There is so much to say about my recent trip to Moscow, Russia, that a weekend update just won’t cover it. (I suppose that’s why I tend to write magazine articles about these things since short just isn’t my forté!)
It was funny to both my hubby and I the impression everyone had of this city before we went: “Is it safe to travel there?” “What is there to see?” and “Why don’t you just go to Mexico?” were seriously some of the questions we got. Well, let me just say this: the city is beautiful, rich in history, style and culture. And although there is a time and place for a nice beach vacay, nothing (in my opinion) beats an exotic trip to a far-off locale.
And now, the fashion…
{Xinhua/Jiang Kehong}
I took it as a big sign that I so happened to be in Russia during Moscow Fashion Week and experienced a ridiculous amount of F’Envy. That’s Fur-Envy, the term we made up for my constant head-turning and gawking at the unfairly stylish and attractive women traipsing through the city in high-heeled boots and gorgeous leather bags in tow. They were sophisticated, elegant and damnit I’d kill for a fur coat now.
{Photos: GUM}
The sites to see were spectacular; I could spend an entire afternoon just staring at St. Basil’s. But aside from the touristy things, there’s quite the scene in Moscow. And to give you fair warning, it’s quite an expensive one at that. GUM at the Red Square was built at the turn of the 19th century and during the Soviet Union, the top floor was home to Section 100, a secret clothing store only open to the highest echelons of the party. Now, it houses more than 200 luxury brands like Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss and more. (Still the upper echelons of society, you might say.)
Just across the street is TSUM, another ultra-luxurious shopping center. If you’ve ever shopped at Printemps in Paris, you’ll know exactly what to expect at TSUM, which is essentially a luxury department store on steroids housing all of your favorite high-end brands. Don’t like stocking up on Burberry Baby clothes? Kick up your heels and hang out in their Veuve Clicquot lounge. You could easily go broke here, so might as well bring in your pooch and just drink some Champagne. (Yes, there was a couple doing just that. It was quite cliché)
{View from the top: Ritz-Carlton, Moscow}
Now that you’ve shopped for the very best, wind down at O2 Lounge, the rooftop bar at the Ritz-Carlton, Moscow with gorgeous views of Red Square. You should stop by, even if it’s just for a cocktail. And if you’re itching for clothes you can actually shop for don’t worry, there’s a Zara on every corner.
How such a glamorous, and luxury travel destination could have a reputation as anything but is beyond me. We’ll be going back someday. Definitely love.
For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, too.
Leave a Reply