Shop: a Sample Sale we're excited for.

And when I say we, I mean me. Obvs.

One of Downtown's fashion hubs, the California Market Center, hosts a sample sale next Friday, June 26th. The showrooms, normally reserved for industry pros, opens its doors to you, the eager and adoring public. So go forth, shop, and pick something up for me por favor (I'm a size 6, but I'll squeeze into whatever you manage to scrounge up, thank you very much).

Design Dish: Jimmy Choo for the Poor

If Jimmy Choo was good enough for Sex & the City's Carrie, it's apparently good enough for all of us. Jimmy Choo--heel provider for the rich, famous and better dressed--is the latest designer to announce collaboration with H&M, everyone's favorite low-budge fashion stop.

The collaboration promises a more moderately priced collection of bags, shoes and clothes for those of us who can't afford the real thing. Here's to hoping that Jimmy Choo delivers with style and quality. Because I'm onto the high end designers who sign on to these deals only to put their junior-est staff to work on what ends up as mediocre [at best] product. Remember Alexander McQueen for Target? No? Neither do I.

[Source: LA Times]

Food Find: stuffing my face at Bottega Louie

Sometimes, stuffing yourself into a state of dizzying, stomach-throbbing proportions is a bad thing. And occasionally, it's just delicious.

Last night Bil, Jessica and I headed downtown to Bottega Louie, the new market/bar/restaurant that has the corner of 7th and Grand abuzz. Beautiful marble, attractive waitstaff and just a touch of gilt make the cavernous space feel a little bit museum, a little bit Dean & Deluca.

We started our evening at the bar. I started my buzz with a Lemon Drop.

When we finally reached our table in the main dining room, the waitress emphasized [over and over again] that the Bottega Louie menu was best experienced family style. So, at her suggestion, we ordered a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Namely, we ordered the Modena Salad, Rigatoni Pomodoro, Fettucine Belmondo, Heirloom Carrots, Brussel Sprouts with Almonds, and--oh yeah--the Margherita Pizza. My carnivorous dining mates attempted an order of the sea bass as well, but there was a little problem with bones in the "boneless" fish. Oops.

I forgot to take a picture of the food as it came. But you can see here how it went. And how...

And then there was the small remaining matter of dessert. We skipped the 25 minute wait for the house special, the Chocolate Souflee, and opted instead for the Peanut Butter Terrine. I'm not sure what Terrine means. But it tasted like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup which is cool by me.

So, yeah, there were some problems with the fish. And a couple of communication glitches with our well-meaning waitress. And the larger problem of me eating ad nauseum. But I'd do it again. I totally, totally would.

Do Good: Global Giving

At a recent event I worked at the Ferragamo store, I learned about Global Giving, an online donation portal for community based projects that need support. Users can search the site for the issues and countries they'd like to support and voila!--with the click of a button and the donation amount that's right for them--they can make a difference.

Upon exit from the event, Global Giving gave out gift cards so that guests could experience the incredible act of giving first hand. I just donated my funds to an organization that builds homes for people with AIDS in Africa.

I encourage you to check out the site, make a donation yourself, or give a gift card as a gift on your friends' or family's next special occasion. Father's Day is coming up this Sunday. Perhaps Dad would rather support human rights issues in Cambodia or education programs in Kenya than wear those sucky cuff links you were thinking about buying him.

www.globalgiving.com

Victory and Pride. Apparently in LA.

Today was an LA kind of day. Almost every resident within the county was celebrating something--whether it be gay pride, the Lakers' big win, or the sun finally showing its face through the recent curtain of June gloom. But somehow, I missed it all--the parading drag queens, the rioting fans in gold and purple--I managed to outrun the excitement. Somehow I made it through my day with nary a homosexual or sports fan in sight. And I feel like I missed out. Like somehow a city that's so big, a resident could escape all the action, isn't a city at all.

But yet I'm a resident here. I'm nearing my fourth year, in my second car, and about to sign a lease on a third apartment. There's no longer any denying that I'm an Angeleno. Forever or just for another year, for good or bad--I'm here and I may as well embrace it. So, huge congrats to Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. March on, ye drag queens, fabulous gays, and straight girls of West Hollywood. Next time, just remind me to join the party.

[Photo Credits: LA Times]

The last Virgin standing. And she's on sale.

