2013-05-24T04:24:17-04:00 Nikki Gill http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/author/index.php?author=nikki-gill Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Nikki Gill Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog// 2013-05-03T07:00:04-04:00 2013-05-03T13:22:37-04:00

Nikki Gill http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nikki-gill/ "world's most expensive holiday" for a reason and now two unnamed travellers are about to embark on a two-year-long vacation around the world after purchasing the pricey package from Veryfirstto.com, a luxury product website.

Now, as wonderful as the trip may sound, this holiday comes with quite the cost — it is the world’s most expensive holiday after all — with a price tag of over $1.5 million. But at the very least, the soon-to-be globe-trotters will have the option of inviting a guest along for the ride.

There's also no need for the travellers to feel guilty for enjoying a lavish lifestyle while flying across the world, because the package also includes a sizeable donation to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for near $8,000.

The itinerary's nothing to scoff at either: travellers will embark on business or first-class flights to over 150 countries to visit the world’s 962 UNESCO world heritage sites, though the fine print states that they will only be travelling to sites that are deemed safe and accessible by business class travel. With that in mind, the packed itinerary involves visiting at least one site every day for two years, and will be coordinated by luxury travel company, Hurlingham Travel.

Though the travelling pair won’t be able to boast that they’ve visited every single UNESCO world heritage site, Hurlingham Travel has stated that they will do their best to accommodate the couple’s interests if they insist on travelling to the unsafe destinations.

The lengthy list of sites they can look forward to are the Taj Mahal in India, Vietnam’s Halong Bay, Petra in Jordan, China’s Forbidden City, and Cambodia’s ancient Angkor temples. Closer to home, you may even spot the pair as they travel through Canada’s 16 UNESCO sites, which includes the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, the Historic District of Old Quebec, and the Rideau Canal.

Though the itinerary sounds exhausting, this holiday also boasts a lavish and luxurious element. Along with the business class and first class flights, travellers will also stay in some of the world’s most luxurious (and expensive) hotels when they're not checking out heritages sites.

Though this trip is one that most travellers will never embark on, that doesn't mean those with tighter budgets can't take a peek inside some of the hotels that the lucky globe-trotters may be enjoying, come next year when they depart on this adventure.

To take a look at 15 of the most luxurious hotels in the world and each of their unique features, check out the gallery below.

Hotels To Stay In On 'The World's Most Expensive Trip'. Slideshow text follows below for mobile readers.


Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
Ciragan Palace is located in Istanbul, Turkey on the European shores of the Bosphorus, also known as the Istanbul Strait. The hotel offers the Sultan Suite, one of the largest suites in Europe, and has its own Turkish bath (hamam) to enjoy, along with a price tag of up to $40,000.

Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi and boasts a luxury experience beyond 5 stars. The hotel is located on 1.3 km of pristine white beach, and houses the mystique Anantara Spa, and can cost up to $15,000 for a stay.

St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
The St. Regis is located in Bora Bora, an island within the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The hotel promises a blissful Polynesian paradise experience, and the view alone is breathtaking enough. You can spend a night here for about $1,500.

Raj Palace
The Raj Palace is located in Jaipur, India in a city known for its historic palaces and luxury. The hotel has been recognized as one of the world’s best heritage hotels and offers a unique historical experience at a price tag of up to $15,000 a night.

Four Seasons Hotel George V
The Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris is already one of the confirmed hotels for the world’s most expensive holiday. A typical night here will set you back about $4,000. The hotel is located steps away from the Champs-Elysees and offers suites with private terraces with spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower.

MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa
The MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa is located in the Seychelles, which are known as the most perfect, unspoiled islands in all the oceans. Apart from the luxurious hotel stay, the MAIA spa was recognized as the winner of the 2013 World Luxury Spa Awards. A night on this island will cost you at least $2,000.

Royal Mansour
This palace-style hotel is located in Marrakech, Morocco and offers a unique beauty as the embodiment of Moroccan living as an art form. This Moroccan experience will cost up to $6,000 a night.

