Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

The Ultimate Ballet Flat

Foldable, Flexible, and Fashionable

My mom used to have these amazing pairs of fold-up ballet slippers. I remember borrowing them on occasion because they fit into a purse – and because I never wore flats, they came in handy to be slipped on after taking off my heels at the end of a long night of dancing.

They were also really cute and came in a few colors including gold and silver. The only down side was that they were not very well made and you couldn’t count on walking in them for long.

I often wondered what became of them as I became more sensible with shoes. They probably fell apart. But I do remember how convenient and comfortable they were and I’ve never come across anything like it again.

Until recently when I discovered a website for a company that makes ballet flats called Tieks.

First off, I couldn’t believe how many styles and colors they have – over 70 Prints, Patents, Classics, and more. It made it hard to choose only one pair to find out if all the hype on their website was real.

What sold me is that Tieks are considered the most versatile flats in the world. Made of the finest Italian leathers that are foldable and wearable all day, every day. Excellent for traveling. I’m definitely taking them on my next trip as they take up virtually no extra space in a suitcase or carry-on bag. They go with everything from jeans to dresses and even office wear.

The company was founded in 2008 by Kfir Gavrieli in Los Angeles, now based in Beverly Hills. The manufacturing process of every single pair involves three days of a highly detailed process with over 150 steps, resulting in a flat with unparalleled comfort, flexibility, durability and style. The reviews I read are excellent.

Tieks feature a unique split‑sole and flexible midsole that molds to your foot and moves with you as you walk. They do come at a higher price point, ranging from about USD $185 to over $300. While they’re an investment, many users feel they’re worth it because of their durability, versatility, and long‑term comfort.

I noticed that the back is cushioned rather than elasticized to ensure they’re not too tight on the heel. The advanced foam cushioning makes it comfortable for long-term wear. They have a thick non-skid rubber outsole to provide traction and shock absorption.

Another thing that sets them apart is the hand-stitched turquoise‑blue stripe running up the heel and the matching blue rubber patches on the sole. It’s similar to the iconic Prada line (especially on the America’s Cup sneakers and some accessories). These color accents act like a visual logo that you can spot from across a room. Gives them an extra oomph.

Overall, ballet flats are a timeless wardrobe staple, rather than a fleeting fashion moment. I don’t expect that they’ll ever go out of style.

The last thing I want to mention about the company is that they have a foundation dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs around the world.

The women they support come from all kinds of backgrounds and industries, and the website even shows photos and stories of each one – where they’re from, what they do, and how their businesses are growing.

Tieks partners with a non-profit micro‑lending platform called Kiva to fund these entrepreneurs. Kiva allows everyday people to lend small amounts of money to women who don’t have access to traditional banking. Loans can be as little as $25, and when they’re repaid, the money can be lent again. It’s not charity – it’s zero‑interest lending that helps women build businesses, pay school fees, buy equipment, or stabilize their households.

Since its inception, The Gavrieli Foundation has become the single largest lender on Kiva worldwide, contributing over $10,000,000 to more than 55,000 women in over 70 countries, including the U.S.

Knowing that Tieks supports women entrepreneurs around the world made me love the brand even more. It’s rare to find a company that not only makes a great product but also invests in helping women build their futures.

I chose these which I’m wearing in Palm Springs and taking back to Vancouver.

Click here for the little flat that fits everywhere and goes with everything:

https://tieks.com/boutiek

inspiration

March Musings…

It was too darn hot! Here in Palm Springs we don’t have to worry about shovelling snow, but when the weather creeps above 95 degrees, it’s just too hot to think straight. There were several days in a row of sitting in air‑conditioned rooms. It’s just starting to cool down before it begins to creep up again in the next week or so. Then it’s time to get ready to leave. Overall, I cannot complain, but there are only so many clothes you can take off – and then what?

As usual, the time escapes me too. It’s always like that when it gets close to departure, but for some reason this season seems to have gone by especially fast.

This season was more about enjoying the small moments. There were a few big ones, of course, but overall I felt no pull to chase after anything or insert myself into any circle. By giving things room to unfold on their own, I’ve started to understand what actually feels right for me. Stepping back and letting life move at its own pace has shown me what truly fits. It’s interesting to look at things from the outside in. So far, this is working for me.

