Having A Kemper Tantrum

With the days counting down till my two week vacay in hometown Vancouver, I figured I better start planning how to keep my noggin toasty in the sub-zero weather.

A quick jaunt to Big 5 Sporting Goods in Brea yielded two things: a new set of fabulous Nike running sneaks * for the low, low price of $39.99 and an uber-adorable black knit snowboard beanie (that's toque, for all you Canucks) made by Kemper.

Thing is I can't for the life of me find an image of my new buy on the 'Net, and it's killing me.

You'll have to settle instead for the image of a near-replica Volcom one below.

For some reason, I'm in denial about cold weather and Southern California mixing. Well, it's now officially winter down south and let me tell you, the gas furnace in our apartment is not of cream of the crop variety. I even had to wear my old soccer hoodie to bed last night -- yes, with the hood on.

Maybe the Kemper beanie is where it's at tonight.

* Note to regular readers: I did cheat on my beloved Nike Shox after all. My new ones are Xxcelerator TR-s (oui oui, there are two "x"s). Does karma grant you one "get out jail free" card when it comes to issues of straying? Hmmm...

I'm Lovin' it: These Neff knitted headphones, found during my Kemper internet research. Perfect for those who love to listen to their iPod so much, they're willing to risk frostbite on the ears trekking to work or school so they can keep jammin' out.

I'm Over it: The cream cheese wontons I ate from Pick Up Stix. Not sitting well in the tummy. Maybe I need to down some Rolaids -- and fast.

Album of the Day: "Whitney Houston" by...well...Whitney Houston. This 1985 album from the former church-going, clean-living (okay, she's back on track again) songbird was #1 for thirteen weeks straight, setting a new record for solo female artists. The reason this makes "album of the day" is because I heard "You Give Good Love" on the airwaves today -- it's track #1, in case you're wondering. And please don't ask what radio station I was listening to. It's rather shameful.

* Photos property of the-house.com, whitneyhouston.com

Localites LA

A quick FYI!

I'll be contributing for a new fashion, lifestyle, luxury and event E-zine called Localites LA, which is also currently lauching in Las Vegas.

Make sure you check it out! They've got some great sponsors lined up already -- including Belvedere Vodka and Mercedes Benz. Yee-haw!

It's gonna be a lot of fun.

Sneaker Pimp

How sad of me.

If you're an avid runner and/or work out-er, the normal rule of thumb is to change your sneaks every four to six months.

So how long have I had my Nike Shox for? Um, try four years. Not good for a person who runs at least three or four times a week.

I've done some research and have ponied up a few styles I sorta dig.

Truth be told, though, I can't cheat on my beloved Nike Shox. Not that I'm going to keep sporting my holey pair with absolutely no more shock absorption. I'm just going to be brand and style-loyal.

Hopefully I'll have better luck buying a set this week. Last week, the Footlocker on Third Street Promenade had a power outage.

Yup, it was the only store on the Promenade without light that day.

Guess it just wasn't meant to be.

* Note: I realize my last blog about relationships was very Carrie Bradshaw/Sex and the City-esque (as also pointed out by Michelle T. at Iconology). A deviation from the Haute Hippie norm, I know -- but to be honest, it was quite liberating! Expect a few more of those sprinkled here and there between regular postings.


I'm Lovin' it: My parental unit went on a Christmas decorating craze the past few days. We're talking massive inflatable snowglobe, twinkling hedge lights, little lighted town on the piano (down went my cheesy "casual" high school grad pic for that one), wreaths and garlands everywhere, red ribbons, ornamented tree, stockings with holiday words (ie. Joy, Peace and Noel), leafy centerpieces, cinnamon scents and a big lighted candy cane complete with a North Pole sign -- pointing at the front door, naturally.

See below for the holiday artistes. As you can see, they wish to remain somewhat anonymous.

My idea of holiday decorating? A pre-made mini tree with some pretty baubles and a couple mini stockings for the roomie and me. And maybe some spiked eggnog for sipping.

I'm Over it: Um, don't worry about it. How about the Rachel Zoe vs. Nicole Richie fiasco instead?

Track of the Day: "Irreplaceable" by Beyonce. A girl-power ballad to the max! A defining song to go with certain personal changes and a little exodus of negative emotion toward the opposite sex. Was not feeling her B'Day album at first, but this jam came out and now it's at about at C-level. But I still love her.

www.myspace.com/beyonce

* Photos property of runningshoes.com

Relationship Food For Thought: Flossin'

Last night, E. and I talked at length about the trials, tribulations and joys of being in a relationship.

I told him that while in the middle of buying minted wax floss at CVS Pharmacy yesterday, I had a mini-epiphany about why relationships are so troubled and/or so hard to find nowadays.

There I had stood, in front a huge track filled with dozens and dozens of varying floss: cinnamon-flavored floss, wide string floss, unwaxed floss, spearmint floss, fluoride-infused floss, natural floss and floss for those with sensitive gums. My eyes glazed over trying to choose. I finally decided to go by price point, and eventually picked up the waxed kind at 30 yards for $1.99. Seemed like a good deal to me.

This brings up one conclusion and one question:

1. The reason it's so hard to find someone -- who is the right fit for you -- is simply because there are too many damn choices nowadays. Everyone's always got one foot out the door. Even I've been guilty of it. You meet a person who seems to be perfect -- on paper -- because they have all the pre-requisites you seek: university-educated, respectful, open-minded, intelligent, good-natured, physically compatible, and funny. But something's missing...a little je ne sais quoi, the red-hot passion. Like finding the waxed floss you need, but learning all the mint-flavored ones are gone. Sort of.

