Airport Essentials for the Busy Girl

With over 20 flights in my passport for this year alone, I think I’m finally getting to a point where I can comfortably pack a travel suitcase for fear of arriving at my destination and blurting out the usual “Ugh I forgot my…”. Sure, it’s only taken me 30 years of travelling to get this down pat but hey – a girl can be forgetful!

Whether it’s a trip to the airport or a weekend getaway, top of my list has to be the eos Organic Smooth Sphere Lip Balms. If the up, up, and away on a plane doesn’t cause my lips to chap, it’s the change of scenery which can often cause my lips to crack and crumble leaving them worse for wear. With 100% natural ingredients and loaded with vitamin E, eos is like a mini pick-me-up for my lips!

I’ve typically also got my Mini Travel Dryer, Dry Shampoo, Mini Card Carrier and a cute pony tail accessory for that day 3 (ok maybe 4) hair you just can’t be bothered to style. I love packing products packed with oils as my hair and skin can get super dry from airplanes and the eos line of balms definitely helps check that off my list ;) Packed with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, moisturizing shea butter and jojoba oil – my lips get all the nutrients they need!

The new Shimmer line from the brand leaves a lasting colour and shimmer – perfect for those who need to cut down on the size of their makeup bag – me included!

Good for your lips, sweet smelling and easy to pack? The eos lip balm line has been and will continue to be at the top of packing list for 2017!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of eos Products LLC. The opinions and text are all mine.

Travel Diary: Napa

With the big city long gone behind us, we were all eager to arrive at our next destination: Napa. To be honest, I was shocked at how close the wine region was in relation to San Francisco. I definitely think a day trip is feasible if an extended stay isn’t an option.

With so many family and friends having visited the area, sorting through the best of what to see, eat and do seemed daunting. Knowing American Express Platinum Concierge and Travel Service has a record of what we’ve booked in the past, made it easy to call someone who not only knows how we like to travel but what would peak our interest. So after a great chat with my concierge, Marie-Eve, and the helpful folks on the Travel team we were set up in at the Carneros Inn – a rustic farmhouse resort and FINE HOTELS & RESORTS property– and reservations at the top spots in the area.

Where to Stay

After spending the week in the Napa area, it became very clear that the region is made up various smaller cities and pockets. Sonoma is about a 30 minute drive from the main hub of wine region but with rolling hills, shopping plazas and more – there’s certainly an appeal to the area. We stayed at the Carneros Inn in Napa. Mind you – we were about a 20 minute drive away from wineries in the Napa wine region such as Beringer, Opus One or Frog’s Leap, but I loved how peaceful and quaint the area was. Other areas definitely worth checking out are Healdsburg, Yountville and Saint Helena. The last three cities are fun villages within the city that feature local boutiques, café’s, restaurants, and more. Yountville was a personal favourite!

Morning breakfast in our backyard :)

As part of the FINE HOTELS & RESORTS program, Carneros Inn seemed to be a perfect match for our stay. While wine tasting was top of our list, we were also looking for some serious R&R. With two pools, complimentary bikes, a bocce ball court, marketplace and more – it couldn’t have been a more perfect resort for our stay. Rather than hotel rooms, guests are greeted into mini cottages with a wood burning fireplace, outdoor shower, patio space and a balcony that could melt your heart. It was a little slice of heaven and possibly one of our favourite properties we’ve ever stayed in. Another perk? Our trusty daily breakfast for two, compliments of American Express. We took full advantage of this awesome benefit to fuel up for our vino-filled afternoons.

How adorable is the poolside vibe of our hotel?

A sneak peek at what I packed for our week in Napa.

Wineries

I’m going to start this off by assuring you that I am certainly not a wine connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination. With Rose being my go-to wine of choice, I’m sure you can summon how much of a wine keener I am. That being said, we did our fair share of wine tasting and these were some of our favourites:

Frog’s Leap: A quaint winery located in Napa, we loved the guided tour, property and selection of wines.

Domaine Chandon: A winery after my own heart. The sparkline wine selection here was fabulous and the grounds (lined with white Muskoka chairs) make sitting and sipping a breeze. Definitely a must do for a girl’s weekend!

