September/October 2021
Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine
LEAVE IT TO US
By NILI LOTAN available at Allora Fall 2021
TIME TO GET DRESSED
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esert Rose Hat Co. Bespoke Heirloom Hats + Local Artisan Boutique
1114 State Street #17 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Wednesday-Sunday 11-5pm @desertrosehats - www.DesertRoseHats.com
Nestled above the Pacific Ocean in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, invites you to unwind and draw inspiration from this vivid sensory oasis.
800 ALVARADO PLACE, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93103 | 805 845 5800 | BELMOND.COM/ELENCANTO @elencantohotel |
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EXPLORE THE NEW PASEO NUEVO
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651 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara CA 93101
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Mov e be yon d i l l u m i n at i o n . . .
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 Editor in Chief & Publisher OTTOCINA RYAN Director of Photography SILAS FALLSTICH Art Director RILEY YAHR Deputy Editor & Marketing Manager DELANEY WILLET Marketing Coordinator EMMA McDONNELL Writers EILEEN BETTINGER, ANNA CONSTANTINO, SOFIA DEEB, KIM HASHEMI, CLAUDIA LAPIN, ALEXANDRA LEE, ALEXANDRA SHAROVA, KARA THOMPSON, MELISSA TROELLER, CELINE WALLACE Photographers EILEEN BETTINGER, JORDAN DONOHOE, JACQUELINE PILAR, STEPHANIE PLOMARITY, JON PREMOSCH, KENNEDY WILLIAMS, RILEY YAHR
ON THIS COVER
Photographer JACQUELINE PILAR Stylist DELANEY WILLET Model CARIS SHELTON with TWO MANAGEMENT Hair & Makeup JA’NICE RAMOS Location CAMP ZACA AT ZACA MESA WINERY Freenote shirt, The Shopkeepers We Wore What swimsuit, Coco Cabana Mes Demoiselles shorts, Hacienda Waxing Poetic necklace, The Shopekeepers
8 05 .9 6 2 . 0 2 0 0 | W W W.C A B A N A HOME .C OM 1 1 1 S A N TA B A R B A R A S T R E E T S A N TA B A R B A R A , C A 9 3 1 0 1
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@santabarbaralifeandstyle.com santabarbaralifeandstyle.com
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CONTENTS 22 | HONEY, WE’RE HOME! Elevate your home entertainment.
34 | MUST DOUGH
This mushroom pesto pizza will have you saving on tips for the delivery boy.
90 | 48 HOURS
Wind through wine country with your wanderlust as a guide.
dining
51 | SURF, SAND, & STYLE
New season, new style: update your home and wardrobe at our favorite haunts.
52 | ATTENTION SHOPPERS Clean up on aisle four!
wellness
62 | MORE THAN “ME TIME”
Everyday wellness habits that engage your entire being.
24 | HOME ON THE RANGE
66 | FUNCTION OVER FORM
28 | RING MY BELMOND
home
Solvang’s Coast Range & Vaquero Bar revives the carefree air of a neighborhood favorite.
A mid-day getaway to Santa Barbara’s own castle on a hill, Belmond El Encanto.
Profiles 36 | FIGHT FIRE WITH TEQUIL A Sustainable production reaches new heights as Augie’s Agave protects the very land on which it is grown.
38 | COMING UP ROSES
Marlene Taylor’s impeccable craftsmanship seeps through all she touches at La Arcada’s Desert Rose Hat Co.
40 | HOW GOR(J)EOUS!
Gorjana and Jason Reidel mix business with pleasure as the couple behind the internationallyacclaimed gorjana jewelry line.
Fashion
Honor the body’s natural state with an Ayurvedic healing practice.
68 | PERMANENT VACATION Jodi Goldberg designs the home you’ll never want to leave.
72 | DESIGNING BLISS
Taylor Bliss of Taylor Anne Interiors simplifies space for serene living.
TRAVEL
76 | HISTORY ON THE HOMESTEAD
Zaca Creek Inn and Tavern reimagines its mid-century glory days for a fresh set of visitors.
79 | TAKING AGENCY
Let Santa Barbara Travel Bureau craft your next escape—all you will need to do is pack a bag!
80 | HAPPY CAMPERS
The Adirondacks’ Lake Kora is the adult camp of your childhood dreams.
42 | THE GREAT OUTDOORS
84 | PLEASANTVILLE
48 | FALL INTO FASHION
86 | ISL AND HOPPERS
Pack your designer duffle, we’re going back to summer camp, Zaca-style! Allow local stylist Elissa Williams to curate your fall closet.
20 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Find a bygone era tucked away in Northern California’s Victorian village, Ferndale. A comprehensive guide to New Zealand’s lushest properties, the Robertson Lodges.
Photo by Jacqueline Pilar Solid and Striped swimsuit, Coco Cabana I-Sea sunglasses, The Shopkeepers
In Every Issue
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
SB LIFE & STYLE covet & crave
HONEY, WE’RE HOME! A NIGHT IN NEVER LOOKED SO NICE by DELANEY WILLET
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Mijenta Tequila Blanco Mijenta’s small-batch bottles pack the taste of Jalisco in an artisanal package.
CellArt Champagne Bucket The spirits you’re serving shouldn’t be the only work of art on the table…
S H O PM I J E N TA.CO M
CELL ART.COM
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nea Studio Beanie Couch The ultimate hostess win? Seating guests in the lap of luxury. NEASTUDIO.COM
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Lush Life: Food & Drinks from the Garden by Valerie Rice Everything from spritzers to dessert is covered in local blogger Valerie Rice’s celebration of what our own gardens have to offer. E AT D R I N KG A R D E N.CO M | F I E L D + F O R T
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Sproutcraft Creamery Vegan Cheeses Love a cheeseboard, but loathe the lactose? Carpinteria based Sproutcraft offers artisan options for all guests’ dietary whims. S P R O U TC R A F TC R E A M E R Y.C O M | S A N TA B A R B A R A H I V E S
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Fab Slabs Grazing Platter Your charcuterie board just got a hygienic (and chic!) update, as bacteria is unable to survive on the sleek FabSlabs. FABSL ABSUSA.COM
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SB LIFE & STYLE dining
HOME RANGE ON THE
COASTAL DELICACIES WITH LOCAL FLAIR PREDOMINATE AT SOLVANG’S COAST RANGE & VAQUERO BAR by ANNA CONSTANTINO Photographs by SILAS FALLSTICH
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flick through a collection of old records as a hearty “Cheers!” and clink of cocktail glasses erupts behind me. Not only does Coast Range & Vaquero Bar pour delectable creative drinks, they also spin the vinyl to complement your cocktail. Naturally, I’m enticed by The Ramblin’ Man, a concoction of tequila and pineapple, topped off with champagne. I retreat from the bar to my table, slowly sipping the fusion margarita. Tequila and champagne is an increasingly common combination, and with a crisp finish and blacksalted rim, it exceeds my expectations. Ramblin’ Man The Fresh Fish Crudo and Tomato and Peach Buratta are first to catch my eye, as Coast Range is known for its use of exceptional local ingredients. The crudo is drizzled in shirodashi and yuzu kosho, adorning my palate with a citrus spice. The tender bluefin tuna is buttery, complemented by a fresh burst
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of microgreens and cilantro. I jump to the next appetizer, an artistic array of yellow peaches, heirloom tomatoes, and burrata imported from Italy. I break the burrata open and smother my next bite in the soft cheese, creating a flavorful take on peaches and cream. The zing of the pickled peach vinaigrette and olive oil tie the flavors together beautifully. As I await my next plate I sip on an Amaretto Sour–Luxardo di Saschira, citrus, and egg white topped with a black cherry, evoking a smooth almond flavor. Suddenly, a goblet of ice is placed before me decorated with two hearty Channel Island Rock Crab Claws. I look at the legs sideways wondering how on earth one is supposed to reach the insides, to which the bartender hands me a metal cracker and chimes, “You’ve got to work for it!” Despite the daunting nature of the task and my novice crab-cracking skills, I dive in. Pieces of shell fly about as I finally reach the rich meat, which pairs perfectly with their mustard creme fraiche.
Channel Island Rock Crab Claws @ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 25
Meyer Lemon Tarte
Wagyu Steak Tartare
The House Made Pastrami Sandwich is next on the itinerary, on a sesame bun with horseradish, and swiss cheese. I dunk the sandwich into the accompanying au jus and devour the dripping bite, the pastrami melting in my mouth. My postdinner cocktail, Mr. Tambourine Man–fresh tangerine, vodka, and mint from the garden, is as vibrant and relaxing as the famous tune. To accent the citrus notes, we opt for the Meyer Lemon Tarte for dessert. Meyer lemons, a hybrid fruit of citron and mandarin, are known for being exquisitely sweet and floral. The tarte evokes these flavors, with a whipped vanilla bean cream atop. I finish my cocktail and pass through the bar on my way out, taking in the speakeasy-esque decor and sneaking one last peek at the record player. The entrancing nature of Coast Range & Vaquero Bar is eclectic and refreshing. The hospitality, chipper ambiance, and delicious food is not only a reason to stay through the night, but an even better reason to come back for more. *
26 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Vaquero Burger
“Not only does Coast Range & Vaquero Bar pour delectable creative drinks, they also spin the vinyl to complement your cocktail.”
9-5
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 27
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G D N I N R MO L E B
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Duck Breast 28 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
OM RY AR G RO M N S OR DINI V A HE FL LD AT T O B Y ND TIVIT A T OVA AN CREA AR TICH G H S ELE OMIC RA FALLS D N ON XA LAS STR ALE y SI by hs b rap tog o h P
P
erched above the city, with its sweeping views and award-winning accommodations, El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel effortlessly satiates the desire for a last-minute European escape without the hassle. Spanish colonial revival architecture beautifully complements the gleaming stretch of the Pacific just below Santa Barbara’s scenic Riviera. Although there’s no occasion, I feel an undeniable pull to the property—a much-needed midweek treat. Afterall, a year of pandemicinduced isolation calls for some impromptu indulgence, and nothing delivers that quite like the El Encanto.
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 29
Seared Diver Scallops
Heirloom Tomato Tartar
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“ I order the P.Y.T. The presentation of the vibrant magenta vodka concoction is as exciting as the taste; the right amount of bite hanging on the edge of tart and spice.”
From the front archway that’s adorned with a garland of multicolored trumpet vines to the moody lobby where no corner is overlooked— attention to detail is a defining characteristic of the property. I make my way to what I consider to be the coveted seat in The Dining Room and Terrace restaurant. Nestled on the veranda with an unobstructed view of white sails gliding over the ocean, as if on ice, I settle onto the plush loveseat and sip on a refreshing aperol spritz—an obligatory summer order—while looking over Chef Bruno Lopez’s new menu. It's not quite 5 o'clock, but since rules have gone out the window in the “roaring 2020s,” I order the P.Y.T. The presentation of the vibrant magenta vodka concoction is as exciting as the taste; the right amount of bite hanging on the edge of tart and spice. Given the weather, a light and refreshing appetizer feels like the ideal order. Presented on a bed of thinly sliced tomatoes, the Heirloom Tomato Tartar is sweet and juicy thanks to muted hints of balsamic that allow the natural flavors to shine through. For my main course I risk it and order duck, which is one of my favorite dishes, but also a tricky one to get just right—yet given the hotel’s caliber and the chef ’s skill I have a feeling I am in good hands. The Duck Breast is beautifully plated atop lima beans and grilled peaches, an unexpected but welcome combination.
