ICF UniqueLA Holiday Show Roundup

Hopefully you guys made it to the Unique LA (now known as State of Unique) Holiday Show this weekend. This was my first visit to the three year old design show created by Sonja Rasula, so I was pretty stoked to see what exactly crafty Angeleno's had to offer. However, I can't lie, the fact that my favorite DJ's, the Beat Ventriloquists, were spinning provided a hefty influence on my decision to attend this year. Checkout the awesome, some of them yummy, finds from vendors that peaked my interest and taste buds!

*Unique LA will soon be expanding to SF and NYC

Book Lust: Fashion Africa + LACMA extended

Fashion Africa is my essential must have book of the month! This past year I've really focused my attention on Africa's under exposed fashion industry. Those of you in the industry, hopefully have your eyes and ears open to the leading Designers and trends coming out of the Motherland. If not, pick up this book, which has been touted as the "ultimate fashion guide from Africa" that showcases "45 designers that have been influenced by the heartbeat, the many facets of history, culture, and people of Africa".

My last three book lust are fascinating extensions of my most recent visit to LACMA. You guys know by now, LACMA is like my 3rd home in LA. I cannot get enough of the place! It's like an awesome friend who   magically has something new and perfectly suited to what you just so happened to be in the mood for. Make a point to drop in and check out the Glenn Ligon: America exhibit on view thru January and the California Design "Living in a Modern Way"  exhibit on view thru June. If you missed the eerily whimsical Tim Burton exhibit, or in my case made it to the exhibit but felt like you needed 2 more trips just to really delve into the detail of his creations, take a piece of the exhibit home by purchasing the book. 

Fashion Africa by Jacqueline Shaw

Living in a Modern Way: California Design 1930-1965 by Wendy Kaplan

Glenn Ligon-Some Changes by Darby English, Wayne Baerwaldt, Huey Copleand and Glenn Ligon

The Art of Tim Burton by Tim Burton and Leah Gallo

FASH-back Friday!: Coral Hush Puppies

Item: Suede Coral Hush Puppies Loafers

Circa: Late 90's - In High School I was "lucky" enough to be part of the first class to become our schools "Classical High School". Meaning we had to wear uniforms while the upper level grades still wore regular clothing. (Completely unfair and ridiculous. I know...) So, just as I had experience with doing all throughout Junior High, I made myself standout  by adding unique pieces to my wardrobe whenever possible. Insert my coral Hush Puppies' here. My bff Suzanne and I were the only two girls in our school rocking punchy colored HP loafers. Not only were they super comfy, but they were outright fab and the perfect eyecatcher amongst the sea of khaki cardinal and white.

In the Present: Bright colors like coral pair beautifully with crisp white jeans and a bold top to match. I love lots of color and unique prints, so I'm never afraid to wear the two together. The combo makes for a fun and cheery outfit! Plus wearing loafers gives your feet a much needed chance to rest after wearing stilettos 24/7.

To purchase CLICK the corresponding thumbnail:

FASH-back Friday!: Kick Start

I'm always in love with reminiscing about past loves (of the non-human variety) so, I'm kicking off what I'd like to refer to as FASH-back Friday! I'll pick an item (clothing or otherwise) give you it's history relevant to my life and if possible show you where to score it and how to rock it in modern times. We all know fashion has a history of repeating itself, so why not be at the forefront of recreating a vintage trend!  

Check back tomorrow for my very first FASH-back, which is sure to be eye catching at the very least. But, in the meantime, I hope you enjoy my first ever poem about fashion, written over 6 years ago... Don't judge!

*If you have a past love you'd like to give new life to, feel free to post it on our Facebook wall with your description/ suggestions on how we can incorporate in a present day look.

We Experienced: Do you know Katie Monahan?

Some photos courtesy of Chanel Eakins

A once avid attendee of the Downtown LA Artwalk, I came across Katie Monahan's paintings on several occasions, always with sheer enthusiasm. What immediately caught my eye were the series of Reflections pieces done in black acrylic paint & shards of mirror from her Figures in Line collection. I'm always intrigued by things that reflect the juxtaposition between hard and soft or feminine and masculine, so for me it was love at first sight! During my last visit to the artwalk I visited her show again, this time having the chance to experience a few of her newer works like Girl in a Yellow Dress, Baggage, and Intact. I knew at that moment that I had to do a post on Katie. While fashion is an art form, I feel as if she's created a beautiful world right on the line between fashion and art. Combining one-part fashion illustration and one-part fine art, to produce beautiful works that are enjoyed by fashionites and art enthusiast alike.

Checkout my interview and hopefully you'll discover who Katie Monahan really is... For me, she's like that one really awesome charismatic friend who's so down to earth and just simply following her dreams. You can't help but to be inspired by her!

