DailyCandy Los Angeles

A Tisket, a Tasket

2009-11-20T17:30:00Z

Afternoon Delights from Holly Flora

You’ve said, “Please enjoy this obligatory thank-you fudge,” and, “This teddy bear was the only hypoallergenic thing in the hospital gift shop.”

But now you can say what you actually mean with Afternoon Delights from whimsical floral design company Holly Flora.

Featuring hand-selected wines, cheeses, and local produce and adorned with floral touches, visionaries Holly Vesecky and Rebecca Uchtman’s plentiful baskets are available for local delivery.

While Fall Harvest (think pomegranates and persimmons from Vesecky’s farm in Ojai, Bosc pears, local honey, whole nuts, freshly baked baguettes, and more) translates to just about anything, what better way to convey, “Have a nice day,” than with the Tequila Terrarium, a 350-milliliter bottle of booze set in a mini desert scene of succulents and sand?

You can say that again.

Holly Flora (310-559-5705 or hollyflora.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Holly Flora

More Than Words

2009-11-20T14:15:00Z

Library: Archives of Fashion Vintage Shop

It was Miss Lail with the horsebit belt in the library.

Need a bigger clue? We’re talking about Library: Archives of Fashion, an online vintage shop out of Charleston.

At the helm is Lauren Lail, who sees each fashion piece as a story, together creating a unique anthology.

Designer items share virtual racks with no names, all dangling reasonable price tags and detailed measurements.

Hopeless romantics will be drawn to floral dresses, ruffled tops, and crochet vests. Big sunglasses, chunky belts, and animal prints will appeal to those with a penchant for drama. And boyfriend cardis and blazers offer self-help on days when you’re not feeling your thinnest.

There are times we can all use a cover-up.

Available online at libraryfashion.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Sully Sullivan Photography

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T17:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

This is just the kind of weekend you can sink your teeth into.

DO
Eastside Walk It Out
What: Personal trainer Lou Becker’s hour-plus, low-impact workout (drills, isolations, Pilates) takes you out and about in Elysian Park.
Why: Go take a hike.
When: Wed., 8 a.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m.
Where: E-mail beckerl77@yahoo.com for exact meet-up location.

PRIMP
Shiatsu Eye Massage
What: Weilding the ultra-luxe Start Over eye cream, Valerie Plotnikova at the Sunday Riley Modern Skincare counter refreshers your peepers with complimentary mini-treatments.
Why: See it to believe it.
When: Wed.-Sat., noon-5 p.m.
Where: Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., at Camden Dr., Beverly Hills (310-276-4400).

SEE
Arias with a Twist
What: Legendary drag sensation Joey Arias (dressed in Thierry Mugler, of course) and madcap puppetmaster Basil Twist bring their debaucherous theatrical cabinet of curiosities and song out west.
Why: Not the same old song and dance.
When: Wed.-Sat., 8:30 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.
Where: REDCAT, 631 W. Second St., at S. Hope St., Downtown (213-237-2800).

Baby It’s You
What: Musical tale of Florence Greenberg, who makes a break from New Jersey housewifedom in 1961 to take on the male-dominated entertainment business with her girl group, The Shirelles.
Why: It is you.
When: Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat. 4 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 & 7 p.m.
Where: Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., b/t E. Colorado Blvd. & E. Green St., Pasadena (626-356-7529).

Mindthegap
What: ANPQuarterly founder P.M. Tenore curates large-scale installations, graffiti, sculpture, and paintings from Phil Frost and Barry McGee for the inaugural exhibition of Prism Gallery.
Why: Watch where you’re going.
When: Opening reception, Fri., 6-10 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Prism, 8746 W. Sunset Blvd., b/t Sunset Plaza Dr. & Horn Ave., West Hollywood (310-289-1301).

Need to make a run for it? Find out where to hide out with our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Wildfox Couture

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s a dog’s life.

MAKE
Cake for Canines
What: Give Fido a little something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving (or his next b-day) with a doggie dessert mix. For bonus points, get the bone-shaped cupcake pan.
Why: You’ve got a case of puppy love.
Where: Online at puppycake.com.

SAVE
Heidi Merrick Sale
What: The L.A. designer is discounting dresses, bathing suits, skirts, and blouses by 50-75 percent.
Why: It’s going, going, gone.
Where: Online at heidimerrick.com.

