The Luxi Look | LA based fashion and lifestyle blog

By Amy Zhang May 24, 2023 in Travel 1 Comment

Milan Travel Guide

Although Milan is widely considered the design and fashion capital of Italy, I still feel it’s underrated and gets a bad rap from American travelers. In case you missed it, here’s my original guide to spending 72 hours in Milan from our first visit in 2018. Since this post, we’ve visited Milan several times and have grown to love the city more with each visit. Even if you’re not head over heels for Milan, it’s a fantastic base to explore Italy from.

Whether you choose to take advantage of Italy’s incredible rail network to take day trips to other cities or opt to rent a car and explore yourself, there is so much to do and see in Northern Italy. Inevitably, you may find yourself spending a day or two in Milan and asking yourself what there is to do and see. Here’s my updated travel guide to Milan with all of my favorite restaurants, shops, and more.

Milan Travel Guide

Compared to other popular Italian cities, Milan can feel industrial and boring to tourists. That’s because, in a sense, it is. There aren’t as many beautiful old buildings or museums as in Rome or Florence, and you can easily see the typical tourist sites in a day. The city feels definitively urban and corporate – after all, it’s the economic center of Italy. While la dolce vita is typically on full display in more tourist-driven destinations, Milan has a very real hustle and bustle energy that is more reminiscent of New York City than the Amalfi Coast. You’ll still find plenty of people having aperitivo at 7pm, but you’ll also see lines of Italians (somewhat impatiently) standing at the bar drinking their morning espressos on the way to work. There’s more of a balance of work and play.

With that said, I love Milan for precisely those reasons. There’s less pressure to do and see a million things in a day, but you still get all of the benefits of being in Italy. There’s incredible food, shopping, art, and more. The city is relatively small and easy to navigate – you can walk everywhere, and best of all, you have all of the comfort and convenience of a big city at your fingertips.

Where to Stay in Milan

+ For hotels, we loved Excelsior Hotel Gallia (right outside Milano Centrale) but have also heard wonderful things about Hotel Principe di Savoia and the Armani Hotel. I don’t normally recommend staying by the train station, but there are tons of affordable options by Milano Centrale and it’s convenient if you plan on taking day trips by train.

+ Airbnbs – there are actually many charming and design-oriented Airbnbs in Milan! I love the Brera neighborhood for its central location and walkability, but on our last two visits we stayed at this gem of an Airbnb in Isola. The photos don’t do it justice, it’s by far my favorite Airbnb I’ve ever stayed in.

Getting Around Milan

Milan is incredibly easy to get around – I recommend walking everywhere if you can, or grabbing an electronic bike on the street if you’re in a rush. The metro is also easy to use, but wasn’t as convenient and built out as other major cities I’ve visited. The train station is central and as far as train stations go, clean and safe.

If you’re flying into Milan, note there are 3 airports. If you’re flying internationally from the US, you will fly into Malpensa (MXP). However, if you’re flying between Italian cities or other parts of Europe, I highly recommend flying into Linate (LIN) if you can! It’s much smaller than Malpensa, which makes it easier to navigate, and is also much closer to the city. A taxi between central Milan and Linate is only around 40-50 euros.

old church to visit in Milan Travel Guide

What to Do

My favorite days in Milan are slow and leisurely, without much of an agenda – which is very opposite of how I typically travel! But if it’s your first time visiting Milan, you may want to see all of the typical sights – you can probably check most of these off your list in a day or so.

+ Visit the Duomo

A visit to Milan isn’t complete without a visit to see the Duomo! I still make a point to see it every time because it’s so awe-inspiring and beautiful. Although I’ve never actually gone up to the top of the Duomo, you can book tickets to visit the inside of the cathedral and rooftop. The Duomo is the most famous tourist attraction in Milan and is probably the only part of the city I’ve felt overwhelmed by crowds and tourists. If you don’t love crowds, go early in the morning or at night (seeing it lit up at night is an experience!) and avoid weekends.

+ The Last Supper

Tickets for The Last Supper book up a month in advance, so if you’re interested in this make sure to book your tickets ASAP!

