{travel, taj lake palace}

. . . a day off to catch up on a few things and a moment to dream about the 250-year old Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, India, a marble palace that appears as if it's floating on the waters of Lake Pichola. Guests, of course, arrive by boat.

Built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar, Taj Lake Palace was originally built as a summer palace. It has recently been transformed to its former glory and is now possibly one of the most romantic hotels in the world. Filled with marble pillars, glasswork, silks, intricate paintings and ornately carved wood furniture, the palace is every bit as luxurious inside as it is dramatically stunning on the outside.

{villa monticello}

I may have a thing for all things French, but may make an Italian exception--after all, who doesn't love the sound of a villa in Tuscany?

Villa Monticello was built by the counts of Orsolini at Avenza in 1766 as a small country retreat. In the late 19th century, it was acquired by French Dervillé family, who did some renovating by adding grand flights of steps at the front and back, as well as loggias (balconies or entrance porches) on three sides of the villa. Statues and fragments of ancient sculptures still adorn the main entrance, while marble vases and a marble gable were placed on the roof.

Today, Villa Monticello is owned by Marzia Vanelli Dazzi, who lives there with her husband and children.




























{images: Taschen}

{high-end halloween}

It's that skull and crossbones time of year again and what could be more fun than wearing posh, brightly-coloured skulls?

Dior Joaillerie's Coffret de Victoire collection includes: ring in 18K yellow gold, diamonds, pink sapphires, turquoise and mother-of-pearl (above left); and pendant in 18K yellow gold, diamonds, pink and green tourmalines, aquamarine, tanzanite, pink sapphires, amethysts, chrysoberyl, sapphire, emeralds, cultured pearl and coral (above right). Any piece from this collection (or anything by Dior, for that matter) will ensure you're the talk of the costume ball . . .


Not to be outdone is Tom Binns' Tough Chic collection of less precious, but still loads of fun punk-infiltrated creations (below). The Irish-born Binns was a one-time collaborator with Vivienne Westwood and favours rock and roll interpretations of jewellery classics, where diamantes and pearls sit alongside bullets and skulls.

{blue-blooded}

I have never worn the colour blue.

I once wore a turquoise-coloured silk blouse, but I have never worn that deep, bold, royal blue and I've certainly never considered it as a décor possibility . . . That is, until recently.

The colour blue is believed to be the last colour to become visible to the human eye, yet it is the first primary colour from which all other colours are made possible. I've been inexplicably drawn to its richness and mystery, the way it reminds me of the sea after a summer storm, or the sky moments before nightfall . . .

{Cuff by Tom Binns}

{the ever-glamorous Bruna Tenorio for the Dsquared Spring 2008 RTW show at Style.com}


{images from top: barney's new york; bnodesign; g hotel in Ireland; the golden apple hotel}