Brand New At Prada

Check out what Lara Peterson just emailed to us from Prada’s Spring Collection on Rodeo Drive. We just love it when new stuff arrives…

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Who Doesn’t Love a Coachella Fella?

Oh Coachella, an excuse to road-trip LA style to the desert, strip off even more clothes, dance even harder, and drink way too many over priced Heinekens—all in the name of peace, love and music. What bliss. What is NOT bliss is coming ill prepared to the erratic climate of the desert and finding yourself unbearably uncomfortable amidst the sea of guitar worshiping indie-hipsters. An outfit and other accoutrements need to be nailed down prior to road trip departure so you can worry about more important things in life, like ogling the sea of guitar worshiping indie-hipster men.

Bohemian vibe, brown leather sandals are a must, with thick soles that can withstand all of the walking, and straps around the ankles that can enable all the dancing. Fiorentini and Baker is a legendary Italian shoe company that produces classic sandals infused with a Greco-roman-toga-vibe that only gets better with age. Available at Barney’s, think of the bigger price tag as an investment, and an excuse to attend more festivals in the future, now that you have the proper shoes.

If you simply live and die by your sneakers, then Sportie LA on Melrose is your sneaker emporium. There you can find practically any pair of Vans or Converse ever produced, the go-to brands for all involved in any music performance on any level.

Dress in layers. Beginning with a bathing suit—why? Because, any good boy scout will tell you, be prepared for anything. May we suggest a really rad line called Tavik Swimwear, which draws inspiration from 1990′s pop culture references such as Fresh Prince of Bell Air and Saved by the Bell. Each collection within their line is refreshingly diverse, and fun, yet they still manage to adhere to style and structure, two key elements we see lost on oh-so-many teeny bikinis. Follow your bikini with an easy dress, romper, or shorts/shirt combo. Top it all off with a warm cardigan, Indio is the desert, and deserts drop considerably in temperature at night, and visible nipples are not attractive (four words: Janet Jackson Superbowl catastrophe).

Our favorite place to pick up that perfectly printed romper or old, yet newly studded levi’s cut-offs, is The Reformation in the trendy Third Street boutique district. The Reformation takes vintage pieces and re-cuts them into a modern shape and then adds contemporary accents, such as bold exposed zippers, and rocker studs. No two pieces are exactly alike but the prices for these easy silk tops and cotton summer frocks remain between $85 and $200. Urban Outfitters has also recently begun carrying Reformed, by the same designers, at a more democratic price level. And honestly, what is more LA scenester than recycled, re-vamped clothing?

Show your individual flair through your accessories. Anything goes, from Penny Lane inspired sunglasses and hats, to being elbow deep in wood bangles. A small, light weight, cross body bag can hold your essentials and credentials, while giving you two free hands to double fist those Heinekins if you insist. Beloved and under-exposed handbag line, Junior Drake, recently opened up an outlet store in Santa Monica, were the prices of their vibrant-hued supple leather goods are slashed in half.

Beyond anything, Coachella is a place where you can indulge yourself in the LA vibe, scene, and lifestyle, with an array of live music being the perfect backdrop for your newly minted LA -indie- meets hipster- meets rocker outfit. You might be mistaken for one of these beauties below.

Planet Zoe

Look who we spotted shopping at Planet Blue, Malibu.  It’s none other than the legend, the brand, the icon … Rachel Zoe.  Planet Blue Malibu epitomizes Rachel’s style.  They have the perfect selection of the 1970′s boho-chic looks that made her famous.

Only In LA … Subway Surf

Someday, surfers will be able to commute from Hollywood to the beaches of Santa Monica. How might Los Angeles style change?  We can only imagine…

City Style: Comparing Los Angeles, New York City and Paris

Los Angeles, New York and Paris all offer their own perspective in the world of fashion. These cities are always alternating old trends for fresh, new styles. As seasons change so do the looks of these cities. Each metropolitan area differs not only with speech and culture, but more importantly they differ in fashion.

While Angelinos are stereotypically more laid back due to the abundance of California sunshine, New Yorkers and Parisians are known for living a faster paced lifestyle equipped with skyscrapers and historical landmarks and in turn each environment does shape the fashion of each city.  

The Vibrant Colors Of A Missoni Tunic In Los Angeles

Angelinos have recently reflected slouchy t-shirts, tank tops and floral sun dresses. In California it isn’t uncommon to see a colorful sports bra poking out of a sweater or being seen through a loose white t-shirt. Bright miniskirts paired with gladiator sandals can be seen in Los Angeles year round, while in New York strappy sandals make an appearance mid-Spring to the Summer season, usually paired with more classic, plain summer dresses or long knee length leggings and oversized tees.

