Number Sixteen - London

Rita Konig in the new issue of Domino Mag recommends the Number Sixteen Hotel as quaint place to stay in the Pimlico Green area of London. The boutique hotel has 42 individually decorated rooms and is within walking distance of the South Kensington tube stop. I love the whimsical decor, and the lovely garden where guests can have their breakfast. Rates are reasonable for London at 175 pound a night for a queen (don't even think about the exchange rate or you'll get depressed.) The owners of the hotel have several other lovely properties around London for just slightly higher rates. Check them out at: www.firmdale.com 

Bouchon Restaurant and Bakery- Beverly Hills

I am very excited to find out that Thomas Keller will be opening a Bouchon Restaurant and Bakery in my very own Beverly Hills! The restaurant is set to open in the fall of 2009 in the Montage Hotel and Garden complex on Canon Drive. Boy am I glad I didn't sign the petition against the Montage project when they came knocking on my door a few years ago. Since it doesn't open until a year from now, that gives me plenty of time to start saving my money now!

You can read about the project here.

Trina Turk Home Boutique - Palm Springs

Los Angeles fashionista Trina Turk, has just opened her first home boutique in Palm Springs. The store features her lively prints on custom pillows, as well as, Missoni towels and other modern goodies. I can't wait to check it out on my next trip to the desert.  

P.S. Her Palm Springs stores are designed by uber decorator Kelly Wearstler!

The Swell Apartment - Paris

I don't know what it is with me and "The City of Light." For the past two years, I have been fantasizing about a jaunt to Paris -- shopping the flea markets, sampling treats at Laduree.... I've been researching a possible excursion for the winter holidays, and came across this cute little apartment located in the Monmartre region of Paris. For those of you who don't know, Montmartre is home to the beautiful Sacre Coeur Church and the former haunt of artists: Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet. Teeny tiny, but perfect for a couple, this little beauty is full of feminine charms and a steal at 95 euros a night (there is a 3 night minimum.) Looks like it books up fast though, so it's best to plan ahead: www.swell-apartments.co.uk

Surf Lodge Montauk - New York

 

The Surf Lodge in Montauk looks like a great place for a weekend getaway from NYC. I love the fun Beach chic decor, especially the crochet hammock. It's only a few minutes from the beach, and sits on a pond that is supposed to have the best views in Montauk. In the summer prices are steep, but you can get off season rates for around $275.00. 

Bensimon Shoes

Bensimon shoes, previously only available in Europe, are now being sold at Madewell in the Los Angeles Century City Mall. Their tennis shoes are so Parisian retro cool that I can imagine them being on the feet of Charlotte Gainsbourg or Sophie Marceau in the 80's film La Boum. They  look like they would pack well in a suitcase, are comfortable, and can be washed in a washing machine. If you're headed to France,  Bensimon has several retail locations where they also carry clothing, bags, bikes, home goods, and travel accessories.

Marimekko Compact Umbrellas

I love rain gear -- especially wellies and trench coats -- but don't have much use for them here in L.A. When I lived in New York, I was always getting caught in a down pour and even had one umbrella snap in half. My last trip to New York was no different. I found myself out and drenched.  I popped into a drug store and bought the above Marimekko apple umbrella. It's compact with a matching case, and fits into your purse. The construction is sturdy -- no folding inside out -- and at $30 it won't break the bank when I inevitably leave it somewhere. You can find more patterns online at: kittosmarimekko. 

Hip Cooks Cooking Classes - Los Angeles

As a wedding gift, we were given several cooking classes at Hip Cooks, a cooking school here in L.A. We finally got around to taking our first class: Tarts for Tarts.  The classes have a really fun vibe and are appropriate for novices or intermediate cooks. Classes are either workshops where you eat as you go along, or menus where you sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Adding to the fun, appropriately paired alcohol flows freely. When I got home, I practiced my tart making skills on the above Torta della Nonna. Delizioso!

Maharaja Tents

I'm not usually much of a camper (it's the lack of indoor plumbing and doors with locks), but, Maharaja's tents are so pretty, I've changed my mind. This Cottage tent is water and wind proof, and can be customized with your choice of interior and exterior fabrics.  It would be the perfect tent for my dream safari vacation. Of course, there is no mention of price anywhere on their website. My guess? Really obscenely expensive. Oh well, I guess I'll have to keep dreaming.

La Fromagerie - London

I love artisanal cheese, so when I'm on vacation, I usually try to find a good cheese store where I can sample the local cheeses. Next time I'm in London, I'm stopping by La Fromagerie. They have two locations, both with cheese rooms, and they serve breakfast and lunch. Yum!

Layla Boutique - Brooklyn

Layla is a lovely little store in the Boerum Hill area of Brooklyn. It's a little off the beaten path, but has a great selection of Indian imported and inspired pillows, bedding, towels, jewelry, and clothing. They carry designer brands, such as John Robshaw and Missoni, as well as their own line of beautiful Indian print dresses and tunics. 

Sowa Open Market - Boston

The next time you find yourself in Boston, stop by the Sowa Open Market. You'll find a small but tasteful selection of food and artisan vendors selling their wares every Sunday through October.

Don't miss Isabelle Abramson, a Boston artist who makes exquisite porcelain pottery. She sells her work at the market most Sundays, and a few select pieces at her etsy shop.

Nankeen Totes - Rhode Island

From Left to right: Nankeen Ascot Tote $225, Ming Tote $225, and Ying Tote $225

On my trip to Rhode Island, I discovered Nankeen, a bag company  that makes a great weekender tote. Their bag is huge, the perfect size for a carry on, and has lots of little interior pockets to keep you organized. My favorite is the Ascot with it's persimmon interior, but they have more patterns and styles on their website: www.nankeenstyle.com. If you every find yourself in Rhode Island, check out their factory store in Portsmouth. They offer hefty discounts.