FYI – This is a wristband event, so if you want to make sure you don’t get left out, grab yours any time after 9am today at Barnes & Noble. For all the details, click here.

xx…btq girl

Even in a world of modern technology, social media, and more apps than one could dream of, the art of a handwritten note will always be one of the most sophisticated ways of communication. Enter in Sugar Paper; the LA based stationary company that takes the nostalgia of letterpress to a whole new level!

Located in the Brentwood Country Mart, the Sugar Paper boutique is one of my ultimate favorite shopping spots. Whether I am looking for chic cards, personal stationary, notebooks, or special presents (the prints are sooo cute), I always find what I need along with a few extras that I must have. Usually that means wrapping paper, pens, books – it’s nearly impossible to walk out empty handed!

Though the store is only a mere 500 square-feet, this little gem is one of those boutiques that you will spend hours in – and trust me, I have! Stocked full of their namesake collection, Sugar Paper also offers custom services along with products from other brands like Rifle Paper Company, Snow and Graham, Egg Press, and Russell + Hazel.

And as some of you might already know, Sugar Paper just launched a collection of calendars and date books for Target! Retails range from $4.99-$14.99 and will be available through the holidays. To find a Target near you that carries the assortment, take a peek at this store locator.

Now if you don’t live in LA, no need to worry. You can shop the Sugar Paper online shop and I promise it is just as cute as the store!

xx…btq girl

sugar saper: 225 26th street, santa monica, ca 90402

This book is the first of its kind for François as it is a compilation of his own photography and has been 10 years in the making (since he bought his private island, Motu Tané, in 2000). Staying focused on beauty, the subject is no longer cosmetics, but the enchanting French Polynesian Island and those who make it magical.  Truth be told, the 288 page coffee table read is a celebration of the inspiration behind many of the NARS products.

Since I recently spent 10 days in Bora Bora on my honeymoon, there was no doubt I had to have a copy of this book in my library. In talking with François about the islands, it brought me back to the memory of the day we arrived in Tahiti – I was wearing NARS lip lacquer (in Chelsea Girls) of course!

xx…btq girl

nars: 8412 melrose, west hollywood, ca, 90069

Hip’tique opened in Santa Monica a little over two years ago and has quickly become the haute spot to shop on the Westside. With captivating 30 foot floor-to-ceiling windows and an ever-changing storefront, it’s hard to miss this gem of a boutique. Inside, its concrete floors and combination of modern décor mixed with vintage accessories and furniture creates a unique shopping experience for women – and now, men!

Originally launching as a women’s boutique, Hip’tique has been dedicated to carrying contemporary collections like Rory Beca, Parker, Clover Canyon, Current/Elliott, Joie and LSpace bikinis — just to name a few. But recently, Hip’tique decided to add men’s to the mix and give the guys a cool destination to shop with labels like Selvage Denim by Jacob Davis, Buck Mason tees, Relwen, Vince, Joe’s Jeans and more.

So if you want to do some shopping and have your man in tow, stop by Hip’tique where you BOTH will be happy. Even if retail isn’t his thing, the fully stocked bar, “man couch” and 110 lb mastiff mix, Dexter (who wanders around the store), will make him feel right at home – and give you more time to shop!

xx…btq girl

Hip’tique: 2727 Main St, Santa Monica, CA, 90405

The collection launched on Sunday and will be in stores for 8 weeks – which means perfect timing for holiday shopping!!  For a list of Targets that carry the collection, click here.

xx…btq girl

*images from Sugar Paper blog

In my world, Elyse Walker is a household name. Whether I am shopping her online store FORWARD or reading my latest “Picks of the Week” email from one of her in-store stylists, I love everything in her world of fashion. But my real guilty pleasure (and what started her chic empire) is shopping her stunning store in Pacific Palisades.

Tucked away on a little side street off Sunset Boulevard, the Elyse Walker boutique started as a 1,000 square foot luxury retail store and now has grown to 6,500 square feet, taking up almost an entire block. And when I say it’s stocked full of ALL your favorite designers, I mean it is literally a destination for noteworthy Louboutins, Givenchy Antigona and Nightingale bags, Balenciaga wedges in a color I have never seen, Isabel Marant Tacy booties – and that is just three steps into the accessories area.

If you can manage to pry yourself away from the shoes, the ready-to-wear and contemporary designers that await are equally mind-blowing. Each collection is noted for reference (I love this), which makes it very easy to find Saint Laurent, McQueen, Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, among others, in one section versus Rag & Bone, Equipment, Haute Hippie, Missoni and more in another.

To expand her brand, Elyse recently launched her own shoe collection that includes pony and suede espadrilles, laser-cut heels, studded and fringe boots, and booties. The collection retails from $355 to $995. I am beyond obsessed with the fringe booties as they are a must-have for any girl on the go.

xx…btq girl

Elyse Walker: 15306 Antioch Street, Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272

Soooo I have decided to ask Santa for the $1,850,000 Forevermark Ultimate Diamond Experience – ha! That would be amazing, but quite honestly, I don’t think I have been THAT good this year!

xx…btq girl

xx…btq girl

…I am majorly obsessed with this boutique due to a little leopard bag that I am sure you have seen many times on Pinterest, Instagram, and countless blogs – the Clare Vivier fold-over clutch! (I also featured it in a “hello lover” post a few weeks back.) It’s the perfect size for day or night and complements any Fall ensemble.  So when I found out the designer had a namesake store in Los Angeles filled not only with my leopard obsession, but her entire collection, it only took two seconds to get my keys and head out the door. Prepare yourself – this boutique is highly addictive …

The Clare Vivier boutique is a beautiful, corner shop on Sunset Boulevard harboring big windows that fill the store with light. The white wall back drop offers an open and airy feel, giving the shop a clean canvas to display each of the locally made bags. From clutches and messengers to travel totes and sacs, you can’t help but fall in love with the gorgeous vibrant colors and unexpected textures. (The grey basket weave is beyond!) Displayed with French books, delicate jewelry from local designers, and other unique accessories, Clare Vivier has created a boutique that combines California cool with a touch of Parisian chic.

Now if you don’t live in LA – no need to worry! Clare Vivier has an amazing online boutique that features all of the bags you would find in the store. And don’t forget the monogram – only takes about a week and adds that special personalized touch.

Happy shopping!

xx…btq girl

clare vivier: 3339 west sunset blvd. los angeles. ca. 90026. 323-665-2476.

*image 1 from here

I came across this little gem a few months back, but I had yet to shop it until this weekend when I had a minor fashion emergency. Named after the shopping neighborhood that was the former home of the owners, Elizabeth & Prince carries a strong assortment of designers in a very cool, California chic atmosphere. I found pieces from A.L.C., Helmut Lang, Rag & Bone, Haute Hippie, but I also found some new designers to fall in love with! (Have you heard of Closed and Tysa?!? Love!)…

Elizabeth & Prince also carries a ton of amazing accessories from super cute jelly shoes by Melissa to brightly colored JadeTribe totes, beautiful jewelry, and so much more. They even have my favorite Voluspa candles – Laguna is the best!

Just a little note for all you beauties headin to Coachella, this lovely shop is literally 5 mins away from the Polo Fields! Feel free to indulge!

xx…btq girl

elizabeth and prince: 78075 main st. suite 101. la quinta. ca. 92253. 760-564-4100. elizabethandprince.com

*images from here