Zara shorts (from Paris); Vintage sequin top from Screaming Mimi’s (New York); American Apparel tights; Sendra ‘Sara Clare’ boots c/o; DIY rhinestone headband; Fabulous Furs jacket

Yesterday we explored Pioneertown, today let’s frolick through Joshua Tree. But let’s take the road less traveled…

With its wide open desert landscape, Joshua Tree is my favorite National Park — and the perfect spot to break in my new boots.

In previous visits, we had only followed the well-marked roads.

This time, however, we decided to get lost on the dirt roads outside of Joshua Tree to see what we could find…

Eureka Peak, for starters!

It’s a little cool up here, so why don’t we put on our jackets?

Can you believe this view? I know.

Before it gets too late (and dark!), why don’t we explore the park a little and watch the sunset through the Joshua Trees?

Amazing.  Now, let’s go back to Rock Reach where we can enjoy our very own private Joshua Tree xx!

[Photos by Klaus Moser for BussBuss]

H&M faux fur vest & striped sweater; GAP 1969 jeans; Sendra ‘Sara Clare’ boots c/o; SEE sunglasses

My dears, I hope you had a lovely long weekend. We hopped on out to the high desert for a few days and had a fun adventure in Pioneertown.

I’ve mentioned my love for Pioneertown before, but it’s essentially a movie set that was built in the 1940s to film westerns like The Cisco Kid. The set remains, which it fun to wander about (it’s a great, strange spot for young kids or kids at heart).

There’s a vintage bowling alley with a soda fountain and an old timey candy store and then, of course, there’s the main draw: Pappy and Harriet’s.

Pappy & Harriet’s is a restaurant/saloon/honky tonk/beer garden/BBQ  joint/roadhouse/in-in-middle-of-nowhere music venue that draws the most eclectic group of people: bikers, families, desert rats, hippies, hipsters, artists, Anthony Bourdain.

It’s the perfect place to stop in for a refreshing beverage, some BBQ and live music after a day of exploring the high desert. (And it’s only about two hours from LA!) It’s definitely a secret spot, as very people know about it and venture out, which makes it that much more special. But I couldn’t help sharing!

Oh, and it was the perfect spot to break in my new custom-made Sendra boots (Sendra is a company in Spain that has been around for nearly 100 years, so they know boots.).

I love a shoe that is comfy from day one — and that looks even better with a little dirt and dust.

Tomorrow, adventures in Joshua Tree (here’s a peek at what I wore)…

 [Photos by Klaus Moser]

Reunited and it feels so good.

My dalliance with the desert started like most love affairs. First with a little crush, which quickly developed into a sizzling infatuation, followed by six months of living together, full-blown love,  then a dramatic split, now only to meet up for the occasional tryst when life seems crazy and like I can’t keep up with it all and I need to unwind and feel inspired at the same time, it’s you, it’s you desert I come running too… in my cowboy boots…

You haven't changed one bit.

This weekend’s tryst made me ponder if I had made the right choice… Should we have stayed together? We’re SO good together.

I love you. I really mean it.

But if I could be in two places at once, if I could clone myself, you know I’d be there. Here. Right here, with you.

Should I stay or should I go now?

Let’s make a date to meet here, right HERE again, soon. Soon’s never soon enough, I know. I know.

Indecision stops me in my tracks.

The hearts are a sign, aren’t they? Listen to the universe (or at the very least your dress, right?)… Every time I wear this, I’ll think of you…

I'll be back.

But for now, my husband awaits… Maybe we can just be friends?

[Photos by BussBuss shot at the Rock Reach House, Yucca Valley, CA]

So, this weekend was a real treat having two separate friends visit  at the same time. We all had a smashing time at The Riviera Resort & Spa here in Palm Springs. Originally built in 1959 as a Vegas-style resort, The Riviera was once the playground of Rat Packers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and also saw the likes of  The King himself, Elvis Presley (which might explain why I saw an Elvis crossing the road nearly a week earlier).

