Dallas & Fort Worth, Texas

Dallas is not only known for its amazing BBQ and "hair-so-high it can talk to Jesus", but it also known for its downtown art district with numerous starchitect museums, opera houses, & theaters.  Fort Worth is only 35 miles away and holds architecture gems of its own.

AT&T Performing Arts Center Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, 2009 REX/OMA, Joshua Prince-Ramos (partner in charge) and Rem Koolhaas

AT&T Performing Arts Center
Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, 2009 Foster + Partners, Norman Foster

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Cente, 1989 I.M. Pei

Nasher Sculpture Center, 2003 Renzo Piano

http://www.thedallasartsdistrict.org/art-in-architecture/architecture/

Kimbell Art Museum, Louis Kahn, recognized for its use in daylighting interior gallery space. 

The Modern Art Museum, Tadao Ando, whose architecture boost of pure minimal forms.

Sintra, Portugal

Photos from Palace de Pena in Sintra, Portugal

A Taste of New Orleans!

These pictures are from my weekend in New Orleans with friends for a bachelorette party. 

We visited: Pat O'Brien's, Redfish Grill, House of Blues, Cafe Du Monde, and several Bourbon Street bars. 

Positano 70's STYLE

Have you ever been inspired by an old postcard or one of your parent's vacation photos? The above photo is NOT a postcard that I found, it's one that I made from my album taken in Positano, Italy.  I wanted to create a vintage vacation photo album, so I edited my photos using a 1974 filter with a rounded edge. I typically do not like editing my photos in such a fashion, but couldn't help it when I saw the beauty of POSITANO...This place is extra special. 

I created my own signature LOGO for Positano out of yellow circles that represent lemons. Lemons are an Amalfi Coast favorite. Lemonchello is sold in almost every corner store and served as an after-dinner drink. 

Positano is also known for its handmade sandals and shoes. I had a pair made for me in twenty minutes by a local craftsman. 

I chose the style of the sole & the strap color and style. 

I couldn't believe how fast he made these shoes for me! 

Arrivederci Positano...You will be missed!

Packing for Positano!

I did not have time to go shopping before my vacation, so I have to be creative about what I am bringing to Italy. I will be taking my NYC style to the Amalfi Coast (whether they like it or not)! 


1. White Fedora because baseball hats and visors are for Americans! I live in the east village- not far from the craziest street selling anything from sunglasses to fedoras in every shape, size and color: St. Marks Place! You must bargain with the vendors for the best price. I paid no more than $15 for mine.


2. Red lipstick. Red is very Italian! Thats why I am bringing Viva La Glam Cyndi Lauper lipstick. Also, this purchase goes to MAC Aids FUND to support the fight against Aids.

3. Mix-and-Matched bikinis! To be clear, I do NOT own a pink leopard print bikini but I do plan to mix my corals with blacks, etc.

4. Barbie Video Camera. I actually do NOT plan to purchase this video camera...but I thought this video was cool. Not sure how the Italians would feel about me carrying around Barbie into the Pantheon and the Vatican. 

5. iPhone Wine App. I recently bought the Approach Guides WINE App off of iTunes. This app does not require internet connection, so when traveling out of the country, you don't have to worry about roaming charges. Plus this app is handy when picking wine and food pairings.

6. Italian Speaking Boyfriend. Check!  I have been learning some things on my own. I have been using LiveMocha learning phrases like: La Donna e' grassa...haha...which will be ME after I get back from Italy!

7. Positano Playlist. A vacation is not complete without a PLAYLIST to get you in the spirit of traveling. Some songs on mine: "We No Speak Americano" by Yolando Be Cool & Dcup, "Hey London Remix" by Chiddy Bang, "Armour Love" by La Roux, "Paris is burning" by Ladyhawke, "Holiday" by Madonna, "Ca plane pour moi" by Plastic bertrand and "Girl from Impanema" by Babel Gilberto.


8. Sequin Sweater. JCrew has a fabulous sheer sequin sweater that is perfect for dining on the coast. The breezes from the Mediterranean sea will keep the nights cool, and this sweater will keep you warm!


9. Non-expensive jewelry. When I travel, I bring a few necklaces and a couple of earrings. Its not necessary to bring your jewels with you to a foreign country. I go to Urban Outfitters, Target, H&M, and thrift stores to look for statement necklaces and earrings that will jazz up an ordinary black dress. 


10. Red rimmed sunglasses! I chose an aviator style for me, but the classic 80s style in red is a nice touch too.

Hvar, Croatia

These are some images that I took while on vacation in Hvar, Croatia in 2009. I used my digital camera, but I wanted to give these photos an older vintage film look, so I adjusted the contrast and over exposed the edges.

To see more photos of Croatia in color, you can visit my Flickr page.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimberlypayne/sets/72157622606338964/