+ Shopping

Porta Nuova has tons of boutiques – very famous is 10 Corso Como. All of the luxury houses have beautiful shops around Via Monte Napoloeone – La DoubleJ is unique to Milan and a must visit. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is also worth seeing for the design and architecture, but keep in mind it is always very busy due to its proximity to the Duomo. The first Prada store ever is inside, so if you’re looking to make a purchase at Prada this is a special place to do so!

+ Navigli Canals

A historic neighborhood in the southwest corner or Milan, linked by canals and reminiscent of Venice. Today, the neighborhood is very young and trendy – if you’re looking for a casual aperitivo spot around sunset the canals are a great place to wander and pop in for a spritz.

+ Villa Necchi Campiglio

An architectural gem of a villa in the heart of the city. There are several historic houses that have been converted into museums, this is my favorite and absolutely worth a visit.

+ Fondazione Prada

Modern art museum about half an hour away from the city – the museum exterior is worth seeing on its own, but the exhibits inside also make for a fun morning or afternoon. The ground also has a very aesthetic cafe designed by Wes Anderson, Bar Luce which is the perfect spot to grab your morning coffee and a pastry.

+ Take Day Trips

If Milan isn’t your thing, you can easily take a train 1-2 hours away to explore and make it back in time for dinner. We did Venice in a day which was 2.5 hours by train (we loved it so much and will 100% be back to stay there for a few nights) but you also have Florence (2 hours away), Lake Como (less than an hour away), Lake Garda (1.5 hours away), Turin (1 hour away), Bologna (1 hour away), Varenna (1.5 hours away), and more!

Where to Eat & Drink

Reservations are highly recommended for the restaurants below, in Italy when you reserve a table it is yours for the entire evening. Even if you walk into a restaurant and there is no one seated, you can be turned away because they are “fully booked” – this means they have reserved all the tables and within an hour the entire restaurant will be full. Also remember that restaurants close between lunch and dinner (usually between 3-7pm) so if you don’t eat at typical mealtimes, you won’t have many options for sit down meals (fast casual spots are a different story!).

+ Da Giacomo

An upscale seafood restaurant, a favorite for lunch. The restaurant itself is beautiful and a perfect setting for a special occasion.

+ Paper Moon Giardano

An elevated Milanese classics. Request a table outside if possible! You can’t go wrong with any of the pastas and the tiramisu is to die for. Also so dog friendly, every time we come they’ve brought treats for our dog and are so kind overall.

+ Cantina Della Vetra

An incredibly rustic and charming environment to try authentic Northern Italian dishes.

+ La Gioia

It’s the most romantic, intimate atmosphere with the best truffle pasta in Milan.

+ Trattoria Milanese

A traditional Milanese food. The portions are huge and everything is made with love, you will be rolled out of there! The cotoletta and risotto Milanese are must orders – it’s so heavy but SO delicious, I have to eat this meal once every trip to Milan.

+ Il Salumaio

The perfect spot for lunch after shopping around Via Monte Napoleone. Tucked away in the courtyard of the Bagatti Valsecchi museum, everything is simply prepared and incredibly delicious. Also fantastic people watching, and another strong contender for best tiramisu in Milan.

+ La Prosciuetteria

Get the charcuterie board. Perfect if you didn’t have a chance to make a reservation or want something more casual. For under 20 euros a person you get a massive board with meat, cheese, bread, spreads, fruit, and more. Whatever is fresh that day.

+ Trippa

We didn’t make it this time – you have to make a reservation 3 weeks in advance and it’s a very popular table! But have heard good things are adding it to the list for our next trip.

+ Coffee

My favorite spots for coffee in Milan: Gelsomina (cute interior and best pastries), Lubar (all day cafe with a beautiful garden and terrace), Zaini (also happens to be a chocolate shop so you can pick up some souvenirs/gifts after your coffee), and Marchesi 1824 (also a great spot for aperitivo). There’s also a Starbucks Reserve in Milan which is an experience in and of itself, but the coffee isn’t really anything to write home about.

For aperitivo, you have to try the Negroni Sbagliato invented at Bar Basso and check out the stunning rooftop pool at Ceresio 7.