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 31
“A delicate tap with my knife reveals that the white chocolate butter shell masquerading as a lemon, is in fact filled with yuzu mousse, lemon caviar, and a dash of tequila and mint.”
As expected, Chef Lopez delivers. The balance of crispy skin and buttery tenderness is the mark of an expertly cooked duck, which along with summery peaches that have remnants of crunch, and a delicious yet not overpowering sweet and sour sauce, creates an irresistible experience. Not one bite is spared. In keeping with the theme of indulgence I stay for dessert. My gastronomical delight arrives in the shape of a lemon, which is so realistic I almost think my order was mixed up. A delicate tap with my knife reveals that the white chocolate butter shell masquerading as a lemon, is in fact filled with yuzu mousse, lemon caviar, and a dash of tequila and mint. From taste to presentation, this may be my new favorite dessert—which for a connoisseur is a bold statement. With a full, and happy, belly I make my way from the terrace to the grass that separates the restaurant from the sparkling pool. I marvel at the panoramic views on the city below as a warm California breeze gently rolls in through the property. It truly is a multisensory experience here, and although I have yet to retrieve my car from the friendly valet, I am already planning my next visit to El Encanto. *
32 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Goleta Lemon
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 33
SB LIFE & STYLE recipe
Roasted Mushroom Pesto Pizza Recipe & Photograph by RILEY YAHR Mixed & Measured | mixedandmeasured.com
Makes 2 personal pizzas
INGREDIENTS All ingredients available at Bristol Farms
3 cups mushrooms (Maitake, Oyster and Crimini used here), roughly chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 4 cloves garlic, chopped ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 (8oz) packages pizza dough ¼ cup basil pesto ¼ cup fontina cheese, shredded ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded ½ cup burrata cheese, at room temperature
DIRECTIONS Remove pizza dough from packaging, place on a floured work surface, and cover with a clean cloth. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On a baking sheet, combine the mushrooms, oil, lemon juice, thyme, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Bake for 15 minutes, until the mushrooms are golden brown and slightly crispy. Set aside and turn oven to 500 degrees. Back to the floured work surface, roll out 1 pizza dough into an 8 inch circle. Place on a lightly floured baking sheet. Spread with half (2 tablespoons) the pesto and sprinkle with half the fontina and mozzarella. Bake for 7 minutes, until cheese just begins to brown. Spoon roughly 3 tablespoons of burrata on top and add half of the mushrooms. Bake for another 5 minutes. Remove from oven. Repeat with the remaining pizza. Slice and enjoy! *
34 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
TODD SHEA
Luxury Buyer Representation
Photo credit: Madisyn Graham
todd@ziagroup.com 805.453.7730
CALRE#02028163
SB LIFE & STYLE profiles
Fight Fire with TEQUILA
by DELANEY WILLET Photographs by SILAS FALLSTICH
AUGIE’S TEQUILA BUILDS AN 805 EMPIRE WITH A HOMEGROWN MISSION
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or all, the 2017 Thomas Fire 2018 Montecito mudslide caused destruction and devastation to the quintessentially idyllic Santa Barbara lifestyle. For Berkeley “Augie” Johnson, the natural disaster, and the fires which preceded the flows, were also a call to action. Johnson explains, “My family and I thankfully survived the mudslides—but it was neardeath.” Augie, of the eponymous tequila brand, has resided in Santa Barbara with his family for 25 years. Alongside his VP of Operations, Marvin Gutierrez, the pair have created an agave kingdom across Santa Barbara County. The aftermath of such tragedy motivated Johnson to make a positive environmental change within the community, as well as cultivate the rich culture encapsulated in this sacred oceanside landscape.
36 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
As Johnson began attending fire safety and prevention meetings, he learned that local avocado groves are able to withstand the flames, sparking inspiration for a mutuallybeneficial venture. While avocado growth necessitates excessive water to be sustainable, agave and prickly pear are able to thrive in such soil and possess similar characteristics of fire resistance. Johnson’s mission quickly materialized: the protection of his hometown from further natural disaster, possible through the creation of an abundant agave ecosystem. Not only does Johnson’s sustainable farming practice shield our environment from further damage and aid in reversing what has already been done, but the careful harnessing of these plants and their nectars pays poignant homage to the tradition of the land and its Hispanic roots. Augie’s spinoff brand, Firebreak Tequila, is concocted from the agave planted to fireproof Santa Barbara. Tequila craftsmanship is typically attributed to Mexican culture, which runs deeply through the veins of Santa Barbara, but Johnson explains that the process of growing
“Johnson’s mission quickly materialized: the protection of his hometown from further natural disaster, possible through the creation of an abundant agave ecosystem across the Southern California coast.”
and distilling agave spirits is not so alien to the area. Rather, abundant evidence suggests that tequila distillation is endemic to the 805, beginning when the Portugese sailed through the area centuries ago and eventually sprung roots in this soil. At the heart of Augie’s ethos is their quality control, which extends from the planting process to the bottling of the tequila. Johnson designed a comprehensive agave ecosystem that wastes nothing yielded from the field. Nectar is harvested as a sweetener and the pulque, or fermented sap of the plant, is produced as an alternative fermented beverage. The aim of Augie’s agave ecosystem is to improve the land rather than desecrate it, enriching the soil from which the product is gleaned, reducing waste and promoting the cleanliness of tequila production. Johnson’s spirits can be found at Flor de Maiz—the waterfront Oaxacan restaurant whose cocktail program he had a hand in developing—and other local establishments, yet that’s just the beginning. Coming soon to State Street is Augie’s restaurant, a full-service tequila bar, replete with white flags on the building's exterior announcing that the location serves lauded-after pulque, as has been done at similar specialty establishments for centuries. The DNA of Augie’s is built upon the self-described “805 Experience.” Agave is grown and sourced under the area code, distributed here, and enjoyed in distinctly Santa Barbara locales. Johnson says, “We want this to be something people travel for, that is unique to this area in particular. When they reminisce on their trips to Santa Barbara, we want them to also remember this tequila they had while they were here.” augiesagave.com
LET'S MAKE:
Augie's Spicy Frozen Pineapple Margaritas
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS 3 oz Augie’s Tequila 1 oz triple sec 2 cups frozen pineapple 1 cup ice 4 limes, juiced 1 jalapeño Sea salt Tajin Red pepper flakes Mint
DIRECTIONS Place the frozen pineapple, ice and lime juice in a blender. Blend for 3 minutes or until smooth. Push down the sides of the mixture with a rubber spatula throughout to get everything mixed in. At the end, add the Augie’s Tequila and triple sec and blend for an additional 15 seconds. For the garnish, take a left-over lime and move it around the rim of the cup. Combine the sea salt, tajin and red pepper flakes in a saucer and run the rim of the glass over the salt and pepper mixture. Cut the jalapeño slices really thin. The best way to get the most out of your mint is by slapping it before using it in a dish or prior to drinking. Pour the drink in the cup and garnish with jalapeños and mint. #neatornot always enjoy! * @ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 37
ROSES coming up
LA ARCADA’S NEWEST GEM FEATURES HATS, BOHEMIAN CHARM, AND HOPE CURATED BY MARLENE TAYLOR by ALEXANDRA LEE
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Photographs by SILAS FALLSTICH
elcome to my dream closet!” You might catch cattleman hat of an authentic cowboy. “I think that’s this greeting upon stepping foot in La Arcada’s how my style came to be...it was taking his style but newest hidden gem, a neutrals-drenched putting my own twist on it, and that’s what the hats are.” oasis reminiscent of sun-soaked horse Continuing his tradition in her own way, Marlene prefers rides, dusty desert road trips, and beachside a centuries-old hat-making technique as opposed to relaxation. Accordingly named Desert Rose technologically-based methods and chemicals, needing Hat Co., owned and operated by Marlene Taylor, is a only “a jiffy steamer, my blocks, and my muscles,” she one-stop-shop for quintessential Santa Barbara beach explains with a wink. Every detail of each hat, from the equestrian style. The storefront opened in December color and style to the band preference, is customizable, and is focused around one-ofrequiring a multi-week-long a-kind artisan hats grounded process to yield that perfectly “Family and community crisp brim. They’re completely in unwavering devotion to community, family, and healing. one-of-a-kind. Draw up the hat are the veins running Comb the shelves and you’ll of your wildest dreams, and find a wooden hat block carved Marlene will accomplish it. Less through Desert Rose, by Marlene’s father, or spot the a mere piece of headwear, these and it’s tied up into a unfinished wood gnawed on by hats symbolize art and refined horses (her father’s a cowboy). talent in wearable form. neat bohemian box Family and community are the with ribbons of passion, As a self-taught artisan, Marlene veins running through Desert Rose, and it’s tied up into a neat opened Desert Rose only a year strength, and hope.” bohemian box with ribbons of after beginning her trial-andpassion, strength, and hope. error journey down the road of “It’s driven by so much more than business. It’s passion, headwear craftsmanship. When I ask how she refined it’s my life, it’s my whole story wrapped into one.” In her skills to create a foolproof process, she smirks: “I dreamy neutrals and soft denim, Marlene’s prized hat made a lot of bad hats.” The importance of local industry collection adorns the walls on unfinished horseshoe has been woven into Desert Rose’s foundation from the mounts, a tribute to the mountains of Santa Barbara and very first photoshoot; locally-made leather bags, jewelry, their western aesthetic—sophisticating the craze for a and accessories soon adorned the website. This curation beach bum lifestyle. of lifestyle goods naturally segued to a storefront, less a business and more a labor of love where elevated Marlene is the first to admit that she’s not, and never has bohemian dreams meet vibrant passion. A store was been, a hat wearer—the shop, rather than a hat shrine, never a question; she thought, “I’m going to open a is an ode to her father (and superhero), who every day store and I’m going to offer the hats and the whole look, throughout her childhood donned the curved-brim and I’m going to feature other small businesses in the
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box “inspiring” within five minutes of me walking through the door. With misty eyes I listened as she described her experience at La Arcada just six years ago: “I sat at that turtle fountain with my five-year-old completely a mess, with $6 to my name, looking around in this plaza and thinking to myself ‘one day.’” Today, Desert Rose Hat Co. is born along with dreams realized in the form of wide brims and braided bands. The phrase “We make quality goods for a higher purpose” rests above the shop mirror, and now I understand what that purpose means. Marlene’s parting words for any potential customers? She wants you to know that you can buy designs from local artisans, in a onestop-shop to create the perfect western-Santa Barbara aesthetic. Her words for anyone in general? “You’re worthy.” This phrase remained plastered in my mind the whole drive home, along with a genuine smile on my face and in my heart, as I pondered the uplifting fact that people like Marlene exist, adding light and hope into spaces where nobody knew it was needed. * desertrosehats.com community. It was just obvious.” Styling and careful attention to detail is just as key to Desert Rose as the headwear. Every aspect from a shirt tuck to a cuff fold plays a role in achieving the coveted look, and to top it off just throw on a signature Panama or San Ysidro! Desert Rose captures the beautiful simplicity of nonchalant accessorizing. Marlene describes the shop as herself manifested in physical form, every item intentionally curated and every nook revealing a hidden tie to family—it’s her very own 210 square-foot slice of heaven. “It feels like my own little art gallery. It’s exciting, it’s humbling, it’s everything. And it means so much to me beyond business, and that’s the motive to keep going.” Perhaps most special of all is Marlene’s dedication to healing in the community—five percent of proceeds are donated to CALM and Domestic Violence Solutions of Santa Barbara, carefully selected organizations to which she holds personal ties. An outspoken survivor herself, her greatest hope regarding the choice to share her experience publicly is to act, in her words, as a beacon of light for anyone struggling in darkness. Luckily for Marlene, she checked off the
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 39
HOW GOR(J)EOUS GORJANA’S NEWEST COAST VILLAGE ROAD LOCATION IS ONLY THE MOST RECENT CHAPTER IN THE BRAND’S WINDING STORY
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by DELANEY WILLET
or Gorjana and Jason Reidel, the husband-and-wife team behind the internationally sought after jewelry line, gorjana, what began with “gorgeous, good quality gemstones that we were able to find for less than precious stones,” blossomed into an empire, aiming to “serve every kind of woman at every age.”
