Do you want to get lei…d? Hawaii not just hula anymore. Head to Kona for Hularama, Arthur Murray’s 2018 Dance Competition. Think mai- tais, sultry nights & sexy dancing. It’s “hot” in more ways than one. It’s “Kona” cool.
How to Pack
Lucky it’s Hawaii – everything is tiny
The suitcase is empty – packing tips…
Use tissue paper to prevent wrinkles
Labeled Compressions bags to save space
Bikinis in baggies to line suitcase – so u don’t lose the top or bottom. (maybe you want to)
Soft sided packing cubes – easy to find rolled t- shirts & lingerie (great day to night outfit)
What to Pack
No coat, so ski boots, no gloves
Nippits – to cover your …
Use bikini top for dance competition
SPF 50+ – sunburn not a good dance look
Swim wear cover ups double as evening attire
Costume jewelry – bikini & bling
Lacey “C” through pants
Flowy long dress to dine in the sand – color it up
“Lay”er workout sweatshirt as night wrap
Aloe vera gel – to cool a hot burn
Dance bag/beach bag – remove dance shoes, fill w/ flip flops – leave room for shopping
Where to Stay
Hilton Waikoloa Village – Play & Stay in style
Need Dance Attire?
Save your hula skirt for the bedroom…
Designs to Shine – Strap into exquisite form/ function Swarovski dance fashion
World Tone Dance Shoes – Best dance shoes in US – practice, competition, specialty shoes
Dress Doctor – Best Chicago Tailor – design, re-construct & style dance attire- the ultimate makes size 2 dress larger!
Where2Dine
Ulu Ocean Grill & Sushi Bar Lounge –Top 100 most romantic alfresco restaurants in America.
Da Poke Shack – Don’t let the outside fool you. Number #1 restaurant on Yelp! Everyone can’t be wrong.
Hugo’s on the Rocks -Tables in the sand, sunsets, music – more dancing
Want2Do
Life’s a “Beach” – don’t move, just don’t forget your SPF
Whale Watching – December thru March, the ultimate Humpback Whale Season
Can’t sit still? Scuba, snorkel, diving, paddle boarding and surfing, horseback riding
Want it hot? Hike or bike to see the awesome volcano
Kona is “Coffee Country” head to one of many farmer’s markets
Arthur Murray tapped Sandy Mandel & Barbara Winchell – Wear2Where for traveling in Style
One of the most picturesque and romantic cities in Europe. It’s easy to get lost in its Baroque architecture, Gothic cathedrals, cobblestone streets, cafes and the Castle Complex, the largest in the world. Stroll over the Vltava River on the Charles Bridge linking Mala Strana (the old town) with the 600-year-old New Town. Then stroll over again. It will never lose its magic!
Prague has emerged as a major tourist/shopping destination. Visitors from Europe, Russia and Asia come to Prague for its Czech Cut Glass, Crystal, Bohemian Garnets and trendy cutting edge fashions all at prices designed to make Parisians weep.
The Trends
Edgy, flamboyant, bohemian, daring and artistic; Prague designers have their own distinctive style. Reflected by its medieval streets and the influence of classical music (Chopin, Mozart & Beethoven have lived and composed there) fashion presents a mix of history with modernity. From luscious furs, hats, mixed fabrics, over-sized outerwear, asymmetrical hemlines and romantically inspired Czech jewelry, Prague has something for everyone.
The Malls – Shopping Under One Roof!
- Cerna Ruze (Black Rose) – A gorgeous Baroque façade belies the modern mall inside. This landmark arcade connects fashionable Na Příkopě and Panská Streets. Pasáž Černá růže, Na Příkopě 12, Praha 1
- Arkady Pankrac – With 125 stores, this modern mall even includes a children’s playground. Na Pankráci 86, Praha 4
- Atrium Flora – Hop on Metro line A to Flora station and shop where the locals shop.
- Four levels offer 130 designer fashion shops and the largest Cinema City multiplex with a 3D IMAX screening room. Karlova 18 Prague 1
- Palladium – Once a converted army barracks now a modern mall in Central Prague. A few minutes walk from Old Town and Wenceslas Square this 18th century building houses over 170 stores and 30 restaurants. Namesti Republiky 1, New Town
- Fashion Arena Prague Outlet – Catch their shuttle bus to the largest outlet mall in Prague offering over 200 national & international brands. We all love a bargain! Zamenhofova 440, Praha 10
The Streets
- Pařížská Street – Often compared to the Champs-Elysee, this exclusive, tree-lined boulevard offers luxurious designer brands. Adjoining the old Jewish Quarter it affords an opportunity to combine history with shopping. Meander the cross streets to find unique local designers & less familiar international names. Look for Kara, a fabulous fur & leather store and Pinko, for woman’s Italian contemporary fashion.
- Na Příkopě – This major shopping street features chain stores, independent retailers, restaurants and malls. We loved Deliberti shoes. 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město and for the men, Fashion Therapy, 957/23
The Designers
- Hana Havelkova – Run by two sisters, colorful, affordable & timeless. Vlasska St 13
- Dusni3 – A multi brand concept store carrying international designers. Dusni #33
- Tatiana – One of Prague’s top designers, feminine & elegant styling with a sexy edge
- Blanka Matragi – Mixing art w/fashion, her gowns are worn by royalty. (by special order) For mere mortals she offers fashions embellished with tulle, lace and pearls with accessories to match U Prasne brany 2
- Botas 66 – It would be a grave omission not to mention this concept sneaker store, a local hipster brand with a cult-like following. Skořepka 4 Praha 1 – Old Town and Křížkovského 18 Prague 3 – Žižkov
- The Room by Basmatee – Not to be left out, international designers for the man in your life. 7, Skolska
- Prague Fashion Museum – A vintage shop and a museum! Stupartska St. 3
Interior Design
Fashion lends itself not only to clothing but home furnishing. Head to the showroom Lasvit, a glass installation, sculpture and lighting company. Note the glass leaves that adorn the Aria ceiling.
