CLIP OF THE DAY: I love Brooklyn.

The Village of Breuckelen, named for Breukelen (providence of Ultrecht) in the Netherlands was first inhabited by the Dutch and contemporary native americans in 1646. Known to us as: Brooklyn, this is the second-most densely populated county in the United States, after New York County (Manhattan, there is); but despite facts, walking around it actually feels like a ride around a local village... So what truly makes a city liveable or loveable? Its heritage, the neighbours, parks, your favourite restaurant, transportation, a good opportunity, convenience or love - simply? On my case, CONNECT did, and it took me around what is now one of my favourite places I want  to learn more about, Williamsburg. 

First and foremost I cannot possibly take the credits for my latest article, as I must thank my friend and talented photographer Pauline Rochas for connecting me around the hood as one should. Allow me to start by Williamsburg newest platonic idea of modern reborn from an old textile factory turned into towns hottest hotel and cutting edge rooftop meeting point for residents: The Wythe Hotel. 'where sleep is optional'. Well, in any case if you decide to, its not expensive either ($179 a night). Blending hip and raw industrial look with impressive hospitality, what I found interesting is that much of the furniture was actually (and very cleverly may I add) made from wood salvage during the renovation process and designed all by local craftsman. If you are there just for the ride check out the bar on the roof top; if you are in for the long one, make sure you eat at the Reynards Restaurant. Well, since food is on the menu, yesterday I had dinner at Aurora, a rustic little Italian spot where we all sat by the garden and enjoyed Tuscan finest bowls of pasta and white wine, priceless after a very long day of work. Speaking of which, have you checked the latest on CONNECT....?  

CLIP-IT - My next stop there: The outdoors cinema night at the Pier 1 Harbour SYFY Movies (starts at sunset, and it runs every Thursdays until August 30th) --  I do love Brooklyn. 


* Above picture courtesy of ines4connect on Instagram. 

Have you found what you are looking for?

For most of my experience, I seem to discover new places, which end up being very special to me - the same way I connect with people: accidentally meant to be, at the right time precisely but the wrong moment and when I am not looking. So my question is: Do we really find what we are looking for? Or should we look for it to be found?


Whichever the case, the world does work in mysterious ways... but still, I can guarantee you that 9 out of 10 people will tell you that their favourite restaurant was found by chance on a hidden corner during a carefree stroll. (and that happens for the world's most known love stories to man kind and successful business ideas we hear about it). So my point is as much as I had promised for CLIP of the day to be - everyday - I would be lying to you if I had come here to write an article about something new, given CONNECT's latest happenings....

The same way you can't learn to have charisma or buy connections, you can't force spontaneity; you either have it or you don't. But ultimately that in it self can be the difference, and I have always been a strong believer that force should  never be imposed but rather always achieved. But I must confess that I have 'forced' myself to come here everyday since the 17th of June, I have continuously forced my self to write and failed. Everytime. Not because I fell out of it, but simply because my heart wasn't here. And that is most probably and the most logical explanation why we only have 1 heart, and why it will never truly function in two places at the same time. You cannot do everything at once. (Not if you truly put all of your heart on it). So like everything else in life, I made a choice and gave you nothing.  Absolutely nothing for ....days. No hint, no apologies or new CLIPS. And if for every choice a consequence, I must now reveal that I couldn't be happier with mine. It is with great joy that I can confirm that CONNECT has officially and successfully joined forces with two new international identities and is preparing  for the launch of a bigger and better new website by the begging of September 2012. That alone has taking more than my regular extra time since March and clearly a lot more of my body and mind, heart and soul lately...and it will continue to until early September. But these are very exciting times for all CONNECT members and the new ones to come....!

