“All Dressed Up…”

All dressed up,

with Nowhere to go…

All made-up

and glamorous.

Though

I have no destination,

I’ll still meet me

at the station,

of my sofa…

Yes, my couch…

In my ballgown,

I shall slouch!

In my kitten heels,

I’ll purr…

Laced in scent,

that I prefer…

Drenched in jewellery

that shines,

as I’m dressed-up, to-the-nines…

Yes,

I’m ready for my close-up,

at all hours of the day…

Who needs ‘night-time’?

Who needs ‘going out’?

Indoors, I can still slay…

Inside, I am still ‘front row’…

Still ‘work it’, in repose…

Still elegant.

Still chilling out.

Red wine, champagne, who knows?!

For,

I am, fully, fabulous,

without the need to,

take the bus,

nor ride the train,

nor hail a cab…

No need to check my face,

nor dab

the maquillage, that I’ve applied,

for my house-do,

from the inside…

I’m glad I’m here…

No-one to see…

Content,

to be alone,

with me!!!

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2020 All Rights Reserved

“Springtime Fun-In-The-Sun… Vegas-Style!!”

 

I’m not a bit mad at it, friends…

… a smoked salmon, champagne brunch, at the “Caviar House and Prunier”, accompanied by cheery, if, somewhat sporadic, conversation with fellow diners, in transit, via Heathrow Terminal 3, to global destinations…. with the occasional gawp at the latest offerings of high-end chic, from Louis Vuitton…

…. Nope, I’m not averse to it at all!

In fact, if you were to take the very same letters from, arguably, the most famous acronym in fashion, you’d have a clue as to my own point of disembarkation…

… which, has become my landing location, of choice, on three occasions, since last November…

… Getting warmer?

We-l-l-ll…

…  it has a “Strip” and…. more hotelier options than you can shake a stick at… and secures the hottest performers in the music world…

Yes.. you’ve got it!

Lovely Las Vegas was calling me back to its eclecticisms and idiosyncratic party culture… and this time, I was going to get a lot warmer… Say, 80 degrees, warmer!

… But these days, when the Time-Space continuum is in conjunction… and offers up a week of poolside-living and distinctive style-stories… how can one deign to reject such potential for adventure?!

The answer is, one simply cannot!

… Oh and there might, just, have been the opportunity to celebrate life in, quite, the most glamorous front-row mosh pit in town… Otherwise known as “losing yourself” to the swingin’-est sounds, at the, one and only, “Matt Goss Experience”, within the sassy surrounds of “1OAK Nightclub”, enveloped by the “Grande Dâme” of venues, “The Mirage Hotel”!

Yes…

…  that might, indeed, have alleviated the extensive airtime… although, I was probably the most excited, yet, to be heading back into the arms of my best-loved recreational hot-spot, for an impromptu hug!

Until then…

 I do not succumb to the, deceptively, time-consuming temptation, of purchasing Duty Free…

Rather, I am as focussed as possible, in order to enjoy every other element of my experience (as always)… and, rather expeditiously, am settling into my home-for-the-day… A red-and-white liveried Virgin Atlantic plane (entitled “Lady Freedom”, no less!)… spanning reminiscent listening-sessions of Jeff Buckley’s intensely-moving masterpiece, “Grace”, through to my chosen touchdown tunes, served up by the irrepressible futuristic-disco of Daft Punk… interspersed by power-naps and nourishment, as only the “Branson Brigade” can, so expertly, and elegantly, provide.

I also checked-in with the flight tracker, but needn’t have bothered, since, as we drew ever closer to Nevada, the cabin temperature took a distinct upturn, like the curve of a smile upon the face of someone who has a delicious secret, nestling on the tip of their tongue…

… and, before we knew it, the Time-Space continuum had transported us, to a new Destiny-moment… to make new discoveries, in the awaiting, ensuing days of ensuites and lively beats…

… and what a treat it was!!

Firstly, having dressed for the inclement weather which I’d left behind (i.e. layered in Zara Knitwear, M & S tweed trousers and Julien McDonald biker jacket, etc. etc.), the air con-infused limo ride was an entire blessing!

Then, in keeping with the, seeming, multi-dimensional convergence, a speedy arrivals desk, saw myself and luggage, whisked away in an, equally, expedient elevator, into a newly laid-out, ever more spacious, dwelling, overlooking the expansive pool area, which was soon to be my next stop.. after a freshen-up… and another power-nap…

… which was never going to work when, engrossed by CNN’s Don Lemon and Chris – “#LetsGetAfterIt” – Cuomo, as I arose, in time for the pool to be closed and the restaurants to have been open, for their first and second sittings!

