Hot, hip, haute. If you think Utah isn’t on the cutting edge when it comes to high-end wedding fashion, think again. Now more than ever, Utah brides have a plethora of local, high-style options—from seasoned boutiques to up-and-comers like Bitsy Bridal.
Akin to big-city couture houses, Bitsy’s showroom boasts natural light and industrial warehouse decor. But the metropolis influence doesn’t end there. Owner Pam Hlaing showcases fresh looks straight from the runway. Her current faves? Hlaing reveals the hottest trends from Paris and New York—all available in the Beehive State.
CUT IT OUT
Sheer-lace side panels plus gathered pleats whittle the waistline. Bonus: Soft tulle rarely wrinkles.
Christos soft tulle ball gown with silk chiffon and sheer lace panel bodice, $3,200
TAKE TWO
Can’t decide between a lace or tulle gown? Have your cake and eat it, too.
Tara Keely by Lazaro two-tone lace and tulle ball gown with corset bodice, horsehair trim full skirt and chapel train, $2,780
DRAPED IN CREPE
Look flawless and be comfortable in lightweight, no-wrinkle crêpe.
Mikaella crêpe gown with jewel neckline, cap sleeves, keyhole inserts in guipure lace with a fit-and-flare crêpe skirt, $2,090
SHOW SOME SHOULDER
Street-style is all about flirty off-the-shoulder looks. Did we mention this beauty has pockets?
Aire Barcelona by Rosa Clara silk gazar ball gown, $2,000
ALL CHOKED UP
The updated choker is all the rage.
ABOVE, L to R: Chain link necklace with diamond pendant, $22,550; Necklace with diamond disc clasp and diamond pendant, $6,400; Gold collar, $8,900, Platinum and diamond necklace, $36,500; O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC
Caps sleeves and crew necks aren’t only reserved for the modest bride. Here, sheer peek-a-boo lace exposes just the right amount of skin, keeping the look flirty and fun. See more Mountain High inspirations here.
Guipure lace applique on a Chantilly lace bodice with delicate cap sleeves, an open keyhole back, column skirt and chapel train, Rose Garden by Ivy and Aster, $1,740, Harlow Brides, SLC; O.C. Tanner Collection Asscher cut diamond and platinum engagement ring, $11,000, Penny Preville diamond bangle, $7,695, and Kwiat white gold in-and-out diamond hoop earrings, $24,300, O.C. Tanner Jewelers, SLC and Park City
The three-dollar doughnut—made of brioche dough, fried in pure rice oil, topped with a crisp glaze of burnt sugar—oozes crème anglaise when you pierce it with the tiny vial of Cointreau served with it.
Good morning, Portland. The doughnut is made with cage-free eggs by Blue Star Donuts (“doughnuts for grownups”). We tasted a whole flight of doughnuts, from Blueberry Bourbon Basil to Chocolate Salted Almond.
The first time I was in Portland, I got my doughnuts at Voodoo. One was the “Hangover,” iced and sprinkled with crumbled Tums.
Compare and contrast: Portland grunge has gentrified. Still offbeat, still bohemian, the City of Roses has blossomed in its own contrary way. Portland has taken flight. That’s a pun, as you’ll find out.
We were there to eat and drink, of course. Portland is one of the most intense food centers in the country and as we discovered over a long weekend, every aspect of hospitality here has its own unique flavor.
For example, the first night, we stayed in a converted Masonic retirement home—our first taste of Portland-style hospitality. McMenamins Forest Grove Hotel is housed in a sprawling old brick building on acres of Oregon-green grounds. Walls—as well as exposed pipes and doors—were painted by local artists with images of Masonic mythology, compasses, squares and portraits of past masters. You may have an en suite situation, or you may have to go down the hall to wash up. They have recently added a number of more up-to-date rooms, but the charm here is the step backwards into another, slightly eccentric, era. There is nothing modern or cookie cutter about this place.