Let me know if I missed anything! What are your favorite spots in Milan? xx

By Amy Zhang May 18, 2023 in Travel No Comments

Paris Travel Guide

Paris is always a good idea… and this year we took the leap to turn our dream of living abroad into a reality. We said goodbye to our life in Los Angeles and made the decision to test out living abroad for three months – starting with a month in Paris. Truly, living the dream! We are so fortunate that our work and lives collided in a way that made this possible.

After a month of living in the heart of the city (more on this below!), we came out of the experience with even more love and appreciation for all it has to offer than before. The month has flown by, and we both agreed we could have spent years in Paris without ever getting bored. It will be hard to leave, but we’ll be back soon (hopefully sooner than later)! In the meantime, I wanted to relive my time in Paris by sharing all of my favorite things to do and see in the city.

Paris Guide and Tips

As far as European destinations go, Paris is very easy to get to – most major US airports will have a direct flight to Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG). I prefer to take a flight that lands first thing in the morning so I have a full day ahead to get settled and sightsee to help me get over jetlag quickly.

+ Getting into Paris

Be prepared to spend up to a couple of hours in customs – if you can, I highly recommend booking a transfer into the city in advance. G7 is the official taxi booking app in Paris, but we always use Welcome Pickups which is available more broadly across Europe. After a long international flight (and potentially very little sleep), there’s nothing better than being able to get into a preassigned car and mindlessly get into the city to check into your hotel or Airbnb. It’s much more expensive than public transportation, but a splurge that is 100% worth it in my opinion.

+ Getting around

My favorite way to see any city is by foot, I think you just stumble across so many more hidden jewels than if you take a car or train everywhere. Some of our favorite days in Paris were spent walking around the city aimlessly and coming across the best *insert item/activity here* we had never heard of. Even though it rained most days we were in Paris, we still made a point to walk as much as possible (pack an umbrella!) – averaging over 10 miles a day. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes!! More on that later :).

+ Language and Cultural Barriers

There is a lot of misinformation on the ease of getting around Paris without speaking the language (you can easily get around without speaking French), and whether or not the French are rude to Americans (in my experience, it’s a resounding NO they have always been more than polite and kind). On the language front, in recent years many Parisians have learned English and you will rarely find yourself in a situation in the main tourist areas where there is no English spoken or used. Of course, it never hurts to learn some basic French phrases before visiting or looking up common phrases/words using a language app when traveling around. When in a pinch, Google Translate is fantastic.

+ Business Closures

Watch out for bank and local holidays during your visit. We were in town on May Day (May 1) which is a national holiday and most businesses are closed. If you are staying in central Paris, you will still find many tourist restaurants and cafes staying open, but more businesses (many museums, shops) will be closed than usual. Also, many businesses will be closed on Sunday and Monday, so always do your research in advance!

+ Make Reservations in Advance

On that note, I highly recommend planning as much as possible in advance if you can. Museum and tourist site tickets should all be booked at least a week in advance, and most restaurants will strongly encourage or require a reservation (especially if you are visiting during the summer or peak season!). If you prefer to have a more laid-back itinerary that is fine as well, there are definitely restaurants and museums you can walk into any day of the week, but you can expect more of a wait.

Where to Stay

One of the best things about Paris is how livable the city is – it’s surprisingly small and thankfully very easy to navigate. The entire city is only 6 miles across, and main tourist area is even smaller. Paris consists of 20 arrondissements (districts), each of which is unique and charming in its own way. If you’re visiting the city for only a few days and choose to stay in the more tourist central arrondissements, you’ll be able to get to most sights by foot (my favorite way to see the city!) or the metro easily.

We’ve stayed all over the city – most recently for our month long stay we found an apartment on the edge of the Marais. Although we loved how central the location was to everything we wanted to do and see, we did find that the Marais got overwhelmingly busy on the weekends – and this was in early April! I expect the city to be even more crowded once summer rolls around.

While truthfully you really can’t go wrong staying anywhere in central Paris, these are some of my recommendations on neighborhoods to stay in for a visit.

