Five foolproof steps to dressing for New Year’s Eve – a method tried, tested and totally recommended by White Ibiza’s very own social butterfly Miss W…
1. Wow the room with your ensemble.
There’s nothing worse than turning up to a party to find another girl wearing The Same Fabulous Frock as you. Avoid such mortification at all costs by making your selection from the incredible collection on display at Kurru Kurru. The modern day equivalent of Cinderella’s ballgown, Marinela Cifteli has a showroom full of couture creations that will inspire gasps of envy from other guests when you dramatically remove your coat upon entering a room – from floor-length ethereal gowns to flirty and fun baby doll dresses, the choice is yours…
2. To accessorise or not to accessorise?
Oh, that is a silly question! One step down into the amazing space that houses IBZcode and you’ll be more than spoilt for choice when it comes to accessorising – you’ll be overwhelmed with desire! A one-stop shop for stunning handmade leather shoes and boots, luscious leather bags, eclectic jewellery selections and those ever essential sunglasses for the morning after, IBZcode is like the proverbial pot of gold (silver, bronze and diamonds) at the end of a rainbow, adding the perfect finishing touches to your outfit.
3. Cover up in style.
When you go to all that trouble dressing up for an occasion, it would be a shame to put it all to waste by covering with anything less-than-special – thankfully the amazing selection of coats, hats and scarves on offer at Histericomplements are designed to make as much a statement as your party frock. From sensational metallic macs and tactile rich woollen shrugs to floppy felt winter hats so great you’ll never want to take them off, it’s enough to make you want to spend more time travelling to and from your party destinations. Hailing a taxi has never been so glamourous.
4. Always have a back-up outfit.
Just because midnight heralds the dawn of the New Year, it certainly doesn’t mean the party is over. With plenty of party options scheduled for the first day of the year, it’s imperative you have your outfit planned before heading out the night before – after all, one can never make sensible ibiza fashion choices with a fuzzy head and you can guarantee there won’t be any stores open for impulse purchases on the day. A trip to Gisela G ensures yet another one-of-a-kind party look to impress your friends – whether you opt for cashmere, shimmering silk or a sparkling sequinned affair, one thing is for sure: the first New Year Ibiza style crisis is averted!
5. Plump that pout.
All girls know that hair and make-up is as an essential part of one’s ensemble and on no other occasion is the prepping of the lips more essential than New Year’s Eve, the one night of the year that it’s virtually impossible to avoid a bit of a kiss at midnight! Miss W’s personal view on hair and make-up is that less is more – I like the simplest of applications, just a dab of tinted moisturiser (foundation really only seems to make one look older, don’t you think?), a quick swipe of rosy pink blush, a rim of black kohl around the entire eye plus lashings of mascara. Finish with a slick of nude gloss – my personal favourite is ModelCo Liplights in Summer Nectar, a nifty little gloss that I generally refer to as my disco gloss (available in mainland Spain or on any jetsetting trip to the UK or Paris). Why? Well apart from the fact it’s an ultra glossy and long-lasting formula, it comes complete with a miniature mirror on the side of the tube and – here’s the best bit! – LED lights concealed inside the lid, to illuminate your lips as you touch up meaning no need to make multiple visits to the bathroom. And there’s nothing wrong with putting the spotlight on your pout if you ask Miss W!
Now the next step is to start thinking about just who is it you’re going to kiss at midnight - I know who I've got my eye on... Do you?
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
20/12/08: Cardamom Club Christmas Market & Party
The festive period is starting to feel a little bit like the opening and closings to Miss W at the moment – seeing the same faces, the daily what-to-wear dilemma and that slightly fuzzy morning after feeling… But that’s what we love about living in Ibiza isn’t it? Well, apart from the fuzziness perhaps!
It’s also what keeps people coming back to the island, some to live permanently, some for annual holidays, some for monthly jaunts and some to celebrate the festive season, which is what the island collective were all doing this weekend, despite the fact that Santa – or Papa Noel as he’s known in Spain – hasn’t even started packing his sleigh yet. Kicking off the weekend’s proceedings was the annual Christmas market and soiree at our favourite Bollywood-meets-Ibiza haunt, The Cardamom Club in Santa Eulalia.
