There are cities you visit and cities that get under your skin. Barcelona got under mine partly because I first experienced it through the eyes of one of my closest friends, Veronique, who knows it the way you only know a place when you’ve let it love you back. And partly because the moment I arrived on my own, I understood it immediately. It felt like Los Angeles had a baby with Rome and raised it on the Mediterranean. Laid back. Casual. Eclectic. Festive. Families everywhere. And yes, it is absolutely on the beach.

My most recent trip was with my dear friend Ani, founder of Witness Locations, who who is constantly sourcing incredible design-forward homes for shoots and stays and has an almost supernatural ability to sniff out the best spots in Barcelona before anyone else finds them. No tourist traps. No lines of people waiting to eat somewhere they found on a listicle. Just the real city, its back alleys, its counter bars, its ateliers tucked inside 17th-century buildings. These are our finds. I’m sharing them here because good things are meant to be passed on.

Consider this your curated Barcelona travel guide, but more than that, consider it a permission slip to slow down, get a little lost, and eat extremely well.

Where to Eat in Barcelona

Barcelona has quietly become one of the most interesting food cities in Europe. Not loud about it. Not trying to be Copenhagen or New York. Just doing its thing, seriously, locally, with a lot of very good olive oil. These are just a few we loved.

Ultramarinos The name means “from overseas” historically a shop selling imported goods. Here, it’s been reinterpreted as a Barcelona neighborhood restaurant that happens to be run by someone who trained at Noma and Etxebarri. You walk in and it feels slightly rough, bright lights, counter seating, a little chaotic. Then the food arrives and you realize you are absolutely not in a casual bar. This is anti-fine-dining fine dining, obsessive about ingredients, making everything in-house, plating nothing for Instagram, tasting like everything has been thought through a hundred times. Sit at the front counter and watch it all happen. The crowd is half chefs, half locals who know where to eat in Barcelona. That tells you everything.

Queviures Serra (hidden tapas bar, Barcelona) If you know, you know. This started as a traditional grocery store (”queviures” means provisions) and evolved into something Barcelona is doing brilliantly right now: turning old food stores into intimate, quietly elevated tapas bars. It’s tight, a little chaotic, and completely unpretentious. The food is classic Catalan, charcuterie, seafood, seasonal small plates but cleaner and more focused than most. The vibe is: we assume you already know what good is.

Gresca (Eixample, Barcelona) Chef Rafa Peña’s place in Eixample helped define an entire category in Barcelona: serious cooking in a stripped-down, almost raw setting. Counter seating, open kitchen, no ceremony. French technique meeting Catalan cuisine, constantly changing with the market. Dishes that look simple and aren’t. Sauces that are quietly complex. The kind of place where you finish a plate and just sit there for a second.

El Quim de la Boqueria (Mercat de Sant Josep, La Boqueria Barcelona) Yes, La Boqueria is touristy. No, that doesn’t matter here. El Quim is a tiny counter bar inside the market, maybe 15 seats, shoulder to shoulder and it has been doing a few specific things extraordinarily well for decades. You go for the fried eggs with baby squid (chipirones). You don’t overthink it. You get there early, you grab a stool, and you have one of those meals that reminds you why you travel.

L’Anima del Vi (hidden restaurant, Gothic Quarter Barcelona) We found this one completely by accident, which is exactly how you’re supposed to find it. Hidden in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, so tucked away that even people who know the neighborhood walk past it. The food is deeply local and authentic, jamón serrano, local cheeses, the kind of menu that hasn’t been adjusted for foreign palates. It felt like eating in someone’s home. We went back twice.

Onis Coffee (best coffee in Barcelona) There is always a line. Go anyway. Fresh brews, beautiful pastries, the kind of coffee shop that takes the craft seriously without taking itself too seriously. My favorite morning ritual in the city, grab a coffee, find a spot outside, watch Barcelona wake up.

Where to Shop in Barcelona

Shopping in Barcelona isn’t about department stores or luxury flagships. The best finds are in ateliers, independent design studios, and the kind of places that have been quietly doing their thing for decades.

Assumpta Bou Jewellery (Gothic Quarter, Barcelona) Ani had a ring made. I have the photos to prove it. Assumpta Bou is not a jeweler in any conventional sens, she’s closer to an archaeologist who works in gold. She specializes in what she calls “archaeological jewelry,” handmade in her atelier in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, using ancient coins, 2,000-year-old stones, and techniques like Etruscan granulation that almost no one in the world still knows how to do. The shop feels more like a quiet studio inside a monastery than a retail space. You’re not browsing inventory. You’re entering a process. If you’re anywhere near the Gothic Quarter, walk in. Even if you don’t buy anything, it will stay with you.

