Cheerio From Up North

Howdy fellow fashion fanatics,

Enjoying my northern vacay much-ly. It's been fantabulous catching up with my best girl and guy friends in the whole wide world.

Fashion observation: Vancouver has definitely grown in terms of being fashion-forward. Raymon Ladon -- Vancouver store manager of hip, Seattle-established clothing boutique chain Zebra Club -- shouts out Main Street and Gas Town as the "it" areas to hit up when looking for new duds in this fair Canadian city. Eugene Choo, The Block, Bruce, Ray Rickburn, Gravity Pope, Jonathan + Olivia...this town is prime for fashion pickin's and fabulous boutiques!

Just getting ready to head out the door for a night out at Celebrities, Vancouver's equivalent to L.A.'s The Abbey. Haven't been before -- despite having been a Vancity resident for 18 years -- but I hear it's off the hook. More stories to follow, I'm sure.

Happy weekend, all!

xoxo
Haute Hippie

Merry Chrismakwanzakkah 2006!

Merry, Merry Chrismakwanzakkah!!

Hope your holiday was as enjoyable as mine, which included -- but wasn't limited to -- yummy food, my crazy-fantastic family and good old karaoke in a cozy, warm living room.

Too bad I pre-snacked so darn much that I could barely eat a morsel by the time grace was said and the real dinner began.

Oh, and I love love love my uncles for getting me the limited edition (PRODUCT)RED iPod Nano, with a portion of the proceeds going to fight AIDS in Africa.

My favorite part? The teensy, weensy engraving my uncles inscribed on the back: "Always be yourself & dance to your own tunes."

I couldn't have said it better myself.






I'm Lovin' it: My new iPod Nano!!!!!

I'm Over it: Waiting for my trip home!!!!! Just over 24 hours till I land. And then the next day it's off to an 80s-themed Aspen party in Whistler with my best guy friend K.!

Track of the Day: "Be" by Common. This man is no doubt the finest dandy in hip-hop right now -- not only because he looks so sharp 24/7, but also because his songs are so empowering. I hear he's killer live.

And for all my single ladies out there, look out for that man who thinks of women the way Common breaks it down about his lady love in "The Light". You'll never go wrong with a man like that.

Live performance of "Be" on YouTube

"The Light" on You Tube


* Photo property of gizmodo.com

Ho Ho Ho Mistletoe

I was up and at 'em this lovely Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. (and because I somehow semi-consciously turned off my space heater at some ungodly hour last night, it's also a freezing a.m.).

Here are a few things already on my mind upon waking:

1. Gotta get my butt to the gym before the family Christmas dinner gorge-fest tonight.

2. I really should not have eaten a caramel fudge sundae and two sugar cookies last night at 10 p.m. hanging out with my girl R. while she packed for Christmas in Texas.

3. Do I really get those flat black leather boots from Aldo before my trip?

4. God, I really wish I'd been able to fly to New York for the December 15th to 17th weekend-only urban art show "Wooster On Spring" -- this first of many more, I'm sure, launched by the Wooster Collective. The line up to see this first-time exhibition got up to five hours by the end of the weekend, and the final reviews are fantastic. What a coup for all urban artists from around the globe! If you love this kind of art, sign up for the Wooster Collective daily newsletter. It's practically the high-light of my morning e-mail check.






5. Where to heck can I find mistletoe in Santa Monica? It's needed to complete a certain something.

Maybe Google will save the day.

Happy Christmas Eve, everyone!

xoxo
Haute Hippie



* Photos property of woostercollective.com, Google Images

Last Minute Fool

Today was the day I had to go last minute Christmas shopping.

Last minute Christmas shoppers are three things: rude, pushy and stupid.

I am most certainly not the first two adjectives (though there were plenty of those around to fill the role), but I certainly am the last adjective for waiting till the final hour before the holy day.

But Santa Haute Hippie is done for the year.

And I can exhale with relief that I don't have to go last minute Christmas shopping till December '07.

I'm Lovin' it: Despite my stress case day, the holiday season still rocks.

