Members of Gilt City LA get dibs on exclusive pricing for their beautiful and meticulously curated offers. It's a true insider's guide to this gorgeous city which is why I get so excited to share my upcoming picks with you!
So here we go, a little of this, a little of that – some primping, nurturing and nourishing for your mind, body and soul!
Shade Manhattan Beach
http://www.giltcity.com/los-angeles/shadehotellaoctgmla
Whether for a lively Halloween party or spirited brunch, this boutique hotel has everything you need to unwind, rejuvenate and celebrate.
Package 1: Bottomless Brunch for Two at zinc@shade
Includes bottomless mimosas for two
Two brunch entrees
Gilt City price: $45
Package 2: One-night stay in Deluxe Room with in-room Halloween treat on Thursday, October 31, 2013
Includes valet parking for one car
Reserved table with bottle service for up to six guests at zinbc@shade's Halloween Part with a DJ and dancing on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 7 PM (Choice of Ketel One, Tanqueray, Jose Cuervo or Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne)
Wireless internet and beach breakfast buffet
Gilt City price: $449
At Shade Manhattan Beach, rooms are outfitted with Tempur-Pedic beds, hydrotherapy tubs, cyclone fireplaces, plush robes, Mascioni linens and spacious balconies. From Keurig coffee machines to the goose down duvets, each of the 38 rooms proves that luxury is in the details—and those are just in-room amenities. Guests can also visit the relaxation pool on the Skydeck roof terrace, unwind with a massage at the Trilogy spa and dine at zinc@shade, a restaurant with an outdoor patio and unparalleled menu by executive chef Chris Garasic.
For those looking to plan a birthday party or wedding, there is plenty of space for private events, from zinc@shade’s open patio and the lush green room to the courtyard—home to a 16-foot rock wall waterfall. With detail-oriented customer service, fine amenities and a location just steps from the Pacific, this boutique hotel is a picturesque Manhattan Beach getaway.
Start (or end) your weekend on a spirited note with a flowing mimosa brunch at zinc@shade. Executive chef Chris Garasic uses locally sourced produce, meats, cheeses and artisan breads for each of his dishes. Those with a sweet tooth will love the Grand Marnier French toast, dressed with maple syrup and maple pecan butter and sugar-crusted Belgian waffles topped with fresh strawberries, bananas and vanilla whipped cream. Savory options range from chilaquiles a sombra(corn tortillas simmered in roja with queso fresco, eggs and black beans) to an omelet featuring fire-roasted chicken, melted brie, avocado and sun-dried tomatoes. Other delicious options include a Kobe burger with parmesan truffle aioli and black truffle boschetto and fresh Mahi Mahi tacos with cabbage slaw and fresh-made salsa. Condé Nast Traveler included this luxury boutique hotel on their list of “25 Reasons to Visit L.A.”
The Taste of Venice
http://www.giltcity.com/los-angeles/tasteofvenicefestiva
This delectable charity event offers a taste of Venice’s finest restaurants, from CHAYA and Piccolo Venice to Primitivo and Café Gratitude.
Package 1: General Admission Ticket
One ticket to Taste of Venice Walking Tasting Tour static at The Electric Lodge on Sunday, November 3, 2013 from 4:30-6:30 PM
Gilt City price: $49, Original retail: $65 (24 % off)
Package 2: VIP Ticket
One ticket to Taste of Venice VIP Reception & Walking Tasting Tour static at The Electric Lodge on Sunday, November 3, 2013 from 4:30-6:30 PM
VIP reception with music, exclusive appetizers and cocktails and more
Gilt City price: $80, Original retail: $110 (27 % off)
About: On Sunday, November 3, the flavors of one of LA's favorite neighborhoods will come together for the fifth-annual Taste of Venice (formerly the Taste of Abboy Kinney). Celebrating the eclectic cuisine of the Venice neighborhood’s best restaurants, the event begins at the Electric Lodge, Venice’s only eco-friendly performing-arts center. Attendees can take a walking tour of the neighborhood, indulging in samples of the signature food, wine, beer and cocktails from Joe’s, The Otheroom, Primitivo and other area favorites. In addition, a VIP reception will feature music, a silent auction, cooking demonstrations and scheduled appearances from The Food Network’s Adam Gertler, Food & Wine's Jennifer Sommer and Jet Tila of “Iron Chef America,” among others.
