As the Style Director for Condé Nast Traveler, a solar shower was never, ever on my Christmas gift list, but Santa knows best!  I am leaving for a very cheap and chic vacation in Goa, India staying in eco-friendly huts right on Agonda Beach. Alas, there is only a cold water shower and my number one pet hate is cold water. So, enter the black garbage bag with a hose that I must fill up and place in the sun to get four showers worth of hot water. Can’t wait to see how it works. And yes, I also bought some travel soap powder with me (can’t give up the clean, fresh undies).

Stansport Jumbo Camper's Shower, around $15

Just back from a photo shoot in Miami  for the March issue of Traveler. I really wanted to share some behind-the-scenes moments with you. We stayed at The Viceroy hotel, which is in the up-and-coming soon-to-be-trendy downtown business district.  This is definitely not South Beach. You are surrounded by lots of new condos, not far from Little Havana, and you're a lot closer to some of Miami’s cooler bars and restaurants in the Design district. We loved Michelle Bernstein's hot new Spanish Tapas restaurant Sra. Martinez.

I cannot believe we went all the way to Miami and ended up shooting in an underground car park! Mind you, this was not just any car park: the Easter Island-like statues were designed by Phillipe Starck.



Click after the jump for more photos from the shoot.
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Tuesday we brought you my gift ideas; yesterday Hyla Bauer told us what she's giving friends and family this year. Today we have four presents on Condé Nast Traveler's Associate Style and Accessories Editor Tiffany Gifford's wish list:

Diane Von Furstenberg African Women Artisans Collection Cuffs: "Telephone and copper wire are the two main ingredients in these cuffs, believe it or not. Made by Zulu women from Sizwe Umoja, proceeds from the purchase of these bracelets provide them with training and access to global distribution. And with the runways rampant with tribal influences, how better to hop on that trend bandwagon?" ($40 for the small, $60 for the large; dvf.com)

Louis Vuitton Custom Dog Crate: "If you can’t get your pooch a seat on Pet Airways, here’s the next best thing. The Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs (a fellow dog lover), has just designed this custom crate. It’s a special-order item, but that means you can and add any other bells and whistles you like. Maybe a second story guest room?" (Price upon request; go to louisvuitton.com for information on a custom order)

Yosi Samara “Samara” Fold Up Ballet Flat: "Going barefoot on a flight is a little too comfortable for me. These ballet flats feel like air but still give me some coverage—and they come in every color in the rainbow. I actually use mine as my “commuter shoes;” a quick switcheroo when I get off the subway and I’m office-ready" ($50; yosisamra.com).

Graphic Image Travel Clutch: "Let it be known, my handbag is a black hole. This wallet helps me keep my travel documents organized and in quick reach, and I love the dusted gold finish. It can even double as an evening clutch" ($198; graphicimage.com).

More from the gift guide
My fashion picks
Hyla's wish list
The Gift of Wine
Holiday Shopping for Food Fanatics
One WOM-Minded Gift: Robert Adams's Summer Nights, Walking

As promised, today we have some holiday shopping picks from Executive Fashion Editor Hyla Bauer:

David Yurman Classic Chronograph Timepiece: "This latest model from David Yurman has all of the mechanical features that watch collectors covet. Its looks are crave-worthy, too: Stainless steel on black with alligator strap, this is one to wear for many years to come" ($4,500; davidyurman.com for boutiques).

Brooks Brothers Wrinkle-Resistant Blue Stripe Pajamas: "The classic pajamas updated—no more ironing! I find that comfortable and breathable cotton pleases even the most difficult men (and women!) on my shopping list" ($79.50; brooksbrothers.com).

Elyse Allen for EILEEN FISHER Crystal Rain Glovelettes: "These 'glovelettes' combine just the right amount of style and substance: Swarovski crystals for sparkle, soft merino wool for warmth, and free fingers for driving and texting (but not at the same time)" ($118; eileenfisher.com).