2. The question that the conclusion brings up is this: because there are so many choices out there, do most people simply give up the search, ending up compromising and settling for that which is NOT the perfect fit? I think they just might. Afterall, I ended up with floss based entirely on price.

However, I'm still single, so somehow I think I'm on the right path. I recently kicked someone -- who had been a significant part of my history for a decade -- out of my life. Though I care for him a lot for many reasons, he's bad bad bad for me. Now I know better the kind of person that's good for (and to) me, and I certainly don't think I'll settle for anything less than that anymore.

Yes, sometimes it would be nice to have someone to snuggle in bed with, watch movies with, and hold my hand.

But sometimes loving -- and knowing -- yourself is all you really need.

And one day, Wentworth Miller or Ryan Gosling will come around and ask me to marry him.

The End.

* Photos property of Google Images

The Newport Sort

Sandy and Kirsten Cohen have nothing on the O'Gradys.

My good friend E. -- (a smarty pants pal from university, now doing his MBA at Stanford at the tender age of 24) -- was down from North Cali to do a little house-partying at his friend's parents' place (the O'Gradys) on Ocean Heights Drive in the Newport Coast.

We're talking seriously gorgeous home: security-guard gates (your name has to be on a guest list to enter and you get a street parking pass with your license number on it), a stunning view of all coastal Orange County (during the day apparently you can see L.A., and during July 4th you can see about 30 fireworks displays), putting green beside the heated pool and hot tub, mural painted bathroom walls, all tile, mad-cool BBQ set up, open space, huge windows, ceramic vase fountain bubbling over at the entrance, two or three mini courtyards and comfy, ethnic decor (the inhabitants certainly seem well-traveled).

The crowd was good-looking and pleasant (stylish too!), E.'s business school friends were funny and intelligent (Ronald, you sure got me with your "Bolivian" accent), the catch-up conversation between us two old friends was comforting, and the multiple glasses of chardonnay were exactly what I needed to kick-start the weekend.

Give me a couple (ie. many) more years of grinding and toiling -- maybe I'll be able to build a fantastic Newport Coast home someday.

Or I can go the easy route and find a rich MBA husband at Stanford on what they call "Black Monday" (legend has it that the day after attached MBA-ers get back from their first holiday, they break up with significant others, rendering them single once again)

Nah. I think I'll take the road less travelled.








I'm Lovin' it: All things Voom by Joy Han. I just wrote an article on the Voom brand for December's 944 Magazine issue. I seriously wanted to buy her entire showroom during the interview. The clothes were actually distracting me from my line of questioning, they're so fabulous!

I'm Over it: The sudden turn for the chilly weather here in SoCal. Better get used to it, I suppose. I'm a-headin' home to freezing cold Vancouver in a month! Time to retire the short-sleeve shirts.

Track of the Day: That 30 Seconds To Mars song I blogged about in my last post (but couldn't recall the name) is called "From Yesterday".

* Photos property of wireimage.com, orpheus.ucsd.edu

Bang Up Job

So the American Music Awards came and went.

The hottest red carpet hair trend was the blunt bang, which looked caliente (hot) on Miz Gwen Stefani and my fellow Canadian-ette Nelly Furtado.

I think Nelly's look won by a hair though. No pun intended.

Okay, maybe just a little.

I'm Lovin' it: Turkey Day! Time for family, good laughs and yummy food. Oh yeah, and Splendora.com's coining of the Thanksgiving phrase "tryptophan coma". I must use it in a sentence today!

I'm Over it: Tom and Katie's wedding in Italty. Baby Suri is not cute, and Katie's Armani dress was pretty bland. No offense to Giorgo, though. Yawn.

Track of the Day: That new 30 Seconds To Mars song. I need to do a little more research and find out the name. Just heard it on KROQ yesterday. That Jared Leto sure can sing.

* Photos property of wireimage.com

Gobble, Gobble

So it's 14 minutes till it's officially Thanksgiving 2006 here in the U.S. of A.

Though I made a promise to myself to wait until tomorrow's dinner to get stuffed, I've already broken it.

There is simply no way to buy Hershey's Kisses and other yummy chocolate for the candy bowl and not rip into it once you leave the supermarket.

And there is absolutely no way to have both peanut butter cup and caramel Ben and Jerry's ice cream in the freezer without digging in.

Looks like I'll have to run extra hard tomorrow (and Friday) morning.

I MUST to fit into that asymmetrical Karl Lagerfeld racerback tunic dress at the Iconology Friends & Family sale this weekend.

Happy Turkey Day, y'all!!

Hurricane Catrinal

Well, minus the FEMA incompetence anyway.

Candice Nicole is a newbie on the bag design scene, but is already causing a storm with her collection.

My eyes have been bugging out the past few minutes oogling her Fall 2006 line, especially her Catrinal Shopper.

With people Christmas shopping already (uh well, I'll be getting 'round to that soon), why not sling this puppy from your slender shoulder?

Santa says you should.

I'm Lovin' it: Te Casan opening a huge store in SoHo. The footwear line does collabos with designers like Vivian Westwood, Dries Van Noten et al, as well as having a design team of their own. Get thee to NYC.

I'm Over it: Though I loved that Doo.Ri won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award this year, I'm slightly upset that Jovovich-Hawk and Marchesa weren't part of the runner-up group.

