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!

The post Colombia Travel Guide: Bogota, Medellín, and Cartagena appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

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.

Although only five feet tall, I have a curvy body. My bottom and XS have nothing in common. The only problem is, the next size up is too long in the torso! When you spend a pretty penny on a brand new item, the last thing you want to do is pay a tailor! I literally jumped for joy when I discovered TAVIK swim after reading a plethora of customer reviews. The most common complaint of this brand is that the swimsuits are cut short in the torso. BINGO – that is just what I was looking for! The Emme one piece suit is sexy and sophisticated. It provides moderate coverage while still accentuating your assets. Although a frustrating experience, it is a relief knowing there is at least one reliable bathing suit brand out there. Whether or not it was intentional, TAVIK tapped into a niche for shorties like me!

I LOVE a little black swimsuit because it is like a blank canvas. Piecing together an ensemble is so much fun when you do not have any limitations! It is always a good idea to start with the boldest accessory, then build up from there. I began with this round beach towel. After seeing the black, blue, and white together, I did not want to introduce another hue. Rather I stacked up on gold jewelry, including this striking necklace. Sticking with the minimalist color scheme, I covered up in a white sarong and matching hat.

Do you have any swimsuit shopping advice?! I would love to hear! In the meantime, shop my beach attire here:

Little Black Swimsuit (wearing size small) | Sarong | Towel | Bag (similar here) | Sandals | Sunglasses | Hat | Necklace c/o | Bangle

A special thanks to Ulises L. Guerrero Photography for capturing the moment.

The post Little Black Swimsuit appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

When I was a student at LSU, I managed the one and only Rode’o Boutique. This Baton Rouge hotspot is magazine material and deserves a spot on Rodeo Drive. Whether you’re a young professional, student, or new mom, it’s nearly impossible to leave the store without a bag full of goodies. When prepping for my trip, I had a feeling Rode’o would have something suitable for the tropics. After all, the Louisiana heat and humidity is “impressive.” Sure enough, the Viviana Romper was the perfect addition to my Puerto Vallarta attire.

Cut out garments are great in tropical climates. They have the same affect as cracking a window in a steamy room! Hopefully the photos do this thing justice The print reminds me of a beautiful acrylic painting. I am not sure what I like more, the vibrant hues or the playful fit! Regardless, I wore this little number to a rooftop dinner at Hacienda San Angel. There we celebrated my parent’s 45th Wedding Anniversary. For this happy occasion, I dressed it with rose gold sandals and matching tassel earrings. But what’s really special about this romper is that it can go from beach to dinner. For a daytime look, I’d swap the heels for flip-flops and throw my hair in a bun. There’s no point in fighting the humidity…clearly!

Shop my Puerto Vallarta Attire here:

Romper (c/o) | Sandals | Purse (similar here and here) | Earrings | Bracelet

A special thanks to Rode’o Boutique for bringing you this post and to Ulises L. Guerrero Photography for capturing the moment.

The post Puerto Vallarta Attire: Cutout Romper appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Organization is Key

With unpleasant baggage fees and luggage restrictions, packing smart has never been more important. I always try to bring pieces that I can re-wear and shoes that match with multiple looks. But practice makes perfect. If you are still trying to find your packing rhythm, consider coordinating outfits on paper first. When you write everything down, you are less likely to fill your suitcase with excess weight. I usually do this in the notes app on my iPhone. With the new checkmark function it’s almost impossible to forget something…and I need all the help I can get in that department! I also use the UPS app to track the items I am waiting on. It’s free and it will send you push notifications regarding the status of your package. Tip* Use the nickname feature to label your incoming parcels.

Beach Vacation Essentials

So what’s inside my suitcase?! A classic black one-piece – probably the most versatile item for vacation. I also included a fashionable round beach towel. Although the hotel will have them fully stocked at the pool, it’s fun to make a statement with a chic accessory! Also included is a gold statement necklace. I do not like weigh down my luggage with a ton of jewelry when I travel. It is too fragile and easy to lose. This stunner will pair well with my swimsuit as well as a solid top and cut off shorts. Now let’s talk about footwear. Flip flops and the beach go hand in hand. I am packing a black faux leather pair. Although it’ll require me to dry of before slipping them on, I prefer imitation leather because it can go dressy or casual. Finally, if you follow me on Instagram, then you already caught a glimpse of my new beach bag! I have been on the hunt for a straw bag that would fit all my essentials and some. This pretty little thing is just the right size and an unbeatable price ($28)!