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The brand is known for its timeless, delicate, accessible pieces, made to layer, to gift, and to cherish for yourself, as each piece has the potential to hold sentimental significance for both its creator and wearer. Since gorjana launched in 2004, collections have included birthstones, astrological signs, engraving, and motifs of Gorjana Reidel’s own Eastern European heritage. While the jewelry line was conceptualized and reared in Southern California, gorjana’s namesake and founder was born in Serbia and moved to the United States at seven years old. “I grew up around creative women. My mom and grandmothers were all about DIY—sewing all my clothes and putting together beautiful things from scratch. So the urge to create something, to use my hands, came naturally. I started making jewelry for myself, and then friends for special occasions, and it just took off,” says Gorjana.
To say gorjana has made a physical stamp on the nation as a brand would be wildly understating their success. The Montecito shop is the couple’s nineteenth storefront and, as we speak, they let me know that three other stores are slated to unveil in the next week or so, with their Austin location having its opening celebration the following day. In addition to a shared love of their “business baby” Jason and Gorjana interweave spirituality and a tinge of superstition in their conduction of gorjana’s affairs, further imbuing the company with personal significance that is felt by their customers. “The nineteenth store was always daunting, because that’s our ‘special’ number. So for a few years there was this conversation around, ‘What is nineteen going to be? How are we going to decide?’ But we also believe in signs and the right timing for everything. So when we were driving up Coast Village on a trip to Santa Barbara and saw a vacant space, we knew we’d found it.”
Business partnership may not be the key to a smooth marriage, but Gorjana and Jason have expertly woven professional pursuits into their relationship. Gorjana notes, “You think of going into business with your significant other and you’re like this could be a really bad idea. But with Jason I said, ‘Listen, I have no idea how to sell jewelry. Help me?’” Jason chimes in, explaining the years of elbow grease involved in taking gorjana to the multi-million dollar level at which it sits today. “We started with virtually nothing. We would hit the road, get on planes, constantly call retailers and show the collections, just to be able to make an appearance in person. This was one of the most important things we could have done. Back then, we had a website, but it wasn’t like now; it wasn’t cool or necessary to have one. We would tell potential clients about the page and they’d tell us what mattered was getting in somewhere brick and mortar.”
The couple is based in Laguna Beach—where another gorjana location is nestled, as well as their artists’ studios, in the vibrant artist colony of Laguna Canyon—yet they feel a particular connection to Santa Barbara, as they do to each of the locales where they have set up shop. “Santa Barbara has always been where we go to get away, to spend quality time as a couple but especially as a family. It was our son’s first trip when he was only a few months old. And we’ve always batted around the idea of moving to Montecito and settling down up there. We’re happy in Laguna for now, but it’s always in the back of our minds.” As the Reidels migrate through inspiring beach towns, from Malibu, to Laguna Beach, and, now, Montecito, they impart their mission statement on each unique city while they leave their mark. “We want to make jewelry that makes people happy. We want to curate stores that make people happy. Ultimately, from creating the piece, to its purchase, to its gifting, gorjana is all about making and giving memories, celebrating the biggest and littlest moments in life.” * gorjana.com
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 41
SB LIFE & STYLE fashion
Freenote shirt, The Shopkeepers We Wore What swimsuit, Coco Cabana Mes Demoiselles shorts, Hacienda Waxing Poetic necklace, The Shopekeepers Paris Texas boots 42 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
the
GREAT Photographed by JACQUELINE PILAR Stylist DELANEY WILLET Model CARIS SHELTON with TWO MANAGEMENT Hair & Makeup JA’NICE RAMOS Location CAMP ZACA AT ZACA MESA WINERY
Outdoors
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Mother shirt, Hacienda Riverside pants, Coco Cabana 44 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
Waxing Poetic necklaces, The Shopkeepers Gladys Tamez Millinery hat
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Sugar Candy Mountain top, Hacienda Local Apparel skirt, Hacienda Waxing Poetic necklace, The Shopkeepers Bandana, Hacienda Gladys Tamez Millinery hat
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Riverside jumpsuit, Coco Cabana Waxing Poetic necklaces & ring, The Shopkeepers GANNI shoes
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 47
fall fashion into
by DELANEY WILLET
WHAT MAKES YOU COME ALIVE? Reacquainting ourselves with our closets after nearly two years of a sweatsuit dress code can be daunting and exhausting. But, it can also be celebratory, and incredibly freeing. In some ways, current fashions and personal style are making up for lost time—we’re ready to express again. The fog of exhaustion that’s clouded our sartorial patterns is beginning to part. A cultural sigh of relief echoes on the runways (which have, at least in part, returned to live shows) and in the streets, once again humming with stylish, socially distanced flaneurs. Emerging from the boxes in which we’ve been living these past 17 months, we are ready to wear what makes us come alive. We consulted local stylist Elissa Williams on how to embody an enclothed cognition that extends beyond a garment’s price tag, appearance, or function.
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Realizing life is too short to wear sweatpants every day, and still seeking creature comfort and confidence in our outfitting, we must ask, “What fabric feels good on my skin? What prints inspire me? What colors lift my mood? What detail excites me? What silhouette flatters me?” Most importantly, “What do I love?” When we clothe ourselves in articles that fulfill us both visually and emotionally, we create a harmony between our self-presentation and our state of mind, a peace that projects palpable confidence. This state of enclothed cognition can be incredibly transformative— even healing, especially as we enter the transitional and nerve wracking period from lockdown to life as we now know it. This is the time to embrace the beauty of the clothes of the season. Our fall fashion comprises more than a well-curated closet; it is a welcome homecoming into our metamorphosed personas. Here are a few outfits Elissa curated to inspire us to step into fall, fully self-expressed.
COOL HUES ACCENTED WITH GOLD SERVE AS THE PERFECT TRANSITION FROM WARMER TEMPS TO A FALL BREEZE.
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Ulla Johnson ester ruffled cotton-chambray blouse $355, ullajohnson.com
Ulla Johnson Amari patchwork cotton dress $995, ullajohnson.com
gorjana classic 15 mm gold hoops $250, gorjana.com
Yuzefi Mini Taco leather crossbody bag $490, yuzefi.com
Isabel Marant Dytho leather ankle boots $1,090, isabelmarant.com
Q by Qs KP43 Chelsea sneaker boots $400, shopqbyqs.com
Jonathan Simkhai Standard Eliot distressed boyfriend jeans $275, jonathansimkhai.com
3.
LHD Casitas jumpsuit $550, thewebster.us Jenni Kayne oiled leather kitten heel mule $425, jennikayne.com Dior Dream ring $660, dior.com
STAND-OUT SILHOUETTES COUPLED WITH BREATHTAKING BAUBLES MAKE A STATEMENT BEFORE YOU CAN EVEN SAY A WORD.
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Silverhorn Emerald earring price available upon request, silverhorn.com Zimmermann concert spliced minidress $995, zimmermannwear.com Alexandre Birman Myra 100 leather ankle boots $725, alexandrebirman.com
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5.
DAY TO NIGHT, NEUTRALS NEVER FAIL TO SIMPLIFY THE WARDROBE WHEN ACCENTED WITH SHINING ACCESSORIES.
6. A.L.C. Peters II V-neck cardigan $375, alcltd.com
Olivia Rüst bracelet $395, oliviarust.com Aquazzura Papillon 105 embellished metallic leather sandals $895, aquazzura.com Shona Joy Elsa mini tuxedo shirt dress $340, shonajoy.com
Autumn Adeigbo natural & blue headband $72, autumnadeigbo.com Anine Bing Rooney mules $349, aninebing.com A.L.C Huxley tailored short $350, alcltd.com
BUNDLING UP DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN SACRIFICING STYLE! HIGH NECKLINES AND SWEEPING HEMS OFFER DRAMA TO A POLISHED LOOK.
7.
Bottega Veneta Lido leather sandals $1,270, thewebster.us Zimmermann Concert Peonies trouser $650, zimmermanwear.com Zimmermann Concert Peonies shirt $650, zimmermanwear.com
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Jennifer Meyer 15 Small Edith link studs $2,250, jennifermeyer.com Jonathan Simkhai Lila offthe-shoulder ribbed-knit top $295, jonathansimkhai.com Isabel Marant Dipoma denim midi skirt $515, isabelmarant.com Isabel Marant Laylis kneehigh suede boots $1,190, isabelmarant.com
SURF, SAND, AND STYLE OUR HOME AND FASHION SHOPPING GUIDE by SOFIA DEEB
and this time, right here in our own backyard. The decor mecca’s offshoot, The Well, is something of a treasure hunt. But I can assure you won’t need to look hard, because every corner of this place boasts dazzling, one-of-a-kind antique gems for the home and garden. Take a step through their gates and you’ll instantly feel at home amongst the store’s perfected displays. A little tip from the locals: don’t leave empty handed, because chances are, that item you’re eyeing will be gone in the blink of an eye.
Photo by Jacqueline Pilar
ALLORA BY LAURA
F
rom Santa Barbara’s golden coastline, to its stunning Spanish architecture, this city takes beauty and luxury to a whole new level. Each year, countless tourists flock to historic State Street looking to add Santa Barbara flair to their homes and wardrobes. But if it’s style you’re looking for, venture out into the city and its surrounding regions, and you’ll discover a vibrant shopping scene filled with incredible lifestyle boutique options. Whether you’re looking to buy luxury, secondhand, or even handmade, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite local spots to find clothing, home decor, gifts, and more.
