Have a Wonderful Weekend.

Hello Beautifuls, have a wonderful weekend. I am going to try to get out on the ocean for a little fresh air. I hope you enjoy your weekend as well.

photo by shehitpausestudio

Always In Style

Staying in shape is always in style but to do it with style is a whole other thing. So to look stylish while staying in shape you must try Stand Up Paddling. It is a great core and upper body work out. It is a bit like yoga on the water. It is totally transcending when you are out there in the middle of the ocean just you, the board, and the dolphins. You won't even realize how much of a workout you are getting.

Even the A-listers are giving it a try.

There are a couple of great local shops you can check out to try the hip sport. Blue Line located in Santa Barbara has a wide variety of boards. There is also A-Frame Surf Shop in Carpinteria that has a great staff and a location close to the beach. So drop in and give it a try ... you will not regret it. Perhaps one day you will look like this.

We can dream can't we!

Local Talent

No need to worry about someone showing up in the same glam get-up as you. I have found an extremely talented seamtress and designer. Miss Mignonette based out of the Bay area has talent to spare. Let her help you design a custom piece for your next big event. To get the creative juices flowing here are a couple of her magnificent pieces.

Get this dress custom fit to your figure.

I am in love with this little gray number.

Picture This

I have found a truely gifted local photographer, Christine Olson. Her eye for catching the detail is out of this world!

I was lucky enough to get a chance to ask Christine Olson a few questions about her photography. Here is what she shared with me.

Can you define your style? My style is minimalist, both in the way I shoot and also how the final image looks. When I arrive to a shoot, I bring almost nothing with me, minus extra memory cards, a light meter, and maybe an extra lens. I do everything in-camera, meaning I do minimal post-production work aka I rarely use photoshop. I photograph the scene as I see it, so I crop in-camera and spare the time afterwards. I like images that are simple, yet beautiful, and I try to portray that.

What type of camera do you use? I use a Canon 5D. Professionals debate whether Nikon or Canon is better, but I simply use Canon because of its simplistic nature. I relate Canon to an iPod. How many MP3 players are there? Tons. But why is the iPod so popular? Because it's incredibly simple to use and anybody can figure it out. The same goes with Canon. All the buttons and wheels have a purpose and they're style is simple, whereas Nikon confuses me. But both are amazing camera brands.

What is your favorite time of day to shoot? My favorite time of day to shoot - hmmm, well, it's cliche to say early morning or late afternoon because they really are so beautiful, however, I find that it's fine to shoot anytime of the day. All I need is a beautiful shaded area with lots of space, and something to photograph!

Is your camera always by your side? My camera isn't literally hanging off my shoulder all the time, like I hope, but it is always within close proximity. I usually know if I am going to need my camera, but I have a canon point-and-shoot for random things, like concerts or birthday parties, or whatever random happens. So technically, I guess I do always have one camera around, just not my "big" one.



What is your favorite subject to shoot? My favorite subject to shoot is anyone, or anything, that will stay still enough for me to photograph it. But if I had to pick ... kids only because they are so so so beautiful. However, I don't photograph nearly enough, so I am trying to.

If you could travel anywhere to shoot where would it be? My ultimate traveling experience (for photography purposes) would be China. I want to go there so bad!

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Mint chocolate chip - hands down.

To see more of Christine's incredible work please visit her website and blog.

Handbag of the Month

This lux handbag is the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe. It is sleek and modern yet large enough to hold everything. The bag is available at DIANI in SB. Here are a couple ideas for what to pair with the handbag.


Flirt - by santabstyle on Polyvore.com

I like your smile, and your fingertips. - by distantlights on Polyvore.com

Drop me a comment. I would love to hear what you would wear with the bag!

Local Artist

I have found the perfect last minute Valentine's gift for all of you procrastinators out there! This darling little ring from Alesi will make any heart melt. Whether you are buying it for yourself or a loved one it will be a treasured piece, that is sure to be worn for years to come.

V-day Outfit

Now that you have the perfect date planned for Valentine's day you are in need of the perfect outfit. Fortunately with the bounty of awesome boutiques in the Santa Barbara area this should not be a problem. I found this look at Angel in Montecito.

Valentine's Outfit - by santabstyle on Polyvore.com

The gorgeous pink top and layered skirt are Rory Becca and both available at Angel. To complete the look I added a funky layered necklace and a pair of wedge sandals. Now you can still get a lift from your shoes and not spend the night stuck in the court house lawn.

Dinner for 2

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so I have been in hot pursuit of the most romantic dinner spot in SB. The winner is (drum roll please) ... Elements.



