Whether it is a piece of jewelry, my home, or wardrobe, I have always favored the juxtaposition of the avant-garde and classic over mainstream trend. There is something very alluring about moving forward with a nod to the past while honing one’s own style. Since its inception four years ago, Designs by Alina has embraced that philosophy as well as the ideas that beauty and inspiration should forever be entwined and that quality should never be compromised for the sake of design. Today I am thrilled to take those notions even further with the introduction of our 18K Gallery Collection. 

It has been very rewarding to collaborate over the years with nonprofits from coast to coast. Our most recent partnership with The Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation, "Influential Women in Art and Design" is unique in that this new collection is inspired by art and designed precisely to benefit the very community that galvanized it. We are grateful to the foundation's Executive Director, Frederick Janka, for the months of preparation leading up to the launch and honored to support those who help immortalize a moment in time, a moment in culture, through their commitment to create.

When I set out to design this first conceptual collection in the series, I had six goals in mind:

1. Use high karat gold which is unparalleled for its richness in color and texture.
2. Juxtapose modern art with the look of ancient gold.
3. Fabricate a cohesive collection that is in equal measure meaningful and stunning. 
4. Each heirloom quality piece to be fabricated by hand in my beloved state.
5. Donate a percentage of proceeds at each launch and private event to organizations that support the arts.
6. Collaborate with galleries and museums to propel their work.

About the first collection in this artist inspired series…

When Frederick turned my attention to Xaviera Simmons, recently named by Elle Magazine as “one of the most powerful women in art today,” known for her multimedia exhibits at MoMA, The Guggenheim and MCA Chicago among many museums, I was captivated. The moment I saw the piece below: Untitled (Green), I knew I had found my inspiration.

Xaviera Simmons Untitled (Green), 2016 - Photo courtesy of the artist and The Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation

Uncovered ring - 18K solid gold and white diamonds hand-forged in California

I knew very little about the artist when I designed Uncovered (above) but as the days and weeks progressed my obsession to understand the mind behind the work sent me on a quest to unearth everything I could on Simmons. The internet became my best friend offering a plethora of insightful podcasts, videos, interviews, and of course, images of her work, each new revelation fueling my own creativity.

When we met, I was delighted to learn that she is a kindred spirit of sorts with whom I share many interests and views. While we have both been infused with an insatiable need to create (Xaviera describes herself as “restless” when it comes to filling that need) I also discovered that her desire to carve out meaning as it relates to culture, spirit, and landscape, is suspended somewhere between past, present and future, a theme that runs deep in her ever evolving work. That fusion of nostalgia with the unexpected has been a topic of interest to me since childhood, especially as our family was uprooted so often. This is just one of the many ways I feel connected to Simmons’ work.

The rest of the collection was inspired, not only by her works, but by the conversations that followed. Our Cocoon necklace, for example, incorporates elements from Around the Y, (2010) as well as conversations Xaviera and I shared about the preservation of culture and being home. 

Xaviera Simmons, Around the Y, 2010 - Photo courtesy of the artist and The Modern Notes Podcast

Cocoon necklace - 18K solid gold hand-forged in California

While the necklace below Canyon, draws inspiration from Simmons’ love of landscape, our Migration earrings, spawn from conversations revolving around the theme of migration and Simmons’ work Superunknown (Alive In The) (2010).

Xaviera Simmons, Canyon, 2010 - Photo courtesy of the artist and The Modern Notes Podcast

Canyon necklace, 18K solid sold, hand-forged in California

Migration earrings, hand-forged in California with 18K solid gold

Discover the full collection here: 18K Gallery Collection

With deep appreciation to Xaviera Simmons for the inspiration and wonderful conversations, to Frederick Janka for his friendship, support and laughter, and to the Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation for giving artists a wonderful platform from which to evolve.

Influential Women in Art and Design with host Frederick Janka, Executive Director of The Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation, multimedia artist Xaviera Simmons, and Designs by Alina founder, Alina de Albergaria.

The much anticipated Influential Women in Art and Design took place last weekend in our family home nestled between the halcyon hills of Santa Barbara and Montecito. Featuring the unveiling of our 18K Gallery Collection, the event was held to benefit the Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation. Among the attendees were the artist who inspired the collection, Xaviera Simmons, known for her multimedia exhibits at the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Gina Tolleson, Executive Editor of Santa Barbara Magazine, Lila Glasoe Francese and Frederick Janka, respectively the President and Executive Director of The Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation, among others.

The artist and designer kicked off the event by conversing about the sources of inspiration behind their work and the importance of supporting fellow creatives. The afternoon would not have been complete without the artful cuisine of celebrated chef Lori Stern whose gorgeous edibles blended in seamlessly with the picturesque landscape.

