When everyone gets a say...

We have raised our children to be independent thinkers, a creed they have gingerly embraced since early childhood. Not to say that giving everyone a voice doesn’t come with challenges, still we are hoping to have sown all the right seeds for them to flourish someday on their own —that day threatening to present itself sooner than later.

In the early days, our children were eager to uncover a new adventure anywhere we took them, from Morocco to London, New York to Rome, Harbor Island to Miami, Paris to Barcelona, Mallorca to Buenos Aires.

Today, each member of our wanderlust trio is keen on spelling out exactly what they perceive to be an ideal travel destination while we carve out a list of our own. Several weeks in the planning we narrowed down our choices to a tropical beach vacation in a foreign country that might accommodate most items on our family’s wish list like lots of R&R, fishing, snorkeling, exploratory adventures, daily exercise, and fine dining with a dose of well overdue pampering.

Our search ended with the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.

Located on the northernmost crest of Bahía de Banderas and a forty-five minute drive from Puerto Vallarta, the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, sits on one of the world’s largest natural bays. While its understated elegance says "Four Seasons," the seamless juxtaposition of tropical landscape and Mexican art remind you that you are on the beautiful Nayarit Riviera coastline.

Setting the tone of our entire stay, we were greeted upon arrival with tequila infused homemade lemonade and a personalized tote of Mexican sweets for our youngest daughter. As with most Four Seasons resorts, the hotel staff continued to greet us at every turn but in Punta Mita they did so mostly by name adding a personal touch to our visit.

We love to immerse ourselves in local culture which can prove a bit challenging in a hotel where everyone's default language is English. But once we let the team know that we wished to brush up on our Spanish, they made a genuine effort to remember to speak to us in their native tongue.

A welcome note, fresh fruit, lemonade and a gift for the children adorned our beautifully appointed rooms, one with a king bed and three large beds for the children in the adjoining room. More like a beautifully curated mini-jungle, the garden view offered front row seats to nature’s play where iguanas swung from branch to branch (yes, you read that right, iguanas, not monkeys) to the orchestral melodies of cuckoos and woodpeckers. 

Coexisting in perfect harmony with a stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the hotel’s infinity-edge family pool made for a dramatic splash and glorious cotton-candy sunsets.

For those seeking a more secluded, romantic experience, The Tamai pool complex boasts four pools and 10 private cabanas in a quiet tropical setting.

Our family enjoyed many of Punta Mita's offerings like zip-lining (125m above sea level), fishing, spear fishing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, tennis, and last but definitely not least, flyboarding, a new adventure that our ten-year-old embraced with gusto and teenage son mastered on his very first attempt (I had a blast but barely made it a foot above water.)

Specializing in Asian cuisine with a Mexican twist, Aramara for dinner and Ketsi (Mexican) for lunch were family favorites among the resort's five restaurants. A minor drawback is that the casual Ketsi, under a thatched palapa rooftop with a magnificent view, is treated a bit too formally, especially on very hot August days. Swimsuits are frowned upon even for children, so ladies, bring plenty of cover ups or opt to lunch at the pool or beachside. Dress code aside, the cooks made certain that our lunch included our son's catch from an off-site spearfishing adventure earlier in the day (fishing at the resort is catch and release only).

Off site, my husband and I enjoyed the most magnificent dining experience at Restaurant Sufi, a few minutes from the hotel at the Playa Fortuna Ocean Club (where my daughter and I signed up for tennis lessons). The craft cocktails, lobster and Sufi salad were as exquisite as was the breathtaking setting overlooking the bay. 

Sí Sushi and Sí Señor in the village center, as well as Sea Breeze at the St. Regis, all within five minutes from the hotel are wonderful dining choices for the whole family.

