The Black Dress Traveler

Show Me the Sparkle: Statement Jewelry

Fashion 101 -  a bold piece of jewelry is the quickest way to accessorize a little black dress or any simple garment. Who can argue with that sartorial wisdom? Below are a few statement pieces from around the globe that will take an outfit from blah to ooh la la in an instant. And, since dreaming is free, I included some incredibly expensive pieces. Even if you don't plan on buying a piece of jewelry that costs as much as a car, it doesn't cost a dime to appreciate and be inspired by the finer things! Enjoy the eye candy below.
Shanghai Pendant in Yellow & White Gold Encrusted with Diamonds
by Carrera y Carrera
$9350
Ok, at almost $10k this pendant is definitely a wish-list item but I am crazy about this stunning piece by Spanish jewelry design house Carrera y Carrera. This intricately designed diamond encrusted fire dragon is a timeless accessory that is especially au courant - 2012 is the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese zodiac calendar - an especially auspicious year as dragons represent power, strength, and good luck.


Sunflower Carved Citrine Wing
by Sevan Bicakci
$54,745
Since money is no object in my jewelry fantasy land, why not add this dramatic Sevan Bicakci ring to my list? I was lucky enough to wear a Sevan ring for a photo shoot and my finger has missed it every since. Sevan's pieces are all one-of-a-kind creations and this ring is 24k yellow gold and sterling silver surrounded by brown, yellow and white diamonds and tourmalines. Carved inside the citrine is a very detailed bee on a sunflower. Sevan's fans include designer Tory Burch and actress Halle Berry.


Citrine Bouquet Earrings
by Mary Esses
$1760
Brazilian jewelry designer Mary Esses has created a bouquet that will never wilt. Vibrant citrine stones have been arranged into a lovely flower bouquet shape. Set in 18k gold, each knot is handmade and the flower is topped with a dainty diamond. Mary Esses has some high profile fans - first lady Michelle Obama has been spotted in her earrings!


Same Sky Prosperity Bracelet (set of 3)
Exclusive design by Mary Fisher
$225
For a statement bracelet that won't break the bank and does good in the world, look no further than Same Sky. Available for a limited time, the Prosperity Set was designed by Mary Fisher - an artist, activist, speaker and author who travels the world advocating for those who share her HIV-positive status. Same Sky has many beautiful bracelets and necklaces made by HIV-positive women in Rwanda struggling to lift themselves out of poverty. Their mission is to use jewelry to effect global change—one woman at a time.

New Year's Resolutions for the Travel Industry: Four Fixes That Would Make Travel SO Much Better

Oh travel, I mostly love you but there are moments of intense loathing. Sure, I am all smiles once I finally reach my destination but why must the journey (especially air travel) be so painful? I show up on time yet almost 20% of flights in North America were delayed in 2011. I look pretty snazzy in my little black dress but I have to get practically naked at security. Please, may I keep my shoes and my dignity? Travel, you must do better.

Where is the love? Where has all the glamour gone? After all, statistics show that 80% of travel decisions are made by women. Travel must learn how to treat a lady! As the year winds down, I've taken the liberty of suggesting four new year's resolutions for the travel industry. Like any committed relationship, I want travel to go that extra mile to make me happy! I've tried to be kind by only listing four but what improvements would you like to see in the travel industry? Leave a comment below!

Resolution # 1 - Stop Nickle and Diming
From baggage fees to charging for stale sandwiches, please stop adding on all of these extra fees. The first checked bag should ALWAYS be free -  charging is just tacky! And the extra charges for everything from food to headphones has got to stop. And, just when I wasn't annoyed enough, the airlines now refuse to take cash on board. Really? I have to hand over my credit card for a $2 purchase? Give me a break!

Resolution 2: Don't Hate Us Because We're Beautiful
I know you want to make air travel as safe as possible but please stop making us cram all of our lotions and potions into one quart sized ZipLoc bag. Mascara is not the enemy. The TSA should be required to take a beauty orientation at Sephora.