USE
Wordnik
What: The comprehensive online dictionary includes pronunciations, relevant quotes, etymologies, and recent appearances on Twitter and Flickr.
Why: Spread the words.
Where: Online at wordnik.com.

ORGANIZE
LobotoMe Notepads
What: Handy checklists make for more efficient packing, grocery shopping, working out, meal planning, and more.
Why: You’d forget your head if it weren’t attached.
Where: Online at lobotome.com.

WATCH
Handmade Nation
What: Artist/first-time filmmaker Faythe Levine traveled across America to make this inspiring documentary about the recent rise of crafting and DIY.
Why: Get creative juices flowing.
Where: Online at buyolympia.com.

EAT
Full Circle Flavors
What: Three lovely sisters in Pennsylvania make chocolaty Amaretto, Limoncello, and Orangecello cakes.
Why: You’re well rounded.
Where: Online at fullcircleflavors.com.

Would you rather hit the road this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Puppy Cake

Sample Sale Sirens

2009-11-18T17:30:00Z

November 2009 Sample Sales Part Two

To the windows, to the wallets.

What: Furla Sample Sale
Why: Handbags, belts, other small leather goods, and shades up to 75 percent off retail.
When: Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Siren Studios, 6063 W. Sunset Blvd., b/t N. Gower St. & La Baig Ave., Hollywood.

What: Multidesigner Sample Sale Upstairs at Malo
Why: Raven Denim, Jenny Han, Rhys Dwfen, and many others marking wares up to 75 percent off retail (and $1 tacos, too).
When: Thurs., 5-10 p.m.
Where: 4326 W. Sunset Blvd., b/t Fountain & Bates Aves., Silver Lake. Cash only.

What: WeSC Holiday Warehouse Sale
Why: Gear from top (jackets, sweaters, tees, hoodies, hats, headphones) to bottom (jeans, skirts, pants, sweats) for $10-$150.
When: Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 11099 S. La Cienega Blvd., at 111th St., ste. 170, Westchester (310-670-5190).

What: Plastic Island and McGinn
Why: Dressed-up everyday pieces and holiday party frocks priced 50-80 percent off retail.
When: Fri. & Sat., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: 1385 E. 15th St., at Central Ave., Downtown (213-749-0900).

What: Whitley Kros Sample Sale
Why: One-of-a-kinds and past collections’ overstock selling for wholesale and below, with $10 and $25 boxes, too.
When: Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 850 S. Los Angeles St., b/t E. Eighth & E. Ninth Sts., 3rd flr., Downtown.

What: Isabel Lu and Lucca Couture Sample Sale
Why: Past seasons’ overstock and samples with price tags marked $1-$25 set to fly out the door.
When: Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 629 E. 30th St., b/t S. San Pedro & Trinity Sts., Downtown.

What: Treesje Sample Sale
Why: Handbags of all shapes, colors, and sizes from spring and fall collections 50-80 percent off retail.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 1004 N. Beverly Dr., off Lexington Rd., Beverly Hills.

What: Cooper Building Showroom Sales
Why: Seneca Rising, Grey Ant, Grai, and many others doing $15-$150 at EM Productions in suite 402; Pleasure Doing Business banded minis for $20-$60 in suite 1130; and the Ella Moss/Splendid family takes over the eighth floor.
When: EM, Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. PDB, Thurs. & Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Ella Moss, Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 860 S. Los Angeles St., at E. Ninth St., Downtown.

Under African Skies

2009-11-18T17:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Cape Town

Humming with young boho buzz, Cape Town has emerged from its rocky past as the creative capital of Africa. From high-stakes adventures (paragliding off Signal Hill) to creature comforts (crisp, local sauvignon blancs), the city will leave you breathless.

GPS
While the day away in City Bowl’s historic open-air markets, public gardens, and cobblestoned pedestrian malls dating back to the 17th century’s Dutch East India Company. Tamboerskloof has chic outdoor cafes and prime-time people-watching. Style junkies should head to emerging neighborhoods Woodstock (for design collectives and art galleries), Bo-Kaap (for colorful cottage architecture), and de Waterkant (for a hopping gay scene).

NEST
To experience the social swirl at its best, stay within easy access of Kloof Street. Kick up your heels at Tamboerskloof’s sleek and chic Kensington Place (38 Kensington Crescent; +27-21-424-4744) for primo pampering (like your suite sprinkled with rose petals).

