After the long days and nights of experiencing all that Bangkok has to offer, there’s truly only one hotel that I can think of as a true urban retreat.

The Siam Hotel, located in the more residential and historic Dusit neighborhood, removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown yet surrounded by local culture is an absolute slice of paradise on the river.

This expansive property is one of the most unique resorts that I’ve visited in my life, mainly due to being privately owned by the artistic and creative Sukosol family, who have poured their creativity into every detail of the hotel.  From their private collection of eclectic international antiques and Chinese porcelain, to the simple, modern color palate of dark wood mixed with shades of whites, grays and blues, The Siam is the new poster child for casual elegance in hotels.

Apart from the stunning details of the interior, the exterior of the property is what truly sparkles.  The essence of Thailand is simply captured by the Jim Thompson era wood villas mixed with the modern and sleek white architecture and infinity edge pool.

The relaxed, riverside setting is perfectly inviting to spend a day sleeping in, enjoying room service, detoxifying yourself via Opium Spa’s 3 hour long “Cleanse” ritual, then lounging the afternoon away poolside with a cocktail in hand.  Ahhh, yes, my perfect remedy after a crazy night of Bangkok rooftop bar hopping, and certainly a foolproof way of rejuvenating yourself to hop back on one of the river boat shuttles and head back downtown for some sightseeing, shopping and emersion in the life of Bangkok tomorrow morning.

Before departing The Siam, an absolute must that you have to fit into your schedule is the Private Cooking Class and Market Tour with Executive Chef Blair Mathieson.  Not only does Blair share his expansive knowledge of Thai ingredients and culinary skills with you, he proves to be a spectacular host, charming, friendly and even patient with those who may not be the most “culinary inclined”.

Certainly one of those resorts that you’ll find yourself missing before you’re even on your flight home, every last detail of The Siam will remain in your head until you plan your return.

New York in the Winter time is a magical place.  At the moment, colder than anyone could ever have imagined, yet a bit of a Winter Wonderland nevertheless, filled with Snow, Ice Sickles and depending on the month, the amazing Christmas Holiday Lights.

These days, there’s no more perfect compliment to all the glittering lights, snow and ice as a chic black and white wardrobe accented with a few pops of metallic to accentuate the glow, and yes, lets not forget the statement outer wear!

Winter travel can be additionally stressful with the weather cancellations, delays, etc…so it’s more important than ever to keep my wardrobe contained as much as possible to 2 carry on bags.  In an effort to reduce my luggage to a minimalistically chic duo, while packing bulkier winter items, here’s my strategy:

1. Devote yourself to a color palette, then Mix & Match galore.  This winter, I’m all about the Black, White and Metallics…and of course with a pop of red in a scarf, shoe or accessory to accentuate the red lips.  A few statement tops and dress ccan easily change up those black leggings or the skirt and tights combo for a variety of settings.

2.  Substitute leather or faux leather for denim.  The leather trend is all the rage and an added benefit is that it really keeps you warm, so leave the jeans at home as they’ll only add weight to your luggage.

3.  Keep all shoes in the category of “Day to Night”.  No, I don’t mean ballet flats that you can walk in for 24 hours straight, but fashion forward shoes and boots that are serious enough for daytime meetings or lunches and edgy enough for a night on the town.

4.  Let statement accessories set the tone.  You can easily fit your accessory and jewelry choices into your handbag when traveling and these dangle earrings and large cuff bracelets are what can convert any simple black ensemble to being worthy of the pages of Vogue.

5.  Dont forget the sparkle on nails and lips.  That pop of color should not be forgotten down to the tiniest details when dressing with a limited palette.  A great color lipstick or gloss can save you from looking winter washed out and a pre trip mani is one of my favorite accessories, not to mention you always look put together!

*Thinking like any American these days, I’m a tad bit concerned about these Arctic climates for the Super Bowl XLVIII and the surrounding activities in New York, only weeks away, but know that in the absolute worse case scenario, I can always top off my look with a long, down jacket, and I’ll be covered for warmth.

I am however slightly devastated about the fact that discount designer fashion icon, Loehmann’s, that originated nearly a century ago in The Bronx, will be closing their doors once and for all.

That’s right, my parent’s bore the bad news to me today, like a loss of a loved one, that Loehmann’s, where I’ve shopped nearly exclusively when I’m Stateside *save for some fantastic small boutique finds here and there…was throwing in their hat.

Of course my first reaction was the huge lump that grew instantly in my throat and then opening a bottle of good wine to drown my sorrows, *quite possibly the same bottle that I was saving for my next post Loehmann’s shopping spree / home runway galavanting ritual that I’ve done for years…Oh, but sadly no more.

In an ode to my dear Loehmann’s, the home base from which I’ve taught so many friends to be Fashionistas over the years, no matter what their budget, I’m working a little Loehmann’s Love into my Black & White New York Winter Packing Wardrobe…so ladies, if you’re heading to The City That Never Sleeps, here’s how you can pay your homage!

I’m thankful to have had my Last Hoorah of curating a 3 month long winter wardrobe of fabulous Black, White and Metallic pieces earlier this December in the Chevy Chase, DC store, then accomplishing a stellar successful Christmas shopping run at the Seventh Avenue Manhattan store, and now it will be time to pay my respects at the Beverly Center and Costa Mesa locales during my West Coast run, searching for any and every handbag, accessory or clothing item that I need or may stumble upon and realize that I need just because the price is that right during their Liquidation Sale.

If you’re lucky, you’ve got a Loehmann’s in your town and can head out as well this weekend for a last chance at snagging some unbeatable deals!

Oh Loehmann’s, why must you leave me so soon?

WINTER WONDERLAND DOWNTOWN & MIDTOWN NYC COLLAGE:
COAT: Dawn Levy, ‘Serena’ Leather Sleeve Asymmetrical Wool Coat, $636.49

DOWNTOWN:
1. Dagmar, Ausuka Coated Print Sweater, $319
2.  3.1 Phillip Lim, The Pashli Large Shark-Effect Leather Trapeze Bag, $895
3.  Rag & Bone, Harrow Booties, $495
4.  DV by Dolce Vita, Mairin Faux Leather Skirt, $165
5.  Piper Strand, Reid Earrings, $45
MIDTOWN:
1.  Ohne Titel, Point Jacquard Sleeveless Dress, $510
2.  ZARA, Leather Boot with High Heel, $229
3.  Rebecca Minkoff, Colby Circle Wristlet, $165
4.  Lionette NY, Tokyo Earrings, $345
5.  J.Crew, Crystal Triangles Bracelet, $69.99

GYPSY’S OWN WINTER WONDERLAND COLLAGE 1:

*All items are from Loehmann’s Winter 2013 – 2014 Collection apart from Madewell Leather Leggings and Carmen Steffens Booties.

GYPSY’S OWN WINTER WONDERLAND COLLAGE 2:

*Items from Loehmann’s Winter 2013 – 2014 Collection as well as Desigual Coat, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Snow Globe Nail Polish, YSL Golden Gloss and a Mindy Gayle Design Custom Knitted Scarf.