So with that being said, I thought I would lock today's CLIP of the day with a few suggestions for the summer straight from CONNECT members, fashion features editors, restauranteurs and  the coolest entrepreneurs....:

1 -This season's sunglasses hot picks - Westward Leaning &  Oliver Peoples 

2 -London's new Greek spot - Mazi Restaurant 

3 -Saint-Tropez's latest hotel found - White 1921  


4- New York's inexpensive opening  The Pod Hotel

5 -Brazil's promessing musical talent - Rodrigo Lampreia & Samba Santa Clara Project 




Well, wherever you are, I hope what you are looking for,  finds you. xx 

CLIP OF THE DAY: Off to the Hamptons

There has been quite a phenomenal new trend in the Hamptons this summer: the re-birth of old roadside motels architecturally revamped (you might have seen them in several movies: one or two story houses with rooms facing the pool...) they are usually quite modest but well situated. Well, if simplicity and great location is your motto, then my guess is that you will love the most recent boutique gem hidden outside New York: Capri Hotel in Southampton. Think bright beachy look, fresh, hip decor, with all-white bedrooms designed by Cythia Rowley and a NOBU restaurant inside with music playing until 1a.m.(not 'so' modest I guess...). Well, it has to be said that while prepping for CLIP of the day's calendar, one of my good friend's msg with pictures from their fun Saturday there made me somehow start embracing the fact that I have to be in New York City working during the summer while some of you enjoy Europe's Mediterranean finest 'dolce fare niente' and got me looking forward to my first break as soon as I have crossed the Atlantic. If  (and when) The HAMPTONS is on your mind - don't forget to go to Candy Kitchen everyone's favourite hangout for classic ice-cream or Lime Rickey drink. Book a table at The Lobster Roll (kitsch-looking restaurant famous for their seafood). If you want to get a grasp of why 'everybody who is anybody' goes to the Hamptons, then make your way to Nick & Toni's (house speciality: Italian food and celebrities....). My family's regular stop when we are there: Harper's book, CONNECT friend, Harper Levine's super cool bookshop and art gallery. CLIP - As you can imagine being half-Brazilian myself, picking a beach spot to suggest you out there isn't something I'm particularly excited, as I think about the Hamptons as a nice place to visit as whole, and not somewhere you go for the 'best white sand summer' experience and they are quite often very similar to one another also; in any case, I have been to the Main beach in East Hampton and Gibson Beach in Sagaponack and can recommend both. In essence, between pool parties, champagne brunches, polo matches, charity garden events or quite down time around East areas, one way or the other this where New Yorker's always (and still) are to be found from these months onwards....and in this case so will I. Have a great week clippers, I. xx 

CLIP OF THE DAY: Let us all keep travelling....

Between you and I lies the distance of one computer and most probably millions of miles. Some of you I have no idea of likes and dislikes let alone put a face into a name; internet is a tricky business indeed and being a blogger to a larger than life audience is serpentine. But for most part I like to believe that if you are remotely interested on CLIP by Connect, you travel. If you don't, you probably have too much free time in your hands....either one having any or both is the envy of the universe as we know it, undoubtedly. If you travel regularly - inevitably you have developed a love-hate relationship with the hotel industry...but who am I to write about all of them? (not somebody with "that" kind of time at least I'm afraid) so in that light I will instead go straight to the point: being able to find out where, by who is that amazing chair you saw at the entrance of your all time favourite hotel? (think the popular DIZ armchair by Sergio Rodrigues at the Fasano Hotel in Rio de Janeiro) Or in my case: being able to order 400 thread-count percale bed linen.... Yes - that specific -  as to me, very few things are worth investing more than in your sleep (and everything else that helps improve it). So look no more, and just go to Discover & Deliver a new online concept that enables you to find, and buy furniture and accessories you've spotted in Design Hotels around the world as close and fast as a click of a button. In the end, for everyone and everything there is a good side, even tangled inventions like the internet....so lets all keep travelling, even at home; ultimately: "The great affair is to keep moving". I. xx 

CLIP OF THE DAY: When in NYC town, be a Nolitan.