Sunset dining at SÍ Sushi

What sets the the Four Seasons Punta Mita apart from other tropical resorts is the exceptional level of service and attention to detail. The grounds and all public areas are impeccably maintained. The housekeeping and turndown service were exceptional (the better part of two hours daily were spent on those tasks). The pool crew will clean your sunglasses, pamper you with ice cold towels, homemade frappuccinos, smoothies, house lemonade, and ice cream. A state-of-the-art fitness facility with an endless supply of cold towels and water render it difficult to find a reason not to incorporate exercise into your vacation. Still, for those who can't pass up a good massage, the Apuane Spa promises "an oasis of serenity in scenic Mexico". 

Heaven on Earth with something for everyone.

Want more? Visit our blog post on the breathtaking Hacienda San Angel in nearby Puerto Vallarta. Here's a glimpse to whet your appetite....

San Miguel Suite at the Hacienda San Angel - photo courtesy of Hacienda San Angel

From the moment she uttered her first word, our eldest daughter asked for a dog. It seemed remote enough so we promised to give her one when she turned five. But that was before there was a new baby on the horizon. And when her fifth birthday arrived, her audacious little sister was crawling around our three-story townhouse without a care in the world, her brother teasing and mom panting not far behind. It was clear that a new pup was no longer an option, hence six became the new five. But by then the thought of a dog racing past three kids in the stairwells stirred up so much angst in me, that I froze when asked again about a pet, only to follow up with a feeble someday, afraid that I might again falter on a future promise.

Then he stepped in. My logical, charming husband, the one who time and time again led his team to victory, the one who always knows how to inspire. He hinted that someday with no end in sight was like me trying to chase the Energizer Bunny. It's in our nature to covet a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. Our daughter needed to know when: a month, three months, a year. It didn’t matter, but a concrete date was in order. A million obstacles came to mind. So what did I do? What any commitment phobe would do, of course: I got her a puppy...

The very next day.

Yes. The idea of committing to an impending date was so daunting, that surprising her right then and there became more palatable. Was it stressful? Yes. Did I have to chase three kids and a dog all over kingdom come to avert disaster? Yes. Would I have had it any other way? No. 

Cut to a few years later...

Our favorite Swedes, Roberto and Ebba announced, much to our dismay, that they would be moving to North Carolina. When Ebba asked when we might come visit, that familiar feeling rendered me silent. My heart was missing them already but my head was a spinning calendar full of dates, flights, obligations and destinations. Of course I wanted to see them, but the thought of committing to a far flung date made me feel as though I had entered a no fly zone. Ebba took notice and announced, somewhat in jest at their farewell party a few weeks later, that she hoped for everyone to visit except, wink-wink, me. I thought: Why couldn't I just say “sure, anytime” like everyone else does? Because I am not everyone else and that's okay too. 

So, dearest Ebba and Roberto, our family bids yours farewell and wishes you lycka till, but not before letting you know that Bernardo and I have tickets to visit before Halloween rolls around. Are you ready?!!!

Yes, age has a way of seeing us through life with a calmer slant, each decade allowing us to just "be" without having to explain or quantify. Embrace your quirks and choices, but most of all embrace those you hold dear.

Puss Puss beautiful family, see you soon!

Sun? Check.   Sea? Check.   Charm? Check.   

With those three requests checked off the list, our family has agreed on our next travel destination. That little secret will be revealed next month but I am delighted to tell you all about the gorgeous hotel we discovered a few years back in nearby Puerto Vallarta

We decided to leave our trio at home in favor for a romantic getaway for two discovering in the process one of the most charming, romantic seaside hotels we have ever visited. Brides Magazine, Newsweek, Sunset Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler have all given this slice of exquisiteness their peremptory stamp of approval, one of them going as far as stating that it "could almost be heaven".  

And I couldn't agree more. 

What makes Hacienda San Angel so remarkable?  Everything. From the sweeping panoramic hillside/ocean views and sublime colonial architecture, to the impeccable, unpretentious grounds and exceptional dining. The well curated one-of-a-kind furnishings of a bygone era are juxtaposed with all the modern amenities one would expect from a world class boutique hotel, making Hacienda San Angel an unmatched experience.