1st, 6th, 7th, and 8th are most popular arrondissements for tourists. 1 is where the Louvre and other central sites are. It will feel VERY touristy and busy! But the area is great if you are visiting for the first time or for only a couple of days as you’ll be close to all of the main tourist attractions. 6 and 7 are still central, but much quieter – these are very quintessentially charming Parisian neighborhoods. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is where I would recommend staying if you want an old-school Parisian feel. 8 is another good choice that is very close to the Eiffel Tower and where many luxury shops on Avenue Montaigne and Champs-Élysées are. Note that accommodations here will be a bit higher than in other areas.

The Marais (3/4) is another popular choice, I really love this area for family or couples trips. There is so much to do and the area is incredibly charming. This is where we spent the most time recently and where many of my recommendations below will be.

Last year we stayed in the 9th for a week and it was my favorite neighborhood to date – it felt very authentic and local, which we loved. If I was to spend more time in Paris long term, my first choice would be the 9th or 7th arrondissements.

What to Do

One thing I loved most about Paris is despite how touristy many attractions are, they are still magical and absolutely worth seeing. The perfect example – the Eiffel Tower! I never got sick of seeing the Eiffel Tower during the day or night (make sure to catch the hourly show on the hour). I’m including typical “tourist” activities along with more general things to do below, feel free to choose the activities that look most appealing to you to create your dream Paris itinerary.

+ Museums

The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are must-visits for anyone – be sure to book timed tickets in advance. Both are always busy so your best bet is to book a 9 am timeslot during the week. There are also so many incredible smaller museums that are absolutely worth a visit as well – my favorites are Musée Rodin and Musée de l’Orangerie. You could easily spend a month in Paris visiting museums and not even scratch the surface.

woman wearing dress and trench coat in white and sharing Paris guide

+ See the Eiffel Tower

If you are staying in central Paris you will most likely end up seeing the Eiffel Tower every day. Here are some of my favorite places to view the Eiffel Tower for photos 🙂

Ave de Camoens
Rue de l’Universite (always busy with people taking photos)
Any of the bridges along the Seine – Pont d’Iéna, Pont de l’Alma, Pont Neuf,
Along the Seine between Pont d’Iéna and Pont de l’Alma
Metro Line 6 between Passy and Bri Hakeim
Trocadero

columns outside a building for Paris guide

people around a fountain for Paris guide

+ Gardens

There’s nothing better than heading to one of the many beautiful gardens in the city on a warm, sunny day to read a book or have a picnic with friends. You’ll see many other locals and tourists doing the same exact thing! My favorites are Jardin Palais Royal, Jardin Tuileries, and Jardin du Luxembourg.

+ Shopping

Paris is my favorite place to shop no matter what your budget. For luxury brands, I love Avenue Montaigne and Rue Saint-Honoré for the individual stores, but Parisian department stores are also worth a visit (if nothing else but to window shop or admire the design!). My favorites: Le Bon Marche, Galeries Lafayette (there is an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower and the city from the top floor), and Samaritaine. I also highly recommend La Grand Epicerie for food gifts to bring home for yourself or others. The best way to describe it is a French Eataly – we will be bringing home lots of jams, tea, French mustard, madeleines, and butter. Don’t forget to claim your VAT refund for purchases over 175 euros 🙂

+ Walking Everywhere

There is so much to do and see, and it is all best done by foot! My favorite places to walk in the city:

Along the Seine river
To and around Montmartre
Rue Saint-Honoré and through Jardin Tuileries
Around the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain
Through the Marais
To Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – a bit off the typical tourist path, but a beautiful park just outside the main area. Bonus – there’s one of the super popular Fotoautomat vintage photo booths in the park, and because it’s less frequented by tourists there’s no line (unlike the one in Montmartre that blew up thanks to Tik Tok).

+ Crazy Horse

A modern cabaret show, we’ve been twice and each time has been so much fun!

view of a garden and palace for Paris guide

What to Eat

I can (and will) do an entire post on my favorite restaurants and meals – because one of the best parts of visiting Paris is truly the FOOD! I believe it’s genuinely very hard to have a bad meal in Paris – whatever your budget is, you’ll be able to find incredible food in the city. Over our past few trips we have had so many amazing meals – here are some of my favorites below (more to come here!).