Walking through Hollywood & Highland last night I popped into the Virgin Megastore and discovered half the store completely dissembled. And the other half 70% off. The clearance sale which has been going on for weeks and weeks already has finally become a real sale and worth heading to (the earlier 10-30% didn't impress me much). I don't know how long it will be going on for before they run out of goods, so get there this weekend for vinyl, DVDs and CDs priced even cheaper than their iTunes alternatives.

I picked up: Antony and the Johnsons' The Crying Light and Yelle's Pop-Up.

Happy shopping!

[Image Credit: LA Times Pop & Hiss]

The RSVP Line: Do good. Get fit. Free.

Dear [female] reader friends,

You all say you want to do good, give back, etcetera, etcetera. But what have you really given lately [beside that chewing gum wrapper you accidentally dropped into that homeless man's cup instead of a quarter]? That's right. Nothing. So, here's a fun way to find out about an amazing non-profit organization, Step Up Women's Network, that supports mentorship programs for young girls.

Get your butts in gear for this Sunday's FREE day of fitness and awesomeness at The Sports Club/LA. Your registration entitles you to a free class, snacks and fitness tips from our guest speaker. As well as networking opps with all sorts of rad ladies. So, basically, Step Up is giving YOU all this free stuff. And all you have to do is go to the event and check 'em out.

Sunday, June 14th
2 - 5:30 p

For more info on the event and the list of classes to choose from, click here.

To RSVP: just send an email with your name, email address, and the class you'd like to attend to michelle@suwn.org. And let her know I sent you. Painless. And an impressive story to tell to all your do-gooding friends next time they start going on about their work with the displaced locals in that country somewhere.

Angelina Jolie, the unwilling cover model.

I know that I am late to this news, but apparently the subject of Harper's Bazaar's July newstand cover story is Angelina Jolie. But she's not necessarily a willing cover model. The shot is actually borrowed from a Getty Images red carpet shot. And the feature inside is an essay about, rather than an interview with, the subject.

The stunt feels rather desperate and awkward on Bazaar's part. Especially when I so willingly would have volunteered for the spot of cover model atop their glossy periodical.

[Source: WWD Memo Pad: Much Ado]

Pauline Parry: Hostess with the Mostess

There are few things in life that I enjoy more than eating. Well, sure, there are a couple of things I'd prefer to chowing down--I mean, I'm not a hedonistic pig, for goodness sake. But, for the sake of this piece, let's begin with the fact that I do love to eat. And I love, love, love a good party. Which is why yesterday's event [at the gorgeous new event space, High Profile Productions], celebrating the very first book penned by Pauline Parry (the hostess with the mostess and owner of Good Gracious! Events), was such a treat.

The book, 'FOOD FUN LOVE: PARTY STYLES,' contains tips on entertaining and recipes for those daring enough to do the cooking on their own. I, myself, am not such a master in the kitchen, but for those of you with a bit more culinary coordination, I implore you to buy the book, throw a party, and invite me over. If your version of Pauline's mac and cheese hors d'ouevres is anything close to yesterday's sampling, I will gladly attend and will likely stay til you kick me out.

Thanks to Sarah of Pink Cloud Events for inviting me to tag along!

Food Find: Loteria Grill

Downtown just wasn't good enough for my coworker Uriel and I today. In an effort to expand our culinary horizons beyond Cesar Chavez Avenue, we ventured into Hollywood for lunch at Loteria Grill, the second outpost of a restaurant best known for its Farmers Market origins, and named after Loteria, the Mexican game of chance. I had had the pleasure of meeting Chef and Owner of Loteria Grill, Jimmy Shaw, during his memorable appearances at our Travel Show in February. But I hadn't yet tasted the real Mexican magic from his kitchen.

My dining mate and I started out with 'Queso Panela a la Plancha con Nopalitos.' I cannot translate this for you exactly. But imagine a square of awesome cheese. Topped with cactus. Topped with salsa and guacomole. Perhaps this is not as spectacular sounding as it tastes. But trust me. It's pretty freaking spectacular.

Next, Chef sent out the 'Chicharron de Queso,' which can pretty much be summed up with the below picture of a towering cone of crispy, fried cheese. Salty and amazing.

While we didn't get around to drinks--though our waitress did ask us if we were having a 'wet lunch'--the bar can only be described as fully stocked.

And I plan on returning soon for some more awesome Fried Cheese on a Plate accompanied by a Tequila-Something-or-Other. It all sounds delightful in Spanish, I promise.

Life in clubLAnd: What’s wrong with Hollywood.

