Blonder Ambitions

Author: Kiki E.

  • FABULOUS EVENT – A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY SOIREE

    FABULOUS EVENT – A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY SOIREE

    People that you love… and {if you’re really lucky} that love you… make everything worthwhile.  I have a tendency to get caught up in all of the beautifully busy moments of life {as I’m sure you do, as well} and, in turn, my birthday came and went without all of the pomp and circumstance to which the people around me have become accustomed {I am known to have a great affinity for throwing a party for any reason at all}.  Don’t get me wrong, my actual birthday was fabulous… it was just a bit understated in comparison to my natural proclivities {I couldn’t find the time… or justify taking the time… to do something to celebrate my own birthday… there were too many other things to be done!}.  Those closest to me {most notably my sister [you can read a “love letter” I wrote to her here] and closest friends} noticed this and, two days after my actual birthday, totally knocked my little socks off with a party at Blush {read about this hotspot here and here} that was full of all of the things I L.O.V.E. {leopard print, cotton candy, martinis, hot pink…}… and, most importantly, it was filled with the people I love.

  • MUST HAVES – 10 NECESSARY SPLURGES

    MUST HAVES – 10 NECESSARY SPLURGES

    1. The Feminine Power Suit – every woman should work what she’s got… especially at work.
    Holmes & Yang Suit Jacket $2,995 & Suit Pant $995
    2. The Perfect Pencil Skirt – work your curves, but don’t offend your elders.
    Boudicca Lace Pencil Skirt $2,115
    3. The Lingerie That Makes You Feel Like a Goddess – even if only you know it’s there…
    Kiki de Montparnasse Le Fleur Demi Bra $235 & Amour Le Reve Short $165
    4. The Little Black Dress – such a necessity and anything but boring {I have at least 50 different LBDs… start your collection… or add to it… with something like this}
    Narciso Rodriguez Cut Out Back Dress $1,495
    5. The Statement Bag – something large {you have to be able to fit everything that makes you fabulous} and luxurious.
    Marc Jacobs Lacqured Quilting Fifth Avenue Tote $1,350
    6. The Piece of Jewelry That You Bought for Yourself – mine is 3 carats of aquamarine surrounded by champagne diamonds… what will yours be?
    Federica Rettore Antique Cut Citrine Ring $9,100
    7. The Wild Heels That Take You From Day to Night – leopard + louboutin = fashion “yes” every time
    Christian Louboutin Bianca $995
    8. The Red Lipstick That Brings Out Your Hollywood Starlet – appropriate for any occasion… bring a little drama to your day.
    Dior Rouge Dior Lipcolor in Red Muse $32
    9. The Stunner Shades – no one will know if you’re famous or just tired.
    Dior ‘Havane’ Metal Aviator Sunglasses $395
    10. The Surprising Black Stilettos – make sure they look you up and down.
    Christian Louboutin Very Prive Peep-Toe Pump $1,095

  • LOOK OF THE WEEK – CASUAL SOPHISTICATE

    LOOK OF THE WEEK – CASUAL SOPHISTICATE

    Some days {let’s face it… most days} require me to find a way to fit lots of business and lots of fun into the all-to0-short time span of 24 hours… Likely because I find the business that I am in to be insanely fun {and fabulous}, I tolerate {and even look forward to} my crazy schedule.  I’ve learned that a 3pm meeting can quickly creep into my 8pm dinner-and-drinks-with-the girls time slot… so I need to dress in a way that seamlessly transitions from professional to personal.  Enter: the casual sophisticate.  With a simple color scheme {think neutrals like black, white, tan, cream, and grey} and a few feminine statement accessories {spikes, bows, studs, and there is never anything wrong with a pop of pink here and there}, you can be taken just seriously enough for work and still turn heads at happy hour.