Azul Tierra (concept design store Barcelona) This is not a furniture shop. It’s not a concept store. It’s closer to stepping into a fully realized dream designed by Toni Espuch as an immersive world where interior design, objects, scent, and lighting all merge into one experience. Dim, moody, candles burning, a signature woody-citrus scent, oversized plants, sculptural objects. Antique furniture sourced globally, especially from India. Ceramics, textiles, jewelry. You will want to move in. You will buy something you didn’t know you needed. This is the Barcelona shop I recommend to everyone, regardless of what they’re looking for.

Lupo Barcelona (Spanish leather handbags) A heritage leather brand founded in Barcelona in the 1920s originally making luggage for travelers, now a third-generation family brand focused on handbags. Their signature is the Abanico, a sculptural pleated bag inspired by the shape of a fan, which won a major international design award and deserved it. The design language is architectural,you can feel the Gaudí influence and the craftsmanship is rooted in Ubrique, which is the serious leather-making territory of Spain. This is the bag brand you find in Barcelona and then spend six months explaining to people back home.

What to See in Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter, Barcelona Barcelona’s old town is a living maze, narrow medieval streets, hidden squares, the kind of place where you turn a corner and find a 14th-century church next to a wine bar that’s been open since the 1950s. Don’t plan it. Just walk in and get a little lost. The energy is unlike anywhere else in the city, chaotic and ancient and completely alive. Follow Ani’s rule: if it looks too polished, keep walking.

Atelier ELIURPI (Gothic Quarter, Barcelona) This is less a shop and more an experience you stumble into. Founded by Elisabet Urpí and Nacho Umpiérrez, ELIURPI started with sculptural hats made from raffia, straw, and natural fibers — hand-shaped without molds, one of a kind and has expanded into furniture, lighting, installations, and objects. The atelier sits inside a 17th-century building with stone walls and almost monastic energy. It feels like stepping into someone’s private creative world, which is exactly what you’re doing. Even if hats aren’t your thing, go for the space.

Barcelona Boardwalk (Barceloneta) Save an afternoon for this. Just walk. The light in Barcelona in the late afternoon is something films try to recreate and can’t. Get a drink somewhere along the water, watch the city exist around you, and remember that this is a place where people actually live. That’s the part that always gets me.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

Whether you’re traveling for a long weekend or a full week, Barcelona has options across every budget and location matters more here than almost anywhere. You can find some great boutique hotels here.

Hotel Arts Barcelona The most iconic address on the Barcelona waterfront. Modern, polished, right on the beach. If you want to feel like you’re properly in Barcelona without being in the middle of the chaos, this is it.

Soho House Barcelona For the creative crowd. Rooftop, good energy, the kind of lobby where you end up staying longer than planned.

Hotel Alma Barcelona Boutique, local feel, less of a scene and more of a home base.

The Generator Barcelona The best Barcelona hostel for students or anyone traveling on a budget without compromising on location. Good area, great street energy, and the kind of hostel that doesn’t feel like a hostel.

Ibis Styles Barcelona Centre Reliable, central, no fuss. Does exactly what it needs to do.

BcnStop Parc Güell Ideal if you want to stay near Parc Güell and prefer a quieter, more residential feel over the city center buzz.

One Last Thing

Barcelona rewards the curious and punishes the planners. The best meals we had were the ones we stumbled into. The best shops we found were the ones with no sign out front. The Gothic Quarter gave us L’Anima del Vi on a Tuesday afternoon when we were just walking with nowhere to be.

Go with someone you love. Eat everything. Walk until your feet hurt. Then find a coffee at Onis and do it again.

xx-Sasha

I'm a born and bred Angeleno, which means I've eaten my way through this city for a long time. Los Angeles has no shortage of places to eat, drink, and be seen, but this list is different. These are my spots. The ones I return to because the food is the real thing, the energy is right. So consider this a love letter to the city, with a side of very good pasta.

The Room Where It Happens

Let's start with the place that isn't technically a restaurant but absolutely needs to be on this list. San Vicente Bungalows (SVB to those who know) is a members’ club with locations in West Hollywood and Santa Monica that manages to feel both festive and intimate at the same time. There's always something happening, always the right energy. If you can get in, the grilled avocado alone is worth the trip. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be in this city. Maybe because everyone you want to know is already there.

Tower Bar at Sunset Tower Hotel: Some places trade on history and earn it. The Tower Bar, tucked inside the Sunset Tower Hotel on the Strip, is one of them. Art Deco bones, walnut paneling, a fireplace, niche seating built for privacy, it all adds up to a room that feels like a secret even when it's full. The food is classic in the best way: order the pigs in a blanket, order the steak, let Dmitri seat you somewhere perfect. There are bars in this city that feel like a performance. Tower Bar is exactly that and I love it.

Benissimo: LA's Best Italian Tables

We are very picky about our Italian eateries, and Los Angeles, quietly, has some of the best Italian restaurants in the country. Here are my six non-negotiables:

Toscana Brentwood: A classic for a reason. The room is bustling, the service is consistent, and the grilled shrimp arugula salad is one of those dishes I’ve been ordering for years and will never stop. If you haven’t been, go. If you have, you already know.

