Arizona Dreaming

There’s something about daylight savings time that throws me off every year. Knowing that my aura and chakras needed some adjusting, our benevolent CEO sent me packing this year to the Miraval Resort in Tucson, AZ for the Escape with More event that CIRCA sponsored. Yoga, mud-wraps and various treatments invigorated me and, of course, the 85 degree weather in November didn’t hurt. The one hiccup was the desert zipline challenge, but I even managed to soar 40 feet above the desert floor undaunted – no small feat for someone whose prior exposure to heights consisted of a six-inch heel!


This was a wellness retreat, not a fashion weekend, so I was pleasantly surprised to see the chic ensembles of the More readers as they moved among the various treatments and exercise classes. Ladies’ workout gear has certainly come a long way in the past decade or so. I think it’s the celebrity yoga influence, with everyone from Christy Turlington to Stella McCartney designing activewear now. Even the Birkenstocks that each guest received have become more fashionable, with smaller straps and embellishments adding a feminine touch to the traditionally masculine look.

The stylish attendees were also able to successfully incorporate jewelry into their outfits without looking overdone. In the spirit of the Arizona frontier, there were lots of colored stones, turquoise and silver. Myself, I stuck with the traditional gold and platinum – both very durable, allowing you to go from pool to steam room with no worries of tarnish or damage. They also transition perfectly from day to night. My David Yurman bangles looked equally fabulous with my black CIRCA t-shirt by day and my Prada dresses for the evening activities.

Now back in New York and in the midst of the holiday bustle, I find myself already looking forward to next year and meditation under the desert sun!

Images: The Desert Zipline Experience at Escape with More in Tucson, AZ; Stella McCartney Activewear, Courtesy: Girl.com

In the Loupe is authored by CIRCA’s resident trendspotter and style maven. She’s traveled the world, dabbling in high finance, haute cuisine, and fine art at one of the world’s leading auction houses, before finding her true calling in the world of priceless gems. The result is a genuine global luxury connoisseur, with a knowledge and appreciation of beauty, quality and true style. She is one of the industry’s foremost experts on the valuation of fine gems and jewelry, and is now happy to share her discerning eye and impeccable taste to help you look and feel fabulous!