I started off the week at the Hollywood Bowl and ended the week at the Santa Barbara Bowl. Both great venues to see concerts. When I was in Santa Barbara we had lunch at Alessia Patisserie (so charming) and dinner at Bettina. We had just enough time before dinner to browse all the shops at the Montecito Mart. I went into the new Doen store and found two beautiful tops, the Vanessa Top and the Jules top (love the mahogany color way) and way eying this cardigan. I also spent a bit of time in Clic (such a great store), Kule, Cynthia Benjamin, and Jake & Jones (really unique selection of designers).
This coming season we will be seeing a lot of leather and faux leather midi skirts like Lisa Aiken is modeling above. I love the look, sharing some options below.
I am just returning from a family trip to Italy. I thought you might enjoy hearing some details about my trip, so I’m sharing some highlights. First stop Rome, we stayed at Baubino 181. It’s a boutique hotel right off Piazza del Popolo. Our first evening we had drinks at Hotel de Russe (gorgeous garden setting) then dined at Roscioli Salumeria. Our second day we spent the day roaming the streets of Rome taking in the sites and then it was dinner at Nino. The food at Nino was great (service a bit icy) but we enjoyed the street side setting. We had coffee at the original Sant’ Eustachio il Cafe and lunch at Pizzaria Da Baffetto. Next it was off the Puglia, it’s just a 1 hour flight from Rome. The Rome Airport might be one of my all time favorite airports (the Eataly food court is insane). When we arrived in Puglia we rented a car and headed straight to Masseria Cervarolo. A stunning family run Masseria in Ostuni. The setting, grounds, decor, food, and service were outstanding! We enjoyed several 6 course dinners during our stay at the hotel, and the most amazing breakfasts. Everything prepared at this property is made with local ingredients and all the pastries are homemade. It truly exceeded our expectations. We fell in love with Ostuni, the town square is bustling with locals. We had dinner at Osteria del Tempo Perso at the top of Ostuni (request a table in the cave). The views from the top are spectacular. Our second evening it was dinner at Piazetta Grande Ostuni a gourmet meal served in a historic cathedral. We had amazing sandwiches at Les Sandwiches in Ostuni. We visited Polignano a Mare, Alberobello (famous for their trulli’s), and Lecce. Also on our itinerary was a day at Cocarro Beach club for a beach day and some shopping at Orsina Dansai. We enjoyed afternoons relaxing poolside at the beautiful Masseria and tasting all the amazing wines from Puglia. A truly special part of Italy that we can’t wait to go back and visit.
Pictures – 1st Lecce // 2nd Polignano a Mare // 3rd Masseria Cervarolo Pool
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I am just returning from a weekend in Nashville. It was focused on college touring but there was still time for some fun. We stayed at the W Hotel (great location) and walked around The Gulch, 12th Street South, Broadway, and Vanderbilt Campus. I picked up a cute pair of boots at Boot Barn, Zoe got a pair of Tacovas (nice quality and not expensive runs big), and I designed my own custom hat to match my boots at Rustler Hat Co. Sharing what made into my carry-on on this trip.
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Over the long weekend I went on a girls trip to Charleston. It’s been on my list for so long and I was so happy to finally make it there. We stayed at the Belmond Hotel which is located in the historic district. Charleston is full of amazing restaurants, bars, shops, and beautiful architecture. The first night a rickshaw was waiting outside of our hotel to whisk us off to dinner. We dined at Hall’s Chop House an iconic Charleston steakhouse. It was one of the best steakhouses I have ever been to. The service was impeccable and the iceberg wedge, petit filet, seafood tower were all perfection. The next day we spent time exploring Charleston by foot. I was in awe of all the beautiful architecture, well manicured homes, and cobble stone streets. We stopped for lunch at Basic Kitchen which is LA meets Charleston cuisine. Next was shopping on Kings Street and we started with Charleston’s beautifully curated Hamden Clothing store that carries an abundance of unique designers (they have a great on-line store). Then it was Beau & Ro (I picked a Mille Dress runs big size down) and refreshed my St. James Top), Madison Mathews (cute boho dresses), and Etu Home (I wanted everything in there). Then it was time for Shanghai Rummy and drinks at The Gin Joint. This bar was oozing with charm. We had beautiful hand crafted cocktails, delicious Lambrusco, homemade warm pretzels, and chips and caviar. Next, it was dinner at Fig which was a warm and cozy atmosphere. The scallop hamachi was amazing but the seafood entrees were underwhelming. Sunday we drove out to Kiawah Island and had lunch at the The Ocean Course. It’s absolutely stunning with panoramic ocean views. I now know why so many of my friends vacation in Kiawah every year. On the way home we stopped to see the magnificent Angel Tree. Our last evening was spent at another charming vintage inspired bar The Belmont and then we headed across the street to The Ordinary. This seafood restaurant featured the most incredible seafood tower (oysters, clams, black bass larb, tuna hamachi, flounder with smoked trout roe). We finished off dinner with a flavorful crab gumbo, blue crab fried rice, and a chocolate budino for desert (so good!). The following morning we packed up and headed back to LA. Charleston is truly a special city and I had so much fun exploring it with my friends.