Verdura “Night and Day” Necklace: "This mimics the cuff links Verdura originally made for Cole Porter to commemorate his famous song, “Night and Day.” For the globetrotters out there, the necklace can be personalized with a diamond marking any location that holds special meaning for you" ($24,500 for 18 karat gold, diamond and enamel necklace; to purchase, email info@verdura.com).

Check in tomorrow for gift ideas from Tiffany Gifford, Condé Nast Traveler's Associate Style and Accessories Editor.

More from the gift guide
My fashion picks
The Gift of Wine
Holiday Shopping for Food Fanatics
One WOM-Minded Gift: Robert Adams's Summer Nights, Walking

As Style Director for Condé Nast Traveler, I travel the world with my team in search of all things stylish. Here are some of our exotic and homegrown finds that I think will transport you wherever you need to go to this holiday season:
 
Cire Trudon Candle: One of the most exquisite shopping experiences I have ever had was at the quaint and quirky Cire Trudon candle store in Paris.  Inhaling the aromas of these fragrant candles, which date back to the late 17th century and were once a favorite of Napoleon Bonaparte, was done by lifting the giant glass bell jars that covered them. With evocative names such as Odalisque, Roi Soleil, revolution and Trianon, you can make your home smell like Versailles ($75; barneys.com or ciretrudon.com for other retailers).
 
Dzongkha Eau de Toilette by L’Artisan Parfumeur: I adore wearing a fragrance that transports me to a destination that I have experienced—or one that I wish to. The subtle aromas of smoke, incense, old leather and wood in this scent makes me nostalgic for my trip to Bhutan ($135 for 3.4 oz.; artisanparfumeur.us).
 
Tod's Leather Tote: My Tod's bag has gone all over the world with me, squashed under airplane seats, strapped to car roof racks—I've even slept on it. The more worn it gets, the better. It's the ultimate travel tote ($1,975; tods.com for boutiques)

Banana Republic Men’s Cotton Argyle V-Neck Sweater: I just have to have one! Hint hint ($79.50; bananarepublic.com).

Check in tomorrow, when we'll post holiday gift ideas from Executive Fashion Editor Hyla Bauer.

More from the gift guide
Holiday Shopping for Food Fanatics
The Gift of Wine
One WOM-Minded Gift: Robert Adams's Summer Nights, Walking

You have your initials gold-stamped on the Smythson currency case, and you can label each pocket for easy organization, comme moi.

As the Style Director for Condé Nast Traveler, an important part of my job is to attend all of the fashion shows in Europe and New York twice a year.

It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it. Even tougher though is keeping track of receipts and foreign currency for one month. This season I started in New York then headed off to London for the 25th anniversary of London fashion week followed by Milan and finally Paris.

If it hadn’t been for my super chic trusty Smythson Mara Zipped Currency Case, I would never have made it through in such a stylish and fiscally sound manner. 

One very elegant crocodile wallet, four fluoro-bright customized zippers, each holding currency and receipts from each of the four fashion capitals. Just save everything up in each of the compartments, switch out the different currencies when needed and forget about the contents until you return.

The only complaint I have about this piece is that I wanted to show it off, flash it about, take it out with me as it is the chicest accessory—but it’s not a clutch bag! Maybe I could talk with Smythson about a pocket version?

You read the blog post, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: Fashion's New Darling is Born in Milan," now watch the movie of Becca's big day in Milan. Follow her transformation (with a little help from hair, makeup and wardrobe) from squeaky clean schoolgirl to full-on fashionista. Check out the Emporio Armani show, next season's hottest shoes at Sergio Rossi, and lunch at my favorite Milanese restaurant Bagutta. Oh, and keep an eye on the paparazzi; they can make a girl an overnight sensation.

Well, my work is done.  Next up... Wendy Perrin who will be meeting Becca's world traveling family in the next couple months for another Condé Nast Traveler Dream List adventure.  In the meantime, follow Becca and her family's on the road adventures at their blog, World School.

