Coachella 2015: Lowchella

Coachella 2015 in a nutshell?

Lowchella.

 Stayed in a beautiful home of a beautiful friend, got to wear the most delicious pieces and jewels, met some of my fashion heroes, drank champagne, attended fashion shows, went nightswimming, and clinked glasses at Liberace’s Palm Springs home. 

Shoes off & twirling, whilst channeling my inner wood nymph, at Coachella parties.

This year’s Coachella was a little different. As many of you know, I lost my beloved Uncle AV last week. So I decided to do a MiniChella or LowChella, as I was calling it.

I left on Saturday morning, and arrived at my talented designer friend, Christopher Kennedy’s, home in Palm Springs, which he shares with his husband, David.

Christopher Kennedy's Living Room - just a taste of how gorgeous this place is!

I literally couldn’t have stayed in a nicer home or hotel. Christopher’s house is the ultimate in livable luxury. In fact, it was just featured as the Christopher Kennedy Showcase Home during Modernism Week in Palm Springs. And while it’s a home – with a backyard that doubles as a golf course, and a pool in the front yard – I definitely felt like I was at the chicest of Palm Springs resorts.

This is Christopher & David's backyard!! HEAVEN.

On Saturday, Christopher and I headed over to the Pandora Jewelry #PandoraStyle VIP house at  Le Parker Meridien Palm Springs.

See how happy this Free People pantsuit makes me? SO happy!

First up? We sat front row at the Plenty by Tracy Reese fashion show at Le Parker Meridien (my fave!!!), and had the pleasure of checking out her tropical getaway-inspired collection. Then, we picked up some Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen, mingled with friends, and chillaxed with some delicious popsicles with Minnetonka.

Popsicle o'clock with Christopher Kennedy at Minnetonka

 

Next up? A wardrobe change, of course! Into the ultimate bohemian Coachella Cinderella dress – Enak Tiered Maxi Dress ($268) and Heather Gardner jewels- and off into the sunset, I went.

This beautiful boho dress is currently available at Anthropologie. Enak Tiered Maxi Dress ($268)

Wee headed over to the PopSugar party at The Viceroy, where I got to catch up with one of my favorite ladies, Mara Ferreira of M Loves M.

Always good to see this girl!

And, then there was a surprise! Christopher, being the BRILLIANT and in-demand designer that he is, told me had re-designed Piazza Di Liberace – LIBERACE’S HOUSE!! I kid you not. And, ohhh, the owners just happened to be throwing a fabulous fête that night. I gathered up my girls, Shana Honeyman and Mad Men costume designer & Shoes Of Prey designer, Janie Bryant, and headed on over.

It was everything and MORE than we had hoped. Christopher – and the owners – had maintained the Liberace luxury we all adore, while transforming the space into the epitome of Christopher’s signature livable luxury.

In the foyer of Piazza Di Liberace, with Shana Honeyman, Janie Bryant & Christopher Kennedy

We were so in awe, that we didn’t want to leave. So we didn’t.

Oh, y'know…just Janie, Shana and I posing with the Statue of Liberty in Liberace's backyard…like ya do.

It’s no surprise that the highlights of Coachella for me were all fashion-related this year.

Having a strawberry lemonade interlude at The Parker *In a Leith romper ℅ Nordstrom

Ask anyone who was at this year’s Coachella, and they’ll all tell you the same thing: Coachella has become the new Fashion Week of spring. When I spoke to Tracy Reese and Nanette Lepore at the Pandora brunch on Sunday, at Le Parker Meridien, they both said that “festival season” is a whole new season of design for them to create.

Dishing with Tracy Reese & Nanette Lepore about festival style

And, then the day got even more fashionable and sweeter, when I got to spend the afternoon with fashion icon & Sex & The City costume designer, Patricia Field, and one of my favorite folks, Lara Eudolian of Pretty Connected.

With Pat Field and Lara Eurdolian (in BCBG)

We had a ball sitting front row, while watching the Whit fashion show.

