adventures in la la land

There's always such thing as mixing business with pleasure.

On this trip to LA, I found myself exploring deeper into East LA. I know, pretty scary, but actually it's full of life, business and culture (in the day time anyway). I have a renewed appreciation for the work ethic behind some of the material things I desire. Contrary to the glamourous marketing campaigns we see in fashion magazines, so much of what we buy off the designer racks in department stores and boutiques, come from inconspicuous facilities right here in East LA.

I love American Apparel and it's nice to know that by sporting this brand, I'm supporting a vertically integrated company that employs approx 10,000 jobs here in the US. This company is 100% designed, produced and manufactured in Los Angeles. How amazing and inspirational!


Here, not far from American Apparel Headquarters, we drive through streets in East LA that are lined with Mexican markets and toy stores. Super fun!

Celebrating a belated birthday dinner for Terence at Wokano Santa Monica. heart.

some awesome boys

when in Santa Monica......

.... why, you go to Urban Outfitters of course!


The weather was so amazing, considering it was October. The day before I arrived, LA was hit with torrential rains. It was perfect because after heavy rain the smog is washed away, the San Fernando mountain range behind Hollywood is crisp and the sun warm and full of love.

In Culver City.... I would have done the same if I had my suit

Soaking up some vitamin D

apparently, sunshine doesn't make everyone happy...

....actually, after this photo, he smiled at me!

Heading to the Santa Monica Pier

poopers love sunshine in Santa Monica too!

Scrolling through my iPhone pics. After sweeping my thumb up the
screen for 15 seconds (thats a lot of pictures you know?) I found
this...

less is best.... travel light

4 years of traveling nearly every month (most of the time by myself), pretty much qualifies me as an "experienced packer". I've discovered a few general rules to packing that have helped me to avoid being "that" girl at the airport check in counter. You know, the one with 3 suitcases, each twice her own weight, struggling to lift them onto the weigh station. Very embarassing (for her). Very annoying (for you, the one in line behind her).

I usually head out for about 3-4 days at a time, so I don't require much. Here's a few guidelines I set for myself to ensure easy and convenient travel.

Pack items that:
A. are "mix & matchable"
B. can be worn at least twice during your trip
C. can go from day to night
D. coordinate with AT MOST, 3 pairs of shoes (as these are the bulkiest items to pack)

Remember, on your vacay, you're likely to do some shopping anyway, so a half empty suitcase on the way over is ideal : )

And, of course other variables like weather, itinerary and duration will determine your needs more specifically.

This Wednesday, I'm off to LA to bring home some new goodies for the stores. I'll be gone for 3 days. This is what I'm packing and it all fits into one small carry on!

AIRPORT ATTIRE: Long maxi's are ideal for the plane ride. I'm petite, so I like to kick off the shoes and sit Indian style. Maxi's allow me to do just so.

DAY 1: Re-use vest with stripe AA body suit, UO skirt and Melissa glitter flats. These flats are made for walking!

NIGHT 1: Re-use vest over UO stripe tank, Seven For All Mankind motor patch leggings, Steve Madden open toe booties. Perhaps have drinks at a low key bar on Abott Kinney with some old pals.

DAY 2: Re-use motor patch leggings and Melissa glitter jellies with causal 3/4 sleeve tee from Le Grand Marquet. Throw on my UO crochet beanie, for a long, no-fuss hair day of shopping.

NIGHT 2: Re-use UO high waist skirt and Steven Madden booties with UO ladder cut out body suit. Dinner and Dancing in Hollywood?

DAY 3: Re-use causal tee and UO skirt with Nine West leopard flats for a day of personal shopping ; ), Pinkberry, In & Out, and Chipotle. Maybe I need to pack sweatpants for this day.

PS- don't forget to pack a variety of accessories. These are small and light, but are the key to making your pieces versatile.

au revoir! bon voyage!

Things that make you say.... "I die"

Bad things happen when you surf the web for 4 hours...
1. you get carpal tunnel
2. your vision gets blurred & dry
3. your legs & buttocks atrophy
and...
4. you end up with a shopping cart (or carts) full of things you would normally never would have brought up to the register at a "real" store. Now your faced with the "tough" decision of how to filter through all the impulsive clicking you just did.


1, 2 and 3, i can live with, but 4? I don't know, you tell me?


Anyways, here's what my innocent "browsing" did to me today. And, no, sadly for me I did not have the courage to click "submit".......today ; )


In the words of the wise and glamorous Rachel Zoe.... "I die"


Alexander Wang cut out charmuese dress (Cruise 2010)... Aaaa -mazing


Brian Atwood cinch booties..... seriously, I die!


Fiona Paxton harness necklace.... Ba-nanas with an A.Wang tank!

Elizabeth & James E-Slice wedges
Can some one please help me find these! I spotted them on NYMag.com but when I try to shop for them, no one has them!!!!


3.1 Phillip Lim floral dress


Christian Louboutin Pigalle stud pump... i die 5 times for this one


H&M bold shoulder cardigan... yabai! cho kawaii!


French Connection Samuela bootie..... la, la, la love

it's a boot thing

Just because it's a stifling 83 degrees in tropical Hawaii, it doesn't mean we can't embrace some of the wonderful goodies Fall fashion has to offer.

BOOTS, for example! I think I've been rock'n them since I owned my first pair of baby booties back in '78. Come hail or sunshine, I will never have a reason for NOT wearing boots, even when my husband exclaims, "Whoa! (long pause) Boots?"

This weekend, I opted for pairing some rad over the knee ones with shorts and a raglan tee instead of jeans and a sweater. This is how Hawaii does winter!

see, even vinny has boots!!!

it's ok, he loves them, really though.




Shopping and sipping plantation ice teas at Mariposa with one of my besties! That day, she bought more boots to add to her extensive collection!!!!!!!

raglan tee (wild fox)- bamboo sky

shorts- bamboo sky

boots- pineapple county

vinny's boots- ross