Originally from San Francisco, the proprietor, Janice Chatterton, discovered her oasis while on vacation nearly three decades ago. Following several years of travel to and from Puerto Vallarta, she decided to relocate to the seaside village permanently settling into Casa Bur-Sus, the home Richard Burton bought for his wife Susan after filming “The Night of the Iguana”. When presented with the opportunity to purchase the adjacent building, Janice jumped at the chance, eventually opening the doors of the Hacienda San Angel and expanding the hotel over the years without compromising an ounce of its elegance and romantic charm.

Photo of the San Miguel suite, courtesy of Hacienda San Angel Hotel

Janice is gifted with an exquisite sense of style. Her demand for perfection and attention to detail is palpable in her daily interactions with the hotel staff. A bit of an enigmatic character, she surrounds herself with an entourage of Maltese pups which only adds to San Angel's allure.

We stayed in the San Miguel suite which boasted the type of panoramic ocean/hillside views to which Conde Nast Traveler must have been referring when they stated, if my memory serves me correctly, something akin to "the type of place that invites you to feel free of guilt for choosing never to leave the hotel during your entire stay in Puerto Vallarta." 

¡Hasta la próxima!

Banner photo courtesy of Hacienda San Angel Hotel

The magazine is synonymous with lifestyle in this little stretch of paradise we call the American Riviera. Much like its sister publication, C Magazine, which celebrates all things California, Santa Barbara Magazine invites the reader to discover our city's charm via award-winning editorial on people, homes, gardens, architecture, food, wine, history, and arts.

After a brief two year hiatus in San Francisco, and as a longtime subscriber to both magazines, it is an honor to be featured in the Spring issue of Santa Barbara Magazine. Thank you, Santa Barbara, for the warm "welcome home".

I knew exactly what she would wear, in fact the image had been ingrained in the depths of my mind for two years. But who?

While our clients clamored to see the scale of our jewels, something that could only be achieved with a model, Designs by Alina wanted a fresh face with strong, exotic features. We wanted someone who looked as sophisticated as she did relaxed and I was confident that patience would pave the way to discovery.

Having just wrapped a photoshoot for Santa Barbara Magazine, my husband and I were dining with dear friends from New York when, as Paul McCartney would say...

🎶  I saw her standing there. 🎶

Our photoshoot with Isabella Thomas and Rebecca Farmer Photography ensued without a hitch, even our poodles managed to sneak in a few candids. 

We are thrilled to offer you ideas for layering your jewels in our lookbook and don't forget to check out our new homepage!

xoxo,

Alina

Yesterday I awoke to a million thoughts racing through my head like a news ticker: 

Did I send out the right pieces for the photo shoot? Did I order enough gold? Will the children finish their science experiment? Did we sort out logistics for Dario’s soccer tournament this weekend? Will Bernardo’s birthday gift arrive on time? Is it possible to spend enough time with our house guests and still make a dent in my To-Do list?

Stop!

Nothing.

STOP!

Still nothing.

I step away from my studio into our garden, new thoughts unfurling like a carpet in the Medina: The lavender loves the onset of the season, babies springing up everywhere. How stunning are these rolling hills of green velvet? How long have these magnificent olive trees been here? If savasana had a sound, it would resonate like the fountain...

I lie down right then, right there, surrounded by nature's immense beauty with the sun beaming on my face while my so-much-to-do list simmered in the distance.

Eyes close. The rising and falling of my chest. Thoughts fading...

And for a brief moment my mind is still.

In a world dominated by tweets, email, social media, and what lies ahead, an equal dose of awareness and will can help avert the noise.

And in the end, that sense of ease is only enhanced by higher productivity.

OM...