I'm Over it: Paying a little over five Benjamins in parking tickets yesterday. It still hurts. I do NOT heart Santa Monica or Los Angeles parking. And now those flat leather boots from Aldo are just going to have to wait.

Guilty Pleasure Artist of the Day: Atlanta, Georgia's very own T.I. -- not only is he super fly for an African-American guy, his music is totally infectious. "Why You Wanna" samples an older hip-hop song (though can't for the life of me remember the original artists, dammit!), but T.I. did it mainstream rap justice. He makes me wanna pop my collar.

www.myspace.com/trapmuzik

Bloggy Blog

Just got home from a 2.5 hour meeting with a real estate client.

Head's too mushy for a fashion blog at the moment.

But I do like the "professional" outfit I threw on today.

G'night, all.

xoxo
Haute Hippie

Uncle Toms (Shoes) Cabin

There's nothing like being stylish and socially aware at the same time.

Toms Shoes is a new footwear company that's taken the industry by storm with its reincarnation of Argentine slip-on shoes called the alpargatas, known for their breathability and comfort with canvas uppers, soft insoles and cushy soles.

Blake Mycoskie, the brand's ruggedly cute founder, discovered the heavenly slip-on while on his travels through South America. Taken aback by the poverty and child labor rampant in the region, he took it upon himself to reinvent the alparatatas using Argentinian materials and producing strictly under "no sweatshop" regulations. By partnering up with some very good causes -- like Insight Argentina and Freestyle Walking -- Mycoskie ensures that for every pair of Toms Shoes sold, he donates a pair to a needy child of the world.

Toms Shoes come in a myriad of colors and patterns -- from camo to stripes to solids. Mycoskie also recently began collaborating up with artists, such as Tyler Ramsey, to created limited editions Toms.

Stylish, art-savvy and socially aware?

Trifecta.

I'm Lovin' it: Romeo and Juliet Couture leggings. You'll never have to worry about these puppies being too transparent at the upper thigh and too opaque at the calf. Even all the way up and down your leg. Soft to the touch, too. I've managed to become the owner of two different pairs in a span of a week and a half.

I'm Over it: The work week. I'm ready for my family Christmas dinner on the 24th, yo!

Album of the Day: "Tales From The Turnpike House" by Saint Etienne. This British indie trio has been around since the mid-90s, falling under the "shiny happy music" category. The vocals and beats in Track #1 sound hauntingly like the late Karen Carpenter, who passed from anorexia at the height of her music career.

* Photos property of tomsshoes.com

Localites LA: Round One

So my first two articles for Localites LA are up!

Check them out, the first is a profile on Iconology and the second is a write-up about the fabulous Tom Ford.

xoxo
Haute Hippie

Random Thought This Second

Does anyone else think the term (and title song, of course) "elegantly wasted" is the most fun verbal juxtaposition ever?

Three cheers for language!

Yeah, that was random.

I'm putting myself to sleep now. For the next eight hours, I mean.

But I know what you were thinking.

All I want for Christmas: Part One

Christmas is less than one week away.

Oh, how time flies.

If anyone feels so inclined to purchase little ole me a present or two for being SUCH a good girl this year, here are some helpful suggestions for you:

1. An 8GB iPod Nano, preferably in black -- to match everything, including a majority of my current wardrobe. Y'all know what it looks like.

2. This classy, lady-like Botkier bag. Since I'm a professional, it's time to put the slouchy hobo away for the weekdays and save it for more casual weekends.

3. I haven't loved one-piece shortalls this much since I was, oh, four years old and rockin' the Osh Kosh B'Gosh. A navy, gold-stitched, pilot-inspired number sits in my wardrobe (what a hit it was this summer '06!), but I sure would like this ruffled one from Development hanging beside it.

4. There has been a noticeable rise in the number of socialites-turned-designers in the past year. Rachel Roy -- also known as Mrs. Damon Dash -- is one of the more talented PYTs out there (though Tinsley Mortimer rules). This white, waist-cinching dress is almost as beautiful as its designer. Yep, Rachel is pretty damn gorgeous.

None of these strike your buying fancy? I'll have more choices for you tomorrow.

