Nothing
says 'Beverly Hills' to me more than the palm trees lining its
residential streets. Their alternating sizes and shapes make them look
as if two different strands of pearls have been suspended above the avenues, gently swaying in the breeze.
In the shopping area around Rodeo Drive, the dominating colors are green, gold and yellow, whether it's buses or street signs,
Just off Rodeo Drive is one of my favorite Italian lunch places, and I was so happy to find that it was still there.
I
love to sit at the counter, right opposite the open kitchen with its
wood burning pizza oven.. you can watch the chefs at work, which is always
inspirational. The menu has all the Italian classics, apart from which it
is just such a lovely relaxing place, and you get lashings of beautiful
olive oil and balsamic vinegar to sprinkle on the delicious crusty bread.
Below,
the stunning and super modern Hermès store on Rodeo Drive (but no, I
didn't bring anything back). The purchases I planned to make were things
I can't get back home, although not everything
went according to plan. I was hoping to find another Tory Burch tunic,
but the classic style was not part of her collection this year.
Hopefully next! I got a couple of jeans (from Vince and Dash) and a
sizable batch of cool wardrobe gear for DS. My main 'souvenir' was a
full to the brim bag of my beloved skin care products from Jady
Aesthetics. Mady, Jady's
owner, can only be described as a 'skinologist'. She gives amazing
facials and has developed a fabulous skin care line which is so
varied that every skin type of every age is precisly catered for, and
you get customised routines to go with it. Don't expect a 'stylish
spa clinic' or cool packaging.. her small, but well known place is
behind an unassuming 'funky spanish' façade in Studio City, and her jars
and containers look simple and plain, but they're packed with powerful ingredients.
Beverly Hills style valet parking
Rodeo Drive
Next,
we headed north to pick up DS from summer camp. He's been there for a
month having fun with friends and living the healthy life in the great
outdoors with no phones or internet... in short, a throwback to the good old
days before the digital world.
Idyllic surroundings..
What's the first thing you do after picking up your boy from summer camp? You find a launderette.
The moment we had our teenager back, frequent food stops were back on the agenda!
Next adventure... Sunset Boulevard!
Il Fornaio, 301 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210,
Jady Aesthetics (ask for Mady): 1748 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604,
818-763-1285
www.jadyaesthetics.com
:-) I so want to go back to LA when I look at your lovely pictures!
ReplyDeleteLooks like we've been pretty much to the same places, dear MaiTai.
On some days we really must have crossed paths by minutes.
Have a beautiful and HAPPY week :-)
What a coincidence, how much fun it would have been if our paths would have crossed at the same time! Hope you had a most wonderful stay in LA <3
DeleteWow, I've never been to Beverly Hills, so it was fun to travel along with you, dear MT. What bright, happy colors! So funny what you said about finding a launderette! Still, it must have been great to see DS after a month apart. Too bad about Tory Burch -- she should do at least one new tunic each season, like Hermès does with scarves.
ReplyDeleteMuch aloha,
Fifi
Could not agree more with on Tory Burch. The SA seemed a little exaperated, hinting that quite a few customers have been asking for classic tunics. So hopefully they'll be back next season. The Launderette was a fun experience in itself, so many launderette movie scenes came to mind!
DeleteJust curious how you heard about Jady Aesthetics? Emily :-)
ReplyDeleteFrom a darling friend (with amazing skin, allthough she is older than me!)
DeleteWhat a wonderful vacation for your family! I especially enjoyed your laundry stop--a must after camp with all the malodorous clothes! Jady sounds wonderful, much like the pharmacie Jerrine loves and I can't wait to visit--aren't we funny in choosing our souvenirs? No city-themed t-shirts and coffee mugs for us!
ReplyDeleteYep, Greta, if I could get out there, I'd make a bee line to Jady and book with Mady. I've looked at her website, but the product offering is so vast, I haven't dared order anything. I think she has to "see" your skin first to recommend the best products. Or, I could just call her and tell her to send me everything that MT bought and take my chances :).
DeleteShoot, I was about to send you an Atlanta Coca-Cola t-shirt and matching mug. Phooey!
Love,
Jerrine
PS - On second thought, maybe you'd rather have something from CityPharma? I'm still compiling my list and also attempting to book a facial at the new Chanel Spa at the renovated and recently reopened Ritz. If not there, I'll book at Anne Semonin for sure. I figure a wonderful facial in Paris will top a little Eiffel Tower replica souvenir for sure!