Track of the Day: "Talk Show Host" by Radiohead. There's so much angst in this ethereal, trip-hoppy track that it's a perfect fit as Romeo's theme song in the Baz Luhrmann Romeo + Juliet flick. Definitely sexually and sensually depressing -- is there such an emotion out there? Apparently it's one of Radiohead's favorite songs to perform live. Here's a snippet from Amazon.com.

* Photo property of candicenicole.com

eBay Obsessed

So I won two items off eBay today and just had to tell y'all.

Item one: a copy of RJD2's album "Deadringer" for $6 (did I not say I'd get around to buying it two posts ago?)

Item two: a brand-new bottle of Gucci Rush for $39 (so tired of using my default fragrance -- you know, the one you got as a gift and only use when your good ones run dry -- Romance by Ralph Lauren)

Boo yah!

* Photos property of amazon.com, dmfragrances.co.uk

Express Yourself

Madonna herself said it right. Express yourself.

Which is exactly what I did yesterday, on my continuous hunt for the perfect skinny jean in the the perfect length in the perfect dark indigo blue that I so love.

Yesterday I wandered into Express on Third Street Promenade in my Santa Monica hood, a divergence from the boutiques I typically visit on a shopping run. What made me go in? I couldn't really say, but it must've been written in the stars.

After meandering through mediocre tops, I ran into the denim shelves lining the back wall. And there it was: the Holy Grail of skinny jeans for those of diminutive stature, much like myself. I gingerly picked up a pair, afraid it wasn't real -- but, oh, it was. Rushing to the dressing room, I tried it on...only to find it I needed a size smaller. Woo hoo!

Of course, they didn't have my size. I was sent by the lovely and friendly Priscilla to the Express location at Westside Pavillion on Pico Boulevard, where the short length size four fit like a charm. Not only did I buy the skinnies, I also invested in the flare style in the same wash and same stitched back pockets.

Purchasing two great pairs of jeans for a total of $128 (including tax!) in a fashion world full of $250 J Brands and $300 True Religions?!

I done good yesterday, if I do say so myself.

* Sidenote: Other purchases included a massive square-cut dark champagne cocktail ring from Express (obviously faux in nature) , a silky v-neck top from Old Navy (for a 20-spot) and that pumpkin-flavored gloss I raved about a few postings ago from Bath & Bodyworks for my beautiful momma (who complained why I never buy her anything when I let her try my tube). I almost entered the hallowed doors of Tower Records, but decided against dropping another $75 on CDs -- for now.

I'm Lovin' it: The booming L.A. art scene. Local events to check out: Wooster Collective artist and friend Topher (nee Christofer Chin) -- whose art graced a recent cover of Flaunt Magazine -- at Sixspace Gallery in Culver City on Saturday, December 2nd from 6 pm to 9 pm. And you fashion-heads, check out Skin + Bones at the MOCA. This exhibit shows the interaction between architecture and silhouettes found in fashion design. Forget what the popular kids in high school: it's cool to be artsy-fartsy.

I'm Over it: Uggs. I saw an extremely attractive guy at Whole Foods wearing a brown pair with cute cargo army pants and suddenly he became very, very ugly. Style-wise.

Track of the Day: "Broken Toy Soldier" by The Raconteurs. The "other" band to Jack White's White Stripes consists of his old friends from back in the day. Brendan Benson, Patrick Keeler and Jack Lawrence complete this round-up of sorta bluesy, sorta rock-folksy music out of Nashville, TN. I dig their guitar riffs.

www.myspace.com/theraconteurs

Icon Take It Anymore

Everything happens for a reason.

Months ago I was in talks to do freelance website fashion copywriting for Iconology, a fabulous new boutique owned by Michelle Tyree (former L.A. retail market editor of Women's Wear Daily) and her sister Jackie Dalton, after I had written an article on their store for 944 Magazine.

Anyhow, both parties got busy and I ended up freelance copywriting for a "Big Boutique" (I'm witholding the name to protect related parties and my awesome ex-co workers). When the "Big Boutique" went through some major website budget cuts, I was bummed BUT a week and a half later (ie. last week), Michelle Tyree rang me to ask if I was still interested in working with them -- and for more pay than my former employer. I'd been waiting for that call forever!

Thus, my belief that everything happens for a reason. And thank the lord, because I love love love my new work and colleagues. I mean, what die-hard fashionista doesn't like oogling over (and in my case, also writing about) Oscar De La Renta shoes, Behnaz Sarafpour pieces, funky jewelry, Inhabit cashmere sweaters, Assouline books and Rory Beca dresses while sipping Izze sparkling fruit juice and listening to booty-shaking music blaring from an iPod?

Not to mention meeting some other uber-awesome people during the store photoshoot. Big ups to Tyler (a shamefully cute but hitched photographer from WWD) for taking good product photos while attempting to force me to do a Borat impression along with everyone else. Hope you eventually find that Banana Frappe at Starbucks someday, Ty (hint: they don't exist). Also, a high-five to Debrah (a former model-turned-stylist) for cracking me up with her Texas-speak. I particularly enjoyed her use of the obsolete word "scoot" (in verb form).

All in all, it was a successful first day at the office. Except for getting that parking ticket right outside the boutique, though I begged and pleaded for the parking guy not to go through with it.

Alas, no dice. I got served. Damn parking enforcement.