Locanda Portofino, Santa Monica: This one feels like it was transported directly from the Italian coast. Order the branzino and the broccoli and don’t overthink it. Simple, perfect, Portofino. But in a strip mall.

E Baldi, Beverly Hills: The butter agnolotti will make you emotional. I’m not exaggerating. Add the hearts of palm salad, and you have one of the best meals in the city. Edoardo (not my husband) runs a beautiful room, and it shows in every detail.

Jon & Vinny’s: Everyone in LA has an opinion about Jon & Vinny’s, and it’s almost always the same. The spicy fusilli, the spaghetti limone, the pizza with the perfectly charred edges. It's casual, it's sunny, it's loud in the best way. The kind of place you go for a quick lunch and end up staying for two hours. Their breakfast is pancakes are killer too.

Divino: A cozy Italian trattoria tucked off Sunset has been doing it right for nearly 30 years, bringing in chefs from Italy and keeping the menu fresh. It’s small, it’s buzzy, and the rigatoni with chicken ragù alone is worth crossing town for. A true neighborhood gem. Say hi to Goran!

Angelini Osteria, Beverly Blvd: A true LA institution. The signature salad and the Pasta Limone are what I come back for every single time.

Good Morning, Los Angeles

Caffe Luxxe at the Brentwood Country Mart: The line is real. The line is worth it. Luxxe makes some of the best coffee in the city, and the matcha is exceptional. It’s one of those places where even waiting feels like part of the experience; the Brentwood Country Mart has a way of doing that.

Farmshop, Brentwood Country Mart: Right next door and equally worth your time. The coddled eggs with a toasted croissant and warm berries on top is one of my favorite breakfasts in the city. The poached chicken salad for lunch, please.

Gone Bananas Bread: Also around the corner, the yummiest banana bread in town. Try my signature flavor Nutty by Nature, but also the OG Chocolate Chip hits every time. The loaf is also the perfect gift for anyone. Ask for Estee or Leah.

Best Matcha in LA

Since we’re here, for matcha specifically, my four are Alfred, Luxxe Cafe, Lala Land Cafe, and Community Goods. All do it beautifully, and all have a slightly different take. You decide where your loyalty lands.

Bagels are having a serious moment in LA right now. We are loving all of these for different reasons. Pop’s Bagels, the lox bagel is delicious, fresh, generous, and properly made.

Pop-up Bagels: (not to be mixed up with Pop’s) You can smell these bagels a mile away. The onion cream cheese with their rip and dip concept is genius. This is not a New York bagel argument. This is just a really good bagel.

Courage Bagels: they don’t take orders; people wait for hours. Gotta be good.

The Family Spot:

Hillstone, Santa Monica: Hillstone is one of those places that works for everyone, which is genuinely hard to find. The kids always go straight for the sushi. I always go straight for the veggie burger with braised cabbage, which is one of the best veggie burgers in the city. Start with the spinach and artichoke dip. Always start with the spinach and artichoke dip.

The Hidden Gem:

Croft Alley: It started on Melrose Place, tucked in an actual alley, the kind of spot that felt like a secret. The Beverly Hills location has more space, but somehow kept all the soul. And here’s the thing, I’ve taken Angelenos who have lived here for decades who had never been. Once they went, they were obsessed. That’s how good it is.

Order anything off the sandwich menu, the Chinese chicken salad, or the yogurt with chlorophyll, which sounds like something you’d order on a dare but is actually incredible. And then, the salty chocolate homemade cookies. They sell out every single day. Get there early or be heartbroken. You’ve been warned.

Make a Reservation

The Ivy at the Shore, Robertson Blvd: Classic LA. There are restaurants that come and go, and then there is The Ivy and Ivy at the Shore, which has been an institution for decades and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. It’s festive, the room is beautiful, and there’s an energy here that’s uniquely Los Angeles. When something really matters, this is where I go. Edoardo would go every week, he loves it.

Baltaire, Brentwood: When the occasion calls for a steak and a proper celebration, Baltaire. The room is stunning, the steaks are exceptional, and it somehow manages to feel both elevated and comfortable at the same time. Their beignets for dessert are yummy.

Beverly Hills Hotel: It’s iconic, fun, and always a vibe. The Polo Lounge or The Pool Restaurant, both perfect.

The Raw and the Refined

Katsuya: The popcorn shrimp, Blackened Cod, spicy tuna, and crispy rice are always a hit.

Sushi Park: everything.

Sugarfish: The Trust me is my go-to. Picked by the chef, always the freshest.

Takao: Their Salmon Tobanyaki grilled on a skillet with some eggplant and green beans on the side is delicious. One of my favorite meals.