The Riviera was renovated and reopened in 2008 and is a study in over-the-top Hollywood Regency glamour verging on kitsch, but in the most delightful way possible. On this Father’s Day Sunday, the pool scene alone made us all feel like we were in an episode of the TV show Las Vegas, minus Josh Duhamel but complete with bikini clad silicone. Not usually my cup of tatas, but with a fish taco in one hand and a frozen peachy drink in the other, you found no complaints coming from me — or my amigos. Highlights? The floating Fatboys in the grand pool (I need to get my hands on one of those), the poolside cabanas and the decor, including the dramatic chairs and Ann Carrington-esque art (see the faces fashioned as coins above).

And no visit to Palm Springs for first time visitors would be complete without a visit to what has become our weekend destination Pappy & Harriet’s and the Rock Reach House by Blue Sky Homes. Hope your weekend was a lovely adventure xx!

Did you have a nice weekend, dolls? Mine was lovely. From chasing down cowboy food and country delights to literally chasing down trains,  a few snaps from our sun-soaked vintage California escapes and adventures xx!

[Above: Whitewater Canyon Preserve; Pappy & Harriet's]

[Above: Pappy & Harriet's; Country Store]

[Above and below: Banning Pass/San Bernadino National Forest]

I’ve gushed and shared (way too many) photos from my latest road trip – and recently found out that I’ve inspired more than a few friends to go to Marfa (I pray to cupcakes that they like it or I’m in trouble!). But enough about me, I want to know about your favorite road trip or what your road trip fantasies are? Do you dream of driving across the U.S. in an old VW van? Cruising the Cote d’Azur in a vintage convertible? Sinuously sliding down the Amalfi Coast? Perhaps California is calling your name? Please share in the comments below – you never know who you might inspire…

[Image via Le Love]

If you’re not sure a vintage trailer at El Cosmico is your cup o’ hipster, perhaps the Thunderbird is just what you’re looking for. Polished concrete floors, minimalist modern design with just the right notes of low-key luxury, the Thunderbird is the hip spot to lasso up to in Marfa.

Comfy queen-sized beds, writing desks that actually inspire you to write, large bathrooms and a pool, you’ll feel comfortable and inspired in the locally run, revamped 1950′s hotel.

Perhaps you’ll even be inspired to coordinate your outfit to match your blanket and then take a twirl by the pool. You wouldn’t be the first.

After a twirl by the pool or brunch at Cochineal, you can rent a bike for your adventures exploring Marfa.

After a full day of eating and exploring, maybe you’ll even feel inspired enough  to rent the vintage typewriter and get to work on that novel you’ve been meaning to finish (or start) for the past, oh, three years.

Or maybe poems are more your bag?

Writer’s block?

A love letter will do…

It’s also fun to type postcards (grab some from the front desk) and then mail them from the neighboring town of Valentine (hurry, with a population so large, there might be a line!).

A sweet touch.

Either way, you’ll insist on finding a vintage typewriter of your own immediately upon your arrival home and will insist on streaming Marfa Public Radio on your computer to stay in a Marfa state of mind.

Or maybe that’s just me?

[Photos by BussBuss]

Marfa may be small, but it’s not without its own unique, charming shops. At The Hotel Paisano, shop Paisano Drygoods for leather bags, books on the area, Marfa mugs and souvenirs.

Mug shot!

Or, pop on over to my favorite discovery, JM Dry Goods, where the indie and vintage picks (and colors!) will delight and astound.

From Mexican ponchos and fab hats to blankets and bedspreads, JM Dry Goods is a visual feast for the eyes.

Run by a former Brooklynite (who has the cutest ’40′s bob and red lipstick — sorry, I didn’t get a pic!) with a great curatorial eye, you’ll think Hey didn’t I see that on Design*Sponge?

Indeed you did.

Hats off to eye-popping color.

Pick up some boots or simply a t-shirt.

Or, if you want to pick up a purple and green broom like the one you fell for at El Cosmico, you can! Might as well snag a hammock while you’re at it, too.

Spot the Food Shark Dining Car (i.e. the blue bus) in the distance and the What You See Is Not What It Is sign, which couldn’t sum up Marfa better.

Drink, anyone?

Then pop next door to Fancy Pony Land, where you’ll find handcrafted dresses, skirts and more. It’s part gallery too. Is this the best name ever for a shop or what?

