Greece with Grace. (Mykonos)

GREECE

             

As I flew from the Boston airport after dropping my son Elijah Kahleo off at Berklee College of Music, I felt a mix of emotions. I felt so proud of my son’s accomplishment. I felt so proud of myself and my husband for all the early mornings, long talks, school meetings, doctors’ appointments, football games, baseball games, water polo and wrestling. All the time and love and guidance that had gotten him off to college. 

We now were exhausted from setting up his dorm room and trying to make sure that he was comfortable and safe before we embarked off onto our new adventure.

After speaking with a close girlfriend that had dropped her daughter off at NYU the year before, I knew what I had to do. She spoke of having something inspirational to do. Something that would remind you that you're still alive. That your job here on the earth is not done. There is a next chapter to this beautiful novel, and it is called your life. I knew that I needed to do something inspirational as well, so I booked a trip to Greece. It was really full circle for me. I had been to Greece in my 20's. It was a few years before I got married and became a mother. When I was free of responsibility, obligation and parental duties. I felt that I really needed to go back.  I don't know why, but it was like a calling. We would first go to Mykonos and then to Santorini.

As the plane landed in Mykonos after a very long journey through Frankfort and Athens, I could see the Blue Island, the white buildings, and the glistening, blue ocean. Mykonos was faster and less romantic than Santorini 20 years before. Now I craved some excitement and distraction. On the flight over I woke from a very deep sleep, and I realized I had just left my son in Boston. From a primal level, it felt so wrong. I just started to cry this deep, sad, weeping cry. And then my husband walked over. He was returning from the bathroom. I didn't realize he was awake, and he saw me and just held me. We've taken turns crying throughout this journey. Please don't get me wrong, we are both so thrilled. Berklee College of Music is one of the most difficult music schools in the world to get into. We can't shut us up, we're so proud. But this change is heartbreaking. I wiped my tears and smiled as I looked out at the beautiful island and our new life, our new adventure.

First off, driving in Mykonos is absolutely crazy! I can't even imagine what it is like in June, July, and August. There are small motorbikes, ATVs, fast cars and huge buses flying all over. All are tourists who don't have an idea of what they're doing and are not wearing helmets. It is crazy. The town is a beautiful mix of white and dark blue stone buildings and cobblestone roads. Ladies, if you're going to wear a heel here, make sure it is a heel and not a wedge. You will slide if you're wearing wedges. At night the ground can become moist, and you will need to hold your girlfriend’s, husband's, and/or partner's arm. We stayed at the most beautiful hotel, the Myconian Ambassador Hotel. We booked the honeymoon suite. I can't tell you how gorgeous the view is. Absolutely stunning.

 This hotel is away from town, about a 15 minute drive. There's a beach below that is hustling and bustling and very alive but nothing like the town, which is quieter and more serene and beautiful. The hotel has the most beautiful spa I think I've ever been to besides maybe Miiamo in Sedona at the Enchantment Resort. It has three beautiful baths. One is full of seawater and lavender, the other olive oil in seawater, and the last is a gigantic Jacuzzi light system where you rotate through different types of jets for different parts of the body. It truly is an experience. The massage that we received there was amazing. So therapeutic and yet so relaxing. I would highly recommend this hotel. The restaurant at the hotel is stunning. It sits outside around the most beautiful swimming pool. The pool is lit and has a deep blue bottom that is really breathtakingly gorgeous.

The thing that was so shocking to me about Mykonos was the women. From breakfast, lunch, and dinner in town and to the beaches out of town, I could not believe the resort wear and the fashion, and the style was impeccable. These women were from all over the world, but they had come to Mykonos to dress! They were so fashion forward. They owned it, and they weren't afraid. They were women. I suddenly felt like a little girl in my short cover-up. In town I couldn't believe how beautiful the women were. I think Mykonos has the most beautiful women I've ever seen in my life. Every corner I turn, there was another beautiful face tanned from the day. The bodies. The bodies I could not believe, but the faces! I know it must sound so shallow, but I am telling you, these Greek women were so beautiful. These were beautiful women from all over the world, and they had come to the best resort town.

Here are the hours of Mykonos. You wake up around 10 to have breakfast. Breakfast was a buffet of the most amazing fruits, yogurts, delicacies, and the freshest salmon I've ever experienced. Then it's poolside or beach side. It's up to you. We rented a jet ski one day. The next day we went to Scorpios beach. This is an unbelievable spot. There are bouncers at the door, and you must be dressed to go to this beach club. There are four post beds along the beach for rent, and some of the best music I've ever heard. And a glistening gorgeous blue Mediterranean Sea to cool off in. And trust me, you must cool off in it. During the day, it is too hot to be in the sun. You must find shade and/or be in the water.

