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

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

xx…btq girl

hip’tique in santa monica

time to shop

loved this floral print

lspace bikini heaven

loooooved these colors

the lspace models (reminding me why i go to the gym!)

make sure you instagram your pics if you came to the party

looking out onto main street

bora bora bound

xx…btq girl

Whether you have an up coming trip (or honeymoon!!) or just need a new amazing bikini, this is the event to shop! Come meet me there…

xx…btq girl

must shop!

Second and third, the mother load of all sample sales is happening in downtown LA!! Phillip Lim and A.L.C. will both be hosting sample sales tomorrow in separate showrooms in the Cooper building.  This is your chance to majorly score, but you know how it goes – get their early for the good stuff!

don’t miss this

get there early

Have fun and happy shopping!

xx…btq girl

trunk show

On Saturday, Hip’tique (you know how much I love this store in Santa Monica), was hosting a trunk show for L*Space swimwear – one of my absolute favorite bikini collections – so naturally, this was the first thing on my weekend agenda. Featuring the latest looks from Summer 2012, the color palette and body styles were beyond amazing. Needless to say, I wanted everything!

obsessed with dolly fringe in blue iris

a model wearing l*space in the window of hip'tique

customers shopping beautiful brights

love the detail

Monica Wise, creative director and designer of L*Space, kicked off the first day of the trunk show to help customers with personal fittings. I had the chance to meet her (she is so sweet!) and ask what the inspiration was for the collection. She told me she had spent time in the South of France really soaking up the culture and observing the locals. I must say, her inspiration translates perfectly – if I put on the Dolly Fringe Bandeau with a Tesserae print bottom, I could easily see myself on a beach in Cannes!

monica finds the perfect bikini

monica wise (l*space creative director/designer) and christine berardi (hip'tique owner)

Not only could you shop for bikinis, but Stila Cosmetics was also at the trunk show offering mini makeovers to attain the perfect look for Summer.  Stila, another fave of mine, collaborated with L*Space in creating a “fresh off the beach” travel palette to compliment the Summer 2012 swimwear collection. Colors like conch, de soleil, sunset and palm beach (hand picked by L*Space designer Wise) are a part of the compact and compliment all skin tones – giving bikini beauties a beachy glow.

beach beauty

makeup consultation

l*space mini mag

After a morning of beauty and bikini shopping, it was definitely time to go soak up the sun. The cutie boyfriend and I put the top down and drove up PCH to our friend’s house in Malibu. Since we couldn’t go to Cannes, this was our version of an immediate vacation. A beautiful beach day with friends, a glass of bubbly, AND amazing L*Space bikinis – what more could a girl ask for!

xx…btq girl

hip’tique boutique: www.hiptique.com

l*space swimwear: www.lspace.com

stila cosmetics: www.stilacosmetics.com

First up, the Isabel Marant warehouse sale!!!!!!! Um…is this is really happening? YES!!! Head downtown this Thursday and Friday to score majorly on Isabel Marant, Étoile and Jérôme Dreyfuss bags. I am going to go ahead and suggest, if you are even thinking about going – go Thursday. There seriously will be nothing left on Friday!

don't miss this

Next up – this Saturday and Sunday, one of our fave west side boutiques, hip’tique, is hosting an L*Space trunk show!! Let’s face it, Spring is here (especially if you live in LA) and that means time to stock up on some new bikini’s….and L*Space is one of the best! The fit is always amazing and the styles are sooo cute! Monica Wise, creator and designer of L*Space, will be in-store on Saturday from 11am to 4pm. Have her pick out the perfect bikini for you from their new Summer collection.

get ready for summer

Now if only it was Thursday already! Happy shopping…

xx…btq girl

South Coast Plaza:

Christmas Eve Hours: 9am – 6pm (directory)

Fashion Island:

Christmas Eve Hours: 9am – 6pm (directory)

The Grove:

Christmas Eve Hours: 9am – 6pm (directory)

Century City:

Christmas Eve Hours: 9am – 6pm (directory)

Santa Monica Place:

Christmas Eve Hours: 8am – 6pm (directory)

Wish you luck today!!

xx…btq girl

Happy holiday shopping!

xx…btq girl

hip’tique: 2727 main st.santa monica.ca.90405. 310-399-6106. www.hiptique.com