You made me laugh, dearest Greta! Truthfully, we had a good time at the launderette. Because of the movies, we've all 'been to one', but doing the real thing (including a pile of 'authentic' laundry) is a souvenir on it's own. DS certainly enjoyed it.. playing movie scenes in his head, no doubt! Re 'swan souvenirs'.. we certainly love our feather care <)
DeleteOh Jerrine, you are taking 'swan souvenirs' to a different level.. what a great idea for the ultimate Parisian treat, a Chanel facial at the Ritz!! You go, girl.
DeleteJerrine knows how to make the most of a trip! Why stand in line with all the other tourist at the Eiffel Tower when she can be pampered at the Ritz! When are you headed to Paris, Jerrine? It sounds like it must be soon! Alert the macaron bakeries! Cue the sniffer dogs!
DeleteIsn't it funny the scenes laundry evokes? On our last trip to London, we stayed with longtime friends and our hostess was kind enough to wash a few clothes for me--even after I returned, I was enchanted with the smell of her laundry soap on my clothes. To me it smelled like new adventures! (And she dried them on a line in her backyard--so retro chic, except I was concerned about how many people might view my unmentionables!)
Oh, Jerrine, a Chanel facial at the Ritz sounds dreamy! Perhaps you can cap it off with a cocktail in the Hemingway Bar...divine!
DeleteChin chin, T xx
OMG Jerrine, I knew I better do not google for the Chanel au Ritz Spa but .... to late now. What an exquisite souvenier from Paris.
DeleteLucky me, I was never tempted to buy Chanel Skincare as I never was happy with their lines - this does not count for their make up and nail polish though.
Seeing forward to the contract you wanted to email me as Maitresse pour Voyage et Organisation.
Happy Weekend Girls,
Rita
I'm almost embarrassed to say this, Greta, but my trip isn't until May of NEXT year - yes, May 2017! But, for me, the planning and research are half the fun and provide amusement and much welcome distraction from a ho-hum summer and a few other recent far-from-pleasant, shall we say, challenges. What can I say? I'm a planner!
DeleteDuring the past few trips, I've walked past the Ritz on the Place Vendome, and it's been cleverly shrouded in it's Ritz look alike "drapery," hiding the extensive renovation that has been ongoing for the past four years. And, then I happened across this recent article in Vogue:
http://www.vogue.com/13446877/ritz-paris-grand-opening-versailles-chanel/.
After reading it, I decided immediately that the Chanel facial would be the crème de la crème of Paris souvenirs, no pun intended.
And, it will provide an excellent excuse to walk in the Ritz and snoop around. After all, I'll have a legitimate reason to be there!
I think I can forego the cocktail at the Hemingway Bar, though, Trudye (but I'll have a peek inside, of course.) The Chanel Grand Soin (great care) facial begins with a special fruity cocktail of orange, kiwi, birch and borage to relax you and your skin and ends with another concoction to assist the skin's regeneration. I think I'll be cocktailed out at that point, and my new skin might not appreciate being assaulted with alcohol! Wonder how it will feel about a macaron or two?
I've never used much from the Chanel skincare line either, Rita, but what I'm most interested in is the fabulous technique they use - "le massage de Chanel" and, of course, the ambiance of that chic black and beige interior, complete with the coromandel screens that Mlle. Chanel so loved.
For an hour and a-half, I expect that I will feel very chic and pampered (even one's feet get attention). It's just too bad that after those 90 minutes of bliss, I won't be able to simply take the elevator up to my suite.
Not this trip, I'm afraid!
All the best, Swans,
Jerrine
Wow, Jerrine, this facial sounds better and better! You should be one pampered cat after an hour and a half!
DeletePersonally, I prefer a good glass of the bubbly or red wine over the macaroons any old day. Plus, the Resveratrol is great for the skin! I am sure you will have a fantastic experience !
Chin chin dear Swans,
T xx
Hooray, the salon is back in full swing! There's nothing more fun than a lively banter amongst swans..
DeleteJerrine you have completely sold me on the Chanel Spa.. who could resist what our "Maitresse pour Voyage et Organisation" (as Rita put so well!) suggests!
Greta, so loved your description of the fragrant souvenir from London.. smell is so evocative.
Oh Trudye, I don't think I'd be able to resist the Hemingway bar either! Anyone interested in trading my macaron for a glass of bubbly?
Happy weekend to all darling swans xxx
Well, Trudye and MT, Greta and Rita, through the wonder of email, I'm booked for an hour and one-half Le Temps Sublime Facial, described as a "regenerating, detoxifying treatment," which will be great after 11 toxifying hours on Delta.
DeleteThey use the Sublimage line for this treatment, and I've heard good things about the products.
