July/August 2024 | Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine
Owner, Lori Runnfeldt
KELLY FAJACK
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SIMPLIFYING YACHT OWNERSHIP
At Top Tier Yachts, we are dedicated to elevating the boating experience for yacht owners within the Santa Barbara harbor. Through our exceptional full-service offerings, we aim to simplify the ownership process and eliminate the stress of management, maintenance, and schedules. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that owning a yacht is a purely enjoyable and effortless experience. Allow us to take care of the details, so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
"Offering
WHEN YOU FACE THE BIG QUESTIONS IN LIFE, YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED, KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDE YOU CAN TRUST
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THIS COVER JULY/AUGUST 2024 Dress ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO Allora By Laura Jewelry LAYKIN ET CIE
Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine is published by Santa Barbara Life & Style, Inc. 26 West Mission Street #5, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 For distribution, advertising and other inquiries: info@sblifeandstyle.com santabarbaralifeandstyle.com
CONTENTS
JULY/AUGUST 2024
IN EVERY ISSUE
SBLS SPOTLIGHT 19
The latest and greatest from our tried and true favorites.
COVET & CRAVE 20 Polo ready picks.
THIS SEASON 22
No place like California for the summer.
48 HOURS 98
Sunny Santa Barbara is back.
DINING
FRESH BATCH 24
Local favorite Oat Bakery offers a taste of Danish hygge.
BRAZILIAN BRUNCH 30 Out to brunch!
THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER 36 Seafood down by the seashore.
WELLNESS
SKIN SYNERGY 44
Age is truly just a number thanks to Linda Ross’s skin care.
ETERNAL HEALTH 48
Age with grace.
PROFILES
WISE UP 52
Molly Sims has the recipe to looking younger and wiser.
WEAVING CULTURE 56
PATRONA Textiles is a quilt of culture, craftsmanship, and community.
LABOR OF LOVE 60
Shand Design has a knack for making a house feel like a home.
FASHION
BIRDS OF PARADISE 64
Of course there's a pet peacock.
DO NOT DISTURB 78
Seeing where the night leads at San Ysidro Ranch.
TRAVEL
TOKYO FROM THE TOP 88
Embracing wabi-sabi while traveling Japan, baby in tow.
PORTLAND WITH A PURPOSE 92
A busy weekend in the Rose City.
1. SUMMER SIPS
The Good Lion is celebrating 10 years with a novelty menu of Santa Barbara-themed cocktails! Partake in the fun by testing out the State Street Spritz, Olive St. Martini, or Nopal St. Cooler all summer long.
3. MOTEL CALIFORNIA
Nomada Hotel Group, renowned for reinventing whimsical properties, adds River Lodge in Paso Robles to its collection. The newly opened hotel features 28 guest rooms, a 21+ pool area, and signature Italian eatery “Ciao Papi.”
PHOTOGRAPHY LURE DIGITAL
2. EYE CANDY
Add a touch of elegance to your next gathering with beautiful tableware from covetable brands including Baccarat, Christofle, Ginori 1735, and Versace. Available at Coast 2 Coast Collection in the historic La Arcada courtyard.
SBLS SPOTLIGHT
BY Alexandra Lee
4. BEST FOOT FORWARD
Sustainable footwear brand Amanu has just announced its expansion into accessories, debuting three new handbags and two belts to start. Made by artisans in Kenya, the line is a natural progression of the brand’s bespoke luxury.
Follow @sblifeandstyle for daily behind the scenes content, new restaurants, events, getaways, and more...
POLO SUNDAY
PREPARE TO TURN HEADS THIS POLO SEASON WITH OUR SUMMER PICKS
1
Yvonne Léon
Yellow Gold Diamond
Crustacean Earring
Dress the part for your next summer seafood boil, or infuse a pop of fun into any outfit, with this diamond and yellow gold crab earring. Sold individually, there are endless opportunities to mix and match your look. yvonneleon.com
3
Zimmermann Skirt
A playful twist on classic polo attire, this airy, fringed skirt from Zimmermann’s Fall 2024 collection screams summer fun. But, be warned—its intricate, eye-catching movement is likely to drive attention away from the horses and onto you. zimmermann.com
5
Rodo Edith Sandals
Crafted from Italian calfskin, these slides are your new go-to for throwing on at the beach or dressing up all season long. Available at Allora by Laura, the lightweight denim is a perfect summer upgrade from your classic leather. Allora by Laura
2
Éminence Organics
Citrus & Kale
Potent C+E Serum
BY Alexandra Lee
To achieve that effortlessly radiant look, this advanced serum contains natural brightening agents like botanically-derived ferulic acid and Vitamin C to reduce fine lines, improve skin’s elasticity, and protect against visible signs of aging. eminenceorganics.com
4
Teressa Foglia
Fluorescence Hat
A wide-brimmed hat is a must for keeping the harsh July rays off your complexion. Opt for a luxurious summery white felt, finished with floral embroidery and 100% silk lining, by the hat queen herself. teressafoglia.com
6
Ivy Cove Terre Tote
With interior pockets labeled “Bread, Cheese, Wine,” this essential tote is perfect to store all your match-watching munchies. Plus, it doubles as the best farmer’s market or beach bag throughout the rest of the summer. ivycove.com
HEATING UP
Coastal summer calls for stay-cations and seats at the match.
BY Nicole Johnson
MEET YOUR MATCH
Catch polo season in full swing at the unparalleled Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. Friday—free of charge, might we add—matches kick off the riveting 12- and 16-goal rivalries with a 4 p.m. happy hour. Sunday tournament series center on the sport’s classics: with wide-brimmed hats, themed weeks, and ceremonial divot-stomping, tradition is enlivened by exhilarating field action and half-time fare. What better reason to pop a bottle of bubbly and sport a sophisticated ensemble than world-class athleticism with an ocean view?
sbpolo.com
RANCH RETREAT
This October, find fortitude in feminine healing at Alisal Ranch. Three spirit-lifting women’s retreats commemorating International Women’s Month will empower sisterhood and purposeful grounding under the open Santa Ynez Valley sky. WILDWONDER, a flagship Alisal experience, is back for its fourth year, inviting women to actively immerse themselves in natural splendor with activities like wreath-making, wine tasting, yoga, and archery lead by female forerunners. The Unbridled Retreat, guided by globally acclaimed Equine Coach Devon Combs, and Women of the Rancho, the luxury haven’s newly unveiled experience, both elicit the curative energy of horses to inspire path-forging and presence. When Alisal’s western-style wellness takes root, it endures a lifetime. alisalranch.com
THE MALIN MANOR
A newly renovated vacation bungalow—with a certain celebrity status—is finally rental (and camera) ready. An indoor-outdoor dreamscape that’s as picturesque as his photography, Montecito’s Gray Malin Getaway House is furnished with the colorful flair and upscale functionalities (bocce court included) fit for summer soirées. Just steps from Butterfly Beach, the four-bedroom oasis hosts amenities of an upscale hotel—such as Goop and Williams-Sonoma fixtures—yet invites surfboards and sandy toes. graymalin.com
SANTA BARBARA POLO AND RACQUET CLUB PHOTOGRAPHY ANGELO SGAMBATI
ALISAL RANCH, PHOTOGRAPHY TEAL THOMPSEN
MAKE A SPLASH
Attention history buffs and beach goers: the iconic Rosewood Miramar Swim Raft is back for its moment in the sun. A summer staple dating back to 1917, the floating throwback to the resort’s original iteration is no longer a relic of the past. Drift, swim, or paddle to center stage in Miramar waters, where a new generation of memories is already in the making. rosewoodhotels.com
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
A fixture of Fiesta is getting a revival, 30 years in the making. Noche de Gala, the Biltmore’s former flagship salute to the start of Old Spanish Days, will soon settle into a new home at Casa del Herrero. On July 27 from 5:00 to 8:30, Mediterranean style fare, drinks, and dancing will flow through the halls of Montecito’s only National Historic Landmark. Topping our don’t miss list? A private performance from Spirit of Fiesta, and a special time capsule of style, exhibiting historic ensembles from the festival’s last hundred years. casadelherrero.com
PHOTOGRAPHY MATT WALLA
ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR SWIM RAFT
FRESH BATCH
AT OAT BAKERY, GET YOUR (HEALTHY) BREAD AND BUTTER—AND THEN SOME
BY Nicole Johnson PHOTOGRAPHY Silas Fallstich
Few—if any—other bakeries have a running club, a Goop collaboration, and true Danish touch to their name. If you haven’t already (which is highly unlikely), meet Oat Bakery: the brazenly inventive health-bread hotspot gracing downtown Santa Barbara, Old Town Goleta, and as of late April, the Montecito Country Mart.
On top of nutrient-dense superfoods, whole grains, and fresh farmer’s market pickings, Oat Bakery’s key ingredient is, evidently, unconventionality. To transform typically benign, carb-heavy bread into a balanced source of fiber is a feat in itself, but to hand-craft it with stunning Scandinavian artistry, fuse unlikely flavors, and attract a cult following beyond Santa Barbara borders, puts the bakery in a league of its own.