The event generously supports the local charity Inside Out Community Arts, which is dedicated to inspiring and empowering underserved Los Angeles youth through arts and media education. Experience the elite side of the Taste of Venice with a ticket to both the tasting tour and the VIP reception. Preceding the tour, there will be music, cooking demonstrations, appearances by celebrity chefs, cocktails and exclusive appetizers from CHAYA Venice, Café Gratitude, Hostaria del Piccolo, Piccolo Venice, Groundwork Coffee Company, Tasting Kitchen and Rose Cafe, among others. On the walking tour, expect tastes from Joe’s, Hal’s Bar & Grill, Casa Linda, Pork Belly’s, Willie Jane, Feed Body & Soul, The Otheroom, Lemonade, Local 1205, Primitivo, Abbot’s Pizza and Tlapazola. This year’s event will be hosted by Adam Gertler, host of the Food Network series “Kid in a Candy Store,” Jet Tila of “Iron Chef America” and Food & Wine correspondent Jennifer Sommer. Along with sampling the best of Venice’s restaurants, you’ll get to check out the Electric Lodge, one of the first solar-powered performing-arts facilities in the country. Eighty percent of this ticket price will support Inside Out Community Arts’ afterschool programs, which empower middle school and high school youth with the tools and confidence to make a positive impact on their community.
Journelle
http://www.giltcity.com/national/journelleoctwedding
From top labels like La Perla, Chantelle, Hanky Panky and Natori to up-and-coming designers, this sophisticated boutique stocks sultry, feminine styles for every taste.
Package 1: $100 Merchandise Credit
$100 credit toward full-priced items at Journelle.com
Gilt City price: $60, Original retail: $100 (40% off)
Package 2: $300 Merchandise Credit
$300 credit toward full-priced items at Journelle.com
Gilt City price: $150, Original retail: $300 (50% off)
About: Inspired by the French word journellement, meaning daily, this online shop offers a carefully selected range of sophisticated intimates and accessories that help women feel more sure of themselves every day. From clingy shapewear and boyshorts in all colors of the rainbow, to soft silk chemises and cashmere eye masks, Journelle offers a full range of intimate products to make your experience in and out of the boudoir comfortable as well as luxurious.
Brands available include lace-lined Chantelle, La Perla and Cosabella, formfitting Spanx and Wacoal, as well as other luxury garments from Stella McCartney, Hanky Panky and Natori. Get ready to upgrade your underwear drawer. With brands like Hanky Panky, Natori, OnGossamer, Spanx, Cosabella and La Perla, the site offers styles and fits to suit any client. From perfect everyday intimates and shapewear, to lace-lined bras and garters for your big day, Journelle stocks a full range of lingerie items that are both functional and beautiful. Alongside its undergarments and accessories for purchase, Journelle’s website offers helpful style tips like “Gorgeous Grays for Fall” and an entire page devoted to finding your perfect bra size. Founder Claire Chambers has been lauded by InStyle and Nylon for her expertise in lingerie. The Journelle team wants to make sure you find the perfect items. If your order is over $100, shipping is free, and if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, returns are free within 30 days.
SimpleFoods
http://www.giltcity.com/los-angeles/simplefoodslaoct
Mahi mahi tachos, chipotle chicken wraps and fluffy banana pancakes make it simple to slim down for your Big Day.
Package 1: Three-Day Meal Delivery
Includes three meals and three snacks per day
Gilt City price: $157, Original retail: $225 (30% off)
Package 2: Five-Day Meal Delivery
Includes three meals and three snacks per day
Gilt City price: $262, Original retail: $375 (30% off)
Package 3: Seven-Day Meal Delivery
Includes three meals and three snacks per day
Gilt City price: $367, Original retail: $525 (30% off)
About: A Beverly Hills-based personal trainer, Fred Khorshidi had a number of clients whose top priority was their health. He found that after training sessions they’d often complain about not having a convenient way to eat healthy—especially with such busy schedules. When Khorshidi began preparing meals for a few of his clients, SimpleFoods was born.
Joined by friend and health guru Carly Hoftman, SimpleFoods now delivers healthful, low-calorie and low-sodium meals to clients all over the city. These clean, quality meals are never frozen or processed; made by expert chefs, prepared, packed and delivered daily, clients get the most from each ingredient. While the menu changes daily, you can expect hearty, healthy options like Cajun chicken with mango salsa, shirataki noodles with lemongrass steak and falafel wraps. Snacks provide energy throughout the day, and carrot cake slices, rice crispy treats and chocolate mousse provide a sweet ending.
