Actually it smells like earth. Right after it’s rained in the spring. Do you know that smell? Not dirt garbage; dirt soil. Turns out this new Hermes unisex scent is based on the gentian flower and is incredibly wearable. But it’s not floral at all. It lasts and lingers, but it’s not too overwhelming. A scent “palatte neutraliser”, like smelling a jar of coffee beans after testing too many other perfumes. It brings you back to center.
Addictive like that worn in, cashmere sweater that you stole from your boyfriend and wear every day, and earthy like the sexy older sister (of the bright Hermes classic eau d’orange vert) who wears a smoky eye, no bra, and never brushes her long flowing hair.

Hermes Eau de Gentiane Blanche cologne.

“50 Best Travel Destinations” I asked great friends to share their favorite travel spots around the globe, both close to home and far, far off the beaten path. Herein are their responses.

NAME: Natalie Joos
OCCUPATION: Casting Director / Writer
TRAVEL DESTINATION: Gent, Belgium
HOTEL: I stay at my parents’ house in Destelbergen, or at (ex-model) An Oost’s Design and Breakfast B&B.
RESTAURANT: Martino is not swanky at all, and the food is the opposite of delicate but it’s where you are bound to bump into your friends, musicians, actors and artists. Try “Pannekoekenhuis” for crepes and waffles. Gent is known for its signature dish “Waterzooi” which is served in most of the better restaurants. There is really not any place with bad food. Belgians love to eat, and they love to eat well! (Expect to gain a few pounds…. oops!)
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: Summertime… Winter gets too wet and depressing.
FURTHER AFIELD: You can take trips to the beach or surf ponds, go wakeboarding on the river (Leie), hang out for hours on the “terraces” in the city and visit other cities like Bruges, Antwerpen or Brussels (all less than 1 hour away by car or train.)  Belgians also love to party so try the nightlife on the Beestenmarkt or Charlatan.

"Don't forget to stop by one of the many mobile Belgian Fries shacks. They are scattered all over the country!"

Natalie wakeboarding on the Leie river. "Warm water and barely any traffic, so more room to play!"

Bright and cheerful rooms at Design and Breakfast B&B.

"Martino is one of my favorite places to bump into friends."

“50 Best Travel Destinations” I asked great friends to share their favorite travel spots around the globe, both close to home and far, far off the beaten path. Herein are their responses.

NAME: Stewart Shining
OCCUPATION: Fashion Photographer
TRAVEL DESTINATION: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
HOTEL: Capella Pedregal, www.capellapedregal.com
RESTAURANT: El Farallon (at the hotel) is an unbelievable setting. Panchos are provided if it’s chilly. “The Office” for great local fish.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: Now! (Spring). Don’t be afraid of what you hear about safety in Mexico. This area is fine.
PHOTOGRAPHER’S NOTE: If you’re famous or with someone that is, look out for paparazzi on the fishing boats!
















All photos courtesy of Stewart Shining ©2010.

“50 Best Travel Destinations” I asked great friends to share their favorite travel spots around the globe, both close to home and far, far off the beaten path. Herein are their responses.

NAME: Lisa Marie Fernandez
OCCUPATION: Fashion Stylist/Consultant/Designer, Lisa Marie Fernandez
TRAVEL DESTINATION: Bali, Indonesia
HOTEL: Begawan Giri Estate, www.begawan-giri.com
RESTAURANT: Metis (formerly Kafe Warisan, www.cafewarisan.com)
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT: August
BEST BEACH VIBE: Nammos Beach Club

The beautiful infinity pool at Begawan Giri. Photo Lisa Marie Fernandez.

Begawan Giri. Photo Lisa Marie Fernandez.

Nammos Beach Club. Photo Lisa Marie Fernandez.

Nammos Beach Club. Photo Lisa Marie Fernandez.

Fragrant Balinese Frangipani flowers. Photo Jean Bernard Carillet.

Nammos Beach Club.

Nammos Beach Club.