Stag’s Leap: Though not a red drinker myself, it was undeniable to appreciate the quality of wine produced at this winery. The patio views are also not to be missed as your sipping on their famous Cabernet Sauvignon.

Taking a break in between wineries.

Barrels at Stag’s Leap.

Nickel& Nickel: Quite possibly one of the most darling wineries I’ve ever visited. OH – and their wine (even the red) was out of this world. The rose garden on site is too pretty for words and the guided tour of the property was my favourite of all the wineries we visited. The cheese pairing with the wine selection was also super interesting. We ran home and bought everything we were served we loved it so much!

DomaineCarneros: Another sparkling wine stop! The grounds are stunning, wine selection is amazing and the antipasto platter is a must-do!

My takeaway for Rose, “Chill it and kill it.”

Sparkling wine sippin’ at Domaine Carneros.

Starmont Winery: Located off the beaten path, this winery features killer music, hillside views and a Chardonnay that’s totally worth a visit.

Caymus Winery: This was more of a sentimental visit for us. We served Conundrum at our wedding and hadn’t had it since. The tasting experience here is less formal but enjoyable with friends in various pockets spread out amongst the property.

Robert Foley: One of the founding father’s in the Napa wine region, their wine tasting is a tad unconventional unlike others in the area. A more hands-on and friendlier approach, I walked away with the most knowledge about soils, different regions and history on the area than any other winery.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery: More of a resort complex than a winery: this spot is home to one of my favourites – Sofia sparking wine – and another – a sprawling pool on site. Mix wine tasting, late lunch and an afternoon by the pool and you’ve got my vote.

Hanging pool side at the Francis Ford Coppola winery.

Where to Eat

Thanks to our Platinum concierge, most of our dinner reservations were cared for leaving lunch options to our discretion. One spot I specifically wanted to visit was Gott’s Roadside. The burgers, fries and shakes were out of the world and most definitely worth the visit. Be sure to order ahead online to avoid the long wait lines. Bouchon Bakery was another spot on our list for their famous croissants and fresh baked goods in the morning. Be sure to arrive early before your favourites are gone! Another must-do spot for lunch was Genova’s Deli located in the Napa area. A true Italian marketplace, they’ll pack up the best sandwich you’ve ever had with some yummy sides and you’re all set for a picnic in the park. For breakfast, you must stop by Boon Fly Café at the Carneros Inn resort. Anticipate a bit of a wait but the warm donuts brought to your table make it all worthwhile!

A must do: Gott’s Roadside!

Be sure to visit Bouchon Bakery for their fresh croissants!

The donuts at Boon Fly Cafe are out of this world!

As for memorable dinners, I have to hand it to the Amex team for some of the best meals we’ve had in a while. Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch was American style cuisine in a cozy barn. The brick cooked chicken was to die for! Bouchon boasted French style cuisine from esteemed chef Thomas Keller and oh goodness, I can still taste the steak and frites from that meal – a MUST! Redd Wood was a refreshing, casual vibe that offered up amazing pizzas. Bottega – an Italian spot – was another top contender for best meal of the trip. You HAVE to try their Olive Oil based bread dip, antipasto platter and the Bolognese spaghetti. That alone is worth a trip back! Last but not least, The Farm at Carneros Inn was another stellar spot. Located in our hotel, it was American style cuisine set on the patio. With farm-to-table food served up, it was fresh and tasty. Be sure to make your way over to the fire pit for a nightcap after dinner is done!

Cozy up by the fire after supper at The Farm.

What to See

Everyone who hears you’re going to Napa will tell you to take a hot air balloon ride over the region during the sunrise, and they’re absolutely right. The experience was absolutely incredible and well worth the 4:30am wakeup call! We booked our excursion with aloft Hot Air Balloon Rides and we’re still talking about the experience.

We love scoping out other American Express properties when we’re visiting a town. Properties on our list we loved strolling around were, Auberge du Soleil for cocktails and Meadowwood Napa Valley. While we never got around to booking one, I definitely recommend looking to a bicycle tour of the area with a picnic lunch – we saw a few of these during our visit and it looked so adorable and quaint!

