Fun in the sun

Everyone should visit Palm Beach at least once in their lives. It's like no other place (well maybe Beverly Hills) but even so, it has a style all of its own. The houses are opulent, the beaches are pristine and the haute couture shopping is superb (even if your credit card can't hack it). As a native Floridian, I always feel a sense of comfort upon arriving to the sunshine state. As we hit the coconut palm tree lined streets to photograph an outdoor story recently, I knew we were destined to produce a beautiful story. Without digressing too much, I will share but a few sentiments from our fun in the sun.

While I had the best of intentions of taking pictures along the way, truly I did, the camera never seemed to make it out of my bag...sorry! So if you can imagine the scene: sidewalks lined with well groomed ladies in brightly colored Capri pants, Italian leather sandals and sun hats, oh the hats! My love affair with Worth Avenue began at Steven Stolman's shop. His stylish array of skirts, pants and dresses all embellished with jaunty summer prints like coral, and chinoiserie, fitted linen blouses in motley colors, and did I mention the white leather sandals? They should be a permanent fixture in every woman's shoe collection.

Next on my list of favorite Palm Beach shopping hot spots is Kemble Interiors, Inc., housed in a Spanish Colonial Revival townhouse, it was built for a rich man’s mistress (I must say-very scandalous for the 1920s). The raffia hats in assorted colors (featured in the forthcoming June/July issue) are another must-have for summer in the sun because as every good Palm Beach lady knows, aging skin is to be avoided at all costs.

We did manage to make a few stops at what might be considered 'discount shopping' next to the boutiques on Worth Avenue, but City Place in West Palm (just over the bridge) is somewhat charming and offers a few treats: like the yummy gelato at Bellagio Café.

When you’ve exhausted all the shopping stops, enjoy a nice casual dinner or lunch at the Palm Beach grill, it won’t disappoint.

So even if you can't afford a multi-million dollar retreat on South Ocean Boulevard, you can rent a convertible and enjoy a joy ride, it will be well WORTH it!