Saturday Night Fever (Where To Go Disco Dancing in LA!)

Shorts, Top, and Bracelet are vintage. Shoes by Aldo. Bag by Alexis Hudson. Location is The Standard Hotel Hollywood. 

Location is The Standard Hotel Hollywood. 

Location is The Standard Hotel Hollywood. 

Location is The Standard Hotel Hollywood. 

Location is Oil Can Harry's. 

Location is Oil Can Harry's. 

Location is Oil Can Harry's. 

This past Saturday we headed to The Standard Hotel in Hollywood to check out Giorgio's. A friend of mine recently raved about how much fun he had at this (fairly) new disco club and I absolutely couldn't wait to check it out for myself! I was also excited to show off my new outfit which I picked up at Celebrity Consignments in Palm Springs (one of my new favorite vintage spots). 

Clearly I was not around during the disco era, but will never pass up an opportunity to sing along to Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," or shake it to The Bee Gees' "Stayin Alive." Side note: Saturday Night Fever is one of my top faves! 

Unfortunately, they were having a private event so my excitement has been put on a brief pause. Though I was initially surprised the same club which caters to the likes of Mick Jagger and P.Diddy operates at The Standard Hotel, I did enjoy the California chic ambiance present throughout the property. Previously, I was never really a fan of their avant-garde take on decor-- a model casually laying in a glass box behind the front desk. However, the rest of the lobby was rather luring. I probably wouldn't come back to the hotel for leisurely drinks, but I wouldn't be opposed to start my night here. 

Despite the minor set back we were still in the disco mood, so we headed over the hill to Studio City to dance the rest of the night away at "Oil Can Harry's." It is one of the oldest bars in LA which typically hosts disco nights on Saturdays. I must say this place is reminiscent of the song "It's Raining Men," but I have never had anything short of a great time here! Considering it's been open for nearly 50 years, I would say it's worth a look. Wear whatever and bring whoever you like, I promise you will never be judged here! If you also feel like singing the oldies, they have a karaoke room on the second floor! 

My Three Favorite Looks From the Week of 7/6/15

(hollywoodreporter.com)

(style.com)

(style.com)

When I first came across this image from this year's AMFAR soiree, I couldn't really pinpoint why I fell in love with this look. Then, I realized it's Naomi Campbell! This is how you wear a "little black dress" ladies and gentleman. She can do no wrong! Just the right amount of accessories and a perfect dress fit! 

Italian socialite Bianca Brandolini D'Adda (left) had a lot of fabulous looks from the 2015 Paris Couture Week, but this one was my favorite. I would say I am becoming a fan of the see through look when done elegantly and properly, like this. 

Although Lily Donaldson's outfit is very minimalistic, it is very a la Kate Moss. I love how she lets the dress stand out-- no jewelry, simple shoe, and an added thin belt. Her hair is "perfectly messy" and her make up is appropriate for evening time, but once again doesn't steal the spotlight from her dress. I also love how this can totally be pulled off by an average gal! 

My Trip To Palm Springs, CA

On the drive from LA to Palm Springs.

Downtown Palm Springs. T-shirt by James Perse (banner link on the right -->). Shorts by Ambiance Apparel. Hat by old Navy. Glasses by Gucci. Sandals by Tory Burch.

Lulu's California Bistro. Avocado and Tuna Tartare, Chicken Skewers with Mango, and Pear and Walnut Salad.

The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage Lobby Favorites.

Loved the bathtub in our room. 

Entrance to the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage Spa.

Coverup by Stefano Mortari.

Bag by Theodora and Callum.

Bathing Suit by Victoria Secret.

Breakfast and Lunch by State Fare Bar + Kitchen at The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage.

Dress by Lulifama. Shoes by Wanted.

Bag by Michelle Fantaci for Lauren Merkin.

Dinner at Sammy G's Tuscan Grill (Downtown Palm Springs). Great spot for live music. Hawaiian Sea Bass, Margherita Pizza, and Amaretto with Biscotti. 

Dress by Magaschoni Collection. Shoes by Tracey Ross. Bag by Stuart Weitzman. Bracelet by Armani. Headband by House of Harlow. 

Pre-fixe menu at The Edge Steakhouse at The Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage. Split Pea Soup, Crab Ravioli, and Chocolate Cake (missing one bite). The filet mignon was so good it was eaten before a picture was taken. 

Breakfast on the patio for our last morning. Take a look at that view! 

