SabiSays

Fashion Writer and Columnist

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Scent of Summer

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Change things up with these new summer scents that will make you twirl and sparkle.

I have a ritual of opening a new fragrance bottle, every summer. There’s nothing like a new scent to celebrate the season of sun and sand. The air in my hometown of Newport Beach is fragrant with blooming flowers, the sunshine is delicate and the possibilities for new beginnings are endless.

Wearing my moody fragrances of the cooler months is the equivalent of walking around in a heavy winter coat when I should be wearing a pretty dress. Intrinsically I feel it’s time for a change and I embrace this with full gusto as I venture out of my hibernation in search of my new scent.

Finding a new fragrance is often like making new friends; it’s daunting at first but one can never have enough.

SabiSays

Finding a new fragrance is often like making new friends; it’s daunting at first but one can never have enough. Relying on some intuition to navigate the countless options is key. Often my new favorites overshadow my loyal bottles of my past—but it feels exhilarating to experiment with the unfamiliar.

The thought of wearing the same fragrance season after season without any interlude is like using the same shampoo—you’re going to get build up. And in the world of fragrances that usually means you’re likely to become desensitized. I get stifled and find the need to create new memories. Have you ever noticed how many compliments you get when you shake things up?

My new summer scent restores my faith in myself and allows me to see myself not as I was but how I’d like to be. And when I finally return to my signature scent after all my diversions, it’s with a new perspective wondering how I’d ever managed without it—just like our best friends. 

My top three summer scents:

Venetian Delight

Paris-Venise by Chanel inspired by the romantic city of Venice

I can’t tell you how giddy I felt when I stood at the perfume counter and tried on the trio of new fragrances titled Les Eaux De Chanel. Each light scent is inspired by a different destination. The Paris-Venise inspired by the romantic city of Venice perfectly captures the essence of intrigue with the mystery of Byzantine and opulence of the Baroque period with an amber accord that unfolds with notes of vanilla and tonka bean for a soft, enveloping trail. It’s delightfully refreshing yet sensual and creates a mood of high drama that makes me want to pair it with sequins and pearls. Paris-Venise by Chanel 4.2 oz. Eau de Toilette $130. www.chanel.com.

A Melody of Flowers

Floralie by the House of Creed is exactly what its name implies.

At the heart of any great fragrance is a unique blend of flowers and the latest creation aptly named Floralie by the House of Creed is a floral fragrance like no other. As a Creed devotee I’ve been wearing my signature scent of Royal Water for longer than I’d care to share—so my new found fascination with Floralie felt like infidelity but one that I hope my good friend will pardon. The fragrance is feminine without being sickly and sophisticated without being a snob. It has a sparkling quality that makes it perfect as a spring scent with Bulgarian rose, lily of the valley and cedar wood—yet it’s not so light that a little spritz will leave you feeling underwhelmed after a few hours. It will accompany you through the brightness of the day when you’re wearing your flowy dress and waltz with you into the evening. Floralie by the House of Creed, 2.5 oz. $415, Creed Boutique. 

From Sicily With Love

Mandarino di Sicilia by Perris Monte Carlo is the perfect scent for those of you that long for the scent of the orange groves of Sicily

When I was first introduced to Mandarino di Sicilia by Perris Monte Carlo I immediately felt that was there’s a new contender in town. It’s a love letter to Sicily wrapped up and concentrated into a bottle. It feels like you’ve been transported to the orange groves of the Mediterranean but one that’s not too far from a coastal breeze.  But with all its zesty might, it’s not your typical simple citrus fragrance. It’s this complexity that makes it unique. It’s neither masculine or feminine with green mandarin, orange blossom, cedar and jasmine, makes you feel like you’re in the remote region of Sicily but it could easily be the quintessential scent of Orange County with an Italian twist. Mandarino di Sicilia by Perris Monte Carlo, 3.4 oz. $190. Available at Neiman Marcus.

Always in AllSaints

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AllSaints Opens at South Coast Plaza and It Feels Like Home

AllSaints South Coast Plaza Store Opening on September 20, 2018 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for AllSaints )

Jamie Commons performs at AllSaints South Coast Plaza Store Opening (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for AllSaints ).

AllSaints signature moto- leather jacket. (Custom engraving of leather was available and guests were able to have their leather clothing or accessories engraved during the opening party at AllSaints).

AllSaints and I go back a while. I’ve been wearing it before it arrived in OC via Bloomingdales but with the opening of its stand-alone store in the heart of South Coast Plaza last week—this East Ender and I have finally reunited.