If you have traveled to Puerto Vallarta, send your recommendations this way! Thanks for reading and be sure to follow along on Instagram stories to see the rest of my beach looks. In the meantime, shop the post:

Swimsuit | Necklace | Towel | Hat | Flip Flops | Sunglasses | Bag | Sunscreen

The post Packing for Puerto Vallarta appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

I knew that we would be walking, dining al fresco with GG, drinking beer, and biking. I knew I would need functional outfits that could go from day to night. Those are the best because it cuts down on the bulk in your suitcase. Rather than packing two outfits per day, just pack a pair of jeans to replace the shorts or heels to replace the flats. Catch my drift?! After arriving late Friday evening, Saturday’s look had to get me through a long day of playing tourist. I’m glad I got it right because we were outside from 11am to 8 pm. As you can see from the photos, we biked along the Deschutes River on old fashioned cruisers, courtesy of the Wall Street Suites. But more about the room accommodations tomorrow!

This top was PERFECT for temperatures in the low 70s. Evidently long sleeve crochet garments are the happy medium in moderate climates. It could pass for a designer item but luckily for me and you it’s only $35! I dressed it with high waisted cut off shorts as it falls between a regular length and a crop top. I do not like when my belly button is showing. But more importantly, the loose fit got me through a delicious day of food and hops. This will not be the last time you’ll see me in this stunner. I will wear it with high-rise full length jeans back home in San Francisco. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s guide about what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Bend, OR.

Shop my Bend Attire:

Top | Shorts | Sandals | Bralette |  Purse | Jacket | Lipstain – Seen in Marvelous Mauve | Bracelet c/o | Earrings

The post Bend Attire: Exploring the Pacific Northwest appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

I’ve been watching the forecast like a hawk so that I can plan my outfits accordingly. Evidently San Francisco and Karl the Fog have met their match. Mid 70s during the day and 40s at night…I kid you not. I’m packing looks that can go from day to night with or without a jacket. If it’s anything like SF, it’ll be freezing by Happy Hour…I’m not afraid to break out the Uggs if I need ’em! Here is a sneak peek into my suitcase and what I am packing for Bend. Click the pink buttons to shop each item!

A t-shirt dress is always a good idea. You can dress in one with sandals, platform sneakers, or booties. You can also layer it up with a scarf, jacket, or hat. More importantly, it’ll have enough room for a beer belly. Bend is known for its breweries! Finally, you already know I have a go-to outfit (as seen here). So obviously I’m bringing a slightly different version of it. This black and white tee is perfect because it’ll pair well with black cut off shorts as well as destroyed denim.

Shop the Post:

Tee | T-Shirt Dress | Camo Jacket | Leopard Jacket | Destroyed Jeans | Booties | Uggs (just in case) | Sneakers | Crop Top | Fringe Hem Jeans

Be sure to follow along on Instagram Stories for behind the scenes trip fun. As long as everything goes as planned I will have a full travel guide to Bend, OR, including where to stay, where to eat, and what to wear on the blog next week!

The post Packing for Bend, OR – Wish Me Luck appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Getting dressed in the winter can be difficult. You do not want to sacrifice style, but you do not want to freeze either. A statement coat in a versatile hue is ideal. Treat animal prints like neutrals and you’ll never dress in a boring outfit again! When I found this coat in Florence, I knew it would elevate my cold weather looks in Prague. The leopard print front is timeless, and the emerald back adds an edgy flair.

If a statement overcoat is too much for you, jazz up a traditional parka with untraditional winter accessories. Consider a faux fur stole, or a shapka hat. Catch my drift?! Underneath my leopard print coat, I dressed in a matching emerald off the shoulder top, and ruffle hem trousers. Even in the 35 degree weather, I was ready to take on the day!

Shop this Post:

Leopard Print Coat (look for less here, here, and here) | Top | Trousers | Shoes | Purse | Earrings (similar)

Thank you to Miguel Alonso for capturing the moment.

The post Leopard Print in Prague appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.