Cafe Roma in Beverly Hills

T-shirt by Disney. Skirt by Highway. Shoes by Iro. Bag by KC Jagger. Ring by Guess. 

Although today is officially the beginning of October, if you reside in Los Angeles you would argue that it still feels very much like summer. Granted we don't have much of the season weather many other regions are accustomed to, I love that slight shift in the weather where you can feel the climate actually changing. It cools down a little in the evenings, and you can finally enjoy dining outside without sticking to your seat. 

One of my favorite places to enjoy the scenery as much as the food is Cafe Roma in Beverly Hills. Located on Canon Dr., this little cafe features delicious Italian food and award-winning cocktails. I'm not kidding about the "award-winning" part either, one of their cocktails actually placed first in a Tuscany contest (and those Italians know their food and drinks)! On weekend nights, they also have a DJ playing top hits to liven up their happy hour scene. Be aware the clientele is slightly more mature--many divorcee and silver fox types. 

Either way this eatery is upscale yet the atmosphere is relaxed and not too pretentious. Ask to be seated on the patio (they have a separate outdoor space for quick bites and dinner) and bask in the glory of this amazing weather. Order the "The Best" if you like gin, and breathe in that Beverly Hills air (surprisingly it's free). Don't forget to take a walk down Canon Dr. or the famous Rodeo Dr. a block away-- glimmering lights, beautiful people, it's called Tinseltown for a reason! 

My Three Favorite Looks From The Week Of 9/21/15

(all images via www.vogue.com)

Fashion week continues... in Milan! I am head over heels for these three looks from Luisa Beccaria, Alberta Ferretti, and Salvatore Ferragamo, respectively! As we all know much of the fashion trends originate from Europe, so it's time to take note!

 

To be honest, I am not extremely familiar with the designer Luisa Beccaria but judging from this look and a preview of the S/S 2016 collection it is very similar to Philosophy. The styling is not my favorite, it reminds me of a cross between "ladies who lunch" and festival fashion, I do however love this dress! The deep v-cut and sheerness of the fabric is perfectly combined with a more conservative and dainty print. It's all about balance my friends! My final verdict-- You can be that lady that lunches or a festival goer and still look fabulous and age appropriate in this dress.

 

The styling of the second look is something I typically gravitate towards. It's minimal, yet the details are edgy and prevalent. A messy bun with statement earrings is total must in the summer, and frankly any season for that matter! The lace detail on the linen maxi dress is perfection! This what I mean by edgy-- the concept is simple but the look is perfectly "careless" it's genius!

 

Not all super heroes wear capes, but invest in one if you want to be a hero in the fashion world! Ivory cape over an ivory dress with a pop of color in the shoes-- how chic! I have also been seeing the "big pearl on a thin strand" necklaces everywhere! Beautiful encore by Salvatore Ferragamo!

Fork Restaurant on Sunset Blvd.

Top by Laila and Savannah. Skirt by Miss Me. Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell. Bag by KC Jagger. 

I am a huge fan of Mediterranean food, but unfortunately it is not a very popular cuisine on the LA scene. Most people actually shy away from the the flavors and exoticism of these dishes. Thankfully I now have a solution for these deprived souls and it's called "Fork" on Sunset Blvd., a new and tiny gem of a restaurant combining American and Mediterranean food. Fun fact-- it is owned by Roy Handler (celebrity chef and Chelsea Handler's brother). 

This new and unique eatery offers indoor rustic chic decor, as well as outdoor diner ambiance. The set up seems to be a little confusing at first, but I like the idea of being able to sit outside while ordering from the indoor bar (indoor seating is also available).  It is intimate enough for a date spot, yet open until 4AM for those late night munchies after the bars and clubs. Now on to the most important part-- the food! Le Grand Formage, Mediterranean Tacos, Baklava Cheesecake, I kid you not that my mouth is watering as I am writing this. I can also concur the dishes are as delicious as they sound! Stick a fork in that and nix the kale (for now)! 

My Three Favorite Looks From The Week Of 9/14/15

(all images via www.vogue.com)

This week was the commencement of New York Fashion Week S/S 2016, and of course I had to celebrate in style (pun intended) by choosing my three favorite looks from the runway. The first two shots are from the Naeem Khan Spring/Summer 2016 collection. Truth be told if I could I would put every look from the show into this post, but sadly I have to keep it to task, as well as add some variety. I chose Julien Macdonald's Spring/Summer 2016 collection as the final selection.

 

Naeem Khan is by far my favorite designer of all time! His creativity and talent are clearly evident this season, frankly throughout his career for that matter. It also helps that the styling is completely on point! The silhouette, the colors, the accessories-- the workings of a masterpiece by a mastermind!