The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
The Ritz-Carlton is known for their luxurious 5-star hotels in destinations around the world and this Tokyo location is no exception. Found in the Roppongi District and known as one of the most dramatic skyscrapers in Tokyo, travellers can stay here for about $400 a night, though for the full 5-star luxury experience, you can expect to spend closer to $1,300 a night.

Wakaya Club & Spa
Wakaya Club & Spa is a luxury private island resort in Fiji. One of their unique features is a beach picnic where guests are guaranteed privacy for a radius of three miles while they are on the beach. For this secluded island experience, travellers will be spending about an average of $2,200 for a stay.

The Westin Excelsior, Rome
The Westin Excelsior is located on Rome’s prestigious via Veneto street and also houses the largest suite in Europe, the Villa Cupola. A luxury suite in this hotel will cost about $5,000 for a stay.

Hotel President Wilson
The Hotel President Wilson is located in Geneva, Switzerland, facing the magnificent panorama of the lake and Mont-Blanc, the Alp's highest mountain. Known as the city’s most contemporary hotel, a night in one of the luxury suites is about $12,000.

Song Saa Private Island
Located in the Gulf of Thailand as one of Cambodia’s islands, Song Saa Private Island is a deserted oasis of virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and white beaches in a mostly undeveloped setting. You can be a guest in this untouched paradise for as little as $1,500.

Anantara Kihavah Villas
Located in the Maldives, this hotel offers tranquil private villas, underwater dining and boundless horizons. Taking in the scenery in your own private sanctuary in the Maldives, can cost up to $10,000.

King Pacific Lodge
This luxurious Canadian destination is located in Northern British Columbia and is accessible only by float plane. The hotel is located in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, which is the largest intact temperate rainforest left on Earth. A night here will cost up to $4,000.

Burj Al Arab
Located in Dubai, the luxury destination of the world, the Burj Al Arab boasts itself as the world’s most luxurious hotel. A typical night in this distinctive sail-shaped silhouette hotel will cost you about $2,000.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.3135522 2013-04-23T12:12:03-04:00 2013-04-23T12:13:06-04:00

Nikki Gill http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nikki-gill/
We make up superstitions to make brides feel better about rainy wedding days: "Don't get upset! It's good luck if it rains on your wedding day!"

And it definitely puts many people in a foul mood. Whether your socks got soaked because you accidentally stepped in a puddle, or your pants got splashed by a car whizzing by on the road, there are many ways that rain can ruin your day.

But let's backtrack and stop all the hating for one second -- rain also gives us the opportunity to pull out a fashion accessory we can't use everyday... the umbrella.

I must admit, I was once a rain hater. I dreaded a rainy day just as much as the rest of you who walk to work either from home or from a subway station. My hair gets frizzy, my shoes get wet, and the wind nearly knocks me off my feet... I know you feel my pain.

However, the day I got a shiny new umbrella, my outlook on rain changed.

For those of you who enjoy retail therapy just as much as the next gal, you will agree when I say, there's a fashion cure for every problem. The absolutely adorable umbrella, is my fix for the dreaded rainy day.

When everyone else is carrying their dull black umbrellas, you can stand out from the crowd and ignite pure envy in every fashionista you pass on the street with one of those gorgeous umbrellas.

The Birdcage Umbrella


Fulton


This is the best umbrella in the world. (I am completely biased because this is my current umbrella and I'm in love with it). The birdcage umbrella blocks the wind from terrorizing your hair and prohibits the ever-dreaded frizz. What more can you ask for? It comes in various designs and colours, but these polka dots stole my heart.

The Ruffled Umbrella


iRain


For those of you who aren't thrilled with the birdcage umbrella and prefer to stick to the classic umbrella silhouette, here's a fun take on the boring umbrella. This umbrella has a floral print and ruffles around the rim.

The Double Canopy Umbrella


Pasotti


What an amazing alternative to the typical black umbrella. The double canopy umbrella is a classic umbrella that houses a second canopy underneath that conceals the umbrella's wiring. This version has a red dahlia as the second canopy, which serves as a sleek way to add some spunk to your umbrella.

