Laurel Hardware Restaurant in West Hollywood

Top by Mean Girls. Skirt by Young, Fabulous, and Broke. Shoes by Steve Madden. Bag by Old Navy. 

It's so funny to think that when Laurel Hardware in West Hollywood first opened I would have never considered coming here given that it I had no idea it was even a restaurant. The outside appears to be a hardware store (and to no surprise it once was), however step inside and you find yourself in a modern, industrial, yet hip and chic looking space with a beautiful and serene patio. 

As you first enter the restaurant, white linen curtains and long farmhouse tables decorate the room, keep walking through and you will find a boisterous bar with hipsters and a young business crowd enjoying either a sit-down dinner or happy hour, or both. Finally you reach a tree adorned, dazzling, calm space outside (but don't be fooled because trying to get a reservation outside is anything but calming). 

As we were seated for dinner at a communal table, I cringed just a bit (I'm not a fan of people eavesdropping on my conversation) and regretted not making my reservation sooner. Seating chart let down, but I still have high hopes for the food. After reading through the rather short menu we decide to share the squash pizza; in Los Angeles we love pizza, just not the carbs and the fat. Now if we can only decide on a side salad... After noticing the amazing salad the strangers dining next to us have selected, and playing the guessing game, we finally asked them. "The Lollipop Sprouts," they politely replied. Umm, Laurel Hardware please think of a better name for this "Holy Grail of Salads" because I was about to fore go on a little piece of heaven due to it's disgusting name. Wow, this salad was sooooooo good (maybe I should add another o). It literally melted in my mouth, think of how good it tastes to eat desert but you're actually eating a healthy salad. The pizza was also a hit! 

Ladies and gentlemen, I am now in full understanding as to why this place is still a hot spot after several years. 

Oh Yes It's Ladies Night (Suggestions for Bar Hopping with Girlfriends)

Top by Ro&De. Shorts by Forever 21. Shoes by Nine West. Bag by Aldo. 

This past weekend my boyfriend headed to Vegas for a "boys" trip, so it was only right to host a "girls" night here in LA. We started the night off with drinks at Craig's in West Hollywood. In addition to being a fabulous restaurant with unique and delicious dishes, Craig's also has a great bar scene. Just as West Hollywood itself, the bar attracts an eccentric crowd, although ironically the decor is very traditional and almost New York like with its brick walls. After some gossip and a round of strong pomegranate martinis we were equipped to continue the night right up the street at Rasputin (a gay club on Robertson Blvd.). 

I have to say gay clubs are completely underrated, because they're not only good for the boys, but a blast for dancing the night away with your girlfriends (as we did). Here's the 411 on gay clubs in West Hollywood-- great music (normally top 40), friendly atmosphere, large venues, and no shortage of characters. Aside from Rasputin, my other favorites are The Abbey and Penthouse Pet. So the next time the boys are out of town, gather the girls to rejoice for a night in "boys town". 

My Three Favorite Looks From The Week of 7/20/15

(www.dailymail.co.uk)

(www.harpersbazaar.com.sg)

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I have to admit I've been a fan of Hilary Duff since her "Lizzie McGuire" days. We're similar in age, and her show was then a favorite for many pre-teen girls. Fun fact: The filming was actually done at my high school in West Los Angeles. It's refreshing to see that she has stayed so wholesome and classy throughout so many years. Although her event looks are usually flawless I do admire her street style candids. Noticeably she doesn't shy away from colors, and this look exemplifies that. I wouldn't think to put together yellow and red, but I do really like this! It may be that separately both the dress and shoes have beautiful details which probably helps to put together the look, either way it looks great! Looking forward to try this combo! 

Cara Delevingne, that is all I have to say. Forget the fact that she drop dead gorgeous, a supermodel, cool, fun, can sing, I can keep going-- but now she is also an actress! I am actually proud of this jealousy I have for her. I picked this look from her recent movie premiere in particular because it's rather different for her. I normally see her dressed down in a more casual swag (although she can probably make a garbage bag look amazing), this is a new level of glamor for her. The cut out on the chest is a perfect hint of sexy, along with the length and style this dress is just beautifully crafted! Sequence can be either tacky or classy, but I wouldn't expect anything less of perfect from YSL. 

The last look I stumbled upon on Pinterest. I was eventually redirected to a seemingly Spanish blogger with gorgeous style-- bless the power of the Internet. Of course her dress is vintage-- basically anything this beautiful and intricate is rarely recreated or found at Bloomy's or Nordstrom. I have to admit other then the pattern, the design of the dress is actually pretty simple. This inspires me to find some beautiful fabric and have a similar dress or caftan sewn for me! I will keep you all updated on the fruition of this project! 

Exploring Silverlake

Top by Forever 21. Skirt by Mango. Shoes by Dune London. Bag by KC Jagger. Glasses by Ralph Lauren. 

