Cupcakes and Cashmere

Liquid Diet

August 31st, 2009

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Ever have one of those weekends that is defined by what you eat and drink?  Ravaging wildfires, triple digit temperatures and air quality like a coal mine made L.A. a very inhospitable city these past few days, forcing us to spend most of our time indoors with cool refreshments. We worked our way from fresh fruit smoothies to crisp gin and tonics, each drink setting the tone during our self imposed house arrest.

Play date

August 28th, 2009

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Don’t you love when spontaneous ideas work out even better than you had imagined?  The weather has been sweltering, so rather than hiding in our air conditioned apartment, my boyfriend and I headed outdoors.  With a game of Scrabble and a bottle of wine, we spent the evening playing games and enjoying the late summer heat wave.

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Pssst…I just added two large pink druzzy necklaces to my Esty shop here!

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Orange Crush

August 27th, 2009

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Zara Blouse, F21 Belt and Ring, H&M Pants, Vintage Glasses, Gryson Bag,  Marni Wedges

When I brought these pants into the dressing room at H&M, the sales girl literally laughed in my face.  I suppose at first glance the dropped crotch and tapered legs don’t seem as though they’d be flattering or comfortable, but they’ve quickly become one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe.  Best of all, they can just as easily be dressed up with a vintage looking blouse and heels as they can with a pair of flat sandals and an old t-shirt.  The one negative? They’re thick.  And it was 92° yesterday. 

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Also, a huge thanks to Refinery 29 for choosing me as one of top Fashion/Food bloggers!  Check out the feature here:

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Guide to L.A. – Part 2

August 26th, 2009

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Besides having some of the best restaurants in the country (you can see my favorites in my first installment here), L.A. offers a diverse shopping experience that is unlike any other city.  Whether you want to hit up Rodeo Drive for uber expensive designer goods or head down to Venice for cheap trinkets, there’s something for everyone (and every budget).  Here are some of my favorite haunts and the reasons why they’re so great.

milk – This boutique on 3rd Street is always packed with easy-to-wear dresses, drapy tops and a great selection of pretty, flat sandals.  Despite their impressive list of designer clothing (Derek Lam, Elizabeth & James, Loeffler Randall), you can always find affordable pieces mixed in throughout.

Opening Ceremony – Housed in what used to be Charlie Chaplin’s old dance studio, this massive (as in I got lost during my first visit) store stocks all the current “it” pieces that every girl dreams of owning (think Acne wedges, Topshop pants and Alexander Wang tissue thin tops).   The wooden floors, creaky stairs and long hallways all add to its appeal and their legendary sales shouldn’t be missed.

Planet Blue – If you’re after that beachy, California-girl vibe, this place has you covered.  Everything from their long, bohemian dresses and distressed jeans to their cult favorite fragrances and bikinis is impeccably chic and understated.  Bonus: Depending on where you’re staying, you’re sure to be close to one of their seven locations.

Madison – This is one of those stores from which you’d be happy to buy all of your clothes and never worry about getting bored.  Everything from their Minnie Rose sweaters and Marc Jacobs blouses to their LnA leggings and Sam Edelman sandals is stylish with that fabulous just-threw-it-together-as-I-ran-out-the-door feel.

Switch – I admittedly hadn’t heard of a majority of the designers in this Beverly Hills boutique, but managed to familiarize myself quite quickly.  New favorites include Nanushka (could this top be any cooler?), Dallin Chase and Mabel for their intricate detailing and girly appeal.