The look on Steve Martin’s face is priceless, and perfectly exemplifies how I usually feel at Christmas time.
Usually around this time of the year I am a grumpy curmudgeon; fat and bloated from over eating, cursing the Christmas songs on the radio as I scurry about hunting for a parking spot east of BFE in order to complete my last minute Christmas shopping. And by “last minute christmas shopping”, I mean all my Christmas shopping.
Cut to the present. This year I am jolly and LOVING all the carols. Whats so different?? Two words: online shopping. Amazon, The Outnet, and Gilt have been my best friends this season. Oh shoot! I forgot Aunt Suzie’s gift!? NO PROBLEM. Amazon is STILL delivering by Christmas. And if your a “prime” member, there’s no added shipping cost! Hallelujah. Smiles all around!
With all that being said, I’ve been dancing around my house, wrapping gifts, baking cookies, and singing along like a regular old Who in Whoville.
Here are some ideas for my fellow compatriots that wait til the last minute to purchase Christmas gifts and/or stocking stuffers. These can still be delivered in time:
Beats Headphones – I have no idea re the quality of these, but they are so gorgeous! I personally can’t stand putting things in my ears, so for years I’ve been avoiding the ear buds and using big honkers like these. I am relieved these are back in style.
Ugg Boots – I am not saying these are back in style (were they every ACTUALLY in style?)- but they look SO comfortable! A true fashionista would never wear these out of the house, but since I’m only a fashionista in training- I hope that I receive a pair of these- FINALLY- since I’ve been wanting them since the fist time they were “in style”.
Nars Blush in Orgasm – Though I blush to write the name of this blush, its a universal must have. It looks amazing on all skin tones. A wonderful stocking stuffer.
Cheekies – I just LOVE these cheek and lip tints by benefit. A little goes a long way so these tiny bottles last practically forever. And they will perfectly fit in a stocking!
Jo Malone Candle – I know a candle may seem cliche and impersonal, but these candles by Jo Malone are AMAZING. They smell SO good. My favorite is Peony and Blush Suede (of course- anything peony, right?)
I mean why not? I just love Ms. Keaton and would love to read her biography.
I was told by a friend in the Junior League that this was an amazing read.
Sounds romantic but potentially sad. Possibly a great love story?
I ADORED BIg Little Lies, which you should DEFINITELY read if you have not yet. I really enjoyed the pacing and story in Ms. Moriatry’s other novel so would like to give this one a try.
A good book – People truly underestimate the power of a great read. Often I do not like to buy my own books- not sure why, I guess I always worry I’ll pick poorly. Pictured above are a few recommended to me that look amazing.
An oxblood colored handbag – I adore this color and am always on the lookout for the perfect bag that wears it. Here Mr. Zac Posen has taken the “new classic” pyramid shape and applied it to something a bit more affordable. I actually prefer the medium in flat leather (not pictured here), but this mini patent version is adorbs! I met Zac at the Emmy’s a few years back. Actually a really nice and unaffected guy. Impressed, I will always support his work.
Frye Boots – These are great quality boots with style. I love any man that can pull off the rugged look from time to time.
A badger hair shaving kit -MSM LOVES his! Says its the best gift I ever bought him. Can’t go wrong with that!
A great read! Men also love books- or magazine subscriptions….
What the heck to wear while Christmas Shopping:
Here’s a pic of me waiting for MSM (holding the gorgeous peonies he surprised me with) as he gets ready to go to a christmas reunion at Nobu. I was able to squeeze in some online shopping via my smart phone while I waited! So convenient! Jacket: Maje Top: ALC Leather Pencil Skirt: Helmut Lang Booties:Alaia
Clutch:Clair Vivier. Love!Totally off subject but I’ve been LOVING my new hair extensions!
Since I’ve saved so much time by online shopping, I’ve been able to go out with friends and enjoy all the holiday festivities. Free time + no parking problems + avoiding horrendous traffic = A happy Jill. I hope you have all been having fun too.
If your running out for some last minute holiday shopping and you live in the LA area, consider spending an afternoon walking the streets of Venice Beach. Particularly Abbott Kinney. MSM and I look forward to our Abbott Kinney walk every year, and this year was just as wonderful as the past.
How cute is this little girl and her father? I have no idea how they did it but Venice Beach provided snow and hills for sledding, hot cocoa, carolers, and Santa Claus. It was a festive winter wonderland!
When we arrived we first spotted a Winter Festival- yes, in SoCal there was sledding and Santa and Carolers. So much fun! After enjoying time here we started to walk the shops.
Theres something wonderfully nostalgic about antique gum ball machines (filled with not so antique gum balls and candy :)). From Bountiful on Abbot Kinney.
Burro:
This is a great shop for finding reasonably priced unique gifts that are actually useful, not kitchy like the stocking stuffers from Restoration Hardware.
This book was full of uncommonly useful advice. I even took some notes as I flipped through the pages. An outstanding reference book to have on hand.I fell in love with this fabulous stone cheese/cutting board by Roost. Attractive but useful decor to spice up the kitchen a little.
I always find something lovable at Burro. Its a wonderful shop for finding a gift for that person that really has everything- and you won’t leave there with an item they will want to re-gift or throw in a closet.
Intelligengtsia:
This fabulous coffee shop is home of exclusive chocolates and sodas. A strange gift? Maybe. But specialty chocolate and a superb wine could definitely be a winning combination.
If you decide this isn’t the right place to buy a gift, take a break here over a heavenly latte paired with a delectable pastry- all made fresh in house. They also have an internet bistro table that seats about ten. Its funny to come into the shop and see the lineup of people typing away on their computers. Maybe they are each writing a blog!
Intelligencia has tasty gourment coffees and chocolate drinks.