I'm Lovin' it: My new wool short shorts from The Gap. Can't go wrong with $9.99. Perfect with, what else? Opaque tights (textured ones this time) and knee-high boots in the winter.

I'm Over it: The day. It's night night time.

Track of the Day: I was listening to some Scissor Sisters song this morning...I think it was "Comfortably Numb". Well, all I can say is the music video is a little whack, and I was UN-comfortably numb this morning trying to get ready for work in my ice cave of a room. I forgot to turn on my space heater last night. Woo hoo for me.

* Photos property of shopbop.com

Stunner Shades On

Just a little observation about Southern Californians -- myself included.

Why is it that us SoCal-ers are so used to -- and attached to -- their sunglasses, that even in 55 degree overcast weather we still have our stunner shades on?

I caught myself rockin' my mens-style aviators while driving the other day in some seriously cloudy weather -- along with many, many other Angelenos.

Maybe living in La-La Land has made us all so Hollywood. It's not like the paparazzi is after me!

Wow. This trip home to Canadia (deliberately misspelled, I'm not that Americanized!) should get my butt into check.

I'm Lovin' it: My new Abaete for Payless suede, black booties with black mock-croc design. I know my closet could use a respite from ebony shoe wear, but sometimes I just can't pass up beautiful shoes on a sweet deal.

I'm Over it: Christmas shopping! Actually, I haven't really started yet....at least my l'il sister's gift is checked of my list, as of today. Such a procrastinator, I am.

Track History of the Day: I promised you a brief history on the origins of "Amber" by 311. This quintet of Nebraskans have been in the music scene for about fifteen years, blowing up big in the mid-90s. They're still kickin' it, most recently doing a cover of The Cure's "Love Song" for Adam Sandler's romantic-comedy flick "50 First Dates" and releasing a greatest hits album in 2005. I'm sure their die-hard fans are looking forward to album #9!

"Amber" on YouTube

* Photo property of Google Images, payless.com

Christian Follower

I heart Christian.

As in French shoe designer Christian Louboutin, not Nip/Tuck's Dr. Christian Troy -- though he's fairly yummy, too.

Sex And The City -- as well as S(arah) J(essica) P(arker) -- may have single-handedly made Manolo Blahniks a fashionista staple and a household name, but if shoes equalled sass...well, then Christian Louboutin is definitely sassy. In heels.

Yes, the Americans may (extremely) dislike the French, and the French may want to (permanently) annihilate the Americans, but the least we can do in this situation is call cease fire over these gorgeous shoes.

N'est pas?

PS. It's Pair #1 for me or bust.

I'm Lovin' it: The chilly, but sunny 58 degree winter weather we've been having. It makes me all nostalgic about the fall season in my hometown. This, of course, means several things to me: knee-high boots, opaque tights, sweater dresses, cropped jackets, luscious coats, knit hats, fun-flavored lattes, and hockey. For the first time since moving down here, I've noticed the leaves on the trees actually change color from green to pretty oranges and browns. And I used to think the leaves in L.A. were perpetually brown! Silly Canadian me. Oh well, at least I'm learning something new every day. And you bet your bottom dollar I'm trying to get myself to the January 7th game with the Vancouver Canucks hosting their traded old pal Todd Bertuzzi in a once in a lifetime hockey match-up when I go home!

I'm Over it: Indecisive shoppers. Beware: they come in all shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicity. They can easily be picked out of a crowd by their annoying, "should-I-shouldn't-I" personalities.

Track of the Day: "Amber" by 311. Sorry, didn't do my homework on this yet since I was at work all day, but it was playing on J.'s mini iPod this afteroon and I just couldn't stop myself from jamming out. It's reggae-tinged and happy -- the only information I got from J. about the song was it's "very old". And, of course, that in itself was mere hearsay. Cold, hard fact regarding "Amber" to follow in my next posting.

* Photos property of net-a-porter.com, saksfifthavenue.com, momist.com, Google Images

The (Dirt) Devil In Us All

I have a love/dislike (the word "hate" is a little harsh in this context) relationship with Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners.

