In the month of May, my boyfriend and I decided to drive the Californian coast. We took a flight from Vancouver to San Francisco and from there we drove south to Palm Springs. We stopped into a handful of places on the way: Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. The drive is a must do “bucket list” item that should be on everyone’s list. So the trip starts in San Francisco…

STAY: Since we were only staying in SFO for one short night, we wanted to find something affordable yet “fun” to stay. We decided to stay in Jap-Town at the Hotel Tomo, a hip Japanese Anime themed hotel, part of the Best Western group. Prices range from $100 - $145 during low seasons and $250 - … more …

When traveling do you just grab all your jewelry, toss them in a pouch of some sort and hope for the best? This is not the way you should be traveling. I have spent too many nights and frustrating mornings trying to untangle my necklaces and I had to find a better way of transporting my jewelry.

The gorjana “Thompson Jewelry Wallet” is the essential travel buddy for toting your jewelry around and it will help you organize and protect your favorite jewelry.  The wallet features a ring bar, two zippered pockets for earrings or bracelets, and six divided necklace tabs.

This little handy little jewelry wallet is going to be your best travel companion. Get yours at www.lynnsteven.com, $98.

Sunny Shum, Footwear Buyer for Sterling Shoes Inc, Blogger & Your Industry Insider … more …

Since I travel a lot for work I am always looking for the perfect travel tote as my trusty companion. I need it to be large enough to carry a stack of magazines and then some. I have this really bad habit of carrying bags that are half the size of me. I’m only 5′2 but the larger the tote the more attracted to it I am - I don’t care if it looks out of proportion.

I think this season is the best time to purchase a tote and take advantage of the color-blocking trend. Contrast color and color-blocking is a great way to make something look distinctive. Love love this American Retro two tone leather tote from www.luisaviaroma.com. ($319.00)

When London, UK leather bag designer Bill Amerg and Business … more …

I get back to New York every 4 - 6 months and every time I go back there’s always new store openings as well as one I completely missed out on during my last visit. There never seems to be enough time to see them all as once. So here are four stores you must drop into when you visit the next time:

Alexander Wang: 26 year old American designer Alexander Wang finally invades Soho, New York. He took up the old Yohji Yamamoto space at 103 Grand Street and it’s a sleek boutique featuring glossy marble, extremely high ceilings, a fox fur hammock and draped with lush exotic flowers. Wang designed an exclusive line of leather pieces for this location only. (Main Image)

Onassis: It’s starts with a perfectly crafted … more …

Designer digs for a fraction of the price. Yes please. Check out these outlets that offer heavily discounted luxury items from just a seasons or two past. Also, if you’re from the US or Canada and shopping at one of the outlets in Europe, don’t forget to claim your tax refund of 12% upon returning home.

Bicester Village - England
Brands: Agent Provocateur, Alexander McQueen, Anya Hindmarch, CELINE, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Marni, Missoni, Moncler, Paul Smith, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Ferragamo, Thomas Pink, Tod’s, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent

Address: 50 Pingel Drive Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 6WD, England

Hotel Recommendation: Retire after a day of shopping at Coworth Park,  just 60 km. away from the outlet.

FoxTown Outlets, Mendrisio - Switzerland
Brands: Dior, Ferragamo, Jill Sander, Missoni, Prada, Valentino

Address: Via A. Maspoli 18. … more …