How to Get Around

We tossed around the idea of UBER for the week or picking up cab rides here and there but I will say that a car rental is definitely a must for the area. With some visits spanning a 45-minute drive each way having our own car definitely came in handy.

Final Thoughts

Wine drinker or not, Napa was definitely worth checking off our bucket list. The cuisine was superb, weather was fab, resorts were outstanding and wine was out of this world. With limited hotel rooms and restaurants in the area, I definitely recommend getting in touch with the American Express Platinum Concierge and Travel Service to assist with the booking of your next trip. I cannot stress enough the relief it feels to have someone tell you ‘they got this’ and to truly understand how you like to vacation and pull it off so effortlessly. If Napa is a bucket list destination for you, remember that Platinum Card members not only receive a $200 credit they can use towards travel per year but each point spent on everyday expenses like gas, clothing or groceries can earn you rewards to put towards your next vacation. I can’t wait to see where our Card takes us next!

Thank You to American Express Canada for
partnering on this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

City by the Bay: San Fran Guide

You know those trips you’re always saying you ‘should’ take with friends but never get the chance to do so? That was always San Francisco and Napa for us. Years ago Adam and I drove the California coast from San Diego to San Francisco but never made it further north. So naturally – over a glass of wine- we got to planning. We netted out on a 10 day trip kicking off in San Francisco and wrapping up in Napa for the perfect way to close out Summer 2016.

Leave it to me to get crazy busy at the office and discover one week before our trip, we haven’t yet booked a hotel, restaurants or activities. So what do you do when you’re in a pinch (ok, more like bind)? You call the American Express Platinum Card Travel service and Concierge team.

With two simple phone calls on my way to work, I had the Amex Platinum Card Travel Service on all systems go making hotel recommendations and my Platinum concierge making restaurant suggestions and must-see and do activities. Knowing we’d be doing a ton of walking, we wanted a luxurious retreat in San Francisco where we could kick our feet up at the end of the day. The Platinum Travel Service team was able to secure us a room at the Ritz Carlton, a FINE HOTELS & RESORTS property, and with buy three nights and get one free as part of a current promotion– we were sold.
We kicked off our vacation by breezing through the security line at Pearson with a flash of our Amex Platinum Card and headed straight for the Plaza Premium Lounge. Talk about starting off on a positive note! We fueled up or our flight with some snacks and a glass of rose- the first of many for the trip ahead!

There’s nothing better after a 5 hour flight and lengthy jaunt from the airport to the hotel to hear that your room has been upgraded to a junior suite free of charge and that you have complimentary daily breakfast with room service or restaurant dining. (We all know how much I love my Eggs Benny on vaca!).

We had an early start on our first day and kicked off our sightseeing right with a Catamaran tour of the San Francisco coastline. With views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, it was honestly an awesome experience. What amazed me more is we had literally booked this less than 12 hours before walking onto the plane with American Express Concierge.

Views of SF from the catamaran tour!

For lunch, we headed to the San Francisco Ferry Plaza for a Saturday morning market stroll and feast. Vendors that caught our eye were Miette for pastries, Blue Bottle coffee for the perfect cappuccino and Humphry Slocombe for dessert.

Treats at Miette!

If you aren’t planning on making it out to Napa, then be sure to dine at Gott’s Roadside. We ended up at Hog Island OysterCo. for lunch and it was just what we needed to satisfy our seafood craving ;)

How do you wrap up an already perfect day? Shopping of course! And since every $1 spent earns you points towards another vacation, it’s far easier justifying those boots you just need for fall and know they’ll look fabulous in your next vaca #ootd! We did most of our damage in and around Union Square – a must see if you’re new to the area.

For supper, we headed to Foreign Cinema – an Amex recommendation and a personal favourite from the last time we were in town.

