Being a shop owner means LOTS of travel — we recently flew the team to Vegas for 24 hours of market madness. I love staying in a new hotel each visit to keep things fresh -- this time we booked the Delano hotel (part of Mandalay Bay). The decor was on point and celebrated everything we love -- beauty from nature. Massive stones, gorgeous teak wood door, and buttery blonde leathers -- made for a more relaxed Vegas stay. The hotel itself was non-gambling and non-smoking but a quick walk to Mandalay Bay connected you to everything that Vegas is known for!
My favorite detail in the rooms were the gilded windows that almost made you forget you didn't have a mountain view. It was private and luxe -- loved the black & white details. We had a separate sitting room that was perfect for a team meeting to go over a game plan for market & plan sourcing for our design projects.
We enjoyed the strip views and walked to Giada for a late dinner of charcuterie, delicious carbs, and sophisticated drinks.
After much travel the last three years for the shop, I’ve finally found a formula for market outfits that keeps things simple.
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1. Dress for the weather but keep in mind that you will be feverishly buzzing through showrooms all day. I actually bought this jacket 4+ years ago but throughout the years, it is still my go-to for markets where the weather can be unpredictable. I love that it’s actually a knit instead of leather. It has been flattering over the years, stretchy (which I love for traveling — airplane seats can be tight enough), and a great staple to have on hand. https://rstyle.me/+Z7L_XNtK3YGhKcHLXV3Rvw. This is the leopard version — I am soooo basic and wear all black.
2. The only rule to remember: WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. It is not uncommon to walk 8+ miles a day. I discovered these Veja sneakers at the recommendation of my favorite shoe shop — The Mix, and they have turned out the be the best market shoes ever… Minus the time I eagerly reached high on a shelf to smell a candle, didn’t realize it was lit, and poured hot Christmas fragranced wax all down my shirt, jeans, and shoes in the middle of July. LOL. #mostembarrassingmarketmomentever. They were so comfortable walking all day that I just swallowed my pride and move on. These shoes have gotten me through NYC, Vegas, Dallas, and High Point without blisters or too achy of feet. https://rstyle.me/+Aq-rxnybUVOJXR-eE8kVng
3. Jet lag & combatting less than desirable sleep. The ONLY under eye cream I will use — it has significantly helped me. I am extremely susceptible to bagged eyes and this keeps me feeling like a human being despite crazy late nights working on the website, kids, and just everyday shop activities. If I don’t use it for a day…It is noticeable…https://rstyle.me/+A6QVYaUMqq2J3rtwG-RBHQ
4. Time for the flu // It wouldn’t be a trip without inevitably catching the flu at the airport…my schedule was full coming off market and while it would have been smart to schedule some down time — I was so excited to incorporate some of the best new arrivals into the projects this month that it was full steam ahead! My body needed it’s annual sick down time however and thankfully I discovered the Starbucks “Medicine Ball” in desperate times. When leaving the house sounds too much — I love that I can order Teavana “Citrus Mint” packets, steamed lemonade, and honey online and brew it myself (or have Andy do it ;). Sharing the exact tea blend you need — https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GFPMRWP/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07GFPMRWP&linkCode=as2&tag=amethysthom08-20&linkId=37ce49ef55dc5d6f1a2dd2943b535d88
5. Memories for a lifetime & souvenirs // My husband Andy & I’s secret guilty pleasure is ordering food from across the country online. Every year on my birthday we order my favorite Chicago deep dish pizza that arrives packed in dry ice. The obsession has now leveled up to ice cream…we recently ordered ice cream straight from Brooklyn and it was worth every $$$. When we visited NY in the winter, it was too cold to get ice cream but we ate at this adorable little restaurant under the Brooklyn Bridge. I remember spying this ice cream shop next door but we didn't have a chance to stop. Luckily -- I found them online and now it's almost like we visited...The “Nectar of the Queens” was incredible and had homemade baklava & honey in it. Andy’s favorite was stroopwafel flavored. It gives us something to look forward to & we love reminiscing about our favorite restaurants & shops!