McMenamins operates 54 distinctive pubs, restaurants and historic hotels in the Pacific Northwest. Starting with a single Portland pub in 1983, brothers Mike and Brian McMenamins’ eclectic collection now includes 18 on the National Register of Historic Places.McMenamins also handcrafts its own beer, wine, spirits, cider and coffee—if uniqueness is a measure of luxury, these places rate five stars. It isn’t luxury by conventional American standards. But it’s so Portland.
In the city, we stayed at the dog-friendly, Stumptown coffee-serving Ace downtown in the old Clyde Hotel building, whose weird, near-Soviet urban décor is so hip it almost hurts. (Borrow one of the hotel bikes to explore the Pearl District, Powell’s Books and other nearby shops.) Visiting Portland is a little like visiting another country—you have to culturally adjust.
Not far from Forest Grove is Sake One, the largest sake brewery in the United States and one of the first. Take the tour—you’ll finally begin to realize the precision of this beverage, from sorting the raw rice, sanding almost half of it away, to application of koji mold spores and yeast. Crucial to the process is the water quality; that’s why Sake One’s parent company Momofuku chose the location in Forest Grove. Take time for a tasting flight after the tour and you’ll start to see the differences in sake varieties.
This was the first of our many Portland flights. Our uber-friendly limo driver, a wine aficionado, invited us to dine with him and some friends at Chesa, a newish Spanish restaurant opened by Chef Jose Chesa, chef at Ataula. There we tasted a range of tapas and personal-sized paellas cooked over a charcoal oven. And champagne. Yes. More flights. We began to understand the difficulty of keeping up with Portland’s culinary scene.
The next day we spent shopping across the river in the Southeast warehouse design district where the unparalleled import store Cargo has relocated and where we paused for a refresher: more flights, this time of beer and sausage at Hair of the Dog Brewery, one of the Portland area’s 84 breweries. We stopped in for an ice cream flight at the Division location of the famous Salt & Straw Scoop Shop (Oregon Black Truffle ice cream, Foie Gras Oatmeal Raisin Pie ice cream, Strawberry Honey balsamic ice cream, as well as more conventional flavors like Chocolate Gooey Brownie).
At Le Pigeon, we ate one of the best meals of our lives. One of the restaurants that defined Portland as a top gastronomic destination, the place is tiny, service is enthusiastically attentive and the best place to sit is at the counter, where you can watch the cooking. Chef Gabriel Rucker has won two James Beard awards with his French-grounded, utterly original, even lighthearted food—glazed pigeon with couscous and black walnut “tabouli” and fried sunchokes, beef short rib dumplings with “flavors of french onion soup” and black truffle. Spring for the chef’s tasting menu, of course, $95 a person.
Old friends took us on a tasting tour on our last night: Starting at Hamlet, where we sampled flights, yes, flights, of ham and sherry, on to Bamboo, which claims to be the world’s first certified-sustainable sushi restaurant (and another flight of sake), and finally to Kachka to sample the hippest new cuisine (Russian zakuski—think tapas) and, believe it or not, flights of vodka. Things got a little fuzzy after that. Flying too high, I guess.
“I walked for Allison Hallstrom and Alyssa Bybee during Wednesday evening’s swimwear show,” says UFW model, Courtney McOmber.
“I was really excited until I came out from behind the curtain for the first walk and the first words that came to my mind as I stood there feeling completely exposed with every eye in the room on me were, what am I doing!? After the initial shock wore off it was exhilarating and such an incredible experience,” she says.
“The Bridal event was my favorite show,” says Courtney. “I walked for Natalie Workman [Natalie Wynn Design] and Janay Robison [Janay Marie Designs] and both of their gowns were absolutely stunning.”
“It was great meeting and working with so many talented hair and makeup artists —they put in so many long hours, some of them staying up to 10 hours to help make quick changes between collections,” she says. “I had literally five minutes max to change gowns and shoes and have my hair and makeup done completely differently before I was back on the runway. It was a whirlwind!”