Until 2017, bakery ownership was never in the cards for co-founder Louise Ulrich-Fontana. The Copenhagen native was raised making functional, fitness-conducive bread, guided by the evolving recipes of her mother Elise, a professional athlete. Every Scandinavian-style loaf was an experiment in optimizing oats, sprinkling whole grain flours with organic greens and nourishing seeds. When love—namely, her husband and co-founder Lou Fontana—brought Louise to Santa Barbara for good, she took her talents in tow, only intending to bake in the background of her fine art career.
As it turns out, she had much to gain from going with the grain. “I would give my [baked goods] to friends and family, then our friends, who own Juice Ranch, asked if they could start selling them there. It would sell out in an hour or two, so I would eventually be baking 11 hours a day, until our home oven died,” she smiles, reminiscing on the coinciding local pop-ups her husband helped her with on weekends. “We had good momentum and support, so when the initial Haley Street lease fell into our laps, we went for it.”
It’s hard to believe such intentional storefronts unrolled somewhat serendipitously. But Oat Bakery’s natural ease feels reflective of something grown organically; with love and hygge, the cozy cheer underlying Danish culture’s characteristic happiness. This Scandinavian congeniality evokes the warmth of a hug, with no agenda other than enjoying one another’s company. Louise likewise had no long-term entrepreneurial aspirations; Oat Bakery’s success sprang from the simplicity of breaking bread together.
It’s remarkable just how imaginative (and Instagrammable) their bread blends can be. Though dynamic experimentation makes for seasonally inspired offerings (think: chamomile-poached rhubarb and strawberry pastries in spring, and creamed corn and tomato tarts in summer), a number of coveted staples hold down the fort. Lively fruit, cheese, and herbs ornament ever-rotating farmer’s market buns, baked Tuesdays and Saturdays. The olive sourdough focaccia’s decadence is augmented by delicate sea salt, and hygge buns place a date, walnut, and coconut-oil-based spin on sweet cinnamon rolls. Charcoal sesame sourdough loaves elicit yin-yang in both tangy-meetsearthy flavors and visual appeal (satisfyingly revealed by a cross-section cut).
Montecito serves up a handful of pastries and weekend-only caviar creations, who meet their match in truffle cashew cream cheese and cilantro walnut pesto spreads. Oat Bakery downtown offers gluten-free versions of Elise-inspired classics, including date/almond, sage/garlic, and flax seed oat buns. Its Goleta location hosts the most expansive kitchen, and, by extension, is its largest creative outlet: vegetable-powered frittatas, jam-layered toasts, and daily sandwich and salad varieties bring a pop of live produce to the table.
Each bakery’s artistic assortments, perched about their cream-and-cerulean walls, also pay a playful homage to Louise’s two homes. “A lot of what you see in the Montecito window is from Copenhagen, and is either friends’ or friends of friends’, and is vintage, or is new, but it's all Danish,” Louise says, gesturing to the dainty miscellany of vases, baskets, and bowls at the entrance of the newest location. Much of the abstract pottery dotting each location’s displays are actually of her own creation, but she likely won’t divulge this.
Down to olive oil selections, Louise consciously uplifts like-minded creatives throughout California and Copenhagen—to which Oat Bakery’s ceaseless product partnerships and collaborative pop-ups stand testament. “When I first opened the bakery, the first thing I thought of was, ‘How can I include my Danish friends doing cool things in our success?’ So now we sell my friends’ coffee in Goleta; I spent a lot of time finding this jam from London that I grew up eating because I think it’s the best in the world; we’ve worked with Ghia doing a bake sale in L.A.; we’ve worked with Moon Juice,” she reflects.
It’d be remiss not to revisit their crowning collaboration with wellness wisewoman herself, Gwyneth Paltrow. The Goop x Oat Bakery Wellness Bread packs an astounding 25 grams of grain- and gluten-free protein, thanks to chia seeds, almond flour and buckwheat. The mix stocks Goop’s Rosewood Miramar boutique shelves and is soon to debut online nationwide, while its baked counterpart at Oat Bakery Montecito is a twice-a-day sellout star.
They’re also the official bread vendor of Flamingo Estate, baking small-batch rolls for weekly Regenerative Farm Boxes delivered throughout Los Angeles. “We’re such a small company, so to be able to work with these leading forces in the industry is amazing. I’m so grateful for and proud of that: they’re also just good people,” Louise remarks. “At the core of it all is finding good people who inspire you.”
She’ll be the last to give herself credit for it, but Louise’s spirit of community cultivation serves as just this sort of leading light to locals. Goleta’s ongoing Breakfast Club series invites all to sip barista brews while shopping floral and pottery selections, all curated from the Central Coast and Copenhagen. The Montecito location’s forthcoming Bun Club Run Club will make monthly strides to foster community in shared experiences and healthy recovery bites. For all of its elaborate culinary creations and coalescing events, Oat Bakery’s formula is simple: good ingredients and creative license in, happy bakers and inspired customers out. And, Louise knows, it wouldn’t be possible without the hands that knead it.
“Oat
Bakery’s natural ease feels reflective of something grown organically; with love and hygge, the cozy cheer underlying Danish culture’s characteristic happiness.”
“I’m proud to be an immigrant, and to be 31 years old and have this amazing, growing business. I’m in awe of what we created and where we are and who we work with, and seeing everyone not only work hard every day, but truly loving what they do,” she smiles. “The most gratifying thing about this is the people you meet, and realizing that you couldn’t do it without them.”*
ACAI BUDDHA BOWL
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EL ENCANTO’S SUNDAY BRUNCH BRINGS FLAVORS AND SOUNDS OF BRAZIL TO SANTA BARBARA unchazilian
BY Laura Hupp PHOTOGRAPHY Silas Fallstich
Bossa Nova is characterized by its relaxed samba style and soft Brazilian rhythms. El Encanto’s Bossa Nova Brunch captures the relaxation with serene sweeping views of the American Riviera, and the samba with menu items like Brown Butter Banana Brazilian Chocolate Waffles.
It’s a blue-bird Sunday “morning” (it’s 12:45 p.m.) which is a gift in itself after the preceding weeks of fog. Our table rests against the edge of the terrace that has a promising defense for the best view in Santa Barbara. Aside from the sights, the sounds are just as dreamy. Live Latin American jazz fuses with the soft chirps of birds to create a melody so sweet I wish I could set it as my morning alarm.
Mario, our server for the afternoon, makes things even sweeter when he places the Riviera Mimosa in front of me, soon followed by something a little more savory, pao de quiejo. Known as Brazilian cheese bread, the buns are a beautiful concoction of cassava flour and Minas cheese. Breaking through the crispy exterior, I’m pleased to find a warm and chewy interior. Fresh kiwi, cantaloupe and dragon fruit double as a dish embellishment and delicious side to the Brazilian bites.
The Guava Cinnamon Roll and Bakery Basket are calling our names, yet we opt for the Potato Hash Cake as a starter knowing that there is a certain chocolate waffle to come. Topped with crème fraiche and garnished with garden herbs, the pan-fried patties are balanced with the tangy cream topping. Like the pao de quiejo, the golden brown crust of the hash encases a tender inside.
When Mario returns to take our entree orders, the joy of pondering the extensive menu turns into panic on how to choose just one dish each. The ultimate champagne problem. The aforementioned Brown Butter Banana Brazilian Chocolate Waffles (say that 10 times fast) are pick number one of the draft and coming in at number two, we select the Feijoada Breakfast Burrito.
Cachaca banana caramel and coconut Chantilly cream rest atop a perfectly pressed cocoa colored waffle. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, the plating is a masterpiece. The caramelization of the fruit glistens in the beaming sun. While that may sound fake, I have photos to prove it. The dish literally sparkles.
The waffle itself is airy with the hardened caramelization offering a juxtaposing crunch. You would think that with the amount of sugar-based ingredients involved it would be overly sweet. It’s not. It is decadent in the best way and a beautiful fusion of Brazilian flavors.
The savory portion of the hour is breakfast’s best ingredients all rolled into one, literally. Carnitas, black beans, scrambled eggs, red quinoa, kale, potatoes, and aged cheddar cheese in a tortilla encasement topped with a generous amount of salsa and three slices of fresh avocado. The Feijoada Breakfast Burrito combines the bold flavors of Brazilian feijoada with the convenience and comfort of a classic burrito. The cooked black beans and carnitas mixture that make the feijoada melts in my mouth as the kale, quinoa and potatoes follow with a light crunch. You could honestly put eggs and cheese on just about anything and I would be satiated. This is no exception—they bring familiarity to the new robust flavors of the burrito, and the touch of spice that arises from the salsa and nuttiness of the avocado pull it all together delightfully.