With Ibiza’s glorious sunshine high in the sky, Miss W and the White-ettes hit the road early in order to make the most of strolling around the gorgeous orchards and sitting in the courtyard devouring chef Craig Collligan’s divine Indian delights as if it were just another summer afternoon. Sadly for us, we weren’t the only people with this idea as the courtyard was already completely packed before we arrived!
Not one to let that dampen the shopping-meets-party spirit, we simply spent more time indulging in last minute Christmas treats – think homemade brownies, Florentines and sesame snaps, luxury crackers, those last important decorations for the tree, amazingly adorned cards and divine handmade jewellery – before moving indoors to take our place in the communal bar dining area with faces from many of the island’s most important establishments joining us – think Ibiza Rocks, Icon Ibiza, The Shop, Bacchus, Wonderland, We Love… and Pacha and you’ll realize it was a very busy space indeed!
As the afternoon turned into evening – and the chill quickly set in – all market stalls were packed away and the action moved indoors. With DJs Jo Mills and Tomas Hedberg providing the entertainment (an awesome opportunity for lucky guests to witness intimate sets from the island’s finest local talent) and every seat in the house full (and some with kids on their laps even!), Miss W couldn’t help but wonder how hostess with the mostess Navine managed to keep her cool all night – it’s a tough job when everybody knows your name and are all vying for your attention at once – so hats off to the hostess, we say!
THE LOWDOWN
THE GOOD: Getting to see one of our favourite establishments really show us what they’re made of – to be able to simultaneously manage a market, live music in the courtyard, a busy bar, DJs and decks plus offer a full a la carte service in the peak of the festive season is a feat second to none. Cardamom Club crew, we salute you!
THE BAD: At one point in the afternoon, the kitchen actually ran out of food! While this was clearly good for business, it was bad for Miss W, who left without being able to indulge in all her favourite dishes before the kitchen – who seemed to barely have a spare second to breathe – got the chance to do further preparation. Oh well, all the more reason to return!
THE GOSSIP: Although Miss W went home at a relatively tame hour – a girl needs her beauty sleep this time of year you know – her spies say the party continued well into the morning hours before relocating to Aura. A good indication we think, as to which way the Cardamom Club’s New Year’s Eve bash may go…
It’s also what keeps people coming back to the island, some to live permanently, some for annual holidays, some for monthly jaunts and some to celebrate the festive season, which is what the island collective were all doing this weekend, despite the fact that Santa – or Papa Noel as he’s known in Spain – hasn’t even started packing his sleigh yet. Kicking off the weekend’s proceedings was the annual Christmas market and soiree at our favourite Bollywood-meets-Ibiza haunt, The Cardamom Club in Santa Eulalia.
With Ibiza’s glorious sunshine high in the sky, Miss W and the White-ettes hit the road early in order to make the most of strolling around the gorgeous orchards and sitting in the courtyard devouring chef Craig Collligan’s divine Indian delights as if it were just another summer afternoon. Sadly for us, we weren’t the only people with this idea as the courtyard was already completely packed before we arrived!
Not one to let that dampen the shopping-meets-party spirit, we simply spent more time indulging in last minute Christmas treats – think homemade brownies, Florentines and sesame snaps, luxury crackers, those last important decorations for the tree, amazingly adorned cards and divine handmade jewellery – before moving indoors to take our place in the communal bar dining area with faces from many of the island’s most important establishments joining us – think Ibiza Rocks, Icon Ibiza, The Shop, Bacchus, Wonderland, We Love… and Pacha and you’ll realize it was a very busy space indeed!
As the afternoon turned into evening – and the chill quickly set in – all market stalls were packed away and the action moved indoors. With DJs Jo Mills and Tomas Hedberg providing the entertainment (an awesome opportunity for lucky guests to witness intimate sets from the island’s finest local talent) and every seat in the house full (and some with kids on their laps even!), Miss W couldn’t help but wonder how hostess with the mostess Navine managed to keep her cool all night – it’s a tough job when everybody knows your name and are all vying for your attention at once – so hats off to the hostess, we say!