In the Urban Streetwear show, Courtney walked for Kristin Silvestri of Armor and Arrows. “Her collection was such a playful mix of hard and soft,” she says.
“Each time right before I walked, I got a little bit of the butterflies in my stomach. The layout of this runway required precise counts and timing with three other models to avoid collision, but it was the best feeling when you nailed it,” she says.
“It was also fun to meet Cartier and Allie of Project Runway Junior! They both showed collections that were amazing- especially considering how young they are, I was so impressed with them, they are both such sweet girls,” says Courtney.
Saturday was the Evening wear and Avant-garde show. Courtney walked for Andra Jones of Lyla Dawn Apparel and Afa Ah Loo.
“My favorite collection of the entire week was, without a doubt, Afa’s,” Courtney says. “His looks were all well designed, cohesive and had so many little details– the quality of his work is unmistakeable.”
Courtney hopes to walk in the show again next year and she highly recommends that aspiring models try out for the event.
“It was a great experience and really helped me grow. I made incredible friends, gained confidence and loved being part of this creative process with so many inspiring people,” Courtney says.
According to Courtney, Utah may not be the state that first comes to mind when one thinks of fashion, but she believes that UFW will change that.
“I would keep an eye on these [local] designers because one day Natalie Workman, Janay Robison or Afa Ah Loo could be the next Michael Kors or Vera Wang,” she says.
Sandra Oblad: Bridal Gown Designer
“I could feel my heart beating when the girls started walking out the door.” —Sandra Oblad
Designer: Sandra Oblad Model: Miranda Preece Image: Josh Ashdown
Designer Sandra Oblad describes how she felt during the debut of her collection at Utah Fashion Week’s bridal event on Thursday.
“I was so nervous, but I loved my models, they were so down to earth and willing to work with anything I wanted to put on them. They were willing to help each other out by switching out clothing and shoes,” Sandra says.
“The Makeup team they gave me was amazing. I can’t believe they do so much work just to help you out,” says Sandra.
Sandra explained how one stylist completed the hair for 12 different models.
“One girl did everyone’s hair because the other girl didn’t show…she was exhausted by the end of the night,” she says.
Designer: Sandra Oblad Model: Lisa Starret Image: Josh Ashdown
The highlight of the event for Sandra was when she stood backstage and watched as her dresses started down the runway.
“The best part was when I was watching the girls leave to go on stage,” says Sandra.
The designers were able to choose the mood and music that their collection would be shown to. Sandra chose a lively spanish theme to accompany her colorful display of dresses.
“I chose the music, I speak spanish, and the music talked about how wonderful this girl was,” says Sandra. “I wanted to make it unique, like my style,” she says.
Sandra is already working on next year’s compilation, and she has been inspired to create different designs and participate in more shows.
“I would like to do formal dresses and I would like to show my designs in another show also,” says Sandra.
“I loved it, I really had fun. I was very nervous, but It was an amazing experience. My heart was beating when the girls started walking out the door,” she says. “I will do it again just for the way I felt in that moment.”
Sandra advises that being involved with UFW is a great way for new designers to see and learn about how fashion works, and what to expect not only of the industry, but from yourself as a designer.
“I have ideas about how to better myself for next year. Everyone that wants to go into fashion should do it,” says Sandra. “It pushes you to do something better and better next time. I loved it.”
Sandra Oblad will not be selling dresses at the sample show, but she will use them as samples for her dress line which will be available by the middle of the year.
As for what to expect in next year’s collection, “Lots of colors of course. They’re [dresses] going to be stylish and fun,” says Sandra.
Janay Robison: Producer and Fashion Designer:
“Utah does have a fashion scene and so many talented people on all ends.” —Janay Robison
Clothing: Melody Noy Image: Andrea Jimenez
“We are so excited, things ran smoothly, we’ve had a lot of positive response. It’s fun to see the hashtags of the Fashion Show on Instagram, so that’s been really great,” says designer and producer of Utah Fashion Week, Janay Robison.