Front row at WHIT

And then the sweetness all got stirred together, when Tracy Reese headed over to our row.

From L to R: (Tracy Reese, Patricia Field, Lara Eurdolian and me) *jewels by Heather Gardner

What had started as a very sad week ended up being one of my favorite weekends – what  with staying with a good friend, making new friends, and getting to meet 4 of my fashion heroes. I couldn’t have wished for better.

Although, I will say that it sounds like a dream I may have once had.

The Lowchella mood *that cuff is Heather Gardner

So long, Palm Springs. I’ll be seeing you again, soon. After all…you know I can’t stay too far away from you…lover.

Bye-bye, Palm Springs…for now

Credits
Hair by Ken Paves

Jewels by Heather Gardner

xoxo,
Dawn

 

McCoy’s Me-Cations: The Parker Palm Springs – The Ultimate Luxurious California Escape

Yesterday, I shared with you the announcement of my new series, McCoy’s Me-Cations – posts that encourage you, my readers, (and myself) to take more mini vacations on your own. Why? Because as Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

I don’t wanna miss it. And I don’t want you to either. Taking little holidays alone, away from the hustle and bustle of life – and even those we love, sometimes – can helps us relax, unwind and further discover the riches that lie within us as individuals. I share with you now my first official McCoy Me-Cation. May it inspire you to follow suit.

***

Where: The Parker Palm Springs
When:  July 1st-3rd, 2014  

What: Golden age of glamour + Rat pack resort = The ultimate luxurious California escape

Special thanks to Marisa Zafran & The Parker Palm Springs, Nicole Myden, George Duchannes (photography), Gabby Castro (hair), Sabrina Ginsburg (makeup), Isha Takomaki (hair assistant) and jewelry ℅ AV Max, Liv Haley, Heather Gardner and Rachel Meis Communications

Upon entering The Parker Palm Springs, there is one thing that everyone agrees upon – it feels enchanted. Haunted almost, if you will. But it’s not haunted by ghosts – but by the golden age of glamour.

Welcome to The Parker Palm Springs.

From the eager-to-please valets to the customer service kings and queens they call concierges, the swanky limestone Mini Bar to the egg swing chairs and croquet lawn, everything about it reminds you of a playland where Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Angie Dickinson would have played. It almost feels like how the fictional Overlook Hotel might have felt in its peak season pre-Shining era. But don’t let that scare you. I mean it in the best possible way.

The Jonathan Adler designed lobby. It's not that you take drugs at The Parker, it's that you feel like you're on them while there because you're just so darned blissed out. *Photo by George Duchannes

I left on a Tuesday, and the drive was a breeze at just over two hours.

Color me one happy girl. Caffeine in my hand, wind in my hair and Otis Redding on the stereo. Parker Palm Springs Me-Cation, here we go!

I LOVE this place. I can’t emphasize that enough. I went in the dead heat of early July and people thought I was crazy. “Palm Springs is an oven in the summer!” 

But they were the crazy ones.

I arrived at around 6 pm and was led by a super sweet valet to my estate room with a lanai, looking out onto the north pool.

Paint the door red. Standing in front of the door to my poolside estate room *Photo by George Duchannes

I was greeted with a fresh fruit plate and handwritten welcome card that immediately made me feel at home.

It is rare that I have been this happy. Thank you for the oh-so-warm welcome, Parker Palm Springs . Let's just call it love at first sight...or bite. *Photo by Dawn McCoy

My new home away from home! *Photo by George Duchannes

The location of my room allowed me to have solo swims with a glass of vino in the evening and early morning post-coffee dips.

Sipping coffee on the lanai of my estate room by the north pool

It was my favorite moment of the summer. And it was a moment that was stretched over 3 lavish days and 2 luxurious nights.

I spent my first evening, having a light, casual dinner of oysters and wine at the Mini Bar.

A light dinner of oysters and pinot noir at the Mini Bar, with my charming bartender, George

This place  – with its green marble walls and bar – is just luxe.