I’ve had some really lovely chance encounters this season. A few may grow into lifelong friendships, and a few will fade out naturally – and that’s perfectly okay. I don’t want to force any relationship, whether friendship or something else. I’ve seen less of some people I used to see all the tiime, and more of the ones I’m just beginning to know and slowly growing to appreciate and enjoy.

I look forward to a monthly forecast from a website I follow called The Power Path. Every month they share a new word that sets the intention for the month. The theme for March is Upgrade. That feels perfect, because I sense I’m getting a personal upgrade too.

In order to upgrade anything, you must first release what you’re upgrading. If it’s a piece of furniture or an appliance, you move the old energy out of your life to make room for the new. The same is true for inner upgrades – your thoughts, emotions, attitudes, self‑esteem, personal power, and confidence.

You can only upgrade if you unstick yourself from where you are stuck.

An excerpt (link to full article below): The most important is the upgrade of your thoughts, emotions and beliefs. This may require further release and completions of old patterns, cycles and behaviours. If you are not proactive in doing so, spirit will do it for you by bringing in something unexpected that forces you to make a necessary change.

I believe moving forward is the only way to better yourself. I’ve experienced the unexpected – good and bad -that pushed me in uncomfortable directions. But I’ve also learned that the discomfort at first almost always becomes growth in the end.

Speaking of growth, as March unfolds I’m looking forward to longer light (especially since I just found out that British Columbia is moving to permanent Daylight Saving Time – Yay), fresh energy and the first Spring flowers with the gentle reminder that things bloom in their own time.

I’m ready to see what blossoms next. How about you – What are you looking forward to this Spring?

March, 2026 Monthly Forecast

Header image: d. king

Art & Culture

An Incredible Evening at Parr House

This is the final weekend of Palm Springs Modernism 2026 – the 11‑day celebration of mid‑century modern architecture, design, and culture that fills the desert with home tours, talks, parties, and exhibitions.

With Jen from @musetheshop – gorgeous vintage clothing – some worn on *Palm Royale*.

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of spending an unforgettable evening at the Parr House, located within Cotino – the first Storyliving by Disney community in Rancho Mirage.

It’s a place with its own fascinating origin story, and being there during Modernism Week made it feel even more alive. It was a rare evening of witnessing the beginning of something special.

The next day a few of us were able to tour the Cotino site. While the community is still very much under construction, the vision is already taking shape. The floor plans are on display, and we walked through several finished (and nearly finished) homes. Even in their incomplete state, you can feel the intention behind the design: clean lines, generous light, and that blend of nostalgia and newness that fits so seamlessly with the spirit of Modernism Week. I love the indoor/outdoor living concept.

An Overview of Parr House from the second floor.

With Mathew Mitchell – Editor of *Oasis* – a gorgeous new Palm Springs magazine

With Alison Martino – Writer, TV Producer, Historian.

The Parr house itself is a standout. Parr House is inspired by a superhero family’s mid-century modern home in Pixar Animation Studios’ “Incredibles 2.” The home is designed to be rented out exclusively for special events and gatherings. Our evening there felt wonderfully curated – an excellent jazz trio playing in the background, an open wine bar, and delicious hors d’oeuvres being generously passed around. It was a bonus to see some people I know and other familiar faces.

What struck me most about the Parr House wasn’t just the architecture – though the mid‑century lines and playful details are unmistakably Pixar. It was the feeling of stepping into a space that blurs fiction and reality. You can sense the whimsy of The Incredibles woven into a real, livable home. The mix of design and storytelling made the exprience feel a little magical.

As Cotino continues to rise from the desert floor, it’s clear that the Parr House is more than just a showpiece – it’s a promise of what this community is striving to become. Experiencing it during Modernism Week, surrounded by people who appreciate both design and imagination, made the whole project feel especially meaningful.

There’s something exciting about watching a place come to life in real time, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Cotino grows into the vision it’s already hinting at. A few photos:

More about the Parr House (written by Karlee Dutton, Public Relations Manager) here:

https://disneyparksblog.com/storyliving/first-look-inside-the-incredible-parr-house-coming-soon-to-cotino-the-first-storyliving-by-disney-community/

Pics: d. king

Art & Culture

The First Lady of Modernism

There are moments at Modernism Week that feel like stepping into a time capsule – and then there are moments that feel like stepping into history itself. Like when you get to meet a Modernism icon.