The Flower Umbrella


Raindrops


There are many variations of the flower umbrella if a sunflower doesn't tickle your fancy. Other options include the chrysanthemum, daisy and dahlia.

The Little Girl's Umbrella


Kidorable


Finally, this one is for you ladies with a little one at home. Big girls can pull this one off too, but it's really meant for an adorable little girl who is making the most of a rainy day. Why not teach them the importance of accessorizing at a young age?

That's my umbrella round-up! I hope these umbrellas will make your next rainy day, just a little more bearable. Spoil yourself with an adorable umbrella and stand out from the crowd.

]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.3011134 2013-04-04T12:17:23-04:00 2013-04-04T12:43:48-04:00

Nikki Gill http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nikki-gill/
Before we start swiping those credit cards and making our bank accounts ache, we should keep in mind that we still have quite a few viable outfits from last year. So why not recycle?

Now if you're not sure which trends are coming back this year, or you weren't paying attention last year and have no idea where to start... well that's why I'm here. I've listed out my top five looks from 2012 that will be back with lasting power for at least one more season.

Colour Blocking


ASOS


I am personally a big fan of big bright colours in the warmer months, so colour blocking was definitely a hit with me. Colour blocking allowed us to cut neutrals right out of our outfits and just focus on the vibrant tones of orange, pink, purple, green and yellow. I know some of you are going "no neutrals?!" but embrace the colours and have some fun!

High/Low Skirts & Dresses


Suzy Shier


I don't even know what it is about a high/low hem that is just so incredibly cute and comfortable, but it just is! Now funny story about this one; I accidentally shrunk one of my favourite cotton maxi dresses last year and the hem was at this really awkward ankle length. Lucky for me, I have a seamstress genius for a mom who was able to transform that dress into a high/low style that has made this dress one of my favourite pieces for the spring.

Mint


Express


Now I know emerald is the colour of the year, and I'm not going to argue that (especially because it's my birthstone), but mint is where it's at. Mint looks beautiful on practically every skin tone and is also just a beautiful light colour for the spring. You can wear any clothing article or accessory in mint; literally everything from pumps to blouses and you'll look fab!

Palazzo Pants


Polyvore


I have a confession; I did not embrace this trend last year. Though I loved it, and I saw a really fantastic picture of Kourtney Kardashian in an amazing pair of red palazzo pants, I just never found any that I loved enough to purchase. I also think it's tricky to pull off this look for those of us who are vertically challenged, but I am making it my mission to find the perfect pair of palazzo pants for this spring. And being short is nothing that a pair of heels can't fix.

Polka Dots


Forever21


Now I'm a little old-fashioned with this one and I like the typical black and white polka dot look, but I have seen some really adorable alternatives for this spring. One of my favourites was a pale pink blouse with white polka dots, so cute! Don't get caught up in thinking that only girls under the age of 10 should be wearing polka dots, we're all allowed to look adorable at any age.

That's my round up of trends to recycle for this spring. I'm sure your wallet will thank me now that you can pull out at least five staple outfits for this spring, without even spending a dime. For those of you who missed these trends last year, I'll be hunting for them in the stores along with you! If anyone spots some palazzo pants, holler!

]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2881061 2013-03-15T12:01:24-04:00 2013-05-15T05:12:01-04:00

Nikki Gill http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nikki-gill/
I'm not talking about jersey cotton, that wonderful material that I love to sleep in, I'm talking NBA jerseys. I mean, why not... all the guys were wearing NBA jerseys like they were the coolest thing around, so clearly it was acceptable to turn those jerseys into dresses. No! It was not acceptable. And the worst part of this look (because the jersey dress really wasn't the worst part) was the shoes!


Steve Madden


The sneaker wedge!

A sneaker with a heel, a complete oxymoron. And now here we are, about a decade later, and they're back!

I'm not usually a hater of returning trends. I love the way fashion cycles and recycles the hits and misses of the past decades. I was right there, on trend with high-waisted shorts. I was even a fan of last year's palazzo pants, which is really just a modern take on the bell-bottom (which I suspect will be back and happening this spring). However, I can't get on board with sneaker wedges.