A British brand known for its attitude—it’s key pieces are buttery soft leather jackets, premium denim, cozy over-sized sweaters, easy to wear dresses and my favorite style of leggings—it’s everyone’s idea of wardrobe staples. And even-though I’ve been using the hashtag #AlwaysinAllSaints for some time, I have a feeling we’re going to be seeing a lot more of each other.

Although we’re both Londoners, we couldn’t be more different. AllSaints hails from East London and I’m a West London girl that wouldn’t venture further than Victoria just in case I got lost. But this clothing label (for men and women) has the bad boy appeal of Jason Statham, David Beckham’s sense of style along with the old-school charm of Michael Caine all rolled into one. No wonder it has such a big place in my heart. It’s also a testament that opposites really do attract.

“AllSaints hails from East London and I’m a West London girl that wouldn’t venture further than Victoria just in case I got lost.”

I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I told you that AllSaints is my uniform of choice. I own more pairs of their Raffi leggings than I care to admit—some of them identical. But it’s not all about laziness or comfort, although the latter plays a big role in my fashion choices. With AllSaints I don’t feel I’m faking it—in fact I never feel more myself that when I’m wearing anything by the label. And whether you’re from London or not, it has an unpretentious ability to grow on you.

And now that AllSaints has officially arrived at South Coast Plaza, with its signature vintage sewing machine filled store front and his cockney accent nudging you to come in and take a look; I’m warning you—you’ll be hooked. And if you don’t believe me “Just You Wait, Henry Higgins Just You Wait…”

(AllSaints, Level 1 Bloomindales wing, between Guess and Hugo Boss opposite Weekend Max Mara, 714-955.4448, www.AllSaints.com)

 

I’m with Kara Jensen PR director at the opening of AllSaints South Coast Plaza. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for AllSaints).

 

Basket Case

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This basket bag by Guadalupe Design isn’t just a great conversation starter but a gorgeous piece of woven art, handmade with Iraca palm straw in the Usiacuri region of Colombia.

A Straw Bag to Take to the Beach, Bar and Beyond

Nothing says summer like a straw bag. In fact, I’m a little obsessed with them, and always have been— even beyond the desired season to carry them. So, when I first laid my eyes on this round Galapagos bag by Guadalupe Design, I was a total basket case.

I wasn’t surprised that this unique brand hails from the magical city of Miami, my former home.  And I was thrilled when I got a chance to chat with Guadalupe Design’s founder and owner Daniela Garces.

Not only did we chat about this artisanal brand (named after The Virgin of Guadalupe) but I got an updated insider’s guide to Miami. So, take notes if you’re planning to visit—and don’t forget your straw bag.

Daniela Garces wearing the embroidered Noemi dress and Galapagos basket bag by Guadalupe Design. Daniela works with artisans all over the world to source her collections.

How would you describe your collection of handbags? Our handbags are artisanal yet functional and trendy. They’re light-weight, very easy to wear and you can carry them from the beach to the city. They’re hand-made by the local artisans of the Caribbean region of Colombia close to Cartagena. We love to support these women and we respect their culture and their traditions.

Where did you go to school? I grew up in Cali, Colombia and I graduated from Florida International University and I did my MBA at the University of Miami.

How has your native Colombia influenced your sense of style? In Colombia people are creative, they live colorfully. We are surrounded by the exuberant vegetation and nature. We love music, dancing and the arts. I try to bring that same joy into my designs.

Who has had the biggest influence on your sense of style? My mother-in-law Maria Ines Escobar and my sister Moira Garces. They’re elegant and as well as being great artists and designers.

Who is the woman that likes to carry your handbags? I’d say women with an eco-conscious mindset and an interest in cultural backgrounds. Women that appreciate artisanal work, embrace diversity and value traditions.

What’s your first handbag memory? Since I was a child I remember wearing Wayuu mochila bags. They’re handmade mochilas from the Wayuu Indians in la Guajira in Colombia.

What’s the best boutique in Miami? Capretto, Nouba Boutique, Frankie Miami and Boho Hunter.

Where is the best place to be seen in Miami? Sugar on Brickell, 900 Key Biscayne and Segafredo on Lincoln road.

Where’s the best place to grab a cortado? Calle Ocho in Little Havana (8th Street).

Where’s your favorite place to eat in Miami? I love Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach.

What’s the one place you’d love to visit and haven’t yet? I would love to go to the Fiji Islands.