Resolution #3 - Bring Glamour Back to the Rails
Maybe I watched too many Alfred Hitchcock movies growing up (The Lady Vanishes, Strangers on a Train) but trains were so glamorous even if the occasional misdemeanor was committed! You might meet the love of your life or a menace to society, but at least the trains were intriguing! In so many countries, trains are sleek and fast but Amtrak seems to be chugging along in the dark ages. I've been on 3 hour journeys on Amtrak where that sad little excuse of a dining cart wasn't even available.

Resolution #4 - Stop Punishing Single Travelers
One of the greatest joys in my life is traveling alone but that independence can come at a cost. I'll see a deal for an amazing vacation but, upon closer inspection, the fine print reads that the cost is based on double occupancy. So if I want to take this trip alone, the single supplement can often double the price - bye bye deal. At this stage in my life, I don't want to room with some random person to save money. Also, a single traveler uses less of the property's resources and that should be taken into consideration. There are some tour operators and travel agencies that make an effort to minimize the single supplement, but more could be done.

As the Shaman Softly Speaks: Sweat Lodges, Fish Pedicures & Other Riviera Maya Adventures

View from the beach at Villas Amarte on Maroma Bay in the Riviera Maya. The Travel Channel called it the best beach in the world. 

Luxury all-inclusive resorts and breathtaking beaches have made Mexico's Riviera Maya a coveted destination for travelers. But there is much more to this idyllic location than fun in the sun. Nestled between the jungle and the Caribbean Sea on the eastern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula, the rich culture of the Mayan people infuses many aspects of life in the Riviera Maya. We often talk of the Mayan civilization as if it were extinct but the culture never disappeared. In fact, study of the Mayan language is now required in public schools in the Quintana Roo province of Mexico. My recent visit to the Riviera Maya included a visit to a Mayan village, spa treatments inspired by Mayan traditions, and time to relax on those amazing beaches. Here are a few highlights.

As the Shaman Softly Speaks

I was invited to visit a thriving Mayan village and to participate in the sacred Temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremony. To say the least, it was one of the most unforgettable travel experiences of my life - both fascinating and overwhelming. To arrive at the village,  our van rocked along a sliver of a dirt road in the jungle in the darkest night I have ever seen. After about 10 minutes, we finally reached a bustling community where children were running around, women were making tortillas by hand, and the men of the village were involved in preparations for an important religious ceremony.


Women in the Mayan Village preparing tortillas for our dinner. They were absolutely delicious.

After waiting for two more groups of visitors (from Italy and Mexico City) to arrive, we were led deeper into the jungle to begin the sweat lodge ceremony. Before entering the sweat lodge, the village Shaman (community leader), with the assistance of the Warrior of Fire led us in a ceremony that included incense, the blowing of conch shells, and the sipping of a libation made of honey, purified water and the resin of a local tree - it was actually pretty tasty. A slender man with a soft and melodic voice, the Shaman welcomed us in Spanish and spoke of the ancestors. Before entering the actual Temazcal, a low stone structure that represents the womb of the Earth, all guests disrobed down to their bathing suits. After blessing each of us, the Shaman handed each person a small rock to toss into the circle of fire outside of the sweat lodge and we were told to make a wish. Before crawling into the small opening of the sweat lodge, each person is asked to shout a greeting in Mayan and those already within respond in kind. (image courtesy Dos Palmas Ecotours)

Nervously, I crawled inside the Temazcal. As I sat there waiting for the others to shout their greeting and appear within that small portal, my anxiety grew. I knew that in a few minutes that the center of the Temazcal would be filled with volcanic hot rocks from the fire outside and that the tiny door would be closed, enveloping us in intense heat and darkness. Despite the heat, I was shivering in my black bathing suit. What to do? Out of respect, I wanted to complete the ceremony but I felt my heart beating faster and faster and knew that I could not. However, I did not want to be the first and only person to leave. After a few more agonizing minutes I saw the large figure of a man from the group of Italian tourists twist his ample body out of the Temazcal. I quickly followed, muttering sorry in English and Spanish. 2 more people followed after me.