Saturday morning on vacation always calls for brunch in our books. Thankfully, the Amex concierge team had passed along the Cole’s Notes guide to the city with an encouragement to visit Pacific Heights for shopping, eating and bougainvillea hunting. Rose’s Café, nestled in the heart of the area, is the quintessential Parisian inspired restaurant with amazing brunch options.

When you’re wrapped up, wonder over to the Bud Stop for some fresh floral inspiration.

Our wanderings brought us to Marina, Palace of Fine Arts, the Painted Ladies and much more in the area. I have to admit, once you get beyond the obvious checklist of tourist things to do in the city, it really is a stunning place to wander around. We closed out the afternoon with a stroll along Baker Beach for views of the Golden Gate Bridge. What seemed like 20,000 steps later (ok more like 10K), we went back to our hotel room, got gussied up and headed out for dinner to Park Tavern. Super swanky, great scene and awesome food!

Parked out front of a bakery waiting for treats!

The painted ladies!

We did learn very fast in the city that reservations are a must so be sure to plan ahead when visiting, as banking on waiting for a table can often be lengthy – and nobody likes to be hangry!

Our last day in San Fran called for a slow start. We ordered room service a using our daily complimentary breakfast, caught up on emails and mapped out our final day. Being the bike enthusiast that he is, Adam was super eager to bike over the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito. With mixed emotions, I agreed (remind me not to do this after a glass of wine next time!).

And to the bat phone we go (aka The Amex Concierge 1-800 phone)! Wam, bam, boom – within minutes we knew where to go to rent our bikes, which lunch stop to hit and when we should start making our way back.

Incredible views of Sausolito!

Naturally, I wanted to look cute and photo-op ready. I did hear the bike ride was downhill the entire way. Whoever told me that – LIED. Now I’m certainly no avid biker but I didn’t find the ride easy and the ‘downhill’ part that’s a breeze lasts all of 5 minutes of the 1.5 hour ride. BUT – it’s totally worth it! Sausalito can feel reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast with stacked homes on the hillside. We stopped in at The Trident for margaritas, fish tacos and some insane views of the city.

A stroll around town and a few hours later, we boarded the ferry and took a much more efficient route back to San Fran. Exhausted, we headed back to the hotel and crashed in what may be the coziest bed ever! With one last night on the town we headed to Wayfare Tavern – voted the best fried chicken in the US – and it definitely disappoint. We then hightailed it over to the Tonga Room, a fun tiki bar in the Fairmont property – for Mai Tai’s and a great cover band.

Overall, we had a blast and would definitely consider heading back to San Francisco, The architecture is stunning, shopping is great and food is superb! The restaurant tips, neighborhoods to see and accommodations were a dream and we owe such a fabulous experience to the Amex Platinum concierge and travel service!

Thank You to American Express Canada for partnering on this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Great Canadian road trip with American Express

If I had to summarize the landscape of BC in one word for you, I’d have to describe it as breathtaking. Cliché, I know. But after a recent road trip tackling almost 400KM through the province, that’s the most describable word I could think of. Our friends at American Express Canada, challenged us to tackle Kelowna, Whistler and Vancouver over the course of 6 days and to say it was an adventure, would be an understatement.

After some initial discussions with the Platinum Concierge team, a fabulous service available to Platinum Cardmembers, we were provided with a complete itinerary chronicling every element of our trip from the moment we hit the road to the moment we journeyed home.

Jacket {old, similar} | Shirt | Sandals | Sunglasses | Jeans

My ideal travel outfit for a 4 hour flight: comfy tee, jeans and a jacket for warmth if need be! I feel like I rarely get to snap airport style pics since we’re racing from the parking garage to the terminal like a bunch of lunatics. As American Express Platinum Cardmembers, however, we were able to score complimentary valet, a 15% parking discount, and security line bypass through the Pearson Priority Lane and effortlessly waltzed through the airport without a care in the world. Now that is the way you fly in style, my friends!

Another perk of having American Express Platinum Card? Scoring access to the Plaza Premium Lounge in Toronto Pearson Airport and a slew of other airports, including Vancouver. Whether a cappuccino, cocktail or glass of wine is your fancy – kick your feet up and enjoy! Naturally, I opted for a glass of wine and a side order of travel magazines before our flight.