Last but not least we leave you with a peek at the collection:

Want to see it all?  Sure you do! 

She's talented, clever, and makes the most gorgeous cookies ever.

Meet Lori Stern, a self-taught private chef and baker who credits much of her success to social media which has enabled her to finetune her culinary skills and market her epicurean offerings. A flower lover after my own heart, she is “inspired by the romance of wild edible flowers and medicinal herbs” many of which she organically grows in her own garden.

Lori prepping for a Designs by Alina event

It's no wonder that her creative genius has recently caught the attention of Vogue and Anthropologie, that her Instagram following has ballooned overnight, and that she is busy shipping out heaps of those romantic edibles across the country.  What's more, just today I discovered that she hand paints each and every one of her cookie boxes!

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We are thrilled to see what stunning creations she has in store for our 18K Gallery Collection launch next month. But I have my eyes (and taste buds) set on those spring rolls!

For more information and to purchase from her online shop, visit loriastern.com.

All photos courtesy of Lori Stern and loriastern.com.

Only seven weeks away...

We are thrilled to announce the soon to be unveiled 18K Gallery Collection, a unique bespoke jewelry line inspired by today's most prominent artists. 

Xaviera Simmons, who Elle Magazine recently named as "one of the most powerful women in art today," is the inspiration behind our first 18K Gallery Collection in this new series of artist inspired jewels, hand forged in California.

Xaviera Simmons, Untitled (Green), 2016 - Photo courtesy of the artist and The Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation

When Frederick Janka, Executive Director of The Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation, introduced me to Simmons' work I was immediately captivated by what I perceived as a quest for truth. Upon meeting her, I discovered that the artist's desire to unearth meaning as it relates to culture, spirit, and landscape, is suspended somewhere between past, present and future, a theme that runs deep in her work. That fusion of nostalgia and the unexpected has been a topic of interest to me since childhood especially as our family was uprooted so often.

Inspired by the artwork above, our Uncovered ring showcases the rich colors and textures of high karat gold and beautiful luster of white diamonds that beckon a deeper look.

Uncovered, hand-forged in 18K solid gold with white diamonds.

The full 18K Gallery Collection will be unveiled in April with the artist who inspired it, at an exclusive event to benefit the Carolyn Glasoe Bailey Foundation,  dedicated to supporting the arts and sciences. Check back with us as we uncover the rest of the collection.

The power of recall

Early morning. White robe. Tears. Confusion.

I remember it with remarkable clarity, the horror when I saw the second Twin Tower collapse on live television. Was it a replay of the first? And the press junket I attended in New York when the final verdict in the O.J. Simpson murder trial was read which led to silence, disbelief and bewilderment. The 1994 earthquake rendered me standing in the middle of my Los Angeles living room with the thought "at least I will die happy."

The ease with which those memories can be summoned to mind astounds me.

Not so with the Thomas fire. There is no single moment to archive, no single flash of consternation, but many which collectively take on a myriad meanings.

December 2, 2017

When our family hosted a Christmas party in early December, we could not have foreseen the fury that mother nature would unleash a mere two days later, one that would cast an ashen shadow on the year’s most luminous of seasons. I don’t recall where I was when news about the Thomas fire broke, but three days after that initial ember dared extend its reach, Ventura had lost over four hundred structures and our own little piece of paradise found itself on the brink of terror.

Casting a pink hue in our sitting room, the obscenely alluring sunrise foretold the story of a battle lost, and that evening a breathtaking sunset (in the literal sense) prompted our family to flee the following day.

On the move

It was December seventh, three days after the fire enkindled. Hastily tossing what we could into a suitcase, we drove up to Pismo Beach where we were to meet up with other Santa Barbara families in search of clean air. The plan was to stay for a day or two until the fire and wind subsided. What were we thinking? At a mere 10% containment, 0% on the side menacing to creep into our city, we would not be returning anytime soon.

But surely one could dream of being home for Christmas, right?

On the drive up, one of my friends cautioned about a small fire she saw along the way. Minutes later another described in a panic that the small fire had presented itself on her path as an ominous cloud of smoke through which she and her three children had blindly driven. She warned me to "stay the %*$# away!" A third friend threw in the towel short of her destination in favor of a nearby theatre where she and her family were hoping to shed a few layers of frenzy. Determined to reach our hotel, we located an alternate route just before the 101 North was shut down.

