Recently, my son Mateo and I were invited by dear friend and StyleTrek investor George Robb to join his crew from RPM Nautical on a mission to retrieve artifacts from the First Punic War, from deep under the Mediterranean Sea. We traveled to Sicily by plane and then by bus to Trapani, where the RPM boat was docked. Each day, the 120-foot boat departed at 8:30 AM with a crew of 12 in addition to divers, Italian Naval officers, archeologists, and journalists. The crew had previously mapped the location where Carthage & Rome battled for control of the Mediterranean Sea and were ready to scour the bottom of the sea with an ROV. The Remotely Operated Vehicle was equipped with underwater cameras, robotic arms to move heavy items, and a vacuum to clear the sand off artifacts. Here are some pictures from our adventure.

Helmets worn by soldiers from First Punic War 260 BC, found off coast of Sicily.

Ram from first Punic War 260 BC, found at bottom of Mediterranean Sea.

There was a Maltese chef on the boat, Elliot, who was reading Anthony Bourdain's book.

On our way to the beach, we happened upon a store selling Tunisian pottery.

Mateo found treasures on the beach and Jeff the archeologist had him take notes and document his finds.

It was an amazing trip. Mateo had incredible stories to share with his friends, and I was able to come back to New York refreshed, energized, and rejuvenated.

Vanessa Montiel, the creative force behind her namesake brand, designs jewelry for sexy, independent, free thinking women who like to have fun and appreciate beauty with a touch of sophistication and style.

Based between Bali and California, she loves the ocean and never leaves home without her surfboard.

Some of her inspiration pics from Bali will show you exactly why!

This shot is of me in the water on my surfboard on Sumbawa Island just outside a break called Super Sucks!  It’s called that because the wave sucks up from underneath you and spits you right out onto the sharp reef ~ if you are not careful.

Its a  gnarly spot, remote and hard to get to but one of the best waves in Indonesia. This is us taking a break just outside the line up. Surf talk out of the way of the waves. - Vanessa Montiel

I find the colors the, the culture and the constant smell of incense wafting through the air to be an intoxicating blend of inspiration. – Vanessa Montiel

Clutches in hues of caramel, chocolate and black, perfect for New York’s summer heat..

And for that last minute weekend away? Ale Martins Barcelona Cowhair Weekend Bag from Brazil, South America..



Is there that day you wake up and all you want to do is dress put together? I know we all have those days. It usually falls on a Wednesday or Thursday of an extremely stressful week. The last think you worried about were the items of clothing you’ve put on your body. Adding a few more minutes to your makeup routine wasn’t going to cut it on that day.

Usually, when we think ‘put together’, we also think confined, stuffy, and teetering on the line of conservative- nothing in the sense of comfortable or relaxed. On the opposite, when I think of comfort, I instantly think: baggy plaid button down, leggings, and my go to flats. There is nothing put together about that outfit, but it’s so comfortable it becomes an instant go to. We have the go to outfit, that shouldn’t even be in our closet, but it always makes its way to center stage- most likely a few times a month.

I know many of us need that extra motivation to spruce it up in the morning. Really, if you think about it, it’s asking a lot of yourself, all before your morning caffeine. A simple, fun, no brainer way to glam up the day is by adding an unexpected fabric like sheer or lace. If you’re really living on the edge that particular morning, add a touch of both -just don’t go crazy and if you are still unsure, give yourself a couple of extra minutes to experiment.  Adding sheer and lace to any relaxed look instantly screams: confident and put together. Stick to bold, dark colors in these fabrics for main attraction pieces. Whites and creams yell bridal, so a skirt or blouse in these tones does the trick. If you aren’t going for an ultra girly look, mix in masculine combat boots or a structured jacket. Want the girly? Add a sweet sweater to the lace skirt.  

Check out these adorable sheer and lace dresses from New Zealand designer Twenty Seven Names. These are simple; they give you that glam edge that can be dressed in any assortment of looks.

Stores, online shops and magazines are all broadcasting their spring trends. Hot spring colors? Bright oranges, soft pinks, and the unexpected pretty chartreuse. If you’re not ready to dive into breezy summer dresses yet but wanting to shift into gear for spring, just add these colors to your everyday wardrobe with accessories. Trending right now are scarves, unique necklaces and bright bags.  

Chartreuse anyone?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maxi dresses are a perfect piece to bring you through the season. Warm it up with a chunky knit on the cool spring days or wear it alone with one of your new scarves. Working in different pieces from various seasons gives you a brand new look for a fraction of the cost of a new wardrobe.  

Maxi to the full!

Have a lot of neutrals? Great! They are also highly anticipated trend this spring and nothing goes better with neutrals than a statement piece. Keep your neutrals clean and in the same color family and then pair it with an eye catching shoe or bag. This is a power outfit that can be taken from the office to happy hour with the girls or to dinner with your beau.

Add that punch of color to your new or old wardrobe!

Love these accessories just as much as us? You can find them at www.StyleTrek.com, or simply by clicking the photo!

Michaela & Steve at Austin Marching Band Festival

Keep Austin Weird Souvenir

“Keep Austin Weird” is the official city slogan of Austin, Texas. For a first-time visitor, you sort of wonder what does this mean exactly? After a recent visit to Austin for the South by SouthWest Interactive, Film, and Music Festival I was able to learn how the locals define “weird.” Austinites proudly wear their individuality around. There is no single trend which exists in Austin. The locals appreciate good weather, good food, good company and good music year round.  After first hearing about the earthquake & tsunami in Japan, and feeling worried about citizens across the globe, it was refreshing to run into the HONK!TX community marching band festival and witness the locals making the most of their day.  Enjoying the beautiful weather, upbeat music, and the company of friends, the Austinites I encountered had wide smiles on their faces and were very welcoming to visitors to their city. Here are some people whom I met during my recent visit. I have to admit, I felt underdressed, and too “normal.” Next time, I come, I’ll bring more “weird” outfits in order to blend in with the locals rather than sticking out like a lame New Yorker.
 
 

Datri at Austin Marching Band Festiva

Dixon, Violinist at Austin Marching Band Festival

Alexis at Austin Marching Band Festival

The irresistible combination of a pretty girl, pretty clothes, and great music.

Complot – Winter 2011 from SurfriderStudio.com on Vimeo.

The woman’s got a point. Well, she always has many points and this one in particular is valid.When there is so much pressure to deliver several collections a year, how do designers tell the difference between sincere inspirations versus just trying to maintain the well-oiled machine that is the fashion industry?

Many people in professional and creative fields are under intense pressure, but for designers that pressure is manifested on the runway. The problem goes beyond having to produce multiple collections a year; it’s the nearly brutalizing feeling that something new and relevant must be communicated each season.
-Cathy Horyn for The New York Times

Very good article. *click *click *click:
Photo Credit: Valerio Mezzanotti for The New York Times

After the Pressure, the Smoke

Sarah Burton certainly is carrying the torch and letting it burn bright.

A few looks from Alexander McQueen FW11…

all shots from Style.com