This is something that blew my mind about Greece…they can make the most amazing margarita. I was shocked. Traditional, just like I like it: Don Julio Anejo, Cointreau, fresh lime juice. That's no sugar and no sweetener. We'd brought our own bottle of tequila, because we didn't think Greece would have tequila. And we certainly did not think that they would know how to make our drink. I just have to say, I was completely in shock. It was perfect. And that could be dangerous. Because as Blake will tell you, if I have more than one margarita, I am in rare form. This being said, Scorpios was very sophisticated, very lavish and not a place to get out of hand by any means. I had one cocktail. On the way back, we found a small beach to swim at…there was no one there. It's very liberating to take off your bathing suit top, and all the Greek women do so. So when in Greece, I follow. It was private, it was empty and the water was warm.

Our second evening and favorite restaurant was at Avlio. Our waiter was amazing. After dinner, he gave us a drink called Tentura, which is made of clove and cinnamon. It is a digestive. It also is an aphrodisiac. He gave us the bottle and told us that we must finish the entire thing. We told him we don't like to drink that much. But he insisted, and he was serious. We began to drink the small bottle looking at each other scared. We even gave a shot to the small tree on our table. Again, did I mention we were scared? After many giggles and an amazing evening (I won't go into any more detail), we fell asleep. I was afraid I'd wake up with a hangover, but I have to say I woke up feeling amazing. I felt like Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind. Do you remember that scene? She wakes up really happy. I know he basically raped her, (not OK) but I'm just saying she woke up really happy, and so did I. So I found my new favorite digestive.

Our waiter also showed us a secret beach on the map. The next day we rented a car, and we are off to our next adventure to find the secret beach. It was about a 45 minute drive, and it was past Elia Beach. I won't tell you where it is because it is a secret, but there is a small bridge involved and about a 15 minute hike down a mountain. But once we got down it was a dream beach! Amazing blue! 

 

There were three people on the beach when we arrived. Two were a couple. They were naked. Later another couple arrived. They also got undressed. Both couples were so far away from us on opposite ends, we could barely see them. My husband began to feel really stupid. He said I feel like a stupid American. I asked him why, and he said because of our clothes on. I can take my top off if that makes you feel better. He said no. I mean, I think that couple’s British, and they're naked. The other couple must have been Greek. The man I called the Adonis. He was a perfect specimen. I mean perfect. What little I could see of him. I told my husband…if you want to, we can get naked. My husband said just wait a minute. He had to get up his bravery. It was hilarious. Next thing I know, we were naked. And guess what? No one even look at us or cared. Mykonos and Santorini are made for lovers! People go there after they get married for their honeymoons. Baby moons. 50th birthdays. They could not care less about you. They're there on a blissful mission. I have to say, being naked on the beach felt absolutely liberating, especially swimming. It made us feel young and free.

That evening we decided to go into town. We were excited to have dinner at Nobu. Unfortunately, it was very disappointing. After making the movie East Side Sushi and working with some of the best sushi chefs in the bay area, I feel I have a very high standard for sushi. And the art of it. I must also add that we go to Nobu in Malibu often. We love Nobu in Malibu. It's exceptional. So I had high expectations. The hotel Belvedere is absolutely gorgeous. And so we really had a high expectations of Nobu. The food was bland. The fish was not so fresh. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad. It was just very disappointing. And extremely expensive. As Nobu is. And you don't mind paying for it, because it's always the freshest and the best fish. This time not so good. So Nobu, we give you a thumbs down for Mykonos Nobu. 

The next evening we went to M-eating Restaurant for dinner. Absolutely beautiful restaurant. Very popular in Mykonos! I have to say, the food was good, and it was fresh. I had a Greek salad and bass. It's a great restaurant. I would go again.

The following morning we returned the car and caught our plane outta there. We headed off to Santorini!! We really had a blast in Mykonos!!

Things to bring.

Coola organic sun screen. Indah dresses.
Vitamin A.
Bathing Suits.
Deep hair conditioner. The salt water is tough on your hair.
Wear flats or heels. No wedges.

Universal Mix Up!

Now that I own J. Colleen Boutique, I have fallen back in love with getting dressed and I'm not talking about "complicated dressed" or "too expensive dressed."

I have one room that is vintage and high-end consignment at my boutique, where the prices are a third of what they once retailed for. So, I have all prices, both high and low.

The “Grunge look” was popular in the 90's, and so is the “Workout look” today.  Don't get me wrong, I wore the coolest looking flannels. I was dressed in my grunge look from head to toe. With the economy being so bad during that time, like it has been today, the look was an affordable alternative. But workout clothes today are very expensive, grunge was not. 