Our arrival to the Kelowna airport was seamless with our Buick Encore rental car which was already arranged for us and waiting at the airport for pick up. We hit the ground running to our first stop: Mission Hill winery for dinner. The Platinum Concierge team not only arranged for our reservation (timed perfectly with our landing), but also ensured we had the best seat in the house – my kind of dining!

An advocate for wine country in Niagara-on-the-Lake, I have to say, the grounds, meal and wine at this property knocked our socks off. With a menu changing daily and views overlooking the estate and lake, I would highly recommend adding this to your list of things to do!

The rose garden at Mission Hill winery is one of my favourite parts!

Dress | Bag | Shoes

Taking this view in before dinner – the Okanagan Valley.

We woke up super refreshed the next morning during our stay at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna. Even better – since the hotel is one of Amex’s FINE HOTELS AND RESORTS properties, we were able to enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning, which included Starbucks brewed coffee – YAS!

The hotel was situated right on Okanagan Lake and had the most darling boardwalk surrounding the property.

Ever eager to pull out the
adventurer in me, Adam was interested in doing a bike tour of the Myra
Canyon in Kelowna. Ladies I know, you’re probably asking where the adorable
basket and flowers are BUT I will say, the experience was like no other. The
views and trails in this spot were so scenic and completely worth trading in my
adorable city bike for an all-terrain one (but only for an afternoon!). What I
love is that Adam and I were able to share our interests and hobbies with the Platinum
Concierge team so they could arrange activities that fit both our needs.

And after we biked, we wine tasted! Next on the docket for the day was a tour of the Fab Five wineries within the Kelowna wine region. Vibrant Vines is the only wine company that produces 3D labels – but I don’t recommend a wine tasting and 3D reading unless you’re a brave soul!

After a long day of touring around, we knew we’d want something quiet and relaxing for dinner and the American Express Platinum Concierge team didn’t disappoint. For our second evening, we headed to Quail’s Gate Winery.

Staring out at the incredible view before dinner. Wait for it…

I mean can we talk about this view? Just when I thought the Platinum Concierge team couldn’t top a view from the night before, they sent us here. And, since Quail’s Gate Winery is part of the Platinum Dining Program, we were treated to a delicious appetizer (scallops!) on the house! When it comes to unforgettable culinary experiences courtesy of the Platinum Dining Program, this one tops our list! The wine was superb and the meal was out of this world.

A few snaps around the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. How awesome is this patio at the back of the hotel?

We got an early start on our third day in BC knowing we had about a 5-hour drive ahead of us to travel from Kelowna to Whistler. But before we took off, we knew we needed a solid brunch. The recently opened, Oak + Cru, located in the Delta Okanagan Resort was SO worth getting up early for. With tasty smoothies, breakfast power bowls or my favourite – unique takes on eggs Benedict, it’s mmm mmm good! While they do offer lunch and dinner, we found brunch to be superb.

And with brunch behind us, we were off! It’s been a while since we’ve been in a car together for 5 straight hours so we were pleasantly surprised when we found out that American Express hooked us up with the GM Buick Encore, equipped with 4G LTE with Wi-Fi, Navigation and more. Travelling in style allowed us to stay connected on the go with all the comforts of home. We downloaded music re-routed our next leg of the trip to drive through the mountains and got caught up on the Bachelorette (ok well I did!) – the drive literally flew by.

Hat | Jacket | Pants

And of course, it was essential to stop for moments like this…

and this.

And about 6 hours later – yes, we pretty much pulled off at every vantage point possible – can you blame us? While Kelowna was absolutely amazing, we were thrilled to arrive at our next destination: Whistler. Stay tuned for the second series of our Great Canadian Road Trip for what to see/do/eat in Whistler and Vancouver.