“For me, as a designer I love seeing all of the other designers clothes up close. It’s great seeing audience members reactions to the different pieces. And seeing the models, designers and stylists [hair and makeup] admiring each others work. It’s so neat to see how it all turns out,” Janay says.
“It was great to see how much everyone appreciates everyone else’s work,” Janay says. “Utah does have a fashion scene and so many talented people on all ends.”
Utah Fashion Week is expected to grow with some changes already in the works for next years show, details will be released as soon as they’re finalized.
There are sample sales today and tomorrow, at Trolley Square, however, not every designer is participating, there are several who will be selling samples and taking custom orders for the pieces off the runway.
The Sample sales run today, Monday, March 20 through Tuesday, March 21. They’re located at Trolley Square, upstairs just east of the Old Spaghetti Factory, in the same space the pop-up shops were held. Hours: 3pm — 9pm.
Dress: Janay Marie Image: Braadyn Ashley Photography
Camera shy? Don’t be. Before you schedule a bridal session this spring, there are a few things to keep in mind. We get it. This may be one of your first times “modeling” in front of the camera and before you fret, think of what great preparation this is for the big day. All wedding images—from bridals to the “I do”—are investments you’ll have your entire life, so be sure to invest in good planning first.
Wishing for magazine-worthy images? Let photographer Jadie Jo help with these three tips for nailing bridal portraits.
THINK SMALL
You don’t always need a big, wide open area for bridal photos. This session was done in a small studio. With a little creativity and some fun details, you can still have a gorgeous, unique bridal session.
HIRE A DESIGNER
Brides don’t always think to use a wedding designer for their bridal or engagement session. A designer isn’t only for the wedding day, they are there to make any session you’re having perfect and unique to fit your style. For this session we worked with Fox Heron Collective, who hand died and painted the tapestry for a backdrop. Their creative touch really set the feel for this session.
BE YOU. BE UNIQUE.
Brides, don’t be afraid to do things differently. If you have a unique idea for your bridal session or wedding, it doesn’t hurt to run things by your photographer and/or designer, no matter how simple or extravagant it may be.
When it comes to wedding day directions, Michelle Cousins of Michelle Leo Events shows the way.
Go here. Wear this. Bring that. Weddings can be confusing for guests, so they need direction. What signs should couples provide at their wedding events? Master planner and designer Michelle Cousins of Michelle Leo Events reports her favorites.
Announce the Newlyweds
“Chair signage for bride and groom’s chairs is still trending,” says Cousins. “Verbiage varies from Mr. & Mrs., His & Hers, and Bride & Groom.” Fresh garland and flowers pack a punch as well, and they give the signs an updated look.
Leave a Note for the VIPs
Express appreciation in style. One of Cousins’ brides created festive paper tags to tell her bridesmaids, “Cheers!” Mini sparkling-wine bottles made the perfect statement of appreciation.
Hold the Hashtags
Leo’s team prefers unplugged ceremonies. “This isn’t the time to have your cell phone out and snapping away,” Cousins says. “There’s plenty of time for picture taking—and posting—later.” If a guests want to hit their feeds, Cousins suggests waiting for the reception.
Say Hello
“Welcome bags are great,” says Cousins, who finds guests prefer welcome gifts over wedding favors. “For destination weddings, welcome bags add an additional level of comfort when guests check into their hotel rooms. “
Gift Wisely
Offer gifts that reveal a couple’s personality, the time of year or the location. “Things like ‘his and her’ favorite snacks are great. If a wedding is located in a mountain setting, bug spray, sunscreen and chapstick are great for summer visitors. Winter weddings in the mountains inspire hand lotion, a pack of hot cocoa and maybe a pair of gloves or a nice scarf so a guest can keep warm.”
Raise the Bar
“We’ve executed everything from custom napkins that share fun facts about the bride and groom to custom koozies that keep drinks icy cold,” Cousins explains.