When Mario returns to clear the table, he asks if we enjoyed it. In typical mom joke fashion, we gesture to the empty plates and say “Not at all.” I take in one last glance at the sprawling sights of Santa Barbara with Bossa Nova jazz background music and think of how incredible it is that this brunch is not a work of fiction. It is a very real experience that you too can have.*
GUAVA CINNAMON ROLL
SANTA BARBARA MADAME
thew i o srlde y our s o r yt
THE OYSTER BAR IS THE PEARL OF STEARNS WHARF
BY Laura Hupp PHOTOGRAPHY Silas Fallstich
Stearns Wharf is the oldest working wood wharf in California, yet something new is gracing the timber boards of the Santa Barbara icon. The Oyster Bar, an extension of the classic Moby Dick restaurant, is the latest creation of restaurateur Scott Howard and chef David Campos. The weathered dark wooden walls of the 56 year-old spot are coated with a white paint, offering a modern touch to the rich history of the restaurant. The decor is minimal, as if not to take away from the 270 degree views of the harbor, city and sprawling oyster bar.
The menu is a seafood lover’s dream complete with a variety of local catches in ceviche, tartare, and battered forms. On the cocktail front, Scott’s Paper Plane kicks off the evening with whiskey, Aperol, Amaro, and fresh lime. The creation is a sight to behold with the orange of the liquor deepened by the whiskey and served in a martini glass topped with a dried orange slice. It’s easy to look at and easy to sip.
Our first bite of the night is a shot. A shot of oyster, I mean. We are brought two variations, one in a pool of shoyu and one bathing in cocktail sauce, vodka, tabasco, and parmesan. I reach for the latter. Surprisingly, it’s one of the easier shots I will ever take with the sharp edge of the vodka being washed away with spicy hot sauce and sweet tomato mixture. The mollusk is fresh, as if it was shucked right on the spot...probably because it was. A glass window on the bar reveals an ice shelf where the day’s oysters rest amongst seaweed and lemon.
Crab Louie Salad and Shrimp Cocktail are our next appetizers. Dungeness crab coated in a mayo dressing tossed with hard-boiled egg, capers, avocado, butter lettuce, and cherry tomatoes and seasoned with chives and dill is a refreshing seafood masterpiece, both light and creamy. The shrimp cocktail is a tried-and-true classic that nevers disappoints. Garnished with a squeeze of lemon and a dip of cocktail sauce, it tastes like summer on the sea.
OYSTER PLATTER
“The menu is a seafood lover’s dream complete with a variety of local catches in ceviche, tartare, and battered forms.”
OXACAN PALOMA
SANTA BARBARA PLATTER
HALIBUT CEVICHE
The obligatory ceviche course is championed by a halibut version and a bay scallop and pacific shrimp version. The halibut, cubed and cooked in citrus, bathes in a veracruz sauce accompanied by fresno peppers, cherry tomatoes, capers, and olives. The mini shrimp and scallops are mixed with serrano peppers, cilantro, watermelon radish, mango, and jicama, basking in agua chile.
Ahi tuna tartare fills the spot where the ceviche once stood. The tuna swims in a pool of ponzu with avocado and sesame seed floaters. The taste is a harmonious blend of freshness from the raw tuna, acidity from the citrus, a slight nuttiness from the sesame.
Looking out the window, an unknown sea creature flops between the sailboats returning from their day on the water. The sun is starting to set over the palm trees of West Cabrillo Boulevard. Reaching for a sip of my drink to accompany the view, its emptiness begs for a refill. I pivot to the Oaxacan Paloma, with tequila, fresh grapefruit and lime juice, agave, and grapefruit soda. On the rocks with a tajin rim, the concoction is a sweet symphony of citrus with a kick.
The final two dishes fall under the small plates section. The smoked fish dip is the West Coast take on crab dip, a hometown favorite of mine. The creamy texture accompanied by the crunch of the saltine bed it lies on mirrors the East Coast counterpart while the flavor is what differs. The smokiness and increased brine create a richer taste.
I grew up eating popcorn shrimp as my parent’s way of easing me into seafood. It will always be one of my favorites and The Oyster Bar’s popcorn shrimp reminds me of that once again. Crispy, salty, and lemony—a triumvirate of flavors.
The future of Stearns Wharf looks bright with the new addition of The Oyster Bar—offering coveted views and a historic location, with the atmosphere of a modern local’s spot, it stands as a true representation of past and present.*
skin synergy
LINDA ROSS HAS THE PERFECT RECIPE FOR RADIANT SKIN…. AND A RESIDENCY AT THE SPA AT EL ENCANTO
BY Laura Hupp PHOTOGRAPHY Meadow Rose
Every product created by renowned facialist Linda Ross is edible, but taste is not the focus. Linda finds a great deal of similarities between cooking and creating her skincare line. “I always like to start with the ingredients. Like if you’re cooking, I like to know the who, where, why, and how of each ingredient. What kind of anti-aging properties do these have? What are the negative side effects and long term benefits?” The Beverly Hills-based facialist has perfected the recipe and now shares it with El Encanto spa-goers.
A wall of purple butterflies leads me to the enchanting escape that is The Spa at El Encanto. After a proper eucalyptus steam and rinse, I find myself in the relaxation lounge sipping Magic Hour Pink Tourmaline tea and awaiting my Linda Ross product infused treatments—the Body Regeneration Treatment and Signature El Encanto Facial. I am soon met by Marina, my massage therapist for the afternoon.
She starts the Body Regeneration Treatment by performing a full body dry brushing to exfoliate the skin and allow for proper absorption of the mask. If you enjoy the exfoliating scrub during a pedicure, just imagine that on your entire body.
Painted on, the skin elixir mask has a cooling sensation. This Linda Ross product contains colostrum, hydrolyzed collagen, and essential oils to promote pH balance of the skin as well as help boost natural immunity and increase layers of the skin barrier.
For lack of a better description, I am mylar blanket wrapped like a burrito, marinating in the skin elixir mask for 20 minutes. While I bask, Marina massages oil into my scalp to promote hair growth and treats my feet with Kerstin Florian Fub Balm.
At the end of my steep, I am directed to the in-room shower to fully remove the coating from my body. While showers normally signify the end of the day for me, this is just the start of my treatment today. A 60 minute full-body massage using Linda Ross’s Epidermal Growth Factor Lotion follows. A Knesko Rose Quartz Antioxidant Collagen Mask graces my face as Marina guides me to my ultimate zen. When something feels so wonderful, you try your hardest to not fall asleep. I am not positive I succeeded at that, but I tried my best.
Wishing Marina farewell, I return to the relaxation lounge when the woman of the hour, or rather 90 minutes, pokes her head in, “Laura?” That’s me. Linda Ross’s kindness and comforting persona immediately radiate. Not to mention, whatever is going on her skin—is clearly working. She guides me to her studio where she works her magic—the Signature El Encanto Facial starring her MicroCurrent Gloves and Colostrum Mask.
Looking to work with a blank canvas, Ross washes my face with her natural cleanser, specially created to protect the pH level of the skin without stripping it. “The whole philosophy of the line is to give results by working synergistically with the skin by feeding it nutrients versus stripping it and exposing new layers,” she explains.
Following the cleansing, she goes in with her MicroDerm Scrub that polishes away top layers of the epidermis. These are known for dulling the skin and clogging pores, so following the proper scrub my skin looks brighter and feels softer.
Here is where the gloves come in. With microcurrent probes commonly seen at the dermatologist and esthetician office, there is usually one probe for each hand. This limits the depth and range that can be achieved. “I love the fact that you can use your hands. I can really get under the muscle and move it to the place you want it to go,” Ross raves about the microcurrent gloves she’s using today.
With all machine manufacturers of microcurrent devices, they curate their own conducting solutions to be used with their product. Ross never found one she loved, so she made her own. “Another thing that microcurrent does is it penetrates that conducting solution deeper into the skin. So, I’m like, why not make it really incredible?”
The current it-ingredient is colostrum. “If you look on Instagram and TikTok, everybody’s finally caught on to taking it internally, but few people have caught on to the benefit of applying it topically.” Packed with probiotics and vitamins, colostrum has a variety of anti-aging and natural growth properties.
In Ross’s trend forecast, hydrolyzed collagen is on the way to being an even bigger star than colostrum. “Our bones, our skin, everything has collagen in it, and we stop producing it at a certain age, which causes crepey skin and wrinkles. These two anti-aging components combined with Colloidal Silver (you guessed it, also anti-aging) make up the conducting solution.
After spreading a thin layer of the mixture onto a section of my face, she contorts and lifts my muscles with the electromagnetic gloves. The sensation is entirely unique. It is both tingly and smooth with bursts of energy. You can physically see and taste the electricity when working around the eyes and mouth. I would normally find the metal flavor in my mouth alarming, but in this case it’s exciting. “That’s how you know it’s working.”