Yesterday the girls and I headed over to Atwater Village and Silverlake. First stop (per the girls request) was spiced gingerbread ice lattes at Black Elephant Coffee and Acai bowls at Ritual Acai. Then it was lunch for me at Squil (the pesto rice with kale is insane!). Lastly, it was retail therapy at Midland Shop, Clare V, Mohawak General, and Beatrice Valenzuela.
A couple things I spotted while shopping yesterday.
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I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I’m just returning from a quick trip to Cabo. We stayed at the Four Seasons Costa Palmas for the first time and it did not disappoint. Situated on 50 acres with stunning views of the Sea of Cortez. This Four Seasons property has a boutique feel with a total of 141 rooms and 6 swimming pools. Each room is spacious with modern decor and a beautiful patio overlooking the ocean. The service and food (they just opened a Mozza) were outstanding. We took advantage of the beautiful gym, two tennis courts, pickleball court, and spa. You can’t help but relax at this truly special and private resort.
I’m sharing some items that I packed on my trip along with some travel inspired gifts for the holidays.
I am just returning from a long weekend in NYC. It felt so good to be back in the city. I loved visiting all my old haunts. My first job in fashion (Kate Spade), old apartment, and all our favorite restaurants. We squeezed it all into 3 days and made time to see friends. The city is back and thriving. We stayed at The Bowery Hotel which is in a great location. Friday we started the day with breakfast at Sadelle’s then it was lunch at Katz’s, dinner at Balthazar, and late night pizza at Rubirosa. On Saturday it was lunch at Pastis, Chai Latte at Oslo Coffee in Greenwich Village, amazing pastries at Supermoon Bake House, and dinner at Il Buco. The trip wasn’t complete without Dim Sun at Golden Unicorn (will try Nom Wah next time), and a Chai Latte at Kaffe Landskap in Tribeca. No meals were missed on this trip.
I’m just returning from a weekend at the Ojai Valley Inn. It’s such a beautiful hotel and only an hour and a half from LA. The grounds are stunning surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful mountains. We played tennis, walked around town (so many cute shops), had lunch at Ojai Rotie (amazing homemade bread), and a delicious dinner at Olivella.
A friend of mine give me a list of all the shops to hit in Ojai see below.
Yesterday I stopped by the Rosewood Miramar hotel to have lunch at the Revere Room with a friend and check out the Dior pop-up. Not only did I fall in love with a pair of raspberry Dway Slides and a Mini Dior Book Tote but the hot pink toile wallpaper and lime green toile couches were cute as can be! It gave me some serious interior design envy! If you’re in the area it’s worth checking out along with a drive down the main drag of Summerland (which has some cute shops).
I am just returning from a quick trip to Cabo. We stayed at the new Nobu hotel in Cabo San Lucas. The beautiful resort mixes Japanese minimalism with modern Mexican decor. The perfect blend of sophistication with laid back luxury. The rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated, and comfortable (beds were amazing!). The hotel has three large pools to choose from the Pacific Pool being our favorite with swim up cabanas. The overall service at the hotel was amazing with each room having their own personal ambassador. It was a great way to kick off Summer!
We had two amazing dinners, one at Manta (The Cape Hotel) and one at Cocina Del Mar (Esperanza Hotel). Lunch at Nobu’s Pacific Restaurant was delicious (the shrimp quesadillas were so good!). Now onto what I packed into my carry-on!