Want to feel like a true cool New Yorker? Eat local, sleep local,  live local, I say. On my very second CLIP of the day, I mentioned the rising hip "NOLITA" neighbourhood as being one of the places to have in mind next time you are in town. And so it still is...Nolita’s newest hotel The Nolitan located on the corner of Kenmare and Elizabeth’s streets is here to prove that, and with the 'sole' mission of make you feel like one of them. Even if for only a few days, starting by merely having 55 rooms, you know you're bound to get special attention, and one of the pampering services is their notorious ‘free unpacking and packing service’ (I quite like that) and of-course free Wi-Fi. (enough with the having to pay for this, which usually is outragous by the way). CLIP to keep? Check out their brunches as CONNECT ambassadors keep refering them day in and day out...xx I.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Ski Tip.

Hello Clippers, straight from my inbox this morning, my dear and super well CONNECTED friend Stefano just landed in Megève only a few hours ago but he was quick to send me a picture of him and his girlfriend chilling at Le Chalet Zannier... (I will obviously preserve their private memories and identity as you know clip by connect's format, so I've chosen a different image) And although I'm boiling in Brazil (not that this is any complaint) todays CLIP will definately serve as a Ski tip for the ones in Europe who migth be planing a nice escape to the mountains before spring. A well balanced decor of rough-hewn natural wood look with clean, modern furniture fittings, three chalets, a Spa, a cinema room and a restaurant with Michelin-starred  Chef Julian Burlat. Not bad....Thanks for the inside scoop Stef! Wishing you all a great Carnaval Break xxx

CLIP OF THE DAY: To the other side...

So the hottest Hotel in New York now is actually in Brooklyn....Hotel Williamsburg in the heart of the rising neighborhood of Williamsburg (evidently). Retro decor meets modern clean cut building - the ultimate "luxe cool" where each of the rooms are equipped with an individual Crosley record player and vinyls from a Brooklyn record label. From high end fashion editorials to known artists, it seems everybody is crossing over to the other side, in style. Add that to the hippest bands playing after dinner its easy to understand why the Hotel's Pillar & Plough restaurant is the place to hang. CLIPPING the latest text message from CONNECT insider: "Hun, @ the roof top pool of William's-B Hotel, found the new SoHo House in town...rush back xx" I know I am... Wishing you the continuation of a great day at work until then. (one day left to Friday Clippers)!

CLIP OF THE DAY: Tradition is a Temple.

Tradition is indeed a temple....and today I'm RE Clipping: in the end whats good should be repeated. The prestigious and multi-awarded Feijoada do Sheraton Hotel ran by Chef Stefan Bunning is back for Carioca Carnaval season. If more than 30 side dishes wasn't enough the 5 star Hotel is making sure you keep the beat coming and your spirits a up with the one and only: Portela School of Samba themselves - All by the pool facing the world's most envied ocean....Thank God for our Connect favorite Hotel Ambassador Miss Sarah Moreira for inviting us to join! Be there or be squared, Saturday 18th February from 12:30 to 4pm. 

CLIP OF THE DAY: The Ultimate Party Pad.

Last year this was my friend´s best kept secret: THE get away retreat and...ultimate party pad (the Connect kind, if you know what I mean). Château de la Goujeonnerie is the true definition of a flamboyant fairytale, featuring unicorn taxidermy and chandeliers, seven double rooms and three single, a heated outdoor pool only reached by strolling through a forest (evidently...)the property can be rented catered for 9.000 pounds; just in case if a weekend as a "mere" guest wont do. What else is worth knowing...? That La Goujeonnerie is run by the 3 men behind London's hip cocktail bar Loungelover and Les Trois Garcons restaurant which I absolutely recommend a paper CLIP on you travel journal and a visit upon the shortest notice. Michel Lasserre, Hassan Abdullah and Stefan Karlson may have started simply by selling and collecting antiques in Notting Hill but today, these are the characters in a fairy tale for grown-ups. And we sure all need one...Dream away clippers xx

