Flare.com Feature: Coachella Musts ~ Where to stay, eat, hang, shop and what to wear

We were recently asked by FLARE.com Magazine how Styleista does Coachella and this is what we said - http://www.flare.com/culture/how-to-slay-at-coachella-what-to-eat-sip-and-wear/

Read on for a few more of our favourites.

STAY: The Colony Palm Hotel

A hidden gem, this Spanish hacienda-style boutique hotel with a vintage feel. Poolside plants seclude the French Riviera-chic cabanas at the serene pool and the Purple Palm Restaurant and Bar has a great scene with a Morocco meets old Hollywood feel. Truly a desert oasis!

 

BRONZE: Spraytanica

If you are coming from Canada, like us, your gonna want some fresh color when you get there! We love Nicole at Spraytanica. She has a room at a Shear Insanity Salon in Catherdral City perfectly situated half way between Palm Springs and Indio. Or better yet she’s mobile and can come to you! Her products are all natural, parabin free, and not tested on animals. The color is customized, last 5 – 7 days and fades evenly. Call Nicole at 310.228.8624 and get your glow on!

 

SPEND A DAY: El Paseo

El Paseo shop eat drink palm springs coachella

The famous El Paseo Shopping District is the Rodeo Drive of the desert. Featuring a mile of over 300 shops, art galleries, jewelry stores and restaurants lined with beautiful manicured flower beds. Our perfect day here would be to grab brunch at Wilma & Frieda in the Gardens and then stroll the stripes locally owned boutiques like Elizabeth & Prince and Blonde Boutique, a patio cocktail at Tommy Bahamas, followed by a peek into some of the fabulous art galleries. A blow out at one of the many salons and then dinner + drinks at Mastros. 

 

RELAX: The Well Spa at Miramonte Resort

The desert waters derived from a natural well hundreds of years ago, continue to revitalize today at this award-winning spa. It’s intimate Tuscan environment features 13 treatment rooms and a co-ed courtyard with private salt water pool. Check out the spa parties as well!

 

WHAT TO WEAR: be sure to read the FLARE post we wrote for all of our must haves for your festival look! 

SKINCARE: Beyond Botox ~ Courtesy of the XO Treatment Room

I’ll be the first to admit that I am skin lazy. 

At certain points in my life, I’ve taken an interest in my skin.  I’ve seen a dermatologist, been advised on a specific regime that I loosely followed and ended up somewhat satisfied with the results. 

However, nothing stays the same.  Aging & climate changes are constant obstacles for me & my skin care, and Calgary has proved to be the biggest one yet; especially with dry sensitive skin.  So after a year and half of trying to figure it out on my own, it was time to see the professionals at XO Treatment Room.

I scheduled my appointment for the first day after the spring break, because lets be honest, while my main objective is skin deep, there is something about being pampered that is just good for the soul.

Located in the Beltline, which is just south of Calgary’s downtown, XO Treatment Room is easily accessible.  Even on a busy weekday morning, parking was a cinch.

As I entered XO Treatment Room, I quickly become aware of two things, an amazing aroma and a woman greeting me with absolutely flawless skin that I’m informed is makeup free.  This happens to be Annie Graham, owner of XO Treatment Room.  Annie welcomes me and as we discuss my dermatological concerns, I am completely at ease with her and my surroundings, which is unlike any medical spa I’ve been to.

My treatment for today is the Beyond Botox facial which is specifically designed to reverse the signs of aging and help reduce lines, wrinkles, and age spots and will be administered by a medical aesthetician, Kaila.  We enter a serene treatment room and as Kaila explains my procedure, she also inquires about any additional skin concerns and easily addresses them with exceptional know-how.  I can tell I am in good hands!

As facials go, this is like nothing I have ever experienced.  There is no pulling, peeling or extracting.  The focus is on enhancing the quality of your skin through pressure points, increased blood circulation and luxe products specifically for hydration.  My facial had 11 plus steps, but the one I enjoyed the most was a mild chemical peel and during this time, I received a full arm & hand massage with organic apricot oil from Italy.  It was during this process that everything just stopped.  All my thoughts, “Have-to’s” and even my mental notes for this blog… it all just came to a rare and much needed stop - it was amazing!