The Mini Bar - gorgeous green marble all around. *Photo by George Duchannes

The next morning, I had room service on my lanai, enjoying the delicious view of the pool and palm trees almost as much as I enjoyed my omelet.

Good morning, @parkerpalmsprings ! Day 2 of McCoy's MeCations is off to a delicious start. Enjoying this Denver-style omelet & fresh-squeezed juice on the lanai of my poolfront estate room. Heaven while fueling up for today's shoot. **p.s. Thanks @mollanderson for the tip on bringing touches of home on vacation with you to make it feel like home. I brought this lovely Vera tablecloth which just couldn't fit into the ambiance of the Parker more perfectly. *Photo by Dawn McCoy

Enjoying some oj in bed while catching up on emails before I turn the laptop off for the day! *Photo by George Duchannes

That afternoon, I spent some much-needed R&R, reading for a bit in the swinging egg chair in the lobby.

Just a swingin'. Photo by George Duchannes

Next up? Some spiked lemonade at the lemonade stand. This is when I really realized how much a mini me-cation can be as therapeutic as a long vacation.

Know what this picture says? Summer, y'all!! Come to the @parkerpalmsprings - it's the MOST fun! (Am I the only girl who still references Shag?) *Photo by Dawn McCoy

And I was plumb giddy about the lemon and vanilla-hued life-sized chess board!

Ain't life grand? Living la vida lemonade on the Parker's chessboard *Photo by George Duchannes

For dinner? Why, I had to find Mr.Parker’s, of course.

Looking for Mister Parker *Photo by George Duchannes

At Mister Parker’s, you get not only the most delectable food and top notch service, but there’s the bonus perk of the best 70s music mix ever made.

A slice of 70s. Yep. This In Bloom by Jonquil pj lounge set is what I wore to Mister Parker's for dinner. Don't judge. It just felt right. *Photo by George Duchannes

The soundtrack at Mister Parker’s is as if The Virgin Suicides was living and breathing on Spotify. Do yourself a favor and get the burrata salad. The lemon oil and champagne vinaigrette is one of the most scrumptious tastes I’ve ever tasted in my life.

That night, I got to enjoy my favorite thing in the world – nightswimming.

Nightswimming deserves a quiet night… *Photo by George Duchannes

It was just me in the pool, so I put in my earbuds, sipped some wine and listened to some Sam Cooke and Bill Withers. It was one of those moments when you nostalgize while actually in the moment, because you know it’s that good and that you’ll always remember the moment.

The next day, I hit Norma’s for breakfast, which is a must.

Norma's for Breakfast - a Palm Springs must!

Even people visiting Palm Springs, not staying at The Parker, hit Norma’s for brunch – because it’s that killing.

Just a bit of the naughtiness at Norma's. A breakfast of Norma's Benedict with a side helping of gratitude. Writing thank you notes to the incomparable concierge, John, and all the staff here at the@parkerpalmsprings . They just made this MeCation (and last minute photo shoot) a dream!*Photo by Dawn McCoy

Next up? I read for a bit in one of the hammocks.

Stop. Hammock time.

And then read some more on the lawn.

Nora Ephron + The Parker = HEAVEN *Photo by George Duchannes **Sunhat by Bungalow LA

And then visited with other Parker guests outside the lobby.

Comfy-cozy at The Parker. *Photo by George Duchannes

Then…it was spa time.

PSYC (yes, that's what it's called). I am so thankful for my life. Having said that, I would really like to be back at PSYC - the spa - at @parkerpalmsprings right now. A little slice of yacht club heaven from the Fitzgerald days. I want my house to look like this spa did. Swoon. (I swoon a lot at the Parker. Luckily, there are plenty of valets and bellboys to catch me). *Photo by Dawn McCoy

The Parker PSYC is a whole other experience to be had. A little slice of yacht club from the Fitzgerald days. The 90-minute massage took my bliss to the next level and the various baths and pools of the Parker were just what I needed to round out my trip, before heading back to LA.

When I left The Parker, I was naturally sad to leave.