There are numerous things wrong with Hollywood. I mean, the list is endless. Some areas are still dirty. Others are too clean and touristy. The traffic is bad. Grown men dressed as costumed cartoon characters will assault you on the street. And for God’s sake, the Scientologists have got to be stopped.

But this party flyer basically takes all the hobos and the addicts and the paparazzi and makes them seem like characters out of Pleasantville. Cause this—this, people—is what’s really wrong with Hollywood.


No. 1 – Who the f++k is Gemini and why should I care? In case you wondered the same thing, it turns out that Gemini Pop Diva is a ‘young aspiring singer of ethnic background.’ Well, those are her words. My words would more likely come in the form of advice to put on some decent clothes and wipe that awful tranny makeup off her face.

No. 2 – The press release accompanying this flyer tells us that “Jason Wahler is a former Mtv The Hills & Laguna Beach Star as well as ex-boyfriend to Lauren Conrad….People normally confuse him with Actor Colin Farrell since they both look alike and share the same Irish heritage.” I’d like to remind Jason’s publicist that a) people who appear in reality television shows are not ‘stars.’ They are people. Who openly humiliate themselves on national TV. b) Being someone’s ex boyfriend is not a feat. It is just over. And c) Some people think I look like Jamie Lee Curtis. So what?

No. 3 – Being David Hasselhoff’s ex-wife and the mother of his children does not make one interesting. Being convicted of a hit and run makes you even more un-interesting. In fact, it makes you a terrible human being, not a candidate for club-night host.

And that, friends, is what's happening in clubLAnd this week. And what is so terribly wrong with Hollywood.

Clowns and romance...Good morning Los Angeles.

Clowns. Romance. Acceptance. What better way to begin a Sunday morning.



Well, ok. Maybe sex, diet coke, and the NY Times' Weddings & Celebrations section would be better. But let's take what we can get here, ok people?

[You Tube: Ingrid Michaelson Video of 'The Way I Am', directed by Autumn de Wilde]

Life in clubLAnd: Studio Apartment

I rocked out last night. No, seriously, I ROCKED out.

6:30 p - Early Bird Dinner compiled from items purchased on recent trip to Ralph's, as well as found [food] objects from the fridge.

7:30 p - CSI Miami marathon...all watched on my computer. Who knew the autopsy doctor was popping prescription pills!?

10:30 p - Suze Orman's tips for the Young, Fabulous and Broke. Read from the comfort of bed.

12:00 a - Pass. Out.

Listen, it's a tough door at my studio apartment. I'm not promising you can just waltz right in and enjoy the most rocking spot in clubLAnd. But slip a twenty to the bouncer and who knows. Next hot night...probably tonight.

Well the sun goes down and the clock says eight,
I better get dress cuz i don't wanna be late,
I don't wanna be late-cuz there's a lot to do,
I'm gonna change my clothes,
Put on my stiletto shoes,
Put on my eyeliner and my lipstick too,
So c'mon- we're gonna party till the break of dawn.
- The Eyeliners

[Image Credit: Getty Images]

Ed Hardy in Downtown (or how to ruin a neighborhood)

You can call it what you want (atrocious, tacky, the end of an era--all come to mind), but I'll officially caption this picture--taken on a stroll down Downtown's Spring Street today--'When Bad Things Happen to Good Neighborhoods.' Guh-ross.

Dos Equis: beermaster and spiritual advisor.

He has his very own academy.

At last count, he has 44,522 fans on Facebook.

He is The most Interesting Man in the World (the italics are intentional and effective), according to Dos Equis' ad men, and he's got one of the best ad campaigns I've seen in a while.

Driving through Los Angeles this week, I spotted a recent Dos Equis billboard. 'You only live once. Make sure it's enough,' The most Interesting Man forewarns us. And because this elusive figure in recent commercial fiction has been built up as a worldly and wise man, I take heed.

Since passing the billboard, the larger-than-life ad at the corner of Santa Monica and Virgil, I have indeed begun to question the extent to which I'm living my life. The office has begun to feel slightly like a prison--the sound of tapping on keyboards an increasingly dismal symbol of my worklife. The confines of my studio apartment seem to be growing smaller--the musical loop from the ice cream truck outside, louder every day.

I consider the options. I think of donning a smoking jacket, surrounding myself with beautiful women, and taking up cigars and beers. But I really dislike beer and quickly abandon that idea. I contemplate new careers--floral design?--but the Los Angeles community colleges are slashing budgets and I can't seem to find any interesting summer courses. I debate a trip. The Grand Canyon sounds nice, but my budget won't get me much farther than Palm Springs at present.