I am just returning from an amazing week on the Big Island of Hawaii. This was our first time going to the Big Island as a family. We stayed at the newly renovated Auberge Mauna Lani Hotel. They did a beautiful job with the renovation. The hotel has an open airy feel surrounded by lush greenery, modern decor, and beautiful Hawaiian wall art. They have three pools, a beautiful beach, and stunning grounds to walk around. The hotel only has 330 rooms so it doesn’t feel as big of some of the other resorts on the Island. The food and drinks were excellent, and having a tennis center was a major bonus for me. We had dinner at the CanoeHouse the food was amazing along with the stunning setting! Other restaurants we loved on the island were Pueo’s Osteria (mushroom truffle pizza!!), Moa Kitchen, Izakaya Shiono (casual sushi in Kona), and Seiji Sushi (nothing fancy but it was delicious sushi prepared by a husband and wife team who we loved). For a sweet treat we enjoyed ice cream at Anuenue (the Volcano and Lily Koi Cheesecake were out of this world), and Acai bowls at Yoga Barre. It was so nice to see the hotel bustling and tourism coming back to the Island. The staff at the Mauna Lani couldn’t have been nicer and more accommodating we can’t wait to go back!
Christy Dawn Brooklyn Dress Comfortable dress that can be dressed up or down. Also like the Bodie (if you don’t want elastic on the arms). Dress in the above picture.
I just got back from a girls trip to the Ojai Valley Inn. It’s such a beautiful property and only an hour and a half away from Los Angeles. A perfect quick weekend get away. We walked into town on Saturday and stopped by Fig Curated Living and DeKor Living both really cute boutiques. My friend arranged a one hour horseback ride at the Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company (I highly recommend it so much fun!) Lastly, we took an early morning hike at the Valley View preserve with stunning views of the Ojai landscape. The weather was chilly so I was so excited to finally get to wear my Fall clothing. Below is what I packed for the weekend.
Jerome Dreyfuss Sabrina Boot 24S, $505. I bought these last season and was excited to wear them again. The perfect heel height for daytime and evening.
Mother Looker Ankle Fray Nordstrom, $228. Packed a skinny jean to fit into my high boots.
Barbour Acrorn Wax Cotton Jacket Saks, $350. There was rain in the forecast so I packed this jacket and ended up wearing it horseback riding.
My family and I are just returning from a long weekend in Santa Barbara. We stayed at the Rosewood Miramar Hotel which was amazing! The hotel is nestled into the Montecito coastline with beautiful ocean views. It’s modern traditional decor creates a cozy and intimate boutique feel. It has everything you need on property. Paddle boards, kayaks, and boogie boards are all provided at the beach. You can eat and drink beachside while sitting under their iconic turquoise and white stripe umbrellas. If you need to do a bit of shopping both Goop & James Perse have boutiques on site. We ate at Malibu Farm and Caruso’s and the food was excellent. The rooms are gorgeous and spacious, we had a Grand Bungalow which was perfect for a family of four.
We left the property to have breakfast at Helena Avenue Bakery, Hook & Press for donuts, and Lucky Penny for lunch (recommended by my friend Mandy). We rented Mokes from Wheel Fun Adventures and rode them around town. It was the perfect weekend getaway, and an amazing place to celebrate my daughter’s 16th birthday. We can’t wait to go back!
Now onto what I packed, here are some highlights….
I am just returning from a fun few days in Carmel. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and exploring. We broke up the drive on the way there and stopped in Santa Ynez. We had lunch at S.Y. Kitchen which was so charming. The farm to table restaurant served up the most amazing homemade Mushroom Pappardelle. I discovered a charming boutique called Favour that had a great selection of designer clothing. Then it was off to Carmel. Several friends recommended we stay at the Bernardus Lodge. It did not disappoint! We were in room 72 which was nestled into the lavender fields and grape vines. Our patio was completely private with the most beautiful setting. We explored the area starting with a hike at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Big Sur. The following day we rented E bikes and rode them along the 17 mile drive. We discovered the cutest organic cafe and farm stand down the street from the hotel. Earthbound Farm had amazing baked goods, salads, and fresh produce. I spent some time in the gift shop and picked up these beautiful Lineage candles. I also fell in love with the handmade pottery by Rowe. The Serving Bowl and Platter in drift white are gorgeous. We spent the evenings dining at the hotel and drinking their amazing Pinot Noir. The hotel had beautiful tennis courts that we used every morning. It was extremely Covid friendly, they were at full capacity yet it didn’t feel crowded or busy the entire stay. It felt like we were in the South of France yet it’s only a four hour drive from Los Angeles. Can’t wait to go back!