Laurie is a kind, witty, generous, straight shooter, whose ample heart has more than enough space for her many friends, acquaintances, and strangers like Jay, the homeless man she often greeted outside her shop with a muffin and coffee on Saturday mornings. Her notable penchant for children has made our trio fortuitous recipients of much affection...and exquisite birthday cakes.

Aching to slow down, Laurie sold her landmark bakery following over three decades of dedicated service. Fortunately for us she has repackaged her talents into Cook and Bake With Laurie, a new enterprise consisting of private or group classes in her home or in those of her clientele.

What a joy it is to support this local, woman-owned business!

Yesterday, Tessalina and I invited Laurie over for a lesson in which we learned how to make the very same marzipan cake we enjoyed for years at her bakery. She brought everything, from the flour and almonds to the vintage Cuisinart she has had since the seventies when the food processor first appeared on the market. And in case you are wondering, we made the marzipan itself from scratch. Somehow with her it all seemed very easy, and suffice it to say that our whole family enjoyed a little slice of baked heaven.

Tessalina is now thinking that with a few more classes under her belt, she might be able to tackle the beautiful marzipan princess cake Laurie made when her brother and sister turned three. Better yet, she says: "I'll bake it with my friends at my next birthday party!" 

Book a lesson or two...your friends and palate will thank you later! 

Ah, but there is no need to tell her. Elizabeth is highly attuned to her clientele's cravings. Her team knows that the woman who shops at Elizabeth Charles, arguably San Francisco's most venerated boutique, has honed her own personal style by mixing hard-to-find pieces from local designers with the latest from couturiers like Balenciaga, Isabel Marant, Nili Lotan, and Tom Ford to name a few.

Elizabeth has a knack for unearthing new talent in the city she loves. And next week she will be sharing some of her favorite accessory, homeware and jewelry finds at the Grand Opening of the Elizabeth Charles Local Designer Showcase:

January 26, 4-8PM
Elizabeth Charles boutique
2056 Fillmore Street

A few pieces to whet your appetite:

From left: Gerhard Ceramics Bud Vase Gift Set, Designs by Alina Diamond Shield in Rose, Truffle Clarity Large Clutch

To learn more about the featured designers below, visit www.elizabeth-charles.com or come to the show!

Similarly, just as I am more likely to don a pair of sexy high heels or understated flats than a mid-heel pump, my jewelry designs, which give an edgy slant to classic diamonds and pearls, offer an array of both bold and minimalist pieces.

Above clockwise from top left: Altazzurra "Sexy Thing cutout suede sandals" in black courtesy of Altazzura, Designs by Alina Lucky 13 diamond and pearl necklace, 3.1 Phillip Lim Devon d'Orsay Flats, courtesy of Barneys, NY. Designs by Alina Diamond Button bracelet.

So whether you feel reticent, bold, or like me, both depending on the day..."Santa Baby, just put a perfect jewel by the tree for me..."

No, it’s my turn! 

Ahhh, this is the time of year when I actually welcome discord among our children because I know these days are fleeting.

Eight years ago when Caprice, our miniature poodle, celebrated her first Thanksgiving, we inadvertently began a Christmas tradition. Unschooled in canine territory, we enthusiastically shared our turkey bones with her to her belly's displeasure. The next day, on the way to the vet, my husband and I noticed the candy cane striped canopy towering over our neighborhood nursery, signaling the arrival of our favorite season. That afternoon, we returned home with one healthy pooch and a ginormous Christmas tree.

Cut to 2016, and we still kick off the season the Friday after Thanksgiving, when our refrigerator is still brimming with remnants of Thursday’s feast.

Now, sitting pretty in a demure corner of our new home, she is admired by a pack of season lovers who will thank her daily for her part in the merry making our family loves.

Best wishes for an exquisite holiday season!

'Tis the season all the same and we are delighted to unveil our new diamond clad cuffs just in time for the holidays. Much like our minimalist pieces are created for those with a penchant for all things demure, our Diamond Cuff collection is designed for the bold woman who loves to sparkle.

