by Candice DeVille | Nov 27, 2014 | Style Inspirations, Travel
While I was wondering what to wear in Dubai I realised this; if I could only ever wear one style of pants for the rest of my life, these would be it. Palazzo pants.
The King (or Queen) of Pants. With the right heel these can make you look taller, more carefree, effortlessly chic, and hide all manner of ‘sins’.
Over the years I have made more of these than I care to count, and with my upcoming trip to Dubai I am making even more.
With the weather and culturally appropriate dressing in mind, I’ve put together some inspirations boards for the kind of looks I’d like to wear while I’m away. It may not be Dubai you’re headed to this holiday season, but these looks will take you stylishly to any cosmopolitan location.
[dt_gap height=”20″ /]
by Candice DeVille | Nov 25, 2014 | sponsors, Travel
Having a good imagination makes planning for an overseas holiday so much easier. Such is the case with my upcoming trip to Dubai.
Since I first heard that I was one of the very fortunate to be invited by Dubai Tourism to experience the wonders of the UAE, I have been dreaming, planning and shopping. Yes, I know I should probably save myself for all the incredible markets and malls over there, but I do like to be prepared.
Whenever I hit a new city, the very first thing I like to do is visit a large upscale mall. Why? Well I find that it is one of the quickest ways to get the vibe of a city. To people watch and see what sort of pace they move at, which stores hold the balance of fashion power, and to gauge the level of daily glamour; the place I feel most at home.
With that in mind, a visit to the Dubai Mall is high on my list of arrival priorities. It is the largest shopping and entertainment venue in the world! Yes, if I were a millionaire I’d probably go wild with my credit card and valet to carry all the packages, but the mall holds another rich appeal for me. The Aquarium!
You may not know this about me, but I have always been obsessed with aquariums. I’ve kept fish of some kind ever since I was a child, and they grace my back on a permanent basis. I adore watching the sway of the grasses and corals as fish dart in and out. Jellyfish are a particular favourite, with their iridescent lights and wispy tentacles. I can often be found sit sitting, mesmerised, watching these creatures float by.
I’ll be staying at The Address Downtown Dubai, essentially right in the heart of the Mall and Souk district. Unlike so many cities I’ve visited, what has me giddy with excitement about Dubai is the seamless mix of the old and the new. Just like myself and this blog, there seems to be a strong sense of connection to its heritage, yet all set within a sleek futuristic version of that world. I will confirm this upon my arrival, but I have the distinct impression that the blend of old and new in Dubai will directly echo who I am.
For all the luxury and glamour of the city streets, I also plan on swathing myself in white muslin and khaki dresses to take on the Desert Safari. To ride side-saddle on a bejewelled swaying camel as the sun sets over the honeyed sand dunes. Having ridden a camel before I realise that the reality of these animals is a little different, but imagination is a wonderful thing.
I’ve already bought the most perfect pair of golden diamanté sandals and oversized 70’s style sunglasses to match the regal vision in my mind.
To add to this fantastic vision of Dubai, I am planning to head to the Atlantis Palms where they have the Aquaventure. Not only does the Palms have the sort of incredible architecture I’ve only ever seen on a 1930s Hollywood set, but I’ll be able to swim with dolphins! My mind is almost totally overwhelmed with the possibilities of just what will happen when I get here. With such a surrounding and the incredible array of aquatic life, it seems only right that I bring my Esther Williams swimsuit for the occasion.
I’m already enjoying this trip and I haven’t even left Australia! Just travelling in my imagination to ensure that I am prepared for anything means my house is now covered in clothes. The contest of my wardrobe, my shoe closet and my accessories chest are all working over time creating little travel tableaux.
I can’t wait to share this amazing adventure with you!
by Candice DeVille | Oct 30, 2014 | competitions, sponsors, Travel
It is quite possible that what I have to tell you may be the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me. It has been on my “Life List” for quite some time and I didn’t know if or when I’d be able to make it happen, but now I can tell you….
