1. This weekend, I took a photography class from XperienceDays.com. I have used a DSLR camera for a long time but never ventured away from the auto settings. This class was a great opportunity to spend a sunny afternoon in Central Park while learning about some of the more advanced features of my camera. It was an awesome beginners class, I learned about exposure, shutter speed, and aperture though clear demonstrations. We could ask lots of questions the upside of learning in person vs via youtube. Above are some of my shots trying out the tricks I learned like using a lower number aperture to take a hyper-focused photo of a small flower or leaf.

    There are a million different Xperiences on the website from food tours to painting classes in NYC and other cities. Next up Trapeze class!


    Click here to learn more about the Central Park Photography Class

  2. Mermaids

    (Source: chasing-equilibrium, via condenasttraveler)

  3. As a New Yorker and a child of the 80/90s, I have a tendency to want to dress down, way down, like a sporty homeless person or a cowgirl rockstar (two of my favorite movies are Easy Rider and Urban Cowboy). My fashion M.O. is to throw on jeans+boots+blazer, mostly black, with weird vintage finds. So…. I really appreciate when someone dares to make a completely unpractical, ultra-luxurious, lovely feminine piece like this gown from Ulyana Sergeenko Couture collection for SS2013.The fabric color, the exposed shoulder, the hip-hugging silhouette, the ruffles, the train are all very attractive to me. This ensemble, hat included, would make for a very original bridal look.

  4. Travel is a great educator

    Not only do you learn about different cultures but you learn about yourself. How strange that when you take yourself out of your element you can become more conscious of who you are. You may adapt to your new environment but the contrast will help highlight the parts that remain. Your youness, your values the things that are not so easily shed. Get up and go find yourself.

  5. My favorite looks from the 2013 Met Gala:

    Lauren Santo Domingo’s unique style

    Anja Rubik’s pure sexy appeal

    Anne Hathaway’s hair and sheer gown

    Bella Heathcote’s liner and ear cuff

  6. How to take an instagram-worthy beach photo (no bikini required)

    Taking action photos like the ones above is one of my favorite things to do on the beach. It is also a lot of fun. The secret is that I am not actually jumping that high, there is a trick to making yourself look like you have amazing ups. Here is how:

    1. Get a friend to man the camera; they don’t have to be an expert.

    2. Find the highest point on the sand that is also closest to the water.

    3. Position your friend 10 - 30 feet away on an area that is at a lower elevation than the one you are standing on. *this is important*

    4. Give your friend a countdown… and jump away! It may take a couple of tries before the photographer gets the timing down so don’t get yourself all sandy before you’ve gotten the shot that you wanted.

    5. Also the sand absorbs a little of the force of your jump so be careful. For example, if you can easily do a back flip on the ground you just might face plant when trying it in the sand, believe me on this one.

    Prepare to get lots of likes. Also mention me in your shots @glamtropical and I will repost them :)

  7. Last day in JA, got some sun with Angela 🌴☀ (at Boardwalk Beach)

  8. The view at Laughing Waters, Jamaica (at Laughing Water)

  9. This was yesterday omg #jamaica #travel (at Home Sweet Home)

  10. Beauty Best from Milan and Paris:

    Gorge disco curls at Rochas

    Weepy starlet eyes at Prada

    Lashes and Fringe at Pucci

    Classic Dolce & Gabbana beauty