I can't wait, and yes, I'll probably break down and pay a visit to the Hemingway Bar for a sip of something. I don't know why I was considering macarons, as I'm not really a macaron girl like Greta is. I'll save those treats for her.
Love,
Jerrine
Jerrine, you go, girl! xx
DeleteOh, so much fun! Excellent facials, skincare goodies to bring home by the bushel full, great meals, and shopping in very posh Beverly Hills. Shame on old Tory for not accommodating your tunic desire (really stupid move on her part, as those tunics were her bread and butter and basically introduced her to the world and launched her success). Hopefully, she's learned her lesson, and there will be a sizable collection to chose from next year.
ReplyDeleteAnd, my, my, DS certainly seemed to enjoy himself at camp. I see that girl with her arms wrapped around his waist!
Again, welcome home, after what seems to have been a most enjoyable trip.
Love,
Jerrine
Our LA days are already firmly installed in the 'happy memory' part of my brain, darling Jerrine, it's been so much fun. Crossing my fingers TB's signature piece makes a comeback next season.. from the chat with the SA I know I'm not the only one who miss it, so there is hope! Picking up DS from camp felt quite emotional, he grew up so much! It's been a fantastic time for him, and it was wonderful to see what great friends they all were <3
DeleteI just realized it's also two decades that I've been to LA...nice to see that nothing much has changed - I remember that I've also taken a photo of that Dali clock back then.
ReplyDeleteBut Tory Burch wasn't around at that time, shame on her for not offering any nice tunics! Your little cosmetics shop sounds very lovely, what a treat to have a facial there.
I'm sure DS had the happiest days in an analogue world, at least it looks like he has a hard time parting with his mates (and not to forget the female side - well spotted, Jerrine!). Yes, regular food stops sound familiar, and I'm not looking forward to getting my DS's laundry on the weekend after his camp, puuuuhhhh!
Once again wonderful to travel with you, dear MaiTai, and you inspired me to put LA back on the neverending travel list - with older kids you really need to find attractive destinations:)
Can't wait to stroll along Sunset boulevard with you,
Katja
Katja--
DeleteI know--this blog opens up new worlds of travel destinations, and my list is getting so long! But if I head to the East Coast, I'll be in San Francisco!
Greta
LOL, yes, Katja, fortunately the eye sight isn't aging as fast as the rest of me! I'm sure that the very handsome and most adorable DS had the girls swooning. The French accent probably didn't hurt either.
DeleteIf you go to LA again, let me know, and maybe I'll fly out and meet you and help you do some damage on Rodeo Drive. What fun! And, if we could time it so MT would be there, too . . . magic.
Happy end of summer,
Jerrine
Dearest Katja, - hope you and your family had a joyous reunion with DS, despite the inevitable mountain of laundry! Kids always seem so much more grown up when they come back from camp, one almost needs to take a double look to be sure it's them. Amazing coincidence that the Dali exhibition went to LA the same time you were there last..time flies (should be the name of the show!) Meanwhile, DS is firmly back installed in the digital world, if only the effect of the analog world would last a little longer. Have a wonderful Sunday!
DeleteGreta, I'm not as good at planning as our dear Maîtresse de Voyage Jerrine, but if my journey (and this will have to be next year, earliest!) will take me to the West coast, I'll make sure to meet all swans who live in a 500+k radius:-) Hope this includes you, dear Jerrine...Until then I'll dream of a Chanel treatment at the Ritz (will never manage to oganise an appointment at short notice) while I wash piles of smelly teenage laundry. Got a completely grown-up boy back, dear MT, but he immediately disappeared into the digital world as well...having enjoyed the time off-line!
DeleteNeed to check my pics regarding Dali...seems I have confused something:)
So nice to read all the comments of the swans, have been offline myself for too long...
Have a good Start back at School and daily routines, love K.
Oh dearest Katja, what a sweet moment it must have been to welcome DS back. It's so touching to see them grow up <3 Have a wonderful evening!
DeleteFrom cool and shady to Jady, it looks as if LA fit you like a glove! Happy to see that you made yourself at home, laundry and all!
ReplyDeleteSorry you were not able to find your tunics. Perhaps your dressmaker can fashion one for you?
Very touching pic of DS saying his goodbyes to dear friends made. I am sure the one with arms encircling had a tear or two in her eye!