+ Restaurants:

Le Bon Georges
Relais de l’Entrecote
Clown Bar
Le Petit Lutecia
Jais
Pompette
Deviant
Clamato
L’Avenue
Le Fontaine de Mars
Cafe Charlot
Carette
Cafe Marly

+ Casual/cheap eats:

Miznon
Udon Kunitoraya
Foderol
Biyo Durum
Song Heng
Chez Alain Miam Miam
L’As du Fallafel
Le Pain Retrouve (my favorite bakery in all of Paris!)

And of course you can’t forget coffee shops/cafes! I’d heard the coffee scene in Paris was not great, this could not be further from the truth. We had amazing coffee everyday in Paris, but be warned the good stuff is priced the same as LA. Also I know everyone goes to Cafe de Flore or Les Deux Magots, these are fine to visit once for the experience but between the long wait and the overpriced coffee I wouldn’t go back again (the people watching is excellent though!).

Noir
Laize Sainte Avoye / Laize Palais Royal
Recto Verso
Cafe Kitsune
Residence Kann
The Coffee
Merci
Telescope
Maison Fleuret

top view of two cups of coffee and sunglasses

Cooking in Paris is also an experience, and one we thoroughly enjoyed. Stopping at the various markets for ingredients became part of our daily routine: Carrefour for pantry items and staples, our local boulangerie for baguettes, the fishmonger or butcher depending on what we were making for dinner that night, and the neighborhood fruit and vegetable stand. Yes, it’s many more stops and way less convenient than back home, but we loved getting to know our local vendors and couldn’t believe the freshness and quality of food in Paris. Also, our Airbnb kitchen was tiny, to say the least – and didn’t even have an oven! So we had to be a bit creative with meals at home. With that said, we enjoyed simple meals of fruit and yogurt in the morning, ham and butter baguette sandwiches for lunch, and AJ mastered sole meunière for dinner. Delicious!

What to Pack – Wardrobe Essentials

Although the spring and fall months are my favorite months to visit Paris (the weather is generally milder and the city is much less crowded), the weather can be incredibly unpredictable. Even though I checked the weather forecast obsessively before our trip (looking at past years’ data and the forecast for the upcoming weeks), it turned out to be almost entirely wrong. It rained almost the entire time we were there and was much colder and windier than anticipated. While Paris is the best place to shop for a new wardrobe, if you bring the following essential capsule pieces you should be set for most situations. Also, don’t forget an umbrella!!

Trench coat

The classic and iconic spring/fall jacket in Paris. Everyone wears them! You can’t go wrong with a tan/beige version, if you want something with a little more spice I would suggest a leather version! COS makes incredible trench coats that won’t break the bank. I also love this one – it’s more expensive but will last forever!

Trousers

Ffor whatever reason I am not the biggest denim on vacation fan, I usually leave them at home although I did pack a pair this trip thankfully (they were much warmer than my other bottoms!). However, my go-to pant in Paris is typically a pair of trousers. I have these (only $65!) and also love these (want them in every color!).

Blazer

Great on its own for warmer days or layers well underneath a jacket when it’s cooler. This one is my favorite, I have it in two colors and I’m so tempted to get it in more!

Sweater

I love a striped sweater for Europe, this one is a great price and so flattering on everyone. Side note – I’m obsessed with ARKET, there aren’t any stores in the states and only a handful in Europe but there is a location in Paris in the Marais that is fantastic!

Matching lounge set

Parisians don’t wear sweatpants or leggings in public, but these matching sets by Naked Cashmere serve as comfort and style. They also keep you warm during transitional weather and are super lightweight in your suitcase!