My signed “Palm Springs Life” cover – a keeper!

I was wandering through the Modernism Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center when I met Nelda Linsk – a prominent Palm Springs fashion figure, art dealer, and former owner of the Kaufmann House – better known as the First Lady of Modernism and forever remembered as ‘the lady in yellow’ from Slim Aarons’ Poolside Gossip.

The image is celebrated for capturing the glamorous mid-century modern lifestyle of the era. Yellow is such a magnetic color – warm, bold, impossible to ignore. It’s the color of joy, of desert mornings, of the kind of optimism Modernism was built on. No wonder the world noticed her first in that shade. There was a lot of beauty in that iconic photograph, but all eyes centered on Nelda.

I can only imagine what it must feel like to be hanging in so many people’s homes.

Nelda is having another mod moment. Her relevance and glow seems to never fade, as she’s gracing the February cover of Palm Springs Life Magazine and has just received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Fame.

In Poolside Gossip, the yellow dress became a symbol of Modernism’s optimism – bright, confident, sun‑soaked. But when I met her, dressed in understated cream, she carried the same light. It reminded me that Modernism wasn’t just about color or architecture. It was about people who embodied a certain kind of brightness. The kind once attributed to a dress was really the brightness of a woman who helped define an era.

Walking away from the show, I kept thinking about that shift from yellow to cream – from the bold brightness of youth to the softer, steadier glow of someone who has carried an era forward.

Modernism may be defined by its architecture, but its spirit lives on in people like Nelda Linsk, who remind us that true radiance doesn’t fade. It simply changes hue.

Here is another post I wrote last year – the first time I met Nelda and more about the photograph and the person who took it:

Slim Aarons: from bombs to bombshells

Modernism is on until Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Outside the Convention Center Below are some pics from what’s waiting inside. Photos: d. king

Auction coming up of *The Estate of Joanna Carson* (wife of Johnny Carson)- March 3, 2026. John Moran Auctioneers & Appraisers. Shown here is a sampling.

So many beautiful vintage buys besides furniture and art at this show – as with the “***Curated Vintage Event.***“

https://modernismweek.com/2026/

Art & Culture

Artist Center Palm Desert

Last week, my friend Kathy and I attended a reception celebrating a dynamic collection of juried artworks presented by the Artists Council of Coachella Valley.

The event took place at The Galen – an elegant 8,400‑square‑foot, LEED‑certified art venue (recognized for its environmentally conscious design) in Palm Desert near El Paseo.

The stunning space set the perfect tone for an evening devoted to creativity.

Several of our friends had pieces on display (and for sale), selected from more than 700 submissions by Artists Council members. The range of work was impressive, and it was wonderful to see familiar names among the chosen artists.

Our friend Libby sold her piece that evening. She works with a unique form that revolves around using refined organic cotton material, which Libby then transforms into sculptured ethereal compositions. The only surviving record and reminder of it is via photograph. The original materials are recycled for other creations. One small piece may be used in many ways for different creations…signifying there is a place for everything. No waste.

The Artists Council is an independent non-profit dedicated to elevating artists throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond. Their mission comes to life through exhibitions, professional development opportunities, and meaningful community engagement. They offer a robust lineup of programs – everything from art and business‑of‑art classes to workshops, lectures, critiques, salons, and social gatherings.

Friend Mandy Main with her husband and son next to her art piece.

At the heart of their work is a belief in the transformative power of art – both in its creation and in the experience of viewing it.

It was a lovely evening filled with art, conversation, and hors d’oeuvres, and a reminder of how vibrant and supportive our local arts community truly is. Photos: d.king

https://www.artistscouncil.com/

They have a very nice gift shop too with books, gift cards and several very Palm Springs framed prints.

THINKAboutit

Musings: Local Luxe Reset

For anyone dreaming of an indulgent spa retreat somewhere far‑flung, but lacking the time, budget, or desire to hop on a plane – I want to share an idea a friend recently gave me.

AI generated photo – *trying it out* (not bad).