THE WELL
Did you know that Los Angeles’ beloved Big Daddy’s Antiques has branches in Summerland and Ojai? That’s right— founder Shane Brown has done it again,
Everything about this boutique seems to say “Allora”—or “Come on!” as we say in English. Allora by Laura’s glamorous aesthetic offers a space to feel truly inspired and its shelves house some of the city’s most desirable luxury items. Mother-daughter duo, Laura Dinning and Taylorjane (TJ) Harlin, work together to curate their dazzling collection of timeless European pieces that have a Santa Barbara feel. The boutique is also known to host fun events, like trunk shows where you can accessorize with fine jewelry designed in Southern California.
HACIENDA
At charming Summerland boutique Hacienda by Bonita Lifestyle, owned by Rita Villa, you can find an exciting array of locally and internationally sourced bohemian items, including clothing, jewelry, home decor, and food. But this isn’t your typical lifestyle boutique; this curated collection combines elements of both Mexican and Californian artistry, to offer an undeniably inspiring shopping experience. If you’re looking for a unique-yet-thoughtful gift, Hacienda is just the place. A personal favorite is their adorable collection of clothes for babies and children.
GARDE
John Davidson and Scotti Sitz’s second location of GARDE, right here in Summerland, is a hub for interior design enthusiasts in search of iconic avant-garde home decor. A collection of elegantly eccentric pieces brings life to the 1920’s farmhouse this boutique is set in. It was the founders’ vision to showcase the talents and skills of artists from all around the world; GARDE’s Summerland location features a perfect harmony of new takes on classic post-modern pieces with almost futuristic ones, plus whimsical touches like the flock of silkie chickens in the backyard. And the inspiration doesn’t end there—the building also offers a vacation rental upstairs. Visitors can experience GARDE’s brilliance on a more personal level as they spend the night in the century-old farmhouse.
JAKE AND JONES
Take a deep dive into the fashion realm of social media, and you’ll notice that sustainable style is all the rage. There’s nothing better than fashion that not only looks good, but is for the planet as well—and Jennifer Steinwurtzel, founder of Jake and Jones, created her boutique with sustainability in mind. But don’t let that fool you, there’s certainly no compromise on style here. Jake and Jones is the best place in Santa Barbara to shop cult favorite labels that have been taking over the internet. Paloma Wool, Maison Margiela, and Baggu are just some of the brands that make up the boutique’s assortment of comfortable, colorful, and stylish pieces.
MARCUS
MARCUS boutiques are all about creating beauty, and that is certainly evident. At Bobbi and Marcus Lemonis’ Montecito shop, luxury takes center stage. The gorgeous gold-accented interior houses a concise collection of women’s luxury items including clothing, jewelry, accessories, and handbags. In every corner of this store, you’ll find pleasant surprises, including rare pieces from luxury labels including Gucci, Fendi, and Bottega Veneta. Upstairs, enjoy perusing MARCUS’ wide variety of eye-catching coffee table books and home decor. * @ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 51
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t a te nt ion
ON AMANDA Balenciaga skirt, The Webster Brochu Walker sweater, K. Frank Waxing Poetic rings, The Shopkeepers Susan Alexandra bag, Jake & Jones LPA shoes ON STAV Vintage jacket, sunglasses & necklace, The Blue Door Retrobrand shirt, The Shopkeepers Stella McCartney pants, The Webster
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LHD dress, The Webster Susan Alexandra bag, Jake & Jones
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Betsey Johnson Runway dress, The Blue Door Clergerie shoes, Allora by Laura
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 55
Zero + Maria Cornejo shirt & pants, Allora by Laura Veronica Beard loafers, K. Frank Vintage necklace, The Blue Door Waxing Poetic ring, The Shopkeepers
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Peter Cohen dress, Allora by Laura Vintage coat, The Blue Door LPA shoes Waxing Poetic necklace, The Shopkeepers
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 57
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Retrobrand shirt, The Shopkeepers Balenciaga skirt, The Webster LPA shoes Waxing Poetic necklace, The Shopkeepers
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Dorothee Schumacher suit, Allora by Laura Prada boots Waxing Poetic necklace, The Shopkeepers
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Vintage blouse & necklace, The Blue Door I-Sea sunglasses, The Shopkeepers @ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 61
SB LIFE & STYLE wellness
MORE than
“ME TIME”
A
by EILEEN BETTINGER Photographs by JACQUELINE PILAR
s I transition back into populated environments, my daily schedule has acquired a fast-paced, multi-tasking quality. While a busy calendar feels satisfyingly reminiscent of my previously active lifestyle, it also poses new questions: How much am I ready to take on? Do I want to preserve aspects of my lock-down routine? Am I the same person that I was before the pandemic? These and similar concerns resonate with many of us as we work to create our “new normal,” and considering the massive changes we’ve endured, it’s only natural to experience stress and anxiety along the way. I spoke with meditation teacher Sarah McLean, therapist Alia Aizenstat, and fitness trainer Sam Brodkey about mind and body wellness. Because if there’s one thing this past year has taught us, it’s that emotional and physical health are interconnected. Here are several ways to take a holistic self-care practice back into the reopening world.
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CULTIVATING MIND AND BODY WELLNESS THROUGH FITNESS, MEDITATION, AND STRESS MANAGEMENT
FIND COMMUNITY
For fitness trainer Sam Brodkey, the best thing about Santa Barbara Athletic Club is its community. “It’s rare to see a club where people get along the way they do here, people treat it as more than just a place to work out,” he shares. For those who are new to the club, the best place to build community is in a workout class or with a trainer. The club offers over 100 weekly group classes, from highintensity strength training to restorative yoga. Training programs include nutrition and health planning, stress management, and injury prevention tips. Brodkey explains that SB Athletic Club professional trainers can customize your fitness routine to best suit your needs, while workout classes give way to a camaraderie that transforms exercise into a fun and playful activity. At a refuge that offers an open-air spin studio, Santa Barbara’s only squash courts, a heated lap pool, saunas, and steam rooms, breaking a sweat is only part of the experience. This comprehensive approach to fitness inspires a round of familiar faces throughout the club.
Fitness Fuelers
1
Go the distance in APL’s most advanced shoe to date. With over two years of development, beauty and performance come together in the Streamline running shoe.
APL Streamline Sneakers $300, AT H L E T I C P R O P U L S I O N L A B S.CO M
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TAKE IT SLOW
On your first trip back to the gym you’ll notice extra stiffness on the way in and extra soreness on the way out. “It’s important to safely get back into old activities,” Brodkey explains. He emphasizes that instead of trying to pick up where you left off, it’s better to meet yourself at your current level of fitness and set new goals.
Whether you’re working out, doing yoga, or just lounging around the house, an outfit designated for wellness can motivate you to set aside time for self-care.
MEDITATE
Think of the mind like a muscle, then think of meditation like exercise for that muscle. According to Sarah McLean, meditation teacher and founder of McLean Meditation Institute, meditating daily can make a long-term, positive difference in how we think and express ourselves. To elaborate on this, McLean breaks down the science behind meditation. “During meditation blood pressure goes down, respiration starts to normalize, and your perception of the world changes so you can see everything is happening for you rather than to you,” she informs. By doing this every day, we create resilience in our nervous systems. “Stress accumulates unnoticed, and what meditation does on a regular basis is keep the stress at bay so that emotional issues don’t arrive as quickly,” she says. For those who are new to meditation, McLean emphasizes several motivating points: “It’s okay to have thoughts,'' McLean says. “It’s the nature of the mind to think.” She explains that meditation isn’t about forcing the mind into silence, it’s about redirecting your thoughts and attention to the present moment. McLean recommends finding an object of focus for your attention–the breath, sounds in your environment, or even something sightbased. That’s right, you don’t have to close your eyes to meditate. “Some people like to stare at a candle flame or the night sky, or even imagine a light in the mind’s eye,” she says. McLean also reminds beginners that every meditation session will feel a little different and it’s important not to expect a specific experience. “You can start with any kind of focus, you do not need an app, you can use the timer on your phone, just keep it on do not disturb. Even though it might be romantic to do it–you know, on the beach or on the mountain top–do it in your bedroom. Sit upright, close the door, set up five minutes for yourself, and give it a shot.”
Alo Bra & Leggings $64, $114, ALOYOGA.COM
3
Elevate your hydration with VOSS’s new line VOSS+ Water of infused water. $4, VO S S WAT E R.CO M VOSS+ offers refreshing berry and citrus flavors aided with collagen, vitamin D, and electrolytes to enhance your daily nourishment.
4
Wellness starts from within and Sun Potion adaptogenic supplements like cordyceps mushroom powder and ashwagandha add a boost to any smoothie, warm water, or tea.
Sun Potion Adaptogenic Powders $47 - $118, SUNPOTION.COM
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 63
“When you put your body and face in a place that shows power and happiness, your mood will follow. It’s actually remarkable; it will change your physiology.”
CULTIVATE YOUR EMOTIONAL WELLNESS TOOLKIT
When I spoke with local marriage and family therapist Alia Aizenstat about stress and anxiety management, the first thing she emphasized was that these feelings are a part of being human and that everyone’s wellness toolkit will look different. A wellness toolkit is essentially a collection of exercises or strategies one can employ during moments of high stress and or anxiety. The following techniques will help you feel grounded when it’s difficult to think clearly. 5-4-3-2-1 Technique The 5-4-3-2-1 technique helps us tap into our senses. During a moment of high anxiety, begin by identifying 5 things you can see, followed by 4 things you can feel/touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. Aizenstat explains that this form of grounding helps us to come back into the body when our thoughts overwhelm us.
Posture up and smile Aizenstat often encourages patients to “posture up and smile.” She explains, “When you put your body and face in a place that shows power and happiness, your mood will follow. It’s actually remarkable; it will change your physiology.” Even if you don’t feel empowered, carrying yourself in such a way will put you on the right track. The next time you feel stressed or anxious before a presentation or interview, try striking a power stance. The best thing about embracing mind and body wellness is it equips you with a skill set that’s applicable for the rest of your life. Whether we’re experiencing a pandemic or not, life is inherently difficult at times, and by taking both your emotional and physical needs into account, you can better navigate even the most challenging encounters. Establishing a personalized fitness routine, developing a meditation practice, and constructing a wellness toolkit, are key ways to nurture your mind and body, but to really feel the benefits of these methods, it’s important to engage in them regularly. This means scheduling time for wellness, even if it’s only five minutes. Two underlying notions unite the advice gathered from Brodkey, McLean, and Aizenstat. The first is that we can all benefit from support, and the second is to move through life with selfcompassion. Utilizing therapeutic and athletic resources to become the best version of yourself is on par with scheduling a doctor’s appointment. If we can simply allow ourselves to have needs and to be ourselves in a way that is free of judgment, that’s when true transformation occurs. *
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Model Natalia LaLonde | Hair & Makeup by Heather Roach
Disrupt the pattern High stress can promote cyclical patterns of thought and feeling. “We often get lost in this thought pattern where we think, ‘I just need to push through a little bit more,’ but rather than feeling better we get increasingly dysregulated because we’re not meeting our basic needs,” says Aizenstat. “When we catch ourselves in this state of thinking, it’s time to change the pattern.” Disrupting the pattern can be as simple as walking into another room to get a glass of water. It could equally mean going on a jog, attending a yoga class, or listening to an audiobook.