The Golfer

We Spotted: ELEV8 Boutique

Last weekend, while out for a stroll looking for new material, I finally made the decision to stop into ELEV8 boutique which is located in the heart of Long Beach's East Village Arts District. For whatever reason, I made the mistake of passing by this place many times in the past without stopping in... Luckily mistakes can be corrected!

Entering the vibrant red boutique adorned with metal pipes used as hanging racks and faux dismembered fingers that showcased their rings, it's really hard to ignore the uniqueness of ELEV8 which sets them apart from other local boutiques. With a clothing selection that suits the chill effortless laid back look that is SoCal, and most certainly Long Beach, co-owner Adrian Aglugub said that he and business partner Patrick Santa Ana wanted to bring a bit of Hollywood to LBC. Their vision is to tap into the City's potential and create [our] own fashion destination instead of [us] having to go elsewhere. Carrying brands like Truly Madly Deeply (which I purchased an olive colored striped mens tee for $25), and other clothing from local designers, allows them to offer affordable trendy fashions for everyone.  Adrian also mentioned that they were interested in partnering with local boutiques to put on a fashion show, which I immediately co-signed the idea suggesting that we nix the lack luster artwalk and host a fashion show once a month in its place. I'm really hoping the guys can manifest their vision into reality, because the retail industry in Long Beach needs a serious pick me up. But, I'm certain the ambitious visionary duo, just might be the one thing the city is missing!

The next time you're in the mood for shopping, hop on your cruiser and head to the East Village before you decide to spend your money elsewhere. I guarantee you it's more than worth it! If you don't believe me, take Kate Hudson's word for it, she's a fan too!

*Also checkout the stores website to get personal fashion tips, see clients rocking gear purchased in-house and frequently updated info on what's in store next!

Kate Hudson loves this place too! Those are her kisses...

My Quartz necklace I purchased for $12.50

Located: 105 Linden Ave, Long Beach, CA (562) 624-8889
Website: http://www.shopelev8.com/

We Spotted: Fall 2011 Runway to Reality

With the beginning of each season, change always follows which allows us a whirlwind of opportunities to become someone new, do something different,  take on a different perspective, etc... The possibilities of change are endless and the same can be said of fashion.

This season runways are showing a variety of trends, but my favorites so far have been: velvet, jewel-tone silk dresses, pairing red & purple, bold primary colors, and YSL's new "New Look" the "Network Look". (Btw, how awesome is it that our generation is blessed by one of the Fashion Gods with a "look"! One for the history books). So, taking a cue from a few of my favorite designers, here are five looks straight from the Fall 2011 runways shows translated into reality...

Rachel Roy:

We Experienced: LACMA- Gaining Fashion Inspiration from Art

 

Kerry James Marshall, De Style, 1993

 The "Black Paintings" of spanish old Master Francisco Goya and the expressionist drawings of American artist Charles White helped inspire Kerry James Marshall's series of moody paintings of shadowy figures. De Style alludes to two traditions in Dutch painting. The title is a pun on De Stijl, a modernist art movement that emphasized line, abstraction, and primary colors, while the scene of men gathered in a barber shop recalls Dutch group portraiture of the seventeenth century.

It took two 4 hour visits to LACMA just to get through ninety percent of the exhibitions. This, not including the Tim Burton Exhibit (going thru October), nor stopping by the Pavillion for Japanese Art, or the Children's Gallery. So little time, so much art to stop and take in! What's a girl to do... However, among the hundreds of pieces I viewed, there were a few that resonated with me. One of which is Kerry James Marshall's painting De Style (pictured above) which can be found in the Broad Contemporary Art building.

As a person always looking to my surroundings for inspiration, I tend to do a couple of things when something catches my eye: (1) Observe the item for what it is, (2) Look closer at the detail texture or color that intrigued me, and (3) Figure out a way to incorporate my new found interest into something completely different. Most times I'm looking for fashion inspiration, so here are my 3 favorite paintings translated into clothing...

LP&S!
Irene



Joan Brown, Girl in Chair, 1962





Edouard Vuillard- Walking in the Vineyard, 1897-99



Located: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 857-6000

We Spotted: Men's Summer Style from Day to Night!

If you ask me what is the first thing I notice about a man, without hesitation, I will blurt out "His style!" Quite simply: There is nothing better than a well dressed man.

Up until this point we've pretty much covered only women's fashion, but don't think for a second that we've forgotten about you gorgeous guys. Before you step out the door in just a tee, jeans and those worn in Converse or flip flops, here are six very different looks to keep you looking dapper from sunny summer days to hot summer nights...

In addition, I highly urge you to do 2 things:

1. WATCH New York Times Photographer, Bill Cunningham's On the Street video, Unwilted . In it he showcases the flawless NYC street style of men keeping it fashionable, even through New York's famous sweltering humid sticky heat. If they can work it, so can you bro's!