In addition to cool boutiques, Marfa has a rock and gem shop too. Which makes sense because, as you know, Marfa rocks (couldn’t resist!).

[Photos by BussBuss]

It may seem odd for someone who has spent the better part of this decade living and eating in New York and San Francisco to say that she goes to Marfa, a tiny town in the middle of West Texas, to eat, but it wouldn’t be far from the truth. While other towns of similar size may boast a Dairy Queen at best, the 2000-person Marfa is, in a nutshell, its own Brooklyn. A culinary surprise, if you will. Below, some highlights…

The Food Shark in undoubtedly the town meeting spot and a can’t-miss on your Marfa food adventure.

Famous for its Marfalafel (which is SO good), the menu changes daily and it’s always a surprise to see what the husband and wife team serve up to the patrons, a mix of ranchers, artists and tourists.

This time it was white bean, kale and chorizo tacos and beef stew tacos. Yum.

Don’t forget dessert, a vital part of lunch. Nutella cookies? Oh yes they did.

What’s most surprising about the food here, and in Marfa as a whole, is the quality of ingredients. Fresh, seasonal, local.

When it’s too cold for shorts and eating outside under the pavilion, there’s a revamped heated bus, called the Dining Car, that you can nosh in.

Brilliant.

Table in the back or window?

When night time rolls around and you’ve already gazed the Marfa Mystery Lights and had a drink on The Paisano’s patio, head to Cochineal for dinner.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get to taste the crab cakes, perfectly seasoned and balanced and simply and beautifully presented.

If you’re really lucky, you’ll get to taste the gnocchi, perfect potato pasta that makes merry with basil, tomatoes, capers and a sprinkle of parmesan.

The toughest part of your evening will be deciding on dessert. You’ll choose the vanilla creme brulee and it will vanish in three seconds flat. You’ll applaud yourself for not overdoing it by ordering two desserts…

Until you see this.

If you’re really lucky (and doomed), the sweet and talented folks in the kitchen will surprise you with a chocolate souffle, just because. And you will eat it. Because you have to. Your tongue will thank you, your thighs will rebel by dimpling. C’est la vie.

Merci, chef.

Merci, Cochineal.

You’ll exit through the gravel-filled, twinkling garden…

Full and happy. And plotting what your next food adventure will be, of course.

Perhaps the next day you’ll find yourself at Maiya’s…

For the best Mexican Martini north AND south of the Rio Grande.

Oh, and for the tasty food too, like creamy asparagus soup, fresh baked bread…

And lasagne funghi… Mushrooms and martinis, a surprisingly good combination.

The wild coho salmon with pistachio nut butter is an interesting choice.

For something lighter, the tartlettes are divine.

Don’t forget dessert…

Craving something more casual? Pop into the Pizza Foundation, run by Maiya’s sister and brother-in-law, Boston refugees who are pie perfectionists.

You’ll be amazed to find the best pizza of your life, well, top three anyway, in a former gas station. The crust is perfection, you’ll say as you wash it down with a limeade (mango and watermelon are divine).

But what if you just want to grab a snack to go? You’ll head to The Get Go, a gourmet grocer, naturally.

Perhaps you’ll shop for a picnic for your day trip to Big Bend, Balmorhea Springs or Fort Davis, pick up an organic lollypop or just a BlueSky soda to wet your whistle (it does get dry in the West Texas desert, as you might imagine)…

Or, perhaps you’ll wet your whistle with something that, much like Marfa, simultaneously soothes and wakes up your taste buds (and creative juices) — a cucumber and chili pepper popsicle, because this is Texas, after all.

[Photos by BussBuss]

My love affair with Marfa continues at Marfa’s newest hotel accommodations, El Cosmico.

Opened in November 2009, El Cosmico is an artsy community of revamped trailers, teepees and yurts. If you’ve had the pleasure of staying at the Hotel San Jose in Austin, you might notice some hipster similarities, as the owner, Liz Lambert, is the same.

On our first night, we shacked up at the Vagabond, a dollhouse of hot pink cozy perfection.

The purple and green broom was the ideal accessory…

Although this gentleman may beg to differ…

The tea kettle not only provided essential hot chocolate, but made me feel like a pioneer woman to boot.