Photos courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent

Monday, October 5, 3:15 p.m. Just in from the YSL show 15 minutes ago. Talk about celestial seasoning! The front row had Kate Moss, Natalia Vodianova, Katy Perry, Claudia Schiffer and—drum roll please—Prince (!) all checking out the chic urban pilgrim collection with a side order of strawberries (as embellishment), the fruity applique of the season. Good with Champagne, though.

Tuesday, October 6, 10:15 a.m. And just when you thought that celeb sightings couldn't get any more celestial at the bucolic, pastoral Chanel romp, the ubiquitous Prince and Rihanna were usurped by Britain's own Lily Allen performing live in a "cowshed" that rose up out of the floor. Fantastic way to start the day!

Tuesday, October 6, 2:31 p.m. Am skipping last show tonight. Think I may have bronchitis!

Despite a major brush with fashion flu, I managed to partake of a celeb-studded fashion Sunday here in Paris. First to show in a stellar lineup was Lindsay Lohan's first turn as Creative Director for the house of Ungaro. The flame never ignited at this show, which was filled with bad wannabe hooker clothes that H&M wouldn't put on its rails on markdown.

Next star sighting was at the Givenchy show in the austerely beautiful Lycée Carnot, a working school set around an industrial courtyard in the 7th arrondissement. Checking out the strong showing of black and white graphics, soft ruffles and modern ethnic prints was Rihanna, looking suitably edgy and Betty Blue (sorry Béatrice Dalle, not so edgy). Somehow I don't think that she shares my aversion to the continuing trend for skyscraper shoes and wedges that Givenchy showed this season. Just wait until she has to cross a cobbled street! Oh no, she won't: she's strictly limousine.

Next sighting was at the Bruno Frisoni cocktail party at his store on rue de Grenelle. Such a divine evening that allowed everyone to spill out onto the street drinking Champagne and forcing the beautiful Katy Perry's handlers to clear a path through the enthusiastic shoe worshippers.

And of course—how could I forget? Just before the Frisoni cocktail, we were treated to a whiff of celebrity nostalgia from the 70s. At Sonia Rykiel's show, which was in her store in the St. Germain (turned into a nightclub for the event), we were treated to an unabashed celebration of all things Studio 54, Club Sept and Le Palace—toot toot beep beep and some lovely knits!

Final stop: Bon Marché! Not the most glamorous spot for a party, but the subject of the night more than made up for that.  Tucked alongside the furniture department was an oval cinema "room" showing back-to-back reels of famous fashion trailblazer Guy Bourdin's home movies. Where else could you drink Champagne and watch former model turned top fashion photog Ellen von Unwerth make love to  a satin curtain?

Can't wait for tomorrow...

trixieskips on Flickr / CC BY 2.0

After seeing the shows in London and Milan, I compiled a list of fashion no-no's. I'm sure there will be more by the end of fashion week here in Paris, but for starters:

1. Skyscraper heels and platforms, both on runways and on editors. I hate seeing them for next season, and I am sick of escorting editors over the treacherous cobblestones of Milan. Yes, that's you Dani Stahl from Nylon!
2. Editors shopping at grocery stores.
3. Village People moustaches. Cool on guys under 30 (sort of); beware if older unless you are Hamish Bowles. A little irony goes a long way!
4. Visible bras, next season's big trend. Loved it the first time; Madonna you have a lot to answer for.
5. See-through panels on clothing. 'Nuff said.
6. Frosty makeup. Nobody wants to date a frosty ice maiden.
7. Front-row blogging at Dolce & Gabbana. They were messaging one another, for God's sake (I was reading their messages!).
8. 9 a.m. shows. Just spiteful after a 16-hour day.
9. Cocktail dresses for day. We are not living in a "Dynasty" world.
10. Uber-short draped cocoon skirts. Just say no, Ladies. 

For more on what not to wear, read our Etiquette 101: Dress Codes