Spring


It's just not cute

I've also never seen anyone look cute wearing them, and I've looked. I creeped the pictures of Rihanna, Alicia Keys and Ciara all rocking the sneaker wedges, and it just wasn't working for any of them.

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Now in their defence, all of these beautiful celebrity faces were at casual sporting events, so maybe that makes it OK? I would disagree, but I can see the reasoning behind the thought process. If it's not bad enough that some of your favourite celebrities are indulging in this oh-so-tacky trend, so are some of your favourite designers. Yes, it's true: Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and even Christian Louboutin.


Aldo


What is the appeal?

You can't tell me that the logic behind sneaker wedges is just comfort. You can throw on a pair of normal wedges, or even a bootie or sandal with a chunky heel and you'll be just as comfortable. I promise you! So if it's not the comfort, it must be the look. If you really love the look of a sneaker with your outfit, wear a sneaker! If you want that sneaker to be feminine, wear a bedazzled sneaker... just keep it flat.


Shoe Dazzle


So what are we to do?

Well, this isn't a reality show. We can't just vote the trend off the island. In fashion, everyone is entitled to her own taste, style and opinion (that's why I'm so openly voicing mine here). So the alternative option is to sit idly by and wait for the trend to pass. I will be crossing my fingers that it will be just as short-lived as it was last time. Using my (non-existent) psychic powers, I predict that we will be rid of the sneaker wedge by 2014.

I would love to tell you that we will be rid of it for good... but we'll have to leave that one up to the fashion gods.

Are you a sneaker wedge lover? Please share! There must be another side to this story.

]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2767923 2013-03-04T08:50:11-05:00 2013-05-04T05:12:01-04:00

Nikki Gill http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nikki-gill/
We all know that April showers bring May flowers, and my absolute favourite spring trend -- floral prints! Floral hit the scene a couple of years ago and now it's everywhere. As soon as the temperatures rise and the winter boots disappear, those colourful flowers find their way into our outfits.

Now for those of you who are terrified of prints and spend your spring days in beige tanks and jeans, I've come equipped with a solution. I've broken down the five easiest ways to work floral into your spring wardrobe.

Story continues after slideshow



Purse
The purse is an accessory that we can all have fun with. Go for a small- to medium-size cross shoulder bag with a small floral print. If this is your first jump into the wonderful world of printed purses, keep it simple with a beige strap and a neutral background.

Flats
Floral-printed flats! I remember the first time I bought a pair of floral boat shoes and I literally tried to hide them from my sisters as I knew they would hate them and call them "Grandma" shoes. I was right, they did make fun of me endlessly, but they were wrong about the Granny shoes. If we all reflect back to spring 2012, we'll remember that floral-printed flats were in almost every shoe store, and you can bet that will be the case again this year.

Headband
I'll admit I've never been a big fan of headbands, not since I was nine years old anyway. However, the headband has slowly, but surely made a huge comeback. It is no longer a childhood memory, and when done right, it looks super cute. I would recommend starting off with a thin black headband with a small floral print. Once you get into the look, then you can spring for the courageous ones with big bows and brighter prints.

Blouse
When it comes to floral-printed tops, I would veer away from T-shirts and tank tops to avoid dressing like a playground regular. Instead, opt for a floral-printed blouse, preferably linen or sheer. This is a great casual look with denim pants or shorts. Pick a blouse with a pastel background to keep the springtime feel; my favourites are canary yellow, peacock blue, and coral.

Summer Dress
The summer dress is the most daring of these five looks, for you "floral-phobes." I call it the most daring because the whole outfit will scream floral, but it is also my favourite! A cute and simple floral-printed summer dress is perfect for a day strolling in the city, a picnic in the park, or an afternoon at the beach. Not only will you look incredibly cute, you'll also be incredibly comfortable in a cotton dress.

I hope I've inspired you to take the plunge this spring, and purchase some floral-printed pieces for your wardrobe. It's also important to remember not to throw too many floral prints into the same outfit. If you fall in love with the trend (as I have), don't overdo it. Mixing prints is a tricky business, and I'll need a whole new post to break that one down for you!]]>