Don't tear me away! *Photo by George Duchannes

But I was surprised at how rested, relaxed and revitalized I felt. And I knew my first time wouldn’t be my last. I now consider myself to be a true Parker devotee.

It's like the sun is chasing me. This is how I feel after 3 days and 2 nights@parkerpalmsprings . What's that word again? Oh, yes. HAPPY. Yep. That's the word. *Photo by Dawn McCoy

A little piece of The Parker. The talismans I brought back from my @parkerpalmsprings MeCation - hopefully, they'll bring a bit of magic back to LA with me. These are the goodies you find on your toiletries tray when you stay at the Parker. Divine.@penhaligons_uk @penhaligonsltd @hermes @bulgariofficial @loccitane

 

Your takeaway? If you want to escape the modern age and go back in time to the Gatsby era meets 70s Rat Pack days, The Parker Palm Springs is where it’s at. The resort must be how the Dirty Dancing resort felt to Baby.The accommodations, the service, the taste level, and, well, the tastes will make you want to return as often as you can. It’s like home…only elevated.

Some glamour at the glamorous Parker

**Dawn Do: I often visit The Parker Palm Springs site is the Deals section. They’re sent as they become available to my inbox – and I recommend you sign up, as well. They offer GREAT deals, including those for spa junkies and foodies – both of which I think we know I am. What kind of deals? Well, when you pay $249/night (during the week or $299/weekend), you receive a $250 credit in spa or dining amenities.  I don’t know what could be more inviting than that!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Where should I take my NEXT McCoy’s Me-Cation? 

A New Series: McCoy’s Me-Cations – Wish You Were Here

My first official Me-Cation at The Parker. Come on inside and join me for my getaway, tomorrow! *Photo by George Duchannes

The french know best when it comes to many things. And they especially know how to holiday. How to close one door and open another, to get away from it all.
That’s why I decided to say, “Oui” to treating myself to mini me-cations on a more regular basis.
After all, I’m single, have steady income and heck, I think we all deserve a little escapism every now and then.
That’s what inspired me to create, “McCoy’s MeCations.”
The first one will go live tomorrow and I encourage you to take the trip with me to the legendary and luxurious Le Parker Meridien in Palm Springs.
And after you take the vicarious trip, I encourage you to take the real one.
I am so looking forward to exploring this new column this year in cities across America and right here at home in LA for some staycations.
**If you’re interested in us taking a McCoy’s Me-Cation to your city, hotel, bed & breakfast, resort or restaurant, please contact me at [email protected].
Bon voyage, y’all!
xoxo,
BFBF Asks: Have you ever taken a me-cation? 

BF Beauty Recipe: Dangerous Dame lipcolor

Warning!!! Danger Ahead!!!!

What's the Beauty Recipe today, BF? Oh, just a daaaaangerous situation...that's all

See, you’re gonna wanna buy this lip combo, honey. And I gotta warn ya…it can be DANGEROUS. Yep, just like that Big Data song.

My friend – and fellow blogger – Nami donned it at our tea party last week and I just had to know what it was so I could wear it in Palm Springs last weekend.
Why so covetable? Because it’s the perfect tomato red that can go orange crush with an orange liner (which is how Nami rocked it) or retro red with a true red liner (which is what I was coveting). Yep, this lippy is the perfect color for spring and summer, I do declare.

So, here’s my BF beauty recipe for the Dangerous Dame lip below.

MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Lady Danger ($16)  + MAC Cosmetics Lip Liner in Cherry ($15) =

One Dangerous Dame!!!

I might look sweet...but danger lurks beneath.

Go on and get it…and see what kinda danger you can drum up!

 

xoxo,
BF
BF Asks: What lipcolor makes you feel dangerous?

Mani Monday: The Perfect Palm Springs Mani

Mani Monday: The Perfect Palm Springs Mani

Listen, I have to tell you something up front. The mani you see pictured here was directly inspired by my good friend, Kirbie Johnson of PopSugar’s Olive And June mani for Coachella.
Yep, I ripped her off. I plagarized her nails.