The Airstream Penthouse Trailer Park atop the new Grand Daddy (38 Long Street; +27-21-424-7247) offers a campy-cool vibe in the form of seven vintage caravans refurbished by local artists and set against stunning Table Mountain. Trailers have themes — Afro Funk, Love of Lace, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Sip Castle lager at the rooftop bar and catch a flick at The Pink Flamingo outdoor cinema. Really, now. Who said trailer trash was a uniquely American phenomenon?

INGEST
Native glamazons start the day with Ouma Rusks, the South African equivalent of a biscotti, and yummy meia de leites (espresso with steamed milk) at Vida e Caffe (34 Kloof Street; +27-21-426-0627). For lunch, grab a quiche at Melissa’s (94 Kloof Street; +27-21-424-5540), which has an awesome pay-per-kilo buffet. Thirsty? Sundowners are a Capetonian institution. Snag a harborside table at Cape Grace’s Bascule (West Quay Road; +27-21-410-7100) and choose from more than 400 whiskeys. The largest single malt collection in the Southern hemisphere, it’s a whiskey lover’s wet dream.

INVEST
Share the love with jealous pals back home and swing through the historic Greenmarket Square (54 Shortmarket Street) for authentic African curios like Hutu masks, soapstone giraffe sculptures, and wooden rhino salad tongs. Saturday mornings, the city’s creative cognoscenti descend upon Woodstock’s vibrant Neighbourgoods Market (373-375 Albert Road; +27-21-448-1438). Tarts, curries, and biltong (South African beef jerky) are a must. And make room for one-of-a-kind textiles, vintage dresses, and handcrafted charm necklaces.

DIGRESS
For old-world glamour and traditional Afrikaans fare, stop by Sunday jazz brunch at Steenberg Hotel and Winery in Constantia Valley (10802 Steenberg Estate, Tokai Road; +27-21-713-2222), the oldest vineyard on the Western Cape. (Owner Graham Beck’s brut NV is what the Obamas popped on election night.)

For insider access to vineyards, hook up with Roar Africa. Its people have been in the region for eleven generations, and co-founder Deb Calmeyer can impress the pickiest oenophile. The VIP visit to UK diamond king Laurence Graff’s new winery, Delaire Graff Estate (P.O. Box 3058, Stellenbosch; +27-21-885-8160), gets you into the off-limits barrel room and a sneaky sampling straight from the casks. (The property’s chic David Collins-designed boutique hotel is set to open next year.)

THE REST
No snoozing for you: There’s high-voltage adrenalin and raw wildlife at every turn. Swim with sharks at Seal Island. Ride big waves at Muizenberg Beach. Hike Table Mountain for sweeping views of the city and the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Visit indigenous penguins at Boulders Beach. And catch a glimpse of the only free roaming white lions in the world at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (+27-28-572-1824).

Don’t worry about the eternal flight home. You’ll be sleeping the whole way.

Photos: Courtesy of Kelley McMillan; Courtesy of The Grand Daddy; Courtesy of Cape Grace; Courtesy of Neighbourgoods Market; Courtesy of Delaire Graff Estate; Courtesy of Sanbona Game Reserve

Skin City

2009-11-18T14:15:00Z

Khirma Eliazov Handbags Debut

After your FUPA made an unscheduled appearance at a late-night dance party (followed by its own tag on Facebook), you swore your skin-showing days were over.

But you’ll rethink things when you get a glimpse of Khirma Eliazov’s handbags. The fashion editor-cum-designer uses unusual exotic skins to make them stand out (in a good way).

The carryalls are comprised of Italian leather, canvas, and gold or silver hardware with textured panels made of stingray. Styles include an oversize number for day, a sleek tote you can carry into the evening, and a pouch with a long body strap good for hitting the town at night. All are available in rich fall hues like navy, eggplant, black, taupe, and gray.

The price tags are steep ($240-$1,495 to be exact).

But you’ve considered paying more for tight skin.

Available online at khirmaeliazov.com. DailyCandy readers get 20% off on purchases made today with code DailyCandy.

Photo: Courtesy of Khirma Eliazov

Popping Fresh Deals

2009-11-17T17:30:00Z

These Local Deals are right out of the oven.

This Little Deal of Mine

2009-11-17T16:00:00Z

Let ’em shine!

Let's Be Ecological

2009-11-17T14:00:00Z

My, what a big carbon footprint you have! Try these green products with an edge, dear.