While Ross’s four-step home care program may take a month or two to prove it’s worth, the microcurrent
glove results are immediate. After completing one side of my face, she has me look in the mirror to see that one eyebrow is noticeably higher than the other and my skin is glowing. 30 minutes or so pass by as Linda Ross molds and shapes the facial muscles and infuses the abundance of anti-aging properties deep into my skin.
Then, she coats my face with the Colostrum Mask. While that absorbs, my feet and scalp are shown a little more love. She completes the final two steps—the Anti-Aging Cream (which is a beautiful blue, I might add) and the Propolis and Royal Jelly Cream. Her Anti-Aging Cream uses organic, therapeutic grade essential oils that enhance elasticity and help reduce wrinkles. Propolis and royal jelly are tried and true, with ancient Egyptians having used them for their curative properties. Propolis is a natural antibiotic while the royal jelly provides essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that nourish skin cells.
“After completing one side of my face, she has me look in the mirror to see that one eyebrow is noticeably higher than the other and my skin is glowing.”
After my treatment, she sends me home with the four-step routine. In fact, every product that Ross uses in her facials can be bought which is rare for many spas. “You can have the same experience you had here at home. A lot of places won’t do that, because they want you to have to keep coming back.”
Every morning and night I look forward to nourishing my skin because I have a routine that works with my skin and not against it. In a world where you can never have enough skincare or steps in your routine, Linda Ross keeps it simple and accessible.
The only downside that can come from having these products is the potential for theft after your loved-ones see the incredible results. “Watch your roommates, because they’re going to stick their little fingers in there too,” Linda jokes. I would tell you where I hide mine, but I fear my friends may read this.*
ETERNAL
HEALTH
ETERNITY HEALTH PARTNERS, AN INTEGRATIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CLINIC, USES CUTTINGEDGE SCIENCE TO HELP PEOPLE AGE GRACEFULLY AND ENJOY LIFE LONGER
BY Maddy Sims PHOTOGRAPHY Kristin Mansky
Not long after her 45th birthday, Eve Harmony, ND, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of California, went to the beach with her husband. He took her photo, and when she saw it, she was shocked. “I remember looking at those pictures and going, ‘That's not me,’” she says. “All my life, I had been fit and healthy. Then I had one year of major stress, and it just snowballed. I didn't look like myself anymore.”
According to Dr. Harmony, this is quite common for women in their 40s. “More often than not, I'm sitting in front of people who are telling me, ‘I used to be able to have this great body, and now I can't maintain it,’” she says. “They’ll tell me they’re eating right and exercising and yet, the scale keeps creeping up and their clothes are fitting tighter.” Dr. Harmony has been there herself (and has decades of experience in the field), so she knows how to help. “I know what you're going through,” she says. “You do Keto, you do low-calorie, you exercise more, you eat less—nothing works.”
Why is this? What happens to women’s bodies in their 40s? “We’re living stressful lifestyles, and there are a lot of factors that build up over time,” Dr. Harmony explains. “We're probably doing way more than we should be and not taking care of our health.” We’re also eating the standard American diet, which means that even if we’re eating healthy, there are still contaminants in our food
DR. EVE HARMONY
(and those can build up over time, Dr. Harmony says). And then there’s a natural decline in sex and growth hormones—which affects our energy levels, ability to build muscle, libido, and more. Additionally, our insulin doesn’t manage our blood sugar as well as it used to. As a result, we become slightly insulin-resistant and put on weight. All of these changes create a snowball effect. But you can slow its roll with the help of Eternity Health Partners.
The practice, located in the Upper East side of Santa Barbara on Micheltorena Street, is an integrative health and wellness clinic focused on prevention. Eternity Health Partners is managed by Age Management Institute, founded by Randee and Michael Brookins over a decade ago, they channeled their extensive athletic backgrounds and passion for wellness and nutrition to create a team of experts that truly help the community thrive. “The mission is changing lives—one patient at a time—and empowering people to age more gracefully and to feel completely comfortable in their skin as they get older,” Dr. Harmony says. “And to go through those changes in a way that they don't notice as much of a decline, so that they get to extend their healthy years and enjoyment of life.”
How exactly does Eternity Health Partners do this? By taking a holistic approach to health. “We take into account that we're not just physical beings, we're mental, emotional, and spiritual beings as well.” They begin the process by getting a blood panel done before the first appointment (their highly-trained phlebotomists will even come right to your home). “That way, when you’re sitting with me, I have data to go off of,” Dr. Harmony explains. These blood panels are extremely comprehensive—much more than any primary care health check you’re going to get. “We're looking at hormones, inflammation, adrenal health, stress levels, all the thyroid numbers,” Dr. Harmony says.
After reviewing your blood results and discussing your symptoms, they’ll give you specific recommendations tailored to your goals and lifestyle. Eternity Health Partners offers hormone therapy, peptide therapy, NAD therapy, weight regeneration therapy, weight loss therapy, and more to help you achieve optimal levels and balance within your body.
For Dr. Harmony, the answer was a combination of medication to help with blood sugar as well as hormone therapy. “I have the body I had in my twenties when I was running, snowboarding, mountain biking, and rock climbing—and it's fantastic,” she says. “It feels like a new lease on life.” But she stresses what works for one person won’t necessarily work for others. “It’s not one-size-fits-all,” Dr. Harmony says. “It’s important to sit with a doctor and understand not only what these medications are going to do, but if they’re right for you.”
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), for example, needs to be tailored to your exact needs. And while there are concerns around HRT and cancer risk, Dr. Harmony maintains the science says otherwise. In the past, synthetic hormones were shown to cause cancer and other negative side effects. “Now we have studied the bioidentical hormones, or hormones that mimic human ones. It's not coming from a pregnant mare's urine, it's coming from a wild yam root, and it’s pieced together to look just like our progesterone, estrogen, or testosterone,” Dr. Harmony explains. “When we replace these hormones, it's like replacing a nutrient that's deficient. The sooner you start hormone replacement therapy—and the longer you stay on it—the lower your all cause mortality.” These studies are finding HRT could lower your risk of cancer, stroke, heart attack, dementia, cardiovascular disease, bone density problems, muscle loss, and other diseases of aging.
While HRT is typically used to manage menopause symptoms, Dr. Harmony says that’s not its only use. “I started on progesterone when I was in my thirties because I was having menstrual issues,” she says. “Progesterone is a godsend for women.” In fact, Dr. Harmony recently sat with a woman in her twenties who has PCOS. “The natural treatment [for PCOS] is to improve your progesterone levels. So [hormone replacement therapy] is not just for menopause, it's for everyone.”
Similarly, peptide therapy—the use of peptides to change or improve how certain parts of your body work—is typically associated with treating diabetic people since it helps maintain a lower body weight. But studies have found that it reduces our weight because it improves insulin sensitivity and reduces appetite, which can help you maintain your physique as you age. So if you’re struggling with weight loss, it could be a game-changer. “People aren't overeating due to stress or emotional issues. They have a lot more sensitivity to the amount of food they’re eating and to the quality of the food,” Dr. Harmony explains. “That's just one example. All the peptides work slightly differently, typically on receptors or tissues that they're affecting.”
If you’ve looked into peptide therapy at all, you’ve likely heard of the negative side effects, such as muscle loss or rebound weight gain. But Dr. Harmony explains that these are the result of improper dosage, again stressing the importance of working with a qualified professional. “Peptides are the building blocks of proteins. We're taking natural substances, and we're concentrating them and we're putting them in the body in therapeutic amounts,” she explains. “When they're used in proper doses, with a proper expectation, and a proper diet plan, they're not going to cause those issues.”
But the team at Eternity doesn’t stop with the treatments they offer. Their holistic approach to health focuses on other factors as well—mainly, stress. Stress taxes our body in colossal ways, impacting our emotional health, physical health, sleep, and more. When we experience stress, the body secretes cortisol. This can lead to weight gain (specifically around the belly), poor sleep, accelerated aging of the skin, and poor mood. It's something almost everyone struggles with. “Nine out of ten patients I sit with are overly stressed,” Dr. Harmony says. “I tell them, ‘I can give you medication for this, but it's only going to put a bandaid on the bullet hole. You've got to stop the bleeding by reducing the stress in your life and whatever way possible.’”
While some stress may be impossible to get rid of, Dr. Harmony says lowering your overall levels makes a huge difference. She suggests walking on the beach, sitting with a good book, enjoying a cup of tea, or turning off the screens at night and lighting a candle. Taking a moment each day to destress will hugely benefit your physical and emotional health—and help accelerate the results from any treatments you receive at Eternity Health Partners.
Of course, all of these treatments come at a cost. But Dr. Harmony’s response is simple: Your health is your wealth. “If you're feeling terrible, have low energy, you're irritable, your relationships are suffering, your work is suffering, your home life is suffering, then what kind of quality of life is that?” she says.