Although you may prefer something a bit stronger?

On night two, we upgraded to the Imperial Mansion, more spacious accommodations as the name might suggest.

Orange ya glad you upgraded?

Indeed. I knew I was destined to live in a mansion… Won’t you come in?

We enjoyed the space and the views…

And those heavy blankets (it gets cold, as in 30-something-degrees at night in Marfa!).

The Vagabond and the Imperial Mansion were both booked for our third night, so I suggested staying in this teepee. The Huz did not go for it (something about 37-degrees at night and not wanting to be cold – le partay poopier!).

That didn’t stop us from taking a peek inside!

You can see the sky and dream away…

Isn’t it super fun? Perhaps when things are a bit warmer, at the end of summer… I know what you’re thinking, where is the shower? Well, only the trailers come with their own bathrooms. But not to worry, those staying in the teepees, yurts or BYOT (bringing your own tent), have access to community bathrooms, a kitchen and even these fab dutch tubs.

Aren’t they an adorable pair?

Almost as darling as this couple…

Nope, the chubby tubbies are cuter!

Plans are also in the works to build a swimming pool and more trailers are being revamped as I type… But for now, you can hang out in the lounge and play records…

But only until 7pm… That’s okay, there’s plenty I’m sure you can think of to do after 7…

Just remember, be careful, anything can happen (isn’t that what makes life grand)?

Sweet dreams, El Cosmico. Sweet dreams, Marfa.

[Photos by BussBuss]

A few snaps from my favorite (and most photogenic) spot in Texas, Marfa (one of my favorite places in the world in fact). The vintage typewriter you can rent for 5 clams at the Thunder Bird only made me want one more. I’m on the hunt if you have any leads (red, pink, yellow or baby blue if you please)…

I wasn’t the only one that was a fan… Here, Sir Alfred (my dashing teddy) tries his paws at the Quiet-Riter (hint: it was far from quiet, but that made it all the more charming).

I couldn’t have said it better myself…

No trip to Marfa would be complete without a visit to Prada Marfa (which is technically in Valentine, Texas). It’s my favorite place to kick up my heels (okay, sandals) and twirl.

Of course, a girl’s gotta check out the merch…

But only from afar, as this shop’s never open.

‘Tis merely land art, my darlings.

No Prada heels for this kittykat, but I do heart my new purple patent Marais sandals… They go perfectly with wildflowers and desert dirt, don’t you think?

This Texas critter thought so, who joined us for a farewell brunch at the delicious Cochineal… More on that in Part II, as my Marfa love revolves largely around the food, naturally.

For now, that’s all from Kelly Street and my stroll down Marfa lane…

I’ve gotta train to catch, ya’ll… xx!

Just a snap from one of my favorite places on earth, Marfa, Texas. We’re still on the road, and thanks to the desert dirt and New Mexico windstorms that shut down I-10, I’m feeling a little head coldy (sniff, sniff). More from the road after some Nyquil in a bit…

Who wouldn’t be bananas for this chic cabana? The darling white poodle thinks it’s the perfect spot to canoodle…

Ready to paint your home yellow, white and black? Me too (or at least my storage shack).

I highly recommend a king-size bungalow room, complete with sparkling fireplace. You’ll feel like a 1940s movie star getting away from it all in this chic space.

Breakfast in bed or poolside, you can’t beat the chilaquiles or pancakes; when it comes to food at The Viceroy, there are no mistakes (other than the lack of milkshakes!).

Of course a dip in the pool is a good way to work off all of those calories and dare I say it’s worth your and your beloved’s salaries?

Or, perhaps you prefer a game of Twister, with your favorite mister?

Continue the virtual vacay by peeking at more photos in the slideshow below…

[Rhymes inspired by my new favorite blog, the talented Mrs. Lilien!)

[Photos via Sea of Shoes]

My love for Marfa is well documented and I’m so excited that we’ll be spending some more time there next week. Helping to get me even more excited about our upcoming visit are these gorgeous photos of Sea of Shoes blogger Jane Aldridge frolicking in Marfa. If you’re not yet familiar, the Texas-based Jane Aldridge has more style in her pinky tip than should be allowed be the laws of nature. Don’t hate her, but I’m pretty sure she’s still a teenager. Le sigh.