I'm Lovin' it: I'm not a particularly religious person (though I would classify myself as spiritual, special thanks to Deepak Chopra), I went to my parents' church Father/Daughter banquet last night at the request of my dad. It turned out to be fun -- save for the religious rock ballads warbled by resident church singer Ben -- and the Olive Garden lasagna for dinner hit the spot. The best thing? My dad got me a room at a nice OC hotel to do whatever I wanted, as a sort of father/daughter present. And so I wouldn't drive home to Santa Monica late at night. I took the evening to luxuriate myself in the plush king size bed while eating a brownie chocolate sundae, reading a hilarious music album-influenced short story by my friend L. and flipping through fashion magazines -- with a hilarious Family Guy episode blaring in the background. Ahhh, pure bliss.

I'm Over it: Old Navy running out of their Special Edition skinny jeans! I'm putting a hex on your entire second-fiddle-to-The Gap company. After I find a pair of Special Editions in a short length size four, I mean.

Albums of the weekend: I don't usually like to profit off the misfortunes of others, but the Going Out Of Business sale at Tower Records is a godsend for all music lovers. Below are the albums I picked up last week.

1. Lemonade from G. Love: Feel good acoustic grooves in the tune of Ben Harper and Jack Johnson -- both of whom are featured in some of the songs. Props to G. Love for hooking up with Blackalicious for his track "Banger".

2. Feedback from Jurassic 5: Fly hip-hop beats that'll have your head nodding from track one to track 15. Cool album cover, too.

3. The Cosmic Game from Thievery Corporation: I haven't yet popped this one in, but I know -- along with every other T.C. fan -- this album is already killer.

4. Antics from Interpol: There's something about good indie (is that term overexposed already?) rock that gets my blood going and head shaking every time. "Slow Hands" is my favorite on this ten-track album.

5. William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet soundtrack: This goes down in history as one of the best frickin' movie soundtracks ever. Of course, I'm talking about the Baz Luhrmann-directed flick with Danes, DiCaprio and some major Montague/Capulet family drama. I couldn't possibly pick a favorite track -- but I will shout out "#1 Crush" by Garbage, "To You I Bestow" by Mundy, "Local God" by Everclear and the "You And Me Song" by The Wannadies.

6. Magnificent City Instrumentals from RJD2: A few years ago, the semi-boyfriend of a good girlfriend introduced her to RJD2. She in turn introduced me to this amazing DJ-slash-producer, who counts ?uestlove from The Roots as one of his biggest followers. I have to pick up his album "Deadringer" ASAP.

All those -- plus a Billy Joel's Greatest Hits piano book (yes, I do play) and an issue of Paper Magazine -- cost me 75% of a C-note (which is a steal, by the way), but oh-so worth it!

* Photo property of shopiconology.com

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Every girl loves good accessories. Especially when it's jewelry -- or naughty, kinky toys.

Enter Secrets Of The Ladies Room and Butterfly Creations jewelry.

“Nice” girls Cynthia Ellefson and Cheryl Kuo – the ultimate surfing Southern California gals and founders of sex toy website Secrets Of The Ladies Room – became the best of friends while working hard in network publicity. Their shared obsessions? Sex and the City, live music, surfing, hiking, agreeing ice cream is the ultimate breakfast food and girl talk. Everything and anything under the sun was – and is still – discussed: boys, girls, life, love, sex and, of course, it’s accompanying accoutrements (Orgasm Balls and The Rabbit seem to be favorites).

Cynthia and Cheryl wanted to share the fun of their “dirty little secrets” through an online experience that felt like girl talk and shopping with friends. The result is Secrets of the Ladies Room, a website for normal, sexually-curious women everywhere looking for a place to let loose their wild side, without feeling too dirty. Orgasm balls, crazy vibrators, racy lingerie, how-to books, a Hot Mom kit and the absolutely adorable Friendship Kit – exclusive only to Secrets Of The Ladies Room and guaranteed to fly off the shelves – are among the carefully edited items on the site. Ellefson and Kuo know women these days are just too busy to sift through hundreds of pages of sex toys, so they’ve done the work for you.

Men are forever curious about what gets discussed behind closed doors when we take group trips into the ladies room. Maybe, just maybe we let them in on it, but sometimes secrets are best kept among the girls.

If you want to dangle pretty bauble on yourself this holiday season, look no further than Butterly Creations. Stefanie Greenberg was born loving fashion. As a little girl, she sewed together purses to coordinate with her school outfits, and when Greenberg turned 16 years old, that love translated into Butterfly Creations, through which she began selling her exclusive handiwork.

During her college years, the focus of Butterfly Creations shifted as Greenberg began learning more about beading. Gorgeous fashion-forward and handcrafted jewelry is now the main collection, with the purse design operation becoming an off-shoot run by Stefanie’s mother, Susie Greenberg, whose designs are featured on her own website. Greenberg recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BS in Art, focusing on Art Metal – these influences are manifested in her extraordinary approach jewelry-making: blends stringing, wire wrapping and metal working with semi-precious stones, precious stones and precious metals.

The jewelry coup d’etat of Butterfly Creations are its pendants. Influenced by the ebb and flow of fashion – as well as nature – each one is planned out beforehand and next etched carefully on sterling silver sheet metal. To add a unique mark to each piece, Greenberg – who currently works out of her studio in San Francisco – uses the process of oxidization, ensuring that no one will have the same pendant as you.

From fleur de lys pendants to smoky quartz and labradorite earrings to rope toggle and etched henna charm bracelets, Greenberg’s pieces will always make you fly like a butterfly and never sting like a bee.

