Santa Barbara Dreaming

I thought to begin my style blog it should be about a special place that is near and dear to my heart. It has been ten years since I lived and worked in the central coast area of California. We Texans tend to want to have our feet on Texas soil, but I do truly miss the natural beauty of the ocean and mountains. Not to mention the near perfect climate. I have been fortunate to travel back to Santa Barbara often to continue my friendships and renew my soul. Something about arriving in a small airport and being met with the scent of flowers is something I will always look forward to. I thought I would share some of my favorite places I've discovered along the way.









No list of things to do in Santa Barbara would be complete without mentioning a visit to "Pierre Lafond Wendy Foster".
Wendy Foster, my previous boss, friend and mentor has long been regarded as the creator of Santa Barbara style. That effortlessly casual and relaxed look we all love. Having been in the business of fashion for over 30 years, the "dress shop" that Wendy oversees is known for the most artful collection of all their clothing stores. She has created a rare trouve' of beautiful luxury staples, one of kind items, and handmade ethnic items from around the world. In the know, celebrities and stylists often travel from LA to see what is new. Wendy's buying journeys take her from LA, to New York, to Milan and Paris for the selection of clothing for her store. She always has her eye on great design with a respect to what has lasting value.






Wendy and her husband, Pierre Lafond run an empire of businesses including four clothing stores, and interior store, a gourmet deli and restaurant and a winery. You may remember the restaurant as the location the Kardashian sister's visited on their girls weekend trip to Santa Barbara. I admit it, I watch it.


"Upstairs" at Pierre Lafond is the beautiful home collection shop. The look is European elegance with California coolness. Shelley Khoury does a perfect edit of neutral environments and with a few accents of color.


http://www.wendyfoster.com/index.html