Packing for Cabo!

Roberta Roller Rabbit Tunic



Steve Madden espadrilles


We are heading to Cabo tomorrow, and I cannot wait to relax on the beach with a margarita (or four). 

Above are my new essential Cabo items; Roberta Roller Rabbit tunic (I am apparently obsessed with her tunics, check out my other post on them here) and new Steve Madden espadrilles that look exactly like these Stuart Weitzman ones.

Also in my suitcase will be a few Undrest bikinis (post about my love for Undrest here), denim shorts, and a Calypso tunic or two. Viva Mexico!

Good Shepherd Charity Design Project

I recently found out about the Good Shepherd Charity Design Project, which is headed by talented Los Angeles based interior designers Vanessa De Vargas and Vanessa Kogevinas (above, surrounded by amazing looking pillows that I wish I had!).

30 interior designers are banding together to give back and inspire by completely redecorating 30 rooms in the Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women and Children.

Check out and follow this fantastic project on their blog: gscharitydesignproject.blogspot.com
Image: TradHome

Summertime Specials at Asia de Cuba

Asia de Cuba is a restaurant that I've been meaning to go to for ages, as I've only ever heard great things - and with these fun new summer specials I have no excuse not to go!

I am a big fan of brunch, and their Sunday brunch deal sounds amazing - they have bottomless drinks! Now I just have to think of an excuse to get out of work early on Friday's...

mondrianhotel.com
8440 W. Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Elle Decor Goes to Coastal California

I just stumbled across a great travel guide from Elle Decor on their top places to see, shop, eat and what to do along the California coast. Here are a few of their favorites:

• Getty Villa

• Vintage Shopping in Santa Barbara

• Hearst Castle

• Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur

• The Hungry Cat Santa Barbara

• Brown Butter Cookie Company, Cayucos 

Check out the rest of the chic guide here!

The Olive Kitchen + Bar

The other night the girls and I tried out The Olive Kitchen + Bar in West Hollywood, and loved it!

We ordered a lot of food, and everything was delish. Between us we had the Charcuterie and Cheese plate to start, Rustic Bruschetta, Beet and Burrata Salad, the Olive Chop Salad, Italian White Pizza and the Lobster Mac and Cheese. Everything was amazing, but if I had to pick a favorite I think I would say the Beet salad.

I definitely recommend checking out this place - they have great specials on various days of the week such as Wino Wednesdays!

theolivekitchenbar.com

Cara McLeay from A Fashion Love Affair

Today we have a little Q & A and style inspiration from super chic Vancouver based blogger, Cara McLeay from A Fashion Love Affair.

Check out some gorgeous pictures of Cara showcasing her style, and read on as she shares her thoughts on fashion and blogging, and lets us in on a few of her favorite things!

My Style: I would describe my style as a combination of Bohemian, Classic,  and Eclectic with a bit of California Surfer Girl mixed in for good measure...my style certainly changes from day to day depending on the weather, where I am going and, most importantly, how I am feeling! The most important thing for me is that I feel comfortable and confident, so one day I can been seen rocking distressed jeans with a rocker tee and a leather jacket, the next a long flowing maxi dress and the next a pencil skirt and fitted blouse...I wake up and choose my clothes going by the way I feel.

Favorite Designers/Stores: My favorites at the moment are Jeffrey Campbell (he can do no wrong!), Free People, BB Dakota,Elizabeth & James, Jen's Pirate Booty, Gypsy 05, J Brand, Joie,  Winter Kate, Pamela Love, Dannijo,  Erin Wasson, Diane Von Furstenberg, Opening Ceremony, H&M and Zara...and my all time favorite is absolutely anything Chanel (but would be ecstatic to own a vintage bag or piece of jewelry!)

Inspiration: Right now I am inspired by celebrities including Rachel Bilson, Mary Kate & Ashely Olsen, Kate Bosworth, Erin Wasson, Clemence Poesy, Kate Moss, and Gillian Zinser, however I draw my daily inspiration from fellow bloggers, including Jules from Sincerly Jules, Elizabeth from Chic Heroin, Jenny from Jenny from the Block, Diana from Diana Kang, Cindy From Come Over to the Darkside, We Have Candy, Sandra from 5 Inches and Up, Ashely from Purse n' Boots and Liz from Late Afternoon.

Favorite Magazines: I have a confession...I am a major magazine addict! There truly aren't many magazines I don't get each month, but my favorites are Vogue, Lucky, LouLou, Elle Canada and Flare.  I also draw inspiration from fashion books, the latest additions to my collection have been I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks, Parisan Chic by Sophie Gachet and The Elements of Personal Style by Elle Editors Joe Zee and Maggie Bullock.

Blogging and Me: I started blogging in January 2011 after being inspired by both Cupcakes and Cashmere and Chic Heroin. I loved (and still love) checking their blogs daily to see check out their latest outfits or new pieces and got so much inspiration and styling ideas, I wondered if I could do the same for others...Since January I  have truly enjoyed sharing my daily thoughts and outfits and hope I have inspired others!