About 30 minutes passed and the group that had remained within the sweat lodge marched by us en route to taking a cool dip in a cenote - a sink hole of water created from the collapse of limestone bedrock.  Afterwards, I spoke with several of them during dinner and they described the sweat lodge as intense, in both heat and emotion, but they were glad they had done it. Looking back, I believe that a visit to a Temazcal is most appreciated by those on a spiritual quest. Although, I did not complete the ceremony, I was honored to be invited and I have the greatest respect for this Mayan tradition that has stood the test of time and has been passed on and preserved. The Temazcal is not a simple tourist attraction but a true immersion in a sacred ceremony. However, during my visit I found that key elements of the Temazcal manifest themselves in spa treatments that pay homage to this cherished tradition in a secular setting.



This home cooked meal prepared by the women in the Mayan village was wonderful - fire roasted chicken in sauce, rice and beans.

Darling, How Clean is Your Aura?

My aura was cleansed no fewer than three times while I was in the Riviera Maya. (Maybe living in New York City leads to really sooty auras.) Essentially, you are asked to close your eyes and relax while a small pot of fragrant incense and herbs is waved around you and affirmations are softly stated by the aura cleanser. This was also an important part of the Temazcal ritual and a version of this happened prior to my massages at Aroma Spa and the spa at Grand Velas.

The Aroma Spa at Esencia is located on the former estate of an Italian Duchess and is Riviera Maya's first organic spa - they grow many of the herbs used in their treatments right on the property and prepare them in a traditional Mayan inspired kitchen. Aroma also offers Temazcal inspired treatments in their domed steamed rooms. In addition to the spa, the 50 acre seaside estate offers luxurious guest accommodations and a gourmet restaurant.

The tranquil waiting area at Esencia's Aroma Spa

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

My other aura cleansing took place prior to my massage at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, a luxury all-inclusive resort. Prior to the massage, I was treated to their water journey treatment which involved spending time in the sauna, steam room, clay room, ice room and plunge pool. (Tip: If like me, you don't have wash and go hair, remember to bring a plastic shower cap. I tucked it discreetly inside my bathing suit and used it as needed - it saved my coif, it really did!). The Grand Velas spa has 40 treatment rooms offering a wide variety of treatments, including a series of treatments called Journey Through Ancient Mexico, such as the Cocoa Ritual and the Sacred Obsidian Stone Massage, that incorporate medicinal herbs, sacred plants, and semi-precious stones. If you want the all-inclusive super luxurious resort experience, Grand Velas is a great choice. Just 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport, the Grand Velas property is divided into three sections - Zen (in the jungle about 3/4 miles from the beach), Ambassador (family-friendly ocean view suites) and Exclusive Grand Class (ocean-front, adults only suites.) Grand Velas also has 7 restaurants on site offering everything from haute Mexican cuisine to sushi.

Stop that Tickles! Fish Spa at Wayan Village in Playa Del Carmen


A very impressive sand structure on Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen is not only a beautiful beach but a bustling shopping district. The main drag, La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is a bit overrun with touristy stores - this is where to go if you are craving Starbucks coffee, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, or want to buy some high end beauty products at UltraFemme. However, tucked amidst these big names is an eclectic emporium called Wayan Village. In addition to beach apparel, Wayan Village has some very unique offerings, including a healthy dining restaurant (try the hibiscus tacos), facials using natural fruits, and the Fish Spa.


Yours truly braving those tickly fishies.

Who cares if this treatment has been banned in several American states? I was determined to try it. Wayan Village has 4 tanks full of fishes that are just waiting to feast on the dead skin on your feet. (There really is no pretty way to describe it!) The fish are a variety of tiny toothless carp from Turkey called Garra Rufa. Since they don't have teeth, the treatment doesn't hurt, it just feels really strange to have a cluster of tiny fishes sucking on your feet for dinner. After 15 minutes, my feet felt somewhat smoother but the fish can't compete with a really good pumice stone. Nonetheless, it was a fun, if slightly creepy, diversion.

Solitude Between the Jungle and the Sea: Amarte Maroma


The pool at Hotel Amarte.


During my time on the Riviera Maya, I was a guest of the Hotel Amarte, a complex of bungalows within a jungle garden about a mile away from the beach (transportation is available at scheduled times to the beach in the morning). If you desire an alternative to the all-inclusive resorts that dominate the Riviera Maya, the Amarte is an option for someone who prefers rustic accommodations and solitude. The rooms at Amarte Maroma do not have televisions or clock radios but they do have wireless internet access and air conditioning. Amarte is currently building an on-site spa that should be open to guests in the new year.