Stress Relievers
1
House of Wise hemp-derived full spectrum CBD gummies and drops are the ultimate destressor. Pair these tinctures with a CBD balm from Lab to Beauty to remedy any soreness in the body.
House of Wise Stress Drops & Lab to Beauty Hit the Spot Balm $65, H O U S E O F W I S E.C O | $50, L A B TO B E AU T Y.C O M
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Shine a light on mental health with Jo Malone’s White Lilac and Rhubarb Charity Home Candle. 70% of the proceeds are donated to Fountain House, a college re-entry program for students returning to school after encountering mental health obstacles.
Jo Malone White Lilac & Rhubarb Charity Home Candle $72, JOMALONE.COM
3
Embrace the power of aromatherapy with Saje’s Aroma Free Diffuser and Diffuser Oil Blends. Energizing citruses, blissful florals, and grounding herbals come together to help you feel uplifted with every breath. Add drops of your favorite blend to Saje’s first cordless diffuser and scent your space as you move throughout your day.
Saje Diffuser + Oils $98, $65, SA JE.COM
Vimmia bra & leggings
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Local Bath Box supports your self-care time and the local community. Several surprise goods, such as bar soaps, candles and luxurious body Local Bath Box oils sourced from $43, LO C A L B AT H B OX.CO M artisans in Ventura and Santa Barbara County are delivered each month. For every new subscription, the Local Bath Box donates one bar of soap to individuals struggling with homelessness.
@ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 65
FUNCTION ov e r FORM
by CELINE WALLACE
e are not living how our bodies are designed to function. For many, this results in issues doctors can’t diagnose or resolve, and health problems you’ve harbored so long that you've forgotten what symptom-free feels like. According to Ayurveda, known as the mother of all healing systems because it predates all other healing therapies and natural medicines, there are natural methods to heal ourselves.
WHAT IS AYURVEDA? Ayurveda is composed of two Sanskrit words—Ayu meaning “life,” and Veda meaning “knowledge of science.” Together, they mean “the science of life.” The system was developed in India over 5,000 years ago and focuses on preventive medicine. Opposed to going to the doctor when you are sick, it provides the tools to find the root cause of the problem and stay balanced so you can live a healthy life. The philosophy of Ayurveda is centered around three primary energies, known as doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The doshas regulate every physiological and psychological characteristic— circulation, digestion, nervous system, muscular system, and beyond. Finding a balance between the three doshas is key to keeping our bodies in harmony; when they are out of balance, we start to experience problems. Once you know your dosha (there are online quizzes to determine this), we use Ayurveda as a precaution, so the body and mind are strong and in tune, as whatever is happening on the outside is a direct representation of what is happening on the inside.
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THE DOSHAS
VATA
THE CREATIVE Elements: Air & Space Vata represents momentum. It is responsible for all bodily activities and sensations. It controls the movement of blood through the circulatory system, breathing, the delivery of nutrients to cells, and the excretion of waste. In balance, it promotes flexibility and creativity, out of balance, it produces fear and anxiety.
PITTA
THE LEADER Elements: Fire & Water Pitta represents metabolism. It governs digestion and the metabolic transformation of nutrients into biologically usable forms. It also imparts the capacity to absorb ideas and impressions and bestows intelligence and an enthusiasm for life. In balance, it promotes understanding and intelligence, out of balance, it produces anger, hate, and jealousy.
KAPHA
THE NURTURER Elements: Earth & Water Kapha provides substance and support, giving physical and psychological strength and stability. It enhances resistance to disease and advances the healing process. In balance, it promotes love, calmness, and forgiveness, out of balance, it produces attachment, greed, and envy.
DAILY RITUALS Daily rituals are vital in Ayurveda to bring your body into harmony. Here are a few to get you started: Align with the sun Follow the notion of early to bed, early to rise, both at the same time each day. This creates routine, which helps bring a sense of deep balance and peace into the mind and body. Tongue scraping Upon rising, scrape your tongue using a copper tongue scraper. This helps eliminate toxins in the body that have accumulated overnight. Full-body massage Massage an oil blended with herbs all over your body to strengthen the skin, stimulate blood circulation, calm the nervous system, eliminate toxins, and improve your overall well-being and longevity. Eat according to the season Consuming seasonal produce aligns you with nature. When we align with nature, we bring more harmony to our being. In summer, you may feel like light, cooling foods, and in winter, your body is restoring itself and needs easier to digest warm, cooked foods. Photo by Stephanie Plomarity
AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO COOKING Agni is essentially your digestive fire. Pitta governs agni, which is responsible for converting food, body temperature, longevity, courage, strength, and keeping the doshas in balance. When Agni is affected by the doshas, it produces less nourishment and more ama (undigested food or toxins in the body). Simple ways to strengthen your Agni: ■ Eat only when you're hungry ■ Eat when the previous meal has been digested (limit snacking) ■ Eat in a peaceful, calm environment ■ Favor warm, cooked foods ■ Sip hot water frequently throughout the day (it's more about the frequency than the amount of water) ■ Understand food combinations ■ Eat with the seasons ■ Eat a diverse range of plant-based foods Photo by Silas Fallstich
You're now ready to make your first forays into the world of Ayurvedic medicine. Good luck on your journey, and here's some parting wisdom: "When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use; when the diet is correct, medicine is of no need." – AYURVEDIC PROVERB * @ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 67
SB LIFE & STYLE home
Permanent
VACATION JODI GOLDBERG’S MAGIC TOUCH WEAVES FACETS OF SELF, FLOW, AND FUNCTIONALITY INTO EVERY SPACE SHE DESIGNS
W
by KIM HASHEMI
ho wouldn’t want to feel like they’re on vacation all the time? Encapsulated in majestic vistas, gleaming ocean and noteworthy resorts, living in Santa Barbara is basically vacation living year-round. Now, to bring that resort-like sentiment into our homes. Jodi Golberg, design visionary and Santa Barbara local, creates resort style living in the interiors and landscapes she graces with “The Jodi G. Effect.” Think outdoor showers, luxurious soaking tubs, and custom oak vanities. Every project she touches becomes a vacation-like living space. She lost her home in the Montecito mudslide and battled cancer this past year, yet Jodi’s resiliency, positivity, and collaborative spirit radiates through into her client’s homes. I called up Jodi to learn more about her design process and how she transforms homes into permanent vacations. How did your design career begin? I started in fashion and by the time I was 20 I had my own company, Visuals. We did album covers, magazines, and clothing campaigns. I remember driving on Sunset Boulevard and seeing a billboard our company styled for the first time. This was a monumental moment in my life—it fed my ambition and made me trust that I was an artist. In 2001, my husband and I moved our family to Montecito from Los Angeles. We bought a house, and instead of doing the standard upgrades, I turned the ranch style home and property into a Balinese getaway. The tropical environment gave us a sense of being on vacation everyday. That was a pivotal point for me—I realized how important living environments are to peoples' felt experience. I am passionate about each client feeling as blissful in their space as I did in mine.
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Photographs by NANCY NEIL
Jodi Goldberg brings character and warmth into this Montecito home with natural materials and muted colors. Modern furniture beautifully contrasts vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces for a clean, textural aesthetic. @ S B L I F E A N D S T Y L E | 69
What does your design process look like? My first goal is meeting with the client and truly listening to how they want to feel in their home. This may be different for each area in the house; how one wants to feel in their office is different than in their living room, kitchen, or bedroom. As I listen, I come up with an overall style, concept, and flow that encompasses both form and function. I want people to get the most joy out of what each space has to offer. Once finished, the individual spaces have their own purpose and seamlessly flow with the house as a whole, evoking a sense of peace and ease while moving throughout. One of my specialties is connecting interior and outside spaces. I believe that life and nature are meant to be interwoven, and help foster a connection with oneself, others, and purpose. Beauty is a difficult word to define, yet I wish for the finished space to be beauty at its highest potential, and aligned with the client’s individual taste. What is a design trend you're loving right now? I like wabi-sabi design a lot. “Wabi-sabi” is a Japanese term that essentially means finding beauty in imperfection. In the context of interior design and decor, a wabi-sabi home is one that embraces authenticity, finds value in the lovingly weathered and lived-in, and promotes an overall sense of peace and tranquility using simplicity. I am also into natural textures with plaster walls, clay tiles with uneven edges, reclaimed wood shelving, and combining true vintage items with brand new.
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“I want people to get the most joy out of what each space has to offer. Once finished, the individual spaces have their own purpose and seamlessly flow with the house as a whole, evoking a sense of peace and ease while moving throughout.”
What elements do you incorporate to make your projects feel resort-like? When I am doing an outdoor space around a pool, I like to give my clients numerous areas to hang out and entertain. This includes spaces with fire pits, a BBQ, and dining areas, which come alive when the landscape lighting comes on. If my clients have kids, I give the adults areas that feel a little detached from where the kids play. I love putting chaise lounges by a pool on a different hardscape element, like coral pebbles. Lighting, landscaping, hardscapes, and anything that anchors the different spaces will make it feel like a resort. Indoors, I like creating an outdoor shower area off the master bathroom and a private outdoor lounge area outside the primary bedroom. A few other elements that bring that resort feeling: high-end shower fixtures, bedding, and bath towels. Don’t forget candles and plants around the house to complete the whole feeling. * jodigdesigns.com
Are there any local creators you work with closely? I shop local as much as I can to support community businesses. My go-to person for custom furniture is Blaine Taylor from Taylor Fine Furniture. He and I are always able to make incredible designs for my clients. To get that Santa Barbara, California feel I like to use artists who live in the area, for everything from painting and photography, to feather art, pottery, and glass art. What are your favorite things about being a designer? I feel blessed that I get to design spaces that my clients get to live in. On top of working with amazing clients on incredible homes, being close to LA allows me to collaborate with top people in this industry. Also, owning my own interior design firm gives me flexibility in my day to day life. In one week I may be in LA shopping for a client, in Santa Ynez looking at a new project, onsite having meetings with a contractor, and on a zoom call with an architect designing a client's new kitchen remodel. It's so fun and I wouldn't change it for anything.
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Designing
BLISS EXPERT ADVICE FROM TAYLOR BLISS, A LOCAL DESIGNER WHO’S RENOVATING HER SPANISH REVIVAL HOME
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“Skip the rush to finish your project and take time to really live in your house. Then, over time, you’ll accumulate purposeful pieces you can add to your walls.”