I'm Lovin' it: Hats, hats, hats! I'm determined to make my hat collection as large as my shoe collection. Goorin, Eugenia Kim, Kangol -- heck, maybe even a vintage Phillip Treacy (and maybe usurp Isabella Blow's position as Treacy muse). The idea of managing to still look stylin' on a bad hair day sounds good to me.

I'm Over it: Having my apartment and work office feel 10 degrees colder than it is outside. I'm actually wrapped in a pink and purple fleece blanket as I type this.

Movie Pick Of The Day: "Tenacious D in The Pick Of Destiny" with Jack Black and Kyle Gass. A film for true fans of Jack Black and his band. I was introduced to The D by an ex-boyfriend four years ago -- although I might have not quite appreciated them then, I sure as heck do now. And I sure can't wait to watch this "musical, epic adventure", just as long as I don't see either Black or Gass nude. Full or semi.

I'm Such a Valli Girl

My best guy friend K. gave me a serious reality check last week.

I was in the middle of explaining my day to him, when he interrupted my dialogue to mimick me. Apparently since moving to L.A., I've (by social osmosis) somehow adopted inflections that can be categorized as "Valley Girl". As in, oh my gawd, like totally, like, a buxom, blonde-haired SoCal gal. Which, for those of you who have seen me in the flesh, is far from the truth.

I'm truly horrified at being dubbed a "Valley Girl". You'll be proud to hear I'm exorcising myself of this effected speech ASAP.

However, I will admit to being a "Valli Girl" -- as in ardent fan of Giambattista Valli.

Valli left his position as head designer of Ungaro a few years ago to take the creative reins of Italy-based Iceberg and also to start his eponmyous line. What a great move by Valli. His fashion star has been rekindled and his creations are everywhere. Well, namely on celebrities, socialites and runways, but if it can't be on me, it might as well be on them.

His design aesthetic? Think beautifully technical and couture, couture, couture. He's a red carpet favorite and his recent collection of trapeze silhouettes, glamazon swimsuits, voluminous shapes and uber-short dresses for Spring 2007 are definitely ready-to-wear-friendly. There's something so feminine and beautiful about his clothing. If I was an Oscar nominee, I'd want him to dress me.

Witness Valli's genius creations below.

I imagine I might feel like a very expensive (but beautiful!) wedding cake in the dress third from the bottom.

Well, I've always liked cake.

I'm Lovin' it: Pumpkin lip gloss from Bath & Bodyworks. Not only does it claim to plump your kisser (which I'm not so sure it does), it tastes like a heavenly slice of homemade pumpkin pie. Just in time for American Thanksgiving at the end of the month, yee haw! Oh yes, and I'm also lovin' the fact that my Vancouver friends keep getting sent down here by their companies for work. Next up: entertaining my buddy Skirtz in February 2007!

I'm Over it: The fact I ate three pieces of cold pizza, two good-sized chocolate chip cookies and half a serving of Cup 'O' Noodles, then chugged an entire bottle of "Revive" flavor Vitamin Water for lunch today. Thank the lord for Bally's Fitness at 7 a.m. this morning.

Track of the Day: Since I waxed poetic in my last posting about an old school 80's Whitney Houston track, I might as well give old school 80's Lionel Richie some love. "Easy" by Mister Richie is one of my favorite cheesy way-back tracks. 'Cause I'm easy like Sunday morning, baby.

* Photos property of style.com

Sugar Coat-ing

So my flight back home to Vancouver is booked.

I depart the evening of December 26th for two glorious weeks in my hometown to ring in the New Year with my nearest and dearest friends.

The one bad thing? The rain, the wind and the all-around freezing cold (at least by my L.A. homeostatic standards).

The consolation? A brand new coat to keep me warm and fashion-forward.

Let's play coat dress-up, shall we?


Image #1: Juan Carlos Obando cashmere trapeze coat (lady-like with a funky asymetrical twist)

Image #2: Karl Lagerfeld double-breasted, coyote fur trimmed trapeze jacket (I put this one on and it pretty much feels like it's near-$1000 tag: expensive)

Image #3: Burberry London Gilmorton swing coat (easy, breezy London style)

Image #4: Moschino tiered trench coat (outerwear that looks like ready-to-wear!)

Image #5: Mulberry wool duffle coat (gotta love the toggles)


PS. The red fox fur number was an eBay find, which I did not win. I was crushed.

I'm Lovin' it: The Anna Sui for Victoria's Secret lingerie line! VS writes, "Anna Sui rules the runway with a hip mix of girly style, pop art prints and rock 'n' roll attitude". Three quintessential Haute Hippie favorites! Now all I need is a special fella to see me in these naughty little garments...

I'm Over it: My nausea. I will never consume alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach the night before running an open house the next morning ever again.

Track of the Day: "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston (pre-The Bodyguard and pre- drug abuse). I'm giving mad props to Miz Houston for dumping her loser husband Bobby Brown and hooking up with her career svengali Clive Davis again to orchestrate her comeback. If this tune comes on the radio, I belt it like I'm the Whitney. Except very badly.

* Photos property of ronherman.com, net-a-porter.com and ebay.com

Tar-zhay Or The Highway

Nothing can stop Target and its steam-rolling of the fashion industry.

Izaac Mizrahi, Luella Bartley, Paul & Joe, Behnaz Sarafpour and now...Proenza Schouler!!

Yes, fashion kids. Design duo Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough -- Vogue and Anna Wintour scions -- are teaming up with mass market Target for a special capsule collection.

With the Behnaz Sarafpour collection just hitting the stores right now, you won't be seeing Proenza Schouler until spring.

