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.