The Ivy and Indigo Seas

~~ republishing a post ~~

Dining is closed here in Southern California

so I am revisiting a magical lunch!

~~~~~~

In my effort to to instigate some new holiday traditions this year

Jeff and I took off for LA this weekend

for lunch at the iconic Ivy restaurant.

I have to admit it's reputation as a star gathering place

had me very intrigued

and 

when it was time to drive up

it also had me a little nervous and intimidated as well.

There was a moment before we got out

that Jeff and I asked ourselves

if we really wanted to do this …

and

I am so glad we bit the bullet and just went for it!

I have heard stories of people lunching at The Ivy for years and years

but 

I had no idea what a truly charming and cozy space it actually is!

As far away from my idea of what a Hollywood hot spot could possibly be!

It is so warm and inviting 

with all the comforts of visiting someones home.

Every seat had the most wonderful down pillows

always at the ready for a comforting meal.

Upon checking in for our reservations

we were ushered inside to the small bar

and

 served complimentary champagne

by the most attractive of servers

all attired in perfectly crisp pink shirts and white aprons

while we waited for our table.

Not being a celebrity

I wondered what far off corner of the restaurant we would end up

but I had decided before hand

to enjoy our lunch 

no matter where we sat …

because at least we were 

at The Ivy!

So I had to pinch myself when we ended up with a perfect table out front on the patio!

There was so much to take in

it seemed like a blur

as we sat down

to make decisions on what to eat!

Every where I looked there was such beauty

from the vases

stuffed tight with multi colored roses on every table

to the hand crafted stone wear at each place setting

to the murmur of interesting conversations all around …

I was so happy to be actually  sitting outside  on the patio at The Ivy

on a most beautiful crystal clear day

I felt absolutely giddy inside

and 

it took a lot to effort on my part

not to squeal in delight!

The Ivy is so well known as a celebrity hot spot

that tour buses  literally make the rounds out front on a regular basis!

So it took me a little bit 

to actually relax into the experience.

I understand now the draw of the restaurant

the food is incredible

as is the exceedingly attentive staff.

It was a lunch that I didn't want to end

but the time did come

but I made sure to order some cookies to take home …

just to bring a little bit of our magical lunch home with us.

We decided out front was as perfect place as any 

to take some outfit shots

being as we were so taken with the patina of the exterior…

As we were finishing up the pictures

we realized that behind us

wasn't the Ivy restaurant at all …

but instead an interiors shop

that had all of the interior ambiance as the Ivy itself!

Come to find out we had almost literally stumbled on

what I was soon to find out

The Indigo Seas

which Harper Bazaar Magazine

deems
one of the 25 best boutiques in the world!

As we were looking around in amazement at the beauties in the shop

I was approached by a most beautiful woman

who said she had seen me from outside

and

 had loved my outfit so much

and 

that it reminded her of being Paris.

Wow, one look at this stylish woman

complimenting me so beautifully

well ...

my day was pretty much made!

As we talked further

it took me some time to realize

that I was talking with the one and only

Lynn Von Kersting

 co owner of the Ivy 

and 

the creator  of the beautiful

  Indigo Seas!

Lynn is an absolute delight

 She shared with me how much of her style is influenced 

by places from all around the world

where in  many of the locales she has homes as well.

We were lucky enough to get a tour  of her back room

which housed so many more beautiful collections.

I was so charmed by Lynn

and 

ever so grateful

when she sent us home with so many 

beautiful treasures

from an iconic Capri scarf

a cozy chintz pillow

mugs of her own design

that the Ivy is known for …

and
most captivating to be sure

a copy of her book

Amore e Gioia Sotto il Sole
An Indigo Seas scrapbook of Ivy recipes and summer snapshots

It is such a beautiful coffee table book

 I have already spent hours devouring it.

I also have  visions of summer parties next year

using the recipes she shares form the Ivy

with dreams 

also 

of visiting the Island of Capri myself!

It is a joyous book of sunshine
and
 romantic gatherings!

I am excited to weave some of Lynn's magic

into my own life …

Thank you Lynn for sharing your passion for beauty and life with me.

Your compliment on my outfit

will always be a moment 

I hold near and dear to my heart.

As always my friends

I wish you love and joy

as you style your life

PS….

I was ever so happy today to see
The Ivy
shared this post on their
Facebook and twitter!

Thank you India!

linking with
Style Mind Chic