The Ottoman Textures of Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace

The Ottoman Textures of Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace

No descriptions here, just a few favorite photos from among the dozens I took at Topkapi Palace today. No matter where you looked up at the Palace, there was some kind of ornately painted, tiled, carved and/or gilded decoration. Most of these are from the private apartments of the Sultan and his harem.
Visiting the Ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul

Visiting the Ottoman Empire at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul

Today’s adventure: Topkapi Palace, the largest and oldest palace in the world, where the Ottoman Empire’s Sultans lived for over 400 years. First, we had to walk through our cute hipster Galata Tower neighborhood… ….across the bustling waterfront and through the spice market. The crowds at Topkapi were massive, even this early in the morning…
Istanbul’s Rainbow Stairs

Istanbul’s Rainbow Stairs

Last year, a local man decided to beautify the cement steps in his Istanbul neighborhood. He took 4 days and $800 in paint to create a rainbow staircase that instantly became a must-see destination in Istanbul. When the city painted the steps gray, residents came out to paint it back to bright colors the next day. Now, there…
Exploring the Modern Side of Istanbul

Exploring the Modern Side of Istanbul

Day two means the jetlag is getting progressively worse (5:00 am call to prayer wake-ups aren’t helping) and we are also probably at the worse point of our head colds.  Plus, it’s rainy and cold. But today is Rob’s birthday! Adventures can’t wait. Yesterday was all about old Istanbul. Today was about the new. We…
Welcome to Istanbul!

Welcome to Istanbul!

It still doesn’t seem real, but here we are in Istanbul!  After a long flight and a brief stop in Germany, Rob and I arrived Sunday evening at an airport bustling with young men in trim suits, women in headscarfs and lots of smokers. We had dinner of schwarmas and freshly squeezed pomegranate juice sitting…
What to Wear: Cowgirl Casual for Fresno

What to Wear: Cowgirl Casual for Fresno

How appropriate that the last WTW outfit before we go to Turkey is pure Americana!  To match our Fresno adventures this week, here’s a casual outfit for exploring the central valley. Love the combination of blush pink with olive green: Boots – I don’t remember how exactly I ended up owning three pairs of cowboy…
A Frequent Visitor’s Guide to Fresno

A Frequent Visitor’s Guide to Fresno

Fresno isn’t known as a top California tourist destination, but there are still interesting things to see and places to eat. Rob and I come out to Sanger, east of Fresno, a couple times a year to visit his family’s ranch and see his grandmother in Reedley.  If you’re visiting family or headed through on the…
What to Wear: Concert on a Cool Spring Evening

What to Wear: Concert on a Cool Spring Evening

Renee wrote in with a follow-up request using that same beautiful spring dress with blue and pink agate colors we posted about last week: I love this dress– the black lends itself to wearing this for an evening out, don’t you think? Any ideas for dressing this up for evening, a cool spring evening? It’s an…
What to Wear: Cross Country Skiing

What to Wear: Cross Country Skiing

I love cross country skiing for a several key reasons: no crowded ski resorts, no expensive lift tickets, plenty of time outdoors, little chance of major injury, excellent full-body workout and cute outfits! Because you get so hot while nordic skiing, there’s no need for bulky ski clothes in most conditions. This outfit is inspired…
A Quick Winter Getaway to Yosemite and Curry Village

A Quick Winter Getaway to Yosemite and Curry Village

My favorite time to visit Yosemite is in the late fall and early spring – when the quiet valley is miles away from the packed international tourist destination it becomes in summer. Rob, Nicole and I spent the night in Yosemite Valley before our cross-country ski trip to Glacier Point last weekend. There wasn’t any more…
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