[Photos via Sea of Shoes]

We’ve stayed at both the Thunderbird and The Hotel Paisano before, but this time we’ll be holing up at the newly opened El Cosmico. I can’t wait.

[Photo via El Cosmico]

Marfalafel, Mystery Lights, Maiya’s Mexican Martinis, here we come…

sponsor love:

[Photo by Luis Pires via Krisatomic]

I want to be in a spring meadow with a picnic blanket, Zac Efron, some cold lemonade and a journal (one of those may be a joke)… how about you? If you could be anywhere at all in the world today, where would you transport yourself to?

[Photo by BussBuss; Indian Canyons, Palm Springs, CA]

Do you have a Bucket List? What’s on it? I’ll show you mine if you show me yours…

In fact, at a time originally planned for exploring lands south of the equator, we slowly got lured in by the desert’s charms and have ended up in the mid-century mod mecca that is Palm Springs. Now we find ourselves hunting for our own little slice of the real estate pie, looking for a fixer-upper we can sink our hungry hands into. Something that needs a little TLC. Somewhere we can put our design interests (and dare I say skills — or at least years of House Hunters watching and design blog reading ) to use. Not to live in per se, but to rent out as a vacation rental — and then enjoy when we want to, as well. A huge part of the appeal? You can actually find homes with pools and palm trees and pools and, oh, did I mention pools, for less than the price of a parking space in New York or San Francisco. And did I mention it’s 80 degrees and sunny in February (sweltering flipside: it’s 120 in August)? In fact, I successfully burned one leg while laying under an umbrella today in cutoff shorts (it’s a good thing I have an odd sense of humor; otherwise I’d insist on wearing pants until that little situation amended itself).

For those of you interested in coming along on the adventure (and detours), we’ll be posting updates and inspirations in our new Behind the Buss section. Beyond travel, we’ll be sharing style snippets and snapshots, our obsessions and purchases, things we can’t live without and things on our wishlists, things that make us smile and laugh. For those of you who solely want your fix of fashion, style and fabulous shopping (and who can blame you?), simply keep enjoying The DailyBuss and Blog as is. We look forward to show and tell!

xx,

Kelly

p.s. For those of you in the snow, doesn’t a cold-weather picnic sound so romantic and lovely? This insanely clever DIY picnic pack will get you ready for memory-making — and hot chocolating.

[Photos via our temporary home away from homelessness HomeAway and Design*Sponge]

Say you could take a year off and go anywhere in the world and do anything you wanted. Where would you go? What would you do? After five months of doing just that (very happily and gratefully, lucky, lucky, lucky), The Hubs and I have been a little stuck for ideas (tiny violin). It’s like having writer’s block, but instead it’s traveler’s block. An utter lack of imagination combined with way too many choices, perhaps. So, I was thrilled to stumble upon this post on my fave blog, A Cup of Jo, about travel fantasies. The pedal-powered rollercoaster has me inspired to book tix ASAP to Japan, and the Giraffe Manor, well, there are no words.

So tell me, where would you go? What would you do? The world is your oyster…

I love environments I can’t quite process. Where it’s so quirky my brain can’t wrap its head around it all. That is the 29 Palms Inn. Just outside of Joshua Tree National Park, it makes the perfect home-base when you feel like exploring what has become my favorite national park (more on that later). 29 Palms, California is home to the largest Marine base in the country and every Marine does a month of desert training here before going off to Iraq. The desert, not unpredictably, attracts more than its fair share of artists, hippies and those looking for fun in the sun and nature, so the mix is quite eclectic.

The adobes and bungalows aren’t luxury (though more than a handful of celebrities have holed up here over the years since its opening in 1928), but it’s so appealing that we’ve made it home for three days, which is like a month in lizard years (okay, I made that up). Oh, and the restaurant is good too. Thank goodness, because outside of a McDonald’s and a Domino’s pizza, it’s the only option — did I mention 29 Palms is in the middle of nowhere (literally an oasis in the Mojave desert)? That’s the real luxury.