I dislike DDs -- and not the chest size, people -- because the Dyna Power 26.0 that my roomie E. and I bought less than eight months ago has already burned through its belt and is pretty much kaput.

I love DDs because of the new handheld Kone, created exclusively for Dirt Devil by design guru Karim Rashid.

The sleek, minimalistic, cone-shaped (hence the name) style makes the Kone easy to display -- don't be surprised if people think it's a modern art piece of some kind. Sorry, the champagne shade is sold out for the season but there's still stark white, royal blue, plum purple, hush pink and ebony black to choose from. The Target on the corner of Highland and Santa Monica Boulevard still has a few left on its shelves so if you like the Kone, get crackin'!

It may not be an ice cream cone, but it's a close runner-up.





I'm Lovin' it: This military-inspired coat by Via -- in black, of course. It's about to become my new winter coat for "The Trip" I've been talking about forever. The final seal on the deal? Victoria's Secret is shipping items over $100 for free on two-day express. Not bad considering what it normally would cost. Oh yeah, the mega sale they're having, too, is more icing on the cake.




I'm Over it: Demeter Fragrances actually created a Play Doh scent. I had the dishonor of sniffing it at the Ulta location on Highland. It's olfactory hell.




Album Buy Of The Day: My first errand of the day consisted of going to Best Buy and purchasing the "Songs To Live And Die By" album from 8mm, like I promised in my last post. Played it from start to finish. I may not be Billboard or Rollingstone, but this one gets a four-point-five out of five musical stars.



* Photos property of dirtdevil.com, victoriassecret.com, demeterfragrances.com

Hood-Winked

Ah, the hoodie. Essential for comfort in cold weather.

Husband-and-wife design team Mike Gonzalez and Christine Park-Gonzalez hail from the east coast, where chilly weather is not a stranger. Thus, Mike & Chris was born.

Now, we're not talking about a hoodie from your high school or university days. These hoodies are tricked out: big buttons, interesting silhouettes and design embellishments far from your alma mater version. Not only have they conquered the hoodie universe, the Gonzalezes are working on conquering the accessories world with their handbag collection. And who doesn't need another great purse hanging in their closet?

I love me some MC.

Mariah Carey included.

* Fashion Bite: Check out the Mike & Chris Bailey Hooded Dress. The design makes it a sort of style enigma. Is it a hoodie? Is it a coat? Is it a dress? Or is it all three? Image #7, y'all.

I'm Lovin' it: Jaden Smith, the progeny of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett. He is so, so adorable I can't take it. See The Pursuit of Happyness and you'll know exactly what I mean. Very touching film, by the way.

I'm Over it: Trying to find a coat for my trip. Actually, it's just me being lazy. I know exactly what coat I want (a Via military-style number) and where to order it. I just need get all Nike and just to do it.

Track of the Day: "No Way Back" by 8mm. This trip-hop duo consisting of New Orlean-er Juliette and Nine Inch Nail's former sound engineer Sean (no last names) made their way from the dark, jazzy recesses of New Orleans to starry, glitzy La-La Land. Juliette's voice is hauntingly beautiful and the beats are jazzy down-tempo. Everyone who's familiar with my musical preferences knows I'm a trip-hop head, so it's no surprise their album "Songs To Live And Die By" is most definitely my next vinyl purchase.

www.myspace.com/8mm

* Photos property of revolveclothing.com, ronherman.com, activeendeavors.com, myspace.com/8mm

Mad For Moschino

During my trend report research today, I was thoroughly disappointed with most of the European collections for Spring 2007.

Springtime is not for dreary, muted colors of geometric silhouettes. It's a time for colorful, bright splashes of ruffles, frills and light-heartedness.

But I must admit I love the Moschino Cheap & Chic collection. Though it was hard to pinpoint a particular color palette -- it ranged from earthtones to brights to black, white and red combos -- the silhouettes themselves were all spring.

Ruffles, bubble hems, short shorts, prints, sky-high heels... oh my!

PS. Sorry, I couldn't narrow down my favorite outfits down to the top ten. So I practically uploaded the entire collection.