It's going to be a loooooong five months.

I'm Lovin' it: Payless! I scored two pairs of shoes there today for less than $50, thanks to Shaquanda's (not her real name, but she sure looked like one) help out at the West Covina location. Did anyone know that Abaete designer: Laura Poretzky) did a collection for the chain store? Well, I got a fantastic -- yet classic -- pair of suede black pumps with gold and black "alligator" skin accents. The other, a gorgeous gold, silver and bronze faux-animal skin strappy number that I plan on pairing with my fave black opaque tights. I'm sounding like a broken record with the opaque tights thing -- give me several months and I promise to stop talking about it.

I'm Over it: The Jessica Simpson/Ken Paves hair extension line. Extensions are so not hot. Especially when poorly glued on. Don't use Elmer's.

Track of the Day: "We Are The Champions" by Queen. My stepdad is looking at old home videos in the living room, and it happens to be the background song to one of them. Really is a great tune. I particularly liked it as the sign-off song at the end of the first Mighty Ducks film. Kind of had a star-crush on Joshua Jackson back then. Still kinda do.

* Note to my hardcore readers: My sincere apologies for lying to you in my last blog. I bought new shoes before I bought the DJ Z-Trip album -- though the album was supposed to be purchased first, as per me. I'm so ashamed.




* Photos property of nymag.com and amazon.com

V&R Do H&M

It's almost time the exhale, ladies and gents.

Viktor & Rolf for H&M is hitting not only the Pasadena store on Colorado Boulevard, but the massive new L.A. flagship store at the Beverly Center (H&M bought out the space that used to house the old Forever 21).

This quirky, Norweigan fashion duo follows in the steps of Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld and her Madgesty (aka. Madonna) as guest designers for the Swedish mass retailer. Their capsule collection will please both men and women who die for fashion. Viktor & Rolf are widely known for their haute couture -- remember supermodel Karolina Kurkova wearing their frothy ivory dress (emblazoned with the word "love" in blood red across the skirt) at the annual Costume Institute Gala at the Met two years ago?

Though you won't find their creations on the typical L.A. girl (see: Kirsten Dunst or Nicole Richie), their foray into fragrances two years ago -- via cosmetics conglomerate L'Oreal -- sure has garnered them a larger fan-base among the fashion plebes. Their bergamot tea-freesia-orchid-jasmine-centiflora rose-patchouli fragrance Flowerbomb has been a runaway hit since easing into an already-saturated fragrance market. Maybe it's the bottle -- which looks almost exactly like a hand grenade -- that won hearts over.

I'd certainly buy it for the tongue-in-cheek design.

And to smell like an explosion of yummy scents. There's better than smelling like delicious faux pheromones, baby.

Oh yeah. Back to my point. Viktor & Rolf. H&M.

Hitting the fashion world this Thursday, November 9th.

Expect a mass fashionista confusion and style hysteria.

I'm Lovin' it: My new forest green clutch purchased at Nordstrom Rack. Can't go wrong with a fashion find at $7!

Also, this Miss Sixty Amapola dress available only online at www.UrbanOutfitters.com is a closet must-have. And yes, I know it's winter.

I'm Over it: The increasing prices at Forever 21. But I'll still shop there. I'm such a hypocrite!

Artist of the Day: Z-Trip. This DJ has been around for a long time and is seriouly dope -- I'm in obsesssion with his remix of the Jackson 5 hit "I Want You Back". In fact, my next purchase isn't going to be a new pair of shoes, but'll be his highly-acclaimed album "Shifting Gears". Congratulations on your recent nuptials, Z-Trip! His remix of "Here Comes The Bride" was probably off the hook.

www.myspace.com/djztrip

* Photos property of h&m.com, urbanoutfitters.com

What Happens In Vegas...

There's nothing like a little spontaneous trip to Las Vegas.

My good friend L. texted me last minute on Thursday to say he was in Sin City for a business trip and that I should come up to visit on Friday night. My answer: heck yeah! Taking an early day off from work, I high-tailed it to Vegas at 3 pm and managed to make it there at 7:30 pm, despite hair-pulling traffic on the 10 East near Ontario and the 15 North going up the big hill into the desert. This, of course, is not good for the heart of road-ragers like myself. And the kid with the Eclipse and Texas plates trying to race me for the first half of the drive was not helping my situation one bit. Anyhow, I managed to make it in one piece with the help of my Phoenix and Motown Remixed CDs.

I arrived at my destination with a rumbly tummy, so after doing a quickie freshening up (thank the lord for Sebastian hairspray), we ambled via car to the MGM Grand for dinner. Oh, the restaurant choices! After deciding not to spend $78 on a bowl of pasta (which was probably fantastic but completely absurd in price), we settled on a nice Mexican meal "with a twist" (so says the restaurant description) at Diego's. The verdict? I much rather the grub at El Cholo, El Torito or Baja Fresh here in La-La Land, but the chips and salsa were tasty indeed. And the little Latina lady brought them to us was money. I expect her name was probably Maria or Guadalupe, but that's beside the point.

The rest of the night was good times: walked down the Strip on a gorgeous desert night (run-ins with weirdos are not uncommon in this town, I particularly liked the girl in the tricked out Caddy that stuck her fanny out the door and gave it a couple smacks to please the boys on the sidewalk), braved the oh-so-scary rollercoaster at New York, New York (glad I took off my hoop earrings, I would've cried should they have ended up in the tracks somewhere), and watched L. win/lose money at the Paris Hotel gambling tables while knocking back drinks courtesy of the casino. I was a complete gambling party-pooper I'm ashamed to say, spending only two quarters at the slots -- and I don't think those quarters were even mine! And no, I didn't win a dime back. Damn those slots.