Our first evacuation night marked the beginning of a sort of kinship that many of us don't get the opportunity to experience. Planning dinner with friends can sometimes be logistically challenging, but mother nature made her voice clear causing prior commitments to vanish like mist in the rain. With nerves frazzled, our family found comfort seated with friends and strangers who like us allowed their anxiety to morph into laughter and a good dose of much needed silliness.

While in Rome

Within a couple of days we were living like locals, eating lots of fried food, hanging out on the pier and trying our luck at bowling, but our voracious crew was ready for more and soon our teens, tots, dads, and a few moms were in the sand dunes kicking up dust without a care in the world.

Nighttime's revenge

I was having a tough time reconciling the loss of many with our own sense of joy. One death had been recorded and the parents of a dear friend of mine, who had already lost a house to fire, were now facing an apocalyptic return to their Ventura home, the only one standing within blocks of bereft chimneys and charred landscape completely leveled to the ground. Nighttime took its revenge with images of horror creeping into my mind like ants to their colony, flagrant thoughts intent on stripping me from the comfort and joy I had found in my Santa Barbara pack.

By our third day away from home the fire, which would eventually become the largest in our state's history, was threatening our own community despite the efforts of hundreds of firefighters battling flames day and night.  Merciless winds and severe dry weather conditions caused it to spread with such ferocity that our new refuge, 100 miles away, was completely veiled in smoke prompting us to pack up once again and seek asylum.

My husband rented a car and drove back home with our son to retrieve priceless objects like wedding albums and the tapestry from his childhood homes in Italy and Portugal. More importantly, he offered safe harbor to our housekeeper who had been suffering through the Santa Barbara smoke, as well as our dogs and leopard gecko who had stayed behind.

Silver lining

Imagine that you are somewhere between nine and eleven roaming free on a 500 acre playground peppered with wild turkeys, deer, and some of your favorite people skipping alongside you. Days brim with swimming, hide-and-seek, cart wheels, soccer, and pizza "almost" on demand ("almost" hinging upon on your parent's consent, but because they are both worried about the fire and happy to be with friends, they usually acquiesce.) Evenings bring movies, more pizza and an endless supply of marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers to make s'mores over a roaring fire contained within the walls of a fire pit, the proper venue for a blaze to reside. Outings include visits to town for ice cream and cookies, a trip to one of the the world's largest aquariums, a day at the amusement park and a hike along an oceanside state reserve.

Welcome to Carmel Valley Ranch

There was much to embrace in that small piece of paradise we called home. Cognizant of the gift we had in one another, we fell into daily routines sharing everything from wine and stories to childcare and shoes. As we welcomed new members of our Santa Barbara kin to the dinner table and into our lives we were overcome by a sense of gratitude and joy.

Releasing the guilt

Photo credits: ig @ck_sb, unknown, David McFadden

Images like these began to circle around the net while my family and fellow evacuees embraced life at its fullest. The inequity of it all gnawed at my conscience, darkness again menacing to avenge. I couldn't stop thinking of all the people directly affected by the tragedy, the brave men and women on the front lines tirelessly fighting that monster and the hundreds who now found themselves in city shelters. One night while nearly a thousand firefighters surrounded the city to protect our homes, the same question lingered like a noontide shadow: Is it right to feel joy when your neighbor is in distress? But by then our own neighborhood was under mandatory evacuation. I didn't know if we or our fellow evacuees would have a home upon our return. What we did have was each other, and at that moment I realized that much like happiness, the vicissitudes of life are in a constant state of ebb and flow. And so it was that I sent my guilt packing on an adventure of its own while our traveling pack basked in the ephemeral joy of life's gift.

Leaving the flock.

There were only four days left before Santa was due to visit, we needed to make a dent in our Christmas shopping. The flock had been together for the better part of two weeks and while we didn't want to part ways, the stars had aligned themselves perfectly for a return to San Francisco, the city we once called home. Our son was already there, my husband was in the area working and the girls had hatched a plan to visit old classmates. To make things easier, our friends, who were visiting the Galapagos, offered us their Pacific Heights home. Many glassy eyes and embraces later, we bid farewell to our evacuee family in route to the Golden City. What ensued was a comedy of errors involving faulty keys, locksmiths, a malfunctioning thermostat, unexpected guests, and a very cold night.

The following morning it arrived. An early Christmas gift: 

Pinch me, I'm dreaming.

Would we be home for Christmas? With three days left and toxic ashes waiting in ambush for our return, we needed to spawn a plan. 

Plan B (or C or D...it's all a blur)

With the help of my husband and friends up north, I scheduled some San Francisco fun for our trio including shopping (our eldest becoming my city elf) and ice skating at Union Square. Our housekeeper and I loaded the car up again with our poodles, gecko, wedding albums and tapestry in route home to tackle the mess before Bernardo and the children arrived the following night. 