I'm Lovin' it: Meeting the madre of Jessica and Ashlee: Tina Simpson. She was a refreshingly sweet and down-to-earth showbiz mom -- must be her Texas blood -- except for the fact she was able to plunk down tons of cash for sweaters and other such goodies. It's nice to know she's nice. No resemblence to Dina Lohan at all.

I'm Over it: Rachel Bilson not yet making the cover of Harper's Bazaar or another such privileged publication (Cosmo doesn't count). She's such a little style icon with her teeny frame and vintage flair. Plus, from what I hear, Rachel's a pretty nifty actress, too. Case in point: The Last Kiss with Zach Braff.

Track of the Day: "Radio" by Jurassic 5. This local hip-hop group blew up big with hits like "What's Golden" and "Concrete Schoolyard", continuing on to this day doing collabos with big names like Nelly Furtado and Dave Matthews. Check out this J5 jam: lots of bass for shoulder bumpin' and booty shakin'. There's something happy old school of this one, probably because it's a reference to their hip-hop rise in the 80s and 90s.

www.myspace.com/jurassic5

* Photos property of nymag.com

This Week's Celeb Sightings

Melrose Place alum: Daphne Zuniga.

America's Next Top Model finalist: Eugena Something-Or-Other.

Both very skinny.

Gimme Some Kimchi

No, no. I'm not talking about kimchi, the pungent Korean pickled cabbage.

I'm talking about the brand Kimchi & Blue: off-center and quirky, yet cute. Not to mention slightly on the junior trendy side. And resident out-of-house clothing label darling of Urban Outfitters, the ultimate store for trend fixes.

Here are some K & B styles to whet your style palette:

PS. I'm SO getting the blouse in image #1. Don't try and stop me.

I'm Lovin' it: The upcoming January issue of Vogue Magazine with Angelina Jolie, fashionably ringing in 2007 with a glorious bang and her beautiful mug on the cover. We know she's gorgeous beyond comprehension. Now it's time to finally hear her dish about her main man: Brad!

I'm Over it: Stressing over how many sweaters, coats, boots, tights and hats I have to pack in less than two weeks for my trip to Vancouver. I have a gut feeling my baggage will be thisclose to being over the allowable weight limit. That'll be another $40 - $50. Oy!

Album Buy of the Week: "Stars of CCTV" by Hard-Fi. These blokes from the U.K. range from danceable to emo. I traispsed into Tower Records with my friend C. yesterday, trying to kill some time while waiting for a table at Cheesecake Factory. While distracted by a daydream of my upcoming order of chicken madeira, I somehow bought this very yellow album. Alright. No more excuses for buying so much vinyl...I've wanted this one for weeks. I'm a Tower Records junkie. Check out track #7 -- it's a cross between Coldplay and Keane during one of their ballads. And most everyone knows they're also from England. Is there musical genre cohesion happening across the pond??

www.myspace.com/hardfi

* Photos property of ebay.com, google.com/music

VOOM in NYC

Hey Amanda (and other East Coast fans of the VOOM line),

You can find the label at the following New York stores: Big Drop, Blush, Purdy Girl, Coco & Delilah, Patricia Field, Lounge, Kit and Atempo.

Happy shopping!

xo
Haute Hippie

PS. Here's little picture of VOOM designer Joy Han at the most recent L.A. Fashion Week for y'all!







* Photo property of wireimage.com

What Happens In Vegas Part Deux: The Recap

Supposedly whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Except for bouts of food poisoning.

Yes, folks. Little ole me got hit an unwelcome two-day illness while living it up in Sin City. Good thing is the dreaded food poisoning (which could have either been from that way-too-cheesy omlette at 4 am Saturday morning or my meal at IHOP at 1 pm Saturday afternoon) didn't arrive till my second night there, so I was allowed one full-on night of debauchery.

Highlights of my trip:

1. Seeing my hometown girlfriends. Basically, it was a quintet of trouble.

2. The amazingly huge bathrooms at the Aladdin Hotel. Huge shower, huge tub, huge toilet room, huge mirror, plenty of room for five girls to get all dolled up for a night on the town.

