Rock Shic: Brazil

Brazil

06/14/2014

#536 Throw-back Travel – Recife, Brazil

Our first day in Recife, learning the art of Frevo dance!

This week officially marks the kick-off of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and I must admit, this ladybird is out of control, almost inexplicably excited!!!

I’m not a huge sports person in general, but there is something about the World Cup, the electric energy, transnational ambience, the way it brings people together intercontinentally, that I find simply intoxicating.

Okay… I’ll admit, maybe I’m more into the entire affair as a social/cultural experience than anything else.

Case in point, hubs and I are watching our third match of the day, and reminiscing about our travels to Brazil (most recently in 2012). Just earlier today we were with our friends in Nolita, watching the England vs. Italy match at BarBossa, and reminiscing about our house on Copacabana beach, where we all stayed. There was just something very special about the whole sentiment, which made me smile. I’m hardly doing it justice as I write.

Speaking of which – I dug up some photos of our first trip to Recife, Brazil – back in 2007. We went for Carnival (my first one, to be followed three years later by Trinidad), and stayed in a lovely little pousada in the historical town of Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage town just outside of Recife.

It was a fantastic time, wrought with some incredible memories and frenetic partying, which I’ll never forget. (Incidentally, I also remember feeling totally spent, but it was worth it!).

Somehow, watching the Japan vs. Côte d'Ivoire match, as it is currently playing in Recife, is bringing all of these tremendous recollections back.

What can I say, life is funny like that... Happy Saturday and enjoy the rest of your weekend my lovies!

Hubs and I at just one of many blocos, aka street bands!

Showing some serious skin, when in Brazil...

What's a vacay without a pool I say.

My crew!!! I can honestly say that pirate costumes will forever have a special place in my heart.

Posted on 06/14/2014 at 07:27 PM in Brazil | Permalink | Comments (1)

01/03/2013

#271 A Villa in Búzios, Brazil

Perhaps it’s this wretched cold, or my own penchant for hotter climates (hubby and I just booked our tickets for warmer abodes today, yah! I can’t wait)… whatever the case, I am stuck on this house (and yes… I completely acknowledge that it is not actually our house, as in – we didn’t buy it, we only rented it, though a girl can dream!). There is something about it, which calls to me, especially now – I wish that I could physically transport myself there… so that I could lounge by the pool, sip on some mango caipirinhas and chomp away on homemade Pao De Queijo. Nom.

I love the simple aesthetics of this beach house… the clean lines, the quiet combination of wood and muted colors, complete with an ode to a lush and tropical backyard that surrounds a beautifully manicured pool. When we did have the pleasure of meeting the owner, she told me that she had designed the house herself. A self-proclaimed beach bunny from Rio, she wanted to build the ultimate beach house… “where you can walk into the house with tracks of sand, and not have to worry.” This explains the choice of her granite floors. Is there nothing more peaceful than this well-put-together little house? Take me back there please!

Mornings should always begin like this -- Pao De Queijo in hand and coffee!!

Taking a breather from playing ball in the pool... another day in the school of hard knocks.

Posted on 01/03/2013 at 03:45 PM in Brazil, Luxe Lodgings | Permalink | Comments (0)

01/02/2013

#270 New Years Eve Flashbacks – Búzios

New Years Eve – Buzios, 2010, looking seriously tanned!

Even though we kept it low-key this New Years due to the little bug I caught – I couldn’t help but reminisce during this time of the year, about past New Years Eve memories abroad... Shanghai, Rio, Cartagena, Belize, New Zealand – there have certainly been some fantastic adventures shared here and there!

One of my favorite moments in recent years was New Years Eve (two years ago) spent on the beaches of Buzios (which is to Rio what the Hamptons is to New York). We had rented a lovely little house with some friends of ours, replete with pool and sauna, and just a stone’s throw to the beach. Rather than the usual opulent dinner booking, we opted for a quiet dining experience at home – the friendly staff helped us prepare some incredible dishes (nom!), and it was very intimate and heartwarming to gather together in front of the dining room table.