Looking to plan a road trip of your own this summer? Platinum Cardmembers earn 1.25 Membership Rewards points for every purchase which can then be redeemed for travel. On top of that, working alongside the Platinum Concierge team is an absolute dream. Planning trips – as fun as they can be – can be so stressful when trying to coordinate where to stay, where to eat and what activities are worth seeing or doing. With an experienced travel team and Platinum Concierge assisting you along the way, it’s so easy to kick back, relax and actually enjoy the planning process. To learn more about all the wonderful perks of being an Amex Platinum Cardmember, click HERE.

This post was sponsored by Amex Canada. The views and opinions expressed in this blog, however, are purely my own.

Rose Garden

Cardigan: c/o Joe Fresh {also here} | Dress: c/o Eliza J {also love this} | Shoes: c/o Stuart Weitzman {Dupes under $100} | Bag: YSL {Dupe here} | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Watch: Michael Kors

Fresh off the plane and ready to hit the ground running, Adam and I visited Mission Hill Winery for dinner on our first night in Kelowna. The rose gardens on the property are out of this world, and don’t get me started on the wine and dinner ;) I definitely recommend a visit if you’re in the area! And for the perfect date night look, this dress takes the cake. I love how easy it packs (I pulled this out of my carry-on wrinkle-free!) and effortless goes from day to night.

Parisian Flare

Hat: Lack of Color | Dress: c/o Chicwish | Shoes: Ann Taylor | Bag: YSL {Dupe} | Sunglasses: Celine {similar} | Bracelets: c/o Loren Hope
Photos by Kassandra

Le sigh! These photos were snapped on an afternoon in Paris with sissy and I think it might just be one of my favourites to date. This was shot at a local cafe on our street and we were lucky to catch it at a lull between lunch and dinner seatings. And of course – what stroll through Paris is complete without a bouquet of peonies? ;)

London Bound with Autograph Collection Hotels

When the cool weather isn’t easing up and you’re eager for signs of spring, where do you go? London of course! My sister and I recently planned a girls trip to London (find more pics of our adventures on Instagram by searching the hashtag, #SFPTravels) filled with shopping, wandering around Notting Hill, cafe hopping and more. But the most important factor to consider: where we were going to stay!

It had been a few years (actually over a decade) since we’d been in London and knew we wanted to stay in a central location close to the tube, major attractions, restaurants and of course – shopping. Alas, we found the St. Ermin’s Hotel, Autograph Collection in Central London.

Boutique-style by nature, each property in the Autograph Collection chain of hotels is original and often brimming with uncommon details. Whether it’s art local to the area or chic by nature, the uniqueness of each local is undeniable. With locations available worldwide, the custom experience is truly one-of-a kind.

When you have two sissies travelling with a large suitcase and a carry on each – the family size room definitely came in handy ;) Two queen beds and two separate bathrooms? Ummm yes please!

Adore the pattern on their textiles!

Photo Courtesy of Pinterest

Can we take a moment to talk about the lobby of this hotel? In true English style, the hotel was charming in its own sense. I loved the tufted bench seats and hand picked antiques in the hallway – stunning! The staircase led to additional seating on the second floor and a terrace overlooking the gardens.

Pajamas: Wildfox
Morning tea on the banquette in our family room overlooking the courtyard. The oversized windows in the rooms were the most scenic way to wake up to the bustling sound of London in the morning!

The courtyard featured these dramatic doors and lush gardens – such a stunning view if you wanted tea or drinks on the terrace. How charming!

Ready for a day of exploring on the terrace!

The taxi cabs in London are just too cute!

Situated in Central London, we snapped these photos strolling around the hotel’s neighborhood one afternoon. We stumbled across the most beautiful storefront of a local florist.

As for local attractions, we visited Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and Knightsbridge. The St. James Park Tube station was also 2-3 minutes away – perfect for getting around town!

Sweater: Joe Fresh | Dress: BB Dakota | Bag: Chloe | Shoes: Valentino | Sunglasses: Celine {similar} | Necklace: Kate Spade

High tea set up in their the St. Ermin’s tea room!

Our menu for the day!

Royale Tea is a high tea kicked off with champagne – just our style ;)

Earl grey with a spoonful of sugar and milk for me :)

The most darling treats and sandwiches you ever did see!

The perfect way to spend our afternoon!

