Chic Places

How I spent my 36th birthday in Montecito, California

Golden hour focaccia pizzas and Prosecco in my colorful new coupes, on a boat, feeling like an Italian movie star… A highlight of our trip to say the least. An evening boat ride is a must on Lake Como. I can’t tell you how much fun we all had with our local snacks and sips, enjoying a very comfortable ride along the lake seeing villas, colorful towns and glittering waves! Lake Como by Boat Lake Como is a huge wishbone shaped landmark in northern Italy, just below the Swiss bo

The promise of magic, is how I got Parker to wear the cute little Italian loafers I earnestly purchased for him, praying he would consider swapping out his Nike’s for one extra elevated evening on the lake… And fortunately the magic worked. Parker totally bought in with the heavy handed clue ChatGBT and I carefully constructed and instantly put on the loafers as we pulled into the narrow, almost hidden driveway at Passalacqua. For anyone who isn’t already aquatinted via Vogue

I’ll be honest, the lake life has never quite done it for me. Yes, of course lakes are stunning, especially with soaring mountain ranges behind them quite like many of the lakeside retreats not far from Los Angeles in Tahoe, Mammoth and even Big Bear. However, Lake Como I must add is quite incomparable to those locales, even it’s neighboring Lago di Garda, a place I spent much time at when I lived in nearby Verona. Lake Como or Lago di Como as the Italians say, is absolutely

I’d been to Milan a few times when lived in Verona about 15 years ago, but back then my main focus was nightclubs, fast fashion and sightseeing as one would expect at age 20. We often traveled to Milan because the two airports had more direct flights to other European cities than Verona so it mainly served as a nearby port to other more worthwhile destinations. However, as I have gotten older I’ve realized Milan is essentially the only Italian city I’d ever consider living in

My family and I just got back from our summer in Italy trip and I couldn’t be more excited! This was the first time we brought Parker on an international trip and also my first time back to Verona, the charming Italian city I studied abroad in while in college. After months of planning I am so excited to finally start this vacation, first with a little travel post including all the things I am packing for our villeggiatura in Italy! Enjoy! Outfits for Italia Rent the Runway

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The happiest place on earth is in Florida, just not Orlando. Welcome to Palm Beach, a place where resortwear is mandatory, pastels are considered neutrals and the local trivia night resembles a Slim Aarons photograph. Everything in Palm Beach is pristine, pink and pairs well with a statement earring and cocktail. Traditionally a waspy winter retreat for snowbirds and heiresses, Palm Beach has now become a bit more known for it’s picturesque Spanish colonial charm and chic eat

The Epitome of California Chic… Living in Los Angeles offers many convenience aside from the blatantly obvious year round sunshine, beautiful landscapes and epicenter of west coast style. The proximity to other equally beautiful places is what people tend to think less of and if I had the option of nearby vacation home it would most certainly be Montecito or neighboring Santa Barbara. Both are just 90 minutes north of LA, involving a scenic drive up the California coast into

The Southbay is a beachside area of Los Angeles, less known to the rest of world. We tend to think of Lalaland including Beverly Hills and Hollywood, but it’s a huge metropolis made up of vastly different neighborhoods and regions, all with their own very distinctive cultures. The Southbay is just like it sounds, a region of many ocean facing towns south of central Los Angeles that include most notably Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Palos Verdes and El Segundo

My mother and I started a tradition when she first moved to Los Angeles, in the midst of the global pandemic and searching for a small slice of adventure, we set out for a short girls-only getaway to escape the city and celebrate her birthday somewhere fun. Now it’s become an annual holiday habit, a mini escape we look forward to between Christmas and New Year’s each year and wonderful inspiration for my annual resortwear series . It’s always a short trip in nearby Southern C

Skiing and all the ceremony that comes along with it, has become a real treat for me that I now look forward to every season. However, it’s become much harder to do with an active toddler but I figured this year I could finally bring him along for the fun. Hello Mammoth! I’ve been to a few different ski resorts; Aspen , Vail , Big Bear and Steamboat to be exact. All of which without a toddler, hence why we chose Mammoth for our first family trip given it’s proximity to Los

We arrived in Valle de Guadalupe on a warm and sunny afternoon in advance of our dear friends wedding festivities. Considered one of the best secrets of Mexico, Valle de Guadalupe is a quaint and rustic wine country region in Baja, Mexico, only about a couple hours south of San Diego, California. Buenas Tardes Valle! Known for it’s relaxed, country atmosphere we felt like we were truly lucky being introduced to the region given we have never visited a non-beachside destinatio

While enjoying our dreamy balcony breakfast on our last morning in Paris, we also got some good news that our flight was delayed by a few hours, meaning more time on a sunnier day. Magnifique! So of course I beelined straight for the perfect photo location I had saved a long time ago! Photo Op! 225 Rue de l’Université, 75007 Paris, France Save it for your next trip, a great location for a less direct shot of the Effiel Tower, contrasted with a Haussmann style facade, making f

After a rainy day in Paris, we headed back to our cozy hotel suite to freshen up before our last night of the trip and official five year wedding anniversary! La Fontaine de Mars La Fontaine de Mars is a classic Parisian spot that I am happy to say lived up to it’s consistently good reviews. I thoroughly enjoyed my final meal of escargot and French fries, along with a perfect glass of bubbly champs. Arthur loved his fresh fish but we both swooned over the side of gratin daup

I woke up on our last morning in Paris eager to check off two more boxes; a run through the early morning light and a stop at a fabulous patisserie before putting that stunning large balcony to use. Morning Run in Paris Fortunately the rain had cleared and the city gave me perfect conditions with a fall like temperature, cleared streets and some sun! Pâtisserie Pickup I ended my short run at La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac , one a few places in the 8th open early on a Sunday morn

The next morning after our first night in Paris, we slept in leisurely and found a chic cafe to start our day. Maison François 1er One of my absolute favorite things to do in any place I visit is run or walk as far as I possibly can, stopping for photos, shops and little alleyways as I go. Arthur and I had the best time doing a complete loop of NYC on one of trips and I was hopeful to recreate that in Paris despite the rainy weather! Avenue Montaigne Since we were staying in

After our bébé shopping score, and some beautiful strolling on our first day in Paris, we headed back to our hotel to relax before drinks and dinner. Parisian Pink And for me to ooh and ahh over the dress I’ve been saving for Paris ever since I found it maybe 10 years ago in a vintage shop! It’s safe to safe the dress felt perfectly Parisian and it was truly a fantasy to wear it out for our first night in Paris! Miss at the Ritz Before dinner we made it to the Ritz for a fanc

Enchanté! Paris is always a good idea and this trip has been a longtime coming. The last time I was here was during my time studying abroad in Verona, Italy, so being back as a real adult is such a treat and we truly made the most of our short time! We flew in from Nice to ORLY airport and had a very easy time getting an Uber to our hotel in the 8th arrondissement. Throughout our entire stay in France; Provence, Saint-Tropez and Paris, Uber was extremely reliable and basicall