Home at long last

Over the course of two days, our gardeners, housekeeper, handymen and I took on the aftermath with a vengeance. N95 masks became our new friends as we attacked the sea of ashes that had engulfed our home and garden. Our injured tapestry was repaired and mounted while kind neighbors brought packages they retrieved in our absence, and local businesses on the verge of collapse began to see the light.

Emotions were raw. Instinct took over one morning when I spotted a fire engine on the road ahead and floored the gas to reach it. I made eye contact with the driver and mouthed the words "thank you" prompting him to smile and mouth back "you're welcome". My eyes welled up with tears. 

Like an astronaut coming home from the ISS, feelings of elation and gratitude ensued as I woke with my husband and children on Christmas morning in the house I wanted to hug. And as we gathered round the table that evening with friends who had braved the Santa Barbara smoke and a few of our beloved fellow evacuees, we took a moment to raise a glass to the fearless souls who had placed themselves in harms way to save the lives and homes of strangers.

Funny how in the midst of all the chaos we lamented the loss of the yuletide spirit.

And yet it never left.

May 2018 fill your lives with gratitude and silver linings.

A mere glance at the exquisite pages of Milieu Magazine and one can see why, in 2013, Founder and Editor in Chief, Pamela Pierce, chose to venture into the world of paper when other home and garden publications were facing their imminent demise. It was so clear to me in fact, that at the end of my very first date with Milieu I was left wondering how I might immortalize those luscious pages in a hardcover coffee table book.

A style magazine like no other, Milieu showcases magnificent homes and gardens that have yet to be published, peppering in unique objects which round out many of its stories. Leaving no stone unturned, in the world of Milieu even the advertisements transition seamlessly between pages, rendering them an asset to the magazine's breathtaking editorials.

When the magazine inquired about featuring our Perfect Duo Tahitian and Champagne rings in their Holiday Gift Guide I was naturally thrilled, but when the Winter 2018 issue arrived, I was completely entranced by the alluring cover.

If you appreciate timeless elegance you will fall in love with Milieu. For more information visit milieu-mag.com.

Images courtesy of Milieu Magazine. Special thanks to Pamela Pierce for featuring our jewels and to Jean Brooks for presenting me with my first issue.

In a world dominated by negative press, it doesn't hurt to step aside for a moment and celebrate how far we have come.

A few years after the passage of the Equal Pay Act in 1963, Virginia Slims cigarettes were marketed to young professional women using the slogan "You've come a long way, baby." 

Little did the creators of that ad know just how far women in the US would evolve: from those traveling into space, to those on the Supreme Court, women CEO's and, of course, women running for President. The irony in that ad, of course, is that eventually both men and women would continue to evolve into non-smoking entities educated on the harm of nicotine.

While the progress we have made in medicine, women's rights, and science is not tantamount to how fashion, art, and design have evolved, these creative endeavors are visual testaments to change. Today we celebrate color blends like pink with orange or blue with black which may have been frowned upon in years past. There is no need to adhere to arbitrary fashion rules like not wearing white after Labor Day or mixing gold and silver jewelry.

Similarly, interior designers are have become increasingly emboldened by weaving in the old with the new. A sucker for nostalgia with an eye on the road ahead, I wholeheartedly embrace this design approach because the juxtaposition of furnishings is precisely what describes the life within. With our home almost done (is it really ever?) our dining room was begging for a chandelier. I knew I wanted a brass fixture with a modern sculptural twist. That is where the knowledge ended and the search began. It took several months before stumbling upon the perfect one while searching for an artifact to enhance our bedroom console. 

I love the bold statement it makes without blocking the view. But what is truly priceless is that it looks like jewelry, successfully weaving Designs by Alina into our family narrative. I hope that someday, along with the many pieces that were passed down to us, it will continue to write the story our ancestors penned.

Life unfolds as a series of events, all of which shape us into who we are. Today I find myself in a state of daily gratitude, indebted to my community for so much of life's bounty. Contributing to that feeling of requital is the sense of awareness I gained from living abroad and weathering the storms of life, both of which inspire me to give back. In addition to participating in nonprofit fundraisers across the country, Designs by Alina is happy to announce that in Santa Barbara, where we are based, the collection is available exclusively through nonprofit collaborations and by appointment.

Next up? SBCC Promise

I agree wholeheartedly with Thomas Jefferson who stated that "no other sure foundation can be devised for the preservation of freedom and happiness than education". In an effort to uphold that value, we helped raise thousands of dollars for SBCC Promise last year and are honored to participate again this year. SBCC Promise is committed to providing two years of free education to local students. 

