Mall at Millenia, Orlando
The skyward looping roller coasters of Orlando and Tampa are guaranteed to give the thrill of a lifetime. But if you prefer to experience those thrills and chills with feet planted firmly on the ground (and stomach in tact), hit the phenomenal malls of Orlando & Tampa. From luxury shops to outlet malls, the fashion finds are sure to raise your pulse.
Orlando
Forget the theme parks and enjoy life as a real princess at Orlando’s luxury shopping destination, The Mall at Millennia. This upscale center offers valet service, a cell phone charging station, and a full-service concierge, complimentary strollers and wheelchairs, and 150 stores and restaurants including Neiman Marcus, Michael Kors, J.Crew, Tory Burch, and Gucci.
Make holiday shopping more fun by planning a Florida girls getaway at JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes and booking their Retail Therapy Package. You’ll feel like royalty staying at this 4-star resort and receive a $100 coupon book to The Mall at Millennia to help you cross off that holiday list.
For the excitement of fashion finds at bargain prices, head to Orlando’s outlet malls. Close to Universal Studios, you’ll find Orlando International Premium Outlets, an upscale outlet mall offering 25-65% off retail prices at 180 stores including kate spade new york, Neiman Marcus Last Call, and Janie & Jack. Shop mid-week during “Florida Resident Wednesday” where Florida residents receive extra discounts with a Florida ID.
One mile from Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll find Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, a high-end outlet mall offering 25-65% off retail prices at 160 stores including Barneys New York Warehouse and Prada. This outlet mall also participates in “Florida Resident Wednesday.”
Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, a moderately priced outlet mall 2 miles from Walt Disney World Resort, offers 75% off retail prices daily. Stores include Gap, Justice, Nike, Samsonite, and the only Old Navy Outlet in Central Florida. Add a food court, an internet café, and a playground at the mall and an entire day of family fun awaits.
Tampa
Avoid theme park crowds and treat the entire family to the action at International Plaza Mall, adjacent to Tampa International Airport. Do some damage at over 200 specialty shops including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., Zara, and Stuart Weitzman. Kids can run free at the new Busch Gardens play area, you can refuel for lunch at restaurants in the open-air village, and the men can relax with complimentary WiFi throughout the mall or a beer sampler at The Pub.
Shopped out and exhausted? Head to the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel, conveniently attached to the mall, to rest your shopaholic head for the night. This mediterranean style boutique hotel will instantly transport you to another place with colorful hand-glazed tiles and Italian crystals throughout the lobby. Book the Retail Therapy Package which includes a $20 gift certificate and special gift from the mall, complimentary valet parking, and breakfast for two in Pelagia Trattoria, the hotel’s top rated Modern Italian restaurant. That will all come in handy for another day at the mall. Yes, we know you’re headed back.
Leopard Slip-On found at Target
Okay, so maybe slip-on sneakers have been around for a while now. But with the cooler Fall temperatures and my trips around and out of town, I can’t take these bad boys off. Maybe it’s the leopard print (I’m addicted, someone help me) or the on-off ease that is giving me a new love for the rubber-soled, retro shoes. But these are truly the most comfortable, stylish, and convenient travel shoes around. So, go ahead and slip-on out of town in these sneakers. Whether taking your shoes off through the security line, getting comfy in socks in-flight, or hurrying in and out of your hotel room at your destination, these kicks are a jetsetter’s dream. Plus, there’s a pair for everyone with the variety of prints and fabrics available now. Here are a few pairs I have my eye on for Fall…
Steve Madden Slip-Ons I’m currently loving.
Steve Madden Buhba in Gold
For our 3rd Travel Style Interview, we’ve chatted with the fashionable Alexandra Jimenez. Alex ditched her corporate job in the fashion industry in 2008, has become the ultimate world traveler (no really, she’s non-stop and her address is a storage unit), and has created the hugely popular packing resource TravelFashionGirl.com. This brave traveler is super organized, looks fantastic globetrotting, and lets nothing stand in her way of seeing the world. Here’s a peek into her wanderlust life of style.
