Contemporary Istanbul


Asia, Europe, Middle East, Travel , , , , , ,

Istanbul Dancers  Perching over Istanbul

WhyGoNow?

After touring the historic Old City, get ready to party all night and shop all day in modern day Istanbul. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or a singles’ vacation, take the city by storm in your chicest travel outfits. Peruse the many nightclubs and bars as well as chic, cutting edge restaurants. Influences from the East and the West are present wherever you’ll go.

 

Cezayir Sokagi Istanbul  streetartnews_inti_istanbul-2

What2Do

Cruise up the Bosphorus from the Golden Horn to the Black Sea with Europe on your left, Asia on your right. Explore Beyoglu, nightlife central. Climb the steep hills of Cihangir (San Franciscans should have no problem) and immerse yourself in the community of artists and writers. Wear you fur beret to blend in. For more art, try the Istanbul Modern museum. Take a romantic vacation within a vacation and go to Fransiz Sokagi (aka French Street) and feel like you’re walking the streets of Paris amidst the pink buildings.

 

Istanbul Modern  Istanbul Modern

 

Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married (M))?  Sometimes you want to “marry” the two (MS).

Where2Stay

The House Hotel – In Nisantasi or Ortakoy, the epitome of modern design. Recommended by Vogue, small, very cool, you feel as though you’re at a private party. (S)

Park Hyatt – Nestled amidst the best shopping. Modern, leather accented rooms, Turkish hamam (call for your own personal bathmaster) and end the day perched at their rooftop pool sipping cocktails for the perfect romantic getaway. (M)

Shangri-La – Newly opened and by the Bosphorus. Great restaurant paired with amazing view. There is nothing more romantic than a room by the sea. Perfect for an all inclusive honeymoon. How about fur ankle shoes to show him how sexy you can be? (MS)

 

Where2Play

Waterside nightclubs like Angelique stay open until dawn, perfect for the single’s vacation. 360 doubles as both a restaurant and a hot club. All things Middle Eastern, from food to harem design, Al Jamal not only offers a gorgeous view of the Bosphorus, but enticing belly dancers (maybe get some ideas for later that night). Billionaire Nightclub located in the new EDITION Hotel is adorned with crystal, gold and a very chic crowd just like your purse – great for a single girl’s night out.

 

Billionaire Club Istanbul   360 Istanbul

Where2Dine

Head to Zuma for Japanese (other locations in London, Hong Kong, Dubai and Miami), or 360 Istanbul for fusion (order the Sultan’s Aphrodisiac, who knows what will happen next?) Award-winning Changa is neither on the water or on a rooftop, but in an art nouveau building. It combines classic & modern food w/ an open interactive kitchen. For more authentic cuisine head to Alem.

Istanbul Skyline at Dusk  Dining Magic in Istanbul

Where2Shop

Nisantasi is the trendiest shopping area – a posh residential district infused with cafes, restaurants and historical buildings. Don’t miss Abdi Ipekci Avenue for all the  luxury brands and local designers. Atil Kutogna is a boutique that mixes bold Turkish & Ottoman patterns with modern European influences. Men & Women! Vakko is Turkey’s answer to Barneys’ New York. Five floors of their own designs, scarves that rival Hermes, & unique custom handbags all at unbeatable prices. Indulge in their own line of chocolates & champagne while shopping. Cocktails always enhance shopping.

 

Stay clean, warm, and comfy…but keep your mind dirty!  Click on Items to Purchase

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Co-authored by: Tiffany Do ,  Google Images

Istanbul Fashion – Part 1


Asia, Europe, Fashion, Middle East , , , ,

young woman with teal colored nails and pink lips  beauty portrait of model wearing sunglasses  beautiful woman with creative makeup

Wear2Where   Things are heating up and cooling down in Istanbul!

 

Does being married or single influence fashion selection? Can you relax more if married & not chasing your next date, or do you love looking sexy for your husband? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two. Look for (married), S (single) or a MS (married/single) next to the fashion looks.

 

SHOP THE LOOK

pant suit  Screen Shot 2013-08-19 at 6.05.51 PM  dress

Wear2Where   Travel wear fit for a Sultan and his queen. J. Hilburn’s custom suit and Julia Panciroli’s grey, flower bolero dress are perfect travel outfits. Visiting 360 Istanbul in these travel clothes will make you the center of attention.

