INTERIORS: THE WILLIAM VALE

I've spent the better half of the year racking up frequent flier miles and staying at countless hotels around the world. My travels have taught me countless lessons and unearthed a multitude of hidden talents, one of them being photographing interiors. 

On my most recent trip to New York I was lucky enough to be one of the first guests to stay at the William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg. The 21 story property by Aldo Lamberis,  has 183 rooms, 25 of which are suites. All 183 rooms however come equipped with a balcony, rare for New York City!

The shiny marble lobby and floor to ceiling windows was a photographers dream--ton's of natural light to accent the hotel's sleek interior design. 

See more below!

A New Take on New York City

I'm no stranger to the big apple (18 trips and counting) the city never sleeps, the weather is usually terrible and the people are never happy--the energy however, is magnetic. 

I recently got the opportunity to visit New York with NYC GO and see the city like never before. Up until now, my trips to New York have always been work related. Waking up to a jam packed schedule, taxis from meeting to meeting, dinner, sleep, repeat. This was the first time I was able to see the city for what it really is--a beautiful and chaotic cluster of boroughs, each with their own unique personality and aesthetic. I also came to find that New Yorkers are a lot more kind than their reputation suggests. 

Rather than a traditional stay in Manhattan, I got to call Brooklyn home. It was my first time ever venturing that far east and it's safe to say it was love at first sight. A majority of my time was spent in Williamsburg, which reminded me a lot of Silver Lake here in Los Angeles. The community is mostly made up of young creatives that appreciate a health conscious lifestyle almost as much as Angelenos do! The phenomenon known as the "Brooklyn Bubble" is REAL. I didn't board the L train for Manhattan unless absolutely necessary, Brooklyn really has everything you need.

In addition to exploring all Williamsburg has to offer, I also got the opportunity to visit Coney Island, Governors Island and the Metropolitan Museum of Art before it opened to the public! 

As a native (and proud) Angeleno, New York definetley earned a place in my heart after this trip. 

---

Cos Full / Gucci Sneakers / Gentle Monster Sunnies

---

NYFWM S/S 17

Men's week cam and went in the blink of an eye. I'm still recalibrating from the chaos of last week but wanted to do a round up of all my looks. You can shop them on the Project September App HERE

Yucatán Peninsula

A few weeks ago, I traveled back to Mexico to explore the Yucatán Peninsula with Onia.  For whatever reason, fate would have it that I was to visit Mexico twice in the same month with Jenny Ong. 

When we touched down at the airport we were greeted by an intense tropical storm that laid the foundation for a week-long humid oasis. After a brisk drive, we entered the gates of The Nizuc Resort & Spa and I quickly understood why Onia chose the property. 

Much like their swimwear, Nizuc boasted a clean and modern silhouette that was elevated and luxe--but not pretentious. The secluded property was a tranquil mixture of beach and jungle. Over the course of the trip we sailed through the Peninsula and ate copious amounts Octopus ceviche. 

One night at dinner, I had a conversation with Erin from the Onia team about the lack of "resort" options for men in the current market. I dare you to google Men's Linen Pant on the shopping tab. Let me know if you see anything remotely cool that your dad wouldn't wear. 

All jokes aside, the aforementioned is reality. It's a difficult clothing category for guys. I really encourage you to take a look at Onia's website and follow them on Instagram--their swimwear, t shirts, pants, hats, EVERYTHING drapes perfectly and satisfies the contemporary appetite.