Hi!

I’m Kathy Fields

Ciao amici! I’m Kathy, a second-generation Italian American who grew up reveling in the glorious West Coast culture of my native California. From adventures across my home state to glamorous travels worldwide, I’m thrilled to share insider tips on living life to the fullest, Italian-American and West Coast style!

From Stanley Tucci: 

If there were an Olympic event for gracefully modeling designer dresses and stiletto heels on cobblestones, Italian women of Sicilian heritage would win gold medals every time.

Why High Heels?

In the city of love and lights, my husband Doug and I created unforgettable memories—one step at a time. During our first enchanting month in Paris, I bravely navigated the cobblestone streets in sky-high first stilletos, then wedge sandals, a true testament to fashion over function.

Fortunately, my knight with the Nike sneakers came to the rescue, swapping my wedges for tennis shoes, all the while carrying my high heels like precious cargo in his backpack.

Later, at the chic Willi’s Wine Bar, those heels made a triumphant return from the backpack to the pavement, perfectly paired with a designer dress. Ah, Paris… where even a simple change of shoes can lead to a night of magical moments and show-stopping, head turning legwork!

Being shorter and Italian, I will always remember that unforgetable day.  And, when making head turning impressions or unforgetable evens,  “in high heels”.

Italian in heritage, A native Californian

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, that hilly, dynamic city by the bay I still adore. Whether wandering verdant Golden Gate Park, exploring chic boutiques in Pacific Heights or catching concerts at legendary venues like the Fillmore, SF nourishes the soul. And I can’t resist the swarming Ferry Plaza Farmers Market or a steaming bowl of cioppino down at Fisherman’s Wharf! Just save room for sourdough bread bowls, tiny chocolate truffles and the city’s signature rice-a-roni!

Venturing down the spectacular California coastline delivers even more magic, from celebrity sightings in Los Angeles to beach towns oozing that laidback SoCal vibe. Santa Monica’s sun-kissed shores lead right to Venice Beach’s funky Boardwalk and eclectic Abbot Kinney Boulevard, both PRIMO people watching! Shop Rodeo Drive’s luxe boutiques in Beverley Hills before hiking Runyon Canyon for epic views.

Always dress to impress

At night, dress to impress for sleek bars and clubs like Soho House and Chateau Marmont, or late-night comedy at the Laugh Factory. No trip’s complete without a studio tour to walk in the footsteps of Old Hollywood!

Keep cruising south to San Diego, land of fish tacos and endless golden beaches. I adore strolling the historic Gaslamp Quarter downtown before tasting killer craft cocktails and people watching from a Pacific Beach café. The elegant architecture of Balboa Park and its gardens soothes the soul while La Jolla Cove dazzles with its dramatic seascapes. Catch a baseball game at Petco Park or horses racing at Del Mar Racetrack. Maybe try surfing or stand-up paddleboarding if you’re feeling adventurous!

We will always have  Tahoe!

Tahoe is not Casablanca, but can be unforgettable.  Afterall,  we’re just getting started on my recommendations for lake getaways at Tahoe, wine tasting in Napa, or total relaxation at a Palm Springs mega-resort and spa! California offers everything under the sun but with plenty of dolce vita luxury! From skiing fresh powder in Squaw Valley to golfing Pebble Beach to driving Highway 1 with the top down, the Golden State seduces and satisfies.

Professionally, I have spent over twenty years helping people in the medical and reconstructive surgery business.As part of my strong, Sicilian character, I inherited my grandfather’s sense of adventure. He fished from the legendary and romantic Cefalu Italy. The distances he fished built his character, sailing from Africa to Sardinia. In fact, he had a wedding in Sicily that lasted over 3 days.

Later he moved to San Francisco to fish for a living. In his job, he sailed through the Golden Gate with many great Italians such as the DiMaggio Family. My father, an Air Force veteran, used to race cars and fought in WWII.

Join me as I guide you through my homeland, a place forever in my heart! Having traveled worldwide, I always come back to California as my touchstone, my inspiration and my true amore. Its diverse landscapes, cuisines and cultures profoundly shaped both my Italian parents and myself.

Now I get to share its beauty and joie de vivre with you all! Saluti from the West Coast, bellisimi!