To Market, to Market

2009-11-16T17:30:00Z

The Mercantile Market and Cafe Opens

Susiekins,

Do Grandma a favor and pick up a few things at The Mercantile, nice Mr. George Abou-Daoud’s sweet new market/cafe/wine bar. You’ll recognize him from The Bowery, Delancey, or one of his places the kids go. (He designed them all, you know.)

1. Black winter truffle peelings. They’re below the house-made preserves, next to the fancy pickles, to the right of the oils and vinegars.

2. A hunk of Limburger or whatever they pull out of that looker of a cheese case.

3. A pound of pork belly from the butcher. Ask after the house’s sausage and terrines, too.

4. A bottle of St. Innocent or Lucien Crochet. I had half-glasses (or maybe carafes?) there once. Grab a Fentimans Shandy for yourself.

5. A butterscotch bar, a canelé, and a scoop of homemade ice cream — say, buttermilk.

If there’s trouble (or you can’t reach the yuzu) chef Kris Morningstar or his right hand, Kevin Napier, can help. We’ll try their comfort foodie lunch and dinner menu soon.

Now, Granny’s got a date with the ponies but will be home by supper.

So be a good girl and run along.

The Mercantile, 6600 West Sunset Boulevard, at Seward Avenue, Hollywood (323-962-8202 or themercantilela.com).

Get Pumped

2009-11-16T14:15:00Z

Easy Does It: How to Change a Flat Tire

We’re always looking for a reason to hang out with hunks. Especially if it requires flexing, moaning, and pushing.

So it only made sense to find a muscley beefcake to teach us how to change a busted tire for our next Easy Does It how-to video.

Don’t be intimidated by the task at hand: Fixing a flat is actually really easy — and totally beats waiting for AAA or flagging down a sketchy truck driver. Plus, we figure self-sufficiency (especially if you’re in BFE) is always a good policy.

Now it’s time for a little pump and grind.

To submit questions you’d like us to answer in our next Easy Does It video, e-mail easydoesit@dailycandy.com. Feel free to ask us anything (anything!).

Lilie Padded

2009-11-13T17:30:00Z

Sugar Lilie Dessous Prives Lingerie Shop Opens

Skip the eye of newt. Drop the rabbit’s foot.

It might be Friday the Thirteenth, but you can still get lucky.

All it takes is a stop by Sugar Lilie Dessous Prives, Stacy Shakoor’s just-opened lingerie shop for the very well laced.

Pile on the charms of lesser-known lines plucked from around the globe, like Holland’s Marlies Dekkers, France’s Lejaby, Germany’s Wundervoll, and England’s Nichole de Carle. Slip into something more comfortable like Los Angeles’s own Haute by Carol Malony and New York’s Lake & Stars. Go back anytime to have the in-house seamstress nip stretched-out straps or help with a refit.

Heady scented candles from local W3 or Seda France’s new L’Argent collection are also on hand. When it comes to expelling bad juju, they should do the trick.

Fingers crossed.

Sugar Lilie Dessous Prives, 8024 West Third Street, between South Crescent Heights Boulevard and South Edinburgh Avenue (323-655-0795).

Photo: Courtesy of Sugar Lilie Dessous Prives

Let's Take It Slows

2009-11-13T14:15:00Z

Split Pea and Okra Fritter Recipe from Detroit's Slows Bar B Q

You’ve never been the type to fritter things away. Until now. Down at Slows Bar B Q, Detroit’s destination for all things slathered in saucy sauce and washed down with craft beer, chef Brian Perrone’s split pea and okra fry-ups make a scrumptious start to any meal.

Split Pea and Okra Fritters
Makes 25-30 fritters

Ingredients
2 c. green split peas, cooked and cooled
4 c. baby spinach, packed
½ c. hot sauce
¼ c. buttermilk
6 eggs
2 tbsp. kosher salt
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. baking powder
¼ c. yellow cornmeal
3 c. all-purpose flour, plus a little more
8 c. okra, sliced

1. Combine split peas and spinach in food processor, add hot sauce and buttermilk, process until smooth. Transfer to large bowl.

2. Whisk in eggs; add salt, sugar, baking powder, and cornmeal.

3. Whisk in flour a little at a time until mixture is not too loose, not too firm.

4. Fold in okra.

5. Drop by rounded tablespoon into 350º oil, fry until golden brown and cooked all the way through. Serve immediately.

Slows Bar B Q, 2138 Michigan Avenue, at Fisher Freeway West, Detroit (313-962-9828‎ or slowsbarbq.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Greg Holm

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-12T17:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

What a novel idea.