These diamond beauties, handmade in California, range between $625-$1980.

Got cuff?

AWESOME!!! 

My youngest source of inspiration, Tessalina, has been giving me a run for the money by engaging in a series of creative projects, a venture that keeps her on her toes, and me on my knees tackling her endless mess. So when our daughter announced that she would be creating a blog entitled A Dreamer's Garden for her "student choice" project this month, I was elated. Not only was she about to discover another way to share what inspires her, but any semblance of an aftermath would be limited to the virtual world.

Tessalina in her "Dreamer's Garden"

Her thirst to create began long before she received the "future artist award" from her beloved kindergarten teacher. And while most children exhibit artistic abilities at the tender age of unadulterated ingenuity, Mrs. C. felt that her creative passion exceeded the norm. Indeed. From the moment she reached for that very first crayon, Tessalina's life has been unfolding through the prism of art. 

Whether or not she chooses to nurture her virtual garden once her blog has been submitted remains to be seen. But for now I bask in the joy of knowing that my own blog may have inspired our daughter to quench her thirst to create with a brand new medium leaving me with more time to design and a diminished need to chase the remains of her day.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...still, if a motion picture is what you crave, click on the publication's short film (bottom of link) which is guaranteed to entice...

Feeling blessed.

Alina

Top: Rosella Jardini
Pearl ring: Designs by Alina
Sunnies: Chloé 
Sandals: Ancient Greek

Top: Chloé 
Diamond/pearl choker: Designs by Alina
Sunnies: Illesteva
Pants: Nili Lotan

Jacket: Veronica Beard
Jeans: R13 Denim
Pearl ring: Designs by Alina

Love these looks? Shop them all at Elizabeth Charles boutique in San Francisco.

Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Charles boutique and Styled by Morgan blog.

It flows. And I embrace it.

Last spring I wrote a post on gratitude, a quality I feel more intensely each year as dear ones pass and our children approach the day in which their wings will take them away from our nest, a thought I having been trying to avoid since their infancy.

Yes, my husband and children come first and foremost on my gratitude list. But if we were to observe our lives as spectators, we would discover much more for which to be thankful. From the moment I began to study architecture, I have devoted the better part of my career to fulfilling my passion to create. Today I am beholden to the many opportunities which have allowed me to pursue that very passion, and I am cognizant of the fact that such freedom is a fortuitous gift.

As an admirer of beauty, I feel particularly blessed to live and work in two of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Santa Barbara...

Also referred to as the American Riviera, this enchanting small city or large town (my husband and I see it differently) is a designer's paradise rife with breathtaking Spanish architecture, stunning palm tree lined beaches, and a year-round temperate climate, ideal for outdoor dining, sports, beach/poolside living, and fruitful gardens like the one we nurtured while living there. 

It is a haven to raise a family here, especially for those with active children who need to be shuffled everywhere. Any spot in the city can be reached within twenty minutes (and usually far less,) increasing the amount of time one is not behind the wheel.

Unlike most small communities, Santa Barbara, which raises the bar on relaxed sophistication, enjoys a variety of offerings most commonly found in larger cities such as world class restaurants, a funk zone chock-full of wine tasting and live music, the International Film Festival, theatres presenting direct from Broadway hits, and an amphitheatre for outdoor concerts featuring the likes of Sting, Katy Perry, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, New Kids on the Block, Gwen Stefani, Stevie Wonder and the list goes on. So addicting is the lifestyle, in fact, that most locals choose not to travel in summer delving instead into the city's abundance. 

Santa Barbara stole my heart sixteen years ago and she is now the very essence of my soul. Thankful? Endlessly.

San Francisco...

