Dear Ones,
Hugs to you across from up the coast; I’m in Santa Barbara!
In the brave new world of the Staycation, or
the tour on a tank (of gas), I tore outta my driveway in San Diego and headed north to Santa Barbara for the weekend. It’s
only 200 miles but if you don’t want to drive, you can fly into LAX and rent a car for the two hour
drive or even to right into Santa Barbara, although that could mean changing planes at DFW. There’s several regional
carriers that have non-stops from assorted California cities; you can even take the train—now that’s entertainment.
THE GREATER WHOLE: Santa Barbara no longer means
just Santa Barbara—there’s an entire daisy chain of beach communities that make up the whole. Each has its own
personality. I flipped for Carpinteria which is very funky and just now getting some serious
restaurants. On the other hand, real estate isn’t as expensive here as elsewhere and you aren’t that far from
Oprah’s house in Montecito.
Montecito is, of course, where the serious money (which is no longer
old) is holed up in mini-mansions behind gates; most are not that ostentatious and feel more English or even Country French
than Spanish Hacienda. Indeed, the outlying communities pay as much tribute to the area’s hippie past as to its Spanish
heritage. The town of Summerland is now a string of adorable shops (mostly antiques).
SHOPPING SANTA BARBARA: The main retail
thrust is still in Santa Barbara and it is among the strangest combinations of price points and brand names I have ever seen.
That doesn’t mean it isn’t fun, it’s just oddball because of the range. First off, there must be some city
ordinance that makes chains hide their trade dress because even Ralph’s, the famous California chain
of supermarkets, is a white stucco- red tile roof hacienda with only a teeny,tiny name plate.
The main drag is State Street which runs from the beach toward the hills. The closer to the beach you are, the more
touristy the shops. This is where college kids hang out and hook up. Tourists like the Sunday arts and crafts fair on the
beach.
I like the fact that hidden off the edge of State Street is even a branch of Tuesday Morning, although
it’s not a great branch—shopper beware. I also like the mom and pop stores that make for real destination shopping.
There’s everything from glitzy designer brands in small boutiques to department stores (Macy’s,
Saks and Nordstrom’s) to multiples (Old Navy, World Market just came to town) to stores like
Tiendo Ho.
Despite that screwyl name, this store sells ethnic and North African clothing and housewares; there’s nothing
at all that’s South of the Border. Upfront in the store are crazy wild prints that could send you back to the street
in a glance, but deeper in the store there’s solid colors in woven and knits and items along the same lines as Eileen
Fisher, Oska and Eskander…for much less moolah. Prices are under $100. There’s also some sale racks; 50% off!
Perhaps
my favorite discovery was So Pretty, a twist on Claire’s or those low-cost jewelry places you know
from every mall in America. This one is much more sophisticated (much, much, much more) and even has Van Cleef wannabe chains
and ‘diamond’ engagement rings. There must be 10,000 pieces of jewelry here, all of it at bargain prices.
HIDDEN AWAY: When it comes to the truly upmarket
goods, you want to shop in Montecito, Summerland or the side streets and strips of downtown. Good stores are in strip centers,
but you have to know where to look. Try the small strip center at 1324 State Street which
house, among other resources, Treat, a day spa and beauty maven perch for hard to find brands ([tel]805/966-2336;
www.treatthyself). Travel buffs will get off the main drag and head to West Sola Street (#110) and the offices
and retail outlet for Magellan’s travel supplies ([tel.]805/568-5408; www.magellans.com). You probably know them from their famous catalogue, but the store has gadgets galore.
Among
the most interesting areas is downtown Montecito. Check out Maison K (1253 Coast Village
Road; [tel]805/969-1676; www.maisonkinc.com) . This is a home style store that has enormous flair and many gift items at affordable prices.
In Summerland, you don’t want to miss Just Folk (2346 Lillie Avenue; [tel.]805/969-7118; www.jsutfolk.com) a magnificent gallery selling Americana and folk art, much of it museum quality. There’s
a fair amount of Tramp Art, among other things.
Should you truly be into the spirit of hidden away, then you might want to
get yourself invited to a Carlisle party. Carlisle is a knit line for ladies who lunch; it is sold exclusively
in the homes of their representatives. Sizes go from 0-18 (this is a good thing); you must call for an appointment [tel.]805/969-4893.
LUNCH MUNCH: While you’re out there doing
your thing on StateStreet, you need to try The Habit, a Santa Barbara owned mini-chain of old fashioned hamburger
joints. You just head to the walk-up window and order; you can dine alfresco. Actually, State Street is over-flowing with
eateries, as are the side streets. If you want to be in with the in crowd, then you’ll be eating at the Pierre
Lafond Bistro (516 State St.; [tel.]805/962-5999), this of the most famous fashionista couple in town, Wendy Foster
and Pierre Lafond. As for me, well, I’m hanging out at the harbor at Brophy’s , where the weekends
are so crowded that you have to line up for dinner at 5pm. But that’s OK, because it’s casual dining on the fresh
catch of the day. Yum.
Salt Taffy
Kisses from here,
SuzyKG