I feel like Palm Springs is to LA as the Hamptons is to New York, only we can actually enjoy it longer than 3 months out of the year. In fact, the best time to visit is probably April/May or September/October, when the weather is not too hot or too cold (it can get pretty chilly in the winter). 

Palm Springs has always been a slower kind of city, but there is ample culture and glamour. Hollywood legends such as Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and so many more were all residents bringing class and glitz to a city which itself is a beautiful desert oasis. The culture and ambiance is exactly what made me fall in love with this amazing place!

After my most recent trip to the new Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage (an adjacent town to Palm Springs), I have decided to share my favorite places to visit in Palm Springs with everyone.

Hotels (in no particular order)

1. The Parker, Riviera, Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage (if you don't mind driving to the main area of Palm Springs--downtown, these are gorgeous and luxurious properties)

2. Renaissance (very typical large hotel with all the standard amenities, walking distance to downtown)

3. Colony Palms (quaint, boutique hotel, walking distance to downtown; I love that they let guests borrow vintage looking bicycles to explore the city)

4. Desert Riviera (I have actually never stayed here but it has long been #1 on TripAdvisor.com; worth adding it to my list)

Restaurants (in no particular order)

1. Sherman’s (This is probably more of a nostalgic mention as I have been coming here for breakfast for years with my family. All the waiters have been here for ages and it's a very old-school diner which serves up your basic, yet tasty breakfast and lunch. For those of you from LA, it is very a la Canter's on Fairfax)

2. Lulu’s California Bistro (fresh and very extensive menu suitable for literally anyone; great for breakfast and lunch)

3. Melvyn’s/Copley's/Le Vallauris (fine dining options which all have that old Hollywood glamour feel with extremely amazing dishes!) 

4. Farm (farm to table breakfast/lunch place; extremely hard to find because it is behind a wedding chapel, and through a garden; they are closed on Mondays and 2PM all other days--plan accordingly)

Nightlife (in no particular order)

1. La Terraza Grill (live music and fabulous Margaritas) 

2. Amado Rd. (a street filled wth lively bars and clubs/lounges; also popular popular with LGBT)

Shopping (in no particular order)

1. Uptown Arts/Design District (art and furniture galleries)

2. Downtown Boutiques (fun and affordable stores varying from clothing, home decor, pet stores, and other knick knacks; great place to get gifts)

3. Celebrity Consignment/Wonderama/Mitchells/ Revivals/Déjà Vu (Palm Springs is known for their vintage stores)

4. Dessert Hills Outlets (amazing deals on both inexpensive and designer clothing!)

Other Activities (in no particular order)

1. Aerial Tramway through the city

2. Hiking (http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/April-2010/5-Amazing-Desert-Hikes/)
3. Palm Springs Art Museum 
4. Palm Springs Air Museum

4th of July Vibes

T-shirt by H&M. Skirt by Mango. Shoes by 14th&Union.

As promised from a previous post, my 4th of July outfit! I spent the holiday hanging by the pool (unfortunately it was indoors so there was no tanning involved) and having dinner with my family (and boyfriend). Family, friends, and good food = great time!

Favorite and Super Easy 4th of July Recipe

I know most people love to BBQ on 4th of July, but if you're looking for a healthier alternative try my recipe for "Thin Crust Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza." This dish is incredibly delicious and so easy to make! As a side salad, cut up a few slices of tomato and a ball of mozzarella cheese, mix with oil and balsamic vinegar. So good! 

Thin Crust Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza

3 tbsp. of olive oil

Pillsbury brand thin crust dough

marinara sauce (amount to your liking)

Shredded mozzarella 

8 slices of prosciutto 

arugula (amount to your liking)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven. 

2. In the meantime, brush a rectangular metal sheet with about 2 tbsp. of olive oil. Open the dough container and spread out into a thin layer on the metal sheet. Some people like to use a little flour to make the dough less sticky, I prefer olive oil. I can't stress enough that the dough should be room temperature! It will be very hard to roll out cold dough. 

3. Poke dough with a fork once on the sheet. 

4. Spread marinara sauce over the dough. A light layer is fine, but if you love this stuff add a little more. No need to a buy an expensive brand because it all tastes the same on a pizza.

5. Add shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce. You can be generous with the cheese, because this will add more flavor. 

6. Place in the oven for about 10 minutes at 410-420 Fahrenheit depending on the strength of your oven. My oven gets incredibly hot so I keep it at 410. Keep an eye out for burning edges. 

