diani living » Traveling

Blighty Highlights

dianiliving — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:48:32 +0000

Richmond – Rich in Delight

dianiliving — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:37:25 +0000

Just a few years back (wink wink, nudge nudge), I went to Kingston University in South London. Not only does it have one of the top two fashion schools in the U.K., but it also sits by one of the London area's most overlooked parts of the city. I wanted to show my fiancé my old stomping grounds, so, we fought our way through the urban jungle with my friend, Gail, and ended in Richmond Park, home to thousands of deer grazing in the endless grasslands and trees that are regal and abundant - trees that seem to come alive in the shadows of twilight. When I was at University, I used to go out of my way to drive through the park. Such a haven from the hustle and bustle of Blighty. The river Thames snakes around Richmond, which became a world of punting, and river boating. At University, it was a regular stop for a Sunday pub lunch. My fiancé discovered that it's also a great spot for a quick shot of whiskey! As we continued on along the Thames, Gail pointed us in the direction of Petersham Nurseries. Go for the amazing food and atmosphere, stay for the beautiful plants and flowers. What an inspiration!

Our cute little lunch spot.

Gail and I amongst a forest of blossoms.

The sweetest loo I've ever seen.

So simple and so beautiful.

Our bellies full, and our senses sated, we continued on up the A1 to our final destination... my childhood home of Newcastle. More on that later! In the meantime, add Richmond to your list of London To-Dos! Image credit: Jeffrey Doornbos

Leaving on a Jet Plane

dianiliving — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:41:55 +0000

We're England bound today and I couldn't be more excited to see friends and family. Stay tuned...they'll be lots of Blighty updates! xo

Photo Diary – Paris

dianiliving — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:56:22 +0000

It's been busy busy in Paris for Fashion Week, but I always make time to appreciate the beauty of this incredibly romantic city. Today was the first day the sun came out and it couldn't have been more perfect, especially as my sister was with me! Here are some highlights.

Parisians make floral boutiques jewels boxes, even when space is limited.

Some stunning florals on the ceiling of a room in the Bonpoint children's boutique.

Artwork on the walls in the entry at Merci.

Attache cases are making a comeback! I should have kept mine from the 80's.

Beautiful pottery in Merci.

Probably the most photographed car in Paris.

I'm calling this, "Squiggles Architecture".

The magnificent Louvre.

For those of you that say I don't take enough selflies, here you go!

The serenity of the Seine.

Have you locked your love in Paris yet?

A good way to get around the city.

What a lovely change from the cold, wet weather of last week!

The Jardin de Tuileries.

Me and my big sis.

Paul saves the day when you have a croissant craving.

You Know You’re in Blighty (Britain) When…

dianiliving — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:31:01 +0000

I'm loving my few days back in London before heading to Paris for Fashion Week and I'm seeing all the standard things I grew up around with fresh eyes. It's fun to be a tourist in a place you knew so well.

So glad they haven't torn these out. They remind me of how we used to live before cell phones.

I love old tea cups. We always had tea in fancy heirloom cups growing up.

My mum used to drive around in a black mini. It always embarrassed me. What was I thinking?

You find the coolest graffiti in unexpected places in London.

And, oftentimes, the most tasteful.

It's so easy to get around the city. You find yourself walking a lot, but a cab or bus are never far away.

And, then there's Fish 'n' Chips. You may think we're lacking on the cuisine front over here, but nowhere makes them like they do here. I highly recommend Poppies in Spitalfields.

The Buying Begins

dianiliving — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:20:24 +0000

I just touched down in NYC for a week of buying for DIANI. It may be cold, but there's so many hot-off-the-runways looks to pick through, that I'm excited to get outside and hit the city. Over the next two weeks, you'll get to see behind-the-scenes of all the hottest designers F/W '13 collections as I spend time in NYC, London and Paris. Stay tuned and Happy Monday! Image

On Top of the World

dianiliving — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:22:28 +0000

It was my birthday last weekend and we got wind of some fresh snowfall coming to Mammoth, so we loaded up the car and headed up to the slopes. It was a heavenly weekend of powder, flocked trees, epic skiing, log fires, hot cocoa and snow angels.

Calm before the storm.

Sometimes you've got to slow down and smell the rose. Or the pine trees.

My second favorite place to be.

My favorite lunch: Vegetarian chili and Patron.

Diani Living Ski Video

Photography and video by Jeffrey Doornbos

Seeing Double

dianiliving — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:37:05 +0000

On my recent flight back from Paris this month, I sat behind two gorgeous, identical twin teenage girls. Their crazy, long, curly auburn hair is what made me look first and then it was their style, which is off-the-charts cool. If you don't know about them yet, you will. Their names are Sama and Haya Abu Khadra and they're based in Dubai but are being seen front and center at more and more runway shows around the world and are on many best dressed lists. You can see why these classic beauties are getting so much attention in the fashion world. Image credits: Vanessa Jackman, Style.com, Trendycrew.com, Waynetippets.com

Bonjour, mon ami, Paris.

dianiliving — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 08:30:30 +0000

There's something hypnotic about Paris at dusk. The street lights, locals hitting the brasseries for a pre-dinner aperitif, the buzzing of vespas whizzing by. It's all so energizing and I LOVE walking around at this time. Here are some shots I took tonight from the neighborhood I've been calling home during Paris Fashion Week for the last 10 years. Hanii Y Cape - Perfect for fall. It gives you a little warmth, but lots of ventilation in the arms. Rag & Bone sweater And, not to be taken for granted, my trusty Leica camera. Perfect for snap shooting on the run. The best chocolate chip and pecan cookie ever! Tomorrow, the shopping begins! Standby for an update!

A San Francisco Wedding

dianiliving — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 16:56:41 +0000

Today, I head off to Paris for Fashion Week. And, I'm totally refreshed and inspired from a great weekend! I got to see one of my dear friends get married to her love in San Francisco. Nothing makes me happier than seeing two brilliantly talented and loving people find each other. And, the best part was, San Francisco was sunny this weekend! No fog, no rain and no cool wind. It was glorious! After a decadent breakfast in bed, we jumped on the tram and headed straight to one of my favorite places, The Ferry Building to sample some of their gourmet treats. We stopped for lunch and bubbly at Ferry Plaza Seafood, sat back, relaxed (I don't get to do that very often), as the sail boats drifted back and forth under the Bay Bridge. I was in heaven. The wedding was held at the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. A stunning location! After the ceremony, we were guided through the rain forests and had cocktails in the aquarium. What a treat to have a private viewing of all the amazing creatures! Once back in Los Angeles, and before my flight to Paris, my BF and I had to hit the Hollywood Bowl for some Wilco under a full moon. It was the perfect end to a busy weekend!