 

 

SHOP THE LOOK

Franco Ferrari packing list scarf - shopbop           Piperlime-Tinley Road-turqoise and blue large chain link necklace           Jenni Kayne pleated pants - shopbop           Piperlime-MICHAEL Michael Kors-jet set travel medium tote

Wear2Where  Bring the bright colors from summer to your fall wardrobe! The Franco Ferrari turquoise scarf and Jenni Kayne orange pants are your perfect go-to travel outfit. Easy to cover up with as well. For a more subtle touch of color, add the Tinley Road turquoise necklace or MICHAEL Michael Kors tote. (S)

 

 

SHOP THE LOOK

Vince Sweater Coat - Double Face Asymmetric    Bloomingdales-Jamison sweater-nico pullover             Piperlime-MICHAEL Michael Kors-delphine pump              Nordstrom_Kotur 'Morley - Snake' Clutch

Wear2Where After a tough day of shopping stop by The Blue Mosque in this cozy ensemble. Look cool and stay warm in this Vince coat and Jamison orange sweater. Stand out in MICHAEL Michael Kors turquoise pumps and iridescent clutch by Kotur. (M)

 

 

 

Istanbul Travel – Part 1


Europe, Travel , , , , ,

Spice Bazaar Gold Rush istanbul  grand-bazaar-istanbul-5

Istanbul – Why Go Now?

Inhale the aromas of the Spice Market, drape yourself in gold at the Grand Bazaar, get lost among churches, mosques and cobblestone streets. Whether on a romantic couple’s vacation or a singles’ getaway, historic Istanbul is the place to be for a fall getaway.

 

Galata Bridge - Istanbul  Istanbul Signs  Istanbul-Bospherus-Strait-Traffic-300x145

 

What2Do

Sultanahmet is spewing with historical ruins (some turned into museums, others turned into hotels) from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. The Hagia Sofia, once a church, then a mosque, now a museum is a must. Don’t forget your scarf, modesty is key. Movie buffs may remember the Underground Basilica Cisterns from James Bond, “From Russia with Love.” Don’t miss the magnificent mosaics in the Blue Mosque, nor the jewels at the Topkapi Museum. Finish the day at Suleymaniye Hamam, a traditional Turkish bathhouse (best part? clothing optional & it’s co-ed!) You don’t have to worry about what2wear on a first date!

 

istanbul  Hagia-Sophia-in-Istanbul-Turkey Whirling Dervishes

 

Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Do you want your hotel hip & modern (perfect for singles (S)) or quiet & elegant (perfect for married (M))?  Sometimes you want to “marry” the two (MS).

Where2Stay

Four Seasons Sultanahmet  What can be more exciting than staying in what used to be a Turkish prison? ( Maybe they left a pair of handcuffs!) Major landmarks five minutes away, whirling dervishes on the roof  & great service; don’t forget your travel clothes for a day of unforgettable sightseeing! (MS)

Ajia – Located on the Bosphorus, this old Ottoman Mansion will give you an authentic twist to your stay in the Old City. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or vacationing with the girlfriends, Ajia will cater to your every need. Wake up to a Turkish breakfast and explore the city via their private water taxi. (MS)

Kempinski Ciragan Palace – Feel like royalty at this opulent hotel complete with an infinity pool spilling onto the Sea of Marmara. Splurge on a Palace suite because who doesn’t want to feel like a princess? An ultimate romantic getaway !(M)

 

ciragan palace  Cisterns - Istanbul Four-Seasons-Hotel-Istanbul

 

Where2Dine

For seafood, head to Balikcisi Sabahtin. Dine in style at Korfez. Their private yacht will wisk you across the Bosphorus into Asia, champagne glass in hand, to their seaside villa (honeymooners JFK Jr. & Caroline dined here.) Wear your most elegant travel outfit by Julia Panciroli for this night. Dine high at Mikla on the roof of the Marama Pena Hotel. Think NYC or London when dining at Asitane mixing Ottoman cuisine w/ modern influences. For true flavor head to Navizade St to Alem, a traditional Meyhane Turkish restaurant, for music, mezes; a true  immersion into street life, perfect on a couples vacation. Google Images

 

Where2Play

If you want to party all night, head to 360 Bar for drinks, music and more. From Japanese to French, Reina is a regular hotspot for Turkish celebrities and media. Perfect for the single’s vacation. If you’re looking for something more low-key & traditional, try Karga Bar. With a vintage speakeasy feel, it’s no wonder all the cool locals flock there. Courtesy of Google Images

 

Play in Reina  Istanbul_Karga_Bar_by_altiparmak Sunset Restaurant

 

Where2Shop

Need some spice in your life? Sift through the hundreds of spices from cinnamon to allspice at the Spice Market. Might just clear you sinus problems. Be the first to rock the leather designs of upcoming Turkish designer Simay Bulbul.  How can you forget the covered Grand Bazaar, with over 5000 shops  spread over 60 streets?  It’s easy to fill your Michael Kors tote with all the sparkle you find. (*tip visit #94-96, ask for Michele)

 

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Co-authored by: Tiffany Do