CLIP OF THE DAY: Berlin Burns

A storied Bauhaus building that mirrors German history like quite a few do - (previously a department store opened in 1928, which later became Hitler Youth Headquarters in 1937) now, transformed into a hangout for the international creative gang, an industrial-chic private club and hotel. What now?  The Soho House Berlin and if it wasn't for Damien Hirst's graffiti's at the lobby you could still feel the Berlin Wall there. The ambience is pure, raw, elegant and intense...except the rooftop features a green volcanic-stone pool by an open-air bar. (to lighten things up). A short walk to Prenzelauer Berg’s bohemian cafes, bars and cobblestone corners. Few cities are changing as profoundly as Berlin and yesterday over a nice walk after dinner that was the  chat and city in mind, to think that almost 20 years after the Berlin Wall tumbled down, there are still two sides locked in a kind of cultural paradox between East and West. But which ever side, Berliners will always have the ability to reinvent themselves as cultural vanguards, pushing the boundaries of art, fashion and design. I guess I'm clipping a new city crush this year...with an endless world in its own right: Berlin burns, its a fact. 

CLIP OF THE DAY: Be my guest, really.

As most of you Clippers know, born a frequent flyer is part of the deal one it comes to being a true Connect member. A constant request on my inbox? "please connect me to someone who knows a cool and unexpensive place to stay in London, Ines". Evidently I wouldn't blog out my private contacts and the ultimate secrets on this one just like that (sorry troopers but privileges will be privileges) and only members will have access to them. But you also know me better by now, so today I will try to brigthen up your Tuesday and give you something for your paper clip to hold on to when your planning your next way over to London, basically a 'one fine stay': your chance to stay and live like a local. Get familiar with the word "unhotel", check their website for availability according to your dates, budget, prefered area and ...be my guest. 

CLIP OF THE DAY: I've got my mind set on you.

"Holidays from your holidays...." familiar with that? I am. Today I've got my mind set on Mediterranean gardens, a certain emerald sea view of a once private villa from my favorite weekend retreat: Búzios - Brigitte Bardot's favorite fisherman's village turned into Brazilian Hippest Rivieira. Luckily for me, two days ago I was introduced to the delightful Emmanuelle Tonnere -  Insolito boutique hotel's owner - the trendiest clean-cut and sleek spot in town. Think white walls, lime print cushions, crimson lampshades, infinity pools and the best of all: insolito silence.  

CLIP OF THE DAY: In da house

Ok, fair enough not everybody can just leave for holidays (specially at this point) and jet off to Africa or the Caribbeans....but that doesn't mean you shouldn't 'rock on' on your New Year's eve. Lets Clip it up! First and foremost if any of you still wants to travel its time to get involved with the hostels world as our generation is designing truly hip ones like no other, starting with my own and (quite impressive) nation: Portugal. For that I recommend The Independente - owned by true globetrotters, all CONNECT members - these 3 brothers, (that are like my own), set a different concept in hospitality where both travellers and locals could come together. With a cosy lounge 'a sort of "wallpaper photo shoot scenario" meets your own living room" and a clever, affordable and hip restaurant: The Decadente - that invites you for a "guilt free self indulgence..." (I am already hooked up everytime I fly back to Lisbon). If you are going to Rio de Janeiro check out Leblon Spot, Rio's first design hostel. Lastly: for unexpensive  flights, breaks and ideas to all the last minute gang - in your own words: Last Minute.

HOUSE PARTIES - get your basics right and the rest will follow...rule #1 - (whatever you do don't cheapen your alcohol)!!! If you can't get premium brands stick to your 'premium' local drink: Portuguese ginginha, Brazilian cachaça, British pimms - and inovate from that. Below some essentials & tips:

Absolut Elyx the ultimate 'house party drink' ( a hand-selected Råbelöf wheat which is suppose to bring a fruity and floral flavor, the water used in this vodka is 'filtered by nature and distillery rests on its own natural underground springs').  