Din Tai Fung: Leo’s favorite. The chicken dumplings are a winner.

From the Taqueria to the Table

La Escuela: The seasoned beef and pickled tacos are amazing.

Tito’s in Culver City, Tacos Tu Madre both great.

Worth Mentioning

Best Sandwich: All‘Antico Vinaio. The Toscana, truffle honey, salami, and pecorino make you feel like you are walking the streets of Italy. Sooo good!

Erewhon: for all groceries, but also the Strawberry Glaze Skin smoothie.

Kreation: for Acai & Chia bowls, great for breakfast or snacks.

Any Given Sunday

The Brentwood/ Palisades Farmer’s Market: Festive, vibey, and great local farms, what’s not to like? Grab your rolling cart, a hat, and let’s go!

xx-Sasha

Have a favorite spot I missed? Drop it in the comments - I’m always looking for the next addition to the list. 👇

There are trips where you do everything.
And then there are trips where you just allow yourself to drift.

Kona, for me, was the second.

Kona isn’t trying to impress you.

It’s not overly polished. It’s not performative. It doesn’t have that slightly frantic energy of places built entirely for tourism.

It just…is.

And in that way, it gives you permission to be the same. There’s something about the energy here that feels… grounded. Ancient. Like the island isn’t asking anything of you except that you arrive as you are.

And maybe kick your shoes off.

The weather mirrors that mood. It’s tropical in the truest sense, unpredictable, a little dramatic, and constantly shifting. A breeze that turns into wind, sun that gives way to a passing rain, clouds that clear just in time for sunset. You stop trying to control it pretty quickly.

You just… go with it.

What We Did (And Loved)

This spring break was just Leo and I and some of our friends and families. We weren’t on a mission to optimize the trip. No color-coded itinerary. No “we must see everything.” Just a loose rhythm, which felt exactly right. But we did do some fun activities, like Amanda Kloots (whom I adore) taught a fun workout class daily. Her arms routine was a killer. We played some friendly family pickleball matches. I love pickleball!

We also went:

Zip-lining through the rainforest, which was slightly terrifying and completely worth it. Better than therapy, honestly. I did feel proud of myself when it was all over.

Golfing at Mauna Lani with an insane view of the ocean. Wind you can’t read but nonetheless love caddying for my son.

Sunsets, every night, were non-negotiable. Some soft, some dramatic, but always worth stopping for.

Our afternoons were unstructured with naps and downtime by the beach.
The best part was watching my son and his friends exist in that rare, screen-free way that feels almost nostalgic now.

The Kona Edit: Where to Stay, Eat & Do

Where to Stay

Mauna Lani Auberge Resorts Collection
We love it here. Perfect for groups of families. It’s large enough, uncomplicated, and well-appointed. Feels curated but not overdone. Perfect if you want that understated, chic Hawaii energy.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
A classic for a reason. Polished, expansive, and one of those places where everything just works. Great for families, but still feels elevated.

A Must See

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
Otherworldly. Quick stop, big impact.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel , I didn't do it but seems like a cool experience.

Waterfalls Tours, always beautiful.

Snorkeling Tours , such amazing sea life to explore.

What We Ate

Every morning: mochi beignets.
Crispy, chewy, slightly sweet, completely addictive.

The Canoe House at the Mauna Lani Resort is so delicious. The steak, fried rice, and potatoes are delicious. Also, they make a puffy bread that comes out looking like a brick, and everyone fights over it with the whipped butter.

Fish Tacos and guacamole from the Beach Shack are always a win.

Halani at the Mauna Lani is so good. The waygo steak , patatas bravas, broccolini, pizzas and mediteranean trip dips were at hit. We ate there a few times.

Napua beautiful lovcation on the water and traditional Hawaiian cuisine. The local Mahi Mahi over rice pilaf and caesar salad was yummy.

Roy’s for the blackened tuna and crab cakes.

The Kona Packing Edit: What I Actually Wore (And Used)

Packing for Kona is less about outfits and more about ease. You’re not dressing to impress, you’re dressing to exhale.

The rule: if it doesn’t feel good on your body in the wind, it’s not coming.

The Daily Uniform

• Easy linen sets (the kind you can wear to breakfast and sunset) Xirena top, Xirena Pant, Lisa Marie Fernandez skirt, The cropped Cardigan

• Lightweight slip dresses. Black Ric Rac Linen

• Oversized button-downs (beach, coffee, repeat) Xirena shirt

• A few slightly elevated dinner pieces (mix-matching and repeating is encouraged.) Viola Knit Dress, Lana Dress, Farm Rio blouse, Farm Rio skirt

Beach + Pool

• A few great one-pieces (supportive but chic) The Flower, Striped Hunza G, Leopard Zimmerman, Staud, H&M, Yukio Blue Suit, Hunza G. Bikini

• Easy throw-on coverups. Eres Pareo, Faithfull, Yukio

• Slides and Flip Flops. Tkees, Birkenstocks

• A big tote that fits everything (sunscreen, book, snacks, life). Clare V., Isabel Marant

Activity-Ready (But Make It Cute)

• Leggings or biker shorts. Alo Bike Shorts, Leggings

• My golf and Pickleball attire is always Devon Halsey, my fav.

