Puerto Rico

One summer I went to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico with my friend, Jessica, and her baby boy, Kyler. We stayed with her grandmother, 'buela Sarah Bravo.

'buela Sarah and baby Kyler in the garden

'buela Sarah's lovely house and garden.

I slept in this bedroom

I traveled light for this trip. My luggage consisted of whatever I could squeeze into a red Jansport backpack. Most of my clothes are draped over that headboard. Nice!

'buela Sarah's Wheels

I searched every inch of that car (i.e. the seats, floor, trunk, tires, glove compartment etc.) for an emblem or word indicating the make and model. There was nothing. What the heck is that?!?!

I was hesitant about driving during this trip, because last summer I totaled a guy's car during a road trip to Florida. Ooops. So I'm not a great driver, but I had no choice. I caught 'buela Sarah dozing off at the wheel. Nice! So I made her pull over, bought her a cafe con leche, and took the keys. Needless to say 'buela Sarah was not impressed with my driving . Whenever I sped up she would put her hand on my shoulder and say, "Tranquilla Maria!" My bad. Lo siento.

After lunch I would take naps in this hammock and listen to the rain. It would rain religiously every afternoon. Then the sun would reappear and we would drive back to the beach to swim and lay out. It was one of the most relaxing vacations, because I did nothing but nothing.

At the Beach

I could spend hours watching the waves roll in and trying to predict whether or not it was going to be a big one. Some people would consider this activity way too redundant, but I'm weird. I think it's fun.

I also dove off some rocks while I was there. Jessica was not too happy about that, because she was tired and not it the mood to drive me to the hospital if I got hurt. I ended up hiking to the top alone and left her with my camera.

I was a little scared and hesitant. Then this old Puerto Rican man advised me not to think, "No piense!" That was that. I didn't think about it - I just did it. And man do you get some serious hang time. That was the most incredible sensation - falling, hovering, catching air, completely letting myself go. That was the closest I've ever come to feeling truly free. It was amazing.

One last pic of Jess and me. Thanks for letting me tag along. Hope I wasn' t too much of a pain in the arse.

Pax,
Ria

Bora Bora Bound

These pictures are from a spread in the December 2004 issue of Vogue. This is one magazine I could never throw out. I love the dresses, the hand-woven wreaths, and the ropes of pearls and seashells. Also, Daria Werbowy looks stunning with her wild hair and bronze skin. Looking at these pictures inspires me to move to Bora Bora and become a child of the sun ;)

Pax,

Ria

Tricia Guild

I recently discovered Tricia Guild at a shop called Behind Closed Doors Interiors. This is another adorable store located on Fabric Row in Philadelphia. I spent a majority of my time staring at this fainting chaise....

Fabric, Pillow and wallpaper designed by Tricia Guild

...and thumbing through this book...

The textures, colors, and patterns are amazing.

Someday, when I have extra cash to blow,
I would like to reupholster my couch...

Pax,
Ria

Nude Oxfords for Spring.

I spotted these lovely oxfords at the Bus Stop Boutique on fabric row. I love the cut-out accents and the nude color. They're made by Dionella by Dione, one of Mexico's premier shoe brands. The name is derived from Greek mythology. Dione was Aphrodite's mother and the goddess of Beauty. How lovely!

Thanks to our fabulous economic situation, I will not be purchasing these shoes any time soon. That's okay. I have this photograph - ça suffit.

Pax,

Ria

Hanes Daisy Vintage Stockings

Voila, never been worn Hanes stockings from the 60's. The daisies only appears on the side of the right leg. How groovy! Too bad they don't fit.

I found these at a consignment store called Decades Vintage, located at 615 Bainbridge in Philadelphia, Pa. If you're in the neighborhood this is a fun store to peruse. Currently they've got a great collection of shoes by Charles Jourdan.

Sidewalk Talk

While taking a walk through the city,

I love discovering images of celebrities on the sidewalk:

Pax,
Ria

Today...

...I'm inspired by the knits and colors of Missoni...

Photo by Marcio Madeira for style.com

...so I made this beret:




Pax,
Ria