As the temperature climbs during the summer months, thoughts turn to looks that are breezy, loose and relaxed. Kaftans, thanks to the current '70s bohemia trend are back. Whenever I think of a kaftan I see Elizabeth Taylor, Queen of the Kaftan, who seemed to me at least, to be wearing them constantly for all occasions, formal and otherwise. Because they're full length and often billowy, there's scale and proportion to consider, as none of us want to look overwhelmed by yards of fabric and beading.
Although on the East Coast it's still arctic, I'm daydreaming about this spring's fashions and the look that's resonating for me is the tailored coat and gilet. Designed to be worn as part of the overall outfit, at Givenchy it's downright rocker-chick sexy. The workmanship is practically haute couture with highly detailed black and white latticed jackets and elaborate embroidery of whipstitching and filigree. Dior's court coats and gilets were shown with silk quilted Bermuda shorts for a somewhat informal effect, but with no less attention to beautiful embroidery details. Dior referenced an 18th-century court coat, as Style.com eloquently expressed, "evoked the historicism of Christian Dior's original Bar silhouette.
Biras Creek Resort, Virgin Gorda is my second favorite island destination. The resort is located on a narrow strip of land between two hills with stunning views of 3 distinct bodies of water; the tranquil North Sound, Atlantic Ocean and the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Accessible only by boat or helicopter in the British Virgin Islands, the laid-back architecture and interior design of Biras Creek makes this resort an island paradise. The lifestyle is very informal with adventures to be found on land or at sea. At sea activities include snorkeling, scuba diving and Boston whaler excursions. For those preferring to stay on land there's tennis, hiking, horse riding and a fabulous aromatherapy spa using the Decleor skincare line.
