My Trip To Palm Springs, CA

On the drive from LA to Palm Springs.

Downtown Palm Springs. T-shirt by James Perse (banner link on the right -->). Shorts by Ambiance Apparel. Hat by old Navy. Glasses by Gucci. Sandals by Tory Burch.

Lulu's California Bistro. Avocado and Tuna Tartare, Chicken Skewers with Mango, and Pear and Walnut Salad.

The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage Lobby Favorites.

Loved the bathtub in our room. 

Entrance to the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage Spa.

Coverup by Stefano Mortari.

Bag by Theodora and Callum.

Bathing Suit by Victoria Secret.

Breakfast and Lunch by State Fare Bar + Kitchen at The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage.

Dress by Lulifama. Shoes by Wanted.

Bag by Michelle Fantaci for Lauren Merkin.

Dinner at Sammy G's Tuscan Grill (Downtown Palm Springs). Great spot for live music. Hawaiian Sea Bass, Margherita Pizza, and Amaretto with Biscotti. 

Dress by Magaschoni Collection. Shoes by Tracey Ross. Bag by Stuart Weitzman. Bracelet by Armani. Headband by House of Harlow. 

Pre-fixe menu at The Edge Steakhouse at The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage. Split Pea Soup, Crab Ravioli, and Chocolate Cake (missing one bite). The filet mignon was so good it was eaten before a picture was taken. 

Breakfast on the patio for our last morning. Take a look at that view! 

I feel like Palm Springs is to LA as the Hamptons is to New York, only we can actually enjoy it longer than 3 months out of the year. In fact, the best time to visit is probably April/May or September/October, when the weather is not too hot or too cold (it can get pretty chilly in the winter). 

Palm Springs has always been a slower kind of city, but there is ample culture and glamour. Hollywood legends such as Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and so many more were all residents bringing class and glitz to a city which itself is a beautiful desert oasis. The culture and ambiance is exactly what made me fall in love with this amazing place!

After my most recent trip to the new Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage (an adjacent town to Palm Springs), I have decided to share my favorite places to visit in Palm Springs with everyone.

Hotels (in no particular order)

1. The Parker, Riviera, Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage (if you don't mind driving to the main area of Palm Springs--downtown, these are gorgeous and luxurious properties)

2. Renaissance (very typical large hotel with all the standard amenities, walking distance to downtown)

3. Colony Palms (quaint, boutique hotel, walking distance to downtown; I love that they let guests borrow vintage looking bicycles to explore the city)

4. Desert Riviera (I have actually never stayed here but it has long been #1 on TripAdvisor.com; worth adding it to my list)

Restaurants (in no particular order)

1. Sherman’s (This is probably more of a nostalgic mention as I have been coming here for breakfast for years with my family. All the waiters have been here for ages and it's a very old-school diner which serves up your basic, yet tasty breakfast and lunch. For those of you from LA, it is very a la Canter's on Fairfax)

2. Lulu’s California Bistro (fresh and very extensive menu suitable for literally anyone; great for breakfast and lunch)

3. Melvyn’s/Copley's/Le Vallauris (fine dining options which all have that old Hollywood glamour feel with extremely amazing dishes!) 

4. Farm (farm to table breakfast/lunch place; extremely hard to find because it is behind a wedding chapel, and through a garden; they are closed on Mondays and 2PM all other days--plan accordingly)

Nightlife (in no particular order)

1. La Terraza Grill (live music and fabulous Margaritas) 

2. Amado Rd. (a street filled wth lively bars and clubs/lounges; also popular popular with LGBT)

Shopping (in no particular order)

1. Uptown Arts/Design District (art and furniture galleries)

2. Downtown Boutiques (fun and affordable stores varying from clothing, home decor, pet stores, and other knick knacks; great place to get gifts)

3. Celebrity Consignment/Wonderama/Mitchells/ Revivals/Déjà Vu (Palm Springs is known for their vintage stores)

4. Dessert Hills Outlets (amazing deals on both inexpensive and designer clothing!)

Other Activities (in no particular order)

1. Aerial Tramway through the city

2. Hiking (http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/April-2010/5-Amazing-Desert-Hikes/)
3. Palm Springs Art Museum 
4. Palm Springs Air Museum

How to Conquer Vegas in 24 Hours

Top by Express. Shorts by Levi's. Shoes by Kendall and Kylie for Madden Girl. Bag by Aldo. 

China Poblano

 Bathing Suit by Xhilaration. Shorts by Forever 21. Glasses by Givenchy. 