 

Though I am not a fan of the hair and make-up (it is a trend I am trying my best to avoid), I do love this piece by Julien Macdonald. The draping of this dress is beautifully done; considering the length is not ultra short, this makes the dress sexy instead of tacky. The boxy/relaxed fit is something we have come to love about summer dresses. I am also happy to see the lace up sandal will be around next year, because I am a huge fan!

Visiting Sawtelle Blvd. in West Los Angeles

Pantsuit by Mind Code. Shoes by Aldo. Bag by Hardware. Necklace by Melinda Maria. Watch by Guess. 

Most people are familiar with Chinatown and Koreatown in Los Angeles, but very few are aware that down Olympic Blvd is a little known secret called Sawtelle Blvd. bringing together a mecca of Japanese culture and inspiration. Growing up in Los Angeles I was lucky enough to witness the growth of this area from just a few cafes and stores to a multitude of of trendy eateries, grocery stores, and boutiques, just to name a few. Bear in mind this strip only extends from Santa Monica Blvd. to Olympic Blvd. meaning (for the non LA locals) it's only about 6 blocks or so. Condensed, however, doesn't indicate overcrowded and overwhelming (although parking can be rough). It still remains a bit of a hidden gem which many LA natives keep to themselves. 

Although offering mainly Japanese cuisine, a few of the restaurants do have Korean and Chinese food influences. The shopping here is also rather unique. Many of the store carry very cultural (yet contemporary) and one of a kind items, which you will probably never need but can't help yourself to buy! One of my favorite stores is "Tokyo Japanese Outlet" which has an enormous supply of various knick knacks and trinkets. They also have fabulous skin care masks and products. It's no secret the Japanese have amazing skin! Make sure to also check out the "$1.50" store across the street, the Japanese version of the "Dollar Store." While you're on your shopping high, pop in to "Beard Papa" for a cream puff to get a sugar high. Although the typical Japenese dessert is shaved ice, don't worry, that's only a block away! You can possibly spend hours exploring, and the irony is it's only one street! 

Exploring Larchmont Village in Silverlake, Los Angeles

Top by Converse. Leather Skirt by Sanctuary. Boots by Not Rated. Bag by KC Jagger. Belt by Hardware. 

Although I love Los Angeles and all it has to offer, I also appreciate areas of the city which make you think you are no longer in LA. The irony is beyond my grasp of understanding! The funny thing is there are many places which make you forget you are in one of the biggest cities in the world. Larchmont Village is one of them!

This little area in the heart of Silvelake is so cozy and dainty, it feels like you were teleported to some small town in Vermont (I also want to make it a point that I have never visited Vermont). This is my imagination at work! Dainty cafes and boutiques fill the street, while people actually walk and sip on coffee and snack on gluten-free scones (yes, we are steered back to the LA mentality). 

I recently read this quote on Instagram which said "I like to hang out with people that make me forget to look at my phone," this is true, but "I like to turn my 1-hour brunch into a 3-hour excursion with laughs and selfies." I may have just created the motto for my generation (kidding, I won't accept this much credit). Regardless, Larchmont Village really is a place where time is not of the essence. It's relaxing, serene, and most importantly just a short drive from central Los Angeles. The next time you're wanting to toss something at the guy that cut you off in traffic, just redirect yourself here! Buy yourself a decaf, non-fat latte and chill. Free therapy (well almost free, if you count that latte)!!! 

My Three Favorite Looks From The Week Of 9/7/15

(www.nowfashion.com)

(www.feudiguaineri.com)

(www.indigitalimages.com)

I'm spotting a trend here... I think I died and went to shimmer/sequence heaven (please don't take me back!). To no surprise, my three favorite looks for this week are all from New York Fashion Fashion S/S 2016, and I'm sure everyone spotted the clear cut theme here. Glitter and shimmer will be everywhere for the Spring and Summer 2016 season! My picks are from Prabal Gurung, Sally LaPointe, and Tibi respectively.

The first look needs no introduction, because a copper sequence dress + olive skin + a deep v-cut = undeniable perfection! The second look has the workings of an experienced and fabulous stylist (and of course designer). A metallic/silver sheath combined with a beaded red trench is a like a fairytale come true, but with those nude cutout sandals, well we can all feel like Cinderella (warning: prince not included)! The last look is so delicate yet with a hint of sex appeal, given the sheer stripes on the dress and the openness on the sides of the dress (a la overalls effect).

I also want to direct your attention to the absence accessories. I kind of admire this bareness. A beautiful piece requires no validation and no compliment-- it's a mere work of art. Who knew it can be so hard to keep something so simple? I guess we call this life in general!



Toca Madera Restaurant and Bar

Blazer by Forever 21. Pants by Mango. Shoes by Pour La Victoire. Bag by Aldo. 

Earrings by Alexis Bitter. Brown Gem Necklace was a gift. California necklace purchased at the Fairfax Flea Market. Body Chain by Forever 21. 

