Posts from — August 2008

Off to the desert!

Hopefully I’ll be returning home with a nice tan, some new clothes from the Cabazon Outlet mall (almost worth the 90 mile drive on its own), and some much needed peace of mind. Have a great long weekend and I’ll be back on Monday Tuesday with lots to share.

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.

Despite the fact that I live mere blocks from Rodeo Drive, I’m relatively unfazed by news pertaining to the relationships of celebrities. Given that information, you can imagine my embarrassment when I nearly shrieked with delight when I found out that Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling were seen cuddling over breakfast in Toronto on Thursday(especially because he no longer looks like this). Maybe it was that kiss they shared in the rain from ‘The Notebook’ that made me become so invested in their love, but nonetheless, it got me thinking:

What are my top 5 favorite movie kisses?

5. “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” - Good movie? Eh. Hot bathroom make-out session? Very.

4. “Unfaithful”- Any movie that deems Richard Gere the ‘ugly’ one has got to be steamy.

3. “Notting Hill” - When the mega-movie star plants one on Hugh’s lips, it makes anything feel possible.

2. “Love Actually” - A man that travels to a country to declare his love for a woman in a language he doesn’t speak is a winner in my book.

1. “The Notebook” - Water makes anything more sensual, so when Ryan scoops her up in a storm, it’s the perfect culmination of events.

What’s your favorite kissing scene from a movie?

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.

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.

Today marked the end of an era that lasted three blissful years. My archive of Domino Magazines, that I had been accumulating since its launch in 2005, simply grew too large for my bookshelf to accommodate. Despite the sense of order that was created with all of my issues lined up chronologically in their contrasting colors, I knew it was time to downsize my collection. Since I also used to work for the magazine, my archive holds even more significance, so instead of parting with it all, I selected only my favorite images that I’ve compiled into a binder. Here are just a few of the rooms that make my heart flutter that are luckily still available online.

When it comes to belts, they certainly have other purposes besides just holding up a pair of Levis. They’re an excellent way to add a bit of edge to an outfit, either with a low slung, braided belt in the Summer or a more refined, waist-cinching option in the cooler months. Despite the plethora of candy colored choices available now, I like the idea of finding black belts that stand out simply because of their intricate detailing.

Linea Pelle’s Leather 2 1/2″ Contour Waist Belt is simple in its construction with an over sized buckle, but it’s the antiqued gold hardware that give it that hand-me-down feel. I love that it’s thick, so that when thrown over a white collared shirt, it adds a substantial piece of hardware that also creates a slimming silhouette.

I’m not usually one for obvious labels on clothing and accessories, but the double C’s of this Chloe Heloise Belt has won my affection. I even like the fact that the size can’t be adjusted since it gives the illusion that the belt is custom-fit.   It would be perfect for tempering a billowy blouse in a paisley print.

I’m crazy about this Studded Double Wrap Leather Belt since it combines two of my current obsessions: studs and layering.  As a proud owner of a wrap belt, which I wore several days ago here, they truly add an entirely different dimension to an outfit.  I like the stud detailing on this one that isn’t overkill thanks to its diminutive width.