My Week in Denver...

I have really enjoyed my week in Denver.  I needed it, the calm and quiet surroundings, the laid back pace.  One night, it snowed while I slept and in the morning I woke up to a blanket of white covering the cars and trees, and when I went and stood on the balcony to admire it, snow fell on me.  Like a dream...

Denver was a change of pace for me from life in Atlanta.  Right away I noticed how very few black people there were.  From the clubs to the gym to just walking down the street, black people were rarely anywhere in sight.  And everyone was dressed very casually.  Not like me, in a sequined dress with python booties, a Fendi trench and scarf.  Still, I enjoyed myself.  I worked out with a great trainer - she had her last child at 38 and her body was amazing!  Hope for me then!  I also enjoyed a night on the town, at Corridor Lounge and the Suite 200 Club.  The Christmas lights were already out, so festive, so sweet.  

Thank you Denver, you were just what I needed!  There is much awaiting me at home...

 

Always the kids...

We had a great night going out to a club in EG.  I got just what I needed, a little bit of culture and a little bit of home.  The dj played 2 Chainz, and I dropped it like its hot...

But my favorite moment of course was a visit to an orphanage.  I do always love being with children and connect with them easily.  But this one was special.  She was four years old and from the moment we met we never left each others side.  We played basketball, jumped rope, we drew pictures and planted a tree in the Garden of Zion.  I also showed her how to do the Naomi Campbell walk and to throw up a peace sign.  She was a natural diva.  I instantly fell in love with her.  I still think of her and how precious it would be to have her in my life, her beautiful smile lighting up my every day.  I think of how her life will be, how she will grow up and if  someone will ever play with her the way I did, and love her the way I could.  I hope she remembers our time together.  I hope I may see her again...

 

 

 

 

 

Notes from Equatorial Guinea

I was s

o excited for my second trip to Africa - being able to return  after my amazing last visit. I was wondering how this would be different, what I would see.  When we arrived, I immediately noticed the construction -- it seemed like a whole new city was being built, including my hotel.  And it was lovely, with a view overlooking the pool and lots of greenery. So peaceful.

There were dinners and conferences, speeches introducing us to the history of this former Spanish colony.  I saw a lot of pride and an interesting custom: no dessert, but instead platters of fruit served after every meal.  I was grateful not to have the temptation of sugary sweets and thus less pounds to keep off.

Africa has its share of talented designers - what would a vacation for Marlo be without fashion?  La Vie Couture put on a show of gorgeous dresses and of course I put on my own show, featuring Lous Vuitton.

Stay tuned for a night out and falling in love...

Sequins & what sparkles most of all

It was so interesting to see how quickly we could move past the absurd, to the wonderful and truly lovely.  How we could so easily grow apart and stay divided over things like labels, height and safari style.  Then, just as easily we could come together.  And once we did, there was no division, there were no differences.  We all felt the same thing - love and gratitude.

It is hard to describe really.  The children, naturally precious.  They are God's most beautiful designs.  And your heart breaks when they are not given the most basic things all children need.  There is no feeling quite like knowing that you could easily love them, take care of them, nurture them, but then have to leave them behind.  To see their happiness at the very little they receive and not being able to give them even more.  Each of us wanted to grab them all, each of us wished for magic - the ability to change their lives in an instant. 

We couldn't.  What we could do is treasure them and hold on to the look in their beautiful eyes.    And I will treasure sharing that moment with everyone who was along...

 

Travel & the Essentials....

What I love about travel is the change, the chance to experience something new, to temporarily forget where you are.  What I don't always love is the preparation, the stress.  Trying to get everything done by a certain time.  And packing!  Deciding what you need, what you can't live without, what is just too much.  I admit that not a lot fell in the too-much-pile when I packed for South Africa!  But here is what I do when I want to keep it simple...

Top: A grey James Pearse t-shirt is perfect for layering and grey is almost neutral.

Bottom: black Wolford leggings are great for underneath chunky knit sweaters or an oversized blazer and of course so comfortable on a flight.

Jeans: distressed Joe's skinny jeans are versatile and easily dressed up.  I love them with very tall heels.

Evening: It's easy to pack a stretchy black dress, something fitted with long sleeves when it's cold.  I also love how a cropped military jacket with skinny jeans can give a little edge but still be sexy.

Intimates: I like a one piece even better than a top and bottom.  A little bit of lace...I prefer black, but sometimes I find something really beautiful in a dark jewel tone and I love it.

Coat: It's winter and there's a chance of rain.  A Gryphon trench with a leopard print belt is almost like a dress by itself.

Hand Bag: Obsessing over Victoria Beckham's bags, but for now I rotate my classics, black or beige.

Shoes: Heels of course, Brian Atwood, always a little unusual.

Accessories: A long triple strand of pearls has been my stand-by for years, but I have been eyeing Kelly Wearstler's accessories, reminiscent of her design aesthetic.

Watch:  Presidential Rolex in gold.

Glasses: Oliver Peoples, large frames.

Scent: Always Clive Christian.

My lip: Mac "snob," this pink can be worn casually with a little gloss or matte for a red carpet look.

This is my simple, easy, routine.  What is yours?

 

 

 

 

Goodbye Belgium...

Belgium was so sweet to me.  He had seen my distress, was worried for my emotions.  He knew that what was whirling around me was untrue, undeserved.  He felt protective of me.  He thought that what I needed was to get away.  To be among friends, a beautiful setting, a bit of adventure and of course a bit of what brightens every girl's day - shopping.  He took care of me and provided me a safe place to go.  He knew what I needed without me having to say it.  He knew what I needed without me having to ask.  I thank him for that, I appreciate him for that.  Because if I have to ask, you are not the man for Marlo....