San Francisco is exactly what you would expect it to be: a vibrant, forward thinking city where one feels equally at home in a Chanel suit, t-shirt and jeans, or yoga attire. Fillmore street is one of my preferred shopping destinations with wonderfully curated boutiques like Curve and my favorite, Elizabeth Charles. But there is no need to stop there for you will find new ones sprouting throughout the city as though they were marigold like Marni, Isabel Marant and many more on the horizon. The restaurant scene with hot spots like SPQR, Coqueta, Farina, Petite Crenn, and Kokkari, to name a few favorites, is nothing short of superb. One could easily dine out seven nights a week and never fall short of a new discovery.

I love my morning walk from Pacific Heights to my children's school and exercise class in Cow Hollow. The sailboat drenched bay in bewitching hues of blue mesmerizes, and for me it is simply impossible not to "smell the roses" each and every day.

Paris of the West? Maybe. But the picturesque sight (and sound) of the city's graceful cable car flanked between harmonious rows of Victorian and Edwardian architecture within seven square miles of hilly terrain...well that can only be San Francisco.

My heart overflows with gratitude for so many blessings, not least having the opportunity to live in both of these magnificent places.

Photo credits: Santa Barbara skyline: abcnews.com, San Francisco cable car: thebeautyoftravel.com, all others images are property of Alina de Albergaria and designsbyalina.com

Serendipitous it was, to say the least, that two months ago my daughter was cast as “Dorothy” in her school’s rendition of The Wizard of Oz. We had no idea back then that the famed line would soon ring true to our family.

Tomorrow our second home, glorious San Francisco, will see us off to our first, Santa Barbara, the first city my husband and I have ever called home. Between us we were raised in five countries (three continents) and while we are grateful for those experiences, we have always been left with a fleeting understanding of what it means to be home.

And then we met her.

Like a loving mother, Santa Barbara swooped us up in all her glory, ready to bequeath a bundle of memories...

While we are excited about the prospect of returning to Santa Barbara, our roots in San Francisco continue to run deep. As the heart and hub of our collection, the Golden City has fondly become our family's second home. Thank you, Elizabeth Charles, for catapulting Designs by Alina to what it is today through your gorgeously curated boutique. 

No longer as a tourist but now as a part-time dweller, I look forward to frequent fixes of the City which has and always will be at the core of our designs.

Photos courtesy of Krischerie and Elizabeth Charles

Spring fever? Nope, we have summer fever right about now.

I love this time of year when we have long peeled off our gray coats in favor of lighter fabrics and spring hues in anticipation of summer. Dusty rose clothing has made its way into our favorite boutiques and we have just the right jewels for it. The Kaelen slip dress below in metallic blush keeps you cool and on trend...pair it with our minimalist pearl choker for a clean minimal look. 

And then there is Michael Costello, the newcomer discovered on Project Runway who has me fawning over the asymmetrical ensemble pictured below. We think our 14K rose gold/ metallic pink pearl ring is simply icing on the cake.

So...your friend is having an outdoor wedding, what do you wear? Cushnie et Ochs' silk crepe dress below is nothing short of stunning. Pair it with our And Diamond Makes 12 necklace for a flawless, elegantly modern look.

And yes, all of these jewels will rock with your summer denim and whites too!

Dresses and jewelry available at elizabeth-charles.com Michael Costello available at poshmark.com

Photo credits:  Kaelen and Cushnie et Ochs, courtesy of elizabeth-charles.com Michael Costello courtesy of krischerie.com

Artwork courtesy of Women's Wear Daily - April, 2016 issue

For over a century it has been dubbed The Fashion Bible. And thanks to her we are in it.  

A year and a half ago I had the pleasure of meeting gorgeous celebrity stylist, Mary Gonsalves Kinney at Fillmore Street's Moveable Feast and Fashion event in San Francisco. It was immediately clear, from the moment she entered Elizabeth Charles boutique, that she was a seasoned stylist, her vivacious self exuding "cool" from her chic bangs all the way down to her sassy hot pink Valentino spiked heels. 

