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How to Spend Your Fashion Week El Paseo Weekend

Tips on the hot shopping spots to where to lay your head at night

Karen Graninger Fashion Week El Paseo

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The best way to experience Saxony Group Fashion Week El Paseo is to immerse yourself in the complete fashion experience available in Greater Palm Springs.

While you can take in the nightly runway shows at the Gardens of El Paseo in Palm Desert from April 2-9, here's a two-day itinerary that focuses on what you can do during the day.

Wake up Saturday morning in your mountain view room at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage. Amble downstairs to State Fare Bar + Kitchen for a light breakfast, as you'll want to save room for lunch at Trio, the hip Palm Springs restaurant “where Palm Springs eats.” You'll find out why.

Trio brings you to the Uptown Design District where you will discover incredible fabrics, fashion, and design at Trina Turk. The property showcases her “California chic” fashion empire, including women’s apparel, Mr. Turk menswear, Swim & Spa and Residential collections all under one roof.

VIDEO: Take a visual tour of a Fashion Weekend in Greater Palm Springs.

Right next door is Wil Stiles where you will find one-of-a-kind resort and active fashion. Your eyes will be caught by the bold and patterned fabrics, and exclusive European short and long-sleeve shirts for men that women look just as good in. Also make sure to check out the retro future drawings on the store's walls by famed futurist and Blade Runner concept artist Syd Mead.

A two-minute walk down Palm Canyon is Trio Restaurant. Enjoy a fresh lunch on the patio. How about starting with fried artichoke hearts or soy ceviche? Perhaps a chicken Caesar wrap or grilled cheese to grease the gears?

Let's drive 20 minutes to Desert Hot Springs to experience Gypsyland. Vintage clothing that apparently lures Hollywood prop houses.

If we're a little tired, we'll head back on Palm Canyon toward the Ritz-Carlton and stop at Wonderama on the way. Wonderama's vintage clothing has a distinctive showy and flashy feel to it. Thumb through racks with original Aloha shirts to a Carmen Miranda inspired fruit hat costume.

photo courtesy of wil stiles

Some of the original, colorful, patterned fabrics found at Wil Stiles.

Back to the Ritz-Carlton for a late afternoon spa treatment called Spirit of the Mountains. 100 minutes for $330. Desert herbs and mineral salts cover the body, and the treatment includes exfoliation, warm stone massage, detoxifying wrap and a scalp treatment.

Head out to Palm Desert where you can take in the opening night of Fashion Week El Paseo with designer Monique Lhuillier, who has dressed Taylor Swift, Michelle Obama, and Angelina Jolie.

Wake up late on Sunday. Drive east 12 minutes to El Paseo in Palm Desert. Enjoy brunch at Wilma & Frieda's Cafe. Think Salted Banana Caramel French Toast with a sour cream drizzle. Or maybe Sun Dried Tomato & Arugula Chicken Sandwich? Either way, you'll find out why this spot is jammed with discerning desert diners. Now you're ready to unravel El Paseo.

Photos Courtesy of Wilma & Frieda's Cafe

One of Wilma & Frieda Cafe's crowd pleasers — Salted Banana Caramel French Toast with a sour cream drizzle.

El Paseo has everything, including nationally-known staples like Tiffany's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Brooks Brothers. But there are a few smaller, hidden gems to check out as well. Walk west on El Paseo to small boutiques like Penny Lane and Rachel's Secret for casual, light pastels, airy skirts and blouses. Then to Surf Culture Clothing for the ultimate swimsuit and up-scale SOCAL beach and active outerwear.

Move on to Out of Your Closet Designer Consignment for high end fashionista favorites at a fraction of original price, including an especially good selection of little black dresses and other cocktail party wear. Make sure to note the pop art by New Orleans artist Sarah Ashley Longshore. In the same complex, check out Blonde Clothing Boutique. They are experts in jeans. Jeans are always hard to fit, but oh when you find the right ones…

Photo by Karen R. Graninger

Out of Your Closet Designer Consignment has an incredible selection of little black dresses and cocktail hour attire.

Continue across highway 74 on El Paseo to Bohimi, a consignment store which specializes in both evening and wedding gowns. Pay special attention to the sequined and beaded pieces.

Head back to the Ritz-Carlton in the late afternoon for a cocktail at Air Pool Bar, then dinner at The Edge Steakhouse, which overlooks the whole valley from its perch on the cliffs. Dig into a Prime Petit Filet Mignon eight-ounce steak or Grilled Pacific Swordfish. The international wine list will impress.

Head back out to Palm Desert to take in the Sunday evening show, Le Chien, to see dogs of all sizes trot down the runway for a good cause. Nothing could be cuter.

And that's how to stay fashion forward in two days time.

Visit www.fashionweekelpaseo for event tickets and information.

Follow Karen on Twitter: @gloriousallianc

What other hotels have we profiled: Hotel Essentials

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