Toast Fur Babies
“This couple traveled from D.C. and couldn’t bring their beloved bulldog to the wedding,” Cousins says. “By customizing cocktail napkins with Winnie’s picture, she was there in spirit to help the couple celebrate.” The Michelle Leo team has also helped couples incorporate pet portraits into paper suites and RSVPs.
Keep Guests Calm
“Welcome signs are huge and they’re a nice touch because they let guests know they are in the right place,” Cousins explains. “We execute many destination weddings where couples invite friends and family—many who have never been to Utah before.”
Count on Table Numbers
Gotta have ‘em, no doubt, Cousins says. “Table numbers help staff indicate which meals are to be served to what guests by quick reference of master spreadsheets.”
Lemon’s high acidity means it can help slow food spoilage—that’s why a toss in lemon juice keeps cut fruits from browning. But because its natural acidity is always appealing, there are several ways to preserve lemon flavor itself—freeze lemon juice in ice cube trays, for instance, or dry lemon zest. Here are two of the most delightful recipes that make your lemon last, one sweet, the other savory.
Sweet: Lemon Curd
Lemon curd is the mayonnaise of the pastry kitchen—it keeps a few weeks if it’s refrigerated, it adds unctuous mouth feel and a gentle tartness to whatever you add it, and it’s incredibly versatile. Also, it’s easy to make.
3 large lemons
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
4 extra-large eggs
Juice of 3 lemons
1/8 teaspoon salt
Peel the lemons carefully with a lemon peeler—you only want the yellow zest, not the white and bitter pith. Process the pieces of peel with the sugar until they are well blended. Cream the butter and beat in the sugar-zest mixture. Add eggs, one at a time, then add the salt and lemon juice. Put the mixture in a saucepan and cook over low heat until it’s thick. Cool to room temperature and store, covered tightly, in the refrigerator. Keeps about a month when refrigerated.
How to use lemon curd:
A dollop of lemon curd topped with one of whipped cream dresses up a pound cake or angel food cake instantly.
A spoonful in a baked tart shell can be topped with whipped cream or meringue for a mini lemon pie.
Make a graham cracker crust, spread it with lemon curd and top with fresh berries.
Use it as a cake filling for yellow or white cake; ice with vanilla buttercream.
Savory: Preserved Lemons
Preserved lemons are gaining popularity in American kitchens along with other Mediterranean seasonings. Their unique zesty flavor adds brightness and interest to many of your regular recipes—wherever you might add lemon juice or zest to a savory dish, just chop and stir in some preserved lemon.
5 lemons
1/4 cup salt
1 cinnamon stick, broken in a few pieces
3 cloves
5 to 6 coriander seeds
3 to 4 black peppercorns
1 bay leaf, crumbled
Freshly squeezed lemon juice, if necessary
Quarter the lemons from the top to within 1/2 inch of the bottom, sprinkle salt on the exposed flesh, then reshape the fruit.
Place 1 tablespoon salt on the bottom of a 1-quart sterilized mason jar. Pack in the lemons and push them down, adding more salt and the spices between layers. Press the lemons down to release their juices and make room for the remaining lemons. (If the juice released from the squashed fruit does not cover them, add freshly squeezed lemon juice—not chemically produced lemon juice and not water.) Leave some air space before sealing the jar. Let the lemons ripen in a warm place for a month, shaking the jar daily to distribute the salt and juice. To use, rinse the lemons under running water and remove and discard the pulp, if desired. Preserved lemons can keep up to a year.
“I do simple things, but I think there’s beauty in it.” -Sandra Oblad, Bridal Designer
Sandra Oblad is a local bridal gown designer who will be showcasing her 12-piece collection for the first time ever, in the 2017 Utah Fashion Week bridal show.
Sandra grew up in Argentina and moved to Utah at age 23. Though English is her second language, fashion design has always been her lifelong dream. When Sandra was in the first grade and just 6 years old, she constructed doll dresses out of her mother’s leftover fabric and sold them to her friends.
“I have fun with it and I love putting things together… I love that I can draw something on a piece of paper and make something out of it,” she says.