Funniest highlight of the trip? My friend L.'s request to the concierge for a wake-up call at 6 am, preferably with the voice of Tim McGraw. Come 6 am, the phone rang and the hotel pulled through -- "Tim McGraw" was on the other line, telling us to "Rise and shine, y'all! It's Tim McGraw here..." Only in Vegas, only in Vegas.

Seven and a half hours of driving for a ten and a half hour trip to visit a friend in Sin City? Oh, trust me -- Vegas and good friends are ALWAYS well-worth the drive.

I'm Lovin' it: Season two of Prison Break. Furiously typing this posting during commercial break, as not to miss the beautiful mug of my future husband Wentworth Miller. Oh, and the fact that I'm getting two new cousins -- Jodi and Erin -- next month...my aunt and uncle adopted twins from China! And one more thing: those to-die-for Michael Kors boots at Nordstrom Rack for $99. High-fashion boots for a steal, nice. I'm not telling which store location it is, so there.

I'm Over it: Budget cuts at RonHerman.com. I'm definitely sad. Oh, and my hardcore bail on the hill going down Ocean Avenue on Sunday during my routine work-out run. My right knee is in shreds, a chunk is gone from my right hand and I vaguely remember rolling over twice post-trip before coming to a halt. The good thing is no one saw me.

Music Video of the Day: "Consolation Prize" by Daniel Askill for Phoenix. It's mainly shots of the band singing in pretty much the same position while the background, colors and camera angle change constantly. Artsy-cool for sure.

www.myspace.com/wearephoenix

* Photo property of bigfoto.com

Hello Moto

I had celebrity sightings coming out of my eyes last Thursday.

My two buddies W. and B. work for a certain event production company in town whose biggest client happens to be Motorola. Every year, they throw a huge celebrity-studded rager that usually has a charity angle. Last year, it was for the Toys For Tots Foundation and this year, I honestly can't remember. I think that up close and personal sighting of Christina Aguilera has clouded my memory (her live performance was mind-blowing, by the way).

Here are some general observations gleaned from my experience as a list-girl last week:

1. Celebrities are almost always super short in person. Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Jesse Metcalfe (does being a Desperate Housewives reject even count as star status??), Jay Hernandez from that flick Crazy/Beautiful, Christina Aguilera. The camera may add ten pounds, but it also deviously adds three to five inches.

2. Celebrities always check you out to see if you're checking them out. Act aloof and they get frustrated. Trust me, it works.

3. Models like to blow smoke in your face while you check their names off the list.

4. Starlets like to be driven in near the event entrance in the same black tinted-out SUVs like they're the Queen of Sheba (yes, that means you Paris and Lindsay).

5. Pantera Sarah is the funniest super promoter out there. She's not the youngest one of the bunch, but that woman can rock those platforms hours pulling her celebrity friends from the line and walking them to the entrance -- for hours on end. How she began her night? Swigging a can of Red Bull and pulling major drags on her cigarettes. Oh, and she hates Brandon Davis so you won't be seeing this greasy, spoiled oil heir at any of her exclusive events.

6. Alison Melnick -- another uber-promoter -- has the best hair ever. And kick-ass clothes.

7. Guys in folded-up skinny jeans, trucker hats and ratty flip-flops don't make it past the velvet rope. No style means no entry.

8. Celebrity agents get all worked up trying to make sure their clients will get in, especially if they're junior agents. I understand a lot is at stake if you screw up but hey, you ain't Ari Gold so quit going ape-sh*% while I check the list!

9. Jay Penske is really, really, really cute and friendly. Damn you for chatting me and R. up and then not asking for our numbers!

10. Once the big musical performance of the night is up, celebs high-tail it out of the event for a night of complete and utter debauchery at hotspots like Hyde or Area. They didn't even stick around for the free In-N-Out Burger. Guess greasy food isn't too good for their anorexia.

It's always a treat working the lists at these kind of shindigs. But nothing will ever compare to our run-in with Ron Jeremy. Never ever.

I'm Lovin' it: The Xhiliration line at Target. Yes, I know. It's very Missy and Junior, but they've got some great basic tops with a twist that have certainly taken me far. Dress it up or dress it down -- all for well under $20. Great for fashionistas with a tight budget or those who just want to tighten their purse strings after going batty at the last sample sale.

I'm Over it: Paying over $2 for a cupcake. Magnolia Bakery in New York and Sprinkles in Los Angeles have made it trendy to stuff your face with these scrumptious little mountains of cake and icing. But seriously, remember when your school bake sale had equally delicious ones for 50 cents??

Track of the Day: The latest one by Jo Jo, I'm slightly embarassed to say. Jo Jo's only fifteen or so, but she sings about love like she's thirty years old and has an old soul voice. Lame, I know, but it's all really kind of catchy...

www.myspace.com/jojonline

* Photo property of motorola.com

Mag-Hag

If you're as much of a magazine-head as I am, then you probably have piles and piles of fashion glossies littering your room. Coffee tables, bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens are not exempt from the presence of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Glamour, Marie Claire, Nylon, InStyle, W and for those still young and kitchsy at heart, Cosmopolitan.

Each magazine brings to the table (no pun intended if they do cover your night tables) a different kind of voice with certain dialogue for a particular reader in a particular demographic.