Mary has, since then, been a champion of our collection, enthusiastically outfitting her clients in our jewels. Today I was greeted by a text from her leading me to an exceptional feature in which she outfits, not a client, but none other than Women's Wear Daily (the fashion industry's media of record) in some of our pieces.

Just WOW! The magazine interviewed the celebrated stylist for a well deserved eight page spread on Silicon Valley and style. 

An oxymoron? Not.

If you think the Valley dress code is limited to a hoodie, jeans and sneakers, you best book an appointment with Ms. Kinney, who is single-handedly transforming the way Silicon Valley looks at fashion. We are honored to be included as one of her "favorite jewelry designers" and admire her confident approach to style which infuses brands like Brunello Cucinelli, Marni, and Valentino, with emerging designers like us.

Personal stylists live to think outside the box, embracing clients who, like them, reject the "one size fits all" mentality.  A great stylist is so much more. She embodies her client, bringing forth the best version of who that client is, something Mary achieves with ease. 

Subscribe to Women's Wear Daily for up to the minute fashion news. Full article above Style in Silicon Valley (pages 56-63).

Graphic art and "Styling Silicon Valley" feature courtesy of Women's Wear Daily

When I heard from my brother that our mom was going to start a jewelry business, I didn’t believe him. I just couldn't picture my girly mother at it again. Thinking that her working days were over when she left the glamorous world of Hollywood and finished remodeling our house, we were enjoying having her all to ourselves and liked seeing her as the mom who hosted pool parties, drove us to soccer practice, horseback riding, and a slew of other activities. Her transition into a business woman (again) either making jewelry or designing her website was a big change for everybody. Don’t get me wrong, her jewelry is stunning, but my siblings and I weren’t excited about getting less and less attention from her.

When we moved to San Francisco right after the launch of Designs by Alina, I began to understand that this type of business is hard work. Making the jewelry, designing the website, selling and photographing the collection, writing a blog, and keeping up with social media means that running Designs by Alina is not just about having fun creating pieces.

It's been two years now and my mother’s jewelry is becoming more and more elegant with diamonds, pearls, and gold. Within the first couple of weeks in San Francisco, a chic, beautiful boutique started selling her pieces on an enthusiastic whim! My mom's jewelry has now been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and awesome fashion blogs.

She has learned how to divide her time between us and Designs by Alina. Would we like to have her all to ourselves? Sure! But I couldn’t be more proud of her. You go, Mom!

By: Gisella de Albergaria

Every time Easter rolls around I am reminded of her...

I have never featured a personal friend on my blog, but this post comes so naturally, especially at this time of year, I have no choice but to ask that you indulge my need to honor her.

Among countless shared moments, with and without our children, Mileah's "Easter Egg Run" some years ago is forever etched in my mind. Any event she hosted was stylistically superb, from the flowers to the lighting, to the music and fare. And yet what made her gatherings so memorable is that each and every one of them was drenched in joy, a tone she effortlessly set from the moment her guests arrived. Not only kind and loving, Mileah was impervious to incidents that might send you and me into a tailspin. Red wine on a white settee? Not a problem. An heirloom glass meeting its fate on the living room floor? No worries. She weaved her way through those situations with so much grace that one was left wondering if she welcomed them like a badge of honor. Mileah was, in fact, a host to the world enriching the experiences of people from all walks of life with her charm and lovely demeanor.

She departed our world many moons ago but her spirit is alive and well. Our girls adore each other and despite several hundred miles between them, they are still the best of friends.

Not only beautiful, Mileah, the girliest girl I ever knew, was smart as a whip and wise beyond her years experiencing in three decades what most would only dream of in nine. Embracing the world for all it had to offer, she treated everyone she met with kindness and respect, deeply affecting them with her intoxicating zeal for life and memorable smile, her charm eluding no one...

I am grateful to have a platform through which to share her memory with photos and the words I wrote for her celebration of life three years ago. Thank you friends for allowing me the space, and thank you, Mileah, for enriching my life. You are forever in our hearts (but you already knew that, right?)