Comfortable walking shoes

I don’t care if I look like a tourist, if I am walking over 10 miles a day I will always wear sneakers during the day. Most Parisians do as well! Of course, if you want to wear other shoes

I could go on for days… so please do not hesitate to reach out with ANY questions! And of course, I would love your best Paris recs to add to my list for our next visit. I hope this was helpful – stay tuned for even more travel guides!! xx

By Amy Zhang January 2, 2023 in Lifestyle No Comments

How to Make a Vision Board

Happy New Year! I have a really good feeling about this year, and I’ve heard the same from so many of you. Whether you typically make resolutions, have a “word” for the year, or set intentions (my personal favorite), one of my favorite ways to bring it all to life is through a vision board. I get a lot of questions on how I make my vision boards, so I wanted to outline it in detail here. Even if you haven’t made one for the year yet, it’s not too late! The January 1 hard date wasn’t really resonating with me this year to start the new year, so this is your reminder that the new year starts when you’re ready! I’m a big believer that you start making small changes and take action on any day of the year towards your dreams.

Why You Should Make a Vision Board

There are so many different ways to set and track goals. There’s really no right or wrong way as long as you find a method that works for you. What I love about vision boards is they can be as specific or general as you want them to be. There’s also something so soothing and motivating about a visual representation of your dreams that you can look at everyday (or as often as you want to).

I like to set mine as my phone or laptop background. This is so I can be reminded everyday of what I’m working towards. When I look back at my vision board at the end of the year (you can also do monthly or quarterly ones) I’m always shocked as how many of my goals seem to come true. Plus, they’re also fun to make and a great solo activity or something to do with friends.

How to Make a Vision Board

I usually start by writing down my goals for the year, bucketing them into different categories (mine are usually personal, relationships, health & wellness, and financial). You can get as granular here as you want – I try to have at least 2-3 per category, with a mix of achievable goals and BIG dreams. The key here is to really go big – in my opinion big goals are critical to your vision of what you want your year to look like. It never hurts to put it out there in the universe!

Then, you can go physical or digital – I always use Pinterest and find images that align with my specific goals, or just generally fit the vibe of what I’m feeling or looking for. Again, you can be as granular here as you want – it helps to have each image tie back to one of your goals, but they can also just be photos that make you feel inspired or motivated.

Once I have my images chosen, I use Canva to create a blank template and drop in the photos one by one, rearranging them until I’m happy with how it looks. I usually make one vision board for my entire year, this year I opted to make a different collage for each of my yearly intentions. There are no rules 🙂

And that’s it! From there, you can set it to your phone or computer background (you may need to crop or resize your image).

Happy vision board making, and be sure to share yours with me – I’d love to see what your goals and intentions are for the year. Wishing everyone a happy new year filled with joy, love, and good health! xx

By Amy Zhang October 10, 2022 in Home, Lifestyle No Comments

Everyday Luxuries to Elevate Your Life

This year has been all about self-care for me, in many different shapes and forms. One way I like to practice self care is to elevate some of my basics or everyday items with versions that feel more special or luxurious. With the end of the year and holiday season coming up rapidly I wanted to share some of my favorite everyday luxuries that I’ve found to really elevate my daily life. These are some (small) ways I’ve made everyday rituals and activities feel more luxe, wherever I am in the world.

Elevated Versions of Products I Love

Candles

Might be the most basic and obvious thing. However, I love a bougie candle to instantly brighten up any room (and my mood). Candles make great gifts, for friends & family or even for yourself. I really don’t think you can ever have too many. My favorites are by Voluspa. They have so many scent options and have a clean coconut wax blend I’m obsessed with and love burning in my own. I have so many scents and sizes scattered throughout my own. However, my current favorite is the Hearth Size (makes such a fantastic holiday gift!) which is a decorative statement piece on its own.

Flowers – Products I Love

I started buying fresh flowers from the farmer’s market this year. I do this whenever I could make the weekly market, and needless to say. I’m now obsessed with having fresh florals in the house. On the weeks I can’t get to a farmer’s market, I also love having “eternity” florals from Venus et Fleur in my home. These not only look and smell incredible, they are also a gorgeous decorative centerpiece that can be used anywhere in your home. The craziest part is these flowers stay pristine for a year (and with proper care, even longer). I get so many compliments on my arrangements . They are pricey, but really so worth it when you factor in how long they last for. They have an instant WOW factor that elevate any room instantly.

