No trip to the Santa Ynez Valley is complete without a stop at The Solvang Bakery. The owners, the Halme family, are friends of ours and never fail to send us home with a belly-full of the airiest, most delicious pastries you’ve ever tasted. Susan Halme made our unforgettable wedding cake almost 13 years ago and our friends STILL talk about it!

(You can see more of their incredible work on their Instagram site @solvangbakery. And if you’re ever looking for a unique and highly personal Christmas gift, their gingerbread houses are unforgettable.)

In deference to Solvang’s Nordic roots, I have one wooden shoe in the Valley and the other in L.A., preparing to head home. An urban cowgirl must be grounded to the earth – strong as oak.

1. Black sleeveless turtleneck sweater. 2. Rag and Bone skinny jeans. 3. Vince wooden heeled sandals. 4. Madewell wishbone lariat necklace.