In my effort to to instigate some new holiday traditions this yearJeff and I took off for LA this weekendfor lunch at the iconic Ivy restaurant.
I have to admit it's reputation as a star gathering placehad me very intriguedand when it was time to drive upit also had me a little nervous and intimidated as well.
There was a moment before we got outthat Jeff and I asked ourselvesif we really wanted to do this …
andI am so glad we bit the bullet and just went for it!
I have heard stories of people lunching at The Ivy for years and yearsbut I had no idea what a truly charming and cozy space it actually is!As far away from my idea of what a Hollywood hot spot could possibly be!It is so warm and inviting with all the comforts of visiting someones home.Every seat had the most wonderful down pillowsalways at the ready for a comforting meal.
Upon checking in for our reservationswe were ushered inside to the small barand served complimentary champagneby the most attractive of serversall attired in perfectly crisp pink shirts and white apronswhile we waited for our table.
Not being a celebrityI wondered what far off corner of the restaurant we would end upbut I had decided before handto enjoy our lunch no matter where we sat …because at least we were at The Ivy!
So I had to pinch myself when we ended up with a perfect table out front on the patio!There was so much to take init seemed like a bluras we sat downto make decisions on what to eat!
Every where I looked there was such beautyfrom the vasesstuffed tight with multi colored roses on every tableto the hand crafted stone wear at each place settingto the murmur of interesting conversations all around …
I was so happy to be actually sitting outside on the patio at The Ivyon a most beautiful crystal clear dayI felt absolutely giddy insideand it took a lot to effort on my partnot to squeal in delight!
The Ivy is so well known as a celebrity hot spotthat tour buses literally make the rounds out front on a regular basis!
So it took me a little bit to actually relax into the experience.
I understand now the draw of the restaurantthe food is incredibleas is the exceedingly attentive staff.
It was a lunch that I didn't want to endbut the time did comebut I made sure to order some cookies to take home …just to bring a little bit of our magical lunch home with us.
We decided out front was as perfect place as any to take some outfit shotsbeing as we were so taken with the patina of the exterior…
As we were finishing up the pictureswe realized that behind uswasn't the Ivy restaurant at all …but instead an interiors shopthat had all of the interior ambiance as the Ivy itself!
Come to find out we had almost literally stumbled onwhat I was soon to find out
The Indigo Seaswhich Harper Bazaar Magazinedeems
one of the 25 best boutiques in the world!
As we were looking around in amazement at the beauties in the shopI was approached by a most beautiful womanwho said she had seen me from outsideand had loved my outfit so muchand that it reminded her of being Paris.
Wow, one look at this stylish womancomplimenting me so beautifullywell ...my day was pretty much made!
As we talked furtherit took me some time to realizethat I was talking with the one and onlyLynn Von Kersting co owner of the Ivy and the creator of the beautiful Indigo Seas!
Lynn is an absolute delight She shared with me how much of her style is influenced by places from all around the worldwhere in many of the locales she has homes as well.
We were lucky enough to get a tour of her back roomwhich housed so many more beautiful collections.I was so charmed by Lynnand ever so gratefulwhen she sent us home with so many beautiful treasuresfrom an iconic Capri scarfa cozy chintz pillowmugs of her own designthat the Ivy is known for …
and
most captivating to be surea copy of her book
Amore e Gioia Sotto il Sole
An Indigo Seas scrapbook of Ivy recipes and summer snapshots
It is such a beautiful coffee table book I have already spent hours devouring it.
I also have visions of summer parties next yearusing the recipes she shares form the Ivywith dreams also of visiting the Island of Capri myself!
It is a joyous book of sunshine
and
romantic gatherings!
I am excited to weave some of Lynn's magicinto my own life …
Thank you Lynn for sharing your passion for beauty and life with me.
Your compliment on my outfitwill always be a moment I hold near and dear to my heart.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joyas you style your life
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Not Dead Yet Style