SLAM
Bad Poetry Open Mic
What: The Better Off Dead Poets Society and ForYourArt celebrate the launch of Pamela August Russell’s new book, B Is for Bad Poetry, with their first one-night prose fest.
Why: Snap! Snap! Snap! Snap!
When: Thurs., 8 p.m.
Where: Mandrake, 2692 S. La Cienega Blvd., b/t Venice & Washington Blvds., Culver City (310-837-3297)

LUTZ
Chill at the W Los Angeles-Westwood Hotel
What: The backyard swimming pool is now a rink courtesy of a sturdy topper of ice; order a pair of rental skates and a cozy cocktail to go with it.
Why: Take your best slap shot.
When: Opens Sun. Mon.-Fri., 3-10 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: 930 Hilgard Ave., b/t Weyburn & Le Conte Aves., Westwood (310-208-8765).

PLAY
Twisted Sundays at High
What: The rooftop bar serves classic games like Twister, Pictionary, and Dominos, along with meal deals and special drinks like the Honey Bee Bomb and Lit Up Lemonade.
Why: Saturday night just wasn’t boozy enough.
When: Sun., 1-4 p.m.
Where: Hotel Erwin, 1697 Pacific Ave., b/t Winward Ct. & 17th Ave., Venice (310-452-1111).

BUY
Fluxus Brentwood Opens
What: Fete the new location of the styled-up local line of jersey basics with the label’s new designer Jeffrey Sebelia and a sweet discount of 25 percent.
Why: Go with the flow.
When: Sat., 1-4 p.m.
Where: 11677 San Vicente Blvd., b/t Barrington & Darlington Aves., ste. 109, Brentwood.

Red Hot Shop-in-Shop
What: Curated by DailyCandy, Target’s online destination comes to town with its handpicked selection of unique finds and exclusive Collina Strada clutch and Rachel Leigh bangles.
Why: A real rouge operation.
When: Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: 6700 Topanga Canyon Blvd., b/t Vanowen St. & Victory Blvd., Canoga Park (818-746-9922‎).

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-12T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Drink up.

CARRY
Wine Totes
What: Carry vino in these perfectly sized cotton bags. They’ve got designs just for Bordeaux, Rioja, and Napa Valley wines.
Why: Beats a paper bag.
Where: Online at maptote.com.

MAKE
All-Natural NyQuil
What: The handsome Hot Knives blogger guys devised a recipe using booze, mint leaves, green chili, and ginger that’ll show your cold who’s boss.
Why: It’s good going down.
Where: Online at urbanhonking.com.

SHOP
Castor & Pollux
What: NYC-based store is bringing its equine-themed clothes, accessories, and antiques to the Net. Designers include Filippa K, Acne, and United Bamboo.
Why: Start horsin’ around.
Where: Online at castorandpolluxstore.com.

USE
Cell Phone Radiation Protection
What: These cases purport to be the first of their kind to reduce radiation from your cellular.
Why: Don’t fry your brain.
Where: Online at pongresearch.com.

EAT
Bobbysue’s Nuts
What: Delish organic snacks are the perfect combo of savory and sweet (even the It’s Raining Chocolate variety). A portion of sales goes to help homeless animals.
Why: You’ll love deez nuts.
Where: Online at bobbysuesnuts.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Kate Mathis

Sample Sale Smash

2009-11-11T17:30:00Z

November 2009 Sample Sales Part One

We’ve only just begun.

What: Steven Alan Sale
Why: Signature button-downs for men ($68) and women ($58) along with big deals on goods from Demylee, Relwen, Sophomore, Generic Surplus, and others.
When: Thurs. & Fri., 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Siren Studios, 6063 W. Sunset Blvd., b/t N. Gower St. & La Baig Ave., Hollywood (323-467-3559).

What: A.P.C. Overstock Sale
Why: Up to 75 percent off past seasons’ women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, and accessories.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 715 S. Los Angeles St., b/t W. Seventh & W. Eighth Sts., Downtown (323-297-0414).

What: Decadestwo Shoe Blowout
Why: The final day of the weekend-long pop-up shop affair has new and gently worn designer (Louboutin, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton) shoes marked $150 and below.
When: Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: Post26, Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., at San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood (310-451-0950). For a chance to be one of the first 50 in line, e-mail rsvp@decadestwo.com.