And so, with only the vague instruction of a completely fictitious character [and absolutely no ideas of my own], I begin a misguided journey toward a life of fulfillment...

Highlights from New York: The Hudson Hotel, Sweat Shoppes, and Virgin America

I went to New York last week. These were the highlights of four and a half days on the other coast...

* I flew Virgin America for the first time. Overrated, but inexpensive. And we like inexpensive. We also like touch screen snack menus.

* The terminal waiting area provided for some interesting people watching. For instance...

These two men were obviously interested in chatting. Their stances say 'I want to talk to you. Talking will probably make this wait time go faster. But let's leave these two seats between us. I can barely hear you from here. So speak up. But please don't lean in too close as we might appear too close. And that is one step away from gay.'

This blonde woman was very excited to see her friend (not pictured). She tried for minutes to move her face in such a way that would express this sentiment before relinquishing to the fact that she could no longer smile due to excessive cosmetic surgery.

* I stayed at the Hudson Hotel. The single room I slept in may very well be the smallest hotel room known to the Western hemisphere. But for $140 a night, I would have shared a cardboard box with an escaped convict. The room was cheap, so I won't complain that the hallway on the 14th floor smelled like sweat. I'll just mention it briefly. The hallway sort of smelled like a locker room. Everything else was lovely. Seriously. I'd stay here again in a heartbeat.

* I stopped by Topshop's much-buzzed about new store in Soho. The multilevel boutique, full of youthful fashions and neon wares, felt like the lovechild of H&M and the 80s. Some luster was definitely lost at seeing the shop in person. But I was excited to find a lower-priced line from denim brand Radcliffe.

* I saw young, drunk love on the subway train.

* I visited my mother in Long Island where the mall boasts stores with original and descriptive names like 'Sweats & Jeans,' and knife demos happen on the hour at Sears.

"New York is the dirtiest, largest, ugliest, broken-down city in the world--but it's the only one."
- Isaac Stern

Life in clubLAnd: Happy Hour at The Terrace at XIV

Last night launched the start of an amazing summer happy hour at The Terrace at XIV, SBE's culinary cornerstone on Sunset. Chef Michael Mina has made the restaurant famous for its wide selection of gourmet goodies and tasting menus, including a substantial selection of vegetarian and even vegan menu items (hoorah!). The restaurant has also earned infamy for a lesser known partner called sky-high prices. But cheapskates, foodies and funseekers can rejoice together at the newly debuted specials offered between 6 and 8 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, all summer long. Drink specials, made special by Krol Vodka and some nice handiwork by the bartenders, are just $6. A small menu of apps from the restaurant are available for $6. And the valet, if you arrive before 7 p, is on hand for...you guessed it...$6.

Last night, my happy hour buddy sampled the lobster corn dogs (I'm sure they were called something more impressive)...

And I chowed down on the best popcorn I've ever eaten (and I've eaten a lot, my friends). Black truffle oil should be a mandate in movie houses across the country...

I'll be returning some night soon for popcorn on the patio. You should join me. With prices like these, I may even be buying.

Sounds of the rainforest.

This morning--as I return from the bustle of New York (more on the trip later) to the dreariness of my office--the emails, the endless paperwork and requests from coworkers--I'm listening to the sounds of the Costa Rican Rainforest via this YouTube video. And it is somehow--almost--keeping me sane.



And then I realize that if sitting at my desk, listening to nature sounds through a pair of headphones is a welcome change, it may be time to reevaluate my life.

[YouTube: Rainforest Sound]

The Pictures: Julie and Julia

Maybe it's because I can't cook. Maybe it's because I feel a little bit lost like Amy Adam's character Julie. Maybe it's because Meryl Streep's impersonation of Julia Child is so endearing. Maybe it's because I feel inspired by Julie Powell's desire to accomplish something, albeit something as strange as cooking each and every one of Julia Child's recipes in Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Maybe it's because I just love to eat. But I am now dying to see Julie and Julia, screenwriter Nora Ephron's (When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail) latest and greatest, out this summer.



Julie and Julie Trailer [YouTube via New York Magazine]

Straight Talk About Swine Flu from the '70s

The take-away lessons from these 1970's PSAs about the swine flu...

1. You may be strong as an ox. But swine is stronger.

2. Sharing is fun til someone drops dead.

Good luck out there compadres,
Jessie