We all have to get dressed, no one is walking around naked. I'm just saying there are some really beautiful clothes out there other than Lululemon workout gear.

I'm boycotting the 24/7 “workout look”, and after my workout is done I am changing out of my workout gear and into an outfit that is fun, and chic, while still feeling comfortable in well designed clothing.

And guess what? The last few days of summer I am going to wear summer clothes! I know it's shocking. I'm going for it! It's hot out there! I can't wear workout pants any longer. I'm sorry! 

Here are my fall suggestions. No one can deny the sophistication of the French. A beautiful scarf is a must. Ballerina flats for day and or a black sexy heal for evening. Who doesn't love the style of a French woman?

But then again, there's always Manhattan. Shorter skirts but of course with an edgy J. Colleen legging underneath is always classic. Think chic. 

For daytime, try clean make up and a high pony tail, keep it simple. For evening, wear red lips and smoky eyes: a simple and sophisticated look.

Don't forget your new or vintage cashmere sweater. Fall into fall fashion with your ripped, torn up, favorite American vintage Jeans. There is nothing sexier!

Universal fashion is where we are at. Mix and match and shake it up but in the end classic chic is always a winner.

Universal Fashion

The sophistication of the French. A beautiful scarf is a must. Ballerina flats for day and or a black sexy heal for evening. Who doesn't love the style of a French woman?

But then again there's always Manhattan. Shorter skirts but of course with an edgy J.Colleen, legging underneath is always classic. Think chic. 

For day time clean make up and a high pony tail. For evening red lips and smoky eyes. Simple and Sophisticated.

Don't forget your cashmere sweater. Fall into fall, fashion with your ripped torn up favorite American vintage Jeans. There is nothing more sexy!

Universal fashion is where we are at. Mix and match and shake it up but in the end classic chic is always a winner.

Xxo

J Colleen

Spring Break 2014

I just got on the plane coming back from Sayulita Mexico. I'm feeling tanned, stressed, and a little worried about my dogs. We always miss our furry companions after a long trip; but wait a minute, let’s start from the beginning of spring break 2014.

Elijah, my 17 year-old junior in high school, is looking at colleges. We knew spring break no longer meant visiting family on Oahu's North Shore with wine glasses in hand and family and friends laughing while my husband and son surfed the big waves that all of the veteran water men and women of the world only dreamt of. No, this year we had to look at a few schools, shop for J. Colleen and then maybe have some fun? USC, here we come to look at your newest program! Then off to Malibu to look at Pepperdine and lay on the beach for a few days.

As I looked through my closet on what to pack, I stopped to check the weather. To my shock and dismay it was solid rain and clouds. It was already raining in Orinda and had been for the last few days. California so needed rain but now we were leaving rain for more rain. Okay, so now that I know of the expected stormy conditions, what to pack?

I'm always cold on the plane and I aim to be comfortable. I knew I would need a big sweater, my San Diego Hat Company beanie, and my warm, loose and chic Indah pants.

Pause for a second, are we seriously still thinking of going to Malibu, rain and all?

I started thinking, hmm what flies out of LAX and is close enough to get us to the sun but not too far? We wouldn't have too much time after visiting schools. Ugh. Mexico? Okay, but where in Mexico? Then it hit me. Six years ago I had went to a sweet little artist town called Sayulita and hey, maybe I can find a few new designers for J. Colleen? I began planning around our collage visit. First things first – look at the weather in Mexico. Bingo! Blue skies. Sun, sun, sun and more sun. A three hour flight from LAX. We are in.

After hours of exploring our booking options, trying every site from Hipmunk to Kayak and even DirectBooking, I secured us four sweet nights at the fab resort Villa Amour in Sayulita, Mexico.

The Mexico part of the vacation is taken care of, but now what to wear on the college tour? Flats for sure. I grabbed my slippers, AKA flip flops, two different pairs of my stretchy yet still sexy and sophisticated Veronica M pants, along with a soft Chaser tank to match. I couldn’t forget my flirty short jean jacket and silk blue scarf from New York. Done! Choosing my college tour outfit phase complete.

Moving on to the staple beach vacation outfit - bathing suits. Ahh I fell in love with Vitamin A bathing suits this season. I tossed three in my bag. My favorite is the black top with brown wood beads around the neck line paired with sexy ruched bottoms.

 

 

 

 

 

The next piece to my traveling collection is definitely evening dresses. My new Tiare Hawaii maxi dress fits the bill. The black crisscross straps are perfect for dinner or even a nice lunch. I can look amazing on the beach and walk into a cool restaurant and fit right in. And I can’t forget about my red endek Indah dress, by far my favorite in my closet. It too can be worn on the beach, followed by a nice dinner. Add a little bit of humidity and you’ve got a nature-made iron. I will top off the look with a wedge sandal.