3. The ahi tuna entree at Seablue at the MGM Grand Hotel. Worth every bit of a fairly hefty price tag -- and not a ridiculously small size, either.

4. The KA Cirque De Soleil show at the MGM -- if you've never seen a Cirque show, it's something you need to do at least once in your lifetime. The acrobatic skill, grace and strength of those performers...beyond amazing.






5. Club hopping Friday night from Tangerine to Rain to Ghost Bar to Moon Lounge. All in the span of four hours. And the music at Tangerine was booty-shakin', I tell ya.

6. Getting a gratis issue of OK! Magazine in our room from the hotel. Gotta keep up on the celeb news!

7. Not spending a dollar to lose a hundred dollars on the slot machines. They're the devil -- but oh so hard to resist.

8. Rocking my new Sass & Bide blouson top with skinny black pants and my favorite black and gold suede/mock croc heels.

9. Prancing into Tryst at the Wynn Hotel without having to wait in that huge line-up. The club was hopping, the decor was sexy and impeccable, the crowd and workers were super good-looking on both ends, the waterfall outside the patio was gorgeous and watching random girls try to get all down 'n' dirty onstage (unsuccessfully, mine you) was priceless.

10. Bed-sharing with friends. Tight squeeze for sure.

11. Being a girl in Vegas, because we seriously reign supreme like queens in that town.

Despite getting ill -- not the highlight of the trip and cause for a very, very long drive home (many thanks to the helpful pharmacist at Walgreens on Tropicana that prescribed all the appropriate meds to keep me in check for the drive) -- I had a fantabulous time. How could anyone not??

Oh, and I'm feeling much much better. Nothing a good night's sleep in a warm bed and an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition can't cure.








I'm Lovin' it: This cutesy-putesy sweater dress from Red Pearl boutique in Williamsburg, New York. The store is definitely for fashionable hippies -- here you'll uncover label upon label of comfy-chic clothing. I also dig their representation of local artists, whether it's music or art or photography. If you're around the area, just hop on the L-train to Bedford Avenue.

I'm Over it: Fashion break-ups. The latest is from CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winners Trovata -- who also happen to be SoCal boys from Newport Beach. Lamberto-Egan jumped ship awhile ago to follow his girlfriend up North, and now Halmos and Shipley are parting ways with Whitledge to start their own line. Whitledge will continue to carry the preppy-meets-surfer Trovata torch. "Creative differences" when it comes fashion break-ups sound a lot like "irreconcilable differences" when it comes to divorce.

Track of the Day: "Take Me To The Hospital" by The Faint. Expect heavy synchronization, electronic syncopation, background clapping and major bass from this Omaha, Nebraska group. It's basically The Killers -- as an 80s band. Check out their pseudo-animated music video on You Tube.

* Photo property of nymetro.com, reviewjournal.com, bachelorvegas.com, rhinotickets.com

Note To Maandie1

Hey Amanda!

I'm so glad you like VOOM!! I've emailed my contact over at the showroom to find out where you can get the line in NYC. Perhaps their website has more information for the east coast? It's www.voombyjoyhan.com.

xo
Haute Hippie

Whatever Happens in Vegas...Part Deux

When I first moved to La-La Land, I ended up in Sin City eight or nine times in one year. Obsessed much, you say?

So I went into Sin City hiatus, going over seven months without venturing onto the 15 North toward the City That Never Sleeps.

Well, the spell's been broken and I have to go on hiatus again -- only it's a four-day hiatus from blogging. I'll be heading out to meet some hometown girlfriends for a weekend of fun, debauchery, dancing till I can't dance no more and just plain old good times. Oh, and for awesome new MySpace pictures.

On Sunday, I'll be saying: "Nothing happened in Vegas...I swear."

PS. Yes, I actually have a t-shirt that says that. No, I don't wear it out in public.

I'm Lovin' it: Sass & Bide. I've been a fan of this quirky, sexy label from Down Under (aka. Australia) since forever. As of today, I'm a proud owner of a S&B piece -- a black blouson top with an elasticized hem for full volume, fabric buttons, low neckline and funky criss cross straps. It's outfit number two for the weekend. All hail Sarah Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton!