TWO years of FREE education at the TOP Community College in the nation!

Please join us and several local designers at The Mill, one of Santa Barbara's hippest locales in the Funk Zone for some pre-holiday shopping. We're keeping it local for a wonderful cause...now that's a promise!

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When everyone gets a say...

We have raised our children to be independent thinkers, a creed they have gingerly embraced since early childhood. Not to say that giving everyone a voice doesn’t come with challenges, still we are hoping to have sown all the right seeds for them to flourish someday on their own —that day threatening to present itself sooner than later.

In the early days, our children were eager to uncover a new adventure anywhere we took them, from Morocco to London, New York to Rome, Harbor Island to Miami, Paris to Barcelona, Mallorca to Buenos Aires.

Today, each member of our wanderlust trio is keen on spelling out exactly what they perceive to be an ideal travel destination while we carve out a list of our own. Several weeks in the planning we narrowed down our choices to a tropical beach vacation in a foreign country that might accommodate most items on our family’s wish list like lots of R&R, fishing, snorkeling, exploratory adventures, daily exercise, and fine dining with a dose of well overdue pampering.

Our search ended with the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.

Located on the northernmost crest of Bahía de Banderas and a forty-five minute drive from Puerto Vallarta, the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, sits on one of the world’s largest natural bays. While its understated elegance says "Four Seasons," the seamless juxtaposition of tropical landscape and Mexican art remind you that you are on the beautiful Nayarit Riviera coastline.

Setting the tone of our entire stay, we were greeted upon arrival with tequila infused homemade lemonade and a personalized tote of Mexican sweets for our youngest daughter. As with most Four Seasons resorts, the hotel staff continued to greet us at every turn but in Punta Mita they did so mostly by name adding a personal touch to our visit.

We love to immerse ourselves in local culture which can prove a bit challenging in a hotel where everyone's default language is English. But once we let the team know that we wished to brush up on our Spanish, they made a genuine effort to remember to speak to us in their native tongue.

A welcome note, fresh fruit, lemonade and a gift for the children adorned our beautifully appointed rooms, one with a king bed and three large beds for the children in the adjoining room. More like a beautifully curated mini-jungle, the garden view offered front row seats to nature’s play where iguanas swung from branch to branch (yes, you read that right, iguanas, not monkeys) to the orchestral melodies of cuckoos and woodpeckers. 

Coexisting in perfect harmony with a stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the hotel’s infinity-edge family pool made for a dramatic splash and glorious cotton-candy sunsets.

For those seeking a more secluded, romantic experience, The Tamai pool complex boasts four pools and 10 private cabanas in a quiet tropical setting.

Our family enjoyed many of Punta Mita's offerings like zip-lining (125m above sea level), fishing, spear fishing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, tennis, and last but definitely not least, flyboarding, a new adventure that our ten-year-old embraced with gusto and teenage son mastered on his very first attempt (I had a blast but barely made it a foot above water.)

Specializing in Asian cuisine with a Mexican twist, Aramara for dinner and Ketsi (Mexican) for lunch were family favorites among the resort's five restaurants. A minor drawback is that the casual Ketsi, under a thatched palapa rooftop with a magnificent view, is treated a bit too formally, especially on very hot August days. Swimsuits are frowned upon even for children, so ladies, bring plenty of cover ups or opt to lunch at the pool or beachside. Dress code aside, the cooks made certain that our lunch included our son's catch from an off-site spearfishing adventure earlier in the day (fishing at the resort is catch and release only).

Off site, my husband and I enjoyed the most magnificent dining experience at Restaurant Sufi, a few minutes from the hotel at the Playa Fortuna Ocean Club (where my daughter and I signed up for tennis lessons). The craft cocktails, lobster and Sufi salad were as exquisite as was the breathtaking setting overlooking the bay. 

Sí Sushi and Sí Señor in the village center, as well as Sea Breeze at the St. Regis, all within five minutes from the hotel are wonderful dining choices for the whole family.

Sunset dining at SÍ Sushi

What sets the the Four Seasons Punta Mita apart from other tropical resorts is the exceptional level of service and attention to detail. The grounds and all public areas are impeccably maintained. The housekeeping and turndown service were exceptional (the better part of two hours daily were spent on those tasks). The pool crew will clean your sunglasses, pamper you with ice cold towels, homemade frappuccinos, smoothies, house lemonade, and ice cream. A state-of-the-art fitness facility with an endless supply of cold towels and water render it difficult to find a reason not to incorporate exercise into your vacation. Still, for those who can't pass up a good massage, the Apuane Spa promises "an oasis of serenity in scenic Mexico". 