Unfortunately, all good things must end.  Once Kaila was done administering my Beyond Botox Facial, I was reminded of what my skin used to feel like, before my need to hide it with makeup.  It was as though years of exposure had been taken away and I was left with soft, supple, hydrated skin.  We sat down and discussed a realistic regime that works with my lifestyle and includes Canadian product B.Kamins.  I’m obsessed with their Lifting Serum, which in Calgary, is exclusive to XO.

Just as I began to leave with my new found glow, I was introduced to world-renowned Cosmetic Physician, Dr. Grondin, who performs all of XO’s injectables.  Not only is he brilliant at his craft, and just like Annie, his demeanor is infectious.   That’s what sets XO Treatment Room apart, the knowledge and disposition of the staff is parallel and cohesive to the care and attention they give you.

It’s been over 36 hours since my experience at XO Treatment Room and as someone who is result driven - I’m thrilled.  And more so, have finally been given the resources required to achieve and maintain healthy looking skin.

PS. Check out their Instagram cause it will make you giggle! 

XO, Kimberly

Boutique in the Burbs

BOUTIQUE IN THE BURBS

Photo Credit: Tyler Stalman

Photo Credit: Tyler Stalman

 

Styleista is excited to partner with APT 22 + Starbelly to bring one of Calgary’s hottest boutiques to the burbs!

 

TICKETS: $40 (includes h’orderves + 2 drinks)

WHEN: Thursday, February 18, 2016

TIME: 8pm

WHERE: Starbelly Restaurant - 19489 Seton Cr SE

 

APT22 is a fresh and stylish women’s clothing boutique located in Aspen. The owner, Kim Stern, sources clothing and jewelry from global style destinations such as Bali, Los Angeles as well as local designers right here in Calgary. Styleista will be on site with stylist, Kimberly French, on hand to give outfit and wardrobe tips at Starbelly, which is an chic open kitchen and grill located in the South East. This can be a fun night out for you and your girlfriends, moms, sisters and/or daughters.

 

For more information please contact us: info@styleista.ca

 

Instagram + Twitter: @styleista_ca

Facebook: Styleista

Pinterest: StyleistaGroup

 

XO, Team Styleista

​

PROMO: Valentines Day Pamper Package

Guys, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there is absolutely no time to waste planning that special day for your significant other or perhaps that person you are trying to impress for the first time.

We want to take the pressure off and curate a perfect package to pamper your sweetheart. We will plan a personal shopping session to style her with a date night outfit to enjoy dinner with you, she can then choose from a selection of Wysh jewelry and finish the day with a customized facial from XO Treatment Room.

Offer includes:

Customized Styleista Gift Certificate

Assistance for Dinner Reservations

10% off Personal Shopping (or session of choice)

WYSH Jewelry Selection

XO and Go Facial + Collagen Masks

- Please inquire regarding Men's Vday Package - 

Pamper Package w/ earrings $500

Natural Solar Quartz Flowers w/ 24k gold electroplated edging hung from 14k gold filled earring threads

Natural Solar Quartz Flowers w/ 24k gold electroplated edging hung from 14k gold filled earring threads

Pamper Package w/ Necklace $425

Rose Quartz Crystal Point on 14k gold filled ball 32" chain

Rose Quartz Crystal Point on 14k gold filled ball 32" chain

For booking information please contact us by email: info@styleista.ca or phone: 403-978-0050

~ Offer expires February 14, 2016 ~

 

 

 

XO, Team Styleista

FASHION: HOW TO WEAR A MANS SHIRT AS A DRESS

I stumbled upon the mens department in H&M and thanks to the Beibs they have started making mens shirts in extra long. I found a super cute sweatshirt with a graphic text on the back, long t-shirts with a shirt tail bottom and short sleeve t's with zippers up the side and down the centre back. If styled right they could be mistaken as Helmut Lang, Rick Owens or Rag & Bone.