The exterior of the bungalow where I stayed at the Hotel Amarte.


The breakfast that was delivered to my bungalow. Getting to dine outside was a nice treat for this Manhattanite.



A bungalow interior at the Hotel Amarte.

For more luxurious accommodations right on the beach, opt for a stay at Villas Amarte, a collection of three private beachfront residences overlooking Maroma Bay, on the beach that the Travel Channel called "the best in the world." The villas have ocean views and amenities such as flat screen televisions and furnished outdoor terraces. For an additional fee, butler and private chef services are available.

Various Views of the Villas at Amarte





The Amarte Maroma complex also houses an art gallery, a piano bar, and the Pavo Real restaurant which is helmed by Chef Guillaume Raynal. Chef Raynal trained at some of the most respected restaurants in Paris, including Le Fouquet's and the Hotel Ritz. He is also an accomplished chocolatier.

Also, if you are looking for a gorgeous spot for a beach wedding or other celebration, Lolita on the Beach is available for rental. A private beach on the curve of Maroma Bay, Lolita has a thatch-roofed bar in the sand with a paved dancing and dining patio, a stone-floored dining pavilion and a thatched open-air wedding chapel.

Plan Your Trip to the Riviera Maya

Whether you are looking to fully immerse yourself in the Mayan culture or just skim the surface, there is more to see and do in Riviera Maya than I could ever include in a single blog post. The official Riviera Maya website is a great resource - the site has information on spas, hotels, resorts, adventure seas, dining, and more. From sweat lodges deep in the jungle to luxury seaside resorts, there are options to suit every taste and budget. Buen viaje!

Airport Security Gets a LIttle Freaky: TSA Unveils New Scanners At JFK Airport

We knew this day would come - the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is installing new full body scanners (officially known as Advanced Imaging Technology) at JFK and LaGuardia Airports in New York City. Yes, these high tech machines can see through your clothes and reveal your curves from the front and back to airport security personnel. Newark Airport will have a less invasive model of the machine that will only detect objects under the clothes of travelers.

The machines may make us safer but now I have to worry about sucking in my abs along with taking off my shoes, removing my laptop, and cramming all of my toiletries into that darn ZipLock bag to get through security. At this rate, soon we will all be flying in our birthday suits!

Visit  www.ny1.com for more information

Not a Fan: The Teeny Tiny SkyRider Seat

I try not to make snap judgments but my first reaction was utter HORROR when I saw this picture of the SkyRider airline seat.

According to USA Today, "The new airplane seat, to be unveiled next week at the Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas conference in Long Beach, would give passengers an experience akin to riding horseback. They'd sit at an angle with no more than 23 inches between their perch and the seat in front of them — a design that could appeal to low-cost airlines that have floated the idea of offering passengers standing-room tickets on short flights."
 
If I wanted to sit in a saddle, I'd plop myself on a horse and take Route 66 to Los Angeles.

Strangers on a Plane: Thank You Shirley!

Confession: as much as I love to travel, I am a nervous airplane passenger. Some flights are better than others but I can never completely relax at 30,000 feet. I even have some rituals that I go through to make the experience less stressful, including that I always travel with a picture of my Dad holding me when I was a little girl to remind myself of how safe I felt at that moment. Nonetheless, turbulence can turn me into a scared four-year old all over again.

Traveling alone is liberating but at those tense moments, high above the clouds, I often yearn for a hand to hold. Yesterday, that helping hand came from a stranger named Shirley. Shirley from Wyoming was traveling back home from Las Vegas with her husband who was sitting to her right and peacefully napping with his head leaning against the window. She turned to her left to say hello and we began a pleasant conversation about our respective trips, her daughter's upcoming big Greek wedding, and our hometowns.

Whoomp! All of a sudden the turbulence hit. And then again. I began gripping my seat as tightly as I could and began inwardly praying for a safe landing. I could see that Shirley had noticed the change in my demeanor and I was forced to confess that this jetsetter was feeling a little scared. Shirley told me that she used to feel the same way and proceeded to share a story about how a stranger on the plane reached over and placed a hand over hers to calm her. Shirley distracted me from my distress and kept me chatting and laughing until the plane was safely on the ground. 