The St. Ermin’s Hotel, Autograph Collection was truly a memorable stay. Property and central location aside, the staff were so attentive to detail and were so helpful in coordinating suggestions for attractions, directions and reservations. Situated within the Marriott family of resorts, you can also earn Marriott Reward points during your stay and have access to free wifi and mobile check-in all while earning your next stay.

The next visit you plan to London, be sure to consider the St. Ermin’s Hotel, Autograph Collection. I promise you the grounds alone are enough to make you want to cozy up with a cup of tea on their terrace and forget the sights ;) If you’ve got a staycation in your plans for the summer, be sure to check out their two Canadian properties in Saskatoon and St. Andrew’s. Have you stayed at an Autograph Collection property? Would love to know what you think!

Wandering in Notting Hill

Hat: Lack of Color | Sweater: Joe Fresh {old, similar} | Dress: Ann Taylor | Belt: Ann Taylor | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Necklace: Kate Spade | Watch: Michael Kors | Cuff: c/o Jet Set Candy | Trench: Burberry {similar}
Photos by Kassandra Kondo

Sharing some sneak peek photos at an outfit I wore to explore Notting Hill in London. This town has been on my travel bucket list for years and I was thrilled to finally make it there with my sis! I can’t tell you how many darling doors we came across on our travels and all of the charming streets. I’ve even debated dedicating a blog post to just the doors and sights worth seeing in the town. What do you think?

Drinks with a View

Ask any Canadian what one of their favourite cities to visit is and I’m quite certain most will respond with Montreal. Whether it’s the food, the architecture, the language or the company – it’s a city like no other. Any chance we have to get to this vibrant city, is an opportunity we’ll take!

In the midst of a rebrand, Renaissance Hotels recently invited us to stay with them at their newest location in downtown Montreal. With 142 rooms, the hotel certainly emits a boutique vibe. The decor was one of my favourite aspects. It’s rare to find a property that combines luxury decor with street style and yet this location captured it perfectly.

Local graffiti artist, Alexandre Veilleux, has adorned guest rooms, hallways and even common areas with graffiti installations that leave you in awe. One of my favourite aspects was the powder rooms located on the main floor. Each designed differently there was one with exposed pipes, another with a facade of mirrors and my favourite – another wallpapered with the map of Old Montreal. I certainly left with some decor pointers for our own place ;)

Located at the corner of Cathcart Street and Robert-Bourassa Boulevard, the hotel is in a prime location to see the sights in Montreal. One of the trademarks of the Renaissance hotels are the in-house Navigators. These in-the-know guides can help you with local shopping excursions, coffee shop recommendations (and yes – they made sure they were Instagram friendly) as well as the best dinner spots in town.

Enjoying a glass of champagne over the rooftop terrace at Renaissance Montreal – the only one of its kind in the city!

Starting our day off with Porter Airlines at the Billy Bishop Airport!

Greeted with a welcome cocktail at EAST restaurant within the hotel. The lunch here was AMAZING! Be sure to get the house salad ;)

The rooftop terrace stainless steel pool!

A packed party for the launch of the Renaissance Montreal hotel!

Views from the hotel for the evening. Photo courtesy of Renaissance Montreal.

I adore the charm of Old Montreal!

Jacket: c/o Coach {similar} | Shirt: J. Crew {old, similar} | Bandana: Asos {old, similar} | Jeans: c/o Blank NYC | Shoes: Sam Edelman | Sunglasses: Karen Walker
We snapped this following lunch at Olive & Gourmando in Old Montreal – a recommendation from the Navigators that we loved!

We dined at Barroco for dinner and it was AMAZING!

Scenes from Cafe Myriade in Club Monaco

Taking a much needed break from shopping to enjoy a coffee at Cafe Myriade in Club Monaco. Another favourite of mine in the city!

I love the swing in the lobby – how fun is this?!

Caught up on emails in this fun nook of the lobby!

Checking emails in the lobby before heading back to Toronto :(

Overall, we had a fabulous stay and will definitely be back. If travel plans to Montreal are in your future, be sure to check out the Renaissance Montreal!