Your top 3 travel accessories picks at arrivechic.com are…
- The Tweezerman Mini Nail Rescue Kit: I used to travel with this nail kit – a must in my long-term travel essentials!
- The Euro Traveler: I love leather weekender bags
- The Zip & Seal Reusable Bags: Ziploc bags are great but reusable bags are even better, especially cute ones like these to keep you stylishly organized.
How would you describe your typical (or favorite) travel style? For example, adventurous, culture-packed, food fest, shopping spree, tour guide scheduled, ohhhm, or poolside/toes in the sand. The majority of my travel plans are based on diving so I’d definitely have to say underwater. Depending on my latest marine life bucket list item (hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, etc), I’m headed where I can find them.
As of today, how many countries have you been to and what are your favorites? I went to Belgium for my birthday this summer and I think that was my 38th country. I’m really looking forward to adding some new passport stamps in 2015. My top five are Egypt, Peru, Guatemala, India, and Thailand.
Alex in Bamboo Island, Thailand
Something you’ll never be caught doing when traveling is… Turning my nose at a destination just because it’s full of “tourists”. If you travel then you’re alright in my book. It doesn’t matter how you choose to do it.
How do you decide on your next destination and how far in advance do you plan your trip? Scuba diving! I’m always dreaming of the next best destination so I might have the idea 6 months in advance but I won’t book until about a month before just to make sure. I like to book when it feels right.
Alex in El Salvador.
Since you only travel with carry-on luggage, I’m guessing your quart size bag is filled right up to the zipper. What’s always in it? My long term travel packing strategy is to replenish as I go so when departing from a home base such as London or Los Angeles I stock up on products I know I can’t get abroad like my favorite face scrub, makeup, or leave in conditioner.
If someone was taking you on a surprise trip and you didn’t know the destination, what would you pack? A bathing suit, sunblock, travel towel, stylish summer dresses, and cute sandals. If someone’s surprising me it better be to a beach!
Alex in Miami.
What is your best advice for those who want to travel but don’t have much of a travel budget? Budget travel is super easy. That’s how I’ve been on the road for almost 7 years. Choose a cost effective destination such as countries in Southeast Asia or Central America; buy a guidebook such as Lonely Planet’s shoestring series for budget destination tips; and consider sites like Workaway.info to work in exchange for accommodation. Here are some of my work exchange experiences.
Name the top 3 destinations still on your travel bucket list. The Maldives, Galapagos, & Bora Bora.
Who are your favorite travel experts? Whenever I want travel tips I head over to the LonelyPlanet.com Thorn Tree Forums to search for other travelers’ tips in one location. I am still an avid believer in guidebooks because it makes my research easy. Everything else I’ll figure out upon arrival.
Alex at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
When traveling alone, how do you stay connected with friends & family and avoid loneliness? To be honest if I’m traveling alone nowadays it’s too reconnect with myself so I would take that time to focus on my personal growth and travel experiences. I’m a big believer in “disconnecting” when you travel (which is ironically a bit difficult now that I run a travel blog.)
Since you’re a Diving fanatic, please share your favorite Dive Destinations around the world. The Red Sea in Egypt is mind-blowing with vivid colors and insane visibility. The Similan/Surin Islands in Thailand are teeming with a variety of marine life such as mantas and whale sharks. Raja Ampat in Indonesia is spectacular simply because it is pristine and remote.
Tell us one fashion piece you won’t leave home without right now. My accessories. Clothing can be ultra basic but the right accessories define your style.
I love hearing about Alex’s travel style. She makes jetset style seem easy. Plus, she reminds me that travel is not just a luxury and inspires me to book a flight anywhere today! Though after seeing that shot of Bamboo Island in Thailand, I may be headed there first. Stay tuned for our next Arrive Chic Travel Style Interview soon. Interested in being featured on the Travel Style Interview Series? Email us directly at info(at)arrivechic(dot)com!