I'm Over it: The over-botoxication of rich women in L.A. -- I mean, can they even crack a proper smile!? Give me laugh lines any day...as long as they're very, very small.

Track of the Day: "Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday" by N*Sync. One of my BFFs "Sushi" and I have played this track every Christmas since second year university. I try to send her a link to the tune every year. Don't let the velveeta-cheesy music video fool you -- the song is rad for the holidays.

* Photo property of away.com, morgan-photo.com

Smells Like Teen Stefani

Can Gwen Stefani do ANYTHING wrong?! (Though her "Wind It Up" single has yet to still grow on me)

First she conquers the ska world (props to "Spiderwebs"), then the pop rock world (hello, "Hella Good"), then the solo artist world (what it do, "Whatcha Waitin' For" and "Rich Girl"), then the fashion world (can't get enough of L.A.M.B.) -- and now the fragrance world (name yet to be determined).

Inking a deal with fragrance giant Coty (who masterminded the J. Lo, Brit-Brit Spears and Sarah Jessica Parker perfume lines) and continuing her partnership with venture capitalist Tim Schifter -- who is also husband to socialite and avid couturist Helen Lee -- Stefani's slowly but surely taking over the world.

And what a wonderful place it'll be: pirates, Harajuku girls, love, angels, music, babies, Alice In Wonderland, sky-high platforms, peroxide blonde hair, blunt bangs, Zaldy as a muse and fabulous fashion will reign supreme.

It'll be Gwen's world after all.

PS. Her new album "The Sweet Escape" drops on December 15th. And it's pure awesome-ness how she looks like a life-sized Hed Kandi girl on the cover!

I'm Lovin' it: Topshop is now shipping to the States! And for only around 10 pounds. Say hello to sequin strapless dresses, t-bar high clog heels and checkered trench coats. Good-bye, Forever 21. For now.

I'm Over it: Note to future assistant editors of fashion magazines -- do NOT hawk beauty products sent by companies for editorial use on eBay. Case in point: now-former Allure assistant editor Molly Friedman. The Conde Nast police will capture you and your very promising glossy magazine career will be over. Hello, fashion blacklist.

Track of the Day: "Say It Right" by Nelly Furtado. There's something very 80s-Madonna about this track, which is backed up by on-fire producer Timbaland. Quite the tag team, these two. A more wistful, ballad-esque track from the Canadian cutie (who is very mini in person!). She also looks bomb in the video for this joint. Check it out below.

Say It Right (You Tube)

* Photos property of Google Images

Artsy-Fartsy

This weekend, it was all about getting artfully cultured -- minus the black beret, black outfit, mustache and to-go espresso cup.

On Saturday, my roomie E., my friend A. and I decided to check out "There Goes The Neighborhood: Part Deux" art exhibit at up-and-coming gallery Sixspace in Culver City. Apparently, the area is becoming a hotbed of hip galleries -- if you're art-inclined, this just might be the spot for you to check out. I would say there were a total of ten or so pieces hung for viewing -- Christofer Chin's acrylic paintings definitely took the cool cake this time 'round -- but the space was rather small and not conducive to long bouts of mingling. Minor celeb sighting: Nicole Linkletter from two seasons-past America's Next Top Model. Yes, she was skinny as heck.

All in all, the crowd seemed to know each other already, so in order to feel super comfortable you have to: a) become well-versed in your art terms ("That painting is rad" is probably not the best phrase to use around these people) and b) become best friends with an "in" art-hipster. But, I'll definitely go to another opening there again...and I'm definitely working on Option "b".

Sunday night was a very interesting peruse through the LACMA with roomie E. and friend M. from South Bay. Thing to to note: the LACMA is free in the general areas after 5 pm -- except for special runs, like the current Magritte exhibit. The highlight of my museum evening was strolling through the "Breaking the Mode: Contemporary Fashion from the Permanent Collection" exhibit, which runs till the second week of January. Fashion-foward designs by fashion-forward designers were on display -- I was not at all surprised to see pieces from Rei Kawakubo, Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, Yohji Yamamoto, Madame Gres, Madame Vionnet, Herve Leger, Thierry Mugler, Azzadine Alaia, Issey Miyake, the elusive Martin Margiela and Junya Watanabe. It was double-y interesting to read the descriptions of how certain silhouettes were conceptualized and brought to life. There was a slew of FIDM students madly scribbing notes for design homework assignments. The girl with the Norma Kamali cropped genie sweatpants and Tory Burch "Teva" flats ruled.