Workout session on vacation? I think yes. This means packing my ever-trustworthy Spanx pants for yoga. Did I mention they have free yoga at the hotel? Spanx now carriers the coolest and hippest workout pants and trust me, it is much needed after a long winter of not working out nearly as much as I could have:)) Divinity Jewelry makes one-of-a-kind yoga necklaces that I love wearing whenever I take to the yoga mat. It brings me peace and happiness.

Now cute, but sporty shorts for running around the Villa. Indah has the cutest shorts you can imagine!

Every night I used my navy blue scarf from my New York finds. It adds warmth and style to my evening look.

Of course, I could not leave for vacation without my jewelry. The occasion is beach-wear so I go right to my Kawela Kai reclaimed sterling silver and gold-fill bangles accented with hand forged shell earrings. I love wearing my black Tahitian pearls from this line:) my white pearl ring set in a spiral reclaimed silver band and my black Tahitian pearls double hoop reclaimed sterling sliver earrings. Very cool yet simple and of the earth, giving a nod to the beach climate. Pieces that can pull together a day time look or dress up the selected dinner outfit.

Anything else? Oh yes, my comfy-cozy Coobie bras. They are great underneath my dress when I need to cover up but still have a pop of style doing so.

The four sweet nights came and went. We shopped. Yes I found that new designer. We surfed and we ate like pigs. I almost cried thinking about how fast I shoveled the food in my mouth. We had such a great family spring break. I was able to very casually dress up and still feel sexy and stylish at the same time.

With no phones or computers to distract, I felt grounded and connected to my family again.

So now I'm back on the plane with my Kersh sweater, Indah sweats pants and my navy NYC scarf. I always wear my off the shoulder Lani California long sleeve. It keeps me warm and looking chic.

We had a layover at LAX so we took the opportunity to have a peaceful family dinner. I felt put together. When you travel it's all about comfort, so why not look and feel your best at the same time?

For me this trip was about preparing for changes to come. My son is growing up and will soon enough be ready to scoot off to college. I will be on a plane often if he gets into his dream school - the NYU Tisch Clive Davis program. But hey, maybe then I will find more of those cool NYC silk scarves to bring home to J. Colleen and share with my customers, or who I like to call, my Lafayette family.

We arrived home, tanned and sleepy, opened the front door and were excitedly greeted by our two sweet little dogs, Chica and Blue. They had been taken care of just fine by our dear friends who graciously watch them and our home whenever we are gone. I felt complete.

As the saying goes, there is no place like home.

 

Why Get Dressed?

Why get dressed? 

Okay so you wake up and now it's time to get dressed. Jeans, t-shirts, socks, bra, and underwear. We all pick something right? Lulu lemon for work out. Okay yes you have to get dressed. So why not wear something that not only helps you look and feel good but that you like? 

I was told once by a friend when I asked why do you only wear designer wear, 

"Some of us don't have an eye. Some of us need the designers to tell us what to wear."

I wanted to get sick. I just don't believe this. Don't get me wrong, not everyone has a fashion eye. 

But I'm sure you know what you like?

Women come in my shop and I pull something out ( I think I have a good eye) and they will say 'No Way that is not me.' They get it. And they know what feels comfortable and they know what they like and yes sometimes it is fun to get a new perspective and have someone introduce you to a new style. I love that!

I think my boutique is the solution. I have upscale designers and really cool hip chic fun inexpensive pieces as well. It doesn't have to be designer to be cool, comfortable and chic; and with that being said, sometimes the designers do know best. Sometimes a designer gets you! When that happens it's really fun because shopping becomes easy.  

And I want your shopping experience to be fun and easy and that's why I mix it up. J. Colleen has what I like. It's high and low, new and Vintage.

Things like reclaimed silver black pearl earrings by Kawela Kia and simple black skinny jeans by Black Hearts with a cozy sweater from Press. Or a beautiful flowy dress by Indah with strappy no-brand-name sandals and a vintage Lilly Ann jacket just in case you're cold. Oh and don't forget that cool little Prada bag.

Spanx workout pants is the biggest no-brainer. Why not look your best when you work out? It really seems like women are finally catching on.

I love Spanx workout pants for Wednesday morning yoga at 9 am with Beverly Jane at J. Colleen. Love this class.

Fashion should be fun. Now is a great time to mix it up, be you and show your individuality. Come by and let's figure out what you like and perhaps a new style that will make you smile.