How to Create Resort Wear Out of a Bra & Belt (when your luggage is delayed)

Having no luggage for the first 4 days of our Caribbean vacation was a good reminder to always be prepared with well stocked carry on luggage. If you followed our trip to the Dominican Republic in July you will know that our journey took some unexpected turns.

Cancelled flights in San Francisco following a plane crash, and an unscheduled red eye to New York City, were just the beginning. The afternoon and evening of Day 2 were spent with a quick trip into Noho and a little slice of heaven at Piccola Cucina in a major heatwave.

Darn those men-they still look good after the red eye--day 2. #boyfriend #luckyduck

This was me-day 3 of our trip same clothes/no luggage, at the airport in Newark. With a hot shower, good night of sleep and my 'survivor' makeup essentials* I was feeling okay (a hat will hide a multitude of issues). #blessthehat

Another flight, tropical humidity through customs, a long drive with a cranky driver, finally arriving sopping wet at the resort and I made a decision.  It may have been more like a declaration...... I told my husband, Scott, "We are going in to the gift shop and not coming out until we are dressed in something else. Period."

There were itty bitty titty bikinis (no thanks!), a moo-moo that was road weary and one little flowy mini number that made my husband laugh. I felt a bit like a pinata.

That's where my fabulous DKNY bra comes in. In desperation (and a desire not to spend $200 on a moo-moo), I searched the rack of sarongs. Haven't I always praised the sarong as it 'rights' what is so wrong'?

How to create resort wear out of a bra and belt?

Thanks to my rather fashionable DKNY black bra (with gold detail), my black 'take me everywhere' belt, an extra necklace in my purse and gold sandals (Scott had put in his carry on last minute due to weight restrictions at the airport), I fashioned a new outfit that could take me to the beach and out to dinner at the resort.

Finally-something Fresh!!!

Next time my carry on bag will most definitely include:

• Toothbrush/paste
• Medications if needed #holyhotflash
• Swimsuit (if beachy vacation)
• A small size anti-frizz  hair serum or cream
•  scarf/sarong
• *The makeup essentials in my purse created my 'look' for 4 days.

Here's what I learned:

Lip color can add a touch of color and definition to cheeks and shimmer for the eyelids A touch up stick can hide a multitude of skin flaws and under eye 'baggage' Pressed powder smooths the look and adds some 'texture' to puffy hair.  An eye pencil adds definition to the eyes-even without mascara I was lucky to find a sample pack of Chanel Vitalumiere in my purse (I had meant to take it out but was so thankful it was there-and in nearly my shade!) Body Lotion can serve as day and night moisturizer and even lip balm at night Hotels generally stock toothbrushes and sample paste at front desk.

I'll admit, Day 3 I broke down and bought a bronzer at the pharmacy.

I was in the Caribbean after all.

Finally, our luggage arrived!!

Let's head to that gorgeous pool.....

And the only lounge chair at the pool had 'caution' tape since they were building a pathway.

It was non-stop adventure on this first leg of our journey.

We decided to head to the beach.......... #makeitwork!

Wishing you smooth travels and always having just the right bra-just in case.

xx, Heather

Curated Hotel: Paradise Found at Zoetry Agua Punta Cana in Dominican Republic

Five days into our Caribbean vacation in the Dominican Republic we found it.....pure bliss. Our journey started with a flight to San Francisco just following a tragic plane crash--cancelled flights and an unplanned evening in Manhattan. Lost luggage and a tropical storm did not deter us from seeking our much needed R and R.

Our first stop was Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana.

Smiling staff greeted us, after our 4 adventure-filled days of travel, with a fresh cool cloth, a glass of crisp champagne and a 'Welcome Home!' A perfect signature statement for the Secrets/Zoetry/Unlimited Vacations brand. We did indeed feel at home...finally. With a spa day, 24 hour room service and a  tropical storm (that ended up being a sprinkle) we weathered the storm just fine. We were in paradise after all.

Our next stop was the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.

This intimate, luxury spa retreat boasts just 51 suites. The concierge check in service, again with cool cloths, champagne and 'Welcome Home' was the perfect start to our 5 day stay. #tropical paradise

Just a few of the luxuries include free laundry service, daily champagne delivered to your room, 24 hour room service with an extensive menu, 3 times daily maid service, free wifi and unlimited international phone calls (though we did not make use of that service those with little ones at home did). Yoga classes, spa treatments, wellness consultations and healthier fare are all apart of the concept at Zoetry.

Cane thatched roof sanctuaries are the signature statement of this tropical hideaway. It is said that a number of movie stars and high-profile types come here for a completely private getaway, often taking a helicopter right to the beach on property. Rumor has it Cameron Diaz crashed a wedding party, and Beyonce and daughter Blue Ivy recently shared a mini-vacation here, so we fit right in ;). With 24  hour room service and spacious, spa like suites and balconies, there is almost no reason to leave the privacy of your suite (well maybe a couple of reasons).

