DRESS: Revolve/SCARF: (old) H&M – more options here/SLIDES: Zara – more options here/EARRINGS: Oscar de la Renta – more options here Reporting live from Cartagena, Colombia! I’ve been dying to visit this beautiful city for years… I cannot tell you how happy I am right now to be here. (Pretty sure I said the same thing in Mexico!) Truth be told, this trip is completely unsponsored… I’m not here because of a brand. Or a hotel. I’m here because I want to be here! After spending most of my life training for ballet (despite having a dad who’s a pilot) and many years working hard in PR and on my blog, I finally have the time and resources to travel. I guess you could say I have the “travel bug” because ever since Mexico, I’ve booked so many more trips – including this one that was impulsively (surprise, surprise) booked within a short notice! Big thank you to Chelsea, my amazing photographer, for jetting off with me… If there’s one thing I’ve learned the past two months it’s that there’s something about visiting a new city that reinvigorates your spirit, especially if you’re a “creative” (whatever that means). It gives you a new perspective on life. And above all, helps you realize how much you’ve been given and how much you have to be grateful for… Sure, I’m not exactly visiting the most “glamourous” cities and that’s ok. Because I love the juxtaposition between grit and glam. I love meeting people who don’t have much yet, remain humble, grateful and warm. It just goes to show you that what you have does not dictate your happiness. Happiness, despite your shortcomings or what you may lack (i.e. material things), truly comes within… from rich relationships… from the small things, like a fresh coconut on a hot day… from dancing in the streets with your friends on a Friday night… from random smiles from street vendors in Cartagena. Trust me, as I sit here sipping on my fresh squeezed orange juice at the hotel (right now, we’re the only ones here), I’m reminded of the times where I sipped on a cup of coffee in my studio apartment and thought, “when will life get easier for me?” After a tough break up, working three jobs, barely hanging on… I never imagined in a million years being able to pick up and venture off to a new city with a moment’s notice. Today, I feel very grateful and I promise I’ll do my best to capture the same feeling in my photos… so you can experience the same thing with me. Stay tuned for more! Xo, Stephanie — Turn on your JavaScript to view content — [Chelsae Anne | Photographer]
I’ve been hit by the travel bug too. I just want to jetset anywhere and everywhere. Love following where you are going and this dress is soooo gorgeous! http://www.rdsobsessions.com Reply
These photos are so beautiful Steph! Love them and I can feel how proud you are with the content that you’re producing for the blog. Keep going with the good work while enjoying life xxx Reply
Cartagena seems like a beautiful city to be in! I’m supposed to go to Colombia next year and cannot wait to experience the country myself. Enjoy the rest of your time there! Thanks for sharing ❤️❤️ Reply
Looks like an amazing time… I’ve seen this place pop up a lot on my instagram feed too! Totally understand that travel bug feeling and its so much fun to travel, any suggestions of the time of year to visit Colombia? Xx Sarah http://www.indecisivelystylish.com Reply
I love all of your work and am so happy for you! Each and every photo you create makes me want to go on vacation so please, keep it up! Reply
Everything about this post is so amazing! love the dress and how you styled it too! xx jen http://lilthoughtswithjen.com/ Reply