These unprocessed meals are packaged fresh and delivered to your door every day, making slimming down for a big event simple (and tasty). You can expect delicious dishes like French toast with a gingerbread spread for breakfast, a curry chicken salad for lunch and creamy chicken tikka masala with naan for dinner. They’ll also provide you with plenty of snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day, like corn chips with fresh pico de gallo, a buratta and tomato quesadilla and a light summer squash pizza. Think of SimpleFoods like your personal chef: They’ll prepare everything you need, so you can come home, relax, reheat and eat. Simple Foods offer plans that range from under 1,500 calories to 2,500 calories; you choose what works for your body and lifestyle. SimpleFoods will also take into consideration your “dislikes” when creating your menu.
Ona Spa
http://www.giltcity.com/los-angeles/onaspaoctober
Dr. Stanley P. Frileck, MD., voted the best plastic surgeon in L.A. by W magazine, leads the team at this West Hollywood medical spa.
Package 1: Ona Polish & Take-Home Product
One Ona Polish (choose from citrus, chamomile/lavender or chocolate)
One custom-made sugar scrub to take home (citrus, chamomile/lavender or chocolate)
Gilt City price: $60, Original retail: $100 (40% off)
Package 2: One Glycolic Facial & Take-Home Product
One 75-minute glycol facial
One take-home bottle of Cellular Matrix Protection Creme
Gilt City price: $140, Original retail: $234 (40% off)
Package 2: One Photofacial Rejuvenation Treatment
One Photofacial Rejuvenation treatment
Gilt City price: $270, Original retail: $450 (40% off)
About: In the French Basque dialect, ona means “all things good.” At Ona Spa, this philosophy rings true; the full-service medical spa combines modern technology with ancient practices for lasting results.
Co-owners Dr. Stanley P. Frileck, Laurent D., and Eugenia Berchenko joined their expertise in plastic surgery, advanced spa treatments, and medically trained aesthetics to create a critically-acclaimed, celebrity-approved stop for all things beauty. The meticulously-trained team provides relaxing and re-balancing massage services, expertly-applied cosmetic injectables, acupuncture, body treatments and more. The Balinese decor and tranquil vibe make clients feel like they are a world away from the chaos of West Hollywood.
Photofacial Rejuvenation features intense pulsed light technology to gently target your problem areas with no downtime. The system works to treat hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles without disrupting the skin’s delicate surface—leaving skin smoother and revitalized. The Ona Spa team is led by Dr. Stanley P. Frileck.
Kim Vo Salon
http://www.giltcity.com/los-angeles/kimvosalonlaoctober
For Champagne and a chic new look, head to this legendary Beverly Hills salon.
Package 1: Women's Haircut
One women's haircut at Kim Vo Salon
Glass of champagne or wine
Service will be performed by a stylist at Kim Vo Salon
Gilt City price: $100, Original retail: $200 (50% off)
Package 2: Base Color & Full Highlights
Base color & full set of highlights
Glass of champagne or wine
Service will be performed by a stylist at Kim Vo Salon
Gilt City price: $115, Original retail: $225 (48% off)
Package 3: Base Color & Full Highlights by Kim Vo
Base color & full set of highlights
Glass of champagne or wine
Service will be performed by Kim Vo at the Beverly Hills location
Gilt City price: $150, Original retail: $300 (50% off)
About: Catering to a celebrity clientele since opening his first salon in 2000, Kim Vo has styled and colored some of the most celebrated blonde bombshells in the entertainment industry. World-renowned for his talent, Vo has been featured on “The Today Show” and the Style Network.Vogue dubbed him the “best blonder in the business” while Allure wrote, “Our honeyed tresses took our breath away.” New clients are in for an equally enlightening experience at Vo’s beautiful modern salons—which can be found in the five-star Montage hotels in Beverly Hills and Laguna Beach.
Upon entering the salon, you’ll be greeted with a glass of chilled Champagne or wine. A European-trained stylist to the stars, Kim Vo incorporates the latest trends and French techniques into every treatment at his salons. Vo will give you a gorgeous base color accented with a full set of custom foil highlights. Voguemagazine dubbed him the “best blonder in the business.” Both Kim Vo locations are nestled in five-star resorts—like the Montage Beverly Hills.