Cities

Orange County News and Openings

Here's where Orange County locals are looking to staycation, shop, and work out this season

Accommodations:

The sun-soaked Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California, has fully embraced its luxurious surroundings and stunning ocean views by expanding the resort’s outdoor programming. In an effort to meet physical distancing standards and cater to guests’ needs, the property looked outward.

More than 50 outdoor fitness …

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Clean Cosmetics in California

Sasha Plavsic, founder of Laguna Beach–based Ilia Beauty, shares the evolution at her clean beauty brand

Sasha Plavsic created Ilia Beauty after spending much of her life embracing a clean lifestyle. Her brother became sick with asthma at a young age, which inspired her family to pivot to a healthier way of life. Plavsic recalls growing up in Vancouver with a level …

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Designing Luxury From The Ground Up

Architect Chris Brandon’s work creates a sense of place while pushing design forward in Orange County and beyond

The O.C. is a hub for great design that really encompasses livability and a luxurious yet laid-back feel,” architect Chris Brandon says about the region where he lives and works. The Oregon native graduated from the architecture program at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and honed …

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The Sweetest Treats in Orange County

Ken Romaniszyn, owner of Lady M Confections, is in the business of making people happy with his decadent cakes

One bite of a decadent Lady M Confections cake and it’s easy to see why the international dessert brand has garnered a cult-like following. Made up of 20 paper-thin homemade crepes with pastry creme between each layer, the company’s signature crepe cakes come in a variety …

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Reservation Request: Gracias Madre

For plant-based Mexican cuisine, look no further than this Orange County outpost

Newport Beach’s Gratitude Kitchen & Bar has transformed into plant-based Mexican hotspot Gracias Madre. With chef Alan Sánchez Lázaro at the helm, expect some of the same crowd-pleasing dishes you’d find at the original West Hollywood location alongside some of his exclusive creations just for …

Cities

Shop at Towne by Elyse Walker for California Cool

Retail maven Elyse Walker debuts a casual, chic boutique in Newport Beach

After blessing Newport Beach’s fashion-forward set with her namesake boutique a few years ago, Elyse Walker has done it again with the debut of her latest retail concept, Towne by Elyse Walker, right next door to her main store at Lido Marina Village.

While the Elyse Walker …