While Sandra herself never obtained a degree in fashion design, her mother had taught Sandra all there was to know about the fashion industry.
“She [Sandra’s mother] was actually my best teacher. I was lucky to learn how to create patterns from her,” Sandra says.
After Sandra and her love of sewing moved to Utah, she became a wife and a mother. She designed and created clothing for herself and children.
“My mom was very strict when I made clothes for myself, they had to be perfect,” she recalls.
Utah Fashion Week is Sandra’s breakthrough into the realm of fashion and she’s been working on this collection since October. Sandra felt that she was a little late signing up for the show and had concerns about making the deadline, but Utah Fashion Week contacted her and liked her creations, so they worked with her to get her set up and ready for her debut.
“I’ve made prom dresses for girls in the neighborhood and family and friends, but I never took it anywhere until I found out about Utah fashion week,” she said. “I was online, and it popped up and I thought, what is that. I wonder how I can do it.”
Sandra feels a little concerned about putting herself and her designs out there, but she knows that it’s her talent and she hopes to show us the beauty in her creations.
“It’s a good way to put a girl head over heels. I’ve been so excited, but it’s also – hey, I can do this,” Sandra says about her work in Fashion Week.
She continues, “I love women and how we look when we feel beautiful. Because, we are just beautiful as we are.”
Courtney McOmber — Model
Courtney McOmber, model for Utah Fashion Week, Modeling a dress by Janay Robison.
“I will be walking for 8 designers in each different showcases, Tuesday through Saturday,” says Courtney McOmber, a model for Utah Fashion Week.
“I had modeled one of Janay’s [one of the founder’s] dresses for a styled shoot with Courtney Tipton before, so when I attended Utah Fashion Week Gala,” she said.”My date was in charge of the suits for the runway, so it was fun to connect with her! It was at the gala that I met the designer, Afa Ah Loo, who asked me to come to the model casting so I could walk for him. To my surprise, multiple designers wanted me!”
“People should expect an incredible show! Our state has so many passionate, driven, creative designers who have really put their heart and souls into their collections. Viewers will experience an incredible runway that cuts through the crowd in a unique way, providing every audience member the opportunity to see the designs up close and really have an amazing experience,” she said.
Courtney has modeled previously, however this is her first time modeling for UFW.
“This is my first year doing Fashion Week and I’m excited! I’ve done runway a multiple times in past years but never an entire week of it,” she said. “I’ve just loved meeting the designers and seeing their designs come to life! It is so fun to be a part of.”
Something many people might not know is that Utah was represented by multiple designers in many of the New York Fashion Week events.
“The talent here is real and not to be overlooked,” —Courtney McOmber
Janay Robison — Founder, Designer and Organizer
Image: Mike Johnson Photo Dress: Janay Marie
“I was one of the one’s who founded Utah Fashion Week, in 2014. It began as Provo Fashion week and has developed into what it is today, ” said Janay of JanayMarie Designs and Founder of Utah Fashion week. “Natalie workman is the other founder.”
“We started it because there aren’t many outlets for designers to show their work in Utah. It’s nice to have an all-encompassing show to showcase different types of designs,” Janay said.
Image: Elisha Braithwaite Dress: Janay Marie
The mission of UFW is to reveal the abilities and talents that local designers possess. They have created outstanding works and pieces that will be highlighted in this year’s show. There are a vast amount designers in the Utah industry, some who are just starting out and others who are more seasoned.
This year’s show will feature not only local designers, but some from the East Coast as well. Designers from Ohio, Idaho, Michigan, California and Utah will showcase their work in this week’s event.
“They’re [fashion designers] are coming from all over the country which is exciting,” Janay said.
“Quite a few [designers] have gone to fashion school and many are self-taught. We even have Project runway junior team designers…it’s incredible,” Janay said.
If a designer is interested in entering their collection in UFW, there is a bit of a process involved.
First, Janay recommends filling out an application online via UFW’s website. Janay advises hopefuls to follow the various social media platforms where they will announce when applications are accepted.