    1. Givenchy Leather Tee $895
    2. Lanvin Capelet Top $2,680
    3. Lanvin Sequin Fringe Shirt $1395
    4. Gator Stretch Ring $45
    5. Love Charm Toggle Bracelet $125
    6. Cow Rose Mismatch Earrings $45
    7. Paige Premium Denim Belle Cut Out Skinny Jeans $199
    8. Robert Rodriguez Cigarette Pants $242
    9. Robert Rodriguez Cigarette Pants in Coal $242
    10. Burberry Wedge Heel Bootie $895
    11. Alexander McQueen Laser Cut Bootie $1,725
    12. Tory Burch ‘Lawson’ Bootie $425

  • FABULOUS SANTA BARBARA SPOT – SHINE

    FABULOUS SANTA BARBARA SPOT – SHINE


    After hearing that a bonafide blow dry bar {no cuts. no color. just blow outs.} had opened up in Montecito on Coast Village Road, I knew that I had to check it out.  Little did I know that I would be {pun intended} blown away by the whole experience.  The Coast Village Road location is exclusive enough to give this blow dry bar the necessary caché… but Shine goes above and beyond what is expected and envelopes its clients in the Shine Experience {Shine calls it “affordable indulgence”}.  A long white mirrored center bar runs down the meridian of the salon.  The chic {and yet simultaneously cozy and comfortable} decor is stunning.  I was swept up in a flurry of champagne, cupcakes, and a scalp massage.  After a thorough shampoo and conditioning treatment, my hair was swept here and there with great precision.  Before I knew it, I emerged with cascading curls and hair that smelled soooooo good {and was softest that it has been in years}.  Book your appointment today… or just walk-in {hey, it’s Santa Barbara… and Shine recognizes the flexible schedules of most Santa Barbarians}.  At only $35 for a blow dry {yes… pick your jaw up off the floor… the whole experience is only $35} you can’t afford to miss this “affordable indulgence.” Check it out at www.shineblowdrybar.com.

    Decor & Dessert: each client is offered something to drink {coffee, water, champagne, a mimosa…} and an adorable gourmet {to-die-for} miniature cupcake upon arrival.  There are 3 wash stations and 8 blow dry stations available.  The decor is clean and classic with a sprinkling of shabby chic elements and a bit of European charm incorporated, as well.  The orchids and ornate mirrors captivated my eyes, while the cupcakes and bubbly had the full attention of my palette.  My initial impression of Shine could not have been more positive.


    The Shine Experience: I have always had a love/hate relationship with blow outs… mostly because that while having someone wash your hair and massage your scalp feels incredible, it can be hard to focus on that lovely sensation if the washing station at which you are sitting is uncomfortable and if the basin causes your neck to strain.  I was pleasantly surprised to lower my head into an ergonomically designed basin with more than enough neck support {I was so comfortable I almost drifted into a mid-afternoon cat nap}.  The shampoo and conditioning treatments smelled incredible and left my hair soft and shiny without weighing it down.  My stylist asked me questions about what kind of style I was going for and {totally uncharacteristic of me… I guess I was feeling daring} I left it up to her.  She made the perfect choice and I left with bouncy {and shiny!} loose spirals.


    Overall: I recommend the Shine Experience without hesitation.  I left feeling like I had hair that was straight out of a hair commercial {which is a bit of a miracle as I have become known for my messy, bedhead style locks}.  With appointments and walk-ins accepted, there is no excuse for you {and your potentially fabulous head of hair} to not waltz into Shine’s doors today.

  • CURRENT OBSESSION – BADGLEY MISCHKA

    CURRENT OBSESSION – BADGLEY MISCHKA

    Badgley Mischka has always been one of my greatest fashion loves.  To give you an idea of the Badgley Mischka style think: feminine, intricate, lace, classic, and statement accents.  With everything from Swarovski encrusted clutches to Oscar-worthy gowns {numerous Badgley Mischka gowns have made their way down the red carpet at the Academy Awards, expertly wrapped around the figure of one starlet or another… Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren, Queen Latifah…} there is something for everyone.  My own Badgley Mischka experience was absolutely fabulous… After a long day of shopping, dining, and a cocktail {or two} on Rodeo Drive, we were about to call it a day… and there it was: Badgley Mischka’s new Rodeo Drive flagship store {it opened this Spring}.  I told myself I would only peek in the window… just a teensy-tiny peek couldn’t hurt.  The gorgeous curves and attention to detail of the dress draping the mannequin in the window basically demanded that I set foot into the store.  I wandered around captivated by the gauzy fabrics and cinched waistlines.  One of the saleswomen, Christina, must have noticed my shopping daze and she took me under her wing {and I had one of the loveliest shopping experiences under her guidance… be sure to stop by this store… the women who work there are kind, gracious, and phenomenal shopping companions}.  She led me over to a dress… cream and black… conservative and yet snugly suggestive… and just my size.  Once the zipper was pulled all the way up my back, I knew the dress was mine.  I left triumphant, Badgley Mischka bag in hand {with the treasure of a dress I had found tucked safely inside}.