… Yet, the anticipation for my mini outdoor excursion, in search of the perfect placement, for the girl-about-town, writing situation, was not wasted on one, such as I… Assuredly not! … Neither was my beloved shrimp pasta, with the creamiest of sauces, well-accompanied by bubbles, of the soda-pop kind!

At which point, the secret smile was, altogether, mine!

… As was “The Dolphin Bar”, which, for me, was the ultimate setting, for cooling shade on the one side and sizzling sun-trap on the other… and with a waterfall, gently caressing the air, with trickling sound and guests, close by, in deep relaxation or laugh-out-loud revelry… I couldn’t have asked for better…

… except, for the über-cool tracksuits that The Mirage servers were sporting… which were not available, thus remaining exclusive and even more desirable! However, a little multi-coloured batwing top from French Connection, matching coral plissé skirt, with high-low hem and black flip-flops, were my delight… A 70’s throwback and precursor to some Halston Heritage couture, hanging in the closet, to be debuted at a later date… I thank you!!!

Ice-cool beverage and poolside stroll later, I was fuelled for more exploring…

… To Las Vegas Boulevard!!! To “The Fashion Show Mall”!!!

To “The Pinto Ranch“ … an absolute find, for those who adore the outdoor lifestyle and its complementary accoutrements… which, within two days, with the minimum of fuss, under the sagesse and adaptability of store supervisor, Greg, became an educational outlet and morphed into a “Country Music Awards” hang-out for shoppers and browsers, alike!

What I did not fork out for in Duty Free, I more than made up for in the acquisition of some wonderfully unique gifts, which made me look like I came straight out of Southfork… (I’m talkin’ cowboy hat, my darlins.. and then, some)!

How I loved the onslaught of action!!!

Learning more about traditional creative design processes, talking vinyl with “DJ After School Special” and his fabulously fashion-forward manager (and twin brother!), being drowned-out by cars, screaming sonic Morse code, via their horns, using skywalks to cross roads and enter other hotels, like the impeccable, “Venetian”… comparatively quieter, until reverberant opera singing shook the soundwaves of the brain to life… and all in micro-minutes!!!

I, mean, I absolutely, loved it!!!

… Oh, and, what was I not, dear friends?… I was not mad at it, at all… not even a bit perturbed, in the slightest!

I was in Vegas… I wanted more… and more is exactly what I got…

… namely, on Sunday night, for the, now weekly, major Matt Goss show!

Further inspired by my 70’s mood, I went all-out “Studio 54”, honey… All regal, royal blue, backless, halter-neck, jumpsuit joy, golden platform-shoe’d goodness and accordant cobalt, beaming Biba accessories… with a snazzy, ladder-link necklace… and, did I mention, a certain dalliance with “bareMinerals” glitter eyeshadow in “Twilight” and “Hot Commodity” highlighter, and luscious “Sleek” lip gloss… for day-y-y-ys?!!!

Oh, yes, friends, it was, categorically, on… and I was ecstatic with it all!

…. And. What. A. Show!!!

… No matter, how many times, you see it, hear it, experience it… the undeniable force, that is Mr Matt Goss, himself, somehow manages to upstage existence and smash the living daylights out of every moment, regardless of the vocal dynamic of any song, or any time signature!

This is his playground… his artistic vortex in which he, politely, yet, no less insistently, demands you let loose… and it takes no time at all for the whole room to, willingly, yield…

In fact, it gets sweaty, it gets rowdy, it takes a great, big, bite out of life and, quite frankly, is the only show which seems to be a Time-Space Continuum, all of its own…

… a fitting reward for going boldly, and a perfect vault for priceless memories…

… which, along with the turquoise-blue skies, that greeted me upon my return to lovely London, are exactly what I shall treasure…

… until the next clarion call upon dreamy desert winds, hails me back unto the sweet heartbeat of the Nevada Valley…

… and, do you know, what?

I’ll be truly glad, not a tad mad of that, friends…

… not at all!!

 

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2019. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

“Las Vegas: Bright Lights, Big City!”

