What to Do

Take in beautiful coastal views along the Road to Hana. Although the Gypsy Guide app makes it possible to drive without a guide, add Sandy Cheeks Tours to your phone STAT! Kyle will customize your tour to meet your road trip needs and desires. Not to mention he stocks the car with snacks and cold beverages.

The Haleakalā National Park sunrise tour and bike ride is impressive and worth the early wake up call. Consult your hotel concierge for specific guide recommendations.

Surfing is apart of the Hawaiian culture and lifestyle. Do as the locals do and take a surf lesson with Aloha Ocean Adventures Ikaika and Keoki run an awesome business and I cannot recommend this “surf school” enough! If Ikaika can get me and Jonathan to tandem surf on the first try, he can get anyone to stand up and ride the waves! Proof is in the pudding.

Whether you’re surfing, snorkeling, or swimming, chances are high you are accompanied by the sea turtles. These creatures are very sizable and it is fascinating to observe them in their natural habitat. Make a sunset trip to Tavares Beach for a turtle showcase!

Where to Eat

Y’all already know I looooove to EAT and there is no shortage of good food in Maui. Monkeypod Kitchen is known for its frothy Mai Tais, and they do NOT disappoint. The setting is electric and the menu is fairly diverse. I’m not a big fish eater (I never acquired the taste) but I was pleasantly surprised to find delicious fish-free food offerings. I mean Hawaii is the place to eat fresh fish! Believe it or not, the ramen noodles were divine. Full service is available at the bar, but make a reservation to spare yourself the hassle.

Mateo’s Osteria is home to delicious Italian cuisine. Sometimes there’s nothing more satisfying than a big bowl of pasta or PIZZA. Did the pizza life chose you? I’m definitely one of the chosen ones! Anyway, we snacked on a flatbread and filled up on pasta.

Longhi’s is located in the outdoor mall and has a little something for everyone. I suggest lunching here during your shopping charades. Consider a Greek salad if you’re a light mid-day eater.

Ka’Ana Kitchen was our favorite meal by a long shot…and it’s on-site at the Andaz! Whoa, whoa, WHOA!!!! This farm to table concept restaurant takes all of your favorite flavors and concocts then into mouthwatering dishes. I’m talking watermelon “steak” drizzled in balsamic vinegar topped with creamy feta and Hawaiian sea salt. OH EM GEE. I could have lived off of this stuff. Fried chicken…who doesn’t love fried chicken?! Yeah no one…well, the master chefs served up chicken and waffles on a decadent syrup infused pancake instead and topped it with jalapeño sauce. Never mind the lemon butter cream sauce…drooling. We went back for seconds. But if red meat suits your fancy, indulge in the skirt steak (pictured here) and wash it down with a “creamy” moscow mule. The cocktails are inventive too – who knew coconut cream would be the perfect addition to a traditional moscow mule?!

P.S. Locals and tourists alike rave about Mama’s Fish House. Lesson learned: BOOK A RESERVATION SEVERAL DAYS IN ADVANCE!

Where to stay

This was our second trip to Maui, and specifically to the Wailea Area. We enjoyed our stay the first time around, but we really appreciated how easy everything was at Andaz. To name a few…the car service, 24 hour market, on-site Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and abundance of pools. Whether you’re going out to eat or hitting up the shops at Wailea, the complimentary car service will shuttle you to and fro in luxurious SUVs. The 24 hour market is simply genius and frankly every hotel property should have one. It was like a pimped out gift shop with all the beach wares, an ice cream stand, fresh pastries, beer and wine, as well as a plethora of hot food items. The breakfast burrito was a hot commodity.

Resort fees are a doozy, but they hurt less at Andaz. High speed wifi, paddle board rentals, guided canoe tours, snorkel equipment, GoPro rentals, etc.,  are covered. In a nutshell, stuff you actually want to take advantage of!

Now I could go on and on about the lush landscapes, sunsets, and private beach, but pictures speak louder than words! Mahalo for reading.