2. STUDY & STUDY some more The Urban Gentleman's Mens Spring Summer 2011 Fashion, Trends & Style Guide. Their post should be your "go to" reference guide for looking on point all summer long.

LP&S!

Irene

We Spotted: Red Carpet Vintage Fashion Show

On Saturday, myself and Blogger/ Designer Vanessa of SweetLeigh attended the Art Institute of California-Hollywood's Red Carpet Vintage Fashion Show which celebrated 20 years of student design. Although the city was covered for the most part of the day with June Gloom, it in no way impeded upon the crispness of the show.

Held on the rooftop of the parking structure, guest were treated to an amazing 360 degree view of Los Angeles, in addition to a beautiful white runway lined with covered seating. From my previous experience attending school fashion shows, I was utterly impressed with the professional set up, coverage and marketing of the event. With students contributing to all aspects of the show: from the brochure, to set design, photography, even catering, in no way did I feel as if amateurs had a hand in the show. Clearly, AI is all about quality.

Having positive first impressions setting precedence and a body moving soundtrack of music (which I wish was for sale) being played, I was so ready to see what was in store for us.

Take a front row look at the slide show, and you be the judge...

While I thoroughly enjoyed almost every look that graced the runway, by far my favorite designers were: Angela Fuentes with her 1930's inspired collection that screamed San Francisco; Florianne Magcawas' cream, butter and lemon colored 1950's jacket, skirt, and frocks; Tam Kalajian 1950's inspired wedding dresses of varied lengths with enormous bow detailing; and all of the 1960's designers, Jiyai Cao, Fernanda del Martin Campo, and Mae Ballares, but especially Alison Magrane's punchy hot pink, lime green, black and white mod collection which looked to be fashioned from oil cloth.

LP&S!

Irene

Many Thanks to Event Manager Adam Lenehan for accommodations!

Located: 5250 Lankersheim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601 (877) 468-6232
For further information about the event and upcoming events visit AI News& Events

The Importance of Budget Friendly Fashion

As you know I have made several mentions about wallet friendly shopping (see: Bella Couture Boutique, Sears UK Style, and Over 30 Shoes for Under $30). I purposely bring up the topic due to the uncertain state of our economy. For most people, it's not realistic to spend hundreds of dollars on clothing, even if they are necessities. I like to remain as real as possible, and that's not to say that I wont occasionally toss in a "dream" or "splurge worthy" item, however, I'm choosing to focus on being what we'll call a Financially Responsible Fashionista. I personally consider myself to be one, and have had tons of experience in doing so. There's been times when I've had major $$$'s to spend and times when I shouldn't have even thought about a store. So, I understand the need to remain to fashion forward from both ends of the spectrum.

While Forever21 is a perfect place to suit your budget friendly needs, I want you to know that there are several other options available to you. For instance...

We Spotted: Bella Couture Boutique- A Diamond in the Rough

By a serious fluke did I happen to stop by Bella Couture Boutique. In fact if it wasn't for a Sephora sales clerk giving my Mom and I the "scoop" on a certain make up brand being sold for half price at the beauty store next door, we would have never ventured this way. Lucky for us we can't pass up a steal.

We Spotted: Sears + FCUK. No Oxymoron.

My memories of Sears revolve around my Grandfather and home appliances. In his late years he loved shopping at Sears for short sleeved shirts with 2 pockets. Yes, not just one pocket, but they HAD to have two. Um, yeah. Since I adored my Grandad, I obliged him, especially since there was nothing in Sears that interested me. The juniors and women's clothing selection at the time was far less than attractive: tons of weird prints, funky material, and just "no". "Hell no".

Fast forward 14 years, and I meet a classmate who works for Sears. I'm skeptical, because he dresses too well for them, but he swears his entire outfit is from there. Hmmm. I tell him my preconceived opinion about his employer, and he assures me Sears has changed. Well, I finally made my way there today and fell head over heels for French Connection UK's exclusive affordable line, UK Style. I also loved several pieces from Sears' in house brand, Apostrophe. If you've ever watched June Ambrose's Youtube vids where she runs through stores styling fabulous outfits along the way while throwing out the most hilarious comments, I kinda had one of those moments. Here's my end results...

Happening Headbands: A How-To Video on How to Wear Headbands

Over 30 Shoes for Under $30!

Literally, the footwork has been done for you! I've hand selected 30 plus of the hottest shoes for under $30. A true Fashionite knows how to work her money to stay fab, even in a bad economy!

LP&S!
Irene

To purchase CLICK on the corresponding thumbnail

To purchase CLICK on the corresponding thumbnail

To purchase CLICK on the corresponding thumbnail

To purchase CLICK on the corresponding thumbnail