As always thanks again for taking us along, T xx
Your rythm and rhyme rock the blog, darling Trudye! Wish someone could make the tunics, but then we'd need to find her wonderful fabrics too (feather-light cotton and yet not see- through) Hope Tory finds back to her roots next season, it would be much the easiest! The camp goodbyes made my eyes a little moist too.. so touching <3 Have a wonderful Sunday xx
DeleteDearest Mai Tai,
ReplyDeleteWhat great fun it is to "travel" along with you no matter where to.
I can imagine what a special moment it was to pick up your DS from the holiday camp and wow, how tall he has become!
Your filled bag seems amazing! Do you know if Jady sells her products to Europe? Would love to try them! Look forward to your next post, as I always do ;-) Summer hugs,Manuela xx
Darling Manuela, - sharing with you girls always makes me re-live the trips, which makes them even more special and fun. DS has grown in unbelievable spurts over the last couple of years, he's now 188 cm..I can hardly believe it. Jady doesn't have an outlet in Europe, but she does ship :) Sunday hugs and have a wonderful remaining weekend! xx
Delete188 cm!!!! Good Lord!!!! He definitely has grown! He will break many girl's hearts I'm sure as handsome as he is, darling Mai Tai:-). Thank you for the info about Jady. I may ask for her advice:-). Big Friendship hugs to you my friend, Manuela xx
DeleteI know, it's staggering. Plus, it seemed to happen almost overnight.. still can't get used to it! Mady is super nice and helpful, just email her. Biggest hugs right back xx
DeleteThank you, darling. I will! <3 xx
DeleteChère Mai Tai
ReplyDeleteJe suis sous le charme de votre blog que je découvre (seulement !) aujourd'hui, un bijoux de l'élégance et de raffinement.
Cordialement
Cristina
Je tiens vous souhaiter très chaleureusement la bienvenue sur mon site, chère Cristina! Je suis ravi que vous l'avez trouvé. Une très bonne fin de week-end à vous!
DeleteI just left a long comment saying of much your travel in Malibu was fantastic it does not want ro leave... I try again
ReplyDeleteAmities
Oh... nothing more frustrating than a long comment getting lost, so sorry dear Monica! Happy you enjoyed the Malibu post, and have a wonderful Sunday. Amitiés
DeleteI was staying at the Wlshire and I remember so well of my also preferred italian chic pizzeria that I could go direct there now if if was not so far away..... San Diego after.... Such good memories dearest..,,
ReplyDeleteSo fun to know that we've been to the same restaurant, dear Monica! It's such a nice and relaxed place in the midst of the 'serious shopping'around it.. Amitiés
DeleteDear Mai Tai,
ReplyDeletethank you again for a great post and taking us with you. I never visited California not to mention Beverly Hills so I so enjoyed your pics and your describtions. Some of them reminded me Pretty Woman and the shopping scene (you got commission, don´t you?). The Chanel valet parking is great.Cannot wait for more - Sunset Blvd uhh :-)
Have a lovely weekend,
Rita
So happy you enjoy the travelogue, dear Rita! Haven't seen Pretty Woman in a while (time to get the old VHS tape out!), but the way I remember it, the atmosphere is still very much the same. Re Sunset Boulevard... remember this tune? "Seventy Seven, Sunset Strip" Have a wonderful Sunday!
DeleteDear MaiTai,
Deletedo you still have a recorder for VHS? We did not....
Thank you for the tip with Seventy Seven, Sunset Strip. Is new to me, but I liked what I read on Wiki as well as the song so I will look for it on Amazon. Maybe it is even free on prime.... It seems to be far better, then Mad Man which I somehow found boring except the cloths.
Have a good start in the new month and a lovely Indian Summer!
Rita
Just love the juxtaposition of the Hells Angels type chopper in front of the Hermès store. Only in LA!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jerrine
Isn't it great? LA rocks. Much love xx
DeleteDearest MaiTai
ReplyDeleteAs I live on the far outskirts of LA, let me endorse both your LA travelogue posts, as having introduced new places and people to me. The Dali clock and Ralph Lauren statue are new to me (!) Your travel posts have a charming way of including the reader .. I could almost smell the ocean breeze on Malibu Pier. Thanks for your lovely blog.
Fondest Regards,
Terese x
Dearest chère Terese, so very happy that you have fun travelling through your home town with me..this is a lovely compliment! The Dali clock is part of a travelling exhibition which only arrived in June this year. There are twelve sculptures in total, in view on Two Rodeo Drive through September 23. Worth the visit! Bisous
DeleteI CANNOT WAIT to read part 1.
ReplyDeleteIl FORNAIO use to be a favorite of ours TOO.............
But now we do not live close by and it is HARD TO TAKE THE ITALIAN out for ITALIAN!!!!!
XX