On New Year’s Eve, almost everybody in Rio dons white, and this was no less the case in Buzios. After dinner, we headed to the local Praia de Geribá – where all the prettykins gather, for the ensuing fireworks and the champagne. Paying homage to a local tradition (or so I was told!), we gathered flowers into our arms, and thrust into the ocean as the clock strikes midnight (there was also something about making a wish along with each flower tossed, though truth be told my memory’s a bit fuzzy on the details). All I remember was how happy and free I was at that moment, how lucky I felt to see the sky, the stars, and my loved ones around me. I was so eager as I ran into the sea that I even lost my favorite sandal (I came home and bough three more pairs at Banana). Sigh – hazards of the trade I suppose! I wonder if the sirens ever got to that one?

Getting ready to rock out at the beach!

New Years Eve Dinner – served with a smile!

Right about here is where I lost my shoe to the Goddesses of the sea!

Posted on 01/02/2013 at 02:45 PM in Brazil, New Years Eve Style, RockShic Summer, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (0)

10/16/2012

#199 Her Name is Rio

Dress: Nanette Lepore | Flats: Melissa Campana | Sunglasses: Armani | Bracelets: J. Crew | Ring: BCBG

Sigh… here’s to memories of hot days and spontaneity in Brazil! Long strolls on the beach, ocean sounds, eating pastel on the famed mosaic pavements of Copacabana, sipping espresso in Ipanema cafes, and perusing chic boutiques in hopping Leblon – these distant vignettes still make me happy!

This much goes without saying, life as a low-key Carioca (particularly when you are a tourista Carioca!) is infinitely simpler and less fettered than life as a working-gal Manhattanite!

The ubiquitous black-and-white wave-patterns, designed by Brazilian architect Roberto Burle Marx

Lunching at Brigite's -- a new addition to the Leblon neighborhood -- steak tartare with plantain fritters!

Our lovely hostess of Brigite's on Rua Dias Fereira. To me, she captures the beauty and essence of Rio!

Posted on 10/16/2012 at 08:33 PM in Beach Style, Brazil, My Wardrobe Aesthetic, RockShic Summer, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (0)

09/14/2012

#165 Beach Style Rio

You didn’t think that I would fly all the way to Rio and not capture some beach styles, did you?

It’s been exactly a week since our trip from Brazil, and already it seems like a distant memory (work, it has that effect on people!).

Looking back at these photos makes me really appreciate the vibrancy exuded from both the colors and the people of Rio. After a week of Fashion in New York and an overexposure to impossibly lean model-types, it’s actually quite refreshing to see images of real people, healthy and fit – rocking their own beach-side styles and living La Vida Loca! Happy Friday everyone!!

Posted on 09/14/2012 at 10:35 AM in Beach Style, Brazil, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (0)

09/06/2012

#159 Ocean Sounds

On our last day in Rio, we finally decide to hit the beach. I know, I know… how can one come to Brazil and not get some fun in the sand? Well, for a few reasons: 1) it’s technically winter in Brazil, though Rio is forever beautiful; 2) related to the first, the weather hasn’t always been cooperative, though remember – this is their version of WINTER; and 3) we’ve had quite a packed program prior to the wedding ceremony.

All that being said, there was still no excuse to leave without a little downtown in the ocean (admittedly the water is very cold).

I had a bit of a head-start with my Miami tan a couple of weeks ago, so I was relived to find that I was not the whitest person on the beach (that being hubby!). However, I was certainly not the fittest person there!!! No surprises there. This trip has definitely inspired the hit the gym hard when I get home.

For a dash of color and high-energy style, I decided to whip out my itsy bitsy Rosa Cha bikini (clearly tie-dye is my thing this Summer). Of course – when in doubt, simply throw on a relaxed, romantic cover-up while you stroll. I love this particular white number for its dainty & sparkly back. I wore a similar design, though far more modest, to the Sugar Loaf just a few days ago!