“We like to show a lot of different styles of clothing, we go through the applications and then they [designers] will go to live applications so we can see them [their pieces] in person, Janay says. “Which is a really fun part about being a producer of the show… We get to see pieces before the public get to see them.”
The collections are spread out and matched so that each piece and collection compliments one another in order to create a dynamic and unified flow for each show.
“We cast the models—we hold model casting calls, most of our models are not represented by professional modeling agencies,” Janay said.
“Model trainers spend hundreds of hours with the models, working on their walks etc. Hair and makeup, will look at what designers have stated what they want for their models, and hair and makeup artists are matched accordingly,” Janay said.
“There are lots of things going on behind the scenes,” she said.
Behind the scenes. Courtesy: Janay Robison
The Bridal show will spotlight approximately 8 – 15 looks, offering a large variety in each show. There will be custom designed apparel for all aspects of those involved in a wedding, ranging from flower girls to bridal parties to suites and tuxes and of course, wedding gowns. There are 7 – 9 designers, each showing between 8 and 15 looks.
As for those who plan to attend the show, Janay suggests dressing in something that you feel fashionable and unique in.
Doors open an hour before the show begins. Flour and Flourish, a local vendor, will be selling sweet treats beforehand.
Following the show, there will be a step and repeat available for guests to take pictures in front of.
March 20 and 21, there will be pop up shops located in Trolley Square, where local vendors who sell clothing will also sell looks straight from the runway to the public.
Utah Fashion Week runs from March 14 – 21 with varying events and times. The Bridal Show is Thursday, March 16, 2017. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit Utah Fashion Week’s website.
Janay Robision of JanayMarie Designs and Co -Founder of Utah Fashion Week. Image: Elisha Braithwaite
From the end of World War II through the 1960s, Americans had a passionate love affair with the highway. The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 spawned thousands of miles of interstate highways connecting every major city. Never mind that the initiative was spurred by fears of nuclear war—it provided unfettered coast-to-coast mobility for everyday Americans and generations grew up romanticizing the open road.
Photo Credit: Explore Desert
But these days we’re trading in the pavement to explore something wilder with our automobiles. Perhaps it’s because a Prius doesn’t elicit the same visceral reaction as a ’57 Bel Air. Or maybe it’s because cheap air travel is available with a few smartphone clicks. All I know is drivers want to explore the untamed side of the Beehive State without being limited to the paths a 1950s bureaucrat thought you ought to drive. Whether you tag it #VanLife or #Wanderlust, more people than ever before are venturing off the beaten path. Utah has an unrivaled wealth of unpaved roads and trails through every quadrant of the state, so it’s time to find the right rig for you and keep exploring where the sidewalk ends.
#VanLife for the Everyman
The hashtagging of vacation adventures may leave many of us nauseated, but there’s no denying that the #VanLife revolution is here to stay despite any Luddite concerns. But one pothole lies before many would-be off-road nomads—the $55,000 or more necessary to buy custom Mercedes Sprinter Vans. Salt Lake City’s Basecamper Vans solves this by offering a fleet of campervans ready for safari.
Basecamper Vans
Matt Wolski started Basecamper Vans in 2012 after spending plenty of time traveling around in his own 1990 VW Vanagon. Though “iconic and enjoyable,” as Wolski says, the Vanagon showed its limitations by throwing a rod while ascending Colorado’s Red Mountain Pass. Basecamper’s fleet consists of Chevy Express vans with modern safety features and plenty of power to tackle steep mountain grades, and they recently took delivery of two Dodge Ram ProMasters that feature elevated ceilings. Search through the range of vehicles and features on Basecamper’s website to find the right van for you. Wolski, who builds all the van interiors, is adamant that Basecamper does far more than just provide you with a sweet ride. “Our goal is to build and rent the vehicles we like to use on our own trips and also provide local know-how for customers who want to explore zones that aren’t the obvious tourist destinations. Our vehicles will get you there. You just have to do the rest.”