THE LOWDOWN
THE GOOD: Getting to see one of our favourite establishments really show us what they’re made of – to be able to simultaneously manage a market, live music in the courtyard, a busy bar, DJs and decks plus offer a full a la carte service in the peak of the festive season is a feat second to none. Cardamom Club crew, we salute you!
THE BAD: At one point in the afternoon, the kitchen actually ran out of food! While this was clearly good for business, it was bad for Miss W, who left without being able to indulge in all her favourite dishes before the kitchen – who seemed to barely have a spare second to breathe – got the chance to do further preparation. Oh well, all the more reason to return!
THE GOSSIP: Although Miss W went home at a relatively tame hour – a girl needs her beauty sleep this time of year you know – her spies say the party continued well into the morning hours before relocating to Aura. A good indication we think, as to which way the Cardamom Club’s New Year’s Eve bash may go…
Saturday, December 13, 2008
12/12/08 Does Ya Mama Know? It’s cocktails at Grial…
When two of the island’s most well-known and well respected residents-slash-professional-party girls (and I mean that in the best sense of the term – chances are they’ve had a hand in many of the best parties you’ve attended in Ibiza) decide to throw a winter soiree, it should come as no surprise that almost everyone on the island – plus a few very special flown-in-for-the-occasion guests – would be in attendance.
But do their Mamas know?
Given the ultra-sexy leopard print-meets-red fringing and feather boudoir style décor, smooth Bossanova sounds and ludicrously delicious cocktails on offer, Miss W would gamble her red Gucci stilettos that Mama doesn’t have a clue, and it’s probably better if it stays that way!
From the very respectable hour of 8pm tonight, the cocktail bar at Grial reopened for the winter season, complete with happy hour until 11 – practically unheard of in Ibiza – and a cocktail list packed full of classics that were a welcome alternative to overpriced spirits and lacklustre wines.
Of course, Miss W couldn’t go past a Cosmopolitan – all that cranberry juice has amazing anti-oxidant and detoxifying properties you know – and while initially I was a little upset to be served my drink in a wine glass rather than the oversized martini glass I’m used to, I had to eventually admit that the room was so busy it was probably better this way. Martini glasses are really only suited to sitting down at a bar, otherwise you slosh it all over the place at the slightest jostle. Unless you’re James Bond of course, but that’s another story…
From hoteliers (who finally get to surface now the high season is over) and property magnates (who say they are busier than ever despite the economic climate) to the dance music fraternity and some snap happy photographers, the mix of clientele was definitely 50/50 Spanish to English, always a sure sign that you’re onto a good thing on this island…
Breakfast At Tiffany’s was being projected onto the wall – a lovely visual to be entertained (not to mention fashionably inspired) by - and classic tunes piped through the bar while the hoi polloi and their hosts caught up and compared Christmas and New Year plans over a cocktail or three - Miss W overheard more than one group of revelers declaring how happy they were to find yet another winter watering hole to whet their whistles. Three cheers to that!
THE LOWDOWN
THE GOOD: Happy hour. There’s a distinct lack of places to go in the limbo hours between eight and midnight (unless you’re happy to stay at a restaurant or a café) in Ibiza at the moment, and this night filled the gap to perfection. Not only that, but when cocktails are two for the price of one, it’s all the more reason to splash your cash on a round of Christmas Cosmopolitans for your mates, considering the credit crunch and all that jazz…
THE BAD: The smoke! I’m not usually one to complain if someone lights up beside me but the ventilation in Grial leaves a lot to be desired. I know the idea of a dim-lit smoke-filled jazzy bar is sexy, but in reality, it just makes your eyes sting and your throat hurt. Ouch.
THE GOSSIP: It was a little like Grial had revolving doors come midnight with the amount of comings and goings that were happening. Where did they all come from or where were they going? Was it Pacha? Bombay Lounge? Aura? Ocho? Or heavens forbid, bed? Either way, it was difficult to walk through Grial without seeing a familiar face, no matter what hour you were there.
But do their Mamas know?
Given the ultra-sexy leopard print-meets-red fringing and feather boudoir style décor, smooth Bossanova sounds and ludicrously delicious cocktails on offer, Miss W would gamble her red Gucci stilettos that Mama doesn’t have a clue, and it’s probably better if it stays that way!
