for the love of fashion, beauty, food, art, music, dancing, people, culture and life!

Fun factoid: The iconic Hollywood sign was once an advertisement for "Hollywoodland," a real estate development

As a whirlwind living, globe-trotting fashionistah, my passport gets its fair share of stamp abuse from Customs Officers. 

Dramatic re-enactment:  Officer “Do you have anything to declare?” Me “I had fun.” Not True Story. Don’t try this at the airport. 

The sunshine state has its fair share of shoreline beauty but the glam factor is much like a Hollywood backdrop: airbrushed, re-touched and made for television.  For those who have high expectations of LA because of an unhealthy diet of non-reality programming, you my friend, may be a smidge disappointed.  When it comes to truly enjoying a trip, my friends often seek my advice and I theirs.  Here’s the real deal on California dreaming…

• Baby Do You Like My Ride?  Conquer your fear of the freeway and perhaps rent a behemoth SUV (Cadillac Escalade anyone?).  Los Angeles wasn’t made for passengers, pedestrians or taxicabs.  You will see most of the city by renting a vehicle and driving through the many boroughs.  It will be just like that time Di got on the Freeway in Clueless.  The most important thing to remember is that Downtown LA is sketch but neighbourhoods get progressively tony as you move westward – Hollywood, West Hollywood, to Beverly Hills and the coastal towns of Santa Monica and Malibu.

"But this is an Alaia??!!" If you drive, stay alive...and don't wreck your dress. Make sure you don't stop in shady neighbourhoods at night.

• Rush, Rush – That’s the sound of my heart bursting out of my chest as I hiked up the Hollywood Hills…or the name of a Paula Abdul song and video starring Keanu Reeves.  Park your car at the foothills of Griffith Park and walk your way to the top.  You might catch a glimpse of an off-duty starlet working on her fitness but you will certainly be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Los Angeles skyline.  You can also take a break by visiting Grifith Park Observatory, unleashing your inner astronomy nerd.  Who doesn’t love a good Planetarium??

Griffith Park Observatory also has a water fountain in case you're parched from your hike.

• Shop ‘Til You Drop – Any true fashionistah knows you never pay retail.  “Bahh!”  Adjacent to the Beverly Center is Nordstrom Rack (perhaps one of the best I have EVER been to).  My friend J’s hair got progressively wild as she desceded into her shopping shame spiral.  The greatest scores are for designer jeans and contemporary LA-based labels.  For those stalking the Zoe (as in Rachel Zoe) or you’ve got cash-money to burn, you can try the designer vintage emporium Decades on Melrose.

West Coast Style: Channel Lauren Conrad or Whitney Port. California girls like a mix of boho and casual dressy.

• Eat Then Exercise – While it sounds as though, you may want to go easy on the carbs, the culinary delights in LA abound.  Try the Farmer’s Market at 3rd & Fairfax, a maze of local and gourmet food stands adjacent to the outdoor shopping complex The Grove.  To cool down in the heat, stop for a self-serve fro-yo and top it off with delicious toppings (cheesecake bits, fresh fruit, candies galore) at Yogurtland.  Nosh on brunch and rub shoulders with LA hipsters and undercover A-listers in West Hollywood at Taste, Toast or Joan’s.

Meet me at 3rd & Fairfaix: Get your savoury & sweet on at The French Crepe Company.

I love to travel and over the years have been lucky to experience many wonderful sights and sounds.  Although I procrastinate the packing process, I have amassed an arsenal of good tips for travelling abroad.  To make the most of an extended weekend away or a longer sabbatical requires research and preparation.  You jetset, therefore, you are jetset. 

• Pack Lighter – With all the baggage restrictions and charges for overweight luggage, you don’t want to be THAT GIRL emptying out her suitcase at the check-in while agitated onlookers ‘tsk-tsk’ her lack of travel common sense.  The key is to think ahead and pre-plan your outfits.  Mix and match separates and only take shoes if you know you will need them since footwear is bulky and takes up a lot of space.  Weigh your luggage before you hit the airport and leave a few pounds allowance if you expect to shop.  I only learned this from the hard knocks because I’ve been THAT GIRL.

I swear by my DVF luggage. Different enough when it comes off the carousel, not so ostentatious like an LV that it will get swiped by an evil, mean person.

• Tiny Spender – Booking many reservations online can save you money and headaches.  If it is a glorious sunny day, why would you want to spend hours wasting precious vacation time looking for flights or accomodations?  In my experience, there is no such thing as a last-minute deal.  As soon as you see a phenomenal price (ie. 50% off) for a flight or hotel room, book it immediately.  Try using Expedia or Flight Centre websites to compare prices.  Fun trick:  If you choose to use Hotwire to book your hotel, compare the ammenities, number of stars & reviews on TripAdvisor to determine which hotel you are booking.
• I Don’t Do Lineups – Most airlines let you check-in in advance and select your seat.  This means you only have to drop off your luggage.  Even if you see a queue forming, do not line up unless you ask an airline rep if that’s where you are supposed to be.  Many people will line up without asking and later realize they have waited for nothing!  Random!  This costly mistake could delay your arrival at the boarding gate.  Have you ever run through an expansive airport?  It’s not fun.

Get comfy in this Ella Moss Cotton Top. If you are on a long-haul, remember to drink a glass of water for every hour you are on the plane and to take periodic yogi stretch breaks.