Loving my Melissa's! Super beach friendly.

A morning wake-up brew at Astor on Ipanema

Posted on 09/06/2012 at 02:54 PM in Beach Style, Brazil, RockShic Summer, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (0)

#158 In Brazil – Lounging at the Copacabana Palace

Dress: Yumi Kim | Belt: BCBG | Swim Suite: H&M | Sandals: Banana Republic

For as long as I’ve been in Rio… I’ve enjoyed sleeping in and taking a leisurely stroll on the beach before heading to brunch (tough life!). It just so happened that I met up with an old friend from college at the iconic Copacabana Palace… funny how life works (given that both of us happen to be on vacation in Rio at the same time).

The poolside café, Pérgula, was lovely and peaceful, giving us ample time for girl-talk. We even brought our kangas and bikinis with us in case we fancied a post-brunch dip (these days I swap my lingerie for swimwear in an act of sheer laziness). I absolutely adore my easy-to-wear Yumi Kim shift-dress with tropical prints (goes wonderfully with the vibrant plants growing in the garden of the palace). The belt is a fantastic way to create a waist (and to keep my voracious appetite in check!).

The pool inside Copacabana Palace

Passing by Museu da Imagem e do Som on the way, the first audiovisual museum in Brazil

Photo taken during our last trip to Rio (2011)

Posted on 09/06/2012 at 08:20 AM in Brazil, Luxe Lodgings, RockShic Summer, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (0)

#157 A day at Corcovado

One of the top must-sees of Rio (apart from Sugar Loaf) is the Corcovado mountain, which boasts the iconic statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) atop the 2,316 feet high mountain.

The best way to get to the top is to take the funicular cable-car, which runs from Cosme Velho to the peak.

We were lucky with the weather – beautiful day, clear blue skies… and at last, I can say that I have seen one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World!

P.S. After you get dropped off by the cable car… it’s a climb to Christ’s feet. Comfy shoes are a must!

The Trem do Corcovado (older than the Christ statue!)

The Art Deco features of Paul Landowski

The lovely café below the statue offers a welcome shade from the tropical sun

Corcovado is surrounded by the Parque Nacional da Tijuca

The Chapel at the base of the statue (Mass is held here on Sunday mornings)

Posted on 09/06/2012 at 07:25 AM in Brazil, Museums and Such, RockShic Summer, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (0)

09/04/2012

#156 Rio Scenarium

Dress: Young, Fabulous & Broke | Bracelets: BCBG | Earrings: Forever 21

Two more nights in Rio!!! Below are some photos capturing our recent nights of Samba in an area called Lapa, located at the foot of the Santa Teresa hill. Not too long ago, Lapa was a rather seedy, destitute neighborhood prone to crumbling colonial buildings. Today, however, thanks to restorations, as well as a renaissance that began during the late nineties, Lapa has transformed into one of Riio’s hottest nightspots. If it is live Brazilian music you’re seeking, there’s nowhere better than the many botecos here, beneath the Arcos da Lapa.

Posted on 09/04/2012 at 03:33 PM in Brazil, RockShic Summer, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (0)

09/02/2012

#155 Santa Teresa Wedding

All of the bridesmaids wore navy!

Dress: Thayer | Shoes (not pictured): Dolce & Gabbana

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been in Rio for five days now… time flies when you become fully immersed!!! Yesterday, I had the pleasure of being a part of the most beautiful wedding. From the heartfelt ceremony, to the fun-filled carnival hour (complete with frevo!) and stylish reception, it was truly a night of enchantment. Plus, it is always extra special to witness a beloved friend getting married. Over the years, I’ve become rather fond of weddings, particularly that magical moment when the bride appears, and the entire universe seems to stop beating momentarily to cherish her graceful entrance…

Below are just a few photos I share with you from our whirlwind wedding weekend – stunningly elegant, surreal… full of love and joie de vivre, much like my dear friends who just got hitched!