From the very respectable hour of 8pm tonight, the cocktail bar at Grial reopened for the winter season, complete with happy hour until 11 – practically unheard of in Ibiza – and a cocktail list packed full of classics that were a welcome alternative to overpriced spirits and lacklustre wines.
Of course, Miss W couldn’t go past a Cosmopolitan – all that cranberry juice has amazing anti-oxidant and detoxifying properties you know – and while initially I was a little upset to be served my drink in a wine glass rather than the oversized martini glass I’m used to, I had to eventually admit that the room was so busy it was probably better this way. Martini glasses are really only suited to sitting down at a bar, otherwise you slosh it all over the place at the slightest jostle. Unless you’re James Bond of course, but that’s another story…
From hoteliers (who finally get to surface now the high season is over) and property magnates (who say they are busier than ever despite the economic climate) to the dance music fraternity and some snap happy photographers, the mix of clientele was definitely 50/50 Spanish to English, always a sure sign that you’re onto a good thing on this island…
Breakfast At Tiffany’s was being projected onto the wall – a lovely visual to be entertained (not to mention fashionably inspired) by - and classic tunes piped through the bar while the hoi polloi and their hosts caught up and compared Christmas and New Year plans over a cocktail or three - Miss W overheard more than one group of revelers declaring how happy they were to find yet another winter watering hole to whet their whistles. Three cheers to that!
THE LOWDOWN
THE GOOD: Happy hour. There’s a distinct lack of places to go in the limbo hours between eight and midnight (unless you’re happy to stay at a restaurant or a café) in Ibiza at the moment, and this night filled the gap to perfection. Not only that, but when cocktails are two for the price of one, it’s all the more reason to splash your cash on a round of Christmas Cosmopolitans for your mates, considering the credit crunch and all that jazz…
THE BAD: The smoke! I’m not usually one to complain if someone lights up beside me but the ventilation in Grial leaves a lot to be desired. I know the idea of a dim-lit smoke-filled jazzy bar is sexy, but in reality, it just makes your eyes sting and your throat hurt. Ouch.
THE GOSSIP: It was a little like Grial had revolving doors come midnight with the amount of comings and goings that were happening. Where did they all come from or where were they going? Was it Pacha? Bombay Lounge? Aura? Ocho? Or heavens forbid, bed? Either way, it was difficult to walk through Grial without seeing a familiar face, no matter what hour you were there.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
06/12/08: Dreaming of a White Christmas…
The first few days of December in Ibiza were a little wet and soggy, even included some snow, which by all accounts is extremely rare - but there’s something kind of magical about seeing the normally lush green countryside covered in white powder so the sudden chill was very welcome.
Speaking of magical, it’s the festive season where Ibiza really comes alive. ‘Whaaaaat?!’ I hear you exclaim, probably thinking there is enough life on the island during summer to last the entire year, however Miss W is here to inform you that Ibiza has done the equivalent of getting a haircut and splashing out on a new party frock, undergoing a makeover for the occasion.
A stroll through Ibiza town – and Santa Gertrudis, Jesus, Sant Jordi and Santa Eularia among other villages – shows off this amazing transformation. Every street, lamp post, square, park and even shop windows are adorned with the most amazing Christmas displays, from dazzling lights and striking trees to quaint decorations and markets aplenty. It’s enough to make you think you’ve stumbled across Santa’s hometown – or his holiday getaway at the very least!
Of course, being the shopaholic that I am, it was the markets that peaked my interest so the minute the weather cleared up – and you’ll be pleased to know it’s now all blue skies – I donned my festive finest and headed to Vara de Rey to get amongst the action.
It was the covered marquee, housing the most beautiful array of Christmas trees, decorations and lighting, which put the first dent in Miss W’s Fendi wallet, where I opted for a faux (but very lifelike) tree with gold and pink themed decs. Then it was onto some stocking filler-type goodies from the rows of mini-market stalls lining the square. Of course I can’t actually tell you what I bought or it wouldn’t be a surprise come Christmas day, but I just think knitted scarves, hand made trinkets, embossed leather belts and strings of pretty coloured lights and you’ll get the idea.
