Vibrancy Givers: April + May Edition
“What I Wore” meets “What I Ate”
Woah! Hi! I’m back! April & May were jam packed back-to-back weekends in the best way so you’re getting a two in one this edit. April began with my best friend's civil ceremony, my 28th birthday (which turned into basically a month of celebrations, ha) Easter with my little sister in town from NYC, a special 1st birthday, a Mexico wedding, an Apricot Lane Farms tour, Mother’s Day, and Topanga Days festival and now somehow we’re already nearing the start of summer!
Outfits from left to right: Saskia Jacket, Boteh Set, Botanical Blouse & more spring loves here.
And because Mexico kicked off the first of five weddings we are attending this year, I put together a vibrant wedding guest edit—what I’ve worn to past welcome parties, ceremonies and everything in between, plus what I’m eyeing for the season ahead. Lots of color and highly inspired by spring and summer.
This edit is going to be more of a “What I Wore” & “What I Ate” this time around.
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EAT
MONTECITO
Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch – We had dinner here for my birthday, and this place is straight out of a storybook.
Highlights: The gluten-free buns (so good I questioned if they were actually gluten-free), and the tableside smoky blood orange mezcal margarita. This place is over the top special.
Off-White Greek Garden Jacket, Quilted Shorts, A Classic Cat Eye
Ascending Health Juice – No fluff, just a real-deal, high-quality organic café in Santa Barbara. This place is my jam.
Highlights: Cacao Elixir with homemade Coconut Mylk & Strawberry Nut Smoothie - no almonds. It’s nice and thick which is always my preference when it comes to smoothies and they make their own Cashew Mylk which is what I’m always after when it comes to cafes.
Saskia Jacket, Laguna Necklace, Bird of Paradise Hat
Bettina Pizzeria – Carter and I first tried this place a few months ago and haven’t stopped talking about it since. The pizza and cocktails are top-notch. Their gluten-free dough is just as good as their regular, as Carter says.
Highlights: I go for the Rosso; Carter’s go-to is the creamed spinach + pepperoni. We also loved the Alpine Bramble cocktail—infused with blueberries and one of the tastiest drinks I’ve had. The Tranquilitus is also lovely for summer.
SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO
One Shoulder Maxi Dress + Lucky Pace Beaded Clutch
Oahu Slip Dress
Sea Grill at Las Ventanas – Easily one of my top five favorite restaurants in the world. The open-air setting, turquoise water views, royal blue tables, mosaic pizza oven—it’s magic.
Highlights: Fresh juices (on a raw carrot kick at the moment), the seasonal fruit plate, coconut yogurt with homemade strawberry jam and sunflower seeds, and the lemon curd pancakes with wild berries—lemony, fluffy, and just how you want a pancake to be. And yes, they’re GF.
Flora Farms – Yes a classic but honestly such a goodie. This recent meal there reaffirmed it. We went with a group that hadn’t been before and seeing everyone’s excitement for it made me appreciate it all over again and how well done the restaurant is. The menu is seasonal with timeless classics. Live music, the garden in full bloom, our table was literally nestled up against the sunflowers and we had farm citrus margaritas on deck.
Highlights: The “Farmarita” made with citrus from the garden (pulp and all), and mezcal or tequila of your choice. We ordered pizzas, fresh veggies, and standout white fish. It’s a refreshing change from nonstop tacos.
While we didn’t make it this trip, last year we stayed in a treehouse at Acre Resort—such a good pre- or post-dinner drink spot.
Butter Bootcut Pants, A similar dress, Light Yellow Heels, Soleil Necklace, Lime Beaded Bag
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OTHER NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Organic Oren – Oak Essentials hosted a beautiful Earth Day gathering and Oren made lunch for us. I’m not a meal service girl, but I’d order this any day.
Highlights: The caramelized Japanese Yams were next level. Still trying to replicate them at home… but honestly might just stick with Oren.
608 Dahlia at Sherman Library & Gardens – Tucked into a beautiful garden, it’s a sweet dining experience but I would go for the environment more than the food. My friend and I had a walk around the garden after lunch and it was refreshing to try somewhere new in the area.
Highlights: Seasonal Beet Salad + Marigold Soda.
The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air – Lunch here always feels like an escape from LA, even though you’re right in the middle of it. It’s lush, peaceful, and iconic.
Highlights: A classic chopped salad (no cheese) and the chilled spring soup.
Crochet Cardigan + Straight-Leg Trousers, Bird of Paradise Hat, Phoebe Mules, Laguna Necklace
Apricot Lane Farms Tour – Carter and I toured this certified biodynamic farm and learned so much about their practices and the importance of healthy soil. It was inspiring and made me want to grow everything myself. Until then, I’ll keep hunting down their stone fruit at farmers markets—juicy plums and yellow nectarines are one of my favorite simple pleasures.
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BATH / BEAUTY
Skin Rehab Beverly Hills – I finally tried this spot after seeing it all over Instagram, and yes, it lives up to the hype. The spa focuses on results-driven yet holistic treatments—my kind of place.
I did the “No Peel” Peel which gives you the benefits of a chemical peel without the downtime. So ideal since I left for Mexico a few days later and had barely any flaking. My skin felt glowy and fresh.
Dina also kindly shared a discount code: EmilyRose for any treatment.
Herbivore Botanicals Moon Fruit Serum – Slowly changing my skin in the best way. I was using retinol for only two weeks and it didn’t sit right with me, so I switched to this. No dryness or flaking and it’s been doing wonders for subtle lines and old scarring.
GOLDENHOUR Watermelon Barrier Oil – It’s been a while since I used a facial oil, but this one feels right. Clearstem always makes products I trust. This one’s great for extra hydration, especially going into summer. Use code EMILYROSEKLEIN for a discount.
YOUARESUNSHINE Tinted Sunscreen SPF – This is my go-to sunscreen for the face. I love that it has a slight tint for no-makeup beach and pool days. Use code EMILYROSEKLEIN for a discount.
LIPS&CUTES Peptide Lip Balm – Turns out, a lot of lip balms can cause breakouts. I feel safe using this one, and it actually hydrates. I apply it every night before bed. Use code EMILYROSEKLEIN for a discount.
VIO2 Mouth Tape – I’ve raved about this before, but I’ll say it again—this is the best mouth tape out there. I never travel without it. Nasal breathing has seriously improved my sleep, and once you get used to it, you’ll wake up so much more rested. Use code EMILYROSE for 15% off.
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That’s it for today! Wishing you a beautiful start to June. I can feel summer in the air as I’m typing this with the sun glistening over the mountains onto my shoulders.
With love,
x Emily