Headed to Miami Beach soon? Check out my must-haves for your MIA escape that I recently shared with Marriott’s Travel Blog, The Florida Buzz Blog.
Absolute Perfection.
With temperatures beginning to cool off in Miami Beach, days in the sand and evenings out on the town are absolute perfection. Plan a fun getaway and arrive chic in this fashionable town with these Packing Essentials For Your Miami Beach Escape:
Your Best Bikini
Miami Beach is known for countless pool parties and the most beautiful beaches in the world so pack your best bikini. I love colorful Trina Turk string bikinis with gold jewels, especially the Plumas print.
Big Sunnies
Packing big sunnies is essential for the Sunshine State to protect your eyes, add style to your look, and save your life early mornings after a late night out in Miami Beach. Choose a neutral pair and they will go with everything you’ve packed.
Flip Flops
Yes, you’ll see a few women sporting heels poolside. But, my relaxed choice for stylish & comfortable shoes in the sun? Havaianas flip flops which are perfect for the pool, beach, or boardwalk. This black, white, & neon pink pair seems made for Miami Beach.
Spray Sunscreen
Protect yourself & prevent lobster red tourist skin by spraying on Supergoop! 3 oz. SPF 30 Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C every 80 minutes. It’s travel-sized, water-resistant, easily applied, and oxybenzone-free. Available at arrivechic.com.
Packing Essentials For Your Miami Beach Escape.
Chic Cover-up
A chic cover-up will carry you through see-and-be-seen hotel lobbies, poolside lunches, and happy hour. The best cover-ups easily double as dresses. Sweep up your hair and add great earrings and you’ll be cocktail-ready in no time.
Evian Facial Spray
Almost year round, it’s hot in Miami Beach. Keep your cool by packing an Evian facial spray in your bag. The 1.7 fl. oz. travel size mist sets make-up, removes perspiration, and even rehydrates your skin mid-flight.
Beach Bag
A cute beach bag will complete your vacation look. Use it as your carry-on bag on the flight into MIA or choose one that packs flat in your luggage. One of my favorites is the big & bright Classic Field Bag by Utility Canvas.
Marriott Stanton South Beach
3oz. Bath Products
Since nightlife starts late in Miami Beach, pack your favorite 3 oz. beauty products and treat yourself to extra bath time after a sun-filled day. Better yet, stay at the Marriott Stanton South Beach and use their complementary Thann Thai skincare products made with delish nutmeg, tangerine, and orange essential oils.
A Sexy Dress & Sky High Killer Heels 305 women dress to impress so packing essentials include your sexiest dress and sky high killer heels for nightlife. Think skin-baring and model tall and you’ll fit right in. Check out Clover Canyon bodycon dresses and Black Peep-Toe Booties by Carvela Kurt Geiger.
Sky High Killer Heels by Carvela Kurt Geiger
A Flowy Day Dress & Cool Flat Sandals
Remember, it’s warm here and after squeezing into your sexy look from last night, a flowy dress will be heaven sent over pancakes and a bloody at brunch. Packing cool flat sandals will also help your feet recover quickly from dancing in those killer heels all night.
Studded Michael Kors Backpack
Welcome back, Mommies. School is in full swing again with Back to School nights, PTA meetings, and class activities as far as the eye can see. My preschoolers (and plenty others) are sporting their new backpacks with serious pride. It’s pretty darn cute…and it’s given me serious backpack envy. Afterall, with the right style, a backpack can be the perfect travel bag for city tours (without the kids), a day at Disney, airplane rides, and even playground afternoons. The good news? There are some pretty fab backpacks for grown-ups these days. Just take a look…
Fall Backpacks from (top left to bottom right): Black & Cream Marc by Marc Jacobs, Red Michael Kors, Purple & Pink Kipling (give the kids the monkey), and Grey Michael Kors.