• A breathable workout tank. Alo

• Sneakers you don’t mind getting a little dusty (zip-lining, walking, exploring) New Balance, Brook

• The Unexpected Hero

• A light sweater, wrap or jacket. Cashmere Sweater, Palermo jacket, Sweatshirt
  (The wind is real. You’ll thank me at sunset.)

The Little Luxuries

• Good sunscreen (apply every day, and reapply). Elta, Ultra Violette There’e a lovely Goop shop at Mauna Lani in case you need some of their products. The Overnight Mask is excellent.

• A baseball hat or chic sun hat. Frame Hat, Eugenia Kim, Janessa Leone, Alameis, Polo

• Minimal jewelry (saltwater-approved) Jimmy Choo bracelet, Ben Amun earrings Julietta necklace, Melinda Maria necklace, Melinda Maria bracelets

• A great book you actually want to read. Wifehouse, The Nightingale

• A sleep set that makes you feel like you’re at a hotel even when you’re not Mulberry Stripe, Eberjey

What I didn’t need:
Heels. Anything tight. Anything that required a plan.

What I’m Taking Home

Less urgency. More presence.
And a mild dependency on mochi beignets.

Mahalo Kona! Can’t wait to see you again!

xx-Sasha

Paris is not a place I try to “do.”
It’s a place I return to.

Over the years, it’s become less about discovery and more about rhythm, where I like to wake up, where I like to linger, where I trust the food is going to hit exactly right. These are the places that hold memory. Places that I ate with my children, laughed with friends and dream about going back to.

I’m drawn to spaces that know who they are. The classics. The rooms and tables that don’t need reinvention because they’ve already figured it out. Paris is full of those if you know where to look and once you do, you stop experimenting so much and start returning.

This guide is made from that place.

Where We Stay

Hôtel de Crillon

There are hotels you stay in, and then there are hotels that hold you.

Hôtel de Crillon is the latter. Sitting directly on Place de la Concorde, it’s one of the most walkable, perfectly placed hotels in the city. You can cross toward Saint-Germain, wander the Tuileries, or head straight for the Champs-Élysées without ever feeling removed from Paris itself.

What makes it unforgettable is the feeling inside. The Rosewood renovation preserved the soul of the building while softening it, making it warm, calm, and deeply livable. The morning lounge, where you have breakfast or tea, is one of the most beautiful spaces in Paris. A massive bay window looks onto a quiet courtyard, and time slows down in a way that feels intentional.

The service is impeccable. The rooms are thoughtful and serene. It’s elegant without being stiff, grand without being overwhelming. For me, it’s one of the best hotels in Paris. Full stop.

Hôtel Balzac

Hôtel Balzac has quietly become a favorite, especially after fashion week, when it felt like everyone suddenly remembered how good it is.

It’s chic, current, and beautifully run. The rooms are genuinely excellent, and the upgraded corner suites are unusually large for Paris, which immediately changes how you live in the space. The service is fantastic, the food is strong, and the overall energy feels polished without being loud.

It’s closer to the Arc de Triomphe, so if your days revolve around Saint-Germain or the Marais, you’ll be in a car more often. It’s still a solid, stylish base if you want comfort, space, and a modern Parisian feel.

Saint James Paris

Saint James is layered with memory for me.

Before it became widely discovered, we loved it as a family hotel because it didn’t feel like a hotel at all—it felt like a very large, slightly eccentric house. Every room is different, each designed by a different artist. Some are true two-bedroom suites. The scale is generous, and the atmosphere is personal.

Over the years, it’s grown and evolved as more people fell in love with that big-home aesthetic. But it still delivers on everything: a pool, gym, spa, a wonderful bar and restaurant. It’s intimate, full-service, and quietly luxurious in a way that doesn’t announce itself.

It’s a place you return to.

Where We Eat

Le Voltaire

Le Voltaire is non-negotiable.

It’s Edoardo’s favorite restaurant. We don’t go to Paris without eating here. The food is deceptively simple and somehow impossible to recreate anywhere else. The vegetable purées, carrot, potato, are on another level. No one knows what they put in them, but everyone talks about them. We went for lunch this fall with my girlfriends and our shared meals were incredible.

The fish is perfect. The green beans with nuts are absurdly good. Every single thing hits.

It’s small, cozy, right along the Seine, and deeply old-school. The staff feels like they’ve been there forever. No trends, just quiet consistency. This is how traditions are built.

Le Grand Cafe

Le Grand Café was one of my favorite Paris dining experiences—period.