So what's your magazine style? Let's break it down:

Vogue: This magazine is dubbed by the fashion community and its minions as "The Bible". Headed up by notoriously cold, but editorially brilliant Anna Wintour, Vogue has often been called elitist with it's articles on artists, authors and subjects most laymen have never heard of. Most of the masthead is comprised of socialites (Amanda Brooks, Meredith Melling-Burke, Lauren Davis, Sally Singer, the list goes on) with a high-end pedigree and old money last name. Case in point: the "Girl Of The Month" section, which usually covers someone eternally sophisticated like Tinsley Mortimer, Genevieve Jones, Natalie Portman or some fantastic supermodel like Natalia Vodianova (married to British royalty Justin Portman, of course). However, the editorial spreads are barnone fantastic and you can't lie that if one graces the cover or inside, you've "made it" in the world. In fashion, Vogue is god. And if you don't know who Voguers Anna Wintour, Andre Leon Talley, Grace Coddington, Hamish Bowles, Mario Testino are, then you can't claim to love fashion.

www.style.com/vogue


Harper's Bazaar: I, for one, love love love this magazine. It feels a little more accessible and the layout is easy on the eyes. Bazaar editrix Glenda Bailey is not necessarily the most glamourous-looking lady in the business, but she has a friendly smile and a good eye for fashion. Harper's Bazaar is magazine for all ages, witnessed through the regular feature "Fabulous At Every Age", where they examine new trends in relation to your 20s, 30s, 40s and up. The fonts and layout are catchy to the eye, and the articles are less Ivy League than Vogue. But rest assured, the editorial spreads are just as good as those in "The Bible".

www.harpersbazaar.com


Elle: My love for this magazine has a lot to do with my utmost respect for it's fashion photographer-turned-international creative director Gilles Bensimon, a well-respected and well-liked industry visionary. Elle's visual aesthetic is comparable to Harper's Bazaar: easy to navigate and eye-catching. The editorial spreads don't push the envelope as much as Vogue or W, but they're still a treat to see. And who can't love you some Elle fashion director-turned-Project Runway judge Nina Garcia?? 'Nuff said.

www.elle.com


Glamour: This glossy is as good as it is because of lovably petite Editor-In-Chief Cindy Leive. Glamour is for the everywoman who needs a shot of fashion in their lives. The magazine is definitely aware of the world, and often has interesting articles topics such as modern-day courtesans and the "Would You Dare?" section is a hoot -- volunteers run around NYC completing dares while Glamour photogs capture the reactions of citygoers. Glamour strives to make you not only more fashion-conscious, but better all-around.

www.glamour.com


Marie Claire: This magazine is The Economist-equivalent in the fashion world. It's fashion content equals that of Glamour, but it is so politically aware and it's articles prove just that. If you want to know about Balenciaga platforms or the Marie Antoinette revival or about the problems in Darfur or the sex-slave trade in Europe, then Marie Claire is the magazine to pick up.

www.marieclaire.com


Nylon: If magazines were social stereotypes, then this magazine is a hipster wearing Chuck Taylors, living in SoHo and counting down the hours till the next MisShapes party at his or her graphic design job. Accessories director girl-about-town Dani Stahl is practically the face of Nylon: do a WireImage search on her and she'll probably pop-up everywhere. The layout is interesting, comprised out hundreds of cut-out fonts and blended images. You can always guarantee an indie actress or musician will be on the cover -- I particularly liked the one with new Hollywood it-girl Camilla Bell, who wore the most awesome dress I've ever dreamed of owning.

www.nylonmag.com


InStyle: Celebrities rule the world and they certainly rule the world that is InStyle Magazine. This oft-thick publication has a lot on fashion and the A-Listers who wear it. The articles are unfortunately mediocre, but if you want celebs at the weddings or in their homes (showing off their interior-designed abodes) without having the peruse the latest US Weekly or People, then this will do.

www.instylemag.com


W: Avante-garde, sophisticated, intellectual and incredibly informative, W Magazine no doubt makes the top three of fashion glossies. The industry tidbits are the best and the writing is a slice of verbal heaven: descriptive, fun to read without being too kitchsy and interesting, beginning to end. There is a huge concentration on jewelry, accessories and art. Editorial spreads here are gorgeously incredible and art-minded, thanks for the most part to famed fashion photographer and regular W contributor Steven Klein, who is king of pushing the fashion photography envelope. Who could forget the sensual Brangelina spread or the equestrian Madonna spread?? However, the magazine's larger width and height is the only time in fashion that it'll be acceptable to bigger than sample size.

www.style.com/w


So what's your magazine personality? I sort of think I'm a bit of everything.

Having a fashion split personality isn't all that bad.

I'm Lovin' it: Pumpkin Pie shakes from Jack In The Box. It's an ice blended piece of pumpkin pie and absolutely fantastic on my tastebuds.

I'm Over it: See-through footless tights. If you're going to go the leggings/tights route, please make sure they're opaque because someone along the way is going to take a flash picture of you and the results will be horrific.

Track of the Day: "Fidelity" by Regina Spektor. This NYC singer/songwriter has the acoustic vocals down pat -- $20 tickets for her SoCal concert last week were on sale on Craigslist for $100 a pop. You won't get enough of this yodelling-inspired ditty and trust me, it's way better than Gwen Stefani's yodelling-sampled "Wind it Up". And that's saying a lot, seeing as how I've been girl-crushing on Gwen Stefani-Rossdale since the Tragic Kingdom album.

www.myspace.com/reginaspektor

* Photo property of style.com