Pajamas

This past year is the first time I truly invested in quality pajamas. By that I mean cute matching sets that I wanted to wear to bed instead of a ratty mismatched t-shirt and short combo. Nothing wrong with this at all, but I figured my 30’s were a good time to find some appropriate sleepwear. I love how luxurious washable silk feels and how easy it is to care for. And, for printed matching sets you can’t go wrong with Show Me Your Mumu.

Cozy throw blankets

A cozy throw blanket makes your home feel so much more luxurious. My favorites are by Barefoot Dreams. I have several and love having them in all of the different rooms in the house. I have them when I want to watch TV, lay on the couch, or even travel with them or take them outside. They’re machine washable which makes them really easy to clean and I don’t feel guilty bringing them out with me. If the price tag feels a bit steep, keep an eye out on Nordstrom Rack. I’ve scored several for 50% there! Also, I have an Apparis faux fur throw I’m obsessed with. It feels so incredibly soft and thick, and looks gorgeous wherever you put it.

Glassware – if you’re like me and have to be drinking a minimum of 3 different beverages at any given time, updating your glassware at home is the easiest way to feel ~fancy~ without spending too much at once. I love these clear mugs for my coffee and tea, and while these ripple glasses are a little pricey, I love the aesthetic they bring to any home. Also a big fan of collecting glassware at flea markets or when you travel, whatever your vibe is you’ll be able to find glassware that fits.

What are your favorite products to elevate your everyday life? xx

By Amy Zhang October 7, 2022 in Travel No Comments

Carmel-by-the-Sea with Lexus

Last month, we drove up the coast for a quick weekend trip to celebrate our friends getting married in Carmel. We’ve stopped in Carmel-by-The-Sea before on our way to Big Sur but had never stayed overnight. As you may already know, we love a roadtrip and staycation! We were in the process of getting ready for our extended fall travel away from home and my car happened to be in the shop – thankfully, Lexus was able to save the day. More on this below, along with my guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Driving the Lexus NX 350 F Sport

As mentioned above, Lexus was kind enough to partner with us again for the weekend. This time, we tested a crossover SUV (NX 350 F Sport) and it made for such a fun and smooth ride up the coast. We drove 5+ hours each way between Carmel and LA and were comfortable the entire trip. We were honestly impressed with the safety features and overall experience with the car. It’s also the perfect size for us and the stage we are in right now – it felt roomy and spacious (I have a tendency to overpack or leave a lot of stuff in my car) but not too bulky to navigate and drive.

Carmel-by-The-Sea Guide with Lexus

woman who was driving the Lexus NX 350 F Sport

Where to Stay

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very small, walkable town. You won’t find big chain resorts in the main town, but rather lots of cozy bed & breakfast inns. We stayed at The Hideaway on a recommendation from our friend who is local, and really appreciated the recently renovated, more modern rooms (that are also dog friendly!). Our room didn’t have air conditioning and California was in the midst of a heat wave, but generally the weather in Carmel is temperate enough that you won’t need air conditioning. When we asked the front desk, they mentioned most places in town won’t have air conditioning.

If you’re looking for a bigger resort or luxury experience, nearby Big Sur has the incredible resorts Ventana and Post Ranch Inn (we loved our stay at Ventana!). For this trip, we really loved the intimate atmosphere close to the water in Carmel.

What to Do

If you’re familiar at all with the Coastal Grandmother trend, Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the ULTIMATE Coastal Grandmother towns. You really want to slow down and fully embrace the lifestyle. We were fairly busy with wedding festivities, but here is what my ideal day in Carmel looks like:

Wake up and get coffee and pastries from Rise + Roam.

Walk to the beach with your coffee – or go for a run!

Have brunch at Stationaery.

Go shopping in town, visit art galleries, or do a wine tasting in town (we loved Caraccioli – they do a fab sparkling flight).

Have dinner at La Bicyclette – our favorite!

If you have an extra day or two, be sure to hop in the car and drive to Big Sur for a hike, or visit the Monterey Aquarium. There’s also tons of hiking and beautiful beaches near Carmel if you prefer to stay in the area.

Have you ever been to Carmel-by-the-Sea?

1 2 3 … 96 Next Page 1 of 96