Heaven on Earth with something for everyone.

Want more? Visit our blog post on the breathtaking Hacienda San Angel in nearby Puerto Vallarta. Here's a glimpse to whet your appetite....

San Miguel Suite at the Hacienda San Angel - photo courtesy of Hacienda San Angel

I have a difficult time making promises unless I am certain I will keep them. And because I seldom know what the future holds, those promises are few and far between. My better half, who thinks I suffer from commitment anxiety, is amazed that I even said yes all those years ago. 

Our daughter, Gisella, age two, in the Venezuelan Andes 

From the moment she uttered her first word, our eldest daughter has begged for a dog. Because it seemed remote enough, we promised to give her one when she turned five long before a new baby was even a thought on our family's horizon. When the twins' fifth birthday arrived, their audacious little sister was crawling around our three-story townhouse without a care in the world, her brother and sister teasing and mom panting not far behind. With the idea of a new pup no longer an option, six became the new five. But by then the thought of a four-legged friend racing past three kids in the stairwells stirred up so much angst in me, that I became reticent before my own child when the subject arose only to follow up with a feeble someday, afraid that I might again falter on my vow.

Then he stepped in.

My logical, charming husband, the one who time and time again led his team to victory, the one who always knows how to engage and inspire, hinted that someday with no end in sight was like me trying to chase the Energizer Bunny. Our daughter needed to know when: a month, three months, a year. It didn’t matter, but a concrete date was in order. Despite a million obstacles coming to mind, I instinctively understood that we all covet a glimpse of the gifts life might unfurl, and that if we are asked to exercise patience, what better way to satiate that desire than a "best by" date. So what did I do? I got her a puppy...

The very next day.

Yes. The idea of committing to an impending date was so daunting, that surprising her right then and there became more palatable. Was it stressful? Yes. Did I have to chase three kids and a dog all over kingdom come to avert disaster? Yes. Would I have had it any other way? No. 

Cut to a few years later...

Our favorite Swedes, Roberto and Ebba announced, much to our dismay, that they would be moving to North Carolina. When Ebba asked when we might come visit, that familiar feeling rendered me silent. My heart was missing them already but my head was a spinning calendar full of dates, flights, commitments and destinations. Of course I wanted to see them but the thought of settling on a far flung date made me feel as though I had entered a no fly zone. Ebba took notice and announced, somewhat in jest at their farewell party a few weeks later, that she hoped for everyone to visit except, wink-wink, me. I thought: Why couldn't I just say “sure, anytime” like everyone else does? Because I am not everyone else and that's okay too. 

So, dearest Ebba and Roberto, our family bids yours farewell and wishes you lycka till, but not before letting you know that Bernardo and I have tickets to visit before Halloween rolls around. Are you ready?!!!

Yes, age has a way of seeing us through life with a calmer slant, each decade allowing us to just "be" without having to explain or quantify. Embrace your quirks and choices, but most of all embrace those you love.

Puss Puss beautiful family, see you soon!

Sun? Check.   Sea? Check.   Charm? Check.   

With those three requests checked off the list, our family has agreed on our next travel destination. That little secret will be revealed next month but first…all about the gorgeous hotel we discovered a few years back in nearby Puerto Vallarta.

We decided to leave our trio at home in favor of a romantic getaway for two, discovering in the process one of the most charming, romantic seaside hotels we have ever visited. Brides Magazine, Newsweek, Sunset Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler have all given this slice of exquisiteness their peremptory stamp of approval, one of them going as far as stating that it "could almost be heaven".  

I couldn't agree more. 

What makes Hacienda San Angel so remarkable?  Everything -not least, its successful marriage of history and charming opulence. Sweeping panoramic hillside and ocean views are juxtaposed with sublime colonial architecture, impeccable, unpretentious grounds and exceptional dining. The well curated one-of-a-kind furnishings of a bygone era are entwined in contrast with all the modern amenities one would expect from a world class boutique hotel, making Hacienda San Angel an unmatched experience.

Originally from San Francisco, the proprietor, Janice Chatterton, discovered her oasis while on vacation nearly three decades ago. Following several years of travel to and from Puerto Vallarta, she decided to relocate to the seaside village permanently settling into Casa Bur-Sus, the home Richard Burton bought for his wife Susan after filming “The Night of the Iguana” in 1964. When presented with the opportunity to purchase the adjacent building, Ms. Chatterton jumped at the chance, eventually opening the doors of Hacienda San Angel to the public, and expanding the hotel over the years without compromising an ounce of its elegance and romantic charm.

