"Turning 30-something last week had its upsides. Whilst the age thing totally bites, it did give me an opportunity to celebrate with friends and further discuss plans for Ibiza this year. I'm fixated with getting this trip booked up and for it not to become a concept casualty, as many of my holiday plans become – luckily so do the 30-something Power Gays. Meeting over birthday dinner (they brought me beautiful flowers, colour-blocked of course), the meal changed pace to a slow motion graze as the realization of the bikini season dawned on us all, even the salad started to look slightly more appetizing – the leaves without dressing that is.
Ibiza, once only really famous for its San Antonio grubby bars and bloated sunburnt British louts, has managed to seduce many – shall we say – chicer folk to change its perception and encourage a different clientele. This said, it largely depends where you go, as the island hasn’t totally gotten rid of the brassy wrong’uns. The White Isle however has become more synonymous with the style, faces and bodies of Jade Jagger, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Elle Macpherson (and the lucky devils at Company magazine!) which helps convince the style-savvy that it may be a place to stick on their 'to-do' lists.
Thanks to the 70s trend this season, the infamous Ibiza boho look is relatively simple to achieve. All you need to start is a couple of good bikinis and some great sunglasses. You don’t have to spend heaps on swimwear; there are great styles all over the High Street and ditto on the shades. I’m a sucker for oversized vintage 70s sunglasses which can make a statement on the beach but more essentially they stylishly conceal the obvious signs of a heavy night and you can’t put a price on that. Kaftans, fedoras, denim cutoffs and gladiator sandals are always in style with Ibiza’s fashion set and this summer is no different; but to really hit a homerun this SS '11 – get your fringe on girls!
Sadly, surviving the recession has been tough for Ibiza. Clubs have closed and many have to raise prices to make ends meet but this year it’s promising a more exciting year than ever. 'Ibiza Rocks', 'Come Together' and Carl Cox at super-club Space will be my go-to spots; those and as many of its paradise beaches as we can hit – with cocktails.....
Having discussed all these vital points with the Power Gays and come to the conclusion that we’re going to take flight to party-paradise at the end of August, I, a-la-Cinderella (who takes better care of her shoes), left as midnight struck and headed home via the Yankee. The holiday is a while away but all the chat had given me a carefree holiday vibe. So a mini-break from the norm seemed like a good idea – and it was. I haven’t worked out if this one will shape up to be a holiday of a lifetime or just a holiday fling but the sun isn’t setting... just yet anyway.
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