As we are well into the first week of 2014 and the New Year, I would like to reflect on my top 10 Skimbaco moments of 2013 along with my colleagues Satu, Reeta, Leigh, Adrienne, and Katja. When I joined the Skimbaco team during the fall of 2013 I wrote that for me, the Skimbaco Lifestyle “is incorporating what you are passionate about in as many facets of your life as possible.” While my view of Skimbaco moments has definitely grown more profound, when I reflected on 2013 I realized my initial thoughts were still underlying many of my top moments. My top moments were characterized by things that I love: travel, fashion, design, and friends. While I am known for my love of designer apparel, not every moment was a “made in Italy” or “made in France” moment, some times it is the small moments that are the best as well. Here are my top Skimbaco moments of 2013.
1. Learning to Ski in Aspen
2013 got started on a great foot with a ski trip to beautiful Aspen, CO. I had never skied before in my life prior to this trip, but that did not stop me from taking on the slopes with a few good friends. I signed up for lessons, and by my third day of skiing was doing blue runs- I was quite impressed with myself and found a new hobby! The trip was complete by a stay at the amazing Residences at The Little Nell and exploring the quaint town of Aspen.
2. Visting Barcelona
I make this trip separate from other travels in Europe in 2013 because it was special. It was a country I had never visited before and a culture I had never experienced before as well. The Dalai Lama once said, “Once a year, go somewhere where you have never been before” and for me, this was the first moment of that in 2013. I fell in love with the sandy beaches, palm trees, and gothic quarter. Discovering Barcelona was highly memorable. This trip also served as a business trip in which I was able to go on an inside tour of the famous “Beer of Barcelona,” Estrella Damm.
3. Featured in FRINGE
One day I opened my email to find a message asking to do a profile on me for a special fashion edition of a local publication. It was a great feeling to be recognized based on something I love, fashion and style. I agreed, and was featured in the spring edition FRINGE. It was fun to do a photo shoot in the Meatpacking District, running in and out of the Gansevoort Hotel changing looks.
4. Spa Day at the Ritz-Carlton
2013 was a year of many firsts, one of which being a massage for me! Prior to visiting the Ritz-Carlton in Westchester, I had never experienced a spa day. I was very excited to spend Black Friday this year at the spa instead of the crowded malls and shopping centers. I opted for a full-body, Swedish massage. Needless to say, I was very relaxed afterwords and ready to take on the end of 2013.
5. Pursuing Interests in Fashion and Design
Skimbaco has been a platform that has allowed me to pursue my interests in fashion, design, and style. 2013 was filled with many great events such as launches of collections, interviews with designers such as Peter Manning, and new products from renowned brands such as Bang & Olufsen. All these moments were aligned with my passions, and that is a true Skimbaco moment to me. I was able to further experience New York during these moments as well.
6. Sharing 2013 with Friends
Friends make moments in my opinion. Looking back through my photos from 2013, I had SO many memorable ones with friends and colleagues that I could not decide which were the best. For me, this is a sign of a great year. Many of my Skimbaco moments are characterized by lots of laughing with friends. This past year included many nights out with close friends, special events, and dinners.
Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting Katja here in New York. Since our team is scattered around the globe, it is hard to coordinate a big meet-up, but I had the pleasure of meeting the woman behind it all. We met in Chinatown at an amazing Mexican restaurant and got to know each other.
I love the beach and summertime, so spending time in the Hamptons this summer was very memorable and enjoyable. There is such a serene, simple beauty the the location that I have never experienced elsewhere, and only 2.5 hours from the city, it is the perfect escape on hot, summer weekends. From the fashion to the homes, I love the classic “hamptons style.” I passed a few days on the top rated Main Beach, and shopped Newtown Lane in East Hampton.
8. Attending Fashion Week
Fashion Week is one of the most exciting weeks that comes twice a year in New York. The city just comes alive as it is buzzing with shows, parties, and filled with celebrities. Over the past year I was able to attend runway shows at Lincoln Center and other presentations across town. To be at Lincoln Center seeing collections go down the runway was very exciting for me. During New York Fashion Week, I was able to see collection from Finish Designers to Chinese Designers. Fashion Week is very memorable to say the least!
9. Exploring Europe
One of my favorite trips of all time was this past August. A close friend of mine and myself set of an a journey to France, Italy, and Croatia with one mission in mind: fun. It was great to return to France, my favorite country, this time to the blue waters of the Cote D’Azur. The South of France was filled with lots of sun, blue water, and even more wine. From there we explored the hot travel destination of Dubrovnik, Croatia. This was the highlight of the trip, as I have never seen such a beautiful city by the sea. We ended our European excursion in the fashionable city of Milan, sipping espresso and enjoying cocktails at the Bvlgari Hotel, very Skimbaco!
10. Feeling Like an Episode of Gossip Girl
Nothing excites people about life in New York City like an episode of the popular TV show, Gossip Girl. This summer, I felt like I was on an episode of Gossip Girl in the Royal Suite at the New York Palace. I felt like a Van Der Woodsen in the 3,600 square foot suite on the 45th floor of the towers. The suite was very fitting to celebrate the most special moments of life in true luxury.
Looking back, 2013 was a very exciting and successful year. I cannot wait to see how 2014 unfolds and what travel it will hold. Here is to making 2014 filled with many more Skimbaco moments!