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by KARA THOMPSON Photos by ALYSSA ROSENHECK Design by TAYLOR ANNE INTERIORS
hether big or small, beachfront or tucked away, new or filled with character, our homes offer us a blank canvas to express our personalities. They create a space for us to grow and feel inspired while simultaneously making us feel cozy and safe. When I moved into a new apartment in March, I saw it as an opportunity to design a space that made me feel entirely myself. It was a fresh start—a place I could not only unwind but one that would showcase my personality and all that’s important to me. I’ve been home decor obsessed ever since I can remember, however, designing your own abode can be somewhat intimidating. “Because there’s so much out there, it can be hard to pinpoint your exact style,” says Taylor Bliss, founder of Taylor Anne Interiors, an interior architecture and design firm. Whether you’re revamping a single room or building from the ground up, here are eight ways the Santa-Barbara based design star thinks you can streamline your process and end up with results that make your house truly feel like home.
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1. Look in your closet. There are a lot of resources that can help you curate your home, but what Bliss finds helpful with her clients is to look at what’s inside their closets. “Generally speaking, what people look good in, they feel good in,” she explains. You can replicate her process by taking a peek in your wardrobe. Take note of whether you wear a lot of white or if you gravitate toward brighter colors. It’s also helpful to pick up on patterns or fabrics that you’re drawn to. Bliss believes that what you like to wear day to day can easily translate to your home and will allow you to feel good in your space. 2. Pull inspiration from print. Another way to get ideas flowing is to pull a variety of images from all spectrums of design—think modern, transitional, and neutral. Circle things you like, whether it’s a light fixture, wall art, or even specific colors. “After you’ve gone through a handful of images, you’ll likely see a pattern that continues to come up,” Bliss explains. There’s also something to be said about taking things offline. Rather than spending hours pinning images on Pinterest (which, let’s be real, will get buried and lost), consider printing photos or flipping through a catalog. The tangibility of holding and looking at an image will give you a more life-like experience. Plus, you can make “love” and “hate” piles to further nail down your style. 3. Consider the mood. One often forgotten yet crucial element to consider when designing a room is the mood it exudes. “Color and design gives people such an emotional response and it can greatly affect your mood, so it's important to think about that when choosing colors for your home,” Bliss says. The spaces we spend time in also have an impact on things like productivity, creativity, and stress levels. “If you want something more uplifting, look into the use of brighter hues. If you want a feeling that is more calming and spa-like, think about pulling natural colors and textures.” 4. Keep these key elements in mind. When I was trying to define the direction I was heading with my apartment, I often lost sight of the key elements that should be considered. To keep yourself on track, Bliss feels it’s helpful to prioritize the color, texture, shape, balance, lighting, and layering in each room. Spend some time going through each of these elements and asking yourself questions like: Where will my source of light come from? How can I incorporate different shapes within the room? What color combinations can I play around with? These practices will help you hone in on your design goals and achieve a well balanced, thoughtful environment. 5. Don’t discount texture. Have you ever walked into a room and felt that it fell flat? It’s likely because there wasn’t much texture or layering in the space. These two seemingly small details can majorly elevate an otherwise ordinary room. A few ways you can accomplish texture in a room include adding wallpaper, rugs, drapery, and even different types of lighting (which creates visual texture). “The use of mixed materials is super important. You want to work your way around a room and add texture wherever possible,” Bliss explains.
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“Bliss believes that what you like to wear day to day can easily translate to your home and will allow you to feel good in your space.”
6. Mix your price points. Redesigns often come with big investments, but Bliss believes that mixing high and low price points can create beautiful harmony in a room. “Not everything has to be super expensive. It’s actually better if it’s not because it makes a space feel more approachable and comfortable,” she adds. Try sourcing antique pieces, like a unique chair that inspires you or art that reminds you of your favorite destination. Save the splurging for bigger items that require higher quality, like furniture or rugs. 7. Source thoughtfully. Accessorizing makes a big difference and can add a lot of character to a home, however, Bliss feels that these finishing touches should be curated with meaning. Try not to go overboard with mundane items like candles, vases, or picture frames, and instead focus on sourcing pieces that mean something to you. “If you have a coffee table book in your living room, be sure it’s one you actually like and want to read.” Otherwise, these little knick knacks pile up over time and can make us feel less connected to our space.
“It’s fun to go out and shop and see what you can find, but reach for things that you’re actually drawn to. Don’t just fill your space with stuff that doesn’t mean anything to you,” she elaborates. “At that point, it’s not going to add anything, it’s just sort of existing.” 8. Don’t be afraid of negative space. One rookie mistake that’s often made when designing a room: cramming every inch of the walls with decorative accents. “There’s definite power in negative space,” Bliss says. It offers up breathing room and gives your eyes a place to rest. If you’re overwhelmed visually (by too many photos or mirrors on a wall, for example), it can detract from the pieces you do have hanging. “Leaving something empty gives you room to grow into your space—you don’t have to fill it all at once.” Skip the rush to finish your project and take time to really live in your house. Then, over time, you’ll accumulate purposeful pieces you can add to your walls. *
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SB LIFE & STYLE travel
HISTORY ON THE HOMESTEAD ZACA CREEK, ONCE AN INFAMOUS LANDMARK AND WATERING HOLE OF THE BYGONE COWBOY ERA, REIMAGINES THE RESORT GROUNDS TO CEMENT ITS LEGACY IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY by DELANEY WILLET
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Photographs by JORDAN DONOHOE
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using vacation destinations at the perfect intersection of leisure, activity, and history, the primary location that comes to mind may not be the charming Santa Ynez Valley subsect of Buellton. But, it should be. Zaca Creek Tavern and its adjacent Inn synthesize the rich ancestry of the valley with the cutting edge of culinary and hospitality standards. In its earliest years, Zaca Creek Tavern and Inn served as a rancher haunt fit for an old western. The property was originally constructed by Jim Buell, descended from the founding family of the surrounding town of his namesake, Buellton. Buell admits that the land has seen its raucous days, with motorcycles notably
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being driven through the front doors of the banquet hall and many a late night spent at the Tavern’s bar. So many, in fact, that Buell fashioned a tunnel beneath the property that ran from the Tavern to his home on the opposite side of the highway, allowing him to safely return home from the bar in the wee hours. While the modern day iteration of Zaca Creek, which lay dormant for twenty years before reopening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, is not quite as boisterous, it provides a versatile palette with which guests may paint an unforgettable experience, whether that be a wedding, a reunion, or a romantic weekend away. Each nook of the property is photographable, exceeding its envisioned repurposing as a full-service events venue.
A gaggle of suites acts as gatekeeper to the property. Cavernous, palatial ceilings house contrastingly inviting furnishings, mixing baroque architecture and walls entirely of stone with contemporary fixtures, and ancient Indonesian bed frames with modern linens. Although the Inn may be slim in its occupancy (the property totals six rooms), the expansive living space in each invokes a sense of French countryside living, every guest made to feel the sole inhabitant of the property. Beyond the guest room doors awaits the unparalleled richness of the Santa Ynez Valley. Vineyards ensconce the land for miles on end, as internationally decorated chefs exhibit their culinary prowess with creativity enabled by the valley’s abundant ingredients. Zaca Creek’s own Cullen Campbell is a virtuoso in his craft, cultivating avant garde bites in the flavors stemming from the surrounding soil.
Light glints off the pool from the valley sun, illuminating the surrounding cabanas. Given that Zaca Creek is an ideal destination for large, multiple-night celebrations, the space is alive with a group of twenty, gathered to luxuriate in the gifts of the Santa Ynez Valley. A blooming trellis leads me from the buzzing pool to The Buellhouse, a restored saloon, taking on its second act as a rustic gathering space, with the original wood bar and breathtaking metallic-foiled ceiling still intact, commanding guests to bask in old-world glamour. The hall’s basement makes decadent use of the former storage space, which has been converted into an elegant (and well-stocked!) wine cellar for the local, international, and rare spirits served at the Tavern. Zaca Creek’s ample facilities flow effortlessly into one another, each accommodating around forty revelers, most of who would be able to extend the festivities overnight and into the next morning’s brunch service, dispersing themselves amongst the skillfully curated guestrooms.
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Buttered Rock Crab
Truffle Martini
The English language lacks the vocabulary to describe the depth and complexity of Campbell’s world class cuisine, but it is distinctly of the earth. The charred celery stuns in its simplicity, as an accompaniment to the locally-raised pork collar, or on its own. A caviar martini, despite (or perhaps because of) its oceanic brine, refreshes the palate following every bite. Escargot is complemented by buttered rock crab, both vibrant with a freshness that renders anything but a local source an impossibility. Angel hair pasta at once mimics the umami of ramen and terroir of truffle, the tissue-thin pancetta in the dish tricking the mind to think it were the sought after mushroom. Is there a better aperitif to coincide than the signature truffle martini? I think not. Perhaps the most novel concept of the Tavern is not found at the dinner table, though. Rather, it is the fact that, after gorging myself on the property’s entire menu of offerings, I am able to practically roll myself back to my room, merely one hundred feet away, and sleep away the food coma from the comfort of my sumptuous countryside accommodations. * zaca-creek.com Albacore Tartare
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Taking AGENCY GOT WANDERLUST? LEAVE YOUR NEXT VOYAGE IN THE HANDS OF EXPERTS AT SANTA BARBARA TRAVEL BUREAU
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“Guest ranches in places such as Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado have been extremely popular and are definitely a great option for a safe and socialdistanced vacation.”
by SOFIA DEEB
ast year’s stay-at-homesummer has us more eager than ever to get out and see the world. But keeping up with the latest developments in travel can be quite the task. Fortunately, there are many travel professionals out there to ease your worries and help you plan a safe journey—and some of the best are right here in Santa Barbara. Charles de L’Arbre, CEO of Santa Barbara Travel Bureau, sat down with us to answer all of our burning questions regarding this next chapter for the travel industry.
How has Covid changed travel?
That would be an article in itself! It has made a lot of people leery about traveling, and at the same time it has created a class of people who cannot wait to travel. I would say the biggest issue that we’ve faced is the uncertainty about countries that are open, quarantine, vaccination restrictions, etc.
What exciting destinations will be opening up soon?
One area that has started to open up is the Caribbean. The challenge is that we are getting into hurricane season down there now. So by late summer or fall, most of the Caribbean might be open to people who test negative, but it is also the wrong time to go. However, we do have people going to Curacao and Bonaire, which are in the southwest part of the Caribbean, and typically those islands are not on the storm track.
What destinations do you predict will be the most popular in the coming months? We are getting a lot of interest right now in Spain, Greece, and Croatia. We’re also seeing a ramp up to Turkey again, and a lot of people are interested in going to East Africa, to destinations such as Kenya and Tanzania.
What sorts of travel options are available for those who are eager to get out of the house, yet still hesitant?
Car trips are always a good idea. All of the continental U.S. is open [to residents], and you can fly almost anywhere without needing to be tested. Guest ranches in places such as Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado have been extremely popular and are definitely a great option for a safe and social-distanced vacation.
What are the benefits of booking a trip through a travel agency?