Velvet by Graham and Spencer:
I love the leather leggings on the right. Leather skinnies are so in the past few years. An homage to the 80s, but I feel like I can rock them. As MSM says, its all in the attitude that defines what you can pull of in your wardrobe. Besides, they would be perfect for our NYE plans!
This clothing store, originally known for its casual T shirts, is stocked with fantastic basics. Capes, tanks, sweaters, and basic blouses abound, I was coveting a fabulous pair of faux leather leggings. I know, I know, some of you my put your nose up at the word “faux” but hey, they were sexy! Velvet by G&S also hosts great sales at Christmas time. Don’t miss out!
Local Artisans:
While walking Abbott Kinney one can take a peak into a nook and cranny or alley and find stand alone shops where local artisans sell hand crafted jewelry and, if your lucky, wonderfully unique fashions.
I just adore this cape I bought from a local designer. It reminds me of something Judy Garland would have worn in Meet Me In St.Louis. Or of something the women wore skating on the outdoor rinks in Norman Rockwell’s world. PS I know Danielle would hate this, but I couldn’t pass it up. Can’t wait to wear it over Christmas break in Carmel!
What the heck to wear when walking Abbot Kinney?
Jacket: IRO Jeans: Frame Denim (SO comfortable AND flattering!) Top:Mossimo (yes, Target- its comfortable so sue me!) Bag: Chloe Boots:Stewart Weitzman
Its been unseasonably cold in SoCal. Let me rephrase; its been FREEZING (literally, 32 degrees at night) in SoCal. As per usual lately I decided to layer because sometimes, despite a chilly forecast predicted by the local weather man (do weather people still exist? Or is it all done by machines now?), when the sun peeks out to say “hello” it gets hot.
Hoping your holiday shopping is going well and your all having fun!
I just love throwing a twist on a classic. An ugly sweater party? Sure. But an Ugly Sweater Party with caviar stations? Now that’s living in style!
This past weekend my friend Daren successfully threw an Ugly Sweater Party so fantastic that only the mastermind behind Nobu Hollywood could have mustered it up. This was a great way to begin my whirlwind of holiday events.
We arrived early, as usual (sadly for me MSM doesn’t believe in being fashionably late) and Daren was braising his prime rib (yum!). Vampire Weekend played from the speakers. The table was eloquently decorated with unique christmas ornaments and greens. Three different caviar stations were placed on the table and the champagne was ready to go.
Champagne wishes and Caviar dreams for Christmas? Who could ask for more? “I don’t actually love caviar. I force myself to eat it so in time I’ll start to like it. It just seems so classy. ” Irene (Hors Du Prix) and Me.
Each guest was expected to bring a dish to ensure a colossal feast. Most of Daren’s friends work in the restaurant industry, so I knew the food would be delicious. We brought Mac and Cheese sired by Venice Beach’s acclaimed Baby Blue BBQ. I also baked some North Pole Butter cake Cheesecakes; recipe from one of my all time favorite recipe bloggers: Sweet Tea Sweetie!
Even the liquor showed up in an ugly sweater.
Once everyone arrived, the room filled with festive laughter, warmth, and a bunch of hideous sweaters! With every guest, more food was placed on the table. In addition to the prime rib and our offerings, there was a platter of roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, gourmet Mediterranean meatballs (my personal favorite of the evening), and a cheese and olive plate. The cheeses were locally made and SO yummy. I especially liked the truffled hard cheese. It was fun sampling the various cheeses with my wine- just like we learned at the Jada Vineyard a few weeks back. I just realized there was a lot of different cheese dishes at this party! No wonder its so hard not to gain weight this time of year!
The cheese selections were fabulous. This soft cheese is locally made and deliciously stinky- if you know what I mean.
At the end of the night our host picked the winner of the ugliest sweater award. There were so many great ones from which to choose. Honestly, though, some “ugly sweaters” really aren’t THAT ugly! I mean any of you remember those hideous Bill Cosby sweaters from the late 80s? Now THOSE were UGLY! See below.
Seriously? What were the show costumers thinking?! In my opinion, definitely the winner of the Ugliest Sweater of all time competition (this should exist)!
Personally for some reason I think this is the worst one of the night.The Ho Ho Ho vest was the winner of the Ugliest Sweater award.Ok come on! The Penguin is CUTE! I’d totally wear this to go build a snowman and sip hot cocoa (with mini marshmallows of course!)
Bonus of the night? Everyone loved my desert! This means a lot coming from chefs and restauranteurs! Thanks, Kari, for the amazing recipe! It was easy and fun to bake, too. I can’t wait to make it again for my work party on Thursday.
If you decide to bake these, keep your eye on the center. I had to cook them a lot longer than listed due to my inferior oven. They will set some, but don’t take them out if the center is still like liquid.
What the heck to wear to an Ugly Sweater Party?
An Ugly Sweater! Obviously! 😉
I have to admit I actually love this Star Wars sweater. I mean is it fashionable? Heck no! But….it will be perfect to wear to the opening later this week. Meanwhile, I apologize for the worst reveal of my hair extensions! They are in now :). More on that later- maybe. Or at least a better pic.
The food was great and the atmosphere was fun. It was really nice to catch up with old friends and make new ones. I’m definitely in the holiday spirit this year! No being a curmudgeon like Scrooge or green with anger like the Grinch! Let the festivities commence!
Whats the worst ugly sweater you’ve seen this season? Share in the comments.
Every time I take a trip to the central coast (of California) something inside me sets back to zero. I mean this in a good way. Like my internal compass re-aligns and I suddenly feel balanced and grounded.
This year is the first year I ventured north during the autumn and I was happily surprised by the colors of the changing trees. Mustards, chartreuse, and vibrant oranges brilliantly complimented the clear blue sky, mottled only by the sporadic cloud. The air up there is crisp now, and clean. At least I assume its clean because my deaf nose was able to smell again (the smog in LA has taken a bit of a toll on my sinuses).