This Season: This Spring/Summer season I will be living in maxi dresses, boyfriend jeans, crochet tops and tons and tons of bangles!

I want to give a big thanks to Whitney for having me as a guest on her blog!

Roberta Roller Rabbit

The other day I popped into the Roberta Roller Rabbit boutique in the Brentwood Country Mart, and quickly became obsessed with just about everything in the store. I love that they feature their amazing prints and colors on everything from swimsuits to pillows to napkins!

My favorite Roberta Roller Rabbit item is their classic Kurta; they are so perfect and effortless and can be worn as a chic beach cover up or with a classic pair of jeans.

Above are some of my current favorites! All are available on robertarollerrabbit.com

Villa Blanca

Last weekend my sister and I took our mum for a lunch at Villa Blanca in Beverly Hills. We were so excited as we had heard such great things about the food and decor...and maybe I secretly hoped we'd run into my favorite Real Housewife of Beverly Hills, the hilarious Lisa Vanderpump.


Our server was super sweet, the atmosphere is lively, and the restaurant's decor is very pretty and features stunning floral arrangements...but despite all that we were underwhelmed and disappointed by the experience in general.


Our meals took a very long time to arrive, and when they did my mother's was cold and my sister's was a completely wrong order (my nine months pregnant sister was made to wait over an hour and a half for her food!). To top it off, my glass had little bits of broken glass in it.


I'm not usually one to complain or dislike a place, and I'm hoping that this all can be chalked up to the fact that they are super busy, but I'm just not so sure and don't think I can recommend trying Villa Blanca out.

Best Baby Stores in Los Angeles

My adorable new niece was born over the weekend and I've got babies on the brain! I thought I would do a roundup of what I believe to be the best baby boutiques in Los Angeles:


Bel Bambini
This celebrity favored high end baby boutique offers nearly anything you could ever need for your baby.
bel-bambini.com


Petit Tresor
Offers luxury baby goods and has a super helpful gift guide on their website.
petittresor.com

Poppy Store
This shop is located in the Brentwood Country Mart and is full of adorable outfits and gifts for babies and children. The staff here are super helpful and friendly (especially to me, a clueless new auntie!).
poppystores.com


Jenny Becs
This great shop offers design help for baby related projects, and has great gifts and furniture as well.
jennybecs.com


Toy Crazy
Also in the Brentwood Country Mart and features amazing educational toys and gifts for children, as well as old fashioned favorites like the jack in the box!
gotoycrazy.com

Clean Bee Baby
While this is not a store, this is definitely a helpful service for any parent! Clean Bee Baby is an eco-friendly cleaning service for baby car seats and strollers.
Car seats and strollers can get extremely disgusting, and Clean Bee Baby is a lifesaver...and also happens to be started by one of my cute Junior League friends! Check out the website here: cleanbeebaby.com

Getty Museum Exhibit - Paris: Life and Luxury

The Getty museum is such an amazing Los Angeles resource, and right now they have a really great exhibit called "Paris: Life and Luxury".

The exhibit features perfectly kept furniture, art, literature and paintings from elite French society in the 18th century. The exhibit is set up to walk you from room to room through a typical day, which really helps in imaging the lives of these people. Everything is extraordinarily ornate and detailed, and I especially loved seeing the women's clothing.

I recommend checking out this exhibit; it's here until August 7th. Plus, the Getty is always a fun way to spend a few hours seeing fantastic art, checking out the view, and dining in one of their great restaurants!

Lilly Pulitzer Printed Bike

Lilly Pulitzer Printed Cruiser, $450

I was browsing the Lilly Pulitzer site (as usual) and came across this awesome cruiser! I'm pretty sure nothing would make me happier than this Lilly patterned bike.

Maybe I could start biking to work so that spending $450 on a cute bike would be worth it...? Hmm.

lillypulitzer.com 

Hollywood Bowl Summer 2011

The Hollywood Bowl is a famous outdoor theater nestled into the hills below the Hollywood sign. Each summer the bowl plays host to dozens of amazing events and concerts.

Concert goers are encouraged to bring picnics, with many LA restaurants (including two of my favorites, Tavern and Thyme Cafe!) offering pre-made gourmet picnic baskets to take to the event.

Here are the events that I think sound best - I hope to attend at least a few of these!

• Kylie Minogue May 20th
• Opening Night at the Bowl June 17th
• Grease Sing a Long June 24th 
• July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with Hall and Oates
• Dolly Parton July 22nd & 23rd
• Maroon 5 and Train July 25th
• Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks 9th

For more info and a complete event schedule check out hollywoodbowl.com

Hotel Erwin's Snuggie Snuggle Fest

How amazing is this; High lounge, Hotel Erwin's rooftop bar (which I've posted about previously here) is now featuring "Snuggie Snuggle Fest", which is a totally hilarious but also awesome idea.

Monday through Thursday starting at 8pm, High Lounge will have the heat lamps on and be serving Spiked Hot Chocolate and Ginger Pear toddies.

