A Colombian Getaway

I've just returned from the most exotic and inspiring getaway to Colombia, South America! It was my dear friend Claudia's wedding and I will treasure these days with good friends for many years to come. I thought my experiences deserved a little attention and a good excuse to post some tropical "eye candy!"

First off, the age old dilemma of "What to Wear?" I selected several pieces that lent themselves to hot, humid weather. Most of these pieces are from my Strata Collection with the exception of the pink dresses (one older one and the Lounge Dress in silk from Asiatica.)

Above: Favorite pieces from my collections are lined up and ready to be packed.

The Beautiful City of Cartagena

Claudia and Patrick (the bride and groom) selected Cartagena, Colombia as their place to wed. Claudia is a native Colombian and grew up in the coastal city of Barranquilla. She met Patrick while living in Chicago, and now they reside in New York. Friends from all over the country were reunited in Cartagena for a four day wedding celebration!

Cartagena is a port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. By the sea is the walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, with squares, cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. Just strolling around the Old City was like walking back in time.

Pre-wedding Festivities

We kicked off the celebration with an island party on the Rosario Islands. Music, friends, food and libations were the theme of the day.

The Wedding

The wedding ceremony took place at Casa de Pestagua which is a stunning historic stately abode converted into a boutique hotel. The home was built in the purest style of the Moorish palaces in the tradition of colonial Spanish architecture. Needless to say it was picture perfect for Claudia and Patrick's wedding.

Above: My good friend Rebecca wearing one of my designs. It wasn't planned but worked out perfectly last minute! I was so happy she rocked it and got compliments all night! It was definitely one of those moments where all your hard work is rewarded so sweetly.

Above: Wearing the Maxi Skirt and Sculptured Crop Top from the Strata Collection. The straw fans were a much needed wedding favor!

Getsemani

"Like all great emerging spots, the neighborhood of Getsemani has a storied and complicated past. But times change and old stereotypes die hard. The burgeoning barrio, just outside the fabled walls of Cartagena's historic Old City, was formerly a haven of prostitution and drugs. But the once-seedy neighborhood is now the coolest, most invigorating and authentic, up-and-coming talk of the town. Getsemani is so authentically charming and on the cusp of commercial explosion, I almost want to keep the secret to myself. But where's the fun in that? Come down to get lost amid the Spanish colonial architecture, dance halls, graffiti art, boutique hotels, food vendors, public plazas, and poets." — Kate Donnelly

Above and below: The best name for a French Colombian restaurant, Oh La La! One of my fave eateries in Cartagena. Owner Carolina made our meal so special! How charming is the interior?

Carnaval in Barranquilla

Good friends Garrett, Jess and I traveled to Barranquilla to experience the last day of Carnaval festivities. We had a great stay at El Prado Hotel as well.