I am reminded of a time when driving meant uncomplicated moments to gather thoughts, a time to reflect and dream of new endeavors.
Our final destination for some needed Thanksgiving RnR was in San Luis Obispo, but, as per usual, we took a pit stop in the quaint town of Santa Barbara. We both adore SB. Its just fun. The people are friendly and the shops are unique. The beach is gorgeous as well.
I just got this sweater by Rag and Bone from Danielle. Its so soft and cozy and reminds me of something Diane Keaton would have worn in the movie Something’s Gotta Give. I love how its casual but still sophisticated. The Sand Bar in Santa Barbara makes a damn good Bloody Mary. I’ve been searching for the best Bloody Mary’s on earth and this one is definitely ranking towards the top of the list.
The drive from Santa Barbara to SLO is breathtaking. There are two routes- a coastal route, and a just as pretty “inland” route that I’ve named the painted landscape route, or the PLR. The latter is the road less traveled. I actually prefer the PLR because it feels like an escape into a different time-space continuum. The PLR somehow acts as a reminder to leave my stress behind, to take a deep breath and enjoy some time to replenish the soul.
This exemplary photo was captured while exploring the hikes and beach paths around our hotel. Notice the copious amounts of color. The whole area reminded me of a European countryside. Doesn’t it bare resemblance to the house in The Holiday (such a great film!)? So peaceful and down to earth. A perfect respite for a tired elan vital.
Where to stay? The Sycamore Hotel:
A town home at the Sycamore. These were spotted all around the property. I think Bob Ross would have named them “Happy yellow houses”.
MSM found this AMAZING little (ok not that little) hotel called The Sycamore. The hotel property is divided into three areas, town homes, cabins, and an area of natural hot spring hot tubs that can be rented. Each town home and cabin has a unique name, like “joy” or “serenity” We stayed in “fulfillment”.
The suites here are nothing short of amazing. High ceilings and happy yellow walls will make anyone smile. Each town home suite boasts king sized beds (ahhhhh), a fireplace (ahhhh), and, lucky us, a private natural hot spring hot tub! With hiking trails abound and a centrally located yoga center, there is enough to do here for a week! It kind of reminded me of a lavish summer camp. I was in heaven.
In contrast to our tiny cozy abode back in LA, I adored having a king sized bed and vaulted ceilings. Ahhhhh. Breathing space!! However, my sister is convinced Queen beds are better for relationships.They are so small they make it virtually impossible for a couple to go to bed angry.
We arrived early in the evening on Thanksgiving, just in time to rest before partaking in the magnificent hotel-prepared feast. A feast deserving of a write-up in Town&Country. Our palates were prepped with a heart warming potato leak soup followed by a traditional Turkey Day dinner; roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans (with home made crispy onions – not the nasty canned ones), and a choice of pumpkin or apple pie for desert. All this paired with our choice of local wine.
What is it about this that makes me feel like it should be in Town&Country magazine? Our Thanksgiving dinner was so upscale yet cozy. It was wonderful.
After our meal MSM and I decided to snoop around the hotel’s property. This adventure lead us to a gated chef’s garden that was (probably mistakenly) unlocked. It was fun to see the origin of the herbs and vegetables that made up our prior meal. After exploring we retreated back to the room where we did absolutely nothing but relax and plot out our activities for the next day. It was perfect.
It was so much fun exploring the Chef’s Garden. We discovered different varieties of squash, legumes, and herbs. And oddly, we also found some interesting old chandeliers.
A day of wine tasting:
First of all, if you decide to stay at the Sycamore, you MUST set your alarm for an early wake up to hike the crest trail. The reasons this is so awesome are threefold. 1. you will burn off the meal from the night before 2. THE VEIW!!! And 3. The dogs! So many cute pups to pet and friendly people to meet. Its amazing how nice everyone is here. I can see why SLO was voted the happiest place in the US. Interesting fact- its ALSO in the top three areas of the world for the most centenarians with outstanding quality of life.
This is the gorgeous view of Shell Beach from the Avila Cliffs hike. We could almost see my sister’s beach house from here! I wonder if binoculars would have helped. hee hee. We met this adorable little guy named Luke on our hike. Luke looks just like Harry- the dog from one of my favorite childhood books, “Harry by the Sea”. Love!
After a challenging but invigorating hike, the perfect denouement is wine tasting. San Luis Opispo and its neighbor, Paso Robles, host a plethora (I want to say 600 but I’m sure that can’t be right) of vineyards. Knowing how much I love learning about local wines and going wine tasting, MSM had planned to take us for a special birthday picnic at the vineyard where my favorite wine is made- Justin.
On the way to the vineyard we stopped in the heart of SLO to pick up some picnic sandwiches at the adorable High Street Market and Deli. OMG possibly the best sandwich and in-house made pickles I’ve ever had!
The quaint High Street Deli is world famous. Ok maybe not WORLD famous, but it should be. BEST SANDWICHES EVER! Yum!The decor inside the High Street Deli is fun vintage art and posters.
It took forever to get to Justin. An hour, to be exact. If you go to Justin you should know its actually in Paso Robles, NOT SLO! But it was well worth the wait. Besides, driving through rolling hills painted with autumn trees and cute cows and deer is relaxing. By the time we arrived at Justin, I felt at ease, and ten years younger.
Seriously, no words are needed here. The views at Justin were just incredible.
After getting our buzz on at Justin we decided to do a wine and cheese tasting at Jada. I had never done a pairing before. Wine, Cheese, Wine, that is the order. The wine here paled in comparison to Justin. But the cheese was amazing! Especially the Irish Porter Beer Cheese. Who says you can’t mix wine and beer?
My first time experiencing wine and cheese pairing was at Jada. That odd looking chunk of brown to the left is Irish Porter Beer Cheese. SO good! I need to look into ordering some of this. I feel like it could potentially make great mac and cheese!
