Spring Fling

The Spring collections have sprouted and of course we are looking forward to the next season. While a few of my favorite designers disappointed... here's a quick peek at some pieces to covet.

Australian designer Willow. While it's highly unlikely I would draw any attention to my abdomen area, I love the lines and draping. It's also a lovely combination of black and brown.

Thakoon. I like the easiness of the dress paired with the simple ladylike jacket. The boots give the ensemble a slight edge. I'd add a some gothic rings or studded cuff to finish off.

Victoria Beckham. If we are going to go for fuller skirts I have one request. Make em' short. Because I believe you have to show some leg if you can.

Rebecca Taylor. I love this outfit (though this model is too skinny). Hits perfect at the waist with a loose full skirt and slightly edged shoulders. I'd do some black shoes and the Alexander Wang bag that Rachel Zoe featured this week.

Catherine Maladrino. My husband would HATE this outfit. I love stuff like this but not sure if even this model likes it! You have to pull off these pants with a little bit of confidence. I like the structured and intricate jacket and I have no problem with those pants. Love them.

Erin Fetherston. Flowly sleeves in a minimalist (very minimalist in this case) blouse, high waisted pants that elongate the leg. Classic, chic and sexy.

Diane Von Furstenberg. I don't commit much to color but this navy stove pipe pants suit definitely makes you long for a spring. Love the punch of yellow and light blue belt.

BCBG. This red mini dress is a perfect choice! Flowy and short but in a bold color.

Halston. Go SJP go! I can only imagine how this dress feels and love the color.

MORE red. Marc Jacobs. Deep red with structured shoulders and the cutest tie waist.

Friday Favorites - Flowers!

Spring is certainly in the air, and with every corner flower store proudly displaying their goods, we can't help but stop and pick up some of our favorite blooms. In lieu of sending you all a gorgeous bouquet (which we would love to do!) we'll share with you some lovely images of our personal favorites...

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Sybil's Pick

Gardenia

There is nothing like a gardenia to bring back the nostalgic nature of my grandmother's garden. I love the fragrance and simplicity. In essence, they symbolize grace and elegance. One of my favorite candles is Diptyque Gardenia fragrance.

Photo courtesy of Everyday Minerals

Image courtesy of Sweet Blossoms

Image courtesy of Beauty Everyday

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Laura's Pick

Hydrangeas

I am a purist at heart and have loved white hydrangeas for as long as I can remember. they look perfect alone or grouped with other white flowers. The decor in my home is fairly modern and these flowers do a lovely job of softening up a room. Elegant, luxurious, and perfectly simple in their beauty.

Photo courtesy of Rachel Zoe



Photo courtesy of Isari Flowers



Photo courtesy of Mindy Weiss

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Leslie's Pick

Peonies

Maybe it's because they are only available for a limited time every year, but the Peonies is such a special treat. Like the holiday drinks at Starbucks, I am giddy when they arrive and so sad to see them go. Delicate yet hearty, these gorgeous flowers represent Spring to me.

Image courtesy of Tippnthescales



Image courtesy of A Cup Of Joe - which is a GORGEOUS blog written by a fellow west-villager, check it out



Image courtesy of twelve22.org

Palm Springs Weekend

March is by far the best time of year in the desert. Sunshine, warm evenings, blooming flowers and shoulder season, which means amazing deals at the best resorts, spas, and restaurants the Coachella Valley has to offer. Here’s my recipe for the perfect Palm Springs weekend.


Stay

You can’t visit Palm Springs without indulging in its country club culture. It’s a rite of passage and no one channels that experience better than The Parker Palm Springs.

Designed by Jonathan Adler, the resort’s cheeky manifesto calls for ‘mixed doubles, a long steam, and a stiff cocktail’. The Parker’s spa, Palm Springs Yacht Club, just unveiled it’s new 18,000 sq foot space which features an indoor pool, an open-air yoga studio, complimentary foot scrubs with every treatment and a lounge that features homemade pastries and shots of whiskey, bourbon, or rum in lieu of the standard hot tea and bowl of apples. Amen.





Dine

A meal at Citron at The Viceroy is a must. As soon as you step into the hotel’s glam foyer you are immediately transported to a chic take on Hollywood’s rat-pack era. Menu favorites include the calamari croquettes and the carbonara mac-n-cheese.





Cocktail

Head over to the new-ish Ace Hotel for a liquor-infused romp at their poolside lounge, aptly named Short Bus (it’s housed in a converted ice-cream truck). With treats like the booze sno cone, plenty of comfy hammocks and live music you are guaranteed a good time.




See

The Palm Springs Art Museum is featuring the exhibit, Between Earth and Heaven: The Architecture of John Lautner now through the end of May. Co-curated by Frank Escher, the exhibition includes original drawings, sketches and architectural models from one of America’s most significant Modernist architects.




Shop

Palm Springs is the epicenter of mid-century modern design and home to an amazing collection of shops featuring furniture, artwork and accessories from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. If vintage shopping is on your itinerary, these are the shops to hit:

Palm Springs Galleria - A collection of vintage stores including Bon Vivant, a haven for twentieth century accessories including Blenko glassware and Bauer pottery.



Trina Turk Residential – This mid-century modern oasis designed by Kelly Wearstler offers all the essentials for Palm Springs living. Pillows in Turk’s signature vintage inspired prints, modernist-inspired furniture (I especially love her patio collection), Missoni towels, candles, books, and an assortment of antiques and pottery.