Tipple & Brine in Sherman Oaks, CA

T-shirt by Chaser. Shorts by Levi. Belt by Hardware. Bag by Aldo. Bracelet by Armani. Shoes are vintage. 

In high school, I had a friend who lived in Sherman Oaks. He threw the best parties because there really wasn't much else to do around the area. When his parents weren't home, we would reluctantly relocate to the Bowling Alley next to Jerry's Famous Deli (o the good ol' days). As I grew older and moved away to college, I returned to a completely different world. Sherman Oaks was actually hip! 

It is no secret, for the past few years several areas of LA have been developing rapidly into trendsetting areas which offer great restaurants and shopping. Sherman Oaks is one of them!

Over the past weekend, I visited Tipple & Brine, a new seafood joint in the Sherman Oaks area. Though the farmhouse chic decor has been done five ways from Sunday, I can't fault them for trying to hold in with the pack. The atmosphere was lively and the food fresh! Though a little daring, it was perfect for my palate. My motto is try everything once! I like how many dishes involved seafood into American favorites such as sea urchin toast, and seared calamari salad. Of course they also have your typical market fish and oysters; several options are non seafood, and include delicious entrees, salads, and sides. I tried the oysters, brussels sprouts, and sea urchin toast. Everything was scrumptious! 

The service was not perfect, but luckily we were too busy enjoying ourselves to care. If you come, request to sit by the window, and enjoy your meal while you people watch. Apparently there is life over the canyon! 

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)! 

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)!!! 

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! 

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)!

Fringe Benefits

Top by Zara. Skirt by Hot & Delicious. Belt by Joie. Shoes by Dune London. Bag by Michelle Fantaci for Lauren Merkin.  

Seeing as fringe is popping up everywhere from magazine to street style, I was so excited to debut my fringe skirt last night. What better time to do so than my girlfriend's country-western themed birthday party. I came across this little number shopping in Santee Alley in Downtown Los Angeles last week (will be doing a post on this shortly) and fell in love! I paired it with a simple striped tee to let the skirt stand out. Generally it's important to keep accessories simple when an article of clothing is very unique, or you want to let it pop. Here is a link to a few great ideas for wearing a fringe skirt via Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?rs=ac&len=2&q=fringe+skirt&term_meta%5B%5D=fringe%7Cautocomplete%7C0&term_meta%5B%5D=skirt%7Cautocomplete%7C0

Zanzibar Lounge in Santa Monica

Top by Chaser. Shorts by BCBG Max Azria. Shoes by Tracey Ross. Bag by Vince Camuto (link at the bottom of the page). 

I was literally catapulted back to the late 90's/early 00's this past Saturday when visiting Zanzibar in Santa Monica. I know EDM is all the rage in every club, but sometimes it feels good to actually listen to music you can dance to (not jump to). Nonstalgia was the theme of the night as the DJ spun tunes from my middle and high school days, and how good it felt to bring back my "Homecoming" dance moves. 

Although if rap and r&b are not your cup of tea or more appropriately cocktail of choice, this lounge varies music genres based on the day of the week, i.e. they offer Salsa lessons and dancing on Mondays (adding this to my iPhone calendar).  Though I had an absolute blast, I have to point out the decor of this place is extremely outdated or possibly just tasteless. Candles, tiki masks, and various tribal and cultural artifact thrown together with no real theme is a rather strange setting. Needless to say it attracts an eclectic crowd of all ages and walks of life. If you're just looking for a place to dance the night away like the good ol' days this is your spot, but don't expect much more than that.