Friday, July 10, 2009

The Scene



This afternoon, Mr. Diabolina picked me up from work and whisked me away for a Santa Barbara getaway. Best.boy.ever.





















The last time we enjoyed a little SB weekend was Mr. D's 30th birthday. Pulled out all the stops and stayed at the Biltmore Four Seasons. Best. hotel. ever.






















We fell in love with everything about it: the beach-side setting, Spanish architecture, the restaurants, the lush secret garden grounds.






















Not much has changed in two years - gorgeousness welcomes you at every turn.

















Adore this hotel because it is all about the details. And so am I.































Sure the pool is sparkling





But can you believe they keept it sparkling by offering um, swim diapers. They think of everything!
























Not only are the cozy rooms romance central





There are always little thoughtful complimentary treats to nibble












Not only is the bathroom Spanish tiled perfection



But it is stocked with L'Occitane bath products. SCORE!














Not only is the shower nicer than our very nice one at home





It's got a steam setting. Can you say instant spa?









































But the real piece de resistance is the Coral Casino - the adjacent beach and cabana club. It was closed for renovations during our last trip which made Mr. D obsessed with enjoying it this time.
























And boy was it specfuckingtacular. This is what $65 million in rennovations looks like, ladies and germs





















I've seen opulence in my day but this place takes the cake. Made us feel like country mice.





















Just as I was starting to think we didn't belong (I mean we were the only kids under 50 for miles) I noticed something. Something about the awnings and the couches and the coral color scheme looked strangely familiar...





















That's when I realized Mr. Diabolina 's shirt (his "candy cane" shirt) matched EVERYTHING.






The loungers and the pillows in the cabanas

















Even the plates and the seat cushions





















Then we noticed another man wearing a shirt that matched everything TOO!!!




It's like every old white guy got the memo. Amazing!















Emboldened by this discovery we started ducking into parts of the club that were off limits to the likes of us and generally being country mice who THINK they are big city fat cats





























Enjoyed cocktails before dinner
























Peeped pairs of moneyed lovers stroll on the beach.















Then we headed to one of our favorite restaurants of all time Cava. Seriously if you are ever in Monetcito you HAVE to stop.

















Mr. Diabolina and I have recommended it to half a dozen pigs and invariably they all come home RAVING. We would buy stock in it if we could.


























The Outfit
Forever 21 dress

The Accessories
Chanel bag and earrings
Forever 21 cuff
Sam Edelman sandals
Dior sunglasses

The Grade
A-








The Commentary






Love the shoulder detail on this dress






And the blousy but flattering
drape and the built in waist cincher.





















Truth be told I don't gravitate toward black in the summer




When the weather gets warm I instantly think color and lightness.

















But a chic black dress is seasonless. Plus it can take you from a casual Friday at work to a two hour car ride to a piggie dinner.





























And until I can afford divine Valentino LBDs, Forever 21 ones will have to do.
























This summer, give black a whirl in breezy maxis or belted minis






















Easy daytime separates



















Glam evening wear






















Or my favorite: trendy one pieces - and I'm not talking swimwear
























Just promise me you'll keep the shoes interesting.



















I promise I'll keep the toes interesting ;)












7 comments:

Sheila said...

Black looks good on your tan. I'm rocking neon magenta on my toes too (fingers also)!

Jessica Love said...

I agree...that black dress looks awesome with your fab tan!

Michelle said...

Loved everything....but my fave, that bowl of guacamole. What?! You caught me right before lunch! I only have eyes for food.

amber said...

What a gorgeous setting - I wanna go!

My Very Worst Date said...

you lucky girl! hawaii and SB back to back!

Tiffany said...

you look pretty! the dress + those sandals = perfect. and very jelly of your fab getaways.

Kate said...

This place looks amazing!! Once again I am coveting your life. But just as I was about to get too mopey, I heard Will outside talking to the neighbor toddler about peeing, pooping, and farting. And laughing hysterically.

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