•  Get Loco with the Locals -  Tourist traps are inevitably going to be more expensive than hidden gems and local favourites.  Pick up a few guidebooks but also go online to check out local weekly magazines for their top-rated restaurants, bars and shopping areas.  Book reservations in advance for hottt restaurants and plan visits to tourist spots during free admission or low traffic times. 

Don't miss your flight by running, not walking in these Missoni Ballet Flats

Since the Legging Renaissance, I think I've got at least a dozen pairs. Vince Stretch Leggings

Darlings, thanks for sticking out my blog drought.  It was a desert.  You were thirsty.  Your lips were cracking.  You really needed a hit of Chapstick.  For you, I present a tall glass of lemonade-vodka on the rocks with a tiny pink tiki umbrella and a pot of Kiehl’s lipbalm.  Ahhhh.  So much better right?

All of a sudden, my toes are freezing and I am most inclined to reach for my 20 denier tights than freeze my legs off.  What does it all mean?  It means we need to get serious about our Fall fashion.  Friday after all, is the official start to the season.  Take stock of your rolling rack and make a list.  It’s easy to get side-tracked when so many sumptuous cashmere sweaters are folded neatly on nesting tables and shiny baubles gleam from glass cases. 

Focus is key.  Here are some fall suggestions to get your MUST HAVE list going…

Nuzzle-nuzzle into your neckline: Stay cozy in this Michael Kors Faux Fur Neck Warmer

Every Fall, treat yourself to a brand new sweater. Try a classic cable knit, a loosely woven crochet or a felted woolen blanket style. Channel Stevie Nicks in this Free People Knit Poncho

Expand your animal print repertoire by getting your Snake on. Dolce Vita Sicily python flat lets your feet do the talking.

Trade in your cherry reds for gothic dark colours. Try any of these from the OPI Touring America collection - "I Brake for Manicures"...literally.

Gossip Girl Season 5 Sneak Peek: I love it when Blair makes her "ugh" face.

Ooh la! I thought since Blair Waldorf  has been a perennial top search (creeping my own stats), I would give you a fashion and cultural trivia mashup.  We all adore the celluloid rich snob, glorified in fictional form yet loathed in real life (see/ Olivia Palermo).  But before there ever existed the perfectly barrel curled, pouty Upper East Side Blair (Leighton Meester) another brunette wrecked havoc on her clique of hangers on’s and wannabe friends.  Let’s pay homage to the original tween villainess, Sydney Rutledge (Sarah Michelle Gellar) from 90’s daytime BOP-era soap Swan’s Crossing.

There is a Sarah Michelle Gellar renaissance of late with her long-awaited return to television on Ringer this Fall.  I am beyond excited.  Buffy fans will always LOVE her.  Obviously, I speak for my people.  But before she played the Chosen vampire slayer, or stole the Emmy from Susan Lucci, she played the manipulative and scheming rich girl Sydney Rutledge.  Gellar was cast as the popular only daughter of the mayor whose character was embroiled in a love-hate relationship with her neighbour/ex-boyfriend/familial rival Garrett.  Ridiculously, the plots involved pool parties, secret rendez-vous and daily tween dramas in which Sydney was always the puppetmaster.  Clad in oversize polka dots, white jeans, chiffon blouses, sheath dresses with contrast piping and trademark red lipstick (at 13 no less!), her character always got the chic-est wardrobe.    

If you woke up extra b*tchy (rhymes with twitchy), you might ask yourself, “Hrmm, what would Sydney wear?”

Nautically is clearly tops: Sydney favoured a loud stripe of the blue, black or red variety.

Here ye, here ye polka dots! Don't just stand there! Say something nice about my Alice + Olivia Louisa Dress! Moi improvising a Sydney Rutledge-esque quote

She would totally wear these Tory Burch Riding Boots. Hello outfit of champion equestrian.

Sydney's matte red lipstick: Even if you get pushed into the pool at the club, your red lips will never fail. Outline, apply lipstick, blot, reapply.

"Friends" carry your shopping for you. Sydney in a classic shell with matching cardi. P.S. Do you know how impossible it is to find fashion pics of Sydney Rutledge? It's impossible. Ugh! Pre-internet??!!

Madonna Crazy For You: OMFG!?! Remember when we used to buy singles on vinyl then set our record players on repeat if we were obsessed?

“Trying hard to control my heart
I walk over to where you are
Eye to eye we need no words at all”

Lordy.  There’s something about a 1980’s Madonna ballad that takes you out of time and space.  Singing along to the lyrics sucks you back into your tween self swaying dramatically whilst emoting in your pink acid-wash.  I love this early Madonna era with her round face, lace lingerie, plastic bracelets, rosaries, untouched roots and oversized hair accessories.  Sometimes I forget how amazing old school Madge songs are, then I hear one and remember…

Here are my top choices for early Madonna karaoke songs.  Please take a few moments to savour the videos.  And for you kids born after 1990, please don’t talk to me.  Just kidding.  I love you *insert tickle-tickle

• Crazy For You - Madonna croons in a smoky bar wearing a pretty major bow.
• True Blue – Red lipstick, beach blonde pixie cut and culottes.  This song would be good for sassy dance moves with your girlfriends.
• La Isla Bonita - Make sure you memorize the Spanish lyrics because it’s really embarrassing to mumble made up words over a loud speaker.
• Borderline – Dancing under the bridge, neon green socks, boyfriend jeans and a cheesy faux fashion shoot!  

The Hair Bow Revival: Marc Jacobs was inspired by early Madge in 2009. The mega bow is a trend for the young girls.

The Original Madonna of the 80's: Less polish, more roots and gum popping.