Shop my resort wear:

The post Maui Travel Guide: What to Do, Eat, & Where to Stay appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

I was just one of many hand-picked guests to indulge in a beautiful lunch spread, lounge poolside, and of course take advantage of the photo ops throughout the property. I definitely felt like a city girl in the country, but I loved every minute of it. I take a lot of pride in the backdrops I choose for my colorful outfits. It is nice to have the work already done for you once in a while. I had a total of thee outfit changes, but this orange maxi dress was undoubtedly my favorite. Who knew a floral crown would be so fun to wear?!

Short girls rejoice: this dress is only $60 and available in “petite” length. Hooray! Anyway, wedge sandals are always safe when you are walking on uneven terrain. This pair is my latest closet addition and the same style and brand that I wore in Colombia. Long story short: they are comfortable enough to wear ALL day long. Get the gold pair here. Now what do you think…does country look good on me?!

Shop the Orange Maxi:
Dress | Wedge Sandals | Flower Crown c/o Full Belly Farm

Photography by Bailey Luna Photo

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Rodeo Boutique is a Baton Rouge ESTABLISHMENT. It is the go-to store for fashion forward clothing. Every single item is hand picked by Shanna and I would gladly own one of everything. I was amazed by her sense of style and taste since day one, and 10 years later, I still am. It was at Rodeo Boutique where I realized just how much pleasure I get out of coordinating thoughtful ensembles. I knew I was good at it when regular customers would come in asking for me! They wanted me to dress them for football games, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, etc. You know who you are!

It only seemed appropriate to revisit my roots during a Rodeo meet-up with OG followers and new insta-friends alike! Because of the close proximity to LSU, a lot of students shop at the store. And because of my alumni status, many LSU students support my blog. I am forever grateful for my purple and gold community. I hope you enjoy this video as much as I enjoyed creating it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, team Rodeo, for the Southern hospitality!

And a special thanks to the following contributors. Without you, this event would not have been as beautiful.

Cookies by Gourmet Girls – do you ship to Cali?!
Lipstick Chocolates by Ambrosia Bakery – there are no words.
Beauty sleep courtesy of Hotel Indigo – BEST dog friendly hotel in downtown Baton Rouge!
Glam courtesy of Air Salon and Blow Dry Bar.
Video by Fireside Films.
Photos by Ava Trimble.

The post Rodeo Boutique Meetup Recap + VIDEO appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Eating and Dancing in Vegas

Now that you know what to wear, where to stay, and what to see in Las Vegas, let’s talk food and dancing! Conveniently located across the street from the LINQ is Hell’s Kitchen, home to world-famous chef Gordon Ramsay! From specialty cocktails, delectable apps and mains, to a heavenly dessert menu, you cannot go wrong with this restaurant choice. Standout food items include: meatball appetizer, beef wellington, and sticky toffee pudding.

After dinner, cross the street to the Cromwell and burn off some calories on the dance floor at Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub. This indoor/outdoor nightclub features mostly hip-hop music. Dress to impress and prepare for a late night. Remember, the party doesn’t start till 11 pm in Las Vegas.

This rose gold wrap dress is PERFECT for a night on the strip. Not only would I absolutely freeze in a dress like this in San Francisco, but I would probably get a lot of puzzled looks! Las Vegas and New York Fashion Week have something in common. You can wear whatever the heck you want! I am always confident in my clothes (or I would not wear them) but it was my first time wearing a sheer-overlay dress. What little “anxiety” I had was long gone once I saw about 10 other women in similar styles. Full Disclosure: I had it shortened a couple of inches and I am wearing four inch heels. Aside from that, the built-in bodysuit and criss cross straps are petite girl friendly. Remember this the next time you pack for a trip to Vegas: ANYTHING GOES!

Shop the Post:

Rose Gold Wrap Dress | Sandals (SALE ALERT!) | Earrings | Purse

The post When in Vegas, Wear a Rose Gold Wrap Dress! appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Play it Cool at the LINQ Las Vegas

Las Vegas is so easy to get to, but it is not necessarily the easiest place to navigate. Unless you know it like the back of your hand, you probably won’t find the ride share pickup lot at the airport. And you WILL get lost in the casinos…if you can even find your way out! My friend Chelsea is a Vegas native. To say she spoils me is an understatement. She singlehandedly makes every trip 10 times more enjoyable, and she taught me how to do Vegas the “right” way!