There are ways to live a healthier, happier life, and the team at Eternity Health Partners is here to help you find them. “I don’t prescribe hormones for your libido and sexual pleasure and looks,” Dr. Harmony says. “I prescribe hormones because they're good for your heart, they're good for your brain, they're good for your bones, they're good for your muscles. They're good for your health so you can maintain [a high] quality of life.”
So if you’re feeling defeated by the hands of time, know that you’re not alone. But also know that there are options. Dr. Harmony and the team at Eternity Health Partners can work with you to give you a new lease on life. “Life has seasons, and it's okay to get older because that brings wisdom and it brings certain blessings that we didn't have in our youth,” Dr. Harmony says. “But now you also have the confidence of knowing that you've made it here and there are more options in healthcare for improving the quality of life overall.”*
“We take into account that we're not just physical beings, we're mental, emotional, and spiritual beings as well.”
For bookings and more information visit eternityhealthpartners.com and @eternity_health_partners
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: RANDEE BROOKINS, DR. EVE HARMONY, LAUREN ALMANZA, MICHAEL BROOKINS, TARA WELCH, LAYLA (DOG GREETER)
UP
WISE
MODEL, ACTRESS, PRODUCER, AND NOW SKINCARE QUEEN MOLLY SIMS IN THE PINNACLE OF AGE-DEFYING BEAUTY—BUT THAT’S NOT WHAT SHE’S CALLING IT.
BY Alexandra Lee PHOTOGRAPHY Coliena Rentmeester
You may know of Molly Sims from her days spent gracing covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (specifically, donning a $30 million diamond bikini), or her role on NBC’s 2000s hit casino-crime drama Las Vegas. Or, maybe you’ve sipped on her Beauty Elixir smoothie at Erewhon market, which joins the likes of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner as the new novelty in drinkable skin-food. With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, the multihyphenate has decided it’s time to pursue another lane—and yes, it’s what’s responsible for her skin’s signature glass-like glow.
On an ideal day off, you might catch Molly binge-watching The Bear, taking her daughter to ride in Santa Barbara, eating some cake, and having her Morning Cocktail—not a bellini, but rather an expert concoction of Vitamin C, niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid from her very own skincare line, YSE Beauty.
YSE, pronounced “wise,” is more like a community than a brand, determined to represent all facets of women moving throughout all chapters of life. “There’s more than just the 20-year-olds,” Molly says. She is careful to eliminate phrases like “anti-aging” or messaging about turning back the clock from YSE’s vocabulary. “I don’t want to be spoken to like I’m dying,” she laughs. “That’s not me, that’s not how I look at this company.” Instead, expert efficacy, radiant results is always the goal.
The idea for YSE was born out of a meeting with a potential manager who forced Molly to hone in on her five-year plan, and what her next business steps could be. “They went through every part of my life,” she says, from her TikTok to her books and website, to see if there was any white space begging for attention. “At the end of the two weeks, I brought down 15 or 20 skincare products, and I said, ‘Why is everything that’s really strong and derm really ugly, and everything that’s not, there’s not any efficacy...but it’s really pretty! Why can’t we have both?”
Thus, YSE was born, and is now bridging that gap. Molly describes her products as being “multifaceted, like a mom.” Doing three jobs at once while defying expectation—because nobody wants a 20-step skincare routine. “As much as our ingredients are incredible in terms of how they’re put together, there’s also the woman who’s multifaceted, just as our products are,” she says. With clever names like the “Your Favorite Ex” exfoliation pads, which just won a NewBeauty award, YSE’s skincare regimen is packed full of complexion-loving ingredients in flawlessly minimalist packaging that actually do their job. They have the efficacy of invasive treatments, without the pesky downtime. “The magic is in the consistency,” Molly says.
Her gorgeous skin can, in part, be attributed to her mother’s instrumental guidance in developing an appreciation for the beauty and wellness space from an early age. “The ethos [of YSE Beauty] ultimately came from my mom. Learning something that you didn't know before and becoming a little bit wiser.” Another key part? Molly’s time spent living abroad in Europe. “I never met a French pharmacy I didn’t like,” she winks.
Though you may find it surprising, Molly’s flawless complexion is also a result of tireless trial and error, which she is refreshingly candid about. From cystic acne to hyperpigmentation after pregnancy, she had a roller coaster relationship with strong actives like hydroquinone for brightening, which would ultimately lead to flare ups again after being out in the sun. “More does not mean more, and more does not mean better. That’s the biggest thing I've learned in taking care of my skin barrier,” she remarks.
Molly is quick to remind her audience, though, that “the glow is not just outer, it’s inner. It’s how you’re taking care of your body, it’s also how you’re taking care of your mental health.” Through these transparent discussions, YSE has garnered a community of trust and like-mindedness that’s been nourished through parallel areas of Molly’s life—most notably, her podcast Lipstick on the Rim.
The podcast, which officially debuted in 2021, features honest conversations between Molly and her best friend Emese Gormley, anywhere from lighthearted beauty tips to discussions about endocrine health and breast cancer…all with a drink in hand. Iconic guests who have spilled their insider intel range from Victoria Beckham, Cameron Diaz, and Kate Upton to Bobbi Brown, Kate Bock, and social media stars such as Tinx. “Our women like to come away with knowledge,” Molly says. Her laid-back humor, signature candidness, and authenticity in featuring an array of diverse voices on topics relevant to women is what takes her audience from a cult following to a community of women who uplift each other. “Women walk away feeling that they’re part of something, that they’re part of a community, that they’re not being spoken at.”
YSE goes far beyond its range of products to study the core of its consumer base, finding out who the “YSE woman” really is. “Truly, I take onus in my customers. The personas, who are they, what do they want. I think that’s unique to where we’re going.” The YSE Edit is a Molly-approved blog curation of everything relevant to the YSE woman: celebrity esthetician insider tips, travel itineraries, fashion and beauty guides, you name it. It all goes back to Molly’s longform goal of further ingraining wellness into the culture at YSE, from exercise and mental health to letting loose and leaning into life.
Some of Molly’s favorite non-YSE wellness rituals? Magnesium from Moon Juice, protein smoothies, collagen, Vitamin D and B, infrared sauna, walking, HIIT...the list goes on. “Still figuring out adaptogens in my coffee,” she admits with a chuckle. One look at Molly, and it’s clear that she’s struck the right balance.
With a newborn beauty brand, self-founded production company, New York Times bestselling book, and three children, it begs the question: is there something Molly Sims can’t do? The multihyphenate is a big fan of chapters, knowing that with each end comes a new beginning. “I don't think there’s one chapter. You’re just not defined in your 20s…there’s a chapter in your 30s, and 40s, and 50s, and 60s.” And while the plot and characters are still being developed, the chapter of YSE Beauty is sure to be a page turner.*
“Molly describes her products as being 'multifaceted, like a mom.' Doing three jobs at once while defying expectation—because nobody wants a 20-step skincare routine.”
culture weaving
THE STORY BEHIND LOCAL TEXTILE COLLECTIVE, PATRONA
BY Ella Heydenfeldt PHOTOGRAPHY Renee Faia
Moorea Morehart's path into the textile world began at a young age, immersed in the vibrant tapestry of Argentinian culture. When she was six, her family spent months living amidst the gaucho way of life on an off-grid estancia (ranch) in Argentina. Here, she came to understand the ranching culture of cattle, asado, and a prideful society of gauchos with a beautiful elegance and way of dressing that remains alive today.
Moorea went on to be a television producer in California, splitting time between the United States and Argentina. As the pandemic spread throughout the globe, Moorea found herself stranded in Argentina due to the cancellation of outgoing flights. This bump in the road set her on a journey that would change the trajectory of her life.
Deciding to use this time to explore her passion for textiles and to find the elusive cochineal red dye found in Salta, Moorea and her father embarked on a road trip into Northern Argentina. Remarking on her passion for this woven artform, Moorea states, "You can carry something back that reminds you of that place. You can see what people clothe with and how that represents their culture and history."
In search of the cardinal color, Moorea found instead a dying art form and, therefore, culture. Weavers struggled through the lockdown, as artisan trails became barren. Moorea and her father purchased all they could to support the craft. Moorea felt a sense of purpose blooming, a need to help.
Moorea and her father's road trip eventually drew to a close, having taken them through many regions, finding breathtaking biodiversity as lush jungle turned into arid flats and frosty peaks became sunny vineyards. In climactic conclusion, Moorea stood at the top of a peak, six condors flying overhead, and realized life is short, and this was her calling: starting a textile company with the goal of helping these artists. At the top of this mountain, PATRONA Textiles was born.
Just a few years later, this certified B Corporation represents the highest level of social, economic, and environmental accountability. Artisans make the textiles Moorea ships to the United States, doing everything authentically and ensuring excellence, as they are fairly compensated for their one-of-a-kind creations. Each artisan has a story, unique patterns, and designs, and they continue to teach their children the distinctive craft. PATRONA Textiles empowers artisans to preserve and celebrate their cultural heritage while forging a path toward a more equitable future.