Gorgeous ocean views, a warm blanket and a hot drink sound like the perfect way to beat June gloom...and I also may have been looking for a (semi) legitimate reason to wear a snuggie!

jdvhotels.com

New Alexander McQueen Accessories



Faithful De-Manta leather tote

 


Engraved leaf and thorn box clutch

 

Swarovski crystal skull ring


 While browsing through Net a Porter recently I came across some great new Alexander McQueen accessories. In the wake of the namesake designer's tragic passing, his legacy is more than living on. The brand has been hotter than ever - if you didn't already know, Sarah Burton for McQueen designed Kate Middleton's gorgeous wedding dress.

Above are some of my current obsessions, and one of them is actually (relatively) affordable! The crystal skull ring is retailing for $280, and is the perfect way to add a bit of edge to any outfit.

All available on netaporter.com

Wood and Vine

Friday night we went for dinner at Wood and Vine, a brand new restaurant and bar with a classic Old Hollyood vibe. The restaurant is located on the corner of Hollywood and Vine in the historic Taft building (home to the first offices of Charlie Chaplin and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) directly across from the Pantages Theater.

For dinner we sat on the second floor balcony where we sampled their seasonal shared plates and had great people watching. My favorite items were the Potato Gnocchi with confit onions, truffle and English peas, and the Roasted Beet Salad served on a bed of arugula with goat cheese, smoked hazelnuts and pickled onion and a sherry vinaigrette.

After we ate we wandered downstairs to sit at the gorgeous dark wood bar for a cocktail (or two). I was delighted to see that they had a citrus juicer right on the bar which they use to fresh squeeze juices for their handmade and authentic cocktails. I suggest trying the Rodia's Garden which is made of cucumber vodka, lavender syrup and absinth...seems like a weird combination but is so good.

I definitely recommend checking out Wood and Vine, and can't wait to come back to try more of their amazing cocktails, and to check out their great little back patio!

woodandvine.com

Bliss Spa

 The other day I went to the Bliss Spa (thanks, boyfriend!) in the W Hotel in Westwood. Everyone was friendly and helpful, and the full service spa is done in their cheery Bliss-blue color, yet somehow still feels totally relaxing.

I put on a comfy robe and flip flops, helped myself to some fruit infused water, and settled in for their famous Triple Oxygen Facial.

The super knowledgeable facialist assessed my skin carefully, and talked me through everything that she was doing. I loved the treatment, I loved the spa, and I loved checking out the giant collection of every Bliss product imaginable...they put Sephora to shame!

I would definitely recommend this spa, and I will definitely be back.

La Sandia for Cinco de Mayo

Tonight we are heading to La Sandia Mexican restaurant at Santa Monica Place (which I've blogged about before here) for Cinco de Mayo!

They are offering awesome deals like $5 margaritas and $20 taco and fajita platters, as well as a live Mariachi! If you don't already have plans you should definitely check this out.

Their food is fresh and yummy and their modern Spanish decor is gorgeous. I'm excited!

Future: Standard

Erin Kleinberg top and skirt

Ashley Watson bag (made in my hometown of Vancouver!)

Lena Bernard bracelet

Erin Kleinberg tank top

San Diego based Future: Standard is an amazingly well curated eco-savvy online retailer that I recently stumbled upon.

Jessica Althoff  launched the chic shopping site to offer women eco-friendly, fair trade or locally made products that don't skimp on style. I am especially obsessed with that Erin Kleinberg tulip skirt in the first pic!

To lessen the shopping guilt even more, Althoff is a member of "1% For The Planet", a global movement that donates at least 1% of revenues to environment organizations. Shopping that's ethically conscious and some goes to a good cause? I'm in! 

Check out Future: Standard at shopfuturestandard.com

See Shop Eat Do: Santa Barbara

Bacara Resort - so gorgeous!!

Hike overlooking the ocean at Bacara

Lobby Bar

Pool view (duh)

I loved this colorful coffee cup
(and also the view and mini Bonne Maman jam)

Me, touristy view photo

Gorgeous flowers in the lobby

Cute little Santa Ynez

I love the old fashioned look of Santa Ynez,
and also the sandwiches at Panino...

More Santa Ynez...

Ivy covered Sunstone Winery

Me, happily wine tasting

Yum!

Love these vineyards.
This picture reminds me of home (British Columbia)!

I loved Kalyra's laid back country vibe

Vineyard at Kalyra Winery

Brophy Bro's - super fresh seafood and fantastic views!

We recently went up to Santa Barbara for the weekend and had such a great time.


We stayed at the gorgeous Bacara Resort, wandered around quaint little Santa Ynez, tasted (lots of) wine at Kalyra Winery and Sunstone Winery, had lunch at the beautiful Four Seasons in Montecito and also Brophy Bro's, (awesome little seafood place) and checked out State Street in downtown Santa Barbara.

I adore Santa Barbara and could spend days there exploring, but we saw and did lots in just two days, and still had plenty of time to drink mimosas and lay by the pool!



Here are links to some of the places we went to:

• bacararesort.com
• sunstonewinery.com
• kalyrawinery.com
• fourseasons.com/santabarbara
• brophybros.com