“Vegas is not America… It’s Vegas!”…

…were the words with which my delightful Virgin Holidays Concierge advised me, in delicately-hushed, yet insistent, decibels…

The accuracy of that statement would soon become as crystal clear as the turquoise-blue Nevada sky, wrapped around our “Jersey Girl” aeroplane, floating above famed landmarks and lesser-known domesticity… and clusters of people, scattered like hundreds-and-thousands, upon Vegas icing! All of this would be greeting me, upon my approach into the enigma of this eccentric, yet intriguing, desert.

Idiosyncratic, as the bride sweeping through the casino, in full ballgown, having taken (some might say) the biggest gamble of her life, in tying-the-knot… vivid as the fuschia pink ostrich-feathers, proudly levitating in the gentle breeze, behind showgirls, owning the revered Strip… in an infinitessimal moment, it was obvious that, yes, Vegas was Vegas and could only, ever be, Vegas!

… But being there was fantastical, from beginning, to end…

…as, less than 14 days, prior, a window of opportunity within my schedule, had announced itself, as “open”… and, without further ado, I began my adventure… the unexpected nature, of which, would set the trend for my entire experience, both landside and airside! From the outset, I felt as if the Virgin representatives had taken me under their wings… guiding me, with supreme care and attention, through, what might otherwise be considered, as fast-track orientation, for all that was to come!

Whether telephonic, through the booking stage, or face-to-face at the check-in, every iota was more than a mere “process”… It was genuine excitement, for my taking a leap of faith into the “Beautiful Unknown” (as Mr. Matt Goss calls it), of a new, intercontinental domain. It brought to mind that I had, quite, forgotten how splendid travelling could and should be… and, as I boarded the flight, owing to such bonhomie, it was as if my adventure had already begun!

The crisply-coiffed, elegantly-attired cabin crew simply sparkled throughout the ten-thousand mile roundtrip… Delivering such a standard of service, which was second-to-none… with repasts so perfectly-portioned, as to leave enough room for a glass, or few, of festive fizz, with newfound flying companions! All adding to the jubilant ambience… before extensive legroom, in-flight entertainment (of which there was a vast selection) and power-naps, ensued!

Oh yes, this was holidaying, alright…

…and, in the blink of an (admittedly, waking) eye… geometric shapes began to reveal themselves beneath the cloud-curtain… hotels, in shapes of pyramids and skyscrapers, shining, like foiled ornaments adorning an extravagant Christmas tree, were choraling planes in, to land… and, in a surreal revelation, the wheels touching-down were my cue to breathe deeply and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime sojourn.

“Vegas, here I come” , became “Vegas, baby, here I am!!”

…My awaiting home-away-from-home, being “The Mirage”… was, to me, the “Queen of The Nevada Desert”.

Oh, my…. the expanse of it all, left me speechless…

…the marble, the waterfalls, the retail opportunities, the restaurants, the pool, the venues, the entertainment… The decadence that was daytime and night-time… and the courtesy, once again, led me to another Matt Goss motto, that being, “Civility Costs Nothing”…

…Neither did the most wonderful upgrade!

16th floor, room-with-a-myriad views… Close-ups of the cabana-lifestyle, panoramics of the, equally-soaring, neighbouring establishments and long-distance visions of the, impressively, picture-perfect, sand-capped landscape.

Each evening, I reclined… often with CNN, but always in my newfound happy place, of a King Bed, toasty-warm, with marshmallow duvets and huggable pillows… and always, at once, at total peace… simply, giving thanks…

…which was highly apt, given that my vacation auspiciously fell around Thanksgiving!

The duration of my visit remained one of ardent gratitiude, for time spent, fine-dining at “Stack”, which was a low-lit, open-plan restaurant, with lovely service, lovely food, a vibrant atmosphere, suited to families, and yet, sensitively-designed, with sumptuous banquettes, for those being romanced, on a first date…

Next was “Osteria Costa”, the Italian venue, of choice… Light and airy, in clever contrast to its aforementioned epicurean counterpart, the menu was a food-lovers dream, from which I did not wish to wake! For example, efficient and enthusiastic service, ensured that my simple, yet stunning tricolore crostini salad was at-table, in express time… in order that I could indulge in the luxury of my own, so as to savour every delicious morsel!