Photo of the San Miguel suite, courtesy of Hacienda San Angel Hotel

Janice is gifted with an exquisite sense of style. Her demand for perfection and attention to detail is palpable in her daily interactions with the hotel staff. A bit of an enigmatic character, she surrounds herself with an entourage of Maltese pups which only adds to San Angel's allure.

We stayed in the San Miguel suite (above) which boasted the type of panoramic ocean/hillside views to which Conde Nast Traveler must have been referring when stating something akin to “no need to feel guilty if you never leave the hotel during your entire stay,” A play on the words, uttered by Richard Burton himself, referring to the beautiful coastal town.

¡Hasta la próxima!

Banner photo courtesy of Hacienda San Angel Hotel

The magazine is synonymous with lifestyle in this little stretch of paradise we call the American Riviera. Much like its sister publication, C Magazine, which celebrates all things California, Santa Barbara Magazine invites the reader to discover our city's charm via award-winning editorial on people, homes, gardens, architecture, food, wine, history, and arts.

After a brief two year hiatus in San Francisco, and as a longtime subscriber to both magazines, it is an honor to be featured in the Spring issue of Santa Barbara Magazine. Thank you, Santa Barbara, for the warm "welcome home".

I knew exactly what she would wear, in fact the image had been ingrained in the depths of my mind for two years. But who?

While our clients clamored to see the scale of our jewels, something that could only be achieved with a model, Designs by Alina wanted a fresh face with strong, exotic features. We wanted someone who looked as sophisticated as she did relaxed and I was confident that patience would pave the way to discovery.

Having just wrapped a photoshoot for Santa Barbara Magazine, my husband and I were dining with dear friends from New York when, as Paul McCartney would say...

🎶  I saw her standing there. 🎶

Our photoshoot with Isabella Thomas and Rebecca Farmer Photography ensued without a hitch, even our poodles managed to sneak in a few candids. 

We are thrilled to offer you ideas for layering your jewels in our lookbook and don't forget to check out our new homepage!

xoxo,

Alina

Yesterday I awoke to a million thoughts racing through my head like a news ticker: 

Did I send out the right pieces for the photo shoot? Did I order enough gold? Will the children finish their science experiment? Did we sort out logistics for Dario’s soccer tournament this weekend? Will Bernardo’s birthday gift arrive on time? Is it possible to spend enough time with our house guests and still make a dent in my To-Do list?

Stop!

Nothing.

STOP!

Still nothing.

I step away from my studio into our garden, new thoughts unfurling like a carpet in the Medina: The lavender loves the onset of the season, babies springing up everywhere. How stunning are these rolling hills of green velvet? How long have these magnificent olive trees been here? If savasana had a sound, it would resonate like the fountain...

I lie down right then, right there, surrounded by nature's immense beauty with the sun beaming on my face while my so-much-to-do list simmered in the distance.

Eyes close. The rising and falling of my chest. Thoughts fading...

And for a brief moment my mind is still.

In a world dominated by tweets, email, social media, and what lies ahead, an equal dose of awareness and will can help avert the noise.

And in the end, that sense of ease is only enhanced by higher productivity.

OM...

To many she is the lady behind Cafe/Bakery Our Daily Bread, the largest local bread supplier in Santa Barbara, which also offers arguably the best latte in town. I met Laurie at the original downtown location on my way to the Farmer’s Market when our now-teenage twins were merely a year old. Weekly jaunts to her bakery very quickly became routine and our children savored every minute of those visits (in both the figurative and literal sense.)

Laurie is a kind, witty, generous, straight shooter, whose ample heart has more than enough space for her many friends, acquaintances, and strangers like Jay, the homeless man she often greeted outside her shop with a muffin and coffee on Saturday mornings. Her notable penchant for children has made our trio fortuitous recipients of much affection...and exquisite birthday cakes.

Aching to slow down, Laurie sold her landmark bakery following over three decades of dedicated service. Fortunately for us she has repackaged her talents into Cook and Bake With Laurie, a new enterprise consisting of private or group classes in her home or in those of her clientele.

What a joy it is to support this local, woman-owned business!

Yesterday, Tessalina and I invited Laurie over for a lesson in which we learned how to make the very same marzipan cake we enjoyed for years at her bakery. She brought everything, from the flour and almonds to the vintage Cuisinart she has had since the seventies when the food processor first appeared on the market. And in case you are wondering, we made the marzipan itself from scratch. Somehow with her it all seemed very easy, and suffice it to say that our whole family enjoyed a little slice of baked heaven.

