Lori Goldstein's Summer Vacation: Road Trips and Staycations

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Introducing Racked National's first celebrity guest blogger: Lori Goldstein. One of the most iconic fashion stylists of our time, Lori is also one of the most sought-after creative visionaries in the industry.

She's worked with celebrities including Madonna, Demi Moore, Julianne Moore, and Anne Hathaway, has held the position of Contributing Editor at Italian Vogue and Allure, and has worked as a creative consultant for brands including Vera Wang, Nina Ricci, Carolina Herrera, BCBG, and TSE. Lori currently has a featured fashion line with QVC called Logo Instant Chic.

"I pulled into the Cactus Tree Motel..."

The upcoming Memorial Day reminds me of my favorite dream, the road trip. And after a season of advertising shoots for the likes of Juicy Couture and Jones of New York, covers and editorial shoots and readying for my June 11th Logo Instant Chic date on QVC, I am definitely looking forward to summer. Here is a version of my ideal summer—now I hope I get to enjoy a few locations.

Paris: How could I not pick PARIS?! Parisians are born chic, and Paris is a city of the outside—the sky to start, as dusk falls and the sky is ablaze, where every street is a postcard. The day touring the Tuileries Garden and heading off to any one of a thousand museums. A particular favorite is the Musee Rodin in the 7th. A tour down the rue Faubourg St. Honore to what may be seen from blocks away, Hermes. But the ultimate fantasy location is just a few miles outside of the city center, a "humble" estate known as Versailles. For me Versailles is an out-of-body experience of beauty and extravagance. I promise you, close your eyes and you can imagine the Burbon court still touring the grounds.

Going back across the Atlantic all the way West—I have Midwestern roots—an East Coast mentality, but a West Coast heart.

Malibu: My first job out of Ohio was working for the legendary retailer Fred Segal. Working on Melrose was an eye opening experience, and Mr. Segal—there aren't enough Racked pages to tell all the Fred stories. Being in L.A. allowed me to find my Zen: Malibu—as you drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, on one side the glorious Pacific, the other the mountains. I'm spiritually home; I'm Joni Mitchell barefoot in the Pacific sands never wanting to day to end, carefree and at peace. Oh, and my little slice of heaven even has a mall—albeit Malibu-style. The Malibu Country Mart. The ocean air and a mall packed with reclaimed wood facade boutiques , some with local artisans and retailers. I live in my Free City sweats—another Fred Segal alum (thank you, Nina). That shop is everything and has everything—from essential oils to teepees and sweats. Now that West Hollywood game changer, the store, Maxfield,has a beautiful jewel of a boutique right in Malibu.

Palm Springs: It's a former Liberace stomping ground...need I go on? What draws me to Palm Springs—besides the Mid-Century Modern furniture stores like the Palm Springs Galleria or accommodations at The Parker Hotel (love you, Jonathan Adler!) the place I want to spend my remaining days (hahaha), is that dry, hot desert air. You rent an old-school convertible and drive down Frank Sinatra Way or Gene Autry Trail and Bob Hope Drive (HELLO!). Stay in that convertible and get on the road to release your inner hippie at Joshua Tree National Park.

Amangiri Resort, Utah: There goes this secret. This gorgeous resort is my August vacation destination. Just click through those photos. Are you not enraptured with the scenic desert views, the sleek modern design—an arid eden. Thought it will be difficult leaving this sanctuary, the Four Corners are Mother Earth's version of fierce beauty. There's Bryce National Park and Monument Valley—that amazing scene in John Ford's Stagecoach—I'll be sure to take plenty of twitpics.

I will be the first to admit, I love a Staycation—it's the best word that came from the last year and so me.

New York: When you're working day to day, your weekends filled with errands and activities, having a few days alone in this great urban landscape is bar none. This is the time for facials, soaks and massages. Two of my favorite places are The Shibui Spa in the Greenwich Hotel and the spa at the Four Seasons—listen, you can never underestimate the power of five stars in a city like New York. I've said it before, but after taking a relaxing few hours strictly being greedy with oneself, there's always Central Park for what New York does best—people watching.
· Logo Instant Chic [Facebook]
· Logo Instant Chic [QVC]
· @LGInstantChic [Twitter]
· All Lori Goldstein, all the time [Racked]