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INA-ILA

a stylish and fun life

Outfit: America’s Cup, Newport RI

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Shirt: Zoe & Sam (via Gilt, similar), Hat: (via Nordstrom, similar), Sunglasses: Chanel (similar)

I happened to take a weekend trip to Newport, RI the same weekend that the America’s Cup was taking place so I was lucky enough to go see it. I’m not into sailing at all but it was still a fun experience. Even though it was a very hot day there was a constant breeze coming off of the water so we weren’t sweating. I wore a breezy red silk shirt, white shorts, a wide-brimmed straw hat, big sunglasses and two piece flat sandals. It was a relaxed chic outfit for a fun, outdoors event in the heat! Get a load of the Prada boats in the photo above (Italy’s entries to the race).

Sandals: Zara Zebra Print Flat Sandals (sold out, similar)

Sponsored by Moët & Chandon Champagnes

The race is on!

Old School

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I’m a sucker for anything old school, especially in the way of books and school supplies.  On a recent trip to Barnes and Noble with my friend Inas, I found these amazing hardcover compilations of stories from two of my favorite authors: H.G. Wells and Jules Verne.  I love the binding, the artwork and the smell of my new books.  Sorry iPad–you’re just not as comforting!

I found this adorable typewriting book and mathematical instruments case on a recent trip to visit my brother abroad.  Children there are still required to purchase really specific school supply lists at the start of each school year there and the stationary shops are rife with things that remind me of old times–and possibly simpler times.  What are some of your favorite old school finds?

Outfit: Newport White

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Newport, RI is one of my favorite places to visit in the summer – there’s so much to see and do! One of my favorite things to do in Newport is visiting the famous mansions, especially the ones constructed by the Vanderbilts, like The Breakers. Here I am visiting the Breakers on a hot summer day a few weekends ago.

Dress: Corey Lynn Calter Leighton Soutache Dress (via Gilt, similar),
Bracelets: Ettika (via Gilt, similar),
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac in Dusty Rose (similar color),
Nails: Essie Fifth Avenue (buy)

Travel Diary: Turkey

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Istanbul, Turkey is a beautiful, modern city filled with culture, history, and amazing food. It is literally where East meets West as the city is divided between Europe and Asia. Here are some photos and must-sees from my recent trip that might help you plan yours!

Things to do:

  • Hagia Sophia
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Blue Mosque
  • Taksim Square / Istiklal Street
  • Ferry boat across the Bosphorous to Asian side
  • Galata Tower

enjoying “Nargila” on the Asian side

Hagia Sophia

Basilica Cistern

Restaurants:

Ciya Sofrasi – delicious food from Southeastern Turkey

Dish from Sur Ocakbasi, recommended by Anthony Bourdain on his show No Reservations

Food to try:

  • Gozleme – delicious burrito type of sandwich with various fillings like potatoes or cheese
  • Doner Kebap – thin slices of lamb cut off from a rotating spit
  • Fish sandwiches from Karakoy docks
  • Manti – little ravioli type of balls in yogurt
  • Lachmacun – Turkish pizza
  • Breakfast – typical spread has cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese, honey with cream and jams, bread, sujuk sausage with eggs

Finds and Favorites

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Since my first trip to the Netherlands in 2005, I’ve been in total love with Dutch bikes.  Dutch cities are well-known for their biking culture and there’s something wonderfully nostalgic and comfy about a European city bike.  I associate biking in the U.S. with aerobic exercise and spandex but in many European cities, biking is a way of life.  The Dutch bike craze has hit the US for some time now and major retailers like Huffy are creating interesting specimens from this inspiration.  While it isn’t really a Dutch bike, this Huffy Regata Cruiser is a charming and cost-effective way to kick-start a city biking love affair.

I spotted my good friend Helen sporting an amazing necklace and had to find out where it was from. It’s from Nervous System, an innovative design studio that specializes in jewelry inspired by natural forms and created using techniques like 3-D printing.  Like Helen’s Radiolaria necklace (above) or the Filament necklace (below), each piece is a gorgeous conversation-starter.

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