Dining

POOL PARTY AT THE ISLAND!
06.15.11
By Sheryll Alexander
Can you imagine enjoying a lazy pool party and barbecue on Sunday afternoons where you don’t have to do the shopping, cooking or cleaning? Then head over to The Island Hotel Newport Beach on Sunday afternoons where families swim from 3-5 pm. and then enjoy a posh and delicious barbecue buffet from 5-9 p.m.
Last summer, my family lounged at the Island Hotel’s tropical pool area (with loungers, towels, jacuzzi and poolside service) for a long and relaxing swim. While the adults ordered refreshing cocktails, the kids were in summertime heaven splashing in the water. After two hours of fun and sun, we all sat down in the hotel’s lavish garden dining area with palm tree fronds dripping and the smell of grilled meats in the air.
Chefs in white coats stood at attention in front of their stations while servers hovered close to deliver drinks, bread and anything else you desire. It is then that we totally relaxed and happily noshed on crisp Caesar salad, slow-braised and grilled beef short ribs, garlic-and-herbed grilled chicken skewers, harissa-marinated grilled swordfish, cold salads, corn on the cob and so much more.
For dessert, the kids were wowed by the decadent summertime treat buffet with such delicacies as berry shortcake, chocolate fudge cake and freshly-baked pies.
Sound like a cool Sunday outing, especially for Father’s Day? The cost is only $34 per person (includes a glass of summer punch for adults and children), $12 for kids (12 and under) and free for children under five. Prices do not include tax and gratuity.
And if you can’t make it on Sundays, The Island Hotel hosts a happy hour on Friday evenings around the pool’s Palapa Bar. Held from 5-7 p.m. from June 10-Sept. 2, this poolside happy hour is the perfect spot to start off the weekend with half-price cocktails and select wines by the glass. Appetizers are also 50 percent less and include such delicious dishes as peel-and-eat shrimp (with chipotle bloody Mary cocktail sauce), jumbo Alaskcan crab claws and legs (with wasabi tobiko aioli) and Hawaiian ahi poke (with crackers and chips).
Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Beach Dr. Newport Beach, 949-759-0800, www.IslandHotel.com.
Fashion

Wear to Where: Summer Sandals
06.15.11
Stylish pairs of summer sandals are indispensable for a summer to remember, but make sure you choose a pair that works as well on the pavement as they do on the playa. I've rounded up a list of my favorite summer sandals to kick off the season.
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Add a dose of sweetness to any summer ensemble with thongs from Fendi. The Sunny Rubber Sandals have a beautifully decorated sole, with Fendi’s FF logo in many different bright colors. This stylist knows no better feeling than owning designer pieces that don't require home equity lines of credit.
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Step lightly and carry a big purse; these Pasha Sandals from Dolce Vita have everything you need (in a shoe) to pull off my easygoing glamorous look. Low stacked metal wrapped heel has a hit of flash and the buckled leather upper is prime for showing off those freshly pedicured toes.
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Meet "The Foundation Collection" from Trove Tkees, a set of sandals that are meant to match their wearer's exact skin tone and give you the illusion of longer legs. It's no secret that skin-colored shoes help your gams look more gorgeous, but now there's a whole line of fancy flip flops that are supposed to make hunting down your exact shade even easier. Match your skin tone to the right shade (there are eight neutral colors available), slip the organic leather sandals on, and feel fabulous.
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Here's a chance to grab a piece of Missoni and not set your bankroll back a paycheck or two. Missoni has teamed up with Havaianas and designed flip flops and espadrilles. Not only will these babies be fun on the hot day with your white jeans, but they'll be easy to find in your closet. Currently out of stock on the Havaiana website, so check out the European ones like Coggles.com and order the perfect pair.
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Perhaps you're loyal to your Birkenstocks for their comfort level, but I suggest you trade up. The Gizeh features the same ahhh-eliciting sole with a simple, thong-strapped design that adds a fashionable new twist to a reliable favorite. By far the most comfortable shoe in my closet and with 70’s styling back in full force, they'll fit right in with your maxi dresses and bellbottoms.
- This is the season to add bright touches to your wardrobe: shirts, colored jeans or graphic prints with blocks of color. Like a ray of sunshine packed into a shoe, these yellow sandals from Topshop have just the right amount of pop. I love the feminine touch of the big bow as well as its bold color palette; compliment these sandals with touches of gray and purple for a stand out outfit.
Leslie Christen writes "Wear to Where" for pacific-creative.digital each week. She is the owner of Leslie Christen | LifeStyling a business that does personal shopping, fashion styling, closet edits and organization. For tips on What to Wear and Where to Buy view her website at www.LeslieChristen.com and contact her at Style@LeslieChristen.com.
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