Shirley from Wyoming, thank you. Your verbal hand-holding made this lonesome traveler feel a little less alone. Just one question, where are you flying next? Please save me a seat!

Flying with Fido: Seven Tips from Wendy Diamond and Lucky!

If flying takes a toll on us humans, imagine how four-legged passengers must feel! I asked every doggie’s favorite diva, Wendy Diamond, to share her expert tips on flying with your pooch. Wendy is the founder of Animal Fair – the premier lifestyle magazine for animal lovers and pet owners. She and her famous Maltese, Lucky, have traveled the world raising money and awareness of animal rights. True to her name, not only was Lucky a rescue animal but she has cuddled with many of the world’s most famous people including President Bill Clinton and Sean Connery.

Here are a few travel tips from Wendy and Lucky. For more advice on everything from pet health to choosing the perfect pet, buy Wendy’s new book It’s a Dog’s World: The Savvy Guide to Four- Legged Living.

1. Fly the Pet-Friendly Skies! American Airlines and Sherpa have introduced the “Guaranteed on Board” program. Of course, Lucky is always guaranteed a spot on- my lap!” Continental Airlines is also one of the most pet friendly airlines.  Check with your airline before you reserve anything – policies differ for each. Also, make advanced arrangements. Just like Noah’s Ark, only two animals per plane!

2. Check with your veterinarian before taking a long trip. Give your “doggie doctor” all of your necessary travel information, make sure your pet has had the proper vaccinations and make sure your pooch is able to travel. Some dogs may be too old, young, or just not ready, so it may be better for them to be with a dog-sitter.

3.  Sedatives for your pet when flying are a red flag! Ask your veterinarian for the best way to calm them down! Sedatives + high altitude = danger! The last place you want your pup to get “sick as a dog” is an airplane! Also, bring necessary health documents, proof of vaccinations, etc.

4.  Your pet needs proper ID! Make sure your name and contact information is on the collar, the crate and anywhere else. With all the travel commotion, you don’t want little Fido to end up thousands of miles away!

5.  If your pet is traveling in a crate, make sure it feels comfortable and gets used to being inside. Fill it with your pet’s favorite blanket and toys so it feels more like home. Make sure your canine can lie down, sit, stand, rollover and fetch. Well, not the last one.

6.  Check your hotel’s pet rules. For example during the holidays, Loews Hotels launched the Houndly Holidays Package. This real-life “Hotel for Dogs” treated four-legged companions like VIP’s, providing them with walking and sitting service, as well as food and toys.

7.  Bring plenty of water, food and snacks, his or her favorite toys and blanket so they feel comfortable. Make your pooch feel like he or she never left their comfy dog house!

Sashay Through Airport Security: Five Tips for Flying with Finesse

'Tis the season for overcrowded airports and higher than normal levels of travel related stress. Airport security measures can seem awfully grinchy but there are things you can do to ease the pain. Here are five tips for sashaying through airport security.

1. The readiness is all: Don't be that annoying diva digging through a junky purse looking for your photo ID. Make sure your ID is readily accessible and valid - an expired ID card can slow you down if you get a persnickety agent. Also, even in this age of e-tickets, it is always advisable to print out your confirmation.

2. Get on the right line: Just in time for the holidays, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established family lanes at every airport in the U.S. for travelers that need extra time, such as those traveling with small children. Do not mistakenly get in this line if you are traveling solo. Opt for the faster moving Expert or Casual traveler lane if it is available.

3. Leave the thigh high lace up boots in your bag: My least favorite part of the security process is taking off my shoes. However, you can get this indignity over with quickly by wearing shoes that slip on and off with ease. And, if you're not wearing hosiery, please make sure your tootsies look cute. Ok, a pedicure isn't a security requirement but do you really want to be known as the girl at security with the jacked up feet? Also, avoid setting off the metal detector with belt buckles and heavy jewelry.

4. Keep it Neat: Once your bag goes through the X-ray machine, the screener has a short window of time to determine if anything in your luggage looks suspicious. Try to pack things in layers so that they can be quickly identified. Innocent items, like the cords from your hair dryer and flat iron, can look ominous if they get all tangled up.