Chalkboard Slate coasters - they are fun, original, personalized and they don't go to waste.

Granite Ice - the everlasting party chillers, re-usable granite cubes that keep drinks chilly without diluting your favorite spirit. 

Tembo Trunks - a special add-on that can amplify the sound coming out of your standard earphone up to 80 decibels, in case you don't have a massive sound system this shoud pretty much do the trick.

TWEET-IT: what will the blue bird be on this weekend...? Amongst other connections, we have live reports from Miami Art Basel hottest parties, the who is who, buying and watching what... xx

CLIP OF THE DAY: Le Banane Republic

It might be so often the case that "el unico fruto del amor és la banana" but I'm telling you that in 'New Year's' case "el unico" place to stay in St Barth's is indeed Le Banane Hotel - St Barthelemy's small, secluded and special, jungle-set cluster of chic bungalows in form of Caribbean boutique hotel. Last year while I was in Brazil, my 'lovely' and nevertheless extreamly "thoughful" friends who were jet setting around the sophisticated tropical la la land made sure to share their ridiculously alluring pictures followed by happy comments and personal impressions....I must confess that at the time I really didn't see much use for them unless an almost "imperceptible jelousy" disguised  in a memento. But now I get to share it with you. (great)! Their favourite rooms? Three of La Banane's bungalows that overlook the pool, and boast terraces with day-beds and showers opening directly onto tropical gardens or a little patio.

CLIP IT: The African-themed French dining lounge next door, K'Fé Massai, one of St Barth's finest and fun places to eat that also provides rooms service to the hotel.

TWEET-IT: As I keep breaking down my first bird steps with you to the world, yesterday the prince of night club partying and a connect member Jonny Boud was kind enough to keep us in the loop with all backstage hapennings during the grand openning night of London's newest venue The Rose. Meanwhile my favorite gang of creatives just touched down London ground straight from New York as they are preparing for Tommy Hilfiger's cutting-edge flagship store launch party tomorrow - keep following for more because they keep on coming....

CLIP OF THE DAY: Hip, Chic & Cheap

Today's clip is something I get asked frequently by friends and CONNECT members: a  hip, chic and cheap place to stay in New York - and believe it or not it is not easy to find, especially ones that are in cool neighborhoods, including rooftop views, central air-conditioning, full-time house keeping or even high-end shampoos... (yes, members ask me that). Well, get your paperclips ready and keep this one in file: The Bowery House, the newest hot spot between trendy NoLiTa and the Lower East Side. I'm talking Ralph Lauren towels, 300-thread-count sheets, lounge with leather Chesterfield sofas,  hip bar, commissioned artwork,  rooftop with panoramic views for only $62 a night. As if all that wasn't enough, its also a great spot to 'connect' as most guests are the cool international creative type by 80 per cent with an average age of mid 30's. (we like that) - In all, perfect timing for anyone planning a short and unexpensive trip to New York around Thanksgiving holiday.

CLIP-IT: Get ready for CLIP next week: Wishlist Exclusive- SPECIAL GIFT IDEAS for Christmas!

CLIP OF THE DAY: Unconditional love

Unconditional love. Exactly what I felt when I first lay eyes on Zoe, our Labrador. In Greek "Zoe" means life and that is exactly what she gave me, unexpected, unpredictable, unmeasurable life ...something impossible to describe, try to write or even clip about it. I'm guessing it was most probably that same immense, intense love - the kind that sets your soul on fire, sends your heart to infinity, forgets and forgives any  chewed up shoe or walk in the cold winter rain...because when they look at you: everything is worth it. Meet Erin Boyd, Chien Bleu founder: UK's first luxury tour operator for travellers and their dogs.  After struggling to find a suitable place to take her own Labrador Blue on holidays, Erin decided to dedicate her time with a mission to share her findings with others like herself, who are looking for a place to stay that "welcomes dogs with the same enthusiasm they welcome their guests". Demand for pet-friendly holiday packages and facilities are growing and proven to be very successful and Chien Bleu is a living proof of that, now featuring three specialist hotel testers who have personally road tested all the properties in its portfolio with a dog in tow. Doglovers keep this website in mind (especially now as the silly season is almost upon us)!

