Brazilian Bound with Lauren Wilson
June 3, 2022
By Lauren Wilson
Our CEO and Founder, Lauren Wilson, takes us on her trip to Brazil, where she explored the gorgeous sights of the city and visited the paradise haven of beaches the country has to offer. Learn more about the culture, the style, and the really good eats from our world-traveling Muse.
Scenery while sailing in Rio
Wearing a vintage 1970's Valentino dress and Ralph Lauren wood bangles from DoMa Muse @nachilton for the wedding
Stop #1: Rio
Arguably the most famous destination in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A dramatic landscape of jagged, tropical granite rocks jutting out of the aqua blue Atlantic sea is worthy of quite a few Instagrammable moments. What I loved most about Rio was the energy and the amalgamation of cultures. The melting pot of European, South American and indigienous cultures informs everything from the food to the fashion. Take a read to discover my Rio roadmap.
Day 1
I stepped off of a red eye plane and hopped right into an Uber to our hotel, the Fasano. Designed by Philip Starck, the Fasano is a modern, beachside luxury hotel right in the heart of Ipanema, one of Brazil’s most famous beaches. I headed straight to the famed rooftop (with striking views of the iconic Two Brothers Mountains) for the esteemed Brazilian cocktail, a Caipirinha. Then it was off to Santa Teresea, the bohemian hilltop neighborhood dotted with pastel-colored 19th-century mansions. While the hills are steep and the sunset glares, I decided to try my hand at the trend of the summer season–– a bright bucket hat. A Missoni bikini (you are always wearing a bikini in Brazil) and a colorful crochet maxi completed my look. Pro tip: stop by for a quick bite at Aprazivel, nestled into the hillside through a series of huts and tropical gardens, and it is surely worth a visit.
Two Brothers Mountains at the Fasano Hotel rooftop.
Exploring the streets of Santa Teresa.
Day 2
The best way to take in the landscape of Brazil? By sea, of course! We joined Pedro on his catamaran to sail through Guanabara Bay, absorbing striking views of Sugarloaf Mountain, the Redeemer Statue, and the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum by the acclaimed architect Oscar Niemeyer. Of course, caipirinhas were on hand as we swam in the water near the fishing village of Jurujuba. My advice for boat ride around Rio? Wear something easy to take on and off as you dip in and out of the water. I went with a Rosie Assoulin halter neck cotton plaid dress from the closet of @alexandraloeb. The contrasting yellow plaid belt felt put together pre-boat, while the button front style of the dress made the transition to a bikini easy and seamless! The sunset boat ride led to dinner at one of the most highly regarded restaurants in Rio, ORO. Located in the Leblon neighborhood and run by famed chef Felipe Bronze, Oro’s tasting menu with wine pairing is unforgettable. At almost 11 courses, I suggest you come hungry!
Sailing around Rio in a Rosie Assoulin dress from DoMa Muse @alexandraloeb's closet
View from the sailboat of Sugarloaf Mountain
Day 3
On my last full day in Rio, it was time to stroll around the streets of Ipanema for some local shopping. One of the most famous brands to emerge in Brazil, Farm Rio, houses one of their flagship stores in the neighborhood. One swimsuit purchase later, and we were off to one of my favorite lunch spots in the city, Zaza Bistro Tropical. A menu that fuses Moroccan and Asian cuisine, this brightly colored mansion-turned restaurant serves a divine passion fruit caipirinha (hint a theme with this trip!), and an atmosphere that was unmatched. As luck would have it– my aqua blue shirt dress and croc Prada belt (from the DoMa closet!) matched perfectly with their ceramic blue tiles. I finished out my last meal in Rio at Chez Claude, a Brazilian- French bistro with a totally open-concept kitchen. My favorites were the chorizo-octopus and the mushroom salad!
At Zaza Bistro Tropical in a Croc Prada belt from the DoMa closet
Me with the Passion Fruit Caipirinha drink
Stop #2: Buzios
Some call it the St. Tropez Brazil, and some call it the Hamptons of Rio, but the seaside town of Buzios (a mere 3 hours from Rio’s city center) is a beachside destination worth visiting. Made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the 1960’s, Buzios turned from a quiet fishing village to a chic vacation destination with seaside seafood restaurants, a charming town and pristine beaches for miles on end.
Day 1
After a scenic drive from Rio, we arrived at Casas Brancas boutique hotel. Feeling like I had just stepped onto a secluded Greek Island, Casas Brancas is a tranquil paradise with a palette of whites and neutrals sweeping the tranquil views of the harbor. The days at Buzios are much different from that of Rio… lounging was high on the list of priorities. I threw on my new Farm Rio one-piece and relaxed on one of their harbor-front daybeds before a lazy dinner at 74, the hotel’s main restaurant and one of the most popular in all of Buzios.
Arriving at Casas Brancas in Buzios
At Casas Brancas in a Farm Rio swimsuit
Day 2
While I wish I could say that I had found the magic of Buzios on my own, I was instead there to attend a wedding. Our next day included a boat ride (of course!) among the many secluded beaches along Buzios’ coast, including a drive by Brigitte Bardot’s old home in the area. Of course, no Brazilian boat ride is complete without a traditional Brazilian BBQ (at the request of the groom!). After a pre-boat afternoon stroll on the Buzios boardwalk in a printed bikini and bright cotton sarong, we got ready for the night ahead.
Walking on the Buzios boardwalk
Buzios boat BBQ
Day 3
The last and final full day in Buzios included a breakfast of fresh mango and acai bowls, lounging, and of course, the wedding. Situated directly between Praia dos Ossos and Orla Bardot, the private club provided a striking sunset, guests in their best bold colors (at the request of the bride!) and five straight hours of dancing. For the occasion, I scored a 1970’s vintage Valentino one-shoulder caftan dress. The psychedelic print and the fluttering movement of the silk-chiffon made this one of my most all-time favorite dresses I’ve worn. I paired the look with floral glass earrings from Erickson Beamon and wood and gold bangles from @nachilton’s closet.
Wearing a vintage 1970's Valentino dress and Ralph Lauren wood bangles from DoMa Muse @nachilton for the wedding
Headed to the cocktail party in a vintage orange knit dress