Back in November, I considered writing about the trend of army green anorak winter coats that everyone seemed to be wearing from Paris to London to New York.

I’m a huge fan of reporting on of unisex trends since I want to satisfy all of my readers and not just the ladies, however, I thought at the moment, could this trend be too big, that it’ll be out of style by the next season?

At that moment I held off on writing about the Anorak and decided just to buy one for myself, an amazing down filled version with a fur lined hood.  Sporting this from Boston to Barcelona through the winter, it seemed like everywhere I turned, these coats just kept multiplying on the streets.

Now as we’re officially into Spring and I’ve spent a solid few months eyeing the lighter weight, drawstring waist version being worn by many from LA to DC to Rome and back to Barcelona, the time has come to give it fair coverage.

The crazy thing about this trend is that it’s breaking all of the rules.  It’s unisex, boxy and almost considered “outdoor wear”, yet I’m seeing it worn over anything from suits to jeans and a t-shirt for the men, and chic dresses to cut off jean shorts and tanks for the women.  It creates an overflowing silhouette that dominates the whole look but has surely become the status symbol of anyone who cares about fashion.

If I’m looking take this trend into another season, and swap my down filled G Star Raw anorak, it would certainly be for Free City’s version, the Suns Sparrow LNL pictured here and available on ShopBop.com.

I’m just curious with summer around the corner if some designer will create a waterproof or lycra version and people will start wearing it as a beach cover up.  Honestly, it really wouldn’t surprise me, with the strength of the anorak trend, I kind of expect it to just keep going and going.

Well, I live in a beach town, so I guess the next two months will tell.

This is one trend that I’m loving and think will be all the rage over the summer.

The Cruciani needlepoint bracelets have already become a success in Italy, in the very short time since they were created, less than one year, however their price accessibility and unisex draw make them par to be a smashing success around the world.

I picked up a few for myself while in the Umbria region of Italy, while visiting Cruciani’s showroom and meeting with the owners.  I’m a big fan of piling on the accessories on my wrists and with these bracelets, you can buy multiple designs (I’m partial to the hearts, butterflies and four leaf clovers if mixing and matching) and colors (almost any you can imagine), pile them on all at once and not break the bank.

They’re also a really versatile statement piece accessory as they go just as well with a simple black dress and thin gold bangles for the evening as they do with casual jeans or beachwear in the daytime.

Check them out and get yourself a few so you can start the trend in your own country.  I’m making the effort already for Spain and the United States!

What are the right ingredients to creating an epic trip?  Well, when considering this question, my mind immediately goes to of my most fabulous vacation to date, a “Single Girls Retreat” to Istanbul, for myself, recently single and my good friend, Adriana, just about to get engaged.

For me, the right mix started to fall into motion immediately after my plane took off from Boston.  Arriving exhausted from a business trip allowed for very little planning and almost no expectations, yet knowing I was about to embark to an ultra chic and exotic land created the most fantastic anticipation ever.   So as drinks were being served on this plane flight to Madrid…yes, I had a layover there first, I decided to take out my Istanbul guidebook to start the planning process.   Only minutes into my research, and a glass of wine later, it was like music to my ears, when the young hip couple sitting across the aisle from me asked if I were heading to Istanbul, as that’s where they lived.

The rest of the flight passed in what seemed like a couple of hours, as we drank wine and shared travel stories, but most importantly they armed me with a fantastic list of insiders recommendations.  As I walked to my connecting flight in the Madrid Airport, I almost had a skip in my step with this excitement of the wealth of knowledge that I’d just acquired, and perhaps brought on by my tipsiness from the wine.

Good thing my next flight was four hours long and I slept the whole way, allowing me to only be slightly jetlagged for meeting up with Adriana in our pimped out suite at the W Hotel.   Having only been in town for a short while, I already loved what I had seen, mostly from the backseat of a taxi.  This was an amazing bustling city almost surrounded by water and with such beautiful skylines dotted by the mosques, and the sun had yet to set.

Our first night out, we had all the intentions of rock stars, complete with pre-partying in the suite, but really just hit a wall almost immediately.  This was a good thing, so we could scope out the scene a bit, know that the recommendations from my friends on the plane flight were legit and we make our plans to return the next night.

Round two was a Friday night, so the crowds were even greater at the nightspots that lined the Bosphorus in the Ortakoy area, and starting off with drinks and a small bite at The House Café was a no brainer.  Here we were really able to see how chic this town truly was, and how attractive the local male specimens turned out to be.

Another plus, we happened to be a couple of the very few Americans in the area, then going on to Anjelique night club with some local friends we had met, we were quickly the center of attention by many.  Oh, how lovely it is to party all night, not spend a dime and be the admiration of others to the point of them dueling for your attention!  Ok, so some of this red-blooded drama is definitely better left for vacation, but what better way to end a truly magnificent night than by kissing the self proclaimed “Vinny Chase” of Istanbul goodnight before he hops down from the club into his boat and speeds of across the river, and might I mention, the sun was already shining.

The only way to top this off was heading to brunch immediately with our local friends at the waterfront restaurant Sutis in Emirgan and enjoying the food and the company while soaking up the alcohol.

Making our way to sleep back at the W Hotel around noon, as the haze had finally worn off, was also when I came to my senses and realized that I wouldn’t be up for meeting with another one of last night’s Prince Charmings later that day, who had invited me to Suada, the club located on it’s own island in the Bosphorus.

With a few hours of power napping accomplished we quickly got ourselves together and headed across town in time for a couple of hours of shopping and negotiating fun at the Grand Bazaar.  This was one of the main attractions of focus for both Adriana and I, being the slaves to fashion, that we were.  Well, myself a bit of a shopaholic as well.

