Vides for Vogue

A very talented photographer, Myra Vides, who also happens to be my friend shot me and my husband Erik a couple of weeks back. Here are a few shots, feel free to let us know what you think.

Fall Shoes

Every one loves a great deal. And as much as we all pretend to frown upon Forever21, we all know it's a great shopping destination for those of us on a budget (ME!). Yes, it is fast fashion, and I agree we must all own high quality classics, but with trends changing so quickly it's good to have inexpensive options. I don't know about you, but I like to have many choices in my closet.. what I will wear will depend on the weather (don't get me started on this weather that can't make up its mind in LA!), activities planned and most importantly- MY MOOD. Needless to say, F21 along with H&M are my go to's when I need to switch things up.I wrote up some F21 pieces here) Currently, I am in a search of great fall shoes. I have plenty of sandals, of course. It's the boots and oxfords that are calling my name during this cool spell. Here are a few I picked, and will work on narrowing it down for my upcoming Holidays in Canada.

1.Suedette Oxford ankle Boot $28.80
2. Chic Over The Knee Suedette Boots $36.80
3. Combat Peeptoe Boots $27.80
4. Suedette Elastic Ankle Boot $29.80
5. Wedge Booties $32.80
6. Fray Over the Knee Boot $34.80

Extending the Runway, Tatiana Sorokko Style

This past Monday I got a chance to attend an event at Bulgari in Beverly Hills for the US launch of the new book, Extending the Runway Tatiana Sorokko Style. Cameron Silver, Nicky Hilton and other fashionistas all got together to celebrate this 127 page publication, that seems to be fit only for the coffee table so your guests could immerse themselves in what you can call an "ageless pursuit of chic".
A well known model in 1990's, Tatiana was no stranger to covers of Vogue, Elle and Harper's Bazaar (where she is currently a contributing editor). I was honored to get her book and get it signed (yay for my coffee table!). Inside I found an amazing collection of vintage couture and an insight to Mrs. Sorokko's closet..I even got to take a picture alongside the legendary style maven. Yes, I was wearing high heels, no, she was not..and yes.. I am two feet shorter than her.

The first Friday

This past Friday I went out check out my "first" First Friday on Abbot Kinney in Venice. I love going to, what I call the artsy strip. What I love the most about Abbot Kinney are the shops that carry the most random things. This time, however, I was introduced to a whole new experience. Let's just say I am now aware of the food truck phenomenon. There were 5 trucks on each block..Indian, Italian, tacos, sliders..Anything your taste buds desire. Sadly, I was not patient enough to stand in the long lines and ended up going to good 'ol Urth Cafe for some tea and of course Nepoleon pie.. But not before I checked out cool shops and peaked through gallery windows!

Mimosa heaven

Last week I was in San Francisco and treated myself to a pomegranate mimosa. I love the good 'ol classic for brunch, but the switch in the juice was new to me and I must admit it was delicious! This inspired me to experiment. Its not just the juice that changes but throw in some pink grapefruit and it also earns a new title. Check out some of my new faves.


The ("Big") Mama Mimosa
Favorite Restaurant Recipe
Preparation time: 3 minutes. Serves 1.
Ingredients:
- Champagne
- Orange Juice
- Orange Liqueur (Grand Marnier or Triple Sec)
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries

Instructions:
- Put 1-2 cubes of raspberry ice in a large wine glass (see below)
- Slowly fill about 3/5 of the wine glass with chilled champagne
- Add chilled orange juice but leave a little room from the top of the glass
- Add 2 tablespoons of orange liqueur and very gently stir.
- Garnish with a sliced orange and Enjoy!