Novo:
Our day of wine tasting ended with a wonderful dinner at the romantic Novo in San Luis Obispo, where we partook in a fabulous seafood linguine. We are always happy with the food at Novo. This restaurant is truly worthy of its own review – so thats all I’m going to say about it for now.
If your wondering where to eat in San Luis Obispo, I can’t say enough about Novo. Great for a girls night out, a family reunion, or a romantic dinner for two, you just can’t go wrong here. For more info, click here: Eat at Novo Photo: from Novo Website
After a delicious dinner we enjoyed the hot tub one last time before settling down in bed to marathon watch “Younger”. Have you ever watched that show? Its me in a nut shell. I read somewhere recently that its actually healthy to lie about your age. So I decided that I am reclaiming the last ten years. I am no longer blankety blank. Instead, I just turned ten years younger!
What the heck to wear in Wine Country California:
Central Coast California in the fall has a wide range of temperatures. Even within a day the weather can swing from 80 degrees in the afternoon to 45 at night. I’m feeling redundant, but…..layering is essential. I packed for this trip with no help from Danielle, and I’m not truly confident in my pairings. But I’ll post them anyways:
In the Chefs garden under a sky full of vintage chandeliers.Jacket:SandroSweater:Rag and Bone Jeans:Rag and BoneBoots:Stuart Weitzman Bag:(Old) from Gilt.com/pre DanielleWarming by the fireplace before our Thanksgiving dinner.Dress: Thakoon Addition Boots:Stuart Weitzman Necklace: Tiffany (a gift from MSM)Sassy after one too many. haha. Sweater:Helmut Lang Black V Tee: J. Crew Jeans: Mother Scarf:Splendid Boots:Stuart Weitzman Tote: GivenchyBundled up for our al fresco dining at Novo. Jacket: Sandro Denim Jacket: Current Elliott Scarf: Made by my mom (literally) Sweater: Chloe Jeans: Mother Boots: Stuart Weitzman Bag: (Old) from Gilt.com. Slouchy beanie:H&M Paris
With replenished souls and a new lease on life, we headed back to Los Angeles. I had a wonderful birthday/Thanksgiving weekend, with a newly attained knowledge of so many things for which to be thankful.
Blowing kisses to MSM after our tasting at Justin. What a fun weekend we had!
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well. What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving memories?
Happy birthday to me! Flowers and card from my beautiful cousin.
Remember that Michelle Pfeiffer movie from 1996? To Jillian on her 37th Birthday? Well, I never actually saw that movie, but I like the title so….
My birthday month has come to a close. Such an amazing month it was! Especially the last week, when my actual birthday fell. It began on Monday night when the show I just wrapped had a premier party at The Parlor in West Hollywood (I’ll review that another time) followed by dinner at Summer Buffalo with some cast mates (another review for another time- but WOW that food was good!).
Spago
Initially we had planned on celebrating my actual birthday dinner (on my actual birthday) at Maude, Curtis Stone’s restaurant. At 300$/person (without drinks) for the “November Truffles” theme, we decided it would dip too much into our Italy fund, so, at my bosses recommendation, MSM decided to treat me with reservations at Spago, home of Wolfgang Puck.
Back in the day Mr. Puck revolutionized the Los Angeles food scene with Spago. He decided he wanted to create an affordable menu based on food that was indigenous to LA and fit the LA healthy lifestyle. So Spago was born and healthy contemporary LA eating was put on the map. High maintenance orderers finally had a place to nourish their souls! MSM and I had never eaten there before, so we were thrilled to try something new.
Ambiance
“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman” – Coco Chanel
When you first go into Spago, you are in the bar. There’s a small lounge area with sofas and chairs and then the bar itself. Upon entering, the atmosphere feels rich but approachable. This area is nicely lit with dim over heads and candles. The hostesses are friendly but professional.
From what I could tell there were two main dining areas. The main room is a well lit indoor space with contemporary paintings decorating the walls. MSM mentioned in passing that he wished it was more dimly lit. I, however, was excited to be able to see the menu without using my phone flashlight (embarrassing age giver-awayer- I know, not a word but gets the point across). The other dining area is an outdoor garden which looked very romantic with trees and twinkle lights (my favorite!). I was a little jealous we weren’t out there, but whatever, where we sat seemed more tailored and luxurious.
My Cousin, Katherine, and I enjoying our first visit to Spago. I am so grateful Katherine and her husband could join us. I love spending my actual birthday with family. Its so important to me.
Most of the patrons at Spago, I hate to say it, were probably around 70 years old. I’m sure this is true because the place has been around for 30+ years and was SO ridiculously famously popular back in the 20th century that those visitors are still meeting there thinking its cool. Why is that? Like how come some people get stuck on things? Same hair cut for 50 years or clothing. Lord don’t let that happen to me!
Hilarious story- As I walked towards the restroom one woman, she must have been about 75, grabbed my arm and said “honey! Could you get me a glass of water? My leg is cramping. I can’t make it to the bar.” I’m pretty sure she thought I worked there (due to the average minimum age). Of course I helped her! And I told her to remove her stunning Jimmy Choos’ because they were the cause of the cramp. OMG 5″ heels almost killed me at blankety blank, how the heck is she wearing those at 70?? (and please let me be able to do the same without the leg cramp!).
Once seated, the waiter brought us each a shot of mushroom soup. Delicious and soul warming.
Even though we were most definitely some of the youngest ones there, there was a mix of ages ranging from 30-80 and it didn’t feel stuffy AT ALL. It was lively inside. Fun. Lots of laughter and joy. I can see why its still listed in the top 3 restaurants in LA.
What to eat
The most ridiculously amazing spicy tuna on crispy rice I have EVER had. Eye popping good!
Answer: Everything. I can’t even tell you how AMAAAAZING the food was here.