We have an abundance of resources, tools, and knowledge and are preferred partners with thousands of hotels worldwide. Because of this, we are able to get deals that you may not know about when booking on your own. Also, we take into account all the factors that go into a trip and come up with an elegant solution. Each group of travelers has different needs, whether it’s budget, accessibility to their nearest airport, or many other factors. Other things we take into consideration are if they’re looking for a place with specific activities, like if
they want to go somewhere for the food, or to simply chill by the pool. So what we do as a company is like building a mathematical equation.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
Overall, I find this career fascinating— every single request that we have is different and involves a unique solution. We’ve done work over the years for Quincy Jones, and I remember going to a ceremony where he was being honored, and he was talking about travel and said, “If you don’t go, you’ll never know.” That has stuck with me ever since. I think travel is one of the greatest educational and broadening activities.
Where are you most looking forward to visiting?
Anything past Oxnard! Although I have to say, on my European bucket list it would be Portugal, which is inexplicably the only country in Western Europe I have never been to.
What is your favorite vacation destination?
I don’t think there’s a place that I haven’t found a reason to enjoy, so that’s a hard question to answer. I’d have to give you a long list of places that I love going to, starting with Paris, London, and Barcelona. At some point, I wouldn’t mind going over to Hawaii and simply chilling. The Four Seasons Lanai is a place I’d love to go back to. *
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HAPPY
A E S R CM
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A CAREFREE VACATION IN THE ADIRONDACKS by OTTOCINA RYAN
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Photo by Kindra Clineff
The pilots are wearing polo shirts and Bermuda shorts so you know you’re going somewhere fun. A smooth hour and 15 minute flight from Manhattan, and our chartered Fly The Whale seaplane splashes down. We’re in a lake surrounded by pines in the Adirondacks. The only buildings in sight are a cluster of timber and stone lodges: Lake Kora, a historic great camp built in 1898. Lake Kora’s staff waves from the boathouse dock as a speedboat ushers me and my friends ashore. Lake Kora was originally called Kamp Kill Kare, implying that the rustic luxury lodge is a place to kill your cares. (It’s much easier to carve a K into wood than a C—an important aspect to consider in 1898.) The carefree vibe is immediately apparent. Cell service isn’t happening and the air is fresh. The property is allinclusive, booked only for groups of up to 35 guests, July through October. So, it’s just my friends and me, plus the personable staff who become our friends, and 1,000 acres of lake and forest. My sense of duty is gone. No obligations. No work. My friends left their kids at home (they’re allowed, just not along for this reunion trip). We are the kids now. If my 10-year-old self dreamt up a resort, this would be it. It’s the summer camp I never went to, staffed by people who allow you to feel you’re a playful child. I've emptied my mind of everything except the next activity. The forested property houses a million possibilities: boats, billiards, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, pickleball, a unicycle.
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We’re not only getting younger and sillier, we’re stepping back in time, to the Gilded Age. The great camps of Upstate New York pioneered the now widespread style of bringing wilderness textures, scents, and materials indoors. In the 1890s, architects took what was local and natural and created large-scale, audacious great camps that are equally sophisticated and rustic. It changed the perception of how elite vacationers regarded wild places. Many aspects of the original camp are preserved; craftsmanship and details are impeccable. A sweet woodsy scent permeates the lodges. Libraries are lined with books belonging to past owners of the property, the Vanderbilts and Woodruffs. The Casino, where pre-dinner cocktail hour is often held, is filled with roulette, pool, backgammon, and taxidermy galore. Several French 75s and you might trip on the bear rug. Before lunch, we mountain bike the three-mile trail encircling the lake, then gather on the boathouse dock for family style steak frites and tuna niçoise salad. It’s the best steak I’ve ever had. Yet I’m sneaking looks at the glistening lake and water toys. Water skis, inner tubes, kayaks, fishing rods, electric boats, original restored canoes... We canoe across the lake, out to the island with its idyllic twostory cabin and Adirondack chairs. Adam (the Guest Services Director but we call him the Dictator of Fun) guides us to the adjoining lakes. They’re implausibly remote and secluded. A bald eagle launches from the top of one of the several million pine trees lining the lake, flaunting its wingspan. We bring the boats ashore and walk along the grassy shoreline speckled with flowers and wild strawberries, reveling in the beauty of the Adirondack Park.
Immediately on return I have a hankering for inner tubing, and without batting an eye they load up the speedboat and five minutes later we’re bouncing off the inner tube. I joke that we should stay out on the boat until dinner. Adam simply says we have a full tank of gas. But after many failed waterskiing attempts, the wellness building sounds especially appealing. I soak in the jacuzzi surrounded by ferns, lilies, and bay windows, then walk upstairs to the sauna, bypassing the fitness center, whose irrelevance to this trip is only surpassed by that of the boardroom. Playtime is balanced by meals exquisite enough to warrant visiting for the food alone. Menus are tailored to our preferences and sophisticated comfort food predominates; Chef D'Anthony’s Texas upbringing comes alive in dishes like roasted poblano soup with avocado mousse and decadent
“We bring the boats ashore and walk along the grassy shoreline speckled with flowers and wild strawberries, reveling in the beauty of the Adirondack Park.”
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Photo by Kindra Clineff
shrimp and grits. The dining room has a fireplace big enough to walk in and a long table. Formal settings are always in place, whether it’s a family style BBQ dinner or a candle-lit seven course meal with wine pairings enhancing the flavors in salmon garnished with morels, succulent venison, and baked Alaska. After dinner we gather in the 120-year-old bowling alley for a truly uncompetitive game of bowling. We’re barefoot, cheering the loudest when others get a strike, and when they get gutter balls too. Having heart to heart conversations between frames. What’s incredible about the bowling alley is you manually aid the apparatus that replaces the pins and returns the balls. Champagne glasses and Manhattans multiply along the railing. There’s no last call and only a two minute walk back to our rooms.
Photo by Kindra Clineff
My 1,000 sq ft room in the boathouse has two bedrooms—a master and an adorable kids’ room upstairs, two fireplaces (one adjacent a soaking tub in the bathroom, one in the living room), a balcony overlooking the lake, and no lock on the door. To keep out what? Bugs? Your friends and family with equally whimsical and spacious rooms? I wake up to birds chirping and water lapping at the dock. The lake view lures me out of bed. I pull on a sweater that still smells of last night’s crackling campfire, and sink into an Adirondack chair on my deck, without a care in the world. * lakekora.com
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pleasant VICTORIAN FERNDALE PROVIDES A VINTAGE FAIRYTALE ESCAPE ON THE LOST COAST
VILLE
by ROSIE PETERSON
Before Ferndale, my idea of “Victorian Village” was vague with turrets and gables, ruffled lampshades, florid wallpaper, and doilies.
dinnertime light of a glamorous Northern California summer afternoon. Siri gave out some bum directions and we stopped by the side of the road to check our paper map, an article we came to love and admire; a young calf approached the barbed wire with big inquisitive eyes to inspect us.
Travel literature on the giant redwoods of Humboldt will inevitably work in wild praise of Ferndale and its intact Victorian delights. To me, this could only mean a Disneyland in miniature, trinket shops hawking gewgaws and fudge emporiums catering to fat American women on holiday with their screaming kids and bald husbands. No doubt we do not use such vernacular in our politically correct world, and what could be more Victorian? I’ve seen Downton Abbey.
Ocean Street had no ocean in sight, but we easily found a parking spot right in front of the hotel. The town looked like a Hollywood set, which of course it has been, consisting of two blocks of perfectly preserved old buildings. Very little in the way of tacky souvenirs. Shops were closing—five thirty. We walked around, marveling at the window fronts. Old butcher shop with antique slicer in the window, beautiful counters. Old grocery. The oldest pharmacy in California. Old church around the corner. Old houses. Brilliant gardens, roses and lobelia and hollyhocks proclaiming the good life beyond measure. Eccentric names apparently have a special place in the town lexicon: the No-Brand Burger Stand; Barkery & Bath pet groomer; Red Front Store, Fat Anne’s Bakery & Bistro. For housing, Wuss Camp or The Barndominium. We’d shortly learn that if you stay in town past closing time, and you head for the only restaurant open til 9, you’ll be told stories. Your food may be getting cold while you listen, but you’re part of the town now and you’re going to hear some tales. Some you will never forget.
I never imagined Ferndale could possibly come off so genuine and pleasant to a rare degree. But when every lodge and motel was crammed overfull with the vacationing Covid-weary, I found myself asking a hotel clerk in Rio Dell if she knew where we might find a room. She suggested the Victorian Inn in Ferndale. I was dialing before we got back in the car. They had three rooms left. Off we drove through lush dairy pasture lands in the still vibrant
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the Canary Islands where the owner’s forebears had lived. Still on the menu, several owners later, Portuguese sausage. Habitués sat playing cards at nine in the morning in what had once been the saloon, converted to a game room during Prohibition. We ordered monstrous breakfasts intended for cattle herders or dairy folk, and our waiter had more to talk about than just the food. “I’d never worked more than six months anyplace before I came here,” he said. “But the food’s good, the people are nice, and I live upstairs. I don’t go more than 75 feet in any direction, just to the post office across the street. I’m so busy I go to bed exhausted. But these are real nice people.”
Back to the three rooms on offer at the Victorian Inn. Up the staircase with its polished wood banisters, past a common room with fridge and coffeemaker, halls lined with old photos, the first one would nearly be considered a suite, a game table and chairs in the round turret with windows overlooking the main intersection. It had, of course, plenty of floral wallpaper to go around, and rather thin walls revealing something of a happy hen party in progress on the other side. We didn’t mind, since we’re a pair of old hens ourselves, really. But we needed to check the other two rooms, for ambience. They had their charm, certainly, but nothing to outdo being front and center in the very cradle of the town. Seriously surprising it would be, then, the next morning, to be awakened only by birdsong, not a car passing in the street, not a delivery, nothing but birds. But I’m ahead of myself. There was dinner to be had at Tuya’s Authentic Mexican Food, owned by two women who may or may not have been present, but everyone else in town was. There was the old cowboy sitting at the bar that we both needed to take secret pix of with our cell phones. Our waitress was heavily tattooed in a manner to suggest that some Victorianisms had given way to modernity, but so far we’d seen no tattoo parlor. No trash, no graffiti, no homeless. No slatternly anything, really, adding to the impression that we’d rolled back 130 years to pioneer days of prosperity, cows, creameries, and the new trend in architecture named after the then-reigning monarch in Britain, Queen Victoria. Butterfat Palaces built for butter kings and cream princesses. Engrossed as we were in our delicious chicken mole, we became fully alert when the cowboy left his post and shuffled out, clearly in bedroom slippers. We speculated he must live upstairs. Exhausted and happy, we too shuffled a block home, tucked ourselves in, and were happy the hens next door observed a decent bedtime.