It had just opened when we went, and walking into the Grand Palais alone is breathtaking. The scale is dramatic, but the feeling is warm. It’s a classic brasserie, elevated in all the right ways. The food was exceptional. The atmosphere was exceptional. Everything worked.

The bar deserves its own mention. It’s a destination on its own. Perfect before dinner, perfect after. Social, elegant, and cinematic in the way Paris does best.

Bistro des Tournelles

Bistro des Tournelles is tiny, local, and worth fighting for.

It’s one of those Marais spots where reservations are guarded closely. The menu leans a little different, more pastas, great steaks, but still feels deeply French. It’s cozy, lively, and full of neighborhood energy.

Once you’re inside, it feels earned. And that’s part of the charm.

Brasserie Lipp

Brasserie Lipp is a classic lunch for a reason.

It sits right in the middle of Saint-Germain, perfect for shopping, walking, and watching the room. The menu is unapologetically French and broad enough to keep everyone happy. Steak frites, incredible fries, croque-monsieurs, familiar dishes that work for kids and adults alike.

It’s casual, reliable, and very Paris. One of those places that checks every box without needing to explain itself.

Why These Places Matter

Paris rewards repetition.

These are the spaces I trust, the ones that let you arrive, sit down, and stop trying so hard. They’re not about chasing what’s new. They’re about knowing what holds.

If you’ve ever landed in a city and wished you could move through it like someone who already knows where they’re going, this is for you.

Take This With You

We’ve taken every place mentioned here and many more and built a highly curated Paris guide, along with many more to come. If it interests you just subscribe and wait for it.. then…

You just move through the city like it’s already yours.

xx-Sasha

Valentine’s Day shows up with expectations. About the reservation. The outfit. The level of romance required. There are prix fixes, roses being handed out indiscriminately, and at least one couple at every table quietly realizing they should have planned this better. So here are my favorites this year, get planning… 😉

The Little Door

One of my all-time favorites

If you know Los Angeles, you know this: The Little Door was the date spot, and still is. Twinkle lights, cozy corner booths, french cuisine. It’s hands-down one of the most romantic rooms in the city. Edoardo and I had our first date there, tucked into a booth, talking for hours… and, well, look how that turned out. Which is to say: I trust this place with my love life. And over the years, LA has given us plenty of other spots that understand the assignment.

The Little Door's Website

The Wilkes

French romance, reimagined

If you were one of those people who loves The Violet Bistro, you’ll be happy to know that Dana Slatkin is back and she’s brought that same magic with her to The Wilkes. Tucked away in Brentwood, it’s a moody, intimate, almost transportive feel: close, cozy, romantic, the kind of place where time softens around the edges. The menu leans into elevated comfort food familiar dishes done with care and restraint, nothing fussy, everything intentional. It’s a neighborhood secret you want to keep… but probably won’t.

Muse

An intimate hidden gem with beautifully crafted plates

A literal jewel box of a restaurant in Santa Monica. Founded by USC grad, Fardad Khayami, what began as a pop-up has become a stylish, art-filled gem serving thoughtful, elegant small plates. Expect house made brioche (truly unforgettable, sometimes delivered table side by the owner himself), veal bonbons, and beautifully executed French and Italian leaning classics. Cozy, intimate, and candlelit, it’s the kind of place made for lingering over wine, cocktails, and conversation. Fight on. 🥂

La Dolce Vita

Old Hollywood glamour meets Italian classics

This Beverly Hills icon evokes Sinatra-era romance with plush booths and impeccable service. Perfect for a slow, memorable dinner, whether it’s Valentine’s or any special night. Signature menu highlights include clams oreganata, bone-in veal parmigiana, spicy lobster ravioli, and wagyu beef tartare, plus their famed Gibson cocktail, made with house brine and black garlic olive oil.

RVR

Modern Japanese izakaya with Venice cool

Chef Travis Lett (of Gjelina fame) started the Venice izakaya RVR (pronounced “river”). A sleek Japanese restaurant with a playful, elevated izakaya spirit. Think shareable bites like crispy gyoza, grilled yakitori, rich ramen bowls, and delicate sashimi, paired with thoughtful sake or cocktail selections. It was even named one of The New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants in the U.S. perfect for foodies who want something memorable and slightly different.

Si! Mon

Vibrant Central American small plates

This favorite leans into Central American inspired small plates that are ideal for tasting together. Highly recommended are the coconut rice, tuna carpaccio on tostadas, yuca fries with cilantro sauce, and creative cocktails (their take on a Negroni is much loved). It’s lively, intimate, and perfect if your Valentine’s vibe is playful and delicious.

Now… What to Wear?

Chic and sexy dresses that will look good on everyone.