And pets are welcome. Vans make it possible to bring your four-legged friend on a ski, bike or climbing adventure, thanks to the extra space and ceiling vent fans that keep your vehicle cool. Basecamper Vans rentals start between $99 and $169 per-day depending on the season.
Some of us have perfectly functional vehicles already, and it seems a bit ostentatious to think we need a well-adorned van to luxuriate in the out-of-doors. That said, finding an ideally situated campsite while on the move can be a bit onerous. Tepui’s rooftop tents are the perfect middle ground for those of us straddling the fence. I was a bit skeptical upon first seeing the unfurled contraption atop a late ‘90s Subaru on a random side road near Moab, but as I continued driving around in darkness looking for a suitable pull-off to throw up my tent, I was overcome with envy. The thought of simply pulling over and unfolding an elevated, comfortable home away from home is enticing, and that you can put one on any beater rig with roof racks is the cherry on top.
Photo Credit: Nate Lepp
Tepui has been in business for seven years, and they’ve recently hit the big time after winning five awards at the OR show in 2015 and being praised in a slew of publications from Outside to Popular Mechanics. Founder Evan Currid first encountered the tents while on a trip to Venezuela, where locals had rooftop tents made of plywood and canvas that were comfortable and functional. Currid set out to improve and modernize the design, and Tepui has ushered in a new wave of rooftop camping for the masses with tents available at your local REI.
Now any vehicle can become an adventure mobile with a set of roof bars and a Tepui tent. Tepui’s 2-person tents start at $925, and their new hard-shell White Lightning tents start at $3,800 and are made in the USA.
If you spend any time in the Utah desert, you’re bound to see folks ripping around on dirt bikes loaded up with camping gear. Straddling a dirt bike may not be for everyone, but we spoke with Nathan Rafferty, president and CEO of Ski Utah and all-around dirt-bike badass, to find out what it’s like to use an off-road motorcycle as your adventure rig.
“On a motorcycle you’re much more immersed in the experience. You feel the temperature and humidity, and you can smell your surroundings,” he says. “I got started after watching this Netflix documentary series Long Way Round about guys from all over who rode adventure bikes. By the fourth episode I bought a used motorcycle on eBay.” Rafferty believes it’s the most rewarding way to take advantage of what Utah offers. “The coolest part about this state is there’s such a wide variety of terrain.”
BHLDN gowns have long been on our radar. Their boho-chic frocks can rock mosts Utah weddings from formal, hotel ceremonies to casual, ranch receptions. Now’s your chance to take these lovelies for a spin.
WHERE: Anthropologie at City Creek, 50 South Main Street #214
WHAT: Calling all brides: BHLDN is coming to you! Join us in North Carolina, Ohio, Michigan, Colorado and Utah in a series of bridal trunk shows to view the BHLDN spring 2017 collection. View the latest wedding dress trends and try on your favorite gowns. From beaded, bohemian gowns to modern, sleeved dresses there’s something for every bridal style! Gorgeous fur wraps will also be in attendance for brides having a winter wedding, while stunning beaded capelets will be the perfect toppers for spring weddings. Be sure to RSVP – we can’t wait to see you!
Guipure lace applique on a Chantilly lace bodice with delicate cap sleeves, an open keyhole back, column skirt and chapel train, Rose Garden by 
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And pets are welcome. Vans make it possible to bring your four-legged friend on a ski, bike or climbing adventure, thanks to the extra space and ceiling vent fans that keep your vehicle cool. Basecamper Vans rentals start between $99 and $169 per-day depending on the season.
“On a motorcycle you’re much more immersed in the experience. You feel the temperature and humidity, and you can smell your surroundings,” he says. “I got started after watching this Netflix documentary series Long Way Round about guys from all over who rode adventure bikes. By the fourth episode I bought a used motorcycle on eBay.” Rafferty believes it’s the most rewarding way to take advantage of what Utah offers. “The coolest part about this state is there’s such a wide variety of terrain.”