Silverlake in Los Angeles has become renown for its variety of cool restaurants and shops. It truly makes me wish I could visit more often. Recently I had lunch at “Home” (what a cute name for a restaurant by the way) where their French toast ranked top 5 best on my mental list. My boyfriend had the jerk chicken, and we shared the crab cakes. Both were exceptional!

I also give them credit for creating such a warm and home-y décor in a rathe large space. Another cool touch to note was the beautiful fountain right in the middle of the restaurant. Furthermore the service was noticeably attentive (which is rare to see in a trendy place).

Across the street, I stumbled upon “Liberate Emporium,” a small store with an array of knick-knacks regarding energy healing, astrology, crystals, candles, etc.—very LA, I know! Although they offer psychic readings and hypnotherapy don’t be afraid of them, not once did they approach me about this in the store. Bear in mind even if you’re not looking to buy anything, you will walk out with something—it’s that kind of place! Interesting place to check out, at least to broaden the horizons.   

Saturday at STK Restaurant

Top by Zara. Skirt is Vintage. Shoes by Pour La Victoire. Bag by Aldo. Hat by Forever 21. 

I'm normally not a fan of chain restaurants but a friend of mine convinced me to check out the new STK at The W Hotel in Westwood. In my opinion, it was wise move on their part, as the previous location on La Cienega (restaurant row) was amidst a cluster of upscale and trendy spots (and a bit of an older crowd) which saturated any hope to standout. Aside from their famous steaks, they also had a great bar scene which luckily transcended to the Westside.

I am actually glad I gave this place a try because the DJ and drinks were on fleek! I also liked that the patrons were dressed up-- it's unfortunate we don't have enough of that in LA. According to a reliable source, they are also working on adding a patio area. I see a lot of potential here, and will definitely be back to see the final result!

My Three Favorite Looks From The Week of 7/13/15

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Despite my love for culottes and wide pants I promise I did not choose my three favorite looks from this weeks simply based on this factor. Normally I have a hard time selecting my three favorites from the multiple photos I come across, but this week was rather slim pickens. I do my research from recent fashion shows, parties, street style/blogs, and star style. I'm not sure if this week was a slow week for fashion, but when I came across all three of these looks I knew these were it!

In the first look, I not only love the wide pants and crop top on model Jayne Moore, but the color combo is on point (especially with the red purse). Many fashion books (or so called guides) will tell you not to combine black and navy blue, but personally I hate this supposed rule! In my opinion, it's a very chic combo!

I adore actress Gabrielle Union's revival of the 70's twin set. Absolutely gorgeous! By adding a sleeveless trench it brings a touch of high fashion and edge. More than likely this was styled for her, but the blue tones from her outfit with a jade purse work really well together. Most people would shy away from the multiple colors, but I feel like when some of the tones are muted (such as her pants and top), it is a definite do!

Sara Sampaio's look is an excellent take on the "little black" ensemble! The culottes with an oversized sleeveless blazer are great for the summer but also very rock and roll/hip. Granted I would not personally wear all black, I think it looks fabulous on her! A pop of color on the shoes, bag, or jewelry would be my take on the look. 

Beach Day in Pacific Palisades

Bathing Suit by Apollo Swimwear.

Warm sand, blue waters, Thai food, no you're not in Phuket, but you can certainly enjoy authentic Thai food a pebble's throw from Pacific Palisades in LA (pun intended). Kudos to my boyfriend for discovering Cholada-- a little gem right on the beach. Though I am not extremely versed in Thai cuisine, the friendly staff will not hesitate to make great suggestions. Don't be deterred by the low-key, shack-like appearance of this establishment. The food is fresh, delicious, and the prices are not dirt cheap. Bear in mind the portions are rather large. My food recommendations are the golden bags (wontons filled with chicken and shrimp), pad thai (of course!), and the fresh young coconut drink (the absolute most delicious coconut water you will ever have!). After a hearty meal, feel free to take a stroll on the beach, located literally across the street. Feels like you're in Phuket already, no international flight price applied!

Lemonade Cafe

Top by Timing. Skirt by Bebe. Bag by Rebecca Minkoff. Shoes by Pour La Victoire. 

O how I love a relaxing and refreshing Sunday lunch, and o how rare that is in LA. Everywhere has a wait! Imagine my surprise to find Lemonade on Beverly with no line! A part of me reluctantly writes this because now the secret is obviously no more. Although, this place is so fabulous I had to share. 

The best way to describe this cafe is a cafeteria-like setting with salads, sandwiches, meats, fish, dessert, and of course lemonade. It's very rustic chic, but very cozy! You didn't hear it from me but their lemonade is not anything to write home about. Ironic I know. However, their side dishes are all very unique and absolutely delicious! My favorite are the broccoli with ricotta, Israeli couscous with mushrooms, and the kale salad.  I also like all the salmon options, ahi tuna, and their brownies for dessert! Everything on the menu is very fresh and affordable. It's actually kind of hard to decide on what you want because everything looks so good!