Weekend Faves

Last Saturday I woke up with a smile on my face as the fog set in that morning.  An absolutely perfect way to commence the first day of Fall {probably one of my favorite days of the year}.  A day trip to Morro Bay and Cambria on Sunday really set in the Fall mood as we drove through wine country and beyond with tall Pine trees half hidden by the low fog clouds. Friday night wasn't too shabby either: Painting lessons with good friends, wine tasting, cheese and charcuterie bites. Perfection!

{ Array of wine to select from at The Painted Cabernet }

{ Charcuterie plate that went nicely with my wine and painting }

{ It's no Monet, but hey not bad }

{ Outfit on Sunday, Joie blouse, Forever21 skirt, DKNY Opaque tights, Pour La Victoire booties (old), House of Harlow Necklace, Dior sunnies (sold out, similar here) }

{ Baubles of the day: JCrew, Vintage, Charriol, Martha Calvo snakecuff }

{ Entrance to the Jackson Ranch }

Summer days, drifting away...

So, the vacation's over and as the jet lag sinks in, I can't help but reminisce over the past two weeks without a smile on my face.  It was quite amazing.  Here are some snapshots of it all!  Hope you enjoy. From left to right:

1. Enjoying some Armenian dishes at a restaurant in Istanbul called Jash {which means "food" in Armenian}

2. My hubby and I at a posh lounge called Chi Lai

3. Turkish delight at the Spice Market

4.  View from the Galata Tower

5. Galata Tower

6. Personal chai {tea} deliveries at the Grand Bazaar from store to store #amazing

7. Spices at the Spice Market

8. Outfit of the night

9. Reunited with my bestie

10.  Ruins in Side, Antalya {south of Turkey}

11. Me @ the top of the Galata Tower

12. Inside the Women's quarters of the Sultan's Hammam {Turkish bath}

13. Stunning ceiling of the Hagia Sophia 

14. The calm before the storm, entrance to the Grand Bazaar 

15. A well-deserved bite into an amazing kebab wrap @ Drumzade {Istanbul's best kept secret}

16. Rooftop drinks at Nu Teras

17. Daily breakfast at the Tomtom Suites Hotel

18. My Alexander McQueen clutch birthday gift from my husband

19. Us three

20. Beachside with parasailing and jet skiing in full view

21. Blue Mosque

22. Bosphorus cruise and bridge to the Asian side of Turkey

23. Breakfast with a view each morning

24. Breathtaking view of Duden Waterfall in Antalya

the carry-on challenge

I couldn't be more excited for our trip to Istanbul tomorrow.  But, there is one slight problem.  Well, it's not really a problem more than it's a challenge, for me.  My husbands making me take a carry-on.  This may not seem like quite the task for some of you, but if you don't know me, let me assure you that this is indeed a huge challenge.  Of course, I have to acknowledge, packing for trips isn't exactly my forte {in all honesty, I usually look like the girl above hauling my entire closet overseas}.  And since I've hoped to be quite the savvy traveler one day, I've decided to abide.

{Handy dandy "Pack This" note pad }

Here are some simple rules I am sticking to:

Rule # 1: You won't wear the clothes overseas that you don't wear at home.  Don't get overly ambitious and think that your style will change and the "European fashionista" in you will shine through on this particular trip.  Yes, we all want to look effortlessly Parisian, but be honest with yourself.  

Rule # 2: Stick to a color scheme.  If neutrals and nautical is your thing, pack accordingly.  If edgy and animal print?  You get the idea. 

Rule # 3:  ROLL your clothes like a crepe! This will allow maximum space to be designated for more clothes and your items won't be wrinkled after the long journey.
Rule # 4: Accessories galore.  This is key on a trip because as you take less clothing, you can mix and match your entire wardrobe by swapping out different shoes, statement necklaces, earrings, scarves, bracelets and easily have a whole new look.

Rule # 5: For non-carry-on'ers: You may not be aware that TSA approved locks are allowed to be used on luggage again after the whole 9/11 banish!  I wish I knew this for our honeymoon, as our luggage was lost for 5 days once we reached Rome and when it was finally received, some of my favorite items were stolen!

{ Perfect for flights since it's usually freezing and Equipment blouses are the best transition of cold to summery weather} 

{ all images via Pinterest }

Vogue + Vino will be back in about 2 weeks.  In the meantime, please keep up with me in Istanbul and with Noelle in LA, via our @Vogueandvino Instagram!!  Off I go, Bon Voyage!