Veg out in a poolside Cabana Room at the LINQ. If you visit Las Vegas during the summer, prepare for extreme heat. You will not last all day at the pool without air conditioning. I’ve done the whole pool party and cabana rental thing at other strip properties…this setup is genius for a young crowd. Aside from that, the LINQ is in a great location. It is next door to the Cromwell, and across the street from Caesars Palace. I normally Uber around the strip, but we were able to walk to and fro. If I can do it in four inch heels, you can do it in your more practical pair!

The desert cools down at night. No you will not need a sweater (not even close!) but there is some relief from the extreme heat. For a night on the strip, dress in light airy garments. And while you’re at it, consider buying tickets for Absinthe. This “variety show” features incredible acrobatics and cheeky commentary. It’s highly entertaining, but if you are easily offended, it might not be the one for you. Anyway, this outfit was perfect for the occasion. I love a jumpsuit because it does all of the thinking for you. This variation features a sweeping back and an asymmetrical hem – at first glance, you might mistake it for a flowing maxi! Chic like a dress, but comfortable like pants. Just how I like it! This little number is petite friendly with the right pair of high heels. Now you tell me, what are your favorite Las Vegas hot spots?!

Shop the Post:

Jumpsuit | Shoes (look for less here) | Earrings (old but I LOVE these)

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Your Colombia Travel Guide to Bogota, Medellín, and Cartagena

Where to stay:
Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia is located in the heart of “La Zona Rosa,” about 40 minutes from the airport. We had a wonderful three nights at this hotel and highly recommend it. The WiFi was complimentary, the breakfast was included with the room rate, the bed was heavenly, and the location is superb. Jonathan and I like being steps away from the action. City life in San Francisco has definitely rubbed off on us! The Zona Rosa has something for everyone and Sofitel Bogota boasts a beautiful property in the middle of it all.

Where to Eat:
La Puerta Falsa in “La Candelaria” serves up authentic Colombian Cuisine and has been since 1816! This hole in the wall joint lives up to the hype and is worth the wait. Get the chicken soup and chocolate plate to start. Don’t ask…just do it! You won’t regret it.

Casa, just two doors down from Sofitel Bogota, is an open-air restaurant offering international food with a Colombian flair. We sat on the heated back patio and for a minute it felt like we were back home in San Francisco!

Dinner at Casa San Isidro on top of Monserrate is an absolute must. We were afraid it would be an over-rated tourist trap, but were pleasantly surprised by the good eats. Ask for a table by the window and prepare to be amazed.

What to do:
“La Candelaria” offers more than just fine food. Rich in history, the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum), the Museo Botero (a famous Colombian Sculptor), and plentiful street art can be found here. Word of advice, arrange a guided tour.

If you’re in the Candelaria neighborhood, you MUST take the cable car to Monserrate for a panoramic view from (10,000 feet up) of the eight million person city. Twin Peaks has got nothin’ on this. WHOA! And while you’re at it, stop for a bite at Casa San Isidro. Dress warm because it’s cold and windy up there. I’m talkin’ 45-50 degrees chilly.

Tip: Avoid the hassle of exchange rates and use Uber to get around Bogota. WiFi is available throughout the city. Please note you will be more comfortable in an Uber Black versus an Uber X, and the difference in cost is negligible.

What to Wear:
Our summer months are Bogota’s winter months. To me, the temperature is perfect because it is very similar to San Francisco. 50s at night (although it felt warmer than that) and 60’s during the day. I dressed in layers with jeans, wedge sandals, and lightweight denim jackets.

Top | Jeans | Wedges | Purse | Earrings

Jeans (similar) | Sweater | Wedges | Purse

The Spanish in Bogota is very textbook – it is very pure and easy to understand. In fact, I used my Spanish all day everyday while we were there. Jonathan, on the other hand, will vouch for me when I say that it would be challenging to visit Bogota without knowing the language…and four years of high school Spanish is not gonna cut it. That is not to say you cannot go there unless you speak Spanish, rather do some research ahead of time, and hire a bilingual guide.

