Shop: Temperley London (aka, my favorite new store on Melrose Place)

On a little street called Melrose Place and through a little alleyway that screams whispers delicacy and fancy-pants activity, is LA's Temperley London boutique.

I met John, the store's enthusiastic, adorable and well-heeled manager, the other night and had promised to drop by. So I did. And I am so glad for it.

The bridal collection--to die for. To all my lovely girlfriends who have recently become engaged, you must visit. To all my gent friends who've proposed, go rent a tux instead of buying and invest the difference in your bride-to-be's Templerley gown like a good boy.

For the non-betrothed, there's the original ready-to-wear collection that goes from flowy to fierce. With gigantic belts to tie it all together in between.

And good news for those of us who are neither planning weddings, nor sitting on trust funds (because the price points here are nothing to scoff at)--there are rumors of a lower priced line from Temperley (ala the house's 2007 collaboration with Target) to come this Spring. And though we adore the real thing, we do love, love, love lower prices.

Temperley London

8452 Melrose Place

Los Angeles, CA 90069

Get Direction

323.782.8000

P.S. - There may (or may not) be an amazing sale starting in-store this weekend. Shhhh....

The RSVP Line: Soi-Meme, an eco-bridal salon.

Those of you who know me know that I'm second-most obsessed with weddings (Obsession No. 1 has, and will always be, babies). I'm not that into romance. And I certainly have no plans for my own nuptials anytime soon (unless you know of an eligible and willing bachelor that I don't). But something about 2 people...tying the knot...announcing their love before all their closest family and friends (which, incidentally, seems like a great deal of pressure)...well, it just melts my heart.

But weddings are generally also frivolous, expensive, and produce a giant, shit-ton of waste. Which is why an eco-wedding is so much chicer than not.

So, please join me this Saturday at Soi-Meme, a day-long eco-bridal salon, produced by my lovely lovelies at Pink Cloud Events.

Tickets are only $25 and include amazing workshops, complimentary organic beverages, hors d’oeuvres, great DJs, a resource guide and loads of giveaways.

Plus, if you register online now, you'll be entered for a chance to win a free 4 night stay at a private eco-villa resort in Tulum, Mexico by Azulik. (I expect, of course, to be your plus one on this trip if you get lucky.)

Soi-Meme
Saturday, August 29
11 a - 4 p
JACCC - 244 South San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA (Little Tokyo)

Xs & Os: A downtown LA adventure in cheap nuptial bliss.

In the last couple of months, everything has suddenly become too expensive. People are cutting back on everything, and rightfully so.

I've even heard of couples cancelling weddings because of budgetary restraints. Well, happy couples--money shouldn't be an obstacle when it comes to publicly announcing your love. Instead of taking out payday loans in order to pay for the 7 layer wedding cake, consider a cheaper and  more, um, colorful option...

 In a lunchtime walk yesterday around my building in Downtown LA, I came across a strip of Broadway (between 2nd and 4th), in which you can literally complete your entire wedding day extravanza, from shopping, to grooming, to the reception.

Brides: within just a couple of blocks, you'll be sure to find the dress that's right for you...

And for your bridal party...

Grooms: The block has got a resident barber shop...conveniently housed within a knife store...
The Guadalupe Wedding Chapel provides a unique and cultural backdrop for your romantic ceremony. They also offer income tax services, perfect for early spring nuptials...

Nothing will please your guests' fine-tuned palates like a banquet of chicken and the fixings. This particular El Pollo Loco has got a touch of regality in its exterior detailing--a perfect choice for your reception hall...

For these budget wedding tips, what do I ask? Just an invite to the happy couple's big day!

xx * Jessie B. R.