Here are a few more I spotted online…
Now, once we figure out where to squeeze in some vacation time before Christmas break we’ll pack these up and hit the road. Weekend trips, here we come!
Our Escape to Rhinebeck
This summer, my husband and I traveled to NYC for several days to visit friends that still live in and around the big city we used to call home. During that visit, we were also lucky enough to escape to Rhinebeck, New York for another NYC friend’s destination wedding. It was a perfect getaway from the big city. Here are 5 Reasons to Escape NYC for Rhinebeck.
2 Hours & You’re in the Country
If you’ve ever spent any length of time in NYC (and by length I mean 10 seconds), you know that Manhattan can give you a rush of adrenalin. It’s exhilarating and where it’s all happening and you can almost feel the pulse of the city beating with each step you take. But after a few months, you realize that pulse you’re still feeling is now your own heartbeat racing as you try and keep up with the pace of the hectic city life. Your chest is tight, your stress levels are at an all time high, and you can’t remember the last deep breath you took…ick, in that dirty air? So, how do you survive? You escape to the country every chance you get. Rhinebeck is the perfect destination for that as it’s just over 2 hours from NYC and is beautifully located in Hudson Valley with views of the Catskill Mountains and farms that look like this.
Beautiful Grasmere Farm in Rhinebeck, New York.
At Nick & Lauren’s wedding at Grasmere Farm in Rhinebeck, New York.
Fantastic Restaurants
The country and fine restaurants don’t necessarily go hand and hand. So, this foodie (and city girl) was pleasantly surprised when each meal was better than the last. Turns out, The Culinary Institute of America is minutes away from Rhinebeck. Hmm, wonder if I should plan all of our trips near culinary institutes? Some of our favorite Rhinebeck spots to eat & drink? The Local for dinner, Market St. for brunch, and Bread Alone for breakfast. Spots we missed but hope to taste next trip? Calico, The Tasting Room, & Terrapin. Rhinebeck is one of America’s best gourmet towns and shouldn’t be missed if you enjoy dining out.
The Local Restaurant & Bar in Rhinebeck, New York.
Market St., in Rhinebeck, New York, was fantastic for brunch.
Cheers to another great meal in Rhinebeck.
Local Artisan Boutiques
Spend your afternoons in Rhinebeck wandering in and out of their unique artisan boutiques along Market Street where you’ll find plenty of local treasures. Some of my favorite shopping spots? Bumble & Hive for honey, teas, soap, & gifts, and Sawkille for solid wood & hand made furniture.
Yoga, Yoga, & more Yoga
Whether you’re into Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Hot Yoga, or Gentle Yoga, there’s something for every Yogi in Rhinebeck. Beginners can enjoy a single class while experts can sign-up for an entire Yoga Teacher Training Certification Program. Satya Yoga Center, Clear Yoga, and the Omega Institute are just three of the places where you can get your Ohm on while in Rhinebeck.
The Best Farmers Market
One stroll through Rhinebeck’s Sunday Farmers Market, open 10am – 2pm through November, and it’s no surprise it’s been voted as Best Hudson Valley Farmers Market for 4 years in a row by Hudson Valley Magazine. Bunches of fresh lavender tied with twine, handmade soaps, cow & sheep’s milk cheeses, local honey, and sweet baked goods will make you want to take up residence in the small town.
Lavender Bunches at the Rhinebeck Farmers Market
I’d never been to Rhinebeck before and to tell you the truth, with my love for New York City, I was a bit hesitant to travel 2 hours outside of the concrete jungle. But, I quickly fell in love with Rhinebeck as a perfect getaway from Manhattan to decompress, take in nature’s beauty, enjoy fantastic food, shop, and breeeeathe.
Meet Ashley
Former NYC fashion industry girl, forever traveler, foodie at heart, and now Mom in Miami. My blog, Arrive Chic, covers the style I find in everyday life both on the road and at home, often with my two energetic little boys in tow.