Elements is located just across from the court house giving the restaurant a view like no other in the city. As the sun sets the court house lights up giving you the feel of a romantic 50's movie. You can't help but get dreamy eyed while wining and dining on some of the best food Santa Barbara has to offer.

They are having a special Valentine's dinner menu. I promise, you will not be disappointed with this meal. They do an incredible job pairing their wines with their dishes. So make sure to take advantage of the pairing menu. They also offer a wide variety of martinis.

I suggest starting at the bar with a martini then moving to a table for your dinner. It should be a long romantic night for the two of you. Don't forget to take a walk at the court house after dinner for a little smooching.


PS. Don't wear heels if you can help it. I kept getting stuck in the court house lawn.

The Royal Treatment

Whether you are planning an intimate dinner party or an extravagant wedding you need the help of SB local Kelly Oshiro. She is an extraordinary event planner, who goes above and beyond to create your special event. She limits herself to only a few clients a year so she can give you the royal treatment. Kelly dives right into your event to make sure every aspect of the events decor is taken care of. She really takes the time to get to know each client in order to express their particular style. You will not find any cookie cutter weddings here.

This magnificent center piece was a part of Janice and Cindy's wedding. The venue would not allow candles but the couple wanted that romantic candle lit ambiance. Kelly came up with these creative center pieces. She tucked LED lights underneath some of the shells so as the sun went down the center pieces began to glow. Breath taking!
Kelly is a real gem in the event planning world. We are lucky to have her as a local resource. So if you are planning an event, big or small, be sure to enlist her help.

Local Artist

It seems everyone these days wants to be a Parisian woman. Well, to help you complete your look and feel is this gorgeous bee and pearl necklace. I just love this piece.

It looks so rich and deep. Perhaps that is because the artist uses vintage pieces and revamps them in a more modern setting. Well done! Plus, we don't have to feel guilt about purchasing it because its green. I will use any excuse to add this piece to my wardrobe. Although this is my favorite necklace you should check out her etsy shop, it is full of little treasures.

Weekend Sale

Kate in Santa Barbara is having a sale this weekend. Items are marked down 50-70%. I found this great sequin vest ... was $242.00 now only $74.00!

The perfect outfit for a Sunday drive.

Or the perfect outfit for lunch and shopping with the girls!

Shoe of the Month

Killer and gorgeous all wrapped up in a pretty package. Pierre Hardy is the genius behind these beauties. They are the perfect shoe to complement any outfit, from skinny jeans to cocktail dresses. They are available at dressed in Montecito.

Please, please I am begging you ...

do not get your husband, boyfriend, crush or even brother another pair of heart boxers for Valentine's day. Instead get him this unbelievably cool heart tee.


This tee is brought to us once again by the talented duo at Little City Designs. No need to feel guilty about purchasing this gift. All the proceeds are going to help out the family of one of the designers deceased God mother. To read more about the shirt's meaning and to purchase the shirt visit LCD's etsy shop.

Local Talent times 2

This local, newlywed couple are incredibly cute but even more importantly they are incredible illustrators. They have started their own company, Little City Designs, where they are lending their illustration to make super hip t-shirts among other things. My favorite is their Blue Bird shirt, but you should check out their esty shop and pick up your favorite.

Keep it local, Kristin R.

Spring Cleaning

Don't worry this cleaning does not involve mops and toilet brushes! Blue Bee in Santa Barbara is having a spring cleaning sale. Items are marked down as much as 70%! This is the perfect time to pick up that piece you have been coveting all season.

Here are just a few of the great finds at Blue Bee.

The great blush pumps worn recently by Miss Kardashian.

Were $545.00 now they are only $163.50

And this gorgeous deep purple D & G bustier cami is the perfect dress to go with the shoes. Was $525.00 now $157.50.

That is a savings of $747.00.

Till next time stay stylish, Kristin R.

** Items can be ordered online. Click on Blue Bee to be directed to their store.

Scrumdidilyumcious

Wow!!! I just had the most delightful little treat. I have experienced something stupendously wonderful for the first time, but definitely not the last. Are you wondering what was so stupendously wonderful? ... Whodidily. Whodidily is the most wonderful little cupcake shop in Montecito. Take one step inside the shop and you are transported to a world where Willie Wonka meets Dr. Suess. You can not help but smile while perusing the multitude of cupcake choices.

The cupcakes were light and fluffy and the frosting was rich and creamy, the perfect cupcake combo. These cupcakes are to die for. They come in a variety of flavors, from a sweet and tangy lemon cake with butter cream frosting to a chocolate cupcake with a peanut butter cup center topped with peanut butter cream frosting. With such creative flavors, the names do not disappoint. My favorite is the Koo Koo Bird.