    1. ‘Bryant’ Sandal $200
    2. Sequined One-Shoulder Dress $485
    3. ‘Lissa’ Evening Pumps $245
    4. Ruffled One Shoulder Dress $300
    5. ‘Sophia’ Stingray Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag $398
    6. ‘Alina’ Satchel $465
    7. Strapless Eyelet Cocktail Dress $365
    8. ‘Babette’ D’Orsay Pumps $225
    9. Strapless Jersey Gown $650
    10. Saffron Mesh Clutch $795
    11. Leather Flap Satchel $498

  • FABULOUS LOCATION – VILLA BLANCA

    FABULOUS LOCATION – VILLA BLANCA


    {some photos courtesy of Villa Blanca}

    Coming from a family that was involved with Hollywood, the last thing I am is celeb-crazy or prone to being starstruck… However, that does not make me immune to having a role model of sorts.  I loved the Bravo television program “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and my favorite Housewife, hands down, was Lisa Vanderpump.  It may seem like a reality show would be the last place to find an inspiring woman… but she is gracious and ambitious… and, most of all, I admired her eye for style.  It was a happy coincidence that while shopping on Rodeo Drive I stumbled upon Villa Blanca, one of Vanderpump’s restaurants.  The experience that my girlfriends and I had while dining here was so wonderful that we came back two days later!

    The Decor: Villa Blanca dazzles from start to finish.  With crisp white table linens, beautiful stemware, gobs of fresh flowers, and mirrored surfaces constantly in eyesight you are sure to enjoy the visual decadence.  The white theme of the restaurant is warm and inviting through the use of textiles, cozy pillows stamped with the Villa Blanca logo, and elegant lighting fixtures.  The abundant plant life and antique finishes give the restaurant a European feel.  Even the substantial menus {white with a silver embossed logo gracing the front} add to the luxurious experience.  If you are anything like me {and adore the color pink}, keep an eye out for the tiny touches of blush that unexpectedly pop {the dessert menu and sign for the women’s loo both incorporate this fun shade}.

    The Food: Both times that we dined at Villa Blanca {once for their weekend brunch and once for a Monday lunch}, we had a wonderful {and unbelievably filling!} meal.  The meal starts with some perfectly crusty bread and tapenade {salty and satisfying}.  Villa Blanca’s flatbread pizzas are a sure bet and the presentation {on a wooden serving board with a side of parmesan} makes it that much more enjoyable.  For me, lunch is about a substantial sandwich… I had the Smoked Turkey & Cranberry Flatbread Sandwich {with melted double creme brie, baby romaine and a cranberry-sage aioli} for lunch one day and, on another day, I had the Roasted Chicken Flatbread Sandwich {with maple cured bacon, avocado, spinach, French feta, and pesto aioli}.  All sandwiches come with fries and an organic baby field greens salad {with the most delicious dressing}.  While both sandwiches were very good, the chicken sandwich was exceptional {I highly recommend it}.  If you are watching your waistline, you should try the Blanca Chopped Salad {an incredible flavor combination}… the presentation {and taste!} is beautiful.

    The Experience: On weekends, Villa Blanca has a special brunch menu {featuring specially priced items and drinks}.  We ordered the white sangria {a personal favorite of mine and very hard to find in many restaurants}.  At only $6 a glass, this drink packed a mean punch and the perfect light and not-to-sweet flavor.  The service was fabulous {the staff is very friendly and doesn’t behave in a pretentious manner… which, sadly, is an attitude that can be found all over Beverly Hills}.  I recommend sitting outdoors on their enclosed patio.  The people watching is top-notch and you may even find yourself being watched as passerbys try to decipher if you are a “somebody.”  Villa Blanca is such a remarkable experience from start to finish… I know I will be dining here again in the near future.