After indulging in some fairy floss, a hot dog and a Nutella crepe along with some Gluhwein (similar to mulled wine) from the stalls surrounding the kiddie fun fair, it was next stop, Las Dalias. The infamous hippy market throws open it’s wooden gates for winter, complete with decorations and festively themed gift ideas – the difference to summer is that the stalls are in indoors and with plenty of Gluhwein to go round, it was retail therapy indeed – in fact at one point, I must admit I got so into the spirit of shopping I seemed to have purchased more gifts for myself than those on my list.
Well, I had to make sure there’d be something under the tree for myself in case Santa decides I’ve been naughty…
MISS W’S CHRISTMAS WISHLIST
1. The gorgeous bronze silk sports jacket in Kurru Kurru – the perfect lightweight accessory to throw over a little black dress or team with jeans.
2. A whimsical Morrocan tea set from KsaR – makes me feel all Alice In Wonderland and will inspire me to have a tea party.
3. Black Superfine jeans from reVolver – the perfect fit. And if they’re good enough for Kate Moss…
4. The amazingly soft over-the-knee grey suede boots in Histericomplements – flat, so ideal for dancing all night long on NYE.
5. A membership to the Gran Hotel’s Open Spa – all this winter food means Miss W really needs to practice some serious yoga.
Speaking of magical, it’s the festive season where Ibiza really comes alive. ‘Whaaaaat?!’ I hear you exclaim, probably thinking there is enough life on the island during summer to last the entire year, however Miss W is here to inform you that Ibiza has done the equivalent of getting a haircut and splashing out on a new party frock, undergoing a makeover for the occasion.
A stroll through Ibiza town – and Santa Gertrudis, Jesus, Sant Jordi and Santa Eularia among other villages – shows off this amazing transformation. Every street, lamp post, square, park and even shop windows are adorned with the most amazing Christmas displays, from dazzling lights and striking trees to quaint decorations and markets aplenty. It’s enough to make you think you’ve stumbled across Santa’s hometown – or his holiday getaway at the very least!
Of course, being the shopaholic that I am, it was the markets that peaked my interest so the minute the weather cleared up – and you’ll be pleased to know it’s now all blue skies – I donned my festive finest and headed to Vara de Rey to get amongst the action.
It was the covered marquee, housing the most beautiful array of Christmas trees, decorations and lighting, which put the first dent in Miss W’s Fendi wallet, where I opted for a faux (but very lifelike) tree with gold and pink themed decs. Then it was onto some stocking filler-type goodies from the rows of mini-market stalls lining the square. Of course I can’t actually tell you what I bought or it wouldn’t be a surprise come Christmas day, but I just think knitted scarves, hand made trinkets, embossed leather belts and strings of pretty coloured lights and you’ll get the idea.
After indulging in some fairy floss, a hot dog and a Nutella crepe along with some Gluhwein (similar to mulled wine) from the stalls surrounding the kiddie fun fair, it was next stop, Las Dalias. The infamous hippy market throws open it’s wooden gates for winter, complete with decorations and festively themed gift ideas – the difference to summer is that the stalls are in indoors and with plenty of Gluhwein to go round, it was retail therapy indeed – in fact at one point, I must admit I got so into the spirit of shopping I seemed to have purchased more gifts for myself than those on my list.
Well, I had to make sure there’d be something under the tree for myself in case Santa decides I’ve been naughty…
MISS W’S CHRISTMAS WISHLIST
1. The gorgeous bronze silk sports jacket in Kurru Kurru – the perfect lightweight accessory to throw over a little black dress or team with jeans.
2. A whimsical Morrocan tea set from KsaR – makes me feel all Alice In Wonderland and will inspire me to have a tea party.
3. Black Superfine jeans from reVolver – the perfect fit. And if they’re good enough for Kate Moss…
4. The amazingly soft over-the-knee grey suede boots in Histericomplements – flat, so ideal for dancing all night long on NYE.
5. A membership to the Gran Hotel’s Open Spa – all this winter food means Miss W really needs to practice some serious yoga.
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