This past weekend was really no different than others, filled with the routine (Saturday morning kiddo soccer games) and the not so routine (last night's gorgeous sunset at the beach, above). However, it also was the last official weekend of summer! So I thought I'd share some highlights.

Things kicked off early on Friday, with a long lunch at the Ace Hotel in downtown LA with my mother. I love the decor--copper topped tables, emerald green leather banquettes, the checkered floor. And the blood orange mimosas aren't so bad either. P.S. If you haven't been, make sure to check out the chic rooftop bar, which affords glorious views of the city and the hippest cocktail lounging ever.

Friday afternoon's entertainment was provided by my five-year-old son and his cousin, who stuffed big balls fashioned out of duct tape under their shirts. Wielding what they called their "boob balls," they pretended to be sumo wrestlers as they bounced off each other's chests. Nice.

Things got a little more civilized later that evening at a friend's dinner party--with an out and out epic view.

Of course, the last weekend of summer must be spent at the beach, and so on Saturday afternoon, I set up camp with umbrellas, folding chairs, buckets and shovels, accommodating my flotilla of family and friends. The ocean was chilly, and (bittersweetly!) it was the first time I've had to put on a sweater in months.

An early and cool Sunday night dinner with friends down at the beach (again) called for sunglasses, hats and jackets and, for me, on-the-spot sweater shopping, inspired by a friend who wore this ah-mazing zippered . I'll have it by next weekend, when fall will be here in full force!