However, my go-to eatery, would turn out to be “The Pantry”… with a 24-hour breakfast menu, as well as a truly compendious selection of lunch and evening courses. I had an enduring affinity with pancakes and maple syrup, the white chocolate brioche with summer fruits… and, yes, maple syrup… the Chef’s breakfasts… without maple syrup… and the knock–out, “Backyard Burger”, with a tasty addition of caramelised red onions, for that little somethin’-somethin’!

It was all there… all of the time… and I couldn’t have been happier, than if I were able to party at a Matt Goss extravaganza.. or two, or three.. or, ahem, four! But, from my previous post, friends, you know I actually did that!

Excursions to the Grand Canyon, to the Neon Museum… and to so much more, were on my list of “best intentions” , but, for this time around, I was simply content to be embraced by the might of The Mirage… and to be given the final surprise, of a sleek, midnight-black, stretch limo, back to McCarran airport…

Besides… there’s always next time, right?!…

 

 

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved

~

Heartfelt Afrow-appreciation and applause, to the entire Virgin Holidays Team, Flight Crew and Mirage Team… for making my experience one of unique splendour… and special mention to Jude, who walked me through every step, with endless amiability!

 

Brunch at “The Devonshire Club” is style and sustenance, Square-d!!

… So, it was 11:30p.m on Saturday night…

I was ‘laptop-DJ’ing’, (or, ‘digging for soul’, as I like to call it!) and ‘settling’ on Donny Hathaway’s ‘This Christmas’, as repeat tune of choice…

… The fact that, the following day,  it was this very same song that greeted me on entering the comfort of “The Devonshire Club”, in anticipation of a beautiful brunch, simply confirmed that this afternoon was wrapped in, somewhat of, the ‘enchanted’…

The scenario was cosy and sparkly, with cocoons of Christmas-red leather seating, curved around one side of the space, whilst banquet-style set-ups were situated alongside the length of the garden window/ patio doors and adjacent to the most decadent buffet bar… Family tables were central demarcations of a refined room design, which maximised on its chic, boutique nature.

I chose the corner cove, noticing gleefully that I had, unknowingly, ‘happened‘ to accessorise, in a co-ordinating quilted, leather Jaeger bag! Taking a moment to decompress, with trusted Crombie coat removed, I began to indulge in repose and absorb the atmosphere… as much by osmosis, of a sublime selection of Motown Christmas classics, as by inhalation of the amazing epicurean delights being cooked à la minute, behind the brunch bar!

The menu was laden with delectable starters, mains and desserts, not to mention an impressively comprehensive wine and bubbles list. My eyes, flitting to-and-fro between tempting Colchester oysters, superior smoked salmon and sweetest sticky toffee pudding, pin-balled back, to rest upon my undoubted winner… truffled mac-and-(four, yea, four different types of) cheese! To say it was, nigh-on, indescribable would probably be the best way to explain the total taste sensation brought by every mouth-watering morsel… In this case, however, ‘moreish‘ completely fit the bill, particularly when an unlimited buffet was on offer for the entire four hours! Needless to say I was over-excited that this was to be my ‘office’ for an unforgettable oyster-filled, pre-Christmas Day, Sunday afternoon treat!

Yet, more-ish became, definitively, so much more…

In addition to the rib-tickling bouts of laughter which often erupted, to a man and woman, The Devonshire Club team were beyond accommodating and the height of hospitality, in the most understated of ways… As for dress, all were super-elegantly-attired… in fact, the next James Bond could have been cast from any of the suited-and-booted male contingent!

Time passed without my noticing….

…until, of course, the moment of departure…but happily-filled and fuelled from my sapid spread, I was ready to express my gratitude to those whose camaraderie had truly made my gastronomic escapade.

Only until I was en route home and re-arranging my bag, did I actually notice the name of the lipstick which I had hastily-snatched and applied that morning, to be “Private Members Club”! On reflection, the perfect choice for the most perfect dining experience and most definitely a Club worth joining, not only for the fun, fine food and fizz to be had, but for the unfeigned friendships to be made!

~

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

***

The Devonshire Club

5 Devonshire Square, London, EC2M 4YD

(T) 020 3750 4545 ~ (E) info@devonshire.club 

(Twitter) @Devonshire_Club ~ (Facebook) @Devonshire.Members.Club ~ (Instagram) @devonshire_club

***

Sincere @A_F_R_O_W-appreciation, once again, to all at ‘The Devonshire Club’, with special mention to Krystle Osafo Jones, as well as Team @Bubblz_Gigglz, for organising this wonderful afternoon!

~