Blonder Ambitions

Category: Santa Barbara Spots

  • 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.

  • FABULOUS SANTA BARBARA SPOT – SALON PATINE

    FABULOUS SANTA BARBARA SPOT – SALON PATINE


    Salon Patine is one of my best kept secrets {clearly, not anymore}.  I won’t trust my hair {highlights, haircuts, trims, blow drying, and styling} to anyone/anywhere else.  The hairdressers at the salon are professional, fun, and make sure that your hair is exactly the way you want it to be done.  And, unlike other salons where the owners aren’t stylists, you can find the owners Rob {a hair cutting guru… I can thank him for my recent long layers} and Sarah {I wouldn’t let another person in the world highlight my hair} behind a chair cutting, coloring, or interacting with clients.  It is the culture of Salon Patine {in addition to the high quality of work} that sets this salon apart.  I actually look forward to the hours that I will spend in the chair at this salon… I am always greeted warmly, offered a hot cup of amazing coffee {I always say “Yes.  I’ll take my coffee black, please”… immediately upon walking in… I blame my affinity for early morning appointments}, and then caught up {willingly and with much anticipation} in the swirl of the salon.  It is hard to describe the experience to one who hasn’t been here… because this place is one-of-a-kind.  Imagine a room full of engaging personalities, artists, and friends… that is just the beginning of Salon Patine.  The paint colors on the wall change frequently, as do their featured artists.  This salon is a community that is worth being a part of… it’s a huge bonus that your hair will look utterly fabulous when you walk out their doors.

    Local Tip: Salon Patine oftentimes throws events at their salon after hours or on weekends.  Don’t miss out, as these events are definitely worth attending.  Check out their website {here} for upcoming events.

  • FABULOUS SANTA BARBARA SPOT – BLUSH

    FABULOUS SANTA BARBARA SPOT – BLUSH


    Blush is a killer spot.  The food is delicious.  The nightlife is phenomenal.  The happy hour specials are spot on.  True locals know that the real gem is Sunday brunch and the bottomless mimosa bar {Fresh fruit? Check. A variety of flavors like strawberry and pomegranate as juice options in lieu of the standard orange-juice-only-mentality? Check. Bubbly champagne? Mmhmm, checccck.}… My closest friends and I can often be found lounging, laughing, and sipping those mimosas into the late Sunday afternoon on Blush’s beautifully designed outdoor patio.  Need to host an event? They’re easy to work with, accommodating, and professional {look at an earlier event that I hosted at Blush here}.  Blush is a scene in which you want to be seen… there is an inherent connotation of class and elegance infused with just enough of the edgy stuff to keep things fresh.

    What to Try
    Food    : The Blush Burger is always spot on {it comes with to-die-for truffle fries}.  If you’re looking for a flavor explosion {and to seriously indulge} get the lobster mac n’ cheese.  Dining here for breakfast? Try the Eggs Benedict or the Blush Toast {their special twist on French toast}.  The Chicken and Waffles are also delicious and surprisingly chic {see it to believe it}.  Their Chicken Sandwich and Cobb Salad are also spot on.  Tip: make sure that you get a bread basket with your breakfast… sometimes you’ll luck out and get some warm chocolate-filled croissants with whipped butter and strawberry jam.

    Cocktails:  The Love Potion No. 9 is a scene-stealer… a martini glass full cotton candy is then doused in a ridiculously delicious libation, dissolving the cotton candy and leaving you with a swanky glass full of pink goodness.  They also have an extensive wine list and plenty of wines are available by the glass.  You can order at the inside bar or, if it’s after 10pm, order outside at the back bar and take in the local nightlife in all of its {charmingly} pretentious glory.  Mimosas {especially with a variety of fruit juices and combinations!} are delightful.  And, as just being at Blush is reason enough to celebrate {if you truly need to find a reason… just celebrate life… read about it here}, have a glass {or two} of champagne.

    Local Tip:  Wednesday nights are a steal… the Wine Discovery dinner is only $25… you get to partake in a wine tasting hosted by a local winemaker, pick a glass of your choice to accompany your meal, and enjoy a starter and an entrée.  Sunday brunch is the place to be all summer long as Blush has an outdoor patio with a bottomless mimosa bar {and the fruit and juice combinations offered guarantee that you needn’t have the same mimosa twice}.