Among them, world-class dining in intimate settings is not to be missed.

The lazy river pool winds through the resort with glimpses of private sun beds for napping and lounging.

The sugary sands of the Caribbean are soft and creamy under your feet.

The air is a gentle whisper on your sun-bronzed skin

and yes, it is truly......

paradise found. 

My favorite travel companion/husband, Scott, often shares his take on our travels with Stylemindchic.

Scott's note:

Moving past the misadventures of our journeys, which make for frustrating moments and unexpected costs, but great stories...  Between the beauty of the beach, being bathed in the moist  tropical, air, the rustic but luxe thatched-roof rooms, and the fact that there were less than 100 all-adult guests, the setting at the Zoetry created an amazing balance between private relaxation and intimacy for Heather and me, and a sense of family connection with the guests and staff alike.  (Staff was great at Secrets, but the pool party scene and crowded resort was not the scene we needed this time.)

A highlight of travel for me has always been the people we meet.  There's something about vacation time that puts everyone in a chill, happy, friendly mood, and the fabulous conversations and shared experiences add heartfelt memories to incredible travels.  "Where are you from, isn't this place incredible, what are you drinking?"  This gets it started and leads to ongoing poolside stories--as much or as little as you want to engage in--shared dinners or beverages after dinner, and, this time, Bachata lessons!  The good news, Bachata is an easy step to the right, 1-2-3-4-clap, step to the left, 1-2-3-4 clap.  At least that's how it starts.  Soon, you are watching the instructor wiggle his butt "gracefully", and being reminded it's been a long time since you did a formal dance spin in shoes that stick to the floor.  The solution?  Another rum Sangria! Or maybe even a MamaJuana (Yes, that's MAMA!) cocktail.

We are grateful to those who made our time there over-the-top good (including my birthday girl, Heather.)  You know who you are!

So... Dominican Republic, we loved you.  You and those at Secrets and  Zoetry made this truly unique in our traveling and resort experiences--something we continue to hang onto days after arriving home.  Okay, so the fact that we still have a few days off helps, but I'm blaming my ever-present smile on the Zoetry.

Aaah... time for another float at sunset and a tall glass of bliss.

If you are seeking a little sun and sizzle or ready to bask in rest and restoration this is your place!

I hope you've enjoyed the glimpse into our Caribbean getaway.

What is your favorite place for a little rest and relaxation?

Have you ever been to the Caribbean?

Birthday in Paradise at Zoetry in Dominican Republic!

I've always been secretly happy that my birthday is on July 15th and smack dab in the middle of summer. It means I've never had to go to school and usually not to work on my birthday.

This year the timing was perfect for my birthday as we are enjoying our last couple of days in the tropical paradise of Dominican Republic.

My favorite birthday companion #spoiled me a bit

With a significant number of difficulties marking the beginning of our trip this phase at Zoetry Agua has been completely sublime.

This little guy has kept us company during breakfast on our terrace.

Some spa time made the birthday girl very happy.

I'm not politically minded and I thought it was fun to see that Jon Stewart had 'favorited' one of my tweets.

Our dinner with some of our new fabulous friends from the pool. We laughed and bombed out at a merengue dance lesson together later.

Thanks for making my birthday perfect and hopefully we will all end up at Zoetry again someday!

I just wanted to say a quick thank you for so many lovely birthday wishes on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and text.

I feel truly blessed this year that my world has expanded in so many

incredible ways. The connections I've made with Stylemindchic Life mean the world to me.

Happy Birthday to my lovely mom today! Though we are separated by distance our birthdays always

stand side by side (she always tells me I was an early birthday present).

Looking forward to celebrating together.

Thanks for stopping by Stylemindchic Life!

Can't wait to catch up with everyone on our return.

xx,

                                         Curated Collections at my Stylemindchic Boutique!

Paradise Found at Zoetry Agua in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

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The pool at Zoetry Agua Punta Cana

If you've been following Stylemindchic blog, and this journey to Punta Cana, you know that the early part of our trip was not an easy one. We had more than our share of delays due to the plane crash and lost luggage for days. We finally got our luggage and swimsuits when a tropical storm was forecast so the pool and beach were closed.  There were challenges all around......(and a few bright spots too-an unexpected night in Manhattan and Juan at the spa, Clare and Carlos at Secrets-thank you).

As of yesterday we have finally arrived at our true paradise. Zoetry Agua Punta Cana here is pure relaxation, tranquility and zen bliss. We finally feel rested for the first time and intend to make use of every moment of the rest of our vacation. I will post more on this incredible place and if you are seeking relaxation, peace, luxury, privacy, gorgeous beaches with a healthy vibe this could be your place too. So far our favoritedestination ever.

And now, back to my vacation

(although posting from our thatched roofed terrace overlooking the lazy river and ocean is my idea of the perfect spot!).

My view from the terrace