Saturday, 11 April 2015

Samantha's Top Three Travel 'Bucket List' Destinations

I just love to travel


I do love to travel and I feel that my travel bucket list really sums up a lot about me as a person. I love exploring, beautiful beaches and the peaceful places non the planet. For this reason, Fuerteventura was one of my favourite holiday destinations because it is so quiet and unspoiled. But then I do crave great atmosphere, shows, lights and the hustle of a huge city too. So I think my top three destinations really do reflect both sides of this. It was really difficult to just narrow this down to three destinations. so honorable mentions also have to go out to Mexico and New Zealand also. I will get to you all one day!

I did however have to pick just three, and for a number of reasons these beautiful places are the three that just had to be chosen.

Bucket List Destination #1: ANTIGUA

One of the places that I very much must experience is the stunning island of Antigua.



This is really only a destination that I know about by recommendation and as such has a very special place in my heart. In case you are not familiar with it, Antigua, also known as Waladli or Wadadli by the native population, is an island in the West Indies, in the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean region, the main island of the country of Antigua and Barbuda. I've been fortunate to visit the caribbean before, however I've not yet made it to Antigua.

In short, this was my mother-in-law's favourite place on earth. She spent many happy times soaking up the sun and ambiance of the island, and despite being a very well travelled lady, always maintained that this was the place that she loved above all others. Her dream was to be able to emigrate and retire over there. Sadly this was not possible, and after a health battle we lost her to cancer. So I guess this holds a very special place in my heart. I want to see what she saw and feel just why she loved it so very much. I feel like there is unfinished business there, and for all it's obvious beauty, there is more to Antigua for me than just another sunshine holiday.

Read more about Antigua

Bucket List Destination #2: LAS VEGAS aka VEGAS, BABY!!!

Who wouldn't want to go and experience the 'adults playground' that is Las Vegas in the Nevada desert?



In stark contrast, my second choice would have to be Las Vegas. I've never had the opportunity to visit the USA, and while there are so many places in the States I have to go and experience, Vegas would have to be first for a number of reasons.

Las Vegas, officially the City of Las Vegas and often known as simply Vegas, is a city in the United States, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, the county seat of Clark County, and the city proper of the Las Vegas Valley. When I think of Vegas, I think burlesque shows, lights, everything being supersized, casinos, UFC events and a crazy amount of amazing places to eat. The other thing I have always wanted to do is a crazy-tacky Vegas wedding. If I ever get to do that I will post about it here on Shoeniverse so that you can share it with me. If you are going to do it then do everything. Ideally with a minister dressed as Elvis. It just sounds amazing.

My husband lived in LA for a year before we met and so has already had the opportunity to experience the fun of Vegas. He remembers it with such fondness that we know it's something we are going to have to go and see together. And get a cheesy vow renewal into the bargain, then go watch a UFC. I literally can't wait until we get to do this!

Read more about Las Vegas

Bucket List Destination #3: THAILAND

The captivating serenity of Thailand has always appealed to me, and is my final bucket list destination.



Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is a country at the centre of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia. I don't know why I am so drawn to Thailand above so many beautiful international destinations, but from the moment I first was aware of it as a child I knew I would have to go visit.

Everything from seeing the wildlife in Ko Tarutao and Ko Chang, to the Grand Palace and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, just resonates with me as being something I would have a very real spiritual bond with. I also have such a huge love of sea turtles, that being able to visit Koh Tao - quite literally 'Turtle Island' - looks to be someplace where I would have to go and experience. Thailand also has amazing food and beaches, making it just about my dream holiday destination to get away, experience new things, and come back home refreshed and relaxed.

So there you have it! I'd love to know where your holiday destinations of choice would be too - so leave me a comment if you'd like to share.