5. Smile: I've come to realize that the TSA screeners are in a no-win situation: they are dealing with people in a hurry and are required to enforce rules that don't often make sense. (Really, my lip gloss is a threat?) Although some of the screeners aren't the friendliest of folks, I still make sure to smile and say how are you.  After all travel is about connecting with people  - don't ignore the ones you meet along the way.

Visit the Transportation Security Administration website for more security tips.

Fly the $9 Skies

I love a great bargain as much as the next girl but something about a $9 airline flight makes me nervous. JetAmerica, a new how-low-can-you-go-to-fly-high airline carrier based in Clearwater, Florida, will launch service on July 13. The current JetAmerica fleet consists of one leased Boeing 737-800 but they plan to expand to four jets by July 2010.

The first 9 seats on each JetAmerica flight will sell for $9 and prices will max out at $199. It comes as no surprise that additional fees will apply to check luggage. Snacks and in-flight TV will also cost extra.

JetAmerica will service mid-size U.S. cities like Toledo, South Bend and Lansing to fill the void left by major carriers who have reduced the number of flights to those markets. Flights will also be available to and from a small selection of major airports like Newark.

Air travel should be more affordable and accessible but I can't tune out the little voice in my head that says "you get what you pay for." I pray that JetAmerica's rockbottom prices don't compromise service and safety.

Way to Go: Whoopi Goldberg Tackles Fear of Flying

Award-winning actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg is absolutely fearless when it comes to speaking her mind on and off The View but flying the friendly skies was a no-no for this tough diva. In fact, Goldberg's fear of flying (aviophobia) was so intense that for the past 13 years she has only traveled in her super luxury tour bus or sailed on the QE2.  Swanky, yes, but still limiting.

But Whoopi recently looked fear in the face and took a transatlantic flight to London to observe and consult on the rehearsals for the stage version of her hit film Sister Act. She prepared for the flight by participating in Virgin Atlantics's "Flying Without Fear" course. The Virgin program is not yet available in the United States but it implements Thought Field Therapies invented by Dr. Roger Callahan. Visit Dr. Callahan's website for a free guide on techniques to tackle the fear of flying and other phobias.

Traveling on a private jet, Whoopi was accompanied by a doctor who could calm her down with sedatives but she says that she didn't need it. She told Page Six."I'm kinda proud." And best of all, Whoopi plans on flying again, "I'm going to fly to the West Coast to surprise my daughter." Way to go Whoopi! You can count on The Black Dress Traveler to treat you to a cocktail if we are ever on a flight together. (wishful thinking on my part since Whoopi flies on private jets and I look for bargains!)

Here is a video clip of Whoopi talking about the roots of her fear (she saw a mid-air collision in 1978) and her Flying Without Fear treatment.

Ryanair Considers Charging Passengers to Use the Loo

Ireland based no-frills airline Ryanair is considering charging passengers 1 euro to use the restroom aboard their planes. Do I really need to comment on this? This is sooooo very tacky. Once again, I find myself pining for the golden age of travel.

Click here to read more in the Times.

Sully Can Fly Me Anytime!

The "Miracle on the Hudson" proves that a real life happy ending beats Hollywood any day of the week. Who didn't breathe a sigh of relief and let out a hearty cheer upon hearing that 155 passengers had survived the US Airways crash landing into the frigid Hudson River in New York City?  Preliminary reports indicate that the Airbus A320 en route to Charlotte, NC lost power in both engines when the plane was struck by a flock of geese. No lives were lost thanks to Captain. Chelsey "Sully" B. Sullenberger's  phenomenal aviation skills.

Many of us may take flying for granted but this incident is a reminder of that things can go wrong. I don't care where Sully is flying next - I want to book a ticket on that flight. Hmm, will select-a-pilot be a new booking option? 

I can't help but wonder who will play Sully in the inevitable movie. Why not Brad Pitt? He is a mega star and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button shows that with movie magic he can age gracefully on screen.

I raise my glass to Sully and all of the pilots that shepherd us safely to our destinations. Cheers to the real top guns!