I am going to Dubai!!
In fact, the whole Nuffnang Bloggeratti team and I are headed off to Dubai together! This is the very first time that such a large group of bloggers have been invited to take part in a huge getaway campaign, and I’m honoured to be amongst them. We’ve become a close-knit group of Nuffnang bloggers from across Australia, all writing about different things but sharing the same blogging passion. Having the opportunity to work on something this exciting and spend time with ‘colleagues’ is just incredible!
The whole group of us cover a diverse range of topics, so the stories you’ll be able to see will have something for everyone. We are fashion, parenting, style, interiors, food and craft bloggers. Can you imagine how differently we’ll experience Dubai?
We will be working with the #MyDubai initiative, created by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. Yes, that’s right and I can hardly believe it myself, we’ll be working on a project initiated by Royalty!
Dubai is a land of dreams to me; not only do they have the biggest shopping mall in the world, but is a wealth of culture, history and tradition. There is so much I want to see and experience. The tastes and sounds, the early morning sunrises and the beauty of the desert plains will, no doubt, provide the perfect backdrop to my stories. The aquariums, ice rinks, fountains and markets all fuelling the imagination and creating exquisite memories.
The passionate people watcher and archaeologist in me is beside herself with excitement. I feel like a child presented with the dessert buffet and only a tiny plate to hold it all. I know I will be a glutton for experiences on this trip and these are the souvenirs I plan to bring home.
Already I am planning the wardrobe needed for this adventure, imagining floaty silks, golden trims and leather sandals. The possibility of what awaits on the local Dubai fashion scene is simply too much to comprehend. The luxury, the choice, the scale; all like I’ve never seen before. I am fascinated to sit down with tea and explore the stories of traditional dress and the subtleties of style in Dubai.
As my fellow vintage lovers, I know you will understand completely when I tell you my minds eye sees all these images with a tinge of Hercule Poirot and a Khaki clad adventuress. My pulse is already racing.
It is not only me who should feel the excitement of this tough, as I have an announcement for you too.
As a part of this spectacular Dubai trip, Nuffnang has the opportunity for YOU and a friend to WIN and come with us!!
All you have to do is tell us via your social media platforms “What do you dream of in Dubai?” and make sure to add the hashtag #NNDubaiDreams and #mydubai.
Please note that you must remember these things for your entry to count:
- Must use the two hashtags #NNDubaiDreams and #mydubai
- Can upload an image, text or video
- Shared on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram
- Entries can any format as long as they’re publicly visible and include those hashtags.
Here is the official Nuffnang blog post with all the competition details
What can you win?
- The winner and your +1 receive flights from their nearest capital city, accommodation, and activities in Dubai. They’ll be traveling in part with our group, but not included in all activities. Includes flights, accommodation and activities.
Terms & Conditions
Do not let this one pass you by!! Enter as many times as you like and share this with all your friends who may end up winning for you!
by Candice DeVille | Oct 10, 2014 | Travel
The Isle of Pines, New Caledonia. Oh to be here again today…
Imagine a place where everything is warm and slow. White sands like the softest baby powder between your toes and shores that curve around hidden coves, the type a storybook pirate might inhabit. Tide worn drift wood makes dragon like silhouettes that creep slowly towards the shore are the sun sets. The air smells of hibiscus and the low hum of the cicadas cushions quiet conversation.
Small, ancient and perfectly formed, the Isle of Pines remains one of the few places where life is guided by tribal families, and each member of the island’s population is known to the other. Jurassic sized glossy leaves line the narrow road ways and spiders, jewel like, hang from fine webs, their backs glistening in the sun. There is a slowness here, a Pacific time which, no matter how much you seem to hurry along, you remain in a surreal, sandy existence.
By the coastline, the carved timber totems surround a glistening Catholic Jesus, like small sentinels to hold the sea at bay. As the sun changes position he becomes a beacon of silver, bronze then golden light. The ornament so at odds with the volcanic pebbles and coral shards beneath your feet.