Why not curate your very own 3-day personal spa staycation right where you live? Unless you’re truly off-grid, chances are you can find local spots offering massages, facials, or other treatments that feel luxurious without requiring a passport. That said, you should always have a passport handy cause you never know what can come up.

It’s a surprisingly great alternative to traveling. No time off work needed (although if you have an extra day or two – even better), no pet‑sitting logistics, no airport stress. And the money you save on flights and hotels can go straight into things that actually restore you: spa treatments, yoga classes, nourishing meals, or simply quiet time.

I’m taking my friend’s advice (with a few tweaks) and planning my own mini‑retreat. Day one: a really good latte, a yoga class, a special spa treatment, lunch somewhere lovely, and then a book and some downtime. Day two – repeat (with different service). Day three – repeat (with different service). My treatments will include a foot/reflexology massage, a facial, and a body scrub/massage.

For less than the cost of airfare, you can still give yourself a few days of real pampering, without leaving your home town.

What about you? Would your ideal DIY retreat be more structured, like a mini wellness program, or more free‑flowing, letting you follow your energy each day?

beauty

Lip Lab

I finally had my first cosmetic treatment – and it didn’t hurt a bit. No, it wasn’t Botox, but it was all about enhancing the lips.

I spent the afternoon at Lip Lab in Palm Springs, where you can customize your own lip shades from scratch. Think of it as the grown‑up version of playing with crayons: you mix, test, tweak, and try again until you land on the color that feels most “you.”

I’d never heard of Lip Lab before, but they have locations in Austin, Boston, Napa, Vegas, Nashville, and Toronto’s Distillery District. The concept is simple but clever: a highly rated (and admittedly pricey – starting around USD $60) interactive experience where a color expert helps you create a custom lipstick, gloss, or balm. You choose the finish – matte, satin, or glossy, then the tube, the scent (or no scent), and even the engraving. We were like kids in a candy store.

I went with a satin shade in a gold case, rose‑scented (though pomegranate almost won), engraved in a brush script that reads girl king. They also offer bundle packages if you want to create more than one product.

It made for a fun girls’ outing, and afterward we kept the theme going with tailor‑made cocktails at a spot called “Tailor Shop.”

Do you see where I’m going with this? Everything these days seems to be about personalization – beauty, drinks, experiences. We’re living in the era of the bespoke – made for you, not the masses.

Would I do it again? I’m not sure. But I do recommend trying it at least once.

If nothing else, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best shade is the one you mix yourself.

https://www.liplab.com/

We ended here:

Health + LifeStyle

My latest head trip happened at a Spa

I recently went on a head trip – and for once, it didn’t involve boarding a plane or escaping reality. This one took place at a scalp spa. Yes… a scalp spa. Tranquil Sands Scalp Spa in Palm Desert is unlike anything I’ve experienced in the beauty world. It’s far more than a treatment; it’s a sanctuary that blends ancient ritual with modern science, complete with a detailed before‑and‑after scalp analysis that feels surprisingly glamorous.

The concept isn’t new. The Japanese have been perfecting scalp care for centuries, weaving massage, herbal remedies, and steam rituals into their approach to holistic wellness. The modern “head spa” evolved from these traditions and became a full‑fledged salon service in Japan over the last few decades. By the 2000s, head spas were as mainstream there as facials are here. Only recently has the West caught on. Thank you, social media – now scalp care is having its moment.

At Tranquil Sands, the experience begins with something far more intriguing than a fancy shampoo. They start with a 50X microscopic analysis of your scalp – equal parts fascinating and humbling, to understand exactly what’s going on up there. From there, they curate a treatment using organic tonics, a hand‑blended scalp mask, a steam cap to boost absorption, and a therapeutic scalp and arm massage that dissolves tension you didn’t even know you were carrying.

My “Euphoria” package included an extended massage, halo hydrotherapy, and red‑light therapy. My scalp had been feeling dry (desert life will do that) but the deep cleanse, exfoliation, steam, red light, and blissfully long massage followed by a shampoo and moisturizing conditioner left me feeling like my head was in the clouds. I followed up with an optional blow dry and styling session.