1. Silky Silver Mini Dress

2. Creamy White Wrap Dress

3. Read Hot Babe

4. The Perfect Black Mini Dress

5. Sienna Satin Top

6. Strapless Red (on sale)

7. White Lace Dress

Try this Red Heel with any of dresses I listed above. They’re so versatile and these Fringe Earrings are in my cart right now. Love.

Here’s to great dinners, great outfits, and not overthinking either.

xx Sasha ❤️

This all started in September, when Edoardo and I took a trip to Italy that can only be described as unforgettable, cinematic, and possibly the biggest carb overload I have had in a long time. We drove deep into the countryside, about 40 minutes outside Naples, to a tiny town called Caiazzo whose winding roads felt like a film set. Locals sat outside their doorsteps waving as we passed, and I kept thinking: Are we really doing all this… for pizza?

Yes, we were.

Because waiting at the end of those cobblestones was Franco Pepe, Italy’s most legendary pizza chef (you may have seen him on Netflix’s Chef’s Table). His restaurant Pepe in Grani was buzzing, people from all over the globe lined up on the tiny streets as if someone was handing out Prada bags. Pepe in Grani serves over 1,000 pizzas a night and stays open until 2 a.m.

Sitting next to us, Richard Romagnoli and his wife had driven six hours from Rimini. We were excited to learn that Richard won a laughing contest for something like 18 hours of laughing and now teaches the importance of laughter in our everyday lives.

We ate a six-course pizza tasting. Six.

Individual pizzas with dreamy pairings: prosciutto & burrata, pomodoro & pesto, flavors that feel like someone wrote poetry on a plate. My favorite was a fried cone style calzone made with 12 month Grana fondue, rocket pesto and black olives. Absolutely unhinged… in the best way.

What moved me the most was Franco himself. The care. The obsession. The love he puts into every detail: the vegetables, the cheeses, even the grains for the dough, all grown locally. He invented his own dough to make it lighter and less dense, and you can taste the intention in every bite. Pizza, in his hands, isn’t fast food, it’s a ritual. An art form.

The next morning, Edoardo and I visited the local mozzarella makers, they sent us home with a burrata we carefully carried to Rome for our family. Italy treats their artisans like national treasures. Watching Franco’s passion reminded me that we all need to slow down, savor the small steps, and let the process be as joyful as the result.

So this year’s Pizzagiving is basically our little homage. Kids choosing their toppings, grown-ups pretending to know how to stretch dough, everyone stealing bites off everyone else’s plate. A taste of Italian magic, right here on the day after Thanksgiving.

Here’s to good food, good company, and maybe a pizza or six.

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving. 🦃🍕

xx Sasha

I had debated going. Parenting duties. The long travel. The predictable tug-of-war between “I need this” and “I can’t possibly go.” But somewhere deep down, I knew I had to. Sometimes stepping away isn’t an escape, it’s oxygen.

A Retreat in Normandie

Manoir Saint Calais, a modern renovation by my dear friend Darcy Cobb, is the kind of place that feels like exhale made tangible. Every detail, the fabrics, the light, the quiet. It all feels intentional. It’s both grand and grounded, elegant but alive.

We gathered there for something different than a fashion show. This was about the connection between women, stories, and the clothes that carry us.

The Marfa Stance Experience

Marfa Stance, a luxury jacket line created by the magical Georgia Dant, formerly of Burberry, brought together a group of women that she and her business partner, Barrie Glabman, describe as a “Marfa Woman.”

I wondered, was I one? I mean, who is she, really?

Over a few days, between delicious shared meals and conversations that meandered like the French countryside, I started to understand. She’s adaptable, curious, and bold. She packs light but feels full. In other words, she has no second thoughts about reaching for the second helping of petit beurre.

In a tented pop up shop off the purple colored barn, trying on the jackets became its own kind of reflection, each piece shifting with our moods, our outfits, our energy. The reversible designs felt like a metaphor for womanhood itself: two sides of strength and softness, adventure and rest. Ooohh, that’s good.

And the collars! Oh, the collars. From powder-blue fur to rich red pops and aviator style olive colored leather, they changed everything. A small detail that somehow made the whole look (and mood) complete. Being able to play dress up with all the jackets made it feel so playful and I walked away understanding Georgia’s vision. It was so obvious, right there in the glorious forest. A forest luncheon imaged to perfection by Darcy down to the popped open mini cooper filled with Chateau Coussin wines.

Connection, Conversation & Joy

The retreat wasn’t about clothes as much as it was about connection. We talked, laughed, shared stories, and listened. The kind of simple, real human interaction that’s become almost rare. It reminded me that beauty isn’t just something you wear; it’s something you cultivate through presence. And connection. The deep, unfiltered kind is the most restorative thing there is.