But, I mean, COME ON!!!
How could I not when I was invited to one of my favorite fellow blogger Kelly GoLightly’s Flamingo Fiesta with L*Space Swimwear? So I headed to Pampered Hands on Melrose and prettied up my paws.

Prettying up my paws at Pampered Hands with a palm tree! How fabulously festive!

I opted for a little personalization with a punchy peach Essie polish and gold french mani with a palm tree on the right ring finger and a flamingo on the left. I was especially excited about the flamingo art because our hostess-with-the-mostest, Kelly, loves her flamingos.

Look! My polish matches the stitching on my L*Space swimmie cover-up!

So while I’m not a super craftsy girl when it comes to my nails – and I sadly can’t exactly tell you how to do this mani – I urge you to take these pics to a nail salon (or talented friend) who is known for their nail art.

After my mani, I felt 100% Palm Springs-prepared.

 

xoxo,
BF

 

The Way We Wore: Coachella 2014

I went to Coachella last weekend – and, my-oh-my, the fashion! While I definitely wasn’t the biggest risk-taker at the 3-day annual music festival, I was inspired to step outside of my comfort zone and embrace my inner boho hippie.

So what did I pack?

Packing for Coachella included a Trina Turk sunhat, a Lolli Swim swimmie, Garrett Leight sunglasses, Hello Apparel tee, Just Fab Cayte wedges, Jesslyn Blake Beatrice bag, Nordstrom Savvy rompers, One Hope Wine sparkling wine and more!

Besides a bunch of rompers, jumpsuits and sundresses from Nordstrom (in the always-delightfully-surprising Savvy department), I relied heavily on these fashion superstars:

1. Kyu Mélange Eclair Bag in Camel ($795): Y’all, I love this bag SO much that I’m devoting a whole post to it. I felt chic, elegant  – and, best of all – it actually made me a better packer. Cannot wait to share this – and more – from this new line with you!!

My new love - the Kyu Mélange Eclair Traveller in Camel ($795) - also pictured my Just Fab Cayte wedges - here I'm getting ready on Day 3 - Sunday - to (sadly) leave Palm Springs

2. My Lolli Swimwear Floral Peplum One-Piece ($40): This is the ultimate feminine-meets-cool swimmie. I felt cute. I felt sexy. And I felt downright flirty. Thanks, Lolli!

In love with Lolli Swim - pictured here my Lolli Swim Floral Peplum One Piece ($40), Trina Turk sunhat and Garrett Leight sunnies

3. My Hello Apparel “Hello California” tee ($22): I’m obsessed with this tee because a) it’s comfy, b) it’s super cool looking and c) it actually makes me look a tad bit cooler. Any shirt that has that kind of power is a must in my closet!

Day 1 of Coachella - Pre-Road Trip with Jenn Chan: Laughing in my Hello Apparel Hello California tee following my pre-Coachella blowout at DryBar with Jud Ashouri

4) Sparkly Soul headbands ($15): With a flash of glitter, they’re instantly glamorous while marrying well with the laid back, boho-chic vibe of Coachella. And not only are they great for a festival, summer days or date nights, they also are PERFECT for your sweatiest workout. With a velvet underbelly, they stay in place while being uber-comfy.

Sparkly Soul glitter headbands: marrying laid back boho-chic with relaxed glamour

5) Trina Turk sunhat: All I can say here is that it made me feel like Jackie O meets Babe Paley in a Slim Aarons book – which is all you ever want to feel like in Palm Springs

Feeling my Palm Springs-best in my Trina Turk sunhat

 

I had such a ball dressing up – and I’ll be back with more pics from what I wore to all the parties! So stay tuned for that! As for how I’m adjusting to being back in reality – well, if you can call L.A. “reality”?

Instead of leaving my free-spirited self behind in Palm Springs, I decided she should come back with me and stay all spring and summer long! It’s gonna be a super fun sunny summer, y’all!

 

xoxo,
Dawn