We started our adventure with an aperitif shot of Wolfgang’s cream of mushroom soup. Hello! Can I have a carafe of that please??
Next we shared an appetizer of spicy ahi in a crispy cone; Mr. Pucks rendition of spicy tuna on crispy rice. OMG. There are no words. Seriously. One bite and we exchanged that look that only “that look” can describe. That “holy S*** this tastes amazing” look. It was like a symphony of flavor that all blended so well together yet stood tasty on its own as well; a symphonic poem of food.
After the heavenly tuna cones we shared an endive salad (delicious) and a Bolognese pasta that was TO DIE FOR. Both exploded with flavors; their own symphonic poems in our mouthes.
Every single appetizer, salad, and first course that we tasted at Spago was incredible. A starburst of flavors in the mouth!I was SO excited that the special on my birthday was Veiner Schnitzel! It was as if they did that just for me! The breading was a bit dry, but the presentation was gorgeous.
For the main course I was (sadly) underwhelmed. My favorite food in the world is Weiner shnitzel. No, NOT the hot dogs. The actual dish that originated in Austria. Now, the first time I had ever eaten Weiner Schnitzel was in Baden Baden, Germany, so I may be a bit overly critical when an american chef attempts to correctly make it. Back in Baden Baden I sat with my father under the enormous oak trees. I was 13 years old. Long wire-y haired dachshunds frolicked in the park across from us. As the kliener vogel (little birds) sang their songs and my dad and I laughed about our day, the waiter served us our Veiner Schnitzel. I remember my father exclaiming “wait til you try this, Jilly, its my favorite!” He taught me how to squeeze the lemon over the veal, and then stir the spatzel into the gravy. We each took a bite and I remember the moment it hit my lips and the flavor explosion that followed. So delicious. And we sat there, in silence, enjoying our food and Germany. So many unspoken moments with my father where I truly felt loved and accepted as me. I so miss him. Anyways, I digress…. They say food is experience, and I do believe that one reason I love this dish so much is because of that moment when I first tasted it. So back here at Spago, the chef had huge shoes to fill and I’m sad to say he failed. It was dry and not so great.
Desert was so yummy. Triple chocolate with raspberry sauce and lemon gelato. It looked so good we didn’t even stop to take a photo!
BUT….the desert resurrected my taste buds. Delicious combinations of citrus and chocolate…..HOLY COW it was yummy! And the four of us (my cousin and her hubby were with us) were serenaded by our waiters rendition of Happy Birthday. Of course our waiter was a dancer and an actor and a producer and a singer….the list goes on. We do live in LA, right?
What the heck do you wear to Spago?
So I was really nervous because I went here straight from work and had no time to do my hair. It was up in its usual work bun. It was to my relief when I walked into Spago and literally half the women there had their hair in a bun!
The dress is mixed. I mean I bet you probably could get away with wearing Jeans and gorgeous shoes with a swanky top. However, I would never. I think I would call the dress here upscale casual. I was excited to wear the new coat that I bought for my birthday. Danielle found this GORGEOUS gem ON SALE 🙂 YAY!
Coat: Red Valentino Booties: St. Laurent Skirt:Chloe Top:ALC
So began the my birthday week. Off to a great start! Next post- our trip to San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles wine tasting….
Bon Apetit! And thank you MSM for such a wonderful dinner! :*
Evening view of the fabulous foyer at the Hotel Casa Del Mar.
When in doubt or in a sad mood, there’s no better cure than going for a visit to the The Hotel Casa Del Marin Santa Monica. No need to book a room, as they are very expensive (unless you want to!). Sometimes all you need is a little dining or lounging get away. One of my favorite things to do in those situations is visit this hotel and, upon arrival, pretend its actually my own personal palace. Hee hee. What better way to placate the inner-princess??
The Hotel
The hotel is situated just off center from the heart of Santa Monica. Perched on the strand, there’s a view of the ocean from almost every window. When approaching the entrance, one will be greeted by the friendly doorman who saves each guest the burden of opening the voluminous front door. As the door opens, behold the glorious foyer; soaring ceilings, floors coated in extravagant tile, and lavish foliage freckled around the permitters. Two gorgeous staircases beckon the guests onto the second floor.
The palatial grand entrance of the Hotel Casa Del Mar.
Consequent to the ascent, the guest arrives into a library with towering book cases and causally elegant coastal themed decor. Just beyond the library sits the parlor. Decorated in a more elegant coastal theme highlighted by a 180 degree view of the pacific, this room has old world charm. It is spotted with inviting sofas and sophisticated cathedras, a unique coffee table assigned to each area. Here guests may relax and converse over port after a delicious meal, sip pre dining aperitifs, or, if preferred, choose this area to enjoy their edibles. Usually on Friday or Saturday night the parlor comes to life with hotel hosted live music that ranges from lounge singers or a quartet to a small orchestra…it varies each weekend.
Afternoon in the parlor would be the perfect setting for High Tea. Photo: Lisa Romerein
An ornamented bar sits in the center of the grand open room, separating the parlor from the dining area. The dining area is another step up from elegant, not falling short of stunning.
A Palatial Fantasy:
The other night, as MSM nurtured his brolationship with his BFF at an Opeth concert, my friend Catherina (the wife of the BFF) and I decided to go the classy route and meet for cocktails and tapas at Casa Del Mar.
Since I was playing the “this is my own palace” game, when I arrived I waved “hello” to the door man as if I’d known him for years. We chatted briefly and he took some photos for me. Then I sat in the library and relaxed over a coffee table book while I waited for Ina.
The Library at Hotel Casa Del Mar is cozy and casually elegant.
Once I welcomed Ina into “my home” (hee hee), we chose to eat in the parlor where a lounge singer roared, the room filled with her voice. The menu was small but the choices were all divine. Their wine list was vast and full of phenomenal vintages.