Organic, vegan, gluten-free, Mexican, yep you guessed it's in LA, and a new hotspot in West Hollywood called Toca Madera. Don't take my word for it just drive by 8450 3rd Ave. on a Saturday night and look for the endless line building up at their front door. You can try your luck at scoring a dinner reservation but if that fails entry to the bar may be just as tricky. There's actually a bouncer at the door-- this is the first time I've seen this at a restaurant!

We were lucky enough to try this place for ourselves due to a few connections and here are the deets-- muy caliente clientele, eccentric and funky yet beautiful decor, an attractive female DJ spinning the top 40, and the most delicious drinks! Sorry no comment on the food just yet-- still working on that reservation! This is by far the place to come see and be seen, and this leads to an extremely overcrowded space-- which slightly lowers my motivation to return. If you do crave a look for yourself, make sure to ask Juan the bartender to mix you up something special, you will not be disappointed! 

My Three Favorite Looks From The Week Of 8/31/15

(www.dailymail.co.uk)

(www.zimbio.com)

(carolinesmode.com)

I feel like this week I had an overload of fashion inspiration, in fact I had a hard time picking my three favorites, although these most certainly stood out from the rest. I should probably be preparing myself for the abundance of photos I am about to come upon for New York Fashion Week.

My first selection is Diane Kruger at the Venice Film Festival. Although I am not always a fan of some of her looks she is definitely considered a trendsetter amongst the fashion world. I do admire that she is a risk taker and never looks boring. Granted she did use a tried and true look here (feminine frock with menswear boots), the pieces themselves are very beautiful! The dress is very intricate and yet not delicate to slowly transition into her rugged boots. The soft hair is also a perfect touch! No jewelry either to keep the look simple yet contemporary.

Hailee Steinfield hasn't really been on my radar, but lately I have found myself coming across her "Fashion Spot" page often. She must have hired a new stylist because her looks have been very bold yet smooth in delivery. I noticed her mixing colors and patterns with the grace of a fashion elitist! Way to go! The pink and blue hues are beyond gorgeous, and the cut of the skirt is completely on point!

The last look is from a Stockholm streetstyle blog, which by the way is a great resource for fashion inspiration, many of the looks are rather eccentric but for the most part very fashion forward. This one in particular will be set aside in my mental lookbook for use this fall. A simple button down with a structured leather skirt, a drawstring bag (which is a great investment for the coming seasons), and a pop of color in the shoes. This woman also added a favorite of mine-- a long necklace with a low V-neck. Maybe I should be considering a trip to Stockholm...

Exploring Santee Alley in Downtown Los Angeles

Top by Chaser. Shorts by Ambiance Apparel. Hat purchased at Third Street Promenade. Glasses by Ralph Lauren. Shoes by Aldo. Bag by Old Navy. 

My Purchases

Slip-ons by Soda. Sandals by Italina. Dress by Audrey 3+1. Skirt by Hot & Delicious. 

In a few of my previous blog posts I touched upon visiting Santee Alley and the surrounding Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles. It's always had a special place in my heart for two reasons-- its undeniably unique culture and the memories I have from coming here decades ago with my mom. I remember many years ago Downtown Los Angeles was synonymous with "knock-offs," and although there is still some presence of this, this shopping district has developed vastly to offer diverse and contemporary and often rare goods, at extremely discounted prices. However in all its development you can be sure the ambiance remains just as busy, rambunctious, with a great prevalence of Latino culture (the heart and start of Los Angeles). 

I urge all locals and visitor of Los Angeles to visit this area at least once as it gives a different perspective on Los Angeles and its diversity. What you must know if you plan to come here is you need several hours to explore this region, bring cash (many places do not accept credit or debit cards, and may even give a discount if you pay in cash), bring a friend (there are still areas of downtown which are considered unsafe). Santee Alley itself is located on 210 E. Olympic Blvd. My advice is to use this as your central point and take the time to discover surrounding shops based around it; this will make it easier to navigate. In prior years it was considered the norm to haggle over price at downtown shops, and although this is still being done, don't be surprised if a vendor refuses this practice-- the economy and culture of this locale is slowly shifting. Without a doubt however, you will get an unbeatable price!!! Another trick of the trade when shopping here is you will notice many stores carry the same items, so be careful when purchasing something on a whim, my motto is if it seems overpriced, keep looking around; you may find the same thing for less in another store. It's also wise to check for quality, even it the price is low you still want your purchase to last for some time! 

Usually my last stop of the excursion is Michael Levine, a fabric store located on 920 Maple Ave S. Even if it's just to peek around the beautiful patterns and textures of their beyond huge selection, I always feel inspired. Often it's a great alternative to purchase a favorite fabric for a small project, or if you have a great idea in mind which a seamstress can put to use. I purchased linen fabric here which I used to create curtain sheers for my window-- The total of this project was under $150 (including hired labor)!