Medellín

Medellín is an incredibly beautiful city. Here you’ll find desolate country-side as well as bustling nightlife. The city sits in a valley made up of mostly high rise buildings. There is no such thing as a bad view in downtown Medellín!

Where to Stay:
The Charlee Lifestyle Hotel is where it’s at. Located downtown on Calle 9A, this property is simply chic! Featuring a pool/sushi bar on the roof deck, this place is regarded as a Medellín hotspot by locals and tourists alike. Also included in the room rate at Charlee Hotel is WiFi and breakfast – much appreciated. Again, location, location, location. EVERYTHING is steps from the hotel lobby. Boutiques, beer gardens, coffee shops, flower shops, you name it. It felt very much like the Marina District in San Francisco.

What to Eat:
Envy Rooftop on the 17th floor at The Charlee Hotel serves up sushi and Asian Fusion from 5 pm – midnight. And if you’re lucky, it might even be salsa night with live music and entertainment. Regardless, the sushi rolls are works of art and very sizable. Start with the chicken wings and make your way to the salmon and avocado crunchy roll. A “dress to impress” dress code is enforced.

La Guachafita Del LLeras is great for a pre-dinner cocktail or post-dinner dancing. The drinks are all made-to-order and are a good bang for your buck. We enjoyed fresh sangria and pina coloda out of a hollowed out pineapple. You cannot visit an exotic location as a blogger without taking that obligatory fruit beverage photo!

What to Do:
Riding the cable car in Medellín should be at the top of your to-do list. From here you’ll witness sweeping views of the valley and have a better understanding of the typography and challenges it presents. In 2004 the “teleferico” or cable car was constructed as a means of public transportation. This project made it possible for people in the mountainous regions to hold jobs in the big city.

Consider a four hour guided tour. Short and sweet but just enough time to broaden your horizons. Start at Botero Park and finish up over a late lunch at Pueblito Paisa.

What to Wear:
The climate in Medellín is heavenly. There was little to no humidity in the air and the temperature was a consistent 75 degrees. This is very easy dressing weather in my book – anything goes. I rocked two-piece pants sets, a maxi dress, and shorts during the tour.

Top | Shorts | Wedges | Purse

More about the look here, or shop it here:

Dress | Earrings | Wedges | Purse

Medellín is magical. It is very American-friendly as there is city-wide free public WiFi. Uber again works seamlessly from here. The Spanish is slightly faster than Bogota, but more people speak English. Jonathan would be comfortable returning without his personal translator…ME! We stayed for two nights but will make it three on our next Colombian excursion.

Cartagena

Often described as the “Miami of Colombia” this coastal city takes you back to the future – in a good way. The old city sits behind a concrete wall that was constructed back in 1585! It’s a photographer or bloggers’ paradise. The colorful architecture and picturesque backdrops are plentiful. Jonathan’s job as official #InstagramHusband has never been easier.

Where to Stay:
Cartagena is like its own separate country. I didn’t really feel like I was still in Colombia! I highly recommend staying within the old walled city for a one-of-a-kind experience. We stayed at Tcherassi Hotel and Spa. It was very comfortable, and quiet. A totally different experience from Charlee Hotel in Medellin! The beds were lush, and WiFi and breakfast were included with the room rate. Once again we were walking distance to the heart of the city.

What to Eat:
Patacones, patacones, and more patacones! No really though, fried plantains are a menu staple in Cartagena and I was not complaining. Just make sure they’re the green plantains and not the sweet ones.

El Balcon is a flavorful eatery with an abundant menu of Colombian cuisine. Grab a seat along the balcony and people watch as you enjoy 2-for-1 margaritas and a mouthwatering burger. I’ve never appreciated a breeze as much as I did on our first night in the hottest place on earth Cartagena.

Andante Allegro Vivace is a charming Italian bistro in the middle of the walled city. Here you’ll find Italian favorites such as: cacio e pepe and lasagne, alongside Colombian inspired stuffed pastas. What a treat indulging in Italian comfort food after a week straight of meat and vegetables.