What to Order:
The menu at Terrazza (the parlor restaurant at Casa Del Mar) is full of delicious options. I tasted the Jalapeño Salmon roll, which was exquisite (not pictured). We also loved the Kale Salad with a light lemon vinaigrette. Last, who can go wrong with a fabulous charcuterie? (apologies to any vegetarians out there). We paired our choices with a grenache Rose from France (Ina) and an Argentinian Malbec (me). YUMMM. SOO GOOD!
What to Wear:
I love this little skirt that I purchased on Gilt.com. It’s so feminine. It’s been hard to find appropriate places to wear it because it’s so puffy! I was excited to wear it to Casa Del Mar.
The atmosphere in the Casa Del Mar is luxurious, so your dress should match. Think cocktail attire, and you will fit right in albeit slightly overdressed. Men wear suits with ties and women tend to be in dresses, not pants. Definitely no denim.
Ina and I had so much fun talking and laughing. It was like going away on a European adventure without the 16 hour flight. I say Europe because this hotel somewhat reminds me a tiny bit of my favorite place in on earth (in conjunction with The Ritz Laguna Niguel and, of course, Disneyland/Disneyworld); Hotel Du Palais.
Enjoying our wine and conversation. We had such a wonderful time.
Happy thanksgiving everyone! Remember to count your blessings (like wonderful friends, and good health). Enjoy yourselves! And Bon Apetit!
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to whip up some Manolos with a blink of the eye?
What woman doesn’t love a great pair of shoes? I honestly don’t know one. Even the ladies I know whose fashion is “anti-fashion” (you know, those birkenstock clad women that wear pants that unzip into shorts from REI?) love shoes. It must be in our DNA.
Lately I’ve been obsessing over shoes and this particular season I splurged a little too much. So I want to share with the world some beauties that I must refrain from buying either because A. they aren’t Danielle approved or B. lets face it, my shoe budget has reached E for the season.
My current dreams:
I adore these over the knee boots. They are gorgeous! I love the soft suede. The color is so light and airy they are almost angelic. I would feel like Claudia Schiffer circa 1990 with these on my feet. But alas, these babies by Gianvanto Rossi are Tres expensive.
These shoes remind me of something I would wear if I was I princess. They just look so soft and lovely. They remind me of A Midsummer Nights Dream. OR….I would also wear these if I wanted to feel like Grace Kelly. I can picture pairing these with a fluffy ball gown, dancing with MSM across the floor in a lavish hotel dining area, a big band in the background blaring Duke Ellington.
These lovelies bring me to a more current time. Like right now. I think these would look so sexy with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt and an oversized sweater. I don’t know, I just love them. Danielle hates them. And its for the best because they are Louboutin and unfortunately I equate that with EXTREMELY uncomfortable (never mind the price). Whats with these designers loosing quality as they become more popular? As I’ve mentioned before, my first pair of designer shoes, the Loubs I bought nine years ago, are SO comfortable I can practically run in them. My newer ones? Ouch! (oh the pain we go through for our shoes).
Ok these are my favorite favorites. I’m seriously obsessed. I’ve had these plastered on my pinterest board for a while. I have no idea why, I just love them. They are “me” to the core. In these I’d be quintessentially Jill 🙂
Ugh. Love! Be still my beating heart.
Why do we love our shoes so much??
I think its sort of summed up above. Shoes are a fun easy way to change who we want to be for a non committed moment. I usually pick my outfits based on what shoes I feel like wearing that particular day. Granted my shoe pick is usually based on how sore my feet are from Ballet or the heels I wore yesterday, but a shoe CAN make you feel like a princess, or a bad-ass, or a rocker, or a hippie. Yes, sometimes they are just what pulls together the outfit, and sometimes they are just there to protect our feet. But usually shoes are beautiful accessory that is easy to change up painlessly.
This is a fun article I read about the psychology of shoe obsessions Women And Their Shoes. The author, Alyssa Siegel, pretty much confirms my guesses above. She also talks about this amazing shoe exhibit I would have LOVED to have seen!
The way to a woman’s heart is through her feet. Engagement shoes? Not a bad idea….hmmm…..
That is all for my shoe obsessions of the moment. Any one else have a favorite pair they are dreaming of?
This is how I pictured my walk in closet one day. Look at all the lovely Chanel’s in various shapes and sizes. Its a purse version of our universe. Photo: Google Images
So I learned a HUGE lesson this past weekend.
I told Danielle I wanted to get a Chanel for my blankety-blank birthday in a few weeks, and she’s been really pushing me towards the Boy bag. I like the little ones that have some oomf to them- a gold trim, maybe hot pink velvet, or an interestingly textured fabric in the center. The plain Boys just do nothing for me. And the bigger they get, the less I like them – on me. I DO like them in photos and on Gigi Hadid. But for myself, I had my mind set on the 2.55- mainly because of the history behind the bag. Honestly, though- I don’t love the bag as much as I love its history. My good friend Noreen said “if you love the history, get a coffee table book about the bag, not the bag!” I mean that would save me 5500$, so may actually be a great idea.
Anyways, even thinking of buying a Chanel has proven to be quite stressful. I already own a “simple” Chanel- the zippered one with the cloth interior they sell at a significantly lower price point. My bag is a beige caviar leather jumbo and I do love it. The classic flap and the 2.5 and the boy bags start over 4k, which on my MPA (major purchase account, interest free for a year) would basically be more than my car payment. I drive a luxury sedan, so I’m not talking inexpensive here. As recommended by a good friend, I decided to visit Haute Seconds, a consignment store in Santa Monica. I was told they have a lot of pre-owned Chanel bags at good prices.
This store was really great. There were some amazing barely used designer clothes at reasonable prices.
