Some say there is an indescribable magic and poetry in the very experience and effervescence—the way the delicious bubbles gracefully float within the flute, almost like a theatrical dance . . . a dance in celebration of new memories and old; for future moments that captivate, for new marriages just beginning, for an exciting graduation, for a touching anniversary, for the promise of a fresh, new year. They remind of the beautiful joys in life to cherish and hold onto, always. A champagne occasion relies on feeling and experience, and for one to revel and linger in the moment for as long as possible.
And as we celebrate love in all of its essence this Valentine's Day—be it love for dear friends and family, or your significant other—our hearts overflow with happiness for the simple and wonderful opportunity to love and be loved.
And so, today, let's discover how this beautiful golden elixir came about, explore its fascinating history, and tour three unforgettable wineries, as well as look at tips & ideas on how best to enjoy a glass . . .
There is something significantly special about vintage and antique luggage pieces. Unlike the compact pieces that are created out of convenience and necessity today: suitable for planes, trains, ships, and automobile travel—the type of luggage needed from years past is quite different.
For instance, baby strollers today are easy to clean and maintain, can carry a number of children at time, and can fold into a fraction of their size, not unlike an origami piece; whereas in the past, more scalable prams were standard, designed with large, more industrial strength metal parts, and were produced with fine materials—some even included beautiful paintings and special storage compartments, and were often decorative and treasured for many, many years.
The same is with luggage; today, we seek quite different conveniences and scales, and yet can appreciate and enjoy the beauty of pieces from a bygone era.
Proficiently and arduously, “constructed by hand from metal, timber, leather and brass, these trunks were highly sought after and favoured by royal families and international high society alike.”
Traveling in style was considered as important as where one would travel. It’s lovely to imagine the sorts of journeys these pieces went on—exotic trips to Africa, trains through Europe, new homes and lands, discovered . . .
[continue reading sarah's tips for purchasing vintage and antique travel cases below . . .] x
With thanks to a lovely reader for the suggestion, this week’s {take me away} column shares and showcases an array of wonderful luggage options, from inexpensive, yet lovely pieces readily available at Macy’s, to exquisite investment pieces in Louis Vuitton's classic Monogram Etoile.
Whether you are looking to purchase your carry-on with a more conservative budget and splurge on your suitcase, or are looking to build a life-long lasting collection — or perhaps, are looking for the best quality set for a small budget, style and function needn’t be compromised. And so, below are some of our current favorites on the market, in an array of looks, price points, designs and functions, offering features to note and great style . . .
[read sarah's picks & tips for choosing luggage after the jump] x
As with many things, it is wise to purchase the best quality of luggage and travel accessories that one can afford. Luggage is an investment, and quality pieces will often last for a lifetime.
Well-made and designed luggage is aimed to make the process of your journey easier, and will take you through many years of adventures.
Whether you are beginning to put together your own luggage collection, are a well-seasoned traveler looking to replace the pieces you have, or searching for the perfect gift for someone you love, this guide will assist you in building a quality luggage collection.
No matter if you prefer a sleek, streamlined look with neutral colors, or a colorful, fun look with personalized details . . .
It is imperative to learn some of the basics of what to look for when selecting pieces . . .
