The Devil Wears Prada, And She Is Glorious

July 21, 2025July 12, 2025 MstldelanoLeave a comment

Earlier this year, I took one of my longest vacations (ever): I spent 20 days enjoying London and a transatlantic cruise aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne. The London leg of the trip was fantastic, because London is amazing. Trips to Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Zedel are always on the agenda, but this trip was marked by an even more spectacular activity: I got to see the live production of, The Devil Wears Prada.

Let me start this story by giving a little background. This trip was initially scheduled for a different set of weeks, but my friend had to change the dates to accommodate some new obligations. We had already purchased our tickets to the show, and we feared that we wouldn’t be able to exchange them for a different date. Fortunately, the gracious box office at the Dominion Theatre refunded the tickets and we were able to secure our seats for a different night (imagine trying to do that kind of adjustment here in the US: impossible!)

We went to the show and it was INCREDIBLE! The music, the fashion, the overall story, and the diamond in the crown of this production: Ms. Vanessa Williams as Miranda Priestly. She is ethereal, and her voice is perfect. The whole cast was absolutely divine, but I particularly enjoyed the actress playing Emily, Amy di Bartolomeo. Every note, every scene, every accessory was chosen with care. I particularly enjoyed a scene where the ensemble cast came out and were wearing the colors of the French flag (bleu, blanc et rouge), and they were careful to walk in a way that kept the blue first in the lineup (lest it be confused with the red-white-blue flag of the US). Those kind of details are plentiful in this production, and it would be fun to see the show several times, just to see how many of these details I can spot.

The music was fantastic, the venue was convenient, and the performers were all perfectly cast. My only regret is that I didn’t buy tickets to see the show one more time before I left London! If you’re able to see it, I highly encourage you to do so. Because believe me, the Devil wearing Prada has never been more beautiful!

life curation · luxury · travel

Is This The Best Hotel In Edinburgh?

March 25, 2024March 22, 2024 MstldelanoLeave a comment

Last summer, I did a short visit to Edinburgh, Scotland. I regret that I didn’t have more time to enjoy this exquisite city, but I take the brevity of my trip as a fantastic reason to return at some point in the near future.

I stayed at the Kimpton Charlotte Square, a luxury hotel located near the Royal Botanic Garden and the National Galleries of Scotland. Because the hotel is located in the city center, it’s very easy to get to a lot of different attractions, and it’s impossible to get bored in this incredible city.

I was greeted by a warm and friendly staff: certainly the warmest and friendliest of any that I encountered in the UK. I was given a tour of the hotel, as well as an overview of the amenities included with my stay. I settled into my room then explored the grounds. The interior design of this hotel is stunning: it’s both traditional and eclectic at once. It seems like the dazzling displays would compete with one another, but the decorations are cohesive and aesthetically pleasing. Somehow, it all just goes together.

Many times, after a long trip, I find myself hungry, but not yet ready for a full meal. Imagine my surprise when I saw that my room was stocked with complimentary snacks, as well as a massive list of all the items that the hotel could either give or loan to you in case you need them (think phone chargers, humidifiers, rubber bathmats, yoga mats, etc.,). It was an absolutely perfect touch that I expect from a luxury hotel but, alas, many miss the mark on this.

My stay included the breakfast buffet, which was not only convenient but delicious. There was also the cocktail hour (available to all guests) which was lively and social. Upon looking at the Kimpton Charlotte Square website, I see that visitors can opt for half board (breakfast and dinner) at the hotel, which is exactly what I’ll do when I return.

I’m not sure if my affection for Edinburgh was founded strictly on my Kimpton Charlotte Square experience, but I can certainly vouch for the fact that any trip to this magical city would be made better by a stay at this hotel. As a little tip I learned through my research, the peak (read: priciest) times to travel are the summer months and the Christmas/New Year period. Any other time of the year will give you the same lovely experience but for a lower cost.

While you’re at the Kimpton Charlotte Square, be sure to walk a few blocks to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. This whisky lounge is charming and gives you a great excuse to come out and learn more about uisge-beatha (the Scottish Gaelic word for whisky, that literally translates to, ‘water of life’).

Have you been to Edinburgh? If not, is Scotland on your travel list? I’d love to know more in the comments below. I’ll talk to you all soon!

life curation · luxury

Time for an Aston Martin

May 25, 2018May 22, 2018 MstldelanoLeave a comment

seanconnery

My favorite James Bond, Sean Connery (Lot 91, this photo is expected to sell upwards of $470)

You all know that I love a vintage car. So I squealed with delight when I saw that Bonhams is having an Aston Martin auction. Its in the UK, but at least I can view the lots online!

Aston Martins are sporty, luxurious and exclusive – it’s no wonder that I love them! The auction will feature nearly 200 lots. There are all sorts of auto memorabilia, vintage car parts, autographed photos of celebrities posed with Aston Martins, and, of course, a little more than 30 automobiles available.

Here are my favorite offerings from the auction:

1979volantered

Lot 222 – 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante, expected to sell between $190,000 and $240,000

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Lot 226 – 1979 Aston Martin V8 Volante, that’s expected to fetch anywhere between between $200,000 and $240,000

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This chic model of a 1963 Aston Martin is valued as being worth $4,000 (Lot 141)

The Aston Martin sale will occur on June 2, 2018, starting at 10:30 BST in Reading, Englefield House. You can always contact Bonhams if you want more information on this auction. It should be a thrilling one!

international · style

My Latest Fashion Obsession . . .

March 2, 2018February 27, 2018 MstldelanoLeave a comment

While looking at a few items to spruce up my Spring & Summer 2018 wardrobe, I realized I have gotten stuck in a bit of a style rut. For years now, I’ve adored a pared down, minimalist look (just see my purchases in my Boohoo haul posts here and here). I preferred clean lines and little-to-no patterns: lots of monochromatic or simply striped pieces. That look is elegant and easy to wear, but I find myself getting . . . bored.

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Not my closet but the lack of visual variety is very similar to my situation (from Pinterest)

So, it was time for something different. And, BOOM! Just like that, Joe Browns clothing popped into my Amazon recommendations. I found myself drawn to the whimsical, vintage-inspired designs. The quirky prints and bold color and fabric choices are a huge departure from my usual aesthetic, but somehow, I think adding a few of the pieces will suit my personal taste as well as add some visual interest to my wardrobe.

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Here are a few of the pieces that I saw on Amazon that caught my eye:

The floral detailing is a far cry from anything that I normally would choose, but this is not only pretty, but looks like it could be worn either as a tunic or as a chic mini dress during those blazing summer days.

The asymmetric lapel is one of my favorite designs, and this boldly-colored nubby tweed is perfect for those cool spring days that aren’t chilly enough for winter coats but not warm enough for lightweight shawls.

This espresso and bronze pump has a vintage flavor and a heel that is high but not uncomfortably so.

This striking dress has an eye-catching blue, white and red print and a body-conscious fit. It has a tropical feel but without the kitsch.

I’ll order some of the pieces from previous seasons from Amazon, but for the latest Joe Browns fashions, I’ll go directly to the website here. Ooh, I can’t wait to post my pieces when I do a Joe Browns haul in the future!