Santa Ynez — Our Love of the Area & Inspo for Cardigan
A jaunt down California’s Pacific Coast is medicine for the soul. We love and appreciate the annual invitation of Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club to join them for a pop up during the polo season. The tagline "Polo in Paradise" is fitting for this horse lover's haven, nestled just across the street from the majestic Pacific Ocean.
When working on this season’s knits, I wanted to design a piece inspired by this area. I thought of the super cool knitting store in Ojai and chunky yarn came to mind, and the area’s incredible climate — a blend of blue sky days and plenty of sunshine layered with ocean and mountain breezes to cool down the evenings and mornings. When with friends in the area, I do a lot of walking and designing in their gardens, (thank you Leigh and Christy), sitting at the beach, going on hacks with my friend Paige in Carpinteria in the morning fog, having long coffees and chats with “artist friends” in their open air studios (Karen and Pedro), and dinner and drinks after polo in our riding clothes (Kathy Kamei). Wherever I go, I need that casual, chic, versatile layer. And hence, our Santa Ynez Cardigan was born.
Like many of our other knits, it is an easy piece to throw on over a tee, casual but sophisticated, incredibly soft and yet durable to last like a great knit should. Enjoy a coffee with a friend, hit the beach with a layer, explore the vintage markets, walk the neighborhood, and grab a glass of wine in your riding clothes all with a Santa Ynez Cardigan in tow.
When in Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara, I always become a bit micro nomadic. I can’t help but get out and about to visit friends, swim in the ocean, explore the beautiful, quaint towns on either side of the Santa Ynez Mountains and soak up the incredible horsey-coastal-vineyard vibe in the area. Montecito, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Ojai are true gems and some of my favorites.
I have always enjoyed the laid back, athletic and outdoorsy feel of the area accompanied by excellent culinary options, art and artisan wares and vintage finds. And the equestrian culture, strong throughout the region, showcases competitions from rodeo to polo and is even host to one of the biggest equestrian parades in the country showcasing over 600 horses. A special visit this trip was to Monty Robert’s Flag is Up Farms where my friend Manjeev Chaudhary is a summer teacher on natural horsemanship. I was able to see some of their incredible techniques, meet the wonderful Monty and his lovely daughter, Debbie. Their classes are a must for horse lovers.
Just in case you are headed out to Santa Barbara / Santa Ynez area or always wanted to go, I made a list of our favorite spots for you below.
Our Santa Ynez Cardigan are still on pre-order for resort (dropping late December). Don’t miss the opportunity to get your next new favorite knit.
Xx
Elizabeth
Stay
As I was in town for an extended stay with my pup, I rented a dog friendly Air B&B in Summerland. Our pet friendly cottage was super charming and located just across from the fire station, walking distance to great shops in Summerland and a minute drive from Montecito. Other favorite places to stay are the beautiful and historical Santa Ysidro Ranch, nestled in the Santa Barbara foothills, surrounded by lush gardens and sweeping mountain views. a must also for cocktails and dinner.
The lovely Rosewood Miramar Beach, a luxe beachfront experience with direct access to the Pacific Ocean and is a blend of elegance and beachy relaxation. I have dined but not yet stayed at Inn at Mattei’s Tavern but can’t wait to get back for a weekend stay at this new Auberge property in Los Olivos— simply beautiful and captures the charm of our small, Western vineyard towns in California.
Shop
Summerland is host to some great spots, Field & Fort (cafe and lifestyle shop - from cashmere to crafted kitchen musts), Porch, The Well and Heidi Merrit, another favorite California designer and eponymous lifestyle brand. Nearby Montecito has one of our beloved retailers, Wendy Foster and its sister store, Upstairs at Pierre Lafond. It was here over a decade ago where I discovered the work of our featured artist, Karen Bezuidenhout along with picking up a copy of Chef Helene Henderson’s Malibu Farms cookbook, which has been a goto inspiration in my kitchen. Last but not least, a visit to Maison K, will not disappoint where owner, Kimberly Phillips Hayes will transport you from Santa Barbara to Morocco with her lifestyle boutique and exquisite finds.
Eat
While in town this trip, I hit a few local favorites and popped over the mountains for dinner with friends. My Mexican food go-to, Los Arroyos (I went twice this trip), Tre Lune for perfectly done Italian, out to Los Olivos for dinner at Auberge’s Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Honor Bar for a great lunch date, Folded Hills for a glass of wine with friends in the Montecito tasting room (don't miss their vineyard and winery in Gaviota), and Pierre LaFond’s for some gourmet goods and pre-prepped items to take to friend’s for after work.
Horses & Polo
I can't imagine this part of California without horses. The best summer polo on the West Coast is at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. Sunday polo is a perfect outing with family and friends. When on the other side of the mountains in Santa Ynez Valley, another not to miss spot for magnificent horses and competitive polo is La Herradura. Run and owned by one of America's most celebrated polo professionals and teachers, Memo Gracida and his wife, Meghan, La Herradura is the place to be if you are serious about getting into the sport.
Water Fix
Bella, my crazy four year old red lab, joined me on this trip. Her favorite spot was Summerland Beach, a dog friendly haven where she body surfed the waves and fetched driftwood with abandon before work. Tiring her out is truly impossible, but bringing her with me on this trip was super easy given the very dog friendly culture in Santa Barbara.
From oceans to vineyards, food to fantastic polo, the area will not disappoint! Feel free to be in touch for more information.
xx
Elizabeth
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