From sheep wool to llama wool, each fiber is sourced sustainably, with the utmost care given to the well-being of animals and the regenerative practices of production. These textiles are made from plant dyes and will eventually return to the earth as they decompose when done.
In the sun-drenched landscapes of California, the spirit of PATRONA Textiles finds resonance amidst the echoes of Spanish architecture and equestrian traditions. As a ninth-generation Californian with deep roots in the ranching heritage of the region, Moorea's vision transcends geographical boundaries, weaving together the timeless allure of Argentine textiles with the enduring spirit of the Golden State.
With ancestral ties to the missions of old California and a familial legacy of stewardship over vast expanses
of land, Moorea's journey from Argentina to California comes full circle as PATRONA Textiles finds a home in the hearts and houses of discerning patrons. Moorea remarks that when filling your home, "you want to feel grounded, connected to something that comes directly from the Earth, something real and authentic." In a world dominated by consumerism and mass production, PATRONA Textiles offers a sanctuary, where every rug, every textile, serves as a bridge to nature and a testament to the enduring beauty of tradition.
Moorea shares, "This ancient way of life that's real and connected to something, that's alive and well in Argentina, comes from that understanding of large expanses of land, cattle, and Spanish history. My love of this life comes from my family, and I found it again here in Argentina."
When asked about the company's name, Moorea shares the significance of the term ‘Patrona.' In the world of Argentine estancias, a 'Patron' is the male landowner/boss, while the 'Patrona' is the female counterpart who oversees the well-being of both the animals and the people who roam the land. It's a role deeply rooted in tradition and responsibility.
Reflecting on her journey, Moorea embodies this spirit of the Patrona. Through PATRONA Textiles, she not only champions the rich cultural heritage of Argentina, but also serves as a guiding force, ensuring the livelihoods of artisans and the preservation of their craft. Just as the traditional Patrona cared for her land and community, Moorea's dedication to sustainability and fair trade practices reflects her commitment to being a steward of both tradition and progress.
In Moorea Morehart, PATRONA Textiles has found not only a leader but a compassionate advocate for artisans, a custodian of culture, and a true boss in every sense of the word.*
“PATRONA Textiles empowers artisans to preserve and celebrate their cultural heritage while forging a path toward a more equitable future.”
LABOR
LOVEof
MOTHER-DAUGHTER INTERIOR STUDIO SHAND DESIGN INVIGORATES SPACES WITH SOUL
BY Nicole Johnson PHOTOGRAPHY Jackie Beran
Susan Shand and her daughter Ryan are cut from the same creative cloth—and we all want a piece. The mother-daughter duo call upon a lineage of artistry and industry leadership in helming Shand Design, their full-service interior design firm radiating sophisticated, lived-in luxury.
The sun-soaked atelier in Susan’s home displays their design objective in plain sight: cultivating coziness that’s well-traveled, and wholeheartedly classic. A soulful warmth coats the space in a honey-tinted glaze, courtesy of worn woods, washed linens, and neutrals that couldn’t be further from monotonous. Plush, nuanced textures meet clean lines on sumptuous couches, while flat-brim rancher hats and acoustic guitars adorn the walls with a Spanish-style dimension. A feeling of eternal summer sways somewhere between sunflowers, Moroccan rugs, and recessed alcoves glowing with candlelight.
For a home rich with fur accents, the Shand residence doesn’t take things too seriously—with the exception of R & R. As we spill through French doors to the resort-like pool terrace, an audible (and mildly embarrassing) exhale escapes my lips. It’s an appropriate reaction to the view: a lush lawn, lounging spread, and bocce court skirting the yard’s pristine panorama of the Pacific. The Shands got granular while furnishing this elevated enclave. It took,
Ryan admits, six months of scouting just to select the pool's tile tint (a glistening turquoise emulating Amalfi Coast grottos, by the way). Easygoing exuberance entails hard work—but with Shand Design, you could never tell.
The family's bungalow plays a stunning game of balance, where contemporary and classic commingle—really, where they play, sprawl out, and snuggle up together. Sinking into a couch back inside, I watch as Susan and Ryan do just that. I ask them what they think makes their studio stand out, though the answer, to me, is all in the details.
“Shand Design is timeless, in a way where we’re really good at finding unique pieces that last forever, versus all the cookie cutter that’s out there right now,” Ryan shares. “Stemming from the bond of our family, we take legacy and history and storytelling very seriously at the root of what we do.”
The story of the design duo, as it happens, is incredibly interesting in itself. Though just a year ago Ryan joined what had been Susan’s solo studio since 1991, their equally illustrious careers clearly prepared them for this. Both boss women with entrepreneurial roots, Susan and Ryan are true twin flames in their forceful leadership of their past fields—neither of which involved design school.
For starters, Susan is the former Marketing Editor of the iconic Teen magazine, the vibrant periodical that delivered the latest in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle—with a side of gossipy advice—to adolescents until 2009. Continuing to mold the media vanguard, Susan later joined forces with her husband Bobby as co-founder and creative director of The Shand Group: a marketing and advertising agency strategizing publicity for international powerhouses like Adidas, Absolut Vodka, and Evian.
While shooting an product spread to be featured in Architectural Digest, her artistic pulse found a new pathway in interiors—providing just the permanence she craved. “Fashion felt so fleeting to me: it was changing constantly. A home is your roots: anybody who is fortunate enough to have one knows it's where you rest your weary head at the end of a hard day of work, so I felt passionate about the fact that it had more meaning,” Susan smiles. “The other day, someone told me that the job we do—which made me feel so much better—is honorable because we're making people happy in the most important place in their lives.”
Ryan inherited her mother’s luminary spirit, instead shooting to the upper echelons of the music and tech domain. Yet while spending her early twenties as an executive managing a team of 40 at web platform Honey, the high-strung digital realm took its toll. “Part of the reason I hit burnout was because I always invested in the [artist] in me, but on the side: I never sacrificed it,” Ryan reflects. “But it was on top of being a [new] mother, on top of working a full time job in a startup, on top of answering to investors and going through acquisitions.”
Susan’s path to design was, in part, an incidental stumble into a space where she felt most at home. Ryan’s shift, alternatively, was a necessary investment in her creative intuition, prompted by the arrival of a new family member—her daughter, Roen.
“It’s a bit deeper than just design: there’s a legacy element [to Shand]. It’s showing women, and my daughter, that it’s not only okay to follow your heart and to trust that you know what’s best for your life, but it’s actually fundamental for your health and vitality and well-being,” Ryan says. “If I didn’t have Roen, I don’t know that I would have left to come work here...I realized she’s here to teach me a lesson: that I need to start leaning back into myself, getting to know and trust myself.”
The evolution of Shand Design is ever-dynamic, and Ryan and Susan’s diverse project range has much to show for it. You may be familiar with the rustic smokehouse interiors of Barbareño, downtown’s Michelin-guide restaurant and the duo’s first major commercial project.
The Shands’ portfolio of contemporary residential projects—complete with breathtaking ground-up builds in Montecito and heavenly renovations of Ojai haciendas—confirm the duo’s command at the cutting edge of design. To state the obvious: Shand Design is neither formulaic nor fairly categorized. Like Susan and Ryan’s impressive resumes, it’s many good things, put together.
I’m resisting the urge to blurt out, “How are you so good at everything you do?” Yet flattery may not fulfill the Shands as much as the enduring, family-like relationships they cultivate among clients (myself included). Exhibit A: the honey-infused cappuccino in my right hand, which Susan brewed (and topped with superb foam, might I add) right as I greeted the foyer. Exhibit B: the light piano floating in the background, tickling our conversation with the nostalgic class redolent of the holiday season. The home resembles a loving embrace, and whether you enter a stranger or a Shand, you’ll (reluctantly) depart as a dear friend.
Some spaces are solely built on the inexplicable feelings evoked by found items, and the Shands curate exactly these kinds of sentimental collectives. Just within one recessed shelf is a selection of trinkets from Susan’s once-in-a-lifetime artist’s escape to Cuba, blended seamlessly with sculptures from European and African tours. Equally inimitable are their pieces sourced from well-kept secrets of Santa Barbara, speaking to Susan’s long-standing loyalties across town.
As Ryan graciously guides me out through the foyer, I compliment her sharp ensemble, perfected with a killer fringe-lined jacket and pointed heels. Both belong to Susan, who buys many of her shoes a half size bigger expressly so her daughter can wear them.
