LISA STEWART - SPECIAL OFFER!

New in our boutique!  We present this gorgeous Lisa Stewart, 14k gold filled, disc necklace!  It comes with an EXCLUSIVE Frenchfifty long gold-filled chain for that extra trendy look, and of course the original neck length chain is also included.  The turquoise stones are so pretty against the gold, and the "gold fill" means it won't tarnish or wear out as easily.  Resort Mix readers save $40 off the regular price of $124.00on your purchase for TODAY only by entering code: DECEMBER at checkout!  This is an incredible value - please click here to purchase and see more pictures of this resort chic necklace! x

THE RITZ IN RANCHO MIRAGE

I just got back from Thanksgiving break in Palm Desert and I'm thrilled to report that the Ritz Carlton is finally scheduled to open in Rancho Mirage, CA - with most speculating by March 1, 2013!  The hotel won't give an exact opening date yet, but they did send along some images (below).  I was able to walk the outskirts of the property and it's coming along nicely!  Incredibly, the property started as a Ritz Carlton in 1988, then turned into the mediocre Lodge at Rancho Mirage, and THEN began a major renovation in 2008 - but quickly went into foreclosure after it's main construction backer (Lehman Brothers) went bankrupt.  The new owners have since brought it back to life, and it's rumored they will end up spending $600M on finishing the renovation.  They have also partnered with the Ritz Carlton and the property will once again bear the hotel brand name.  Finally a true luxury hotel in Palm Desert . . .

5 THINGS

{Incredible views of the famed Dolomite Mountain range, Lake Garda and vineyards near Trento, Italy}

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November is here and the holidays are upon us!  This time of year makes me feel earthy and grounded as I've been staying home and cooking more often which is less common in LA where eating out is the standard.  I've also been enjoying a glass of wine by the fire at least every couple of days which is pure heaven considering it's usually too hot to build a fire.  My "5 things" for November are inspired by these cozy feelings.  Lately I'm reminded of my visit to Trento - a ruggedly beautiful and charming city in northern Italy.  Trento is home to the famous Dolomite Mountains, and Cortina - a chic, European ski resort that's part of the Alps.  Trento is also famous for its wine making vineyards sprawled throughout its southern region near Lake Garda.  Whether skiing the exclusive Dolomites, or lunching at the insanely delicious Locanda Margon in the Ferrari Vineyards - Trento is worth discovering on your next visit to Europe.  

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{Lotus, 24k gold vermeil charm with topaz colored Czech stones, multi-strand bracelet; $74.00}

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November's birthstone is the wonderfully rich looking Topaz.  This new bracelet (now in our boutique!) is made from high quality, Czech glass beads that look like sparkling, raw Topaz.  It incorporates 5 interconnected strands that make a beautiful, neutral toned statement.  Pair this bracelet with any of your other gold jewelry for the ultimate look.  And the 24k vermeil lotus charm symbolizes "life and new beginnings" so it's the perfect accessory heading into the New Year!

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{I LOVE this Rick Owens sweater!  The longer sleeves, longer backside, and ultra fine Merino wool are perfection! $767.00} 

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{I wear these Rag & Bone moto boots all the time, they are comfy like Uggs but look way more chic! $550}

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{I adore this black, 18k gold, Labrodite, statement ring by Marcia Moran; also available in our boutique at an amazing price! $223.00}

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{The simple nature of animal print is always in style, this FrenchFifty scarf is lightweight, very affordable and goes with everything! $44.00}

WE HEART CHAN LUU!

{Exclusive Resort Mix Offer - Chan Luu, Genuine Lapis wrap bracelet}

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The Resort Mix Boutique is officially open!  As you know, I'm extremely focused on making excellent quality FrenchFifty garments at affordable prices - I call it "affordable luxe".  But I wanted to bring my customers even more options in this category, and so Resort Mix was born!  I personally curate every item in the boutique to ensure its made of excellent quality and has great style, but also that it's not outrageously priced.  Please check back often as new items will be added every week, and there will be many promotional offers for Resort Mix customers!

AHHHH OJAI

{Incredibly lush entrance to the Herb Garden pool - one of many pools at the Ojai Valley Inn Resort}

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Continuing to the answer the call of readers who want more on "easy, California style" getaways, I bring you one of my favorites - Ojai, CA.  It's always hard for me to believe that this magical town filled with farms and rolling hills is located only ONE hour from LA!  It's nestled inland to the southeast of Santa Barbara and borders the wine region there.  Because it's inland, it's usually always sunny - a very reliable trip for those of you needing to escape rain in the Fall or Winter.  Golf, world class hiking, biking, nearby wine tasting - and of course "flag service" poolside (my personal fave) - are all here!  There are a few hotels to stay at in the area, but I prefer the Ojai Valley Inn (a five diamond resort) because it has everything I need for both a romantic or family getaway.  I can stay two nights in Ojai and feel like I've been gone for a week.  The best time of year to go in my opinion is Fall or Spring, but it's actually a good trip most any time of year.  In fact we went for the 4th of July this year and had a ball with all the homespun activities and nearby fireworks.  I should also mention that dining in the area is a wonderful experience because most restaurants pull seasonal ingredients from their very own farms or gardens!  My "go to" for dinner is always a local favorite called Suzanne's.  Ask to be seated by the garden under a heat lamp.  Yum!

{The expansive view from our fireplace suite, ask for a view towards the Herb garden when making reservations}

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{Walking one morning I stumbled upon this Tuscany style garden on the lower grounds}

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{I love the property's spanish flare, these mosaic tiles are everywhere}

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{View from the end of my hike at Shelf Road; a fairly easy and inredibly scenic hike.  Orange trees line the trail}