He got to telling us a little bit about the place, who’d opened it, who’d bought it; the departing card players broke up his monologue. The last of the departing players lingered at our table, after inquiring if we were from out of town, and whether we were enjoying ourselves. Again we put the Portuguese sausage and eggs on hold while he told his tale. He’d been one of a foursome who stepped up to buy Poppa Joes, but something had happened and they bought it, without him. This was clearly a central theme with him, and he omitted a few details that he imagined we already knew. While he spoke another elderly couple hobbled in, the man wearing a neck brace. Everyone seemed slightly broken but not out. It began to feel very homey. We recognized the cowboy from the night before, now having breakfast. We ate thoughtfully. We visited the old graveyard on the hill, sitting in the shade of old redwoods. We realized you could potentially see the ocean on a clear day. We passed The Shaw House Inn, with its beautiful garden, and I wistfully thought of staying another night. There was more to explore. Architectural nuances to decipher: Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, Italianate, Second Empire, Carpenter Victorian, Shingle Style… We chose the old Ferndale-Petrolia Road to connect up to the 101, a leisurely homage to The Lost Coast. Utterly magnificent vistas of mountainside dairy farming gave way to the endless blue Pacific. Everywhere you turned it was a dream, another yearning satisfied. We stopped every five minutes to take pictures of something. Cowboys herding the cows. Waves crashing on the rocks. Golden hillsides. All of it—California’s finest. *
The Victorian Inn did offer something Covid-y in a bag for breakfast, but we opted to check out Poppa Joe’s diner, and you would have, too, had you seen it. Cooks grilled behind the counter. Memorabilia was everywhere, decades and decades of it. Old black & white photos, and not just of dairymen, but a female runner headed for the Olympics back in the 20s, pictures from
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island
HOPPERS TRAVERSING NEW ZEALAND’S RICH
LANDSCAPE VIA THE ROBERTSON LODGES by CELINE WALLACE
Matakauri Lodge
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W
ith the hum of opening borders dominating our airwaves, the time is ripe to consider the once-in-a-lifetime trips we are more eager than ever to take. Having handled the pandemic with efficiency, New Zealand is at the forefront of many international travelers' minds (and bucket lists). As a New Zealander based in the States, I am happy to have uncovered the most comprehensive (and lush!) way to take in all my country has to offer. Robertson Lodges, founded 20 years ago, are among the world's most awarded luxury hotels, recognized widely for their ecological focus. The three properties are strategically located in New Zealand’s most breathtaking corners. Each estate encapsulates the heritage of the region and boasts beautiful architecture. The chain of properties extends from the North to the South Island, with lodges in the Bay of Islands, Hawkes Bay, and Queenstown. I can attest that these are the most stunning enclaves of the country. Kauri Cliffs boasts a 6,000-acre property near the tranquil Matauri Bay. The lodge offers a 180-degree view of the Pacific
Ocean, three private beaches, a championship 18-hole golf course, and 22 stunning guest suites, three four-bedroom residences, and a two bedroom owner’s cottage. As if that isn't enough to keep me occupied during my stay, the concierge assembled an extensive list of adventure experiences hosted by private tour guides, ranging from bird watching to fishing, surfing to farm tours. To venture on these excursions, I simply request an experience, and as if by magic, my ideal day of exploits is constructed. Throughout my vacation, I play the 18hole golf course, kayak to a private beach set with a charcuterie board to usher in the sunset, and take advantage of the tennis lesson program. To wind down at the end of the day, I delight in 5-star tasting menus, designed by their chef to accommodate my specific palate. Days scheduled full of adventuring naturally necessitate relaxation. Enter the suites at Kauri Cliffs. I could stay in my hotel room for days on end, just gazing out the window at the magnificent nature from the comfort of my soaking tub. Colonial-style cottages are surrounded by native bush—offering privacy and stunning views, which include a towering 200-year-old Kauri tree. Each cottage is just a robed stroll away from the lodge spa, gym, and swimming pools.
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For enhanced privacy and space, reserve one of the three new residences at Kauri Cliffs. The four-bedroom houses were built as retreats for the owners, yet are available to book when they aren't on property. Kauri Cliffs is in every way the ideal experience of New Zealand's coastal landscape—absolute bliss in the Bay of Islands, and only a mere 45-minute flight from the hub of Auckland. The decadence doesn't stop there; halfway down the Northland coastline, tucked into the hillside of Hawke's Bay wine country, is The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, which overlooks luscious farmland bordering the Pacific Ocean. I sit in my room, sipping the finest wine the country has to offer, an open fire blazing while I lose myself in the vast seascape. Cape Kidnappers offers a different interpretation of the New Zealand countryside, showcasing functional farmland amidst the mountainous terrain, complete with sheep! The service
Kauri Cliffs
alone at Cape Kidnappers reconceptualized my definition of a farm estate; it is like nothing I've experienced before. No need is too extravagant and no request is denied. Let’s just say I may now be a converted country girl. Cape Kidnappers is also well known as a major attraction for their golf course, designed by Tom Doak, who creatively sculpted the natural terrain; the sixth hole is widely regarded as one of the great golf holes of the world. I supplement time on the green by riding horses through farmland with an impressive guide who details the farm's heritage. The next morning, we drive around the farm in a Can-Am off-roading buggy as I sip my morning coffee, feeling the ocean breeze tickle my face. Evenings offer just as many ways to unwind as the days do to explore. One night, I join fellow guests for evening canapes and cocktails in the main lodge—where the floors are made of stone salvaged from a Tibetan monastery and the main entry doors were sourced from an old Mexican barn. When feeling less social, I opt to decompress in the stunning infinity pools and outdoor hot tub built into the cliffside, overlooking rolling hills. If neither tickles my fancy, I explore the gorgeous on-site spa, indulging in a Manuka honey facial that lulls me into a trance, leading into a fabulous night’s sleep. If only every day could end like this. After basking in the Northland of New Zealand’s coastlines and countrysides, Robertson Lodges extends their reach south with Matakauri Lodge in Queenstown, on the South Island alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Cape Kidnappers
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Matakauri Lodge has 12 suites and a four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage perched above the shores of Lake Wakatipu, each featuring fireplaces and heated floors. Private balconies and deep soaking bathtubs complete the transcendent setting.
WHAT to PACK: New Zealand
The estate sports an expertly amassed menu, with a scrumptious breakfast, lunch, and dinner service at the lodge's restaurant, with the option to lounge in your room, digesting the lake and mountain views as well as the room service. Guests are also encouraged to mingle and wrap up the day with a drink at the complimentary reception held in the bar and lounge. This is without a doubt the way to explore New Zealand. From the Pacific coastline in the Bay of Islands to wine country in Hawke's Bay, to the stunning glacial lakes in Queenstown, Robertson Lodges have brought together the best the country has to offer with stellar, immersive experiences. Marvel at the stunning sights, delight in the most delicious food, drink the finest wine, and absorb local culture through a personally orchestrated itinerary. However you choose to see New Zealand, look no further than Robertson Lodges…I might even see you there! * robertsonlodges.com
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Ditch your basic black luggage with Rimowa’s newest seasonal additions to the renowned Essential collection—take this soft Bamboo green, inspired by the floating markets of Thailand.
Rimowa Essential Cabin $680, RIMOWA.COM
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111 Skin Sub-Zero Depuffing Eye Mask $105, 111SKIN.COM
It’s no secret, the flight to NZ isn’t a short one. Beat the jet lag and combat puffy eyes in-flight with these cooling eye patches, favored by the likes of celebrities such as Miley Cyrus.
3 Lord Jones Pore Detox CBD Face Oil $68, LORDJONES.COM
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Dry plane air and differing climates got your skin confused? Save it with this multitasking CBD-infused face oil, formulated to replenish hydration and elasticity while targeting pesky clogged pores.
No shoe is more suitable to carry you from beach strolls to birdwatching than Amanu’s luxurious made-tomeasure sandals, customizable by you for the perfect fit and flair.
Amanu Style 12 in Powder Blue Leather $295, AMANUSTUDIO.COM
by ALEXANDRA LEE Matakauri Lodge
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48 HOURS
DAY 1 BRUNCH
Enjoy a lively garden ambiance and local fare for brunch at Pico Los Alamos. Snack on small bites such as Buratta and Apricot, or dive into Le French Toast with vanilla anglaise and orange walnut crumble. Top off the experience with a Pico Mimosa or house-made spiked Lavender Latté. @picolosalamos
SHOP
Invigorate your wanderlust at Coco Belle, a luxury travel-inspired boutique in Los Olivos. Browse their collection of pastel beach totes, floral dresses, chic coffee table books, and pearl jewelry that pays homage to the owners’ Tahitian roots. @cocobellelosolivos
SHOP
Shop the home collection at Santa Ynez General, where you’ll find truly unique textiles, apothecary, and kitchen decor. Refashion your bar with glassware and cocktail accessories, or style the living room with woven throws from international artisans. @santaynezgeneral
DRINK
Stroll through the Provençal French courtyards at Sunstone Winery while sipping on their organic wines. If lawn games aren’t your speed, book a private tasting room or tour the stone barrel-aging caves. @sunstone_winery
Wine country charm meets modern amenities at centrally-located Fess Parker Winery & Inn. Relax poolside under the sun or
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take a guided cycling tour with a gourmet picnic and wine tasting along the way. Dine at on-property Nella Kitchen and Bar and sip craft cocktails as the sun sets over the outdoor patio. @fessparkerwinecountryinn
DAY 2 BREAKFAST
STAY
by ANNA CONSTANTINO
in Santa Ynez
Start the morning with a poolside Bloody Mary at Norman Restaurant at Skyview Los Alamos. Opt for the Skyview Scramble with home fries or Berries and Buratta with a blackberry vinegar reduction for a refreshing take on sweet and savory. @skyviewlosalamos
RIDE
Bask in the beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley on horseback with Vino Vaqueros riding tours. Amble through the countryside and enjoy a tasting at Estelle Vineyards after the excursion. @vinovaqueros
TASTE
Solminer Winery’s tasting room on Grand Avenue offers flights of organic, biodynamic wines. The eco-conscious winery is dedicated to sustainable farming practices to preserve the environment and cultivate the most unique tasting array of wines in the area. @solminerwine
SHOP
Wildflower Women Boutique is our dream closet. It’s a onestop-shop for California style clothing, accessories, skin care, and kids clothes. Book a private shopping experience with friends to shop for casual yet elevated looks. @wildflowerwomenboutique
DINE
Culminate the weekend at SY Kitchen, a local hot-spot serving exceptional Italian fare. Indulge in woodfired pizzas such as Bufala and Sausage or Pancetta, and the house-made Maccheroncini al Brasato, a short-rib ragu dish with ricotta salata. @sykitchen
TIMELESS CLASSICS FOR THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
“A Central Coast Boutique”
LOS OLIVOS 2920 Grand Avenue 805.697.7377 Mon-Sat: 10-5 • Sun: 11-5
ORCUTT 3388 Orcutt Road 805.922.9195 Mon-Sat: 10-5 • Sun: 11-4
PISMO BEACH 890 Price Street 805.773.1055 Mon-Sat: 10-5 • Sun: 11-5
PASO ROBLES 1236 Park Street Paso Robles, CA Mon-Sat: 10-5 • Sun: 11-5
FINE JEWELRY COLLECTION
live IN, love ALWAYS layer EVERY DAY
J E W E L RY YOU’LL AN D
MONTE CITO | 1273 COAST V ILLAGE R OAD GO R JAN A.CO M