Ooh La La! My Weekend in Montreal.

P.T. Cruisin!

So, I just breezed in from a romantic weekend in Montreal. I had to drive all by my lonesome (I haven't really driven in years--at least not long-haul). For the four and a half hour journey from Syracuse, I chose a Chrysler P.T. Cruiser.

Many people laughed at my selection in Montreal--I mean, it was bright blue. But, I enjoyed the car. It's got a comfortable interior, decent cd stereo, a quick pick up, and a very stable ride on highways. I couldn't actually ever figure out how to turn on the interior light--kind of a bummer, since I had to read directions in French in the dark; and the window controls were located in the center of the dashboard--talk about counterintuitive! However, I was happy with this cartoon, technicolor-blue Cruiser. It's not a car for those who want to blend in (I do not). It's a vehicle for someone with a wacky sense of retro style and no self-consciousness.

In blue, it's so ugly...it's actually cute.

Bootilegs?

Okay, one thing I just don't get are these open toe boots that you're seeing all over the runways. When are they appropriate? What season? You really can't wear them in the winter, and then in the summer they're too hot. But, these Bootilegs are even weirder. They're fabric legwarmers you wear over sandals for that open-toe boot look. They cost around $100. Pretty hideous.

Zen and The Art of a Good Manicure

I love manicures. I started getting them regularly when I was living in Russia. I was a performer, and my hands had to look good. However, in Syracuse, I've kinda let my nails go.

This morning, I finally made an appointment at the elegant Spa Zend on E. Genesee Street. Spa Zend offers a variety of services from massage, facials, waxing, and, of course, manicure/pedicure. It's in the same stone building as Strong Hearts vegan cafe and the Onondoga massage school.

The aptyly named Spa Zend has a "zen" quality: eastern ambiance of waterfalls, zen gardens, bamboo, new age music. They served me green tea upon arrival as I waited in a relaxing, candlelit room.

The spa's services are not particularly cheap: $26 for a manicure, $42 for pedicure. But, the experience is pure pampering. The esthetician, Dava, did my nails. She was friendly and professional. My only complaint is that the spa has only about 25 different nail colors to choose from and I couldn't find the color that I wanted. I would bring my own next time.

I got a good quality manicure at a lovely place. I'd definitely return.

$200 Buys A Lot of Class

more about "$200 Buys A Lot of Class", posted with vodpod

A Forgotten Classic

My brother, Adam Davis, has got a new car: a 1987 Cadillac Brougham d'Elegance. The big, brown boat goes with his overall retro style.

"My style is bold, comfortable, and cheap," said Davis smiling sardonically. "But I also like things tight, like my pants. This car fits tightly into each lane."

"The anachronistic modernism of the 80s' really shines. From the door handle to the vanity mirror."

Davis' mother, Mariann, describes the car as "tasteless but gaudy."

Bright Lights, Big Airport

So, I flew in to Indianapolis yesterday. And, lo and behold, there's a brand new airport. The Colonel H. Weir Cook Terminal completed in mid-November is impressive--all gleaming glass, steel, and natural light. Actually, it's very stylish, even European--similar in ambience to Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.

The previous airport was rink-a-dink and sad---appallingly Midwestern, with its low ceilings, brown color-scheme, and industrial, white floor tile.

The grand atrium is filled with designer stores like Brooks Brothers or inviting boutiques selling silver jewelry and imported Indian scarves. Great local restaurants and cafes, like Patachou, have opened satellite locations there--so now there's no reason to eat McDonald's and Sbarro pizza.

Indianapolis is trying to establish itself as a new hub with an airport like this. Here's some photos from Indianapolis Monthy.



Now, if only all passengers looked like this.

Pretty Pictures Ease the Mind

When I need a break from day and I want to look at something beautiful, I check out El Beso, a bi-lingual blog by an Argentinian writer, Karina Manghi. She takes beautiful photographs of clothes, accessories, interiors, fabulous beaches, nature. Inspirational.

Marni Makes the World Go Round

Along with Marc Jacobs, I like Marni (the site's pretty awesome too). Designer Consuelo Castiglioni creates clothes that are funky, vintage-style, and boho with interesting fabrics and great shape. Her pieces are mix and match and can stand on their own. So, when I read Cathy Horyn's blog on NYTimes about her trip this morning to the Marni studio in Milan, I was excited to see the new fall 2009 collection. I finally found a few shots on London's Telegraph website. Enjoy!