Tessalina is now thinking that with a few more classes under her belt, she might be able to tackle the beautiful marzipan princess cake Laurie made when her brother and sister turned three. Better yet, she says: "I'll bake it with my friends at my next birthday party!" 

Book a lesson or two...your friends and palate will thank you later! 

Now tell me what you want, what you really really want.

Ah, but there is no need to tell her. Elizabeth is highly attuned to her clientele's cravings. Her team knows that the woman who shops at Elizabeth Charles, arguably San Francisco's most venerated boutique, has honed her own personal style by mixing hard-to-find pieces from local designers with the latest from couturiers like Balenciaga, Isabel Marant, Nili Lotan, and Tom Ford to name a few.

Elizabeth has a knack for unearthing new talent in the city she loves. And next week she will be sharing some of her favorite accessory, homeware and jewelry finds at the Grand Opening of the Elizabeth Charles Local Designer Showcase:

January 26, 4-8PM
Elizabeth Charles boutique
2056 Fillmore Street

A few pieces to whet your appetite:

From left: Gerhard Ceramics Bud Vase Gift Set, Designs by Alina Diamond Shield in Rose, Truffle Clarity Large Clutch

To learn more about the featured designers below, visit www.elizabeth-charles.com or come to the show!

Unconventional mixes never cease to captivate me and while I embrace many styles, I have a penchant for opposite sides of the design spectrum. That proclivity is evidenced by the way our home infuses classic furniture with modern statement pieces that relax the space while continuing to write the story our ancestors penned.

Similarly, just as I am more likely to don a pair of sexy high heels or understated flats than a mid-heel pump, my jewelry designs, which give an edgy slant to classic diamonds and pearls, offer an array of both bold and minimalist pieces.

Above clockwise from top left: Altazzurra "Sexy Thing cutout suede sandals" in black courtesy of Altazzura, Designs by Alina Lucky 13 diamond and pearl necklace, 3.1 Phillip Lim Devon d'Orsay Flats, courtesy of Barneys, NY. Designs by Alina Diamond Button bracelet.

So whether you feel reticent, bold, or like me, both depending on the day..."Santa Baby, just put a perfect jewel by the tree for me..."

I want to put the angel on the tree! 

No, it’s my turn! 

Ahhh, this is the time of year when I actually welcome discord among our children because I know these days are fleeting.

Eight years ago when Caprice, our miniature poodle, celebrated her first Thanksgiving, we inadvertently began a Christmas tradition. Unschooled in canine territory, we enthusiastically shared our turkey bones with her to her belly's displeasure. The next day, on the way to the vet, my husband and I noticed the candy cane striped canopy towering over our neighborhood nursery, signaling the arrival of our favorite season. That afternoon, we returned home with one healthy pooch and a ginormous Christmas tree.

Cut to 2016, and we still kick off the season the Friday after Thanksgiving, when our refrigerator is still brimming with remnants of Thursday’s feast.

Now, sitting pretty in a demure corner of our new home, she is admired by a pack of season lovers who will thank her daily for her part in the merry making our family loves.

Best wishes for an exquisite holiday season!

Did you say snow? Well, no, not in California. But...

'Tis the season all the same and we are delighted to unveil our new diamond clad cuffs just in time for the holidays. Much like our minimalist pieces are created for those with a penchant for all things demure, our Diamond Cuff collection is designed for the bold woman who loves to sparkle.

These diamond beauties, handmade in California, range between $625-$1980.

Got cuff?

You mean your project will not involve the usual DIY villains like xacto knives, glue guns, tape etched walls, red dye stains, homemade slime, scissors, shredded paper, and paint?

AWESOME!!! 

My youngest source of inspiration, Tessalina, has been giving me a run for the money by engaging in a series of creative projects, a venture that keeps her on her toes, and me on my knees tackling her endless mess. So when our daughter announced that she would be creating a blog entitled A Dreamer's Garden for her "student choice" project this month, I was elated. Not only was she about to discover another way to share what inspires her, but any semblance of an aftermath would be limited to the virtual world.

Tessalina in her "Dreamer's Garden"

Her thirst to create began long before she received the "future artist award" from her beloved kindergarten teacher. And while most children exhibit artistic abilities at the tender age of unadulterated ingenuity, Mrs. C. felt that her creative passion exceeded the norm. Indeed. From the moment she reached for that very first crayon, Tessalina's life has been unfolding through the prism of art. 

Whether or not she chooses to nurture her virtual garden once her blog has been submitted remains to be seen. But for now I bask in the joy of knowing that my own blog may have inspired our daughter to quench her thirst to create with a brand new medium leaving me with more time to design and a diminished need to chase the remains of her day.