Good ol’ Aspen, the Gstaad of the Americas…. Let me just tell you, this is one of the most amazing cities I have ever lived in, and every time I return, I get that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. I consider it to be home, and to be honest, since I resided there in the summer of 2008 when I worked with VH1 on a television series, not much has changed….except for the prices in one of my favorite consignments shops, The Little Bird (I remember buying a Rick Owens Jacket there, for like $200 USD….today, impossible)….

People correlate MsErinsita and some of the world’s most wondrous cities, hence often being asked where to go, where to stay, what to do and where to shop.

Here is my guide to experiencing the PERFECT Aspen ala MOI!

STAY

The Little Nell: Situated in the heart of the city, The Little Nell is glam galore. Sporty in the summers, the winter season yields the most chic crowds ever, i.e., a baby Asian girl carrying a pink crocodile Hermes Birkin. 675 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611

The St. Regis: Recently renovated, the St. Regis is also located in what we like to call, prime real estate. With a Van Cleef and Arpels (my fave), and a restaurant that I was told is tied in to the Aspen Food & Wine Festival, and has different acclaimed chefs cooking on the property all year round, the St. Regis is also, as good as it gets. The lobby, we love to say: j’adore. The rooms are immaculate and minimalist elegance and the service is SO well trained, it reminds me of Switzerland. 315 East Dean Street, Aspen, CO 81611

Hotel Jerome: Also recently renovated, the Jerome is quite Ralph Lauren-esque, with a mix of true modernity. Located on Main Street, it is the talk of the town, and the bar scene is top notch. 330 East Main Street, Aspen, CO 81611

TIMESHARE?

The Nell Residences: Heated floors? Huge spaces? Ski-in, Ski out, right under Aspen Mountain and steps away from Ajax Tavern’s Truffle Fries? This is what I consider to be a 10 out of 10. B is for Believe! 501 East Dean Street, Aspen, CO 81611

APRES SKI

The Lounging Area at the Nell: Cozy up in ski-wear, or in your fur coat. I must say, I have done both, and this is probably my favorite Apres spot. The couches are divine, the ambiance is comfy, and the people are guaranteed pretty…. Some, even pretty famous. 675 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611

EAT

Matsuhisa: The Nobu of the city, Matsu is not only a fab scene on any given nigh, but the food is worthy of conversation. Gourmet and not salty, the fish is fresh as can be, and depending upon your mood or availability, choose upstairs’ bar menu or downstairs for a full Japanese feast. Try the Adam Roll or the eggplant, and if you sit at the bar, ask for Wes, he’s the best! 303 East Main Street, Aspen, CO 81611

Cache Cache: Fierce and French-esque, CC is another spot that is consistently great. The trout, the French fries and the frisee salad…. Worth the calories post slopes or strut in town! 205 South Mill Street #106, Aspen, CO 81611

The Caribou Club: UBER VIP, the ‘bou’ as it is referred to by locals and members of this establishment, has a restaurant that is probably the most elegant and desired spot in town. 411 East Hopkins Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611

Spring Street Café: In need of healthy, vegetarian and gluten free food (for the most part)…. Check out Spring Street Café, where you will not leave with an empty stomach. The food is divine, and for the health conscious, it’s a must. Their black bean soup, pad thai and nacho’s equal perfection. 119 South Spring Street, Aspen, CO 81611

Casa Tua: This members only based restaurant-club, came straight from Miami and landed in Aspen just a few years ago. Craving gourmet Italian cuisine? Here is your spot. 403 South Galena Street, Aspen, CO 81611

Paradise Bakery: Right next to Loro Piana, my obsession…lies the perfect bakery for a great breakfast (there are no seats, it is only to-go) and they also have amazing gluten free options that are beyond savory. 320 South Galena Street, Aspen, CO 81611

Ink Coffee: From a coffee maven to you my dear reader…. Nothing compares to my favorite Ink Coffee, a company based out of Denver. Aside from their genius marketing strategies, the coffee’s (and in my case, 2 large Café Americano’s) are what allowed me to ski….. yes, that’s 8 espressos. 520 East Durant Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611

SHOP

MAX: Craving Alaia, Dries, McCartney and more? This is your spot for those luxe brands. 609 East Cooper Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611

Boogies Aspen – Boogie’s Kids: One of Aspen’s oldest, family owned shops, Boogie’s is that perfect shop for your contemporary needs. Boots, jeans, tee’s? They also have an incredible shop for your yunguns with great pj’s, sweaters and tops with slogans that I wish, fit me. 534 East Cooper Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611

Shakti Shala: This brand new shop, which carries brands from Eugenia Kim to local jewel designers and yogi wear, also has a work out studio behind its glass doors. Unpretentious yet practical, go check it out. 422 East Cooper Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611

The Little Bird: Curated consignment is what I like to call this. When you leave, you don’t feel you need purell, and walk out inspired. Selling brands like Pucci and Bruno Cucinelli, there is never a moment I have entered and left empty handed….525 East Cooper Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611

Suzie’s Limited Consignment: Located on Main Street, Suzie’s is a hidden gem if you don’t mind the hunt. With brands like Donna Karan, Autumn Cashmere, Balenciaga and beyond, this is always a fab spot if you have patience and perseverance for the hunt! 600 East Main Street #8, Aspen, CO 81611

Performance Ski: This is where I will be purchasing my outfit for next ski season…. So when I hit the Green Slopes (yes, I advanced past the bunny hill to the entire mountain), I will be glam in the best garb, so when I fall…. At least I look fierce. This is the one stop shop for all of your aesthetic skiing needs. 408 South Hunter Street, Aspen, CO 81611

Lulu Lemon: I learned that rather than long johns, Lulu Lemon tights and zip-ups is the way to go, and considering the shop is brand new to Aspen, I thought I would share my ski warmth tricks! 204 South Galena Street, Aspen, CO 81611

Loro Piana: I used to be a firm believer in solely Moncler coats….that was until I made the hop, skip and jump to true luxury, and you should too, if you have that extra 7k to drop on a baby cashmere jacket…. Forget the saying ‘beauty is pain.’ I think beauty is just expensive! 316 South Galena Street, Aspen, CO 81611

SKI

Jeff Ashcroft: This man has patience of steel. He taught me how to ski. He taught me to lean forward, and that I needed to have bow-legs and with that being said, I imitated some people I knew in order to complete my mission….. I was fortunate enough to meet Jeff in a group lesson, but if you need a FAB ski instructor, who may make you feel like it is time to read your last will and testament, this is your man. (970) 274-0261 for Private Lessons.

SPA

The Viceroy in Snowmass: Last year I went with my mom and LOVED it. Snowmass, as I learned, is quite close to Aspen, and the Spa at this beautiful hotel/fractional ownership property, may be worth your trip. 130 Wood Road, Snowmass Village, CO 81615

ADULT ACTIVITIES

The Aspen Institute: This past trip, I got to hear Goldie Hawn speak. The Aspen Institute has amazing programming and has likes of Deepak Chopra and Marianne Williamson at their campus in the West End. 1000 North Third Street. Aspen, CO 81611

Belly Up: Even though the owner is as pleasant as Kim Jong-un, Belly Up has an amazing line-up of concerts. I can not deny it! 450 South Galena Street, Aspen, CO 81611