What are you reading right now? “Mi Pecado” (My Sin) by Javier Moro.

What’s the biggest challenge of running your business? Managing people and improving communication.

 Why did you want to create a line of handbags? We love to support artisans from different regions of the world. We want our clients to get to know the magnificent works of art that these hard working women produce. We want to celebrate their talent.

What do you like to do for fun? I love to play tennis and to spend time with my husband and my two boys; Matías (7) and Luca (17). On weekends we have barbecues on the beach. I also enjoy reading novels.

Tell me about where you live in Miami: I live in Coconut Grove, on a small island called Grove Isle where I enjoy looking at the ocean and the beautiful palm trees every day.

What do you wish you’d known 10 years ago? I wish I had known more about preserving the culture and traditions of artisans around the world.

Thank you Daniela!

You wouldn’t believe all the things I packed into my pink Galapagos basket, $168 by Guadalupe Design. (It’s also available in other colors and in a mini version, both feature a top closure). Dress from Zara.

This Bag is Gold

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I’ve struck gold with this bag but thankfully it’s a lot lighter.

At goldno.8 you help create the bag that you want. They’re trendy, light & travel friendly. Need I say more?

The bag’s straps can be attached to the satin drawstring pouch, Le Pouf, which means you get 2 bags in 1. The satin pouch is washable, durable and cute. Genius?

You can customize your bag by choosing the style, the color leather, the pouch and then add pins, key tags and tassels. They’re all made in USA with Italian leather.

Do you “weigh” handbags before you buy them? If you walk around stores picking up handbags to see how heavy they are, looking for the lightest one—you’re not alone.

Gone are the days that I’d dish out thousands for a bag with somebody else’s name—that would cause me to spend just as much on a chiropractor. Most designer handbags as coveted and gorgeous as they may be, are in reality; a pain in the neck.

When I came across goldno.8, a new handbag line that promised that I would get to build my own stylish handbag AND that it would be light AND made right here in the U.S., I was intrigued. The magic word for me is light, but I’m a sucker for customization.

My husband will tell you, that much to his annoyance, I custom order almost everything at restaurants. I will often ask servers to “take the cheese off, add avocado and place the sauce on the side,” I could go on. It’s only natural I would do the same if I got a chance with a handbag. And that’s exactly, what I did with my goldno.8. bag.

After just a few painless clicks, I felt like Louisa Vuitton. With an easy to use website, I choose the style of the handbag I wanted, the color of the leather (they’re all Italian leather) and then my favorite part, the pièce de résistance; I got to pick my own Le Pouf, (a quilted satin drawstring pouch that doubles as an evening bag when worn solo). I choose it in a bright fuchsia, because you all know that’s my favorite color. The strap between my bag and my Le Pouf is interchangeable which means I bagged two bags in one! For the optional key tag, I choose a smiley face, because that’s how I felt being a part of the design process rather than just a side-kick.

Designers often forget about the women they’re designing for. We’re opinionated, we know what we like and just because we’re busy it doesn’t mean we’re going to compromise on style. Comfortable and utilitarian can be trendy too. And we understand the value of a deal. goldno.8 is direct to consumer which makes it also affordable (less than $400) for The Bag in Bag style that I choose. Price matters, but so does good design and quality.

I get the appeal of designer handbags because I’ve been there and done that. I’ve saved up for, stalked and eventually owned every designer handbag you can imagine. A few years ago if you gave me a choice between the “it” handbag and food, I would ask if cereal counts and tell you that for the right bag, I could survive on a few drops of water.

But I now prefer to carry handbags that are less recognizable. What appeals to me is carrying something unique that not everyone else has. I prefer to get asked “who’s you’re bag by?” rather than to hear “I love your ….” insert designer’s name. I enjoy feeling like I own my style and I’m not just carrying someone else’s initials.

And when I find something I’m crazy about I’m not greedy—I share. So I hope you drop me a line and tell me how much you love your new goldno.8 bag when it arrives in the mail. And I’d really like to see your face the first time you lift it—to see how much it weighs.

Sabrina x

P.S. I can’t wait to introduce you to Ariane Gold, the designer and mom that created goldno.8! Look out for my interview with her coming soon!

The Bag in Bag with camo leather & fuschsia satin Le Pouf, $395 available at goldno8.com.

Here’s what I’m wearing (with links):

Dress: Zadig & Voltaire

Bag: goldno.8

Shoes: Bimba & Lola

Earrings & rings: Lele Sadoughi

Sunglasses: Chanel