Please note: 
This post is a competition entry as well as a lifestyle / personal post for Shorniverse! It's for an amazing chance via Tigerlilly Quinn to go see the Northern Lights! This is actually one of the top things I'd love to go and experience. It appeals to my inner space and sci-fi nerd, and it's truly one of the most incredible natural spectaculars you could ever hope to see. Writing about it gives me goosebumps! So without any further delay, take a look below to see where I'd love to travel to and why. This is the official Shoeniverse travel bucket list!




Wednesday, 8 April 2015

The Christian Louboutin heels roundup featuring: Grusanda, Ombré, Pensamoi & Tip



As promised, in follow-up to yesterday's Loubie flats are my pick of the current heels for SS15. I'd love to know what your current fave Louboutins are, so pop me a comment if you want me to feature your faves in a future post.

So anyway, without any further ado, here are my top four! (Yes, I couldn't narrow it down to three)

Grusanda - Invest in shoes that will see you from season to season, like Christian Louboutin's "Grusanda" satin sling-backs. Delicate for evening but comfortable enough around the clock, this simple black pair is kept feminine with a bow front and elegant straps.




OmbrÉ - Gold OmbrÉ Crystal Leather Pumps. These sophisticated leather pumps are dusted with a twinkling, ombréarray of swarovski crystals for radiantly elegant results. Self-covered heel, 4.75" (120mm)swarovski crystal-studded leather upper.




Pensamoi - Pensamoi" is a delightfully feminine and flirty style for evening. Her exquisite dorcet shape is adorned with a gorgeous eveque satin flower encrusted with crystals. This 100mm splendor will be the new gem of your red sole collection this season




Tip - Add a feminine touch with "Tip". This 100mm peep-toe pvc pump features a sexy apostrophe heel and a signature louboutin bow detail.


Tuesday, 7 April 2015

The Christian Louboutin flat shoes roundup featuring: Cora, Gozul and Rolling Spikes



I'm not a huge fan of flat shoes simply because they never make me feel very pretty. I don't mind plain heeled boots etc, but for some reason flats can often make me feel short and somewhat dowdy. However, some of the current Christian Louboutin flat styles are enough to make me take notice, and so I thought I'd show you my top three picks today. If you are a dedicated heels-only lady then fret not - tomorrow I've chosen four amazing pairs of heels to showcase too.

CORA - a delicate t-bar flat sandal with a clear PVC heart on the vamp. Wear your heart on your shoes in this season's lovely "Cora Flat." Her super-sweet pink PVC heart rests on the arch of the foot, providing an added touch of feminine fun to your Spring/Summer looks.



GOZUL - in Pink Strass. Possibly the most girlie flats I have ever seen!



ROLLING SPIKES - "Rolling Spikes" in pervenche veau velours and multi coloured metal spikes is an irresistible look for spring/summer. Give your wardrobe a splash of colour this season with this gorgeous new smoking slipper.

Monday, 6 April 2015

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI X KAYNE WEST WING PATENT LEATHER HEELS



I have a deep seated loathing for the man that is Kanye West. I can't quite put into words why but I suspect that unless you are a huge fan of the man's music then you may well fall on my side of the fence. This has led me to purposely ignore these sandals, however my love of all things Giuseppe Zanotti, and the shiny silver colourway have finally won out over the fact of having to add 'Kanye West' and associated douchbaggery onto the blog. For that I sincerely apologise. But they are really REALLY pretty. Right?

I defy you to take a good look at the front of these heels and not simply marvel at them.



They are usually spotted (and indeed sported by Mrs Kanye aka Kim Kardashian) in the black and gold colour option, which as you know I find a little... tacky. I can't help it. I grew up in the 80's. I remember Dynasty and all it's fabulous glory but that doesn't mean that I want to relive black and gold, shoulder pads or indeed 'permed' hair. But in silver, these heels take on a fresh angelic feel, they are light and bright and simply beautiful.



If you do want to buy them they will cost you in excess of £1000 (ouch). They are Metallic patent leather with a leather sole. 4.75 inch heel.