*Raspberry Ice
- Crumble fresh or thawed raspberries into the compartments of an ice cube tray
- Fill the tray with water and freeze
- Add one or two raspberry ice cubes to your Mimosa as described above

A few extra hints..
- Add a tablespoon of Grand Marnier and you'll have created a Grand Mimosa
- Use cranberry juice instead of orange juice and you have created a Hibiscus or a Poinsettia
- Use pink grapefruit instead of orange juice and enjoy a Lilosa
- A Fauxmosa is a virgin Mimosa (no champagne). Use 7 UP or Sprite in place of the champagne

Please find these recipes and much more neat things at Real Restaurant Recipes.

Busted

Those sexy True Religion Jeans- we all love them. Apparently some of us love it so much that we buy them, even though they are.. FAKE! Shame, shame.
On October 21st, police raided a factory that was counterfeiting not only True Religion Jeans, but also Nike, Ed Hardy, Affliction and Lacoste. 1,000 finished products were confiscated along with 15 sewing machines, 3 eighteen headed embroidery machines, 2 silk screen machines and 1 heat transfer machine. Wow! That's a well funded operation!
After the police got a tip a few weeks back they send someone in "undercover". Long and behold.. it was true. It seems that counterfeiting is heading home, I guess China no longer makes enough to supply the high demand of cheaply made jeans that have a fancy logo on it, If Americans want it, they will get it. Even if they have to make it themselves. Ohoh.

Lanvin for H&M

The fabulous house of fashion, Lanvin has announced that they will be the next lucky souls to collaborate with the Swedish retailer, H&M. I cannot express how excited I am about these news! First- I am completely in love with H&M. Second- Lanvin? Only one of the hottest lines currently out there. And to think I will be able to purchase something with "Lanvin for H&M" label on it..never thought this day with come.That is of course, if it doesn't sell out in 2 hours, before I even get there, like it has in the past with other big designers that have partnered up with H&M...

Kevan Hall launches bridal

After years of dressing celebs for their special day, Kevan Hall, one of my favorite LA designers launched his first full bridal collection. On October 15th, Hall presented his beautiful bridal collection at Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier in New York and everyone was at awe. I am excited not only because it is so great that now even the single non celebs can start saving for the couture gown but also because a while back I actually got to meet Hall and chat about his plans for the future. Check out my interview with this talented designer here.

out and about

Every time my friend Samantha and I are having an off day we have a place where we go to pick ourselves up. We try to think up new and cool things to do, like go painting outside, check out new places to eat, start a crafts project..But somehow we always end up in the same place- Royal T in Culver City. I already mentioned it here, when I first got introduced to it. This weekend I put on my new brogues and we set out to check out their new exhibit of Japanese artists and Barbie Dream house display. Not to mention the amazing tea that we order two pots of as soon as we get seated...Needless to say, our day got a whole lot better.

Love my sox

Currently I am going through a sock stage, where I run straight to the sock section no matter what the actual reason was that I walked into the store.. " Got to check if they have cute socks.." Mostly, I am attracted to knee highs since they look super cute with shorts, over tights and even with dresses. I picked a few to show you and these you can find here.
I also love getting my sock fix at Forever21, they have cheap options that will allow you to have plenty to choose from when it comes to matching (or mismatching in my case) any outfit.

The wine country

My first time in Napa went just the way I imagined it. beautiful vineyards, great food and of course most amazing wine! My favorite place was in Helena, the very friendly people at Charles Krug made me feel like home and made it hard for us to leave..

Hair it is

My apologies for taking so long to post a couple of pics from this great event that I wrote about here. There was great food, creative hair and most of all I walked away with an issue of Flaunt Magazine, which happens to be one of my faves. Thanks, Jae for hosting such a fab event!

Land of constumes

A little while back I got the chance to visit the Warner Bros Costume House. All I can say is "wow"..Millions of pieces from centuries back, stocked up to the ceiling. Thousands of bags and shoes from the most interesting decades of fashion. It was definitely a treat!

