Summers in Avalon

Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the summer and also means that ellelauri Avalon is officially open! We spoke with designer/founder, Liz Rymar, about her favorite places at the beach.

ellelauri: Why did you choose Avalon to open a store?

Liz: Avalon holds a special place in my heart. I grew up going with my family. The people are always so friendly and there is great shopping but I felt like something was missing. ellelauri fills the void for beach clothes that can easily transition from day to night. A lot of times you go right from the beach to dinner and cocktails and I wanted to create a store where you could buy one dress and wear it over your bathing suit to the beach and then with wedges and fun jewelry out at night.

ellelauri: What is your favorite place for cocktails?

Liz: The Windrift Hotel. There is a really cool bar up top which is great for cocktails after a day at the beach. 

ellelauri: What is your favorite restaurant?

Liz: That's hard! The Sea Grill is great for fresh fish, they are located right across the street from the store. I also really like The Diving Horse. It is owned by the same people who own Pub & Kitchen in Philly.

ellelauri: On a Friday or Saturday night where can we find you?

Liz: The Princeton is really fun. So are Jack's, Buckets, and Whitebrier. 

ellelauri: Do you have a go-to brunch spot?

Liz: Yes! The Reeds is amazing for brunch! It is a really cool hotel. For healthier options, there is Green Cuisine and Isabel's has really good salads. 

ellelauri: What is your favorite beach activity?

Liz: Paddle boarding and I also love just laying out and relaxing. 

ellelauri: Any recommendations for beach bag snacks?

Liz: Granola from Laura Ferro's nourish + nosh. You can buy it at the lululemon in Avalon.

ellelauri: What three items in your closet are constantly in your summer rotation?

Liz: A bikini, my Chanel espadrilles, and summer dresses from ellelauri.

ellelauri: What is your favorite part about summers in Avalon?

Liz: I just love being at the beach and hanging out with my family and friends. 

ellelauri Avalon is located at 264 21st Street Avalon, NJ 08202

Sundance Film Festival Park City, UT

Park City, UT

A few weeks ago I traveled to beautiful, snowy Park City for a bit of work and a lot of fun. Amidst the snow-capped mountains, my agenda included attending the Sundance Film Festival as well as other events. I loved taking part in all of the festivities as well as being surrounded by such beautiful, natural scenery.

The Canyons Resort covers nine mountain peaks with a maximum elevation of 9,990 feet.

We stayed at the gorgeous Sundial Resort at the base of The Canyons, a ski in/out resort.

Base of The Canyons

Our hotel was at the base of The Canyons, where the main ski lift let off. Live bands, an indoor and outdoor bar, as well as restaurants and shops made it such a fun atmosphere to be in.

View from the top of The Canyons 9,990 ft

Riding the gondolas to the top of the mountains

After skiing, we headed downtown to the heart of Park City to see a few movies, do some shopping and of course, eat and drink!

Sundance Film Festival 

The 2016 Sundance Film Festival took place from January 21st-31st. It is the largest independent film festival in the US and showcases new work from both American as well as international filmmakers. 

This little owl has appeared in many movies 

The Canada Goose tent 

We had a delicious dinner at Tupelo, a new restaurant on Main Street. They make globally inspired food which is artisanally sourced and stunningly prepared. 

Sea scallops

My favorite movie at the Sundance was The Hollars directed by and starring John Krasinski. He personally introduced the movie and then did a Q&A with the audience afterwards.

John Krasinski

While in Park City, we went to the Sundance Music Cafe on Main Street and heard some amazing musicians. My personal favorites were from The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, and Josh Osborne are all extremely talented singer/songwriters who are responsible for numerous number one hits in country music. 

Packed house

Park City looked beautiful covered in snow. It is such a fun town to walk around and explore.

Main Street in the snow

High West Saloon is a famous whiskey distillery with a great restaurant and bar.

Fueling up for the day on food from Bridge Cafe and coffee from Atticus Coffee House

We had such an amazing trip!

Travel Spotlight: Italy

Milan - Fashion Capital of the World

I was fortunate to travel to Milan, considered a fashion capital, for work and pleasure in July. After finishing up a few appointments, I was able to sightsee, watch the World Cup games, and of course, do some shopping!

We stayed at the Hotel Principe di Savoia, which is part of the Dorchester Collection of Luxury Hotels. Located in the heart of Milan, it was absolutely beautiful, both the interior and exterior, especially sitting on the veranda of the Acanto Restaurant overlooking the hotel's tranquil Italian garden with its beautiful 18th century fountain. We were able to walk everywhere, and we did!

Known for its concentration of designer shops and boutiques, Milan is also home to the world-famous La Scala opera house, the magnificent Duomo and Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, all within easy access from our hotel.

Hotel Principe di Savoia's elegant comfiness.

Amid the classic elegance the hotel bar was inviting modern and casual.

Italy has always been one of my favorite places to visit offering art, architecture, fashion, and history surrounded by the best food, coffee, wine, and gelato.

First stop cappuccino and nutella pastry
Then onto sightseeing and shopping!

Duomo di Milano

A short walk from our hotel, the Milan Cathedral was breathtakingly beautiful both outside and inside. Construction began in 1386; it took six centuries to complete and is the 5th largest in the world.

An architectural marvel.

Prayer candles that seemed endless. Their soft glow was powerful. 

The cathedral is under constant restoration.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Next to the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is one of the world's oldest shopping malls. Housed within a four-story double arcade in central Milan. It consists of two glass-vaulted arcades intersecting in an octagon covering the street connecting Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala. Inside the galleria there are luxury retail stores, restaurants and cafes. We took a break and had an amazing pasta lunch there.

Galleria Vittoro Emanuele II

Fabulous views from the inside. 

Inside the galleria. 

A break for lunch.

Shopping: Via Montenapoleone fashion district

Milan's fashion district features many designers' showrooms in Via Sant'Andrea, Via della Spiga, Via Gesù, Via Borgospesso, Via Santo Spirito, Via Verri and Via Montenapoleone (most popular). It is a high-class shopping district in the center of Milan, there are numerous boutiques and luxury retail stores which represent most of the world’s major fashion houses. This area is regarded by numerous experts in the fashion industry such as Vogue, to be one of the most or even the most important fashion district in the world. 

Cappuccino and gelato at Bianco Latte before returning to our hotel

Breakfast with a View

Planning our day 

Just one of our obligatory tourist shots. 

Navigli

The navigli are a set of canals in Milan that are surrounded by cafes, restaurants and bars. There is also a very vibrant and fun nightlife scene here!

Beautiful city-scapes welcomed us throughout Milan.

My Italian trip didn't end in Milan, it seemed to be too soon to be off to the next breathtaking spot -- Lake Como.

Treats for the train ride to Lake Como!

Ciao!   ~ Liz