May you find a 'Labrador' love in your lifetime too...I. xx

    

CLIP OF THE DAY: Sunny Cipriani

While some are heading East for Halloween others are escaping to sunny L.A., in Bervely Hills and checking in Mr C (C as in Cipriani) family's brand new and first hotel abroad. The 138 rooms are decorated with red tufted sofas, great black and white pictures, dark wood floors and Louis Vuitton: 100 legendary Trunks book in each suite. Ray Kappe is designing five private bungalows (set to open next year) that are already promissing to be quite the celebrity hideout as much as party people hangout. But you don't have to be a guest to taste some of Cipriani's favorites: the hotel Lobby Lounge also offers their signature Belinis and unique Carpaccio; remember my clip on their origin? * 

CLIP-IT: Play pool on their one of a king G1 table designed by Nottage Design & ask for thin-crust pizzas at Mr C restaurant.

* "Food for Tought" - Tag: travel, food. Date: August 13th.

CLIP OF THE DAY: Not all who wander are lost

In a good mood! Just woke up to very funny email from a dear friend of mine telling me all about his adventures on his latest assignment as a travel jornalist: Mexico & cool places to stay. (not a bad job I say...). Here is a - Clippers only - first hand scoop on 3 hotels you ought to know: Hotel Azucar - In Veracruz right opposite Mexican Golf; charming and quite a unique place to stay. Hotel Maison Couturier - Rustic hip hotel built on a French Colonial beautiful house & Hotel Bocachica - In Alcapulco, classic tribute to the golden 50's style.  

Quoting a certain someone: "Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen" ... in the end, not all who wander are lost.

CLIP OF THE DAY: The great affair is to move

It's easy to research and write about anything that this family decides to create. The Fasano hotels in Brazil are without a doubt my favorites in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Now its Uruguay's turn to cause quite the stir. Located in Punta del Este, the Fasano Las Piedras designed by modernist architect Isay Weinfeld, features several charming stone cottages spread across 480 hectares of both countryside and sandy coast. If you are looking for a place to go on holiday on South American winter now or you are in Europe thinking of Punta del Este's famous nightlife for New Year's break, think no more. Las Piedras top-of-the-line luxuries include a free-form pool, your own private beach, an equestrian and polo fields and a spa. Quoting Robert L Stevenson: "For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.”... even better when your checking into a Fasano Hotel...

CLIP OF THE DAY: More Missoni

Few years ago I met Margherita Missoni, Marc Jacob's favorite IT girl, fashion princess and Missoni's heiress...truth is we share a few friends in common from New York and Rio, one thing led to another and I had to choice but to admire even more this incredible family! Later on I interviewed Margherita for Vogue when she became Missoni's Fragrance Ambassador. (you can read it on CONNECT under press by Ines Coelho). Since that interview Missoni fashion Brand and the prestigious Hotel chain “Rezidor Hotel Group” designed their first Missoni Hotel which opened in Edinburgh in 2009. Each detail was beautifully created by Rosita Missoni (Margherita's grandmother and Missoni's creative director). The Hotel is as opulent, effervescent and hip as the brand itself. 

As a well-connected Clipper, I give you the inside scoop and let you prepare your holiday diaries in advance, so you are always in the loop with the latest before everyone else. After openning in Kwait, the world gets More from Missoni: 2014 welcomes Missoni Hotel in the Cajaíba exclusive island in Brazil! Needless to say I've placed a Clip on it....