Locks of Love

Some may not know this, but I used to do any hair shows a few years back. That is how I went from my natural blond (that's right, I said blond) to red, green, blue and then totally black. I had very long hair, then a bob then a few more symmetrical experiments...let's just say I love hair and what a woman (or a man) can do with it. Lucky me- a friend of mine is organizing an amazing event where a team of Paul Mitchell of Alhambra will be displaying an exhibition of hair in its many forms. Come hang out with me, next Saturday and check out Catherine Asanov, an amazing style photographer and her installation called "Action in Stillness". Fantastic artists and great company (that's me, of course!)-- what more can you ask for..Join me and lets have a fabulous evening.

The Kantor Gallery
Saturday, September 18th
7:30pm
7025 Melrose ave, LA

Oh, Ellen

I don't think that I can like Ellen DeGeneres more then I do- she completely amazes me every time I watch her show. No one makes me laugh more than that woman. Yes, you guessed it- she is my number one celebrity I would love to mingle with. Well, she is not only funny but also likes to dab into the fashion world. First she surprised us all by becoming a Cover Girl for the fab make up line and now this- strutting down the runway for the Richie Rich's show! Fashion might not be her biggest interest but Ellen totally rocked the finale with a shrunken hat and blue gloves.

Playful ruffles, short shorts and cute little dresses were the hit in Richie's spring collection. It was sure a change from the previous fashion show collections of other designers, where they went safe with muted colors and simple make up- this designer set all the models off with bright blue eye shadow to start of NY fashion week the bright way.

a day in the trees

As the sun comes out of it's hiding I find myself wearing more dresses. While I try to pull together a new ensemble everyday, it also helps me clean out my closet and get rid of things that are no longer representative of who I am. I had doubts about this dress, but after spending a very fun day wearing it, the jury is in- its staying.

Feathers and Claws

My new favorite line is a Swedish based Feathers and Claws. Its brand new, so don't expect to be able to make orders yet, but I thought I would give you a little exclusive preview of their first collection- Flamingo. The two designers Nathalia Blomquist and Rebecca Svangren have come up with amazing must haves for your lingerie assortments. Try not to drool when you look at these images shot by Rikard Lilja, on location in the beautiful land of Sweden.

Pulling out the skirt

I am unfortunately not a skirt person but when it comes to 100 degree weather I pull out the few and the cute. This Merona skirt was one of my rare buys at Target and has already made an appearance a couple of times this hot season.

SEPTEMBER

LET THE READING BEGIN!
SEPTEMBER- the most amazing month for the fashion publications. Heck, not only fashion magazines- it seems like even the gardening magazine has a "Fashion Issue" for this great month of transitioning into Fall. This, of course means a great deal of browsing, reading, tearing out pages and making wish lists. I choose NOT to believe that magazines will one day be replaced by electronic issues. I couldn't imagine living without the joy of getting my Vogue and gracefully reading every page, folding the page I left off on, eager to continue like a good romance novel.
This year Vogue does not disappoint with over 700 pages of fab fall fashion and a Halle Berry as the cover girl they don't skip a beat. Elle with its biggest Fashion issue of the year go for the big hit featuring Julia Roberts who stars in Eat Pray Love (based on my favorite book!!!)Ahh, Can't wait to dig in to over 2000 pages of runway looks and great deals...it doesn't get any better than that.

Designer Zita also known as mom

Many don't know that many of my style inspirations actually come from my incredible mom. She is so wonderfully talented that she continues to blow my mind with her creativity. I have told you about one of my favorite sweaters that she has made me here. Now I wanted to share with you another one of my amazing favorites. This linen sweater dress is actually knitted from untreated, raw linen. My grandma, bought some of this linen about 30 years ago in a country side of Lithuania from an old women who grew her own flax. When we came across the leftovers of this yarn we grabbed our sketch book and designed this piece together! It took her a few weeks of hard work but I now have something that is not only fabulously chic but also has a lot of sentimental value. More to come from this fabulous new designer..

Dress: Creations by Zita (one of a kind)
Shoes: Tahari (Ellietahari.com)