7. Take out the pizza and spread out the slices of prosciutto. Place back in the oven for about 2-3 more minutes.

8. Before serving, sprinkle arugula on top and drizzle with a tbsp. of olive oil. 

My Three Favorite Looks of the Week, 4th of July Edition

(pinsbox.com)

(glamradar.com)

(1sillaparamibolsoblog.ed)

As promised via Instagram my favorite 4th of July looks. Healthy reminder you don't have to wear red, white, and blue head to toe or the American flag. In fact, to look more hip and stylish it is better to keep to two colors (or even one) since the combo of all three will rarely be worn on any other day.

The first look is literally wearable anywhere! Beach, BBQ, bar, you name it this will work. Casual yet edgy, fun and cool. Great choice! The second look is a little more daring because of the midriff, and it is casual so will most likely work for a relaxed get-together with friends. The last look is absolute perfection! If your plans require more formal wear, this will probably have people fawning over you. I believe they actually sell this on the website indicated (just guessing from my very feeble Spanish understanding of their site).

Happy styling, and wishing everyone a fabulous holiday! Stay tuned for my own look coming in the next few days. I will leave you with my 4th of July look from two years ago. 

Dress by Ted Baker. Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell. Bag by Michelle Fantaci for Lauren Merkin. 

Co-Owner of Relais de Paris Shares Her Thoughts on Opening a New Restaurant

Top by Club Monaco. Jeans by H&M. Shoes by Wanted. Bag purchased in Santa Barbara, CA at a local boutique. 

Just a few blocks west of La Cienega Blvd. more popularly referred to as restaurant row, "Relais de Paris" is serving up more than just a foodie's delight. With history unprecedented by most competitors in the area, the new owners of Relais de Paris hope the popularity so effortlessly defined by other locations all over the world will stand true in it's new home of Beverly Hills.

After enjoying an extremely exquisite and likewise savory lunch, I sat down with co-owner Vanessa Osman who alongside her father and sister have decided to relay the way of the French in both food and ambiance, with the new Relais de Paris location. If the thought of opening your own restaurant ever crossed your mind, here's what Vanessa had to say. Hint: you better have a lot of time on your hands!

ATR: How did you decided to open a French restaurant?

Vanessa: It all started with my dad. He became friends with the owner of the original Relais de Paris in Paris and also the Geneva location. He is actually the one that allows others to carry the name out to other regions. Because my dad already had an affection for traveling to Paris and French food, it seemed like a great opportunity to bring this passion back to Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.

ATR: How long did it take you to open the doors to the restaurant from the first step?

Vanessa: It's been a little over 6 months (and close to 3 years to scout the location). There has been a lot to negotiate, as well as clean up the mess from the former business which was here. There was a lot of disarray and we really wanted to change everything to fit our vision and consistency of a French bistro.

ATR: What challenges have you come across in opening a restaurant?

Vanessa: I haven't done this solely on my own. However, some of the challenges have been changing the structure within and finding a balance between the aesthetic you're thinking and what works! Also, you always have problems with contractors and the city. People say Beverly Hills is unforgiving but I've had a great experience. I've been pretty lucky to form great relationships with the city hall and builders.

ATR: What does it take to select a chef?

Vanessa: That is where word of mouth is really important! You can place an an ad and have many people come in, but does the resume match what they can actually do. Hiring on a great manager is what started everything. He was able to recommend a great chef, who was actually from France and had the experience we were looking for. You'd rather have the real deal!

ATR: What is your favorite meal and cocktail on the menu?

Vanessa: My favorite meal is the Entrecôte (their specialty steak and special sauce) because of the sauce. This is what people come here for! I like steak once in a while, but if I am going to have it, it needs to be special. This is also the only time I will allow myself to have fries. I am also a big fan of the Nicoise Salad, which is a traditional mix of greens, tuna, and hard boiled eggs. As far as cocktail, a dirty martini with blue cheese stuffed olives is very popular. What we are most proud of is kiroyal (French black current cream), which is a great mix for champagne. 

ATR: What are your plans for the future of the restaurant?

Vanessa: I want this to really be a second home for people. I had a teenager walk her dog past the restaurant for the last couples of months waiting for us to (officially) open. She then brought her family, and they loved it! I love the vibe here and I want people to have the same reaction. As far as expansion, I first want to see the whole restaurant filled. I have a lot of ideas-- possibly to turn one room into a private room, or one that serves a special menu.

I know the French say "life is too short to drink bad wine," but Relais de Paris' champagne and kiroyal is definitely a contender! You're welcome.