A California Girls’ Trip of Dreams
Three girlfriends and I recently wrapped up an unforgettable few days in the City of Angels that was all about fashion, fun, and a whole lot of glamour. As shopping enthusiasts and devout followers of haute couture, we were ecstatic to be attending the Chanel Cruise 2023 fashion show – a must-see event on the fashion calendar!
There’s no better place to flex your shopping muscle than on the renowned Rodeo Drive. This three-block stretch is a fashionista’s dream with luxury boutiques lining each side. Our highlight by far, was visiting and shopping at the newly opened Flagship Chanel boutique on Rodeo Drive. We had a blast trying on clothes, modeling for each other, and of course, indulging in a bit of retail therapy. The shop assistants were incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating, making our shopping experience feel like an exclusive event.
The highlight of our trip was attending the Chanel Cruise 2023 fashion show. We arrived at the venue, all dolled up, and were instantly enveloped in the energetic atmosphere, complete with high-end food trucks – think Caviar on a blini accompanied with a crisp, cold Champagne, roller skaters putting on an exhilarating performance in a street fair-like atmosphere. The anticipation was palpable as we took our seats, and the moment the lights dimmed, we knew we were in for an extraordinary experience.
The collection was an ode to the golden age of Hollywood Cinema, imagined by Virginie Viard in sunset hues set against a very signature, Chanel black and white stage. The collection goes hand in hand with the fantasy of faraway voyages and effortless allure. Every piece was more breathtaking than the last. We were enchanted by the whimsical detailing and the overall modernity of the collection. To watch the show click here.
Post-show, we found ourselves at the Chanel after-party, where we mingled with fashion’s who’s who while sipping on champagne and discussing our favorite pieces. Next thing we knew, Snoop Dogg hit the stage, performing his classic hits, getting us all in the laid-back SoCal mood. Add to that, the runway was magically transformed into a roller-skating rink! It was an exhilarating experience, one that we wouldn’t trade for anything.
This LA trip was a dream come true for us fashion enthusiasts, filled with glitz, glamour, and the joy of witnessing first-hand the spectacle of the Chanel Cruise 2023 show. A perfect fusion of high fashion, fine dining, and art, this weekend getaway left us with memories we’ll cherish forever.
After two days of retail therapy and high-fashion immersion, we woke the next day ready to travel to Napa Valley for a few idyllic few days in the countryside. Our experience was a delicate blend of wine tastings, vineyard tours, and delectable cuisine, with stops at St. Supéry, Harlan Estate, and The French Laundry.
The first stop on our Napa adventure was the divine St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, a family-owned, sustainably farmed winery known for their exceptional range of wines. We started the day with a vineyard tour, marveling at the sprawling rows of grapevines, the serene atmosphere, and the stunning Napa Valley vistas.
Later, under the Californian sun, we enjoyed an unforgettable champagne tasting in the vineyard itself. Sipping the beautifully crafted St. Supéry bubbly amidst the very vines that bore them was an unparalleled experience. Each sip unveiled layers of complex flavors, from ripe, lush fruits to fine, delicate bubbles and a mineral-laced finish.
As dusk fell, we sat down for a private alfresco dinner, surrounded by the alluring tranquility of the vineyard. Our dinner was a culinary delight with farm-to-table dishes paired perfectly with St. Supéry’s exquisite wines. The highlight was a delicate, buttery sea bass paired with a vibrant, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc that left our taste buds dancing.
Day two ushered in a visit to Harlan Estate, an ultra-premium winery nestled in the hills of Oakville. The tour started with a walkthrough of the winemaking process, allowing us a deeper understanding of the dedication, patience, and expertise required to create their world-class wines.
Next came the tasting, a sensory experience like no other. We savored each of Harlan Estate’s critically acclaimed wines, including their flagship Bordeaux blend, which offered an intoxicating mix of black fruit, truffle, and spice notes.
From the intimate atmosphere to the knowledgeable guides, every moment at Harlan Estate was a masterclass in the art of winemaking.
Our trip culminated with a dinner at The French Laundry, Chef Thomas Keller’s legendary Michelin three-star establishment. Dining at The French Laundry is nothing short of a culinary pilgrimage. Each dish was an artwork, with a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and presentation.
The tasting menu unfolded like a symphony, with each course playing its unique note. Standouts included the “Oysters and Pearls,” a sublime dish of pearl tapioca with Island Creek Oysters and White Sturgeon Caviar, and the Japanese Wagyu, which melted in our mouths.
Each course was accompanied by a sommelier-selected wine that perfectly complemented the dish. The seamless progression of the menu and the impeccably paired wines left us in absolute awe of Keller’s culinary genius.
This remarkable journey through Napa Valley left us entranced. Between the wine tastings at St. Supéry and Harlan Estate, the mesmerizing vineyards, and the exquisite dining experience at The French Laundry, we were wholly absorbed in the magic of Napa. It was a perfect blend of viticulture and gastronomy, and we cannot wait to return.