Haute Seconds:
I walked into the store and indeed, right before me, there sat a plethora of used handbags. I’m using the word “used” as opposed to “pre-owned” because most of these bags looked USED. As in WORN OUT. Shapeless lumps of amorphous patinated oxidized leather. It was sad, actually. Nothing against the store at ALL. The women working there were beyond sweet and helpful in making my journey fun. The designer clothing that hung around all looked immaculate and worth a rebirth in the hands of a new owner. And not ALL the bags were bad. In fact, the Louis’ were amazing. The Louis’ looked practically brand new, as did the Gucci’s and the one Hermes (which was still 12k – so that bag better survive a zombie apocalypse). There were two “vintage” Chanel camera bags from 1995 that still looked amazing that I did like, though according to Danielle, the style is dated. Vintage but not classic, unfortunately. I’ve also seen a few Chanel evening bags/clutches from the 1980s that have stayed in great shape.
I really liked this Chanel camera bag from 1995. Going vintage is always fun. Who wore this bag before? Where has it been and what has it seen? I actually would love to have this bag but Danielle said no, its dated :(.
A little side note- apparently “vintage” is anything 20 years or older. Anything more current is not considered “vintage”, just old. haha.
Lesson learned:
So what is the point of all this? Don’t buy a brand new Chanel handbag. Not for 5600$ anyways. It appears that pre Millennium Chanel bags were well made, but after- not so much. The newer used bags just didn’t hold up to time. And in my opinion, and I hope I’m not offending anyone, why spend that much on a bag that wont last forever? I mean I was thinking this was a bag I’d leave to my niece one day- the heritage bag.
DO, on the other hand, feel comfortable searching for and purchasing a Chanel made pre 2k – the older the better. I can attest they will not only last longer but they will look better than the more current used ones.
I adore my angel pink Alma. She was the first designer bag I bought. I dreamed about her for a few years, saved up, and then got her. She still looks amazing. I guess I’m a Louis girl. Photo: Pinterest.
Also- I learned that Louis Vuitton and Gucci still make quality bags. I love and have always loved my Louis Alma. She may not be the most hip or trendy bag, but she’s classic and special to me. So I guess she will be my heritage piece.
Its about Coco, not the bag:
With all this being said, I still have so much respect and admiration for Coco Chanel. She went against the grain and followed her heart. Post mortem, none of the decline in quality could possibly be her fault. The reason I wanted a Chanel bag was to remind me to be like Coco- stay strong, stay true to yourself, contribute to making the world a better place. As per my friend’s suggestion, I think I will get that coffee table book after all.
This book looks like the perfect addition to my library. It tells all about the house of Chanel over time and has gorgeous photographs. Love. And at 31$, I’m saving a bundle!Its definitely not about the bags for me. I just love this ensemble of clothing and shoes and accessories. Perfectly juxtaposed and photographed, this model looks like a piece of art. I would feel so sassy in this outfit.
There aren’t a lot of places to find peace and solitude in Los Angeles, but it definitely exists at The Getty Villa. Forgive me in advance, I am about to post a lot of pictures- mainly because this place is just so beautiful it was hard to pick which to cut.
As I walked onto the property at the Getty Villa I was happily overwhelmed by lush greens, herbs, and flowers. The first garden I saw was reminiscent of Monet’s Giverny, ponds and waterlillies included. Moved by the resplendent beauty, a tear of joy gently cascaded along my cheek. I could finally feel the sense of relief that I had been craving for so long. As I turned around to face the west, the breath taking view of the ocean framed by silhouettes of diverse trees embraced my heart. I was surrounded by calm. I felt calm. Its so hard to find this within the urbanity of Los Angeles, yet this is right there on the edge of Malibu and Santa Monica. My only regret is that I hadn’t come here sooner.
This just reminded me of a mini Giverny. Love!This garden also reminded me of France, a mini Tuileries.This woman looks so peaceful reading her book. Next time I will bring a book and stay a little longer.
One thing I realized as I perused the grounds; one can only find inner happiness by following his/her own passions. Sometimes its difficult to make a choice that is right for you, just because by doing so you may possibly hurt someone else and/or pick something against the grain of the majority. Just know that’s ok. Its important, though cliche: “to thine own self be true”. Ultimately it will give you an empowering inner strength. You will be able to do even more to make the world a better place this way.
In representation of staying true to myself, I decided to dance all over The Getty Villa. I did pirouettes through the gardens, and glissades around the statues. I probably looked like a nut, but it felt amazing. Dancing silences my mind and the chaos of the world around me. I can feel the music and become part of something bigger. Here on the grounds of the Getty I could feel the wind through my soul. There’s just something so magical about combining art with nature. I can’t put my finger on it, but its definitely the fastest way for me to feel inner peace.
Tendu. Photo: DocentThe architecture here was absolutely exquisite! Photo taken by museum docent. Photo: Juliette ZanfardinoPirouette in the park. Photo: museum guest.Photo: Museum employeePhoto: Self timer 🙂
The set up of the museum is magnificent. Guests can weave in and out of gardens and rooms exhibiting artwork from Odysseus’ time. Well written text explains each exhibit. I loved learning that at one time the Greek had pet bears! It was also interesting reading about the woman’s position in ancient greek society. Opposite of today where we hear so much about the socially elite via the media, back in the hay day of Greece the women who were considered the most socially elite were heard of the least by the rest of society. My mind was blown by the drawings of humans and how they look just like us. Its crazy to think we’ve been on this earth for over 200 years, and we still basically look the same!
This is a statue of a pet bear! I can’t even imagine! The Grissley Man was born in the wrong era!OK so the art work is a little “Napolean Dynomite” but still- we still look the same. This could have been painted yesterday!
The museum has an interactive room where guests can draw hieroglyphics on pottery and/or put on a shadow dance/show. Interactive is always fun!
Kids must love to play this shadow game. There is a large selection of props and different images that are projected onto the screen, setting the stage for an interactive play. Guests can see what its like to draw stories on ceramics.