Every day is cultural day here, as when the Cruise ships dock, the islands population more than doubles in an instant. Relying solely on tourism for income it seems amazing just how laconic and laid back they remain. There is no push, no shove, no vocal demonstrations secure your dollar or attention. Just broad smiles as they go about their business from behind mountains of coloured crabs and expressive faces carved in wood. Music, song and dance it seems, run in their veins. The natural rhythm of the island worked out in traditional instruments and the shimmy of a grass skirt.
The Isle of Pines is a place to feel connected. Connected to the hum of nature within your creature comforts. Where rock pools reflect our own social microcosms, drawing you into their narrative for hours on end if you’ll let them.
When you need a place to just let your mind wander, without the pressure to see, do or achieve; the Isle of Pines is the perfect escape. Simply find your special corner and begin your own story.
I travelled courtesy of Air Calin and New Caledonia, the exquisite corner of the world where I was able captured these images.
by Candice DeVille | Sep 3, 2014 | Travel
Gastronomy; the active study of food within culture and the delight of many a traveller. Also known as the fancy way to say, “I love food!”
When first heading across to New Caledonia, I had no idea what to expect when it came to food. Imagining the local produce mixed with French influences just left me confused. What a happy discovery this was.
The good people at Arc en Ciel Voyagers were well prepared for a day of delights, warning me not to over do it on the sumptuous breakfast buffet, and off we went to begin where so many good journey’s begin; with chocolate.
Anyone who follows my Instagram will know I am no stranger to a sweet treat or two, so it will come as no surprise that the aroma of fresh chocolate is a bit like a drug to me. Toton Jules is the prime example of a small French chocolate shop, filled with colour and trays of glistening crafted treats. Each morsel perfectly aligned in rows like shiny, seductive soldiers. Red hearts that kept the secret of their sticky insides close, professing their love for me before they’d even touched my lips. Yes, chocolate does make one a bit poetic.
The tea geek in me fell instantly in love with the bright antique design of these gorgeous canisters. A tea originally made and owned in Russia, now the preserve of a French company and matched perfectly to your afternoon delight. Brightly coloured sugared almonds lined the shelves, looking less like something to eat and more like beads to match my outfit. That must have meant I’d reached my sugar limit; so then……..
…..wine!
We are no strangers to good wine here in Australia. So much so that growing up, my bedroom window looked out at the vineyards in the distance. My wine cellar at home remains amply stocked at all times of year. But you know what it isn’t full of? French wine! How could it be that it never dawned on me that coming to New Caledonia there would be French wine (and cheese, but my goodness how much heaven can one take?).
Unlike the menus in Melbourne, the prices of French wine here had me double taking. No I didn’t need to earn another days wage for a bottle, but was instead tempted to see how I could fit an entire case back in my luggage. Some people get like this in jewellery stores, with me it was here as I looked upon rows upon rows of red and golden hues.
Taking a trip to New Calendonia is worth it for the wine stores alone.
After treat upon treat, it is only right that I show you some of the actual sit down dining experiences.
There are two types of Gastronomes who will enjoy New Caledonia. The type of who are able to sit back savouring every mouthful, discussing in their best Master Chef speak, the merits of each dish. Then there are those who are extremely glad that there is a local fashion for Muu Muu’s, as every mouthful is so good it brings tears to your eyes. That is me. (Yes, you’ll see the Muu Muu I bought in another post)
See these gigantic creatures? These are snails. Not your garden variety or even five star restaurant variety. These are the most giant, delicious creatures you can only ever experience when you visit The Isle of Pines. So delectable and limited in supply, these fellas may not be taken out of the country. In fact, I’m told that serious snail aficionados come to the Isle of Pines with the sole purpose of eating these by the plate full.
Our group was extremely privileged to have these platters prepared in our honour, and I personally, was even more so when many declined their second serving. This made it all the more enjoyable for me as I had the happy task of ensuring they went to a good home. With fingers glistening in melted butter and garlic, I assure you, I gave them a good send off. I cannot express enough praise for the Chef at Le Meridan Isle of Pines; his choices and execution are simply sublime!
