Palm Springs is going through a major image re-haul these days, with a surge of stylish hotels, restaurants, and shops- not to mention the massive Coachella music festival- bursting on the scene that imply, this is not your grandparents desert anymore. Located within a two hour proximity of Los Angeles, this oasis- framed by the San Jacinto mountains- eventually developed a bit further east, and grew into the sprawling resort towns of Palm Desert and La Quinta- which is where you’ll find a lot of luxe going on.
The most fashionable place to shop is Elizabeth & Prince, where urban and sophisticated style is curated for the more youthful minded. The owners, Analisa and Shawn Holoubek, brought their first store to the charming Old Town La Quinta in 2007, and a second location followed four years later, on the very fancy El Paseo Drive. Analisa, formerly in the entertainment business, along with her husband Shawn, a photographer and interior designer, were living in New York- literally on Elizabeth and Prince Streets in super hip Nolita- when they decided to bring NY-based designers out West-to their native California.
A collection of modern classic brands, such as Helmet Lang, Rag & Bone, Haute Hippie, Equipment, and Diane von Furstenberg- as well as casual LA labels- are integrated with accessories by the likes of jewelry designer Beth Orduna, who does amazing things with metal. My incredible cuff-bracelet I discovered while popping in just to say a quick hello to Analisa- and took all of 30 seconds to snatch up- is still a street-stopper, and could even be worn with their chic bathing suits. Glossy lifestyle books, and other home-decor items add to the unique blend of these understated yet current pieces that aren’t usually found in resort towns. Personal shopping, styling, and gift services are also offered, and who wouldn’t want a fashionista like Analisa helping you out. Masterfully editing their brand of cool to desert dwellers and discerning tourists alike, Elizabeth & Prince is a great excuse for me to make that two hour drive. www.elizabethandprince.com