This exhibit is most certainly a must-see for any fashionistas out there.

Highlight of Sunday evening? Going to the Starbucks on Fairfax to grab a caramel apple cider after the musuem, only to watch the lone barista go batty trying to make our drinks. He was either on serious adderrall or 1,000 cups of espresso. The poor fella was talking 200 miles a minute and his hand was shaking like Parkinson's while pouring the cider.

Do not -- I repeat DO NOT -- got the Starbucks on Fairfax at 8 pm on Sunday nights. You might be extremely frightened by the chemically-charged, nerdy, white barista boy behind the counter.

I'm Lovin' it: The shy African-American young man who asked me my take on a surreal glass blown sculpture of armless angels beside a tornado at the LACMA. He left me a speechless with his insight, intelligence and polite, "Have a good evening, Miss" before flitting away.

ALSO...

My new black cowlneck sweater dress (which I picture with my black opaque tights and red vintage boots) and my new kimono-sleeve dress with silver thread-embroidery and silver rope waist tie (which I picture with my skinny dark denim or my footless gray tights and Aldo ankle boots from three or four years ago -- hallelujah they're back in style!)

I'm Over it: The nasty old lady in front of me in line at the 99 Cent store who yelled at me for letting my Bottega Veneta-inspired bag (note the word "inspired", aka. fake) touch her back. Apparently she has "very, very sensitive skin!!!" (Said to me in high decibels). Geez, all I wanted to do was to pay for my toiletpaper. And I do believe I said "Geez!" to her. Wow, that is SO 1989.

Album of the Weekend: "Change It All" by Goapele. She's somewhat of a mix between Alicia Keys and Jill Scott. Her silky smooth voice is enough to soothe the most savage beast: Haute Hippie trying to get home in back-to-back traffic on the 405 South. Favorite tracks? "Closer" and "First Love". Go to Target in order to pay only $9.99, as I did this weekend!

www.myspace.com/goapelemusic

* Photos property of lacma.org

"Earmuffs!" - Vince Vaughn (Old School)

I've become somewhat obsessed with protecting my outer extremeties from the bitter winter, Vancouver cold I'll likely experience on my upcoming vacation.

It's also an excuse for looking for fashionable winter accoutrements -- like earmuffs! Preferably in fox or rabbit fur.

PETA is really gonna hate me now.

I'm Lovin' it: Pre-holiday sales!!! This means 40% to 80% off. Hint to SoCal-ers: Get yourselfself to Iconology on La Brea, because they started their massive holiday sale as of yesterday. I have the inside. You also have to see the new "Winter Wonderland" window display, assembled by the lovely stylist Debrah. And if you buy either the Karl Lagerfeld asymmetrical tunic or Schumacher black and white striped silk top, I'll be extremely upset. I can forgive, but I can't promise I'll forget.

I'm Over it: Can certain Hollywood starlets puh-leeze start wearing underwear when they go out and get photographed by the paparazzi?! I don't enjoy going onto Perez Hilton and having to see their uncovered crotches. Lohan and Spears, ya hear?

Ok, maybe it's pretty funny.

ALSO...

A certain parental individual attempting to...well, er...you know what I'm talking about and you know who you are -- Dad!! And I know you're reading this, too...

Track of the Day: "Citizens of Tomorrow" by Tokyo Police Club. This quartet out of eastern Canada is catchy, indie pop fun. If you dig The Killers or Phoenix (as I do), guaranteed you will dig these fellas. On their MySpace profile, the band likens themselves to "... a swift kick in the pants followed be a raucous dance party". Not quite sure what that means exactly, but raucous dance parties are always fun.

www.myspace.com/tokyopoliceclub

* Photos property of saks.com