Dress by Miss Selfridge. Shoes by Christian Louboutin. Bag by Aldo. 

Katsuya

There are different ways to travel to Las Vegas-- you can go with friends, family, significant other, for work (if you're lucky). Regardless of the occasion, those who are within a short travel distance to Vegas get that itch to visit regularly.

This past weekend my girlfriend invited me to accompany her to Sin City, although at first I had some scheduling conflicts, I decided my three year absence was reason enough to take her up on the offer. This was my first 24-hour trip to Vegas, but due to successful itinerary planning I opted to share my new found knowledge with everyone!

First and foremost I only recommend a short stay in Vegas when travel time is within an hour flight or drive to destination. If you've never been to Vegas before it is probably best to come for a longer period of time as Vegas has a lot of great attractions to offer. Most importantly, pack lightly; bring only what you are going to wear, and if possible reuse accessories such as shoes, jewelry, and handbags. Versatility is key for a short visit anywhere!

2. Take the first possible flight out, and yes that probably means you will have to wake up when it's still dark out. My flight was scheduled at 6:30AM and arrived in Vegas an hour later. Remember to grab a quick bite sometime in the process, possibly coffee and a scone, croissant, or anything that is light but filling.

3. Upon landing, go directly to your hotel and drop off bags. It will probably be too early for check in but most hotels extend the courtesy of holding your luggage. Always attempt for early check in, you may get lucky (it is Vegas after all)!

4. Go to the Lobby Bar and order your favorite drink of choice (depending on tolerance), or a drink that in your own opinion is synonymous with Vegas. My drink of choice is champagne. This will automatically evoke feelings of enthusiasm and excitement for the next 24 hours! Spend and hour or so unwinding and reuniting yourself with Vegas mentally.

5. You have now reached a pocket of time which is pretty much open to variation. It will probably be too early for a pool party but not enough time to get wrapped up in another activity. Options may include exploring the hotel or a little gambling. I was lucky because my girlfriend was already checked into the hotel and I took this time to leisurely take a few selfies/pictures and change into my pool attire.

6. If you're not checked in but need to get ready for the next venture-- a pool party-- you may ask to utilize the hotel spa to get ready (hotels often allow for this), some even if have a courtesy suite. If these options aren't available here is where your light packing and versatility will come into play. You should have everything within easy reach and be generally ready. If you have to quickly use the restroom to change, it should be no daunting task.

7. I suggest doing research about Vegas pool parties prior to arriving. Reach out to the venues you would like to attend because often they are able to offer discounts, or even free admission to events. Don't worry if you didn't, there are always promoters close by to pool party events looking to attract attendees.

8. Prior to the pool party I suggest having a light lunch as most likely you will want to look your best. We chose China Poblano (a fusion between Chinese and Mexican food) by chef Jose Andres, at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. I had chips and guacamole (a favorite) and their beet salad.

9. Time to have fun! Enjoy yourself, dance, sing, swim, whatever! Don't forget to drink lots of water! My recommendation is to have one drink only (depending on tolerance); pace yourself. If possible order the same thing you had earlier, or at least in the same color family. You still want to make it out tonight after all!

10. Pool parties generally last until 5PM, but I suggest leaving earlier around 4PM. Head back to the hotel and check in if need be. Take a nice, hot shower, and prepare yourself for a power nap. Wake up giving yourself enough time to get ready, have dinner, and gamble (if you enjoy it).

11. If possible choose a dinner meal which will make you full but not uncomfortable. Sushi is a great selection! We chose Katsuya at the SLS (always a good idea to dine at the hotel you're staying at). Since we are all from LA and they have a local location back home, we knew it would be fresh and delicious!

12. If you enjoy a little gambling, ideally you want to give yourself 30-40 minutes prior to the nightclub to partake in this. Who knows you may be lucky enough to cover your entire Vegas spendings (like I did last night!). You may want to consider gambling at the casino where your nightclub is located to be close by.

13. Last stop of the night! The infamous Vegas nightclub! Once again I recommend reaching out to the venues prior to travel, but you can probably find a club promoter near by any club location. Be mindful of the music you enjoy listening to as different clubs offer specific music genres. Also do you research on location and atmosphere, because these play a huge role in preference. We decided on XS at the Wynn last night. This has been my favorite club for many years-- it's very spacious, luxurious, and beautifully decorated. Currently they play mostly electro and house. My advice regarding alcohol is to have two drinks (depending on tolerance) similar to what you have been drinking all day, and stay hydrated! You want to be able to wake up alive tomorrow!