This thoughtful foresight bleeds from the Shands’ mother-daughter bond into their business. It’s an intentionality central to their careful curations: as Susan aptly summarizes, “Life is in the details.” Be it familial instinct or an evidently shared thoughtfulness, the Shands are meticulous about leading with love, forging a legacy between their innate artistry and the stories of their clients.*
Dress
Swimsuit SO DE MEL
Scarf AGUA BENDITA The Webster Jewelry LAYKIN ET CIE
Dress AGUA BENDITA The Webster Shoes RODO Allora By Laura Jewelry & watch LAYKIN ET CIE
Dress PACO RABANNE The Webster Shoes BEAUTISOLES
Jewelry LAYKIN ET CIE
Top & skirt LORETTA CAPONI Allora By Laura
Handbag
RODO Allora By Laura Bracelet LAYKIN ET CIE
Swimsuit CHANEL
Webster
Jewelry LAYKIN ET CIE
Dress ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO Allora By Laura Jewelry LAYKIN ET CIE
disturb not do
PHOTOGRAPHY Jon Premosch | STYLIST Hannah Canon
HAIR & MAKEUP Monique Mazer | MODEL Daphne Marleen Laan with Two Management
VIDEOGRAPHER Mariel Gomsrud | LOCATION San Ysidro Ranch
Bikini
Jacket KAOS
Necklace DE LIGUORO
Dress LORETTA CAPONI Allora by Laura Belt ANTHROPOLOGIE
Ring FREE PEOPLE Earrings DE LIGUORO Bracelets ANTHROPOLOGIE
Bikini MONTCE
Shoes RODO Allora by Laura Sunglasses GUCCI Bracelets ANTHROPOLOGIE
Earrings JIL SANDER Jake & Jones
Ring DE LIGUORO
Earrings GEORGINA JEWELRY
Dress CHARO RUIZ IBIZA
Bracelets & Necklace ANTHROPOLOGIE
Earrings DE LIGUORO
Dress PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE Jake & Jones
Bag
SIMKHAI Juniper
Shoes STEVE MADDEN
Earrings CAROLINE SVEDBOM
Top & Skirt MARA HOFFMAN Jake & Jones
Bag WHITING & DAVIS Juniper
Earrings & Necklace DE LIGUORO
TOKYO FROM THE TOP
A SOPHISTICATED GETAWAY FOR (ALL) THE AGES
BY Meg Fontaine
After becoming a mom last year, I didn’t know if it was possible to experience travel in the same way with a baby in tow. I dreamed of showing my son the world, but I wasn’t sure what that would look like in postpartum reality. That is until I experienced a rare alchemy that eludes many luxury hotel properties—making both kids and their parents happy on vacation—at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi.
Japan’s baby-welcoming reputation is one of the many reasons my husband and I were drawn to the destination, and Tokyo’s newest Four Seasons property in the Otemachi district had a particularly child-friendly glow about it with its wide array of family offerings and central location.
After a long travel day over the Pacific, arriving at the hotel is a re-energizing breath of fresh air. The elevator quickly whisks us up to the 39th floor lobby—another world altogether from the city’s bustle below—and if its stunning view is any indication of what’s to come, I know we are in for something special. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Imperial Palace Gardens and a spectacular snow-capped Mt. Fuji in the distance, one of the most coveted views in the capital.
The property itself is exceedingly elegant, yet nothing is too precious for a young family to not feel completely at ease. Traditional Japanese and modern European
design details culminate in a sakura and fringed tulip floral showcase at the lobby’s center. I relish this flawless example of ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging, and I soon discover that this elevated attention to detail effortlessly flows throughout each space we enter.
Our Imperial Garden view room welcomes us at every turn, with thoughtful details and personalized touches throughout the sleek yet inviting space. Everything we could ever need for our son—a crib, diapers, bath toys and infant tub, Le Petit Prince toiletry essentials, stuffed animals, and even a “baby is sleeping” sign for our door—makes us feel right at home in our airy haven.
By far, the most show-stopping feature of the hotel comes in the form of its genuinely kind and gracious staff, whose hospitality matches the hotel’s sky-high stature in both impressiveness and poise. My son is greeted by name wherever we go, and the beaming grin on his face makes the 12-hour flight from LAX all the more worth it.
After putting our son to sleep that night, I sneak up to the hotel’s serene spa to wind down with their signature Yakusugi massage. Inspired by shinrin-yoku, Japanese forest bathing, this treatment incorporates Yakusugi oil harvested from ancient Japanese cedar trees and successfully transports me to a faraway forest where all of my travel tension becomes a thing of the past. My post-treatment bliss leads to a rejuvenating night’s rest.
Using the hotel’s network of vetted babysitters, my husband and I revel in a rare night out the following evening at the property’s highly lauded bar, VIRTÙ (recently named in the top 20 bars in Asia), followed by a delectable dinner at the Michelin-starred French-Japanese restaurant, est. This is a parent’s dream come true, with our son in his own dreamland a few floors below us.
It is easy to see that VIRTÙ’s barmasters are arbiters of great taste as we sip Parisian-leaning cocktails made with Japanese ingredients, local even down to the stemware. My Yuzu Nagi cocktail is made with equal amounts of precision and playfulness and is topped with a nanten tree leaf for good luck, of which I feel we have an abundance of tonight.
An incredible 10-course journey through the Japanese archipelago awaits us next door at est. Gazing over the glimmering Tokyo skyline, one imaginative dish turns to the next as we sample an innovative take on classic French techniques that place seasonal Japanese ingredients on center stage. In fact, Chef de Cuisine Guillaume Bracaval impressively sources 95 percent of the restaurant’s ingredients from organic and sustainable suppliers throughout the country’s bountiful land and sea. A standout dish is the Hokkaido-raised Fukuhime Miran Beef, Turnip, and Yuzu Kosho, in which the turnips beautifully resemble flower petals and the beef practically melts in my mouth. Paired with local wine and sake, our meal is a true celebration of Japan.
On any given afternoon, one can stroll through The Lounge in the lobby to find chic Japanese moms and their babies enjoying afternoon tea with friends. This is an experience we too can’t pass up as a family on our last day at the property. Tokyo’s cherry blossoms are beginning to bloom, ushering in with them the fresh possibilities of spring, and the pastel delicacies on the tiered trays in front of us perfectly reflect the highly cherished season. Sipping on premium Japanese tea, this experience captures a moment in time that I will never forget.
As we pack our bags and embark on the next leg of our trip, the Japanese art of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in the transient and imperfect—strikes me as a fitting description of our experience in the city. While traveling with young children is never simple, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi finds a way to make the imperfect as close to perfect as you can get.*
“The floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Imperial Palace Gardens and a spectacular snow-capped Mt. Fuji in the distance...”
KIDS TRAINEE
portland with a purpose
A LONG WEEKEND EXPLORING THE RESTAURANTS, SIGHTS AND WINERIES OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
BY Laura Hupp PHOTOGRAPHY Travel Portland
Having mastered the art of 48 Hours in Santa Barbara, I decided to expand my horizons. Given travel time and lack of knowledge on the area, I gave myself 72 hours in Portland, Oregon. And I’ll tell you now, I wish I had 72 more.
A brief hour and 45 minute flight north brings me to the gem that is the Pacific Northwest. A 25 minute Uber to Downtown Portland later, I find myself at the front door of the sky-scraping Ritz-Carlton, Portland.
Through the grand doors, I’m immersed in a forest-esque scene. Cherry blossom chandeliers drip from the ceiling, except the blossoms are crystals and the blue, yellow, and brown “birds” all find a perch on the wall behind check-in. I soon learn that all of the original artwork featured throughout the hotel is created in Oregon. Like the state in general, the decor is abundant with greenery—namely hanging plants and tree bark accents. “The designer wanted it to be as if you are walking through Forest Park,” shares Stephanie Lapsley, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Ritz-Carlton, Portland.
The classic Ritz-Carlton charm is present, with a Portland twist that incorporates the flora and fauna of the city. In my minimal, cozy suite, gray tones and gold accents take center stage. Panoramic views of Portland are all the color the room needs. The city is the main attraction and the interior design of The Ritz plays an incredible supporting role.
No matter how long or short the travel time, exhaustion is always a side effect. So, dinner is on-property, but it’s far from settling. Bellpine, the hotel’s signature restaurant, calls the 20th floor home. The sights are sprawling and the lounge is buzzing. Maybe that’s because I ordered the Buzz Buzz, composed of Monkey Shoulder Whiskey, honey, lemon, and propolis tincture. The cocktail is served in a glass beehive and topped with szechuan buttons. Any beverage that comes with directions is a promising sign. “Take your first sip, then take a small bite of the button and sip again.” They don’t tell you why. The Buzz Buttons rightfully earn their title by making your entire tongue tingle after the smallest bite. The flavor is something entirely new and the effervescent sensation numbs the edge of the whiskey.
DOWNTOWN PORTLAND
THE RITZ-CARLTON, PORTLAND
Off to a strong start, dinner begins with a donut dish. Well, kind of. More specifically, a Crab Berliner (the chef’s favorite treat as a kid) with Dungeness crab, yuzu kosho, and scallion curtido. Rosti potatoes with caviar, pepper crème fraîche, truffle and smoked trout roe follow, with scallops and applewood bacon mousse on the way.