What: Amenity Home Sample Sale
Why: Half off current collections, 75 percent off Belgian linen pillows, organic cotton duvets in test colors for $50-$100, nursery samples for $15-$60, and more.
When: Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: 453 S. Spring St., b/t W. Fourth & W. Fifth Sts., ste. 918, Downtown.

What: Kimberly Ovitz Sample Sale
Why: Samples, overstock, and one-of-a-kind pieces from spring and fall collections going for $10-$600.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 2601 Colorado Ave., b/t 26th & Princeton Sts., Santa Monica.

Future Perfect

2009-11-11T17:00:00Z

Top Ten Destinations for 2010

Last week we announced our partnership with Black Tomato. Today we’re showing what it can do: get you to the destinations everyone’s going to be talking about next. (P.S. to those who haven’t booked holiday trips yet: Look. how. easy.)

Here are the top ten for 2010.

Colombia is the perfect cocktail of sea (Caribbean), mountains (Andes), and rain forest (Amazon). In Cartagena, check into Sofitel Santa Clara, then wander cobbled streets to gaze at brightly colored buildings, watch spectacular sunsets from Cafe del Mar on the harbor, and have dinner at Club de Pesca (order mahimahi). End your visit snorkeling crystal blue waters while recuperating in a stunning ecohab in the cliffs above the Parque Nacional Tayrona beaches. Details.

Safaris always deliver, especially in Botswana, where the flood plains of the Okavango Delta are home to elephants, lions, wildebeest, giraffes, and buttloads of wild cats. Bond with the beasts from a different perspective on HMS Zib, a spanking-new houseboat that cruises the river. At Zarafa Camp, you can sleep in a four-poster bed, relax in a free-standing copper tub, and snooze by roaring open-stone fires. Details.

If you want to turn a classic on its head, set your compass to the land Down Under, which has so much more than the well-publicized East Coast. Western Australia has laid-back charm, beautiful beaches, and rugged landscapes. Start at The Richardson Hotel in Perth, then head up the coast to Ningaloo Reef to swim with whale sharks, surf alongside dolphins, and take in mesmerizing sunsets at wine tastings. From the ecotents at Sal Salis, it’s a quick kayak ride to the reef’s fish, turtles, and manta rays. Details.

Since Turkey is outside the euro, your budget will stretch further. European Capital of Culture Istanbul will be throbbing next year and, when combined with Bodrum and Cappadocia, mixes ancient and modern. In Istanbul, stay at Tomtom Suites in the historic Pera area for incredible views of the rooftops and harbor. Or across the water on the Asian side at Sumahan for huge suites with funky fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Bosphorus. Look out Côte d’Azur: Bodrum’s up-and-coming beach hotspots Cesme (your hotel: 7800) and Türkbükü (book Maçakizi) have sugar white sand and emerald waters and are the coolest place to top up your tan in style. In Cappadocia, take a balloon ride tour of the stunning lunar landscapes and ancient caves, then recover from it all at Anatolian Houses. Details.

Rounding out the list: lost cities in Syria, volcano surfing in Nicaragua, spiritual awakening in Bhutan, maharaja living in India, lunar landscapes in Chile, and wildebeest migrations in Tanzania.

The got-there-first bragging rights are yours for the taking.

For more information and help booking trips, go to blacktomato.co.uk.

Photos: Courtesy of Black Tomato; Courtesy of Ningaloo Reef

I Love You, Mann

2009-11-11T14:15:00Z

Elliot Mann Handbags Launch

Your dating life is proof that men are from Mars and women are from Venus.

So Elliot Mann must be from Marnus.

One look at his bags, and you’ll suspect the guy’s too good to be true (he is, in fact, imaginary — inspired by two of the designer’s mentors).

Made out of vintage embroidered fabrics from all over the world, each carryall is a one-of-a-kind creation. All are vibrant in color and pattern with sturdy braided leather handles, and they’re big enough to tote around a laptop and groceries on top of the essentials.

The just-launched online shop stocks only twenty bags at a time, and at $275, expect them to go like hotcakes. Thankfully, inventory will constantly be replenished as it’s sold.

Looks like the planets have been aligned.

Available online at elliotmann.com.

Elliot Mann Bag Collection

2009-11-11T14:00:00Z

One-of-a-kind showstoppers, Elliot Mann bags ($275) have a rich history. Fabrics are sourced from Asia, Nepal, and Peru, with Morocco next on the horizon. They all had a previous existence in some other form — furniture upholstery, curtains, even a monk’s robe.

Get the full story on Elliot Mann.