Home JOURNAL Globetrotter | Lucia Tait

Globetrotter | Lucia Tait

Stylist and world traveler Lucia Tait just returned from a dreamy trip to the One & Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives. This busy globetrotter has been shuttling between residences in Hong Kong and NYC but still managed to share some personal shopping tips about her favorite destinations. Read about Lucia?s favorite haunts and check out her effortless continental style.

How would you describe your style?

Polished simplicity featuring deliberate drama.

Who, what, or where is the inspiration behind your style?

After 13 years in the city, I have a very New York sense of style ? it is clean and serious, but hopefully never severe. Yet, being an avid traveler, I also have a flair for integrating bohemian pieces.

What do you love most about NYC and Hong Kong? Can you share your top three favorite spots for eating, drinking and shopping?

For eating and drinking in NYC, I default to classics such as Bond St and Indochine. I also loved the reincarnation of Le Bilboquet and the newly opened Omar?s - both are equal parts civility and scene.

In Hong Kong, I have an early cocktail at the Upper House for the views, and I really enjoy places that integrate amazing art and fabulous food like China Club and Duddell?s. Brickhouse makes me feel like I am in Brooklyn, pretty novel here.

Bond St: 6 Bond St, New York, NY (212) 777-2500. Indochine: 430 Lafayette St, New York, NY (212) 505-5111. Le Bilboquet: 20 East 60th Street, New York, NY (212) 751-3036. Omar's: 21 W 9th St, New York, NY (212) 677-5242. Upper House: Pacific Place, 88, Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, +852 2918 1838. China Club: 12/F, The Old Bank of China Building, Bank Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852-25218888. Duddell's: 1 Duddell Street, 1 Duddell St, Hong Kong, +852 2525 9191. Brickhouse: G/F, 20A D'Aguilar St, Central, Hong Kong.

What is a typical [if there is such a thing] day like in your life on the road or at home?

During just one week in the last month, I was in 4 countries, so routine is not really where I am right now. I?ve been touring temples and swimming with sharks. I?ve attended a horse race and overdosed on ramen. I?ve gone discount furniture shopping and learned a whole new chart of fruits and vegetables (rambutan, anyone?!). This is a time to be thankful for!

What are your favorite places to travel to and why?

I really love island life, probably because I?ve been an urban dweller for so long. My favorite islands are small ? places you can drive around in an hour or two. There is Mykonos, St. Barths, Koh Samui, and now the Maldives. Spots with history are always super memorable, whether it is Machu Picchu and the Pyramids of Giza - or the hutongs of Beijing and Barcelona?s Barri Gotic.

Above: Bungalow 8 for L-atitude dress

Name three of your favorite shopping destinations anywhere in the world.

1. Marrakech is amazing for home d?cor ? think wedding blankets, Beni Ourain rugs, poufs, tea sets, rose water sprinklers and of course kaftans. Read my Marrakech City Secrets post here!

2. To be totally over-stimulated, Mumbai is magical. In India, you can buy the best jewelry, fabrics, carvings and gifts. Aside from the traditional options, there are also many contemporary stores in Mumbai, such as my favorite, Bungalow 8. Above, I?m wearing a Bungalow 8 for L-atitude dress in the Maldives, which is in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

3. Finally, for clothing and accessories, I?ve got to give it to NYC. As a personal stylist for most of my career, I can confirm that New York absolutely has the most dynamic shopping scene ? small boutiques, niche concept shops, indie and international designer showrooms, established department stores, vintage/consignment outlets and the quintessential Manhattan experience, the sample sale!

What is your favorite item you have ever purchased or been given while on a trip?

That?s a toss up between a precious stone bangle from India, in which I invested quite a bit, to a white lace shirt from the street in Thailand, at about $5. I love to collect while traveling ? antique book pages from the bazaar in Istanbul, Dia De Los Muertos skulls from Mexico, Greek worry beads, and shells from Caribbean beaches.

You just returned from a trip to the Maldives! Tell us what you loved you most about this exotic destination.

The Maldives was one of my all-time favorite destinations. So many trips are based around seeing a sight, learning a city, visiting a friend or attending an event. This was a true vacation. The hotel was a secret my boyfriend planned months back, though I didn?t know the venue --which turned out to be the One & Only, Reethi Rah -- until we landed in Male. Obviously this is one of the most visually stunning countries on the planet ? made up of over 1,000 coral islands in 26 Atolls. It is all about the water here, and we were lucky enough to have an overwater bungalow. Rays, sharks, and too many fish to count visited our doorstep each day, and I finally got to swim with sea turtles. The resort hosts tons of activities and events for those that are so inclined ? we took advantage of a fabulous wine tasting, as well as the badminton courts. You also have to love a place where the only modes of transport are bicycle and golf cart!

Besides your passport, what do you never leave home without?

Coffee and breakfast. You don?t want to encounter me without either!

What are three items you are coveting from L-atitude?

1. Anndra Neen?s Oval Cage Clutch

2. Dezso by Sara Beltran?s Stationary Set

3. Sequences?s Pink & Green Paralela Bracelet

Globetrotter Stats

Souk or Department Store?

Souk

DIY or Concierge Service?

Cross reference of both!

Buy Everything or Buy Nothing?

Buy only what feels unique to the place

Camping or 5-Star Hotel?

5-Star

Drive or Be Driven?

Be driven! I?ve been a New Yorker too long to operate a vehicle, let alone on the ?opposite? site of the road in many countries. The only place I like to drive is Mykonos.

Room Service or Street Food?

Both ? club sandwiches are my international comfort food, but I?m always game for street food - granted I have emergency backup meds packed.

Lots of Luggage or Carry-on Bag?

Always carry-on