Tips: 

- Make sure the length is at least at the bottom of your finger tips

- I'm generally a women's size 2-4 so I bought size men's size M

- Pair with OTK boots 

- Add a lace skirt that peeks out the bottom

- Pair with a chunky heeled bootie

- Add sheer tights/nylons

H&M White Zip T-shirt: LINK

 

H&M Grey Shirt-tail T-shirt: LINK

XO, Phaedra

TRAVEL: Southern Gulf Islands - NYT Best Places to Go 2016

I was born and raised on the west coast of British Columbia. Born in Vancouver and raised on Bowen Island and then Salt Spring Island. I would not trade that upbringing for anything in the world, it has helped shape who I am deep down. There is something about being immersed in an environment that surrounds you with the ocean, wilderness, wildlife and a warm community of people that will always be a part of who I am. 

The west coast is wild, unpredictable and breathtakingly beautiful. The unpredictability lends to the mystic of this rugged coastal region where you can find yourself enjoying a summer-like October day on a tiny beach basking in the sun to misty morning runs that lead you past dew laden farm fields, unique homes and eventually you will end up at the ocean again. You can take a boat out and drop a line, hopefully catch a lingcod or pull a friends’ crab trap and plan a fresh seafood hot pot paired with a local bottle of wine. Nothing beats this! It all comes back to the ocean. Being raised with it as a constant in my life makes me realize I can’t live without it. It’s like a soul mate in a way, if that even makes any sense.

What prompted all this west coast love is the recent article by the New York Times – 52 Places to Go in 2016 – which the Southern Gulf Islands was listed! I have to give them props on their description of my beloved home:

“Always blessed with natural beauty, Vancouver has successfully recast itself in recent years as a luxury destination. But as the Canadian city goes upscale, travelers and locals seeking simpler Pacific Northwest charms are increasingly venturing just offshore, to the Southern Gulf Islands. A short ferry ride (as little as an hour) leads to a maze of Pacific islands dotted with small seaside villages, where summers can feel almost Mediterranean. Rocky coast and pebble beaches give way to rolling pastures and forested peaks. Winding roads lead from farms and wineries to cheeseries, breweries and artists’ studios. Each of the nearly dozen major islands has its own character and contrarian island culture, but all offer secluded coves and trails to explore, and abundant wildlife, from eagles to orcas. Restaurants — including tiny Pilgrimme, cited as one of Canada’s best — punch well above their weight, while one-off accommodations range from renovated airstreams to Airbnb finds and small, family-run lodges.” - Remy Scalza

 

The more I miss it the more I realize that I need it and that I will once again live there, mark my words.

 

Xo, Phaedra

FASHION: Spring & Summer 2016 Runway Trends

Once again it is time to look to the runway collections and designers that presented notable themes for S/S 2016. With the help of Vogue.com we have grouped together our favourites.

Boudoir: Satin & Lace

Céline

Céline

Designers doing this trend:

Céline

Givenchy

Alexander Wang

 

Vintage Revival: Luxe + Thrift Store

Gucci

Gucci

 

Designers doing this trend:

Gucci

Dries Van Noten

Christopher Kane

 

Romance Redux: 1800s modern femininity

Etro

Etro

Designers doing this trend:

Oscar de la Renta

Erdem

Alexander McQueen

 

All That Glitters: Sequins and appliqué 

Anthony Vaccerello

Anthony Vaccerello

Designers doing this trend:

Marni

Pucci

Paco Rabanne

 

Details:

Off the Shoulder

Boss - Off the shoulder

Boss - Off the shoulder

 

Crazy denim

Off White - Denim

Off White - Denim

 

Latin influences (ruffles)

Michael Kors

Michael Kors

 

Additional Trend Details:

Tie Dye

Silver Metallics

Sporty (sweatshirts as dresses)

Exaggerated arms/shoulders

Stripes in all directions

Happy Shopping Styleistas...or at least this is inspiration until the weather turn warm here!

XO, Phaedra