August 28th, 2008
In L.A., things come into style just about as quickly as they’re deemed unhip. This applies to clubs, fashion, celebrities and even restaurants. While some popular eateries are ridiculously expensive with little rationale (hello, The Ivy), every once in a while, there comes along an idea for a restaurant that is simply brilliant.
So is the case with Lemonade, a minuscule cafe that recently opened up near my office. The wallpaper alone, that covers the outside of the place, is so intriguing that it nearly caused me to rear-end the car in front of me when I first drove by several weeks back. The cafeteria-esque setting, that showcases 15 different salad varieties allows for a versatile and healthy dining experience. Not to mention four types of lemonade and perfectly packaged goodies like red velvet cupcakes and miniature meringues.
August 26th, 2008
My week
Taunted by the fluorescent lighting in my cubicle and a four-day weekend approaching, I planned a weekend away at the Viceroy in Palm Springs. Under normal circumstances, I might find 107° to be a bit on the uncomfortable [read: unbearable] side, but the dry heat of the desert is completely therapeutic. The decor of the Viceroy is reason alone to be excited, with its citrus-lined pools and Kelly Wearstler-designed interiors, so I’ve taken it upon myself to find some good last minute sales of the season so that I can sunbathe in style.
Since Trina Turk’s first boutique opened in Palm Springs, it’s only fitting that she would be my go-to for my trip this weekend. Inspired by the landscape of California, her pieces are always bursting with vibrant colors in shapes that are both casual and chic. Her Short Helena Strapless Dress is no exception, with a gentle draping down the front that will be a perfect transitional piece for going from the pool and out to lunch.
I always imagine that I’ll become one of those girls that lies under the shade of an umbrella by the pool just reading a book and sipping mojitos, but that’s never the case. Instead, I splash around in the water the entire time and usually end up with quite a lovely burn. For instances like these, flowy pieces in breathable fabrics are best, which is why Alice + Olivia’s Trapeze Pleat Bottom Dress is a great choice. I’d pair it with some metallic heels like these, a swipe of charcoal eye liner and some silver hoops for a sultry evening look.
For a normal hotel breakfast, I might show up to the continental spread of boxed cereals in sweats and flip-flops, but I have a feeling that’s not exactly the case at the Viceroy. Instead, I want to appear fresh-faced and radiant so my clear choice was this Leaves of Grass Voyage Tunic Dress. The white embroidery adds a fun, vintage touch and I’d throw on some earthy flats to complete the warm-weather ensemble.
August 25th, 2008
Despite the zipper’s potentially dangerous aftermath [read: Ben Stiller's bathroom scene from 'Something About Mary,'] it’s a ridiculously useful tool and as of late, a rather seductive addition when executed in a non-traditional way.
This Acne Jeans Zipper Charm Dress has a zipper that runs down the entire front, for a rather suggestive vibe that’s perfectly offset by the loose pockets. For nighttime, I’d pair this with a bra in a jewel-tone color and some black booties. Extra bonus if you’re a size 4 or 8 since it’s 50% off at La Garconne, a great online resource for under-the-radar brands.
Alexander McQueen’s Exposed Zip Tank is just the piece I’ve been looking for to pair with my closet full of pencil skirts for Fall. I love the black-lined zipper that runs down the spine since it complements the bright cherry color in such a dramatic way. Since $213 is astronomical for a simple tank, I only wish I had the skills to buy a zipper from JoAnn’s and apply one myself.
I’m crazy about nearly every piece in Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent’s clothing line, so it’s no surprise that her Allison Zip Front Platform Bootie is now on my wish list. I love that the zipper is a focal point with a matching little tassel that zips down towards the toes. With dark, textured tights and a plaid skirt, this would be such a lovely homage to prep-school chic.
In L.A., things come into style just about as quickly as they’re deemed unhip. This applies to clubs, fashion, celebrities and even restaurants. While some popular eateries are ridiculously expensive with little rationale (hello, The Ivy), every once in a while, there comes along an idea for a restaurant that is simply brilliant.