Other Stress Coping Mechanisms:
Someone told me once that extreme stress can be caused when there’s a chasm sized gap between expectations/desires and reality. Obviously we can’t have it all all the time. Even billionaire celebutaunts are not impervious to stress; You can’t buy love, and you can’t buy peace. It’s imperative to bring little bits of our dreams into reality, and it’s up to us to do this. Make a list of things you dream for, and then figure out how to bring just a little piece of it to life. Here’s some examples from my list:
Dream/Longing: my childhood back yard and Ohio’s metroparks
Solution: 1. find great places to hike in LA, go at least once a month
2. Put plants in your apartment.
Dream/Longing: Travel all over the world
Solution: Start with day trips or weekend trips around california while you save up for the big trip. Do this at least once every few months.
Dream: Walk in Closet
Solution: Find an affordable place where you can turn the extra bedroom into your closet.
A list towards inner peace:
Its good to have a list (mental or written) of activities to do when you need to find some inner peace. I find my list prevents me from stress eating chocolate or something else loaded with fat. My list may be totally and completely different from yours, but maybe it will give you some ideas or at least get the gears moving:
Go for a walk
visit a museum or garden
bake something – then give it away
read a good book
take a bubble bath
sip hot tea
Write in journal
meditate- I’m learning this now.
What to wear to the Getty Villa:
It was a warm breezy day here on the West Coast. Most of the museum is out doors, so its wise to bring layers. In the summer, wear SPF. And I sort of wished I had my sun hat.
Leap! In theme of this post, Danielle does not love these ballet flats but I wear them anyways- because they are totally me! Shirt: Joie Skirt:ALC Shoes:Chloe Bag:Chloe
Here’s to liberating your soul and dancing to your own beat!
I don’t miss much about living in the mid west but I can admit that I do miss the one week in Autumn when the beautifully colored leaves paint the sky, reflecting water-color like portraits onto the lakes. Air that is crisp and fresh but not bone chilling, bracing just enough to rejuvenate the soul.
The Pacific Palisades Pumpkin Patch:
This year is the first time in FOREVER that I have gone to a real pumpkin patch. Well, as real as one can find in Los Angeles. With a backdrop of trees and hills and the glorious sounds of children laughing, the YMCA Pumpkin Patch in the Pacific Palisades most definitely delivered. There was a maize maze – albeit a short one (but who can complain? It was the perfect height for my inner child :)), hay bundles with scare crows, faux spiderwebs, and, most importantly, a brilliant selection of pumpkins!
What to wear to the Pumpkin Patch:
I took this opportunity to break out my new favorite fall pieces, recently delivered by Danielle. The sweater is the ideal weight for a cooler day in Autumn or any day in an LA winter (yes, it does get cold here). The high waisted feminine flow-y skirt is so comfortable and will look cute with crops and regular length tops. I love how these five pieces can be re-arranged with other basics in my wardrobe in order to create a zillion different ensambles. They are the perfect statement pieces for Fall.
How cute is this chloe bag? No offense to the “Drew”, I am loving the uniqueness of this one. It can be dressed up for a night out or dressed down for something as casual as the pumpkin patch. AND…its the perfect size!I love this hat by Rag and Bone. I’ve never been into hats before but I can see this coming in handy on those days I don’t want to fuss with my hair. Plus its just a fun accessory. Hat:Rag and BoneSunnies:Celine Sweater:ChloeSkirt:MajeBoots:VinceBag:Chloe All available via Danielleseligson_Klein@s5a.com
I have to admit, BD (that’s Before Danielle) I would have never thought to wear this to a pumpkin patch. I think going in cute jeans and a fun T or even a halloween costume would also be acceptable. Definitely lower shoes or booties. But it was a great excuse to wear my new items. Thanks Saks!
Finishing the Pumpkin:
MSM and I learned a very important lesson today at the pumpkin patch. Jack-o-lantern pumpkins are NOT, I repeat, NOT baking pumpkins! hahaha. Though most pumpkin patches ALSO sell baking pumpkins, make sure you get the correct pumpkin for your needs 🙂
Doesn’t this look DELICIOUS!?
The word “foolproof” is in this recipe title. Click the link in case you want to try and bake your Jack-o-lantern: Foolproof Pumpkin Pie.
In memory of Autumn:
I’d like to dedicate this post to Autumn Radtke. Ironically I met Autumn at a Summer BBQ in Beverly Hills held at the Sharon Tate Estate, home of the Manson Murders. Though the party itself was festive and bright, theres just something so eerie about the estate.
Autumn and I bonded over her adorable bull dog and our common zest for life. Though very slender, she was Rubenesque and completely unaffected or possibly unaware of her beauty. She was a cosmopolitan xenophile advanced beyond her 24 years. Her courageous sense of ambition was contagious. It was one of those moments that I’ve mentioned before, where you never know how much one person can affect another – even in the most random and slightest way.
Over the years Autumn and I would sometimes touch base via Facebook, particularly around Halloween- she was an avid fan of costuming. I hadn’t heard from her for a long time so I decided to check in on her page and was horrified to find that she has passed away. Too young to be taken, may her soul revisit the earth via the winds of her namesake, inspiring all of us to live life to the fullest!
I mean why not? I just love Ms. Keaton and would love to read her biography.
I was told by a friend in the Junior League that this was an amazing read.
Sounds romantic but potentially sad. Possibly a great love story?
I ADORED BIg Little Lies, which you should DEFINITELY read if you have not yet. I really enjoyed the pacing and story in Ms. Moriatry’s other novel so would like to give this one a try.
After getting our buzz on at Justin we decided to do a wine and cheese tasting at Jada. I had never done a pairing before. Wine, Cheese, Wine, that is the order. The wine here paled in comparison to Justin. But the cheese was amazing! Especially the Irish Porter Beer Cheese. Who says you can’t mix wine and beer?
Quintessential Jill 