Heaven, just simply heaven.
New Caledonia is the place that you dream about while sitting at your desk. Whether that is dreaming of lunch, sand, sunshine wildlife or even just napping with a belly full of wine as the sun goes down. But don’t just dream, wake up and go there!
by Candice DeVille | Aug 19, 2014 | sponsors, Travel
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Brought to you by Nuffnang and Wotif.com
WIN a Golden Passport worth over $50 Grand!
“The mornings are slow, warm and fragrant with jasmine. Bowls of steaming ramen and a french press of perfectly brewed coffee sit perched on my breakfast tray. My cybernetic butler smiles and opens up the drapes to reveal glistening waters, swaying palms and meerkats playing by the sea. “It’s going to be a marvellous day.” I think to myself, slipping into my swimsuit and soft pink scarf.
A lazy start reading e-books, drenched in gentle morning sunlight seems like just the thing to get me started. Then perhaps a luxurious massage before heading into vintage town to shop for all the amazingly priced pieces, and arm loads of fresh flowers to bring back to my villa. The bargains are so plentiful I can barely fit them into the huge boot space of my 1956 Cadillac, so a convoy it is to make sure that each find has a space.
As we turn the corner from Vintage St into Thrift Store Heaven Ave., the street is partitioned off to give plenty of room for dancing to one of the multitude of bands. Petticoats flash and boots crack on the tarmac as the song reaches its crescendo. With perfect timing the cocktail and dumpling carts arrives to nourish happy, but weary dancers. It must be time for a massage again.
Arriving back to the villa side pool, freshly cracked coconuts await my return. Nestled among a bed of Singapore orchids, the sight itself at once relaxing and luxurious. The koi swim slowly, their tales splashing through the sheet of the waterfall, droplets landing on my butler and narrowly avoiding her armload of laksa.
The sun slowly sinks behind the horizon, tiki torches come alive and the sound of island drums heralds the arrival of the dancing girls. All dressed in our favourite Pake Muu’s, my girl friends and I call to our partners to hurry down from the balcony so they don’t miss the show. With charming grins, the men step back to reveal a small procession of perfectly dressed monkeys, each holding coloured boxes filled with unearthly coloured glitter lucite jewellery. Knowing our Omni-cam is recording every moment of the evening, down to the smallest wink or smile, I sit back and enjoy the show.”
This is my Wotifia.
A place where anything and everything is possible, if only you can imagine. Starting your ideal travel journey in your imagination is by far the best way to find adventure, passion, fun and romance. Dream away and then start to uncover the secrets to finding your perfect destination.
The gateway to Wotifia begins with Wotif.com.au with over 13,000,000 rooms in 118 countries and 120,000 flights to get you there. Being able to compare and review all the deals means you have more time to plan your adventure within an adventure, and knowing you have 24/7 support from the team means you’ll never be left in travel limbo.
For the lay person, finding the door to Wotifia may not come as easily as it does to me, someone who spends a great deal of time in fantasy land. This handy video guide will help you see the possibilities for what they are and show you how you too can become a “Visita” in “Wotifia”.
[/vc_column_text][dt_call_to_action content_size=”normal” text_align=”left” background=”fancy” line=”true” style=”0″ animation=”none”]
Win a Golden Passport to Wotifia by heading to Wotif.com.au.
Worth over $50 grand, this passport could be used to take you, your family or your mates to unlimited travel destinations where anything is possible and you can let your imagination run wild. Where it’s always sunny, never-ending cocktails, thousands of miles of coastline worldwide – it’s the world without borders. Wotif’s Golden Passport competition is geared to inspire fans with what they imagine Wotifia to be, no matter how weird or wonderful.
Where would your Passport to Wotifia take you?
[/dt_call_to_action][/vc_column][/vc_row]