Beyond the indulgence, head spas genuinely support better circulation and relaxation, and they’re especially helpful for oily roots, dandruff, dryness, or thinning hair. As with anything specialized, finding a skilled practitioner makes all the difference.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely convinced the treatment would justify the price. After all, most hairdressers either skip the scalp massage or give you a fleeting 10 seconds that only reminds you how much you wish it lasted longer. But this? This was worth it. A few weeks later, my scalp still feels healthier, and the dryness has vanished.

If this is what a head trip feels like, I may have found my new favorite escape. Proof that the ultimate getaway sometimes happens without leaving the chair.

To book:

https://tranquilsandsscalpspa.com/

STYLE

Couture & Conversation

Recently, I attended a chic luncheon at a private golf and country club in Rancho Mirage. Presented by Susan Stein – creative director and consultant for Fashion Week El Paseo, Fashion Director/Scene Editor for Palm Springs Life Magazine, and artist.

L-R: Candy, Kathy, Susan, Debbie, Tammy.

The event offered a fun and fabulous afternoon of fashion, conversation, gossip, humor, and red-carpet-style with award-winning L.A. designer Kevan Hall.

Photo of Kevan & Susan taken by Kathy Wright

Champagne greeted us on arrival, followed by a fashion show, a delicious lunch, and a pop‑up shop showcasing many of Hall’s couture designs. It was the perfect setting to mingle with fellow fashion lovers and meet the designer himself.

If every afternoon looked like this one, life would be a runway, and I’d be front row every time.

Kevan, originally from Detroit, is known for sleek glamour and precision tailoring. He became the first Black designer to lead a major American fashion house when he served as Design & Creative Director of Halston from 1997–2000, before launching his own label. He has dressed some of the most influential women in Hollywood. His creations have graced countless red carpets, worn by Celine Dion, Charlize Theron, Naomi Campbell, Michelle Obama, Viola Davis, Salma Hayek… the list goes on. A few samples I took from the show:

It was a lovely and unique afternoon. Hopefully Susan will host more of these – if she does, I’m absolutely in.

Some designs from the pop-up:

Triple Trouble (fyi – I’m not used to wearing such a *head-to-toe* bright color, but I thought this linen jumpsuit was perfect for an event like this – and it did garner some attention). The room was a mish-mash of women wearing all kinds of fashion choices. Which proves that anything goes, as long as you’re comfortable wearing it.

DESTINATIONS

Laguna Beach Reset

There’s something almost transformative about stepping away from your usual environment for a few days, and the ocean amplifies that effect in a way few places can. It’s good for the soul.

The ocean naturally pulls you into the present moment. Watching waves, walking the shoreline, or just sitting with your feet in the sand slows your internal clock.

A new environment forces your mind to slow down, notice things, and reset its rhythm. Even a short staycation removes the logistics, planning, and stress of a big trip. You get all the benefits of escape without the exhaustion of airports or itineraries.

Along with my two girls, I drove the two hour (a bit more on the way there) from Palm Springs to beautiful Laguna Beach, Ca. The last time I was here was about ten years ago. I loved it then and I love it now. It has everything I like from the laid-back coastal vibe of seven miles of shoreline with dramatic cliffs and hidden coves to a thriving art scene, galleries, cool boutiques and great dining.

We stayed at a charming boutique hotel called Le Petit Pali. Its prime location was right across from Treasure Beach – one of the nicest beaches in Laguna. Not crowded at all.

What I loved about this hotel is the touch of European style, warm service, beautiful design and friendly staff. They really paid attention to detail with gorgeous linens on a super comfy king-size bed, SMEG min-fridge, well stocked bar, excellent complimentary continental breakfast with yummy pastries, great coffee, mimosas, O.J. and green juice. Even fresh baked cookies delivered daily. A big comp glass bottle of antipodes artesian water on arrival. The little touches that make a huge difference. Oh; and the dog bed with treats and a toy they put in our room was extra special.

I would definitely stay here again. It was a super way to spend my birthday especially with an amazing Japanese restaurant right around the corner called “Starfish.” Excellent lychee martinis, sushi and other dishes.

Laguna reminded me how good it feels to pause, breathe, and come back to myself – exactly the reset I didn’t know I needed.

Pics: d. king

Aside from Laguna, they have a few other locations in Napa Valley, Carmel-by-the -Sea and Los Angeles (Brentwood).

To book:

https://www.lepetitpali.com/locations/laguna-beach