Posts from — August 2009

Ever have one of those weekends that is defined by what you eat and drink?  Ravaging wildfires, triple digit temperatures and air quality like a coal mine made L.A. a very inhospitable city these past few days, forcing us to spend most of our time indoors with cool refreshments. We worked our way from fresh fruit smoothies to crisp gin and tonics, each drink setting the tone during our self imposed house arrest.

Don’t you love when spontaneous ideas work out even better than you had imagined?  The weather has been sweltering, so rather than hiding in our air conditioned apartment, my boyfriend and I headed outdoors.  With a game of Scrabble and a bottle of wine, we spent the evening playing games and enjoying the late summer heat wave.

Pssst…I just added two large pink druzzy necklaces to my Esty shop here!

Zara Blouse, F21 Belt and Ring, H&M Pants, Vintage Glasses, Gryson Bag,  Marni Wedges

When I brought these pants into the dressing room at H&M, the sales girl literally laughed in my face.  I suppose at first glance the dropped crotch and tapered legs don’t seem as though they’d be flattering or comfortable, but they’ve quickly become one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe.  Best of all, they can just as easily be dressed up with a vintage looking blouse and heels as they can with a pair of flat sandals and an old t-shirt.  The one negative? They’re thick.  And it was 92° yesterday. 

Also, a huge thanks to Refinery 29 for choosing me as one of top Fashion/Food bloggers!  Check out the feature here:

Besides having some of the best restaurants in the country (you can see my favorites in my first installment here), L.A. offers a diverse shopping experience that is unlike any other city.  Whether you want to hit up Rodeo Drive for uber expensive designer goods or head down to Venice for cheap trinkets, there’s something for everyone (and every budget).  Here are some of my favorite haunts and the reasons why they’re so great.

milk - This boutique on 3rd Street is always packed with easy-to-wear dresses, drapy tops and a great selection of pretty, flat sandals.  Despite their impressive list of designer clothing (Derek Lam, Elizabeth & James, Loeffler Randall), you can always find affordable pieces mixed in throughout.

Opening Ceremony - Housed in what used to be Charlie Chaplin’s old dance studio, this massive (as in I got lost during my first visit) store stocks all the current “it” pieces that every girl dreams of owning (think Acne wedges, Topshop pants and Alexander Wang tissue thin tops).   The wooden floors, creaky stairs and long hallways all add to its appeal and their legendary sales shouldn’t be missed.

Planet Blue - If you’re after that beachy, California-girl vibe, this place has you covered.  Everything from their long, bohemian dresses and distressed jeans to their cult favorite fragrances and bikinis is impeccably chic and understated.  Bonus: Depending on where you’re staying, you’re sure to be close to one of their seven locations.

Intuition - A favorite among celebrities, this trendy boutique is always stocked with stand-out pieces and comfy basics alike.  The store is located in an unassuming spot in West L.A., but their jewelry section alone (men’s style watches and delicate necklaces) is worth the trek.

Madison - This is one of those stores from which you’d be happy to buy all of your clothes and never worry about getting bored.  Everything from their Minnie Rose sweaters and Marc Jacobs blouses to their LnA leggings and Sam Edelman sandals is stylish with that fabulous just-threw-it-together-as-I-ran-out-the-door feel.

Switch - I admittedly hadn’t heard of a majority of the designers in this Beverly Hills boutique, but managed to familiarize myself quite quickly.  New favorites include Nanushka (could this top be any cooler?), Dallin Chase and Mabel for their intricate detailing and girly appeal.

Mark Bittman’s 101 Simple Salads became an overnight sensation among foodies with good reason.   If you love salad, but find yourself sick of the same old lettuce routine, you’ll be in awe of his creative combinations.  I didn’t get too far down the list (#2) before I finalized yesterday’s lunch plans.  After buying all the ingredients at the farmers’ market, I made his peach and tomato salad with slivers of red onion, chile flakes and cilantro tossed in a lemon juice and olive oil vinaigrette (I added avocado for a bit of creamy texture).  The final result was a light and refreshing salad bursting with flavor and tremendous depth.

Dolce Vita Dress, Rebecca Minkoff Bag, F21 Watch, Vintage Bracelets, Fendi Platforms

Even though I had already gone to the Barneys warehouse sale, my mom’s visit this past weekend prompted us to head downtown again.  These Fendi lace-up wedges caught my eye immediately and I love how the mirrored platforms are offset by the black suede.  They definitely provide a much-needed edge to my shoe collection and I can’t wait to pair them with tights for fall.

You might not always ask for the advice you’re given, but some of it’s certainly worth listening to.   I was recently asked by my manager what piece of advice had the biggest impact on my life and narrowing it down proved to be quite tough.  Here are just a few words of wisdom that I live by.

-It doesn’t matter if you fail as long as you’ve tried your best.

-When a person shows you who they are, believe them the first time.

-Never settle for less than what truly makes you happy.

-Don’t stress the small stuff.

-Eat dessert first.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?