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Italy modeling, New York fashion week & Dancing for Japan. La Carmina travel blog: 2012 year in review, part 1.

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Merry Christmas, pirates! It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of 2012. Let’s usher in 2013 with my annual “year in review,” beginning with reminisces and outtake photos from the first six months.

I spent January in Italy with Seby. We stayed with his family in northern Italy, and then ventured to Florence for Luisaviaroma’s Firenze4Ever (the event that flies in the world’s top fashion bloggers for photoshoots and fun). One of the many highlights was modelling designer fashion with the Duomo as my backdrop. You see more images from this shoot here.

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I did quite a few TV hosting and fixing gigs this year, with my First Mate Naomi. It’s a pleasure to work with her, and team up with some of my favorite shows including National Geographic Taboo, Discovery TV Oddities, Fashion TV, and more. More TV hosting clips to come in 2013.

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In February, Yukiro and I attended New York Fashion Week, and even sat front row at Lincoln Center shows. We also checked out NYC’s Goth Punk shops and nightlife, such as this romantic Dances of Vice party in a church.

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For the one year anniversary of the Japan Earthquake, I teamed up with Industrial dancers tank9 and Mary Nine. We made a dance video in Seattle, as part of Ridley Scott’s Japan in a Day collaborative film (watch it here.)

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As you know, I host a regular travel video series published in Huffington Post. My film crew and I got the chance to shoot in gorgeous Maui, Hawaii. We explored the local fashion and over-indulged in Japanese food (check out my Hawaiian travel guide).

I’m always looking to stretch my creative wings, and do something new… and one of my favorite projects was the release of DNR’s Rock Princess music video. Do you like my red hair and Vivienne Westwood disco dress?

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Don’t worry: between all the adventures, I put in plenty of Basil-snuggling time! In the next post, we’ll take a look at what happened in the second half of 2012.

Did you travel anywhere this year? Try something new, or achieve a goal? What were your favorite memories? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

The Amazing Race Canada casting in 2013. A fashion & travel blogger’s packing list: designer gloves & hats.

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Wahh! My Scottish Fold cat, Basil Farrow, found a magic crystal ball.

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He rubs it with his big paws. Sparks fly, and a fortune appears…

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Road blocks, U-turns and taxi drama? It can only mean one thing… The Amazing Race is coming to Canada! For the first time, Canadians can compete in the race around the world.

I’m a fan of the reality TV show and followed multiple seasons, including the current one that’s nearing the finish line. One of my favorite questions to ponder is: what would I pack if I went on the show?

Functional clothing for a variety of climates is a given. However, with the exception of the Goths Kent and Vyxsin, teams generally aren’t very stylish.

From my perspective as a fashion blogger, racers can do better. I put together a list of female wardrobe essentials. You can be a fierce competitor while looking like a million dollars — and hopefully, take home that grand prize!

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Numbered items in this photo are detailed below.

Compact cosmetics
When you’re on camera at all times, touch-ups are in order. Laura Mercier’s makeup brushes (1) come in a hard case and are double-tipped to save space. Lancôme’s Absolu Voyage makeup palette (2) is a marvel of compact design: 20 essentials (for eyes, lips, skin) in a double-decker mirrored box. “Road Blocks” are often outdoors, so I’d remove shine with Dior compact pressed powder and slather on Sisley Paris SPF-30 sunscreen.

Sneakers
Racers need shoes to brave the rain, snow, sleet and hail. I love the sleek look of Adidas Y-3 by Yohji Yamamoto. The elegant Ava (3) has a leather sole, and the funky Shizuka II (4) has padding and rubber detail.

Sport-level clothing
Stella McCartney’s Adidas collection balances fashion and performance. Her stretch pants (5) have a compelling shape, and her fleece hoodie jacket (6) has a zippered pocket so your passport and money won’t fall out (as it did for the Rocker duo this year).

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Hats
In winter weather, I’d cover my ears with a Rag & Bone Farah beanie (7). On sunny days, I’d put on an Eric Javits Squishee (8), it has an all-around brim and packs away easily. As a bonus, a hat hides bad hair. (Here are more tips for maintaining good hair when traveling.)

Scarves
As the Goth team demonstrates in this video, scarves are handy. Steal their style with a silk Alexander McQueen skull scarf (9). If the clue says “fly to Iceland,” you’ll be glad to have a warm wrap like this Yves St Laurent cashmere leopard print (10).

Gloves
There’s a lot of dirty work on the Amazing Race, like collecting dead rats and lifting bamboo. The Burton Mix Master glove would be a life-saver, with a thin but protective leather palm and weatherproof membrane. For more nimble tasks, I love these Gucci fingerless gloves (11).

Backpack
My favorite packs are by Japanese designers. Kolor x Yoshida Technical backpack (12) has a breathable waterproof shell and padded waist straps. The Master-Piece Rumble backpack is similarly chic, with a fold-over flap and durable fabric.

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Any Canadians out there who are going to apply to be on the show? Casting details should be released soon.

If you were an Amazing Race contestant, what would you take with you? Your cat? For more tips, watch this packing video I did with all-stars Kent and Vyxsin.

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