Whodidily is owned by a lovely, young couple. He bakes and she frosts. It is a match made in heaven. So if you have not been to Whodidily for a scrumdidilyumcious cupcake ... what are you waiting for? Go NOW!!

** Photo courtesy of Christine Olson

Keep it local, Kristin R.

Local Talent

I have discovered two more uber talented Santa B ladies. Anne & Amy of TwinBella have been making jewelry together since their days as college students in Santa Barbara. My favorite of all their gorgeous necklaces happens to be the Bounjour Paris Necklace.

The piece reminds Anne of a little French work of art, and what outfit is complete without a little French flair.

Till next time stay stylish, Kristin R.

** click on TwinBella to be connected with their etsy store

Weekend Sale

Everyone can always use another pair of boots, especially when they are 30% off. Head out to DIANI this weekend and treat yourself to some new boots. You deserve it. You worked hard all week!

Always In Style

Whether you have millions, pennies, or time, donating to charity is always in style. Taking time to do anything for a charity will not only benefit the people you have chosen to help, but it will also benefit you and not to mention the community. Before I run the risk of falling off my soap box here are a few of my favorite local charities.


For those of you interested in the arts:


Arts for Humanity (AH!)

Arts for humanity, an arts outreach organization, celebrates humanity through the arts with programs that cultivate creativity and empower people with developmental disabilities, at-risk youth, the elderly and others in partnership with local artists and the Santa Barbara community.

AH!'s performing and visual arts programs benefit individuals and build community by giving a voice to the under served through the power and beauty of the arts.

AH! envisions a world where the arts are integral to our lives and accessible to all - a world where we celebrate both our differences and commonality through the joy of creativity.

AH! has tons of opportunities for anyone wishing to get involved. So if you have a love for the arts you should share it!



For those of you interested in women's and children's issues:


Domestic Violence Solutions - Santa Barbara

DV Solutions is dedicated to providing safe and confidential shelters for battered women and their children throughout Santa Barbara County. Providing emotional support and personal advocacy to battered women and other women in crisis, enabling them to recognize strengths and resources within themselves. We encourage women to be empowered to be free to make choices. Playing a leadership role in effecting social change by educating the community, by associations with other social change groups and by supporting the work of women's rights organizations.

If you dig playing with children and being a shoulder to lean on this is the charity for you.

For those of you interested in food:

Food Bank Santa Barbara County

The mission of the Foodbank is to feed hungry people by obtaining surplus food and distributing it to member agencies who serve a wide spectrum of individuals and families. During 2007, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County distributed over 7.3 million pounds of food from two warehouse locations in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.

If food issues interest you then this is the organization you should help out. They are always in need of more helping hands.

If you know of any other great charities in the community please send me a comment so I can share it with everyone.

Cioa, Kristin R

Hurry, Run ...

before the line gets too long. That is right. Pinkberry, the yogurt shop that has been touting hour long lines in cities such as New York and LA has finally opened it doors in Santa Barbara. So run out and try a cup and see what you have been missing. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Cioa Bellas, Kristin R.

Esley Dress

The oh so cute, yet sophisticated dress worn by Terri Hatcher during this weeks episode of Desperate Housewives can be found in a local boutique. The Esley dress is at Blue Pacific in Carpinteria. The dress comes in a variety of colors. I picked mine up in Navy Blue. The dress is extremely versatile. It can easily be dressed up or down depending on your mood.

Sweater
Shoes

Cocktail Ring

Clutch

Shoes

Blue Pacific is a must see boutique weather you are looking for the Esley dress or not. BP is located at 905 Linden Ave in Carpinteria.

Till next time, Kristin R.

Local Talent

The Dazzling Diva is a true local talent. Her hand stamped simple and elegant necklaces are a real local treat. DD grew up listening to her grandfather, who was a shoe cobbler, pounding his steel block while creating or repairing shoes. This is where she found her true love and passion for her art. The piece featured below is just one example of her work.





All pieces are made from 100% recycled silver. So now you have no excuse not to indulge yourself. As the DD says, "every girl deserves a little bling".

Till next time, Kristin Rasmussen

** click on the Dazzling Diva to be linked with where to purchase the necklace

Goal

The goal of this blog is to talk about the unique style that is Santa Barbara. We live in a place that is full of great boutiques, fabulous artists, awesome architects, to die for chefs, and stylish people. This blog is to be a resource for all things that are: 1) stylish and 2) local. So please if you know of any great finds drop me a line so the rest of us can check it out.

Till next time, Kristin R.