comfort zone. Once Carole and I joined a group of her friends who live and work in Paris for cocktails and conversation. They were amazing women with haute careers in fashion photography, TV and public relations. We sat around and talked about whatever was on our minds at this posh French hotel. I loved it because it was Très chic!

 Solo travel is the way to go for many who don’t have a travel companion. If you love to travel and the thought of staying home “because you don’t have someone to join you” enters your mind… think again!

 Here are my 5 tips for solo travel:

 1. Just do it… if there’s some place that you’ve dreamed of seeing, but you’re held back because you can’t get on the same page or schedule as your friends or family—plan your trip anyway!

2. Join a travel group if you feel like you absolutely need company on your trip.

3. Do your research before heading to your dream destination and check the US government website to make sure that it's safe to travel to your haute spot. 

4. Be careful when talking to strangers or exploring your destination alone. I rarely venture out to unknown places alone or at night. And I don't tell strangers that I'm traveling alone!

5. Be sure to leave your contact info in case of emergency with a trusted friend or family member.

Remember to be aware of your environment at all times and select your hotels carefully. It's really no different than traveling to cities like New York or Chicago. Just don't let the thought of traveling alone keep you from discovering the beauty of travel.

Have you ever traveled solo?

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Come out and brainstorm with the creator of this HAUTE travel, beauty and lifestyle blog and discover the strategies that she uses to make her blog grow. After less than a year, Haute Travels™ has become a popular blog destination delivering great stories, tips, reviews and travel news for the girls who love luxury travel, great beauty products and discovering haute new spots from boutiques to cute cafes.

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