What to Do:
It sounds cheesy, but get lost in the walled city! Start early and end late wandering the magical streets of Cartagena.

Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas an old fortress for a lesson in history.

Take a group tour or charter a boat and spend the day exploring Las Islas Rosarios. Here you can scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, etc., in one of Colombia’s most impressive national parks. But don’t be surprised by the rustic nature of the Rosario Islands – you will not find luxurious resorts here! Rather this sanctuary is where you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches and some of the freshest seafood on the planet!

What to Wear:
Is nothing acceptable?! Ha! Cartagena is hot and HUMID. If you visit during June or July I can assure you that you will be sweating the entire time. I saved all my rompers and crop tops for Cartagena and it was the best decision I have ever made.

Top | Shorts | Wedges | Earrings

Romper | Wedges | Purse | Earrings

Thank you for reading my Colombia Travel Guide. Feel free to email me with specific questions should you have any!

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Click the pink to shop!

White Jumpsuit | Wedge Sandals | Orange One-Piece | Straw Clutch | Rainbow Maxi | Pineapple Earrings | Silicone CoverUps | Fringe Jacket | Carry-on Bag | OTS Blouse | Round Purse | Curling Wand | Blush One-Piece | Yellow Earrings | Red Romper | Rose Gold Flip Flops | Palm Romper

After researching fashionable carry-ons it became very obvious that the Delsey suitcase was the way to go. Not only is it super stylish, but it has the obligatory double spinner wheels, and an ergonomic interior featuring removable hanger, laundry, and shoe bags. I bought the white for me and the brown for Jonathan. They’re on sale right now on Ebags.com and you can check out the complete line of Delsey luggage here. So how does one fit 11 days of outfits in a carry-on suitcase? By committing to one pair of shoes and “ranger rolling” your clothes.

If you only travel with one pair of shoes, they better be comfortable. That is why I am packing wedge sandals and wearing flip flops on the plane. Wedges are the most comfortable version of high heels. I chose yellow because it is a neutral in my book. And as you can see, not one item in my suitcase clashes with the yellow. Score! Tip: If you’re partial to color, choose your shoe first. Then coordinate your looks around the shoe choice. The only items not pictured above are white jeans and blue jean shorts, a pink tie-front top, and a lightweight sweater. Wish me luck…!

Shop the items in my Delsey Suitcase:

White Jumpsuit | Wedge Sandals | Orange One-Piece | Straw Clutch | Rainbow Maxi | Pineapple Earrings | Silicone CoverUps | Fringe Jacket | Carry-on Bag | OTS Blouse | Round Purse | Curling Wand | Blush One-Piece | Yellow Earrings | Red Romper | Rose Gold Flip Flops | Palm Romper

The post What’s in my Delsey Suitcase? appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Convenience

Skiing made easy – enough said! Unless you own a private chair lift and all of the accoutrements, I guarantee you’ll never experience a more seamless trip to Northstar Mountain. I did not appreciate the luxury of ski-in, ski-out access until I strapped on my clunky boots at the on-site rental shop. You heard right. Mosey on down from your room, 10 minutes till “go time,” and let the experts at True North suit you up for a day on the slopes. They do it all, including but not limited to: slope-side equipment storage, boot fittings, and escort to lifts.

Family Friendly

This property prides itself on being family friendly. But what separates them from the rest is that they do not discriminate against four legged members of the fam! Simply put, dogs rule at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe. No really though, there are activities and amenities for guests of all types and ages. We spent most of our time après ski in the “Living Room.” A cozy space to retreat to, and “wine” down by the fire. Take me back!

Customer Service

The customer service at the Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe is superb. Your patronage is truly appreciated and they are not afraid to show it. Upon our arrival, we were greeted as, Mr. and Mrs. Kaplan and GG! I always appreciate when hotel personnel go above and beyond to make sure you do not feel like “just another guest.” Whether you’re in need of a tooth brush, aa dinner reservation, or an appointment at the spa, the staff is always happy to lend a helping hand.

Shop my après ski garb here:

Sweater | Jeans | Booties | Belt (look for less here) | Beanie

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