Upcoming Prague Events
Where to wear these fabulous outfits? Here are a few reasons to book your ticket to Prague in 2017/2018
- October 12-15 – Prague After Dark where building come alive in Technicolor
- October 20-November 9 – Strings of Autumn, the 21st International Music Festival
- December 2-January 6 – The Christmas Market (furs and long johns required)
- January 19 – Australian Ball – Time for glamour, long gowns & waltzing the night away
By now you’re exhausted. Time to head back to Aria, settle into the gorgeous library, have a cocktail and recharge for a fabulous dinner at their CODA restaurant!
Do you fantasize? Don’t ask, Don’t tell! Hedonistic and decadent, what better place to have the Super Bowl of dancing competitions than Las Vegas? Why not wear sequins for breakfast & rhinestones for lunch? Dressing tame is not the name of the game, standing out is. Throw on your red sole stilettos, adorn yourself in bling, add glitter and head to the “Superama” of dancing. You’ve hit the jackpot!
Where2Stay
Bellagio Hotel – Stay at this “Italian Villa” hosting the international Arthur Murray dance competition. 5 pools with indoor botanical gardens, couture shopping & a gallery of fine art. You can take that to “The Bank” – an ultimate late night club featuring a glass encased dance floor. Your only competition might be their dancing fountains.
Where2Dine
Ready for the Dance Break?
Beauty and Essex – offshoot of their NY city hot spot sizzles! Enter thru a gritty pawn shop into glittering Art Deco & jewel dining rooms.
SW Steakhouse – Need protein? This four- star award winning restaurant ticks all the boxes. Their chili-spiced double rib eye was featured on the food network as the best thing they ever ate. Dinner enhanced by their outside light show on The Lake of Dreams Morimoto – Iron Chef meets Las Vegas. Elegant and swanky, sushi directly from Japan Eggslut – For the morning after! Need we say more?
Lotus of Siam – The number one Thai Restaurant in America located in a strip mall.
E by Jose Andres – a Spanish tapas hideaway tucked inside Restaurant Jale. A 3-month advance reservation bestows you a gold ticket which is your confirmation and reward. Did we mention- it seats 10!
Nightlife
Minus 5 Ice Bar – Chill out! After a hot dance slip into something cool – chandeliers, seats, even glasses are made of ice. What2wear? No fear – parkas & gloves included!
Rose.Rabbit.Lie – Racy, hot and mind blowing. More than a supper club – a bar, a dance venue & lounge! From caviar tacos to cocktails like “Ministry of Truth” a little lie never hurt anyone!
Chandelier Bar – We love jewels! How about being engulfed in over 2 million beaded crystals on three levels? Wear all your bling, you’ll fit right in.
Commonwealth – You don’t need a password to get into this sexy 6000 sq.ft bar with its exposed brick & multi candelabras. You do need a reservation for their Laundry Room, their private speakeasy thru a hidden door. Fax only, be polite! Use all your social skills.
XS Nightclub – Haven’t danced enough? Hit the hottest nightclub, indoor/ outdoor pool party scene. Avoid long lines – reserve 14 days in advance for tables.
Omnia Nightclub Defies description. Costing $107 million, this 75,000 multi level space named “Best New Nightclub & Best Visual.” A 22,000 lb kinetic chandelier & cascading light show envelopes you. Bring walkie talkies. You will never find your partner!
Where2Shop for Dance Attire… Keep your Eye on Fashion
It’s Las Vegas, Baby. If you can’t find sparkle and rhinestones in Las Vegas you’re not looking in the right places.
Jeravae – Only a dance competitor can design the perfect costumes! Jeravae Christensen has nailed it, her motto is “Stand out like you’re the only one on the dance floor!” Isn’t that what we always think? Look for Ballroom, Latin dresses, accessories, jewelry and menswear.
Tadashishoji – Ready to party? Cocktails and food beckon. Strip off your costume and head to the strip for after party attire. Head to The Fashion Show Mall for that perfect cocktail dress.
Ballroom Dance Rentals – Sometimes you might want to wear a dance costume once (after all we love to shop.) This may be an option for you. Just rent your dress. Try on first, dance, return later. Easy! Choose from Smooth and Rhythm dresses. If you’re itching to buy it, it can be arranged.
Design to Shine – So you think you can dance? You came to the right place. Design to Shine is a leader in highly designed, excellent quality edgy ballroom dresses. Want glitz, glamour and standout costumes? They have outfitted major shows like Dancing with the Stars and Skating with Celebrities. Offering over 800 custom one of kind dresses the only problem will be how many to buy.
Where2Shop
Shopping in Rome, Paris or New York has nothing on Las Vegas! You can dance the night way but you need clothes to dance & travel in. The malls in Las Vegas offer everything so put on walking. shoes, save your heels for at night.
Forum Shops at Caesars Palace Highest grossing mall in US. Luxury retail mixes all shopping price points
Wynn Esplanade High end fashion fused with major jewelry collections.
Crystals at City Center Luxury designer fashion features over the top couture – No bargains!
Fashion Show Mall – Anchored by Neiman Marcus & Saks, but features shopping for all ages and all prices – variety from jeans (Forever 21) to great salsa dresses.
Dance, Dine & Recline in Las Vegas Style
Arthur Murray tapped Sandy Mandel & Barbara Winchell Wear2Where for Traveling in Style