As we navigated the aisles of this domed structure, stopping to look here, bargain there, and drink a bit of Turkish tea over a purchase, I couldn’t help but think that our looking a little “worse for the wear” from our marathon night before, was a bit of an advantage in our favor.  We were some of the most unassuming guests to enter many of these fine jewelry stores, and often exited with a small treasure that in our minds, was a great deal.

For me, that underdog advantage in this massive arena of shopping quickly turned to a disadvantage when we walked into Neva Jewels, #49 Vezirhan St. in the Bazaar and I met Selim, the owner.  We stayed in his store, trying on some of the most gorgeous pieces of jewelry I’ve ever seen, massive diamond encrusted dome rings for myself and engagement rings for Adriana, while chatting, sipping tea and discussing our travels, nearly until the Bazaar was closing.  Of course in the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but worry a bit about my less than stellar appearance, while speaking to someone so cute, kind and cultured, and all this within our first 48 hours in Istanbul.

The rest of the trip followed suit much as the first two days had gone, with amazing people, sights, nightlife, food and shopping.  I guess in the end, my look of a walking hang over wasn’t as bad as I imagined, since Selim has remained a very special friend to this day.

If you’re looking to create an epic trip of your own, it’s a very fine balance of seeking out the exotic, being prepared, but not overly planning, mixing with the locals, traveling with amazing company, enjoying the local fare and having a posh place to lay your head at night.  Too much attention to one ingredient or not enough to another can easily tip the scale.   For me, if I’m never able to create this perfect mix again on a journey, well, at least I’ll always have Istanbul!

Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen has so many amazing resort choices from ultra luxury all inclusives, peaceful luxurious resorts outside of town and hip boutique hotels in the heart of the action.  These are my recommendations as there’s a little something for everyone.

Maroma Resort & Spa

For me, when I close my eyes at night and dream about heaven on earth, this is exactly the place that comes to my mind.  Located on the best strip of beach in all of Riviera Maya, Maroma Resort & Spa is my absolute favorite resort in Mexico to just go to relax.  Technically it’s north of the Playa del Carmen city limits and it comes with a pretty price tag, but there’s something to be said about the serenity of simple luxury done to perfection, from the most amazing beds and linens available to the locally grown and inspired cuisine as well as the spacious lounge areas on the beach. I’m already counting down the days to my return, although it’s almost a year away.  My favorite detail of my stay at this once private hacienda turned luxury resort, falling asleep on my balcony terrace hammock while listening to the waves crash below.

www.maromahotel.com

Paradisus Playa del Carmen – La Perla

Accomplishing another scenario to perfection, that of the chic party scene, the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla is the only luxury all-inclusive resort located in the downtown that really pulls this image off well.  Whether you’re with a group of friends on a fun filled getaway or perhaps an over the top but elegant bachelorette party, I can’t think of a better place to stay.  Here you’ll find a beautiful and relaxing poolside and beach area as well as a rejuvenating spa and gym complex even offering yoga sessions for the daytime, yet after sunset, many great restaurants, bars and lounges, right on property for a glamorous night out.  It’s also ideally located for nights out on the town after a few early evening cocktails at the resort.   Apart from the cutting edge designed guest rooms and common spaces, the true highlight of this property is the feeling you receive throughout your stay, that you’re in an elegant, yet fun loving environment.  I can only say, cheers to that!

www.paradisuslaperla.com

Hotel Deseo

Downtown Playa del Carmen is known for it’s trendy boutique hotels and Hotel Deseo is the epitomy of this concept.   The simple, modern lines  and white flowy linens of the guest rooms do make you feel like your in a dream sequence, starkly contrasting with the life outside on Qunita Avenida.  If you desire to be in the heart of it all, this is the place for you.  The rooftop pool and bar area is not to be missed as well, for sunbathing or some evening drinks and people watching before heading out on the town.  As part of Grupo Habita, Mexico’s leading luxury boutique hotel group, Hotel Deseo is all about design, where good things come in small packages.

www.hoteldeseo.com

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

The perfect combination of modern elegance meets Zen could only be found at an ultra luxury all-inclusive resort such as Grand Velas. It’s partially due to the décor of this expansive property but even more so attributed to the spacious layout and kind yet unobtrusive staff that maintain Grand Velas’ tranquil aura.   Some of the best cuisine can be found here on property, as it’s home to Cocina de Autor, one of Riviera Maya’s top restaurants, as well as the spa at Grand Velas, being one of the most award winning spas in Mexico.  With all of these attributes, you may find it hard to leave the property, but in case you choose to venture out a few nights, which is highly recommended, the resort offers one way transportation to downtown, about 15 minutes away, and then you can catch a taxi return at your leisure.

http://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com

Azul Fives

If family travel or your need to accommodate friends and family members with children is part of your travel plans, yet you don’t want to sacrifice an inch of luxury details, then Azul Fives is the perfect retreat.  Most of the already ample suites and villas can be combined to create your own home away from home, perfect for a very high end family reunion or a get together of a large group of friends.  However, in no way should you be scared off by the words “family friendly”, as Azul Fives maintains it’s modern and luxury appeal in every detail throughout.  An amazing part of this “Gourmet Inclusive” resort is that the suites have their own luxury kitchens allowing for you to reserve a private chef dinner in the intimacy of your own villa.  The property also features a fantastic array of gourmet restaurants, yet, when you do want to venture out, you’re less than a 10 minute cab from downtown Playa del Carmen.

 http://www.karismahotels.com/resort/azul-fives-hotel-karisma