The Slow Down

Normandie slowed me down in the best way. It reminded me that inspiration doesn’t come from doing more; it comes from allowing stillness, from letting moments unfold without rushing them. Yes, I came home with a jacket (or two) that make me feel like I can take on the world, but more importantly, I came home remembering how to breathe. Sometimes, the most luxurious thing we can give ourselves is time. Time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

If there’s one thing I took from France, it’s this: You don’t have to go far to find your breath again but sometimes, you do have to step away to hear it.

Some other goodies I left with; these stunning candles by La Rouge, Westman Atelier lipstick, Relevant perfume, and Cellcosmet moisturizer.

Shop My Beauty Edit

-Sasha xx

The Invitation

When my friend Veronique Vaillant announced she’d be showing her Spring ’26 collection for The Label Edition at Madrid Fashion Week, I didn’t hesitate to make the trip. Madrid has been steadily carving out its place on the European fashion map, where indie darlings mix with legends like Carolina Herrera.

Translation: silk pants, packed.

The Plus-One

Enter Edoardo, my husband, who decided to come too. Romantic, yes, but with a twist: Spain isn’t exactly his happy place.

His gripe? The hours.

Lunch at 4pm, dinner at 11pm. To him, that’s not cosmopolitan, it’s chaos. He also has a running comedy routine about pan con tomate:

“It’s just bread. With tomato. And yet every restaurant announces it like they’ve reinvented cuisine: Ladies and gentlemen, PAN. CON. TOMATE.”

The Stay

Veronique brought us to Rosewood Villa Magna, and bless her taste. The lobby was a curated dream with layered textures, chic corners, and a crowd that looked plucked straight from a street-style roundup.

Our room? Embroidered pillows with our initials are always a power move. Once you’ve slept on monogrammed bedding, you don’t go back. Dinner outside that night on the terrace sealed the deal. No pan con tomate in sight. It was looking promising.

The Meals (in Mules)

• Ten Con Ten (Cl. de Ayala): A lunch spot buzzing with energy, seafood so fresh I briefly considered defecting. Bonus: a jamón-slicing Spaniard at the door, wielding his knife like performance art.

• La Parra (del Monte Esquinza): Old school glamour. Think cozy tables pushed close, platters of seafood passed around, Edoardo ended up with a napkin around his head like a scarf. Fun. My kind of night.

The Wardrobe

Maison Mayle silk set, Miu Miu sneakers, Vince cashmere polo. Toteme calf hair clutch (tiny but mighty).

The Early Fall Edit

Beauty lineup: Crème de La Mer for hydration, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Foundation for fast makeovers, and my Suri toothbrush.

The Beauty Edit

For sleep: Eberjey short PJs are easy to pack and so soft. I can’t forget the drive by from Paulina, who is the designer of cult shoe brand Renate Jacob. We met and I purchased two pairs of her retro fab shoes. The gold will be extra fun this fall.

The Runway

Silvia Tcherassi at the Congressional building, bright colors, bold silhouettes, joy in dress form. My date, Anne Marie (Fashion Director of Elle France), whispered insights between shows, which felt like having a style oracle on speed dial. Models of every age striding like proof that beauty isn’t bound by decades.

Then came The Label Edition. Veronique’s show was… there’s no other word. It was cool. Dark, moody, forty looks that built like a crescendo. The standout? A male model in a pinstripe on pinstripe ensemble, complete with a matching oversized bag. Equal parts audacious and refined. Vero’s silhouettes this season felt mature, feminine, and, let’s be honest, chic AF. And I am not just saying that because she’s a friend. I will be wearing it all this spring.

And finally, Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera. Staged in a town square with locals shouting from the sidelines, it was pure theater. Fabrics that shimmered for every type of feminine mood. It made me dream of where I would wear each dress to. It was truly the stuff of dreams. Magic, start to finish.

The Curtain Call

Back at Villa Magna, the lights dimmed and the city quieted, but Edoardo got hungry. A waiter disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a lemon tart crowned in whipped cream. Midnight, Madrid, magic. Even Mr. Pan Con Tomate conceded that this city had won him over.

It had been years since I last set foot in Madrid, though Spain and I are hardly strangers. Summers in Ibiza, long weekends in Palma, and three separate rendezvous with Barcelona in the past year alone. Spain has a way of luring you back with equal parts sunshine and sangria.

But Madrid is… different. The tempo slows, but the roots run deeper. The city carries tradition like a well-tailored jacket. Every time I leave, what stays with me isn’t just the architecture or the art, but the people: warm, grounded, endlessly generous with their time (and their jamón).

Strangely, Spain always reminds me of Los Angeles. Not the traffic or the juice cleanses, but that same West Coast ease. Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s the people. Madrid at 4pm feels like Malibu at golden hour, the light lingers, the conversations stretch, and suddenly you’re wondering if dinner really does start at 11pm.

Whatever it is, every time I’m here, I feel strangely at home. And this trip confirmed something new, Madrid isn’t just a city of tradition and warmth, it might also be my new favorite date city.

Gracias, hasta la próxima.