From her mission to infuse more throwback glamour into the everyday (yes, please) to her saturated Instagram feed of candy-colored front doors and fashion moments alike, lifestyle blogger Kelly Lee of Kelly Golightly has emerged as a poster girl for Palm Springs. It was only fitting then that her home, aka Villa Golightly, was the chosen site for this year’s Christopher Kennedy Compound: Modernism Week Show House, which is set to make its debut during Palm Springs’ annual Modernism Week.
We sat down with Kelly to get her insider’s take on where to shop, stay, and sip in Palm Springs, plus a few choice design tidbits for channeling her exuberant, bon vivant vibe at home, caftan optional.
WHERE TO SHOP
Just Modern in the Uptown Design District (conveniently right next door to Trina Turk) has a great selection of mid-century-inspired decor, furniture, art, books and gifts and the shop owner is the nicest guy you’ll ever meet.
The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five are also not to be missed. And the Christopher Kennedy store, which has amazing furniture, art and gifts (even for your pooches!) is a must-shop.
Dazzles. Located at the north end of Palm Springs before you hit the main drag of Palm Canyon, it’s easy to zip right by, but it would be a travesty to miss this candy land of mid-century ice buckets, side tables, Bakelite jewelry and glassware in every color the rainbow.
The Trina Turk boutique in Palm Springs is a must. Not only is the fashion perfect for Palm Springs (caftans, anyone?), the décor is divine. For vintage fashion, I love The Fine Art of Design.
WHERE TO STAY
Renting a house is an indulgent treat to live the Palm Springs dream if only for a few days. Acme House Co. has some glamorous options such as The Lawrence at Old Las Palmas.
Palm Springs also serves up a bevy of chic boutique hotels: The Parker Palm Springs designed by Jonathan Adler, The Avalon designed by Kelly Wearstler (splurge on a bungalow), The Colony Palms designed by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, and the totally chic L’Horizon Palm Springs by Steve Hermann.
WHERE TO SIP
The margarita at SOPA, the restaurant at L’Horizon Palm Springs, is next level. A classic martini at Melvyn’s is a complete throwback and where the Rat Pack used to pal around.
I’ve never met a banana leaf pattern, flamingo, or swan I didn’t like.
Kelly Lee
Bonus round! Kelly answers our burning design questions…
What’s your design signature?
A backdrop of white (couches, walls, furniture), then bright happy hues of color through accessories and art. Playful, light and bright – and I’ve never met a banana leaf pattern, flamingo or swan I didn’t like.
Why do you love decorating with vintage?
A room is not complete without at least one vintage piece in each room. I love mixing old with new – it keep things interesting and dynamic. And I personally get the most satisfaction out of a vintage find. It always feels so special, like a treasure, and adds a layer of history and interest to your home.
Best vintage score?
A sexy 1970’s Milo Baughman brass bar cart that makes such a statement!
Best way to add drama to a room?
Art is my favorite way to add drama to a room. It helps to be married to an amazing photographer (Fred Moser), who captures the glamour, charm and color of Palm Springs that I so adore. He photographed Poolside Reunion, the Slim Aarons Poolside Gossip reunion that was featured in The New York Times.
SHOP KELLY’S PALM SPRINGS COLLECTION >
All photos by Fred Moser