The Goyard Boutique is in San Francisco.

The Goyard brand is exclusive.  The craftsmanship, history and iconic pattern not only makes it haute, it transcends it by making it a true classic.

Goyard is only available in four cities in the US at the finest department stores.  On the east coast, it can only be found at Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys in New York and Boston.  On the west coast, Goyard is only available at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills and no where else in Los Angeles.  The sole Goyard boutique can be found in San Francisco.

My last trip to San Francisco, I made it a destination to go to Goyard. The boutique stayed very true to the department store versions at Bergdorf’s and Barneys in both New York and Beverly Hills. The closest resemblance is the Barneys New York in store boutique.

I admire the Goyard brand’s strategy to be discerning and reserve its place at the very top of the retail pyramid.  At a time when commerce is everywhere including the internet and mobile devices, Goyard is making a commitment to what’s real.

They make no apologies about having you travel to exemplary retailers and feel their leathers and see their attention to detail with your own eyes. I didn’t buy anything that day but going inside the Goyard boutique in Union Square was a truly happy experience and I left with much more respect for La Maison Goyard.

Clever way to find your fragrance at Sephora

Sephora is one of those places that draws me in…every time.  I adore products. I can play in Sephora all day long. I might not have the time and interest to put on makeup everyday, but I love finding new brands and the best colors. Over the years, I have found my favorite fragrances but the beautiful magazine ads always make me curious if they images match the actual scent!

Sephora has found a beautiful way to display the intricate perfume bottles. It’s like art! I really want to create something similar for my own home!  The grid also helps customers narrow down their preferences. Clever!

Fresh, #3 is one of my signature scents!

Fashions fade, style is eternal.

-Yves Saint Laurent

Haute Holiday 2011: Windows of Bergdorf Goodman

Living in New York during the holidays is magnificent. The energy in the city rises to another level. The day after Thanksgiving, I made the obligatory Black Friday stop at Best Buy but I had to truly follow my heart to pursue my happiness on Fifth Avenue.  The holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman were enchanting.

I love Bergdorfs for handbags! They have EVERYTHING.

I had to stop and stare at the beauty of the color red for the Oscar de la Renta window.  It’s the essence of the glamourous holiday color captured and deservedly put on display.

The Marchesa dress was breathtaking. I truly fell in love with them because of Nicole Richie’s wedding dress. The details are exquisite.

I adore this window. There is something about shimmer, sequence and sparkle that I’m obsessed with.  I also love everything about the ocean– seafood, beaches, the beauty of true blue.  This photo I took does not do this Bergdorf’s window justice. Take a moment to stop the rush and take in all the beauty of the fashion and the talent of the designers.  It’s worth the time. Happy holidays have arrived in New York!

How to be happy. Simplified.

 

Choose the bigger life.

Serenity in the wonderland of Orlando: Waldorf Astoria

Orlando, Florida is a city I often visit to see clients and some of my closest friends.  It’s family oriented with Disneyworld, Universal Studios and every other childhood wonderland and that shows everywhere from hotel decor to buses and restaurants.  You can tell you’re headed to a destination catering to children when you board the plane and realize the kids outnumber the adults!

I really do enjoy traveling but there are days when I wake up and forget what city I’m in. It’s nice to find a hotel you feel comfortable in and consider that your home away from home.  Unless, there’s an Orlando Magic game and the Grand Bohemian is the most convenient, I finally found serenity at the Waldorf Astoria.

Turndown service was a nice touch after a long day at work! Furniture was contemporary yet inviting.

The hotel lobby is grand, full of light and everyone is very welcoming.  It’s a sophisticated hotel that reminds me of Aria and Vdara in Las Vegas.  The cartoon characters and themed vibe is absent from the hotel decor which is what I take comfort in the most.  The Waldorf in Orlando is priced well compared to other luxury hotels in the city.  I caught myself admiring the haute floral printed carpets in the hotel room hallways!  I had a lunch meeting at the hotel restaurant and was seated outdoors.  It was a beautiful day and it was private which is ideal for talking business.  I was really happy at the Waldorf and will definitely be back again.

Just Arrived: New Winter Coats for NYC!

On October 30, 2011 one of my favorite online stores had a timed sale– 50% off coats and winter style updates.  I’m not into Facebook unless it’s for my clients and the business, but I stalked the ASOS Facebook page for this sale and my eyes lit up when I saw the email subject line!

I was actually traveling that day so I made my way to JFK and was very thankful to be flying Jetblue so I can use their free WiFi in Terminal 5.  There were some glitches and I knew it wasn’t just me because people were posting all over their Facebook wall. Felt good to know I was in good company with other loyal shoppers who were on the same mission!

I put in an order for 4 coats. Yes, 4!  I’m originally from Los Angeles so winter coats are really not my thing.  This new relationship with New York though means I need to upgrade my coat game to survive this winter.

I went for bright and bold colors because in New York– the coats are THE fashion when you’re out and about.  Red and blue are very new to me and I definitely don’t have anything similar in my closets.

Rust was a welcome addition too. I just couldn’t do black this year. I have at least 3 black coats of various lengths including my beloved Smythe Military Coat from last year that I hunted down.  The great thing about ASOS is they ship free. But note, they are a European company so you might get foreign transaction fees on your credit card or a call to check if it’s a fraudulent charge. They also accept Paypal.  So the damage for the 4 coats with this sale was…Grand total: $354.91

I finally came back to New York the other day to find my new coats waiting for me at the front desk!  3 were haute and only 1 will need to go back. Not bad!  I’m pretty happy!

It’s been years since I’ve made the trip to San Francisco.  Sometimes life just happens so fast and you don’t realize how many years pass you by.  San Francisco and the bay area will always have a special place in my heart.

My sister made the trip with me to attend a design forum.  It’s special to me to watch her grow on a professional level right before my eyes.  My family lives here too.  My aunt and uncle who took care of me like I was their own daughter when I was I think 3 still makes Daly City their home.  My grandma who is 89 and called me out before we sat down for dim sum said,

“You look beautiful, but I haven’t seen you for 2 years!”

The bay area just makes me happy. Rain and all (I’m so not a fan of rain.) A few days here helped me realize how far I have come and made me appreciate the people in my life.  I was able to see a good friend from high school and was happy to see her married after a year and 4 months pregnant.  I also got to see a basketball game which is such a factor in my life and career and the fans in the bay area showed nothing but love and genuine enthusiasm not only for the game but for the players.

I’m fortunate to still be working alongside people I’m so honored to call my friends.  Even through an NBA lockout and basketball is the business we are in, we all boarded planes to be in San Jose to look backwards in order to see forward. 

 The days are long, but the years are short.  – Gretchen Rubin

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