The menu is a celebration of the Pacific Northwest with tastes highlighting its land and sea access. Finishing off the dining portion of the evening is a Dry-Aged Smoked NY Striploin and a forest of mousse-filled chocolate mushrooms and pistachio ice cream. Fueled by post-dinner euphoria, I venture out on the town to the Multnomah Whiskey Library. Just a short walk from the hotel, the social club is home to over 2,000 different bottles of whiskey. Shaken cocktails are made at the bar, stirred are made tableside.
Dark wood and exposed brick grace the dimly lit space and the traditional library feel is certainly present. Green banker’s lamps adorn every table, and the only stark difference between this library and a regular one is the lack of books and gregarious amounts of whiskey.
I nurse a Bourbon Renewal—cassis, sugar, lemon, bourbon, and a dash of bitters—as the night winds down. I return to my Ritz refuge and sleep the morning away.
I won’t lie and say that blue skies and sunshine are the weather of the weekend. It is indeed the notorious gloomy climate. I truly don’t mind it. Portland embraces the clouds and rain. It adds to the laid-back urban vibe.
Today, I escape the city and head for the vineyards. The Willamette Valley is just an hour southwest of Portland, yet it seems like a different world. Away with the sky-high buildings and bustling streets, the lush vineyards and sweeping scenery are a welcome change.
Three vineyards are on the agenda, starting with Soter Vineyards at Mineral Spring Ranch, a 240-acre biodynamic farm. Their farmhouse style tasting room and kitchen creates an ambiance that says “Let’s have a glass by the fire and a good conversation.” It embodies Oregon in its simplistic beauty and overall comforting feel.
A glass of brut rosé and a warm bowl of miso soup make the outside chill long forgotten. When the ingredients for their dishes can’t be provided by their own land, they source them from members of their local community.
A wise person once told me: “You do like Chardonnay. You’ve just never had a good Chardonnay.” Soter’s Chardonnay is proof of that statement. Accompanied with english peas, wild onions and a spring rapini, the white wine is a refreshing afternoon sip. Two Pinot Noirs later, I’m on the road to Domaine Serene Winery. Simply put, if you are looking for a traditional, Napa Valley-esque tasting experience, this is the place for you.
My third and final stop on the wine tour is Artist Block. Founded by artist Anna Sweet, the winery and art gallery lovechild is on a mission to take the intimidation out of wine tasting. Entering the entirely black wood building, a variety of Pantone color swatches grace the walls, but these aren’t Cornflower Blues or Peach Fuzzes. They are Pinot Noir (a pink red), Rosé (a light pink), Chardonnay (a bright yellow), and various wine names and colors.
Unveiled by the black curtain, the tasting room is covered in donuts and gummy bears and lipstick. It’s my kind of place. Beyond teaching me about incredible wines in an accessible way, they also teach me that gummy bears absolutely belong on charcuterie boards. Anna is the definition of cool and turned her passion to create from art to wine. This is the winery you want to end your day at.
Dinner tonight is at the Michelin-starred chef creation okta. It has received various accolades from the New York Times and Time and deservedly so. Farm to table is a feature that the restaurant prides itself on with okta Farms growing the elements that appear on my plate. Of the numerous courses (14 if I counted correctly), the turnips dosed in a cheese glaze and topped with cherry blossoms and puffed rice take first place. A masterpiece of juxtaposing flavors and textures.
After wine-filled Saturday, Sunday starts off with a bit of R&R at the Rose City inspired Ritz-Carlton, Portland Spa. A 50-minute relaxation treatment preceded by steam and sauna sessions leave me replenished and ready for the day ahead. For an extra wake up, I take a dip in the pool with a view. Floor to ceiling windows reveal almost 360 views of Downtown Portland while the edgeless pool appears to float amongst the clouds.
Coffee for the day is sourced from Meadowrue, the in-hotel brew spot. Under dew drop lights and dangling ferns, I revel in the Hazelnut Latte that came recommended to me by an employee. Fun fact: Oregon is the second largest hazelnut producer in the world. So, it is only fitting that The Ritz makes their own hazelnut syrup.
On my final full day exploring the city, I pay the Japanese Gardens a visit as well as the Pittock Mansion. I highly recommend both. Full of greenery, koi, and history, the Gardens are often regarded as the best outside of Japan. The Mansions of Providence, Rhode Island have a run for their money with Pittock Mansion. The home itself is a sight to behold, but the hilltop view of the city may be even grander.
Deadstock Coffee is rumored to be some of the best coffee in the country, so I had to see for myself. A walk through the city shows the colors and vibrancy of the people and places that contrast the dark skies.
Lunch takes place at the Alberta cARTs, a square of culinary delights. The Alberta Arts district is a hot spot for eclectic shops and local makers and one of Portland’s food cart collections. Wood-fired white pizza from Paladin Pie and pad thai from E-San Thai are my dining choices for the day. BBQ, Latin American flavors, and sushi are some of the other tempting options.
Hour 62 of my time in Oregon is Japanese-Korean fusion cuisine at Janken. While still upscale, it is an appreciated casual-ish dinner comparably. Espresso martinis and edamame are flowing and the Hamachi Crispy Rice and Japchae are reason enough to book my next trip to Portland.
It wouldn’t be a proper Portland experience without immersing myself in the book wonderland that is Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore. Thankful for the 9 p.m. close time, I slip in on my way “home” from dinner. I could’ve spent hours on end browsing their endless shelves of stories, but time is of the essence. So, I settle on a souvenir for my mom and a sense of fulfillment.
While going back to reality is never easy, it’s a little easier when SBA is your final destination. As the cityscape fades below the clouds, I remember the one thing I forgot to do. Guess I’ll have to go back.*
JANKEN WAGYU HOT STONE PHOTOGRAPHY THOMAS TEAL
1 48 HOURS
in Santa Barbara
DAY
STAY
Eat, stay, and play at White Caps Beach Club. Call one of their charming bungalows home for the weekend. With coastal chic inspired decor, ocean views, and a food truck serving up lobster rolls, the Summerland spot is California in cottage form.
@whitecapsbeachclub
DAY 2
EAT
A tried and true classic, Jeannine’s is a “comfort clubhouse” for locals and visitors alike. No better way to start the morning than with their Challah French Toast and California Omelets.
@jeanninesrestaurants
HIKE
Revel in the passing of May Gray and June Gloom with a refreshing hike at 7 Falls Trail. After a beautiful climb through Los Padres National Forest, cool off in various natural pools at the end.
COFFEE
Recharging at Dart Coffee’s newest location on the Santa Barbara Harbor. Sip on a June Bug Lavender Latte and fill up on Breakfast Empanadas while relishing in the sights and sounds of the waterfront.
@dartcoffeeco
FIESTA
Flamenco performances, paella, sangria, and churros. What more could you ask for? Loquita’s Annual Fiesta Party is the spot to celebrate Santa Barbara’s Spanish heritage.
@loquitasb
DINE
La Paloma Cafe’s story is one of dreams and embracing history. The green and red glow of the neon sign stands as a vestige of the community and tradition that still stands today. Potato & Zucchini "Chorizo" Tacos and Pork Shoulder Carnitas dishes stay true to the past while celebrating the present.
@lapalomasb
POLO
Polo season is upon us and Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club is the place to get in on the action. Experience the skill and elegance of the game up close with an Aperol Spritz in hand and dressed in your best.
@santabarbarapoloclub
SHOP
There is no lack of Lack of Color hats at State Street’s Sirena. Pick one up on your way to the polo match or browse their clothing collection complete with aesthetic denim, sundresses, and swimwear.
@sirena.santabarbara
DRINKS
In Moroccan lore, Djinns are mischievous spirits. In Santa Barbara lore, Djinn is home to one-of-a-kind cocktails that may lead to mischief. There is only one way to find out.
@hotelcalifornian
DINE
The Michelin star Caruso’s has is there for many good reasons. Take a dining journey through the coast with dishes like Santa Barbara Blue Fin Tuna Crudo and Channel Island Halibut while taking in the sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean.
@carusos
BY Laura Hupp
LA PALOMA CAFE
SANTA BARBARA POLO AND RACQUET CLUB
CARUSO'S
LOQUITA
LACK OF COLOR HAT FROM SIRENA
S
Discover Santa Barbara’s legendary hideaway and most romantic Forbes Five Star resort, in the lush hillsides of Montecito overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy ultimate privacy with vine-covered cottages that are tucked behind individual gates and offer individual outdoor showers with private oversized sunken spas all surrounded by incredibly landscaped gardens across 550 acres. Guests can enjoy complimentary caviar and tableside flambé as part of the all-inclusive dining experiences, without additional resort or parking fees. The resort’s restaurants showcase local bounty, much of it grown on-site The Stonehouse, awarded Wine Spectator’s highest honor, the Grand Award, boasts an outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean with an award-winning menu and wine list. Learn more at SanYsidroRanch.com.