While in New York and Paris revealing skin is more appropriate with long gowns or short summer apparel, revealing tops in California seems to be a constant hit. Long tees with oversized armholes paired with colorful lingerie are more common in the sunshine states. Shirts or dresses with low sloping backs are in year round. It seems they have taken the place of belly shirts from the 80s, those aren’t as common anymore with looser clothing now revealing more backs and arms.

New York and Paris do have more in common style-wise, both recently sporting leather jackets. Black leather is now in on the East side as well as in European cities. The smart, edgy look is what Europe is all about. Form fitting, low cut, button-down sweaters from gray to black are always acceptable in Paris. Tall wasted skirts reaching down to mid thigh paired with tights are a classic outfit for the night. Daytime Parisians usually sport slim fitted sleeveless tees in the warmer months. In colder months the form fitting, waist cinching pea coat is always popular both in New York and Paris.

The Perfect Spring Trench In Paris

While tights are more popular in Paris, leggings in New York and casual jeans in California, skirts and dresses are always flaunted in warmer months. However the styles of the dresses do differ. While in Paris casual and dressy seem to differ greatly with casual being more flowy and loose and dressy being slimmer and more fitting, in New York and Los Angeles casual and dressy seemed to be interchanged more often depending more on event than time. Styles of dresses are always changing but the main message of each style for the city does reflect a pattern with LA being more floral and bright and New York being more earthy colors and darker patterns.

Angelinos may have more colorful outfits, but New Yorkers match this with their colorful and oversized jewelry. Angelinos may be seen wearing a few simple silver rings, similar to Parisians who wear more classic and plain jewelry. The New Yorkers though seem to prefer a simple clothing décor paired with more vibrant accessories.

One thing that seems popular for almost every trendy city is the “go green” apparel. Awareness to saving the environment has grown and with this has come simple tees featuring recycling and peace symbols. Important messages always seem to be in style for fashionable cities around the globe.

An Ideal NYC Look For Riding Your "Green Alternative" To Work

Styles and trends are always changing which is why sharing with different cities can be something new and exciting. Shopping online helps as well with boutiques like The Kooples from Paris and designers like Alexander Wang from New York now having user-friendly websites.

Catherine Malandrino & Frederic Fekkai Invite You

Catherine Malandrino and Frederic Fekkai have woven together their French identities to bring a  day of European style to Melrose Place.  LaShoppingReviews readers are invited to attend this exclusive event.  See the invite below:

An Event Not To Be Missed

Look Who’s Shopping in Brentwood

It’s TV personality Brooke Burke shopping at the Brentwood Country Mart with a friend.  She looks cozy for a day of shopping in her green sweat suit … we would have left the banana clip at home.  

Wonder What She's Checking Out

Madison’s Summer Sale Is Underway!

What: Madison’s Spring/Summer Sale 30-50% OFF! New markdowns on clothing, shoes, and accessories. Includes popular brands such as Chloe and YSL shoes, Elizabeth and James, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Pucci, and much more!

When: June 1 – August 1

Where: MADISON Los Angeles – Online and in stores.

Madison 3rd Street
8745 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
310.275.1930

Madison Brentwood
11677 San Vicente Blvd
Brentwood, CA 90049
310.820.2300

Madison Melrose
8115 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.651.3662

Madison Malibu
3835 Cross Creek Road
Malibu, CA 90265
310.317.9170

Madison Palisades
1017 Swarthmore Avenue
Pcific Palisades, CA 90272
310.459.7755

Madison Westlake
100 Promenade Way, #D
Westlake Villiage, CA 91362
805.496.9191

Get Down and Flirty with Los Angeles-based label, T-bags!

 

Since Shadi Askari and Su-Lyn Tay created Los Angeles-based t-bags in 2001, the label has become one of the go-to brands for youthful, sophisticated dresses, tops, and rompers. When Shadi and Su-Lyn began, they were making handbags from vintage fabrics and it is clear that their vintage roots inspire their flattering cuts and fabulous prints. Su-Lyn captures the ethos of the t-bags garment: “The idea of draping, shape, and pattern translated easily into a fresh and modern collection of pieces that easily [goes] from day to night.”

HOT FOR SUMMER: Love This One Shoulder Frock!

T-bags clothes are bold, playful, and irresistibly alluring. In slinky jersey and fine silk, these dresses not only look good, but also feel great on the skin. The signature t-bags look contains bold colors and patterns that come through in retro and modern styles. T-bags is also known for their draping and pleating to accentuate the female body. This versatility within the brand, while still maintaining a very specific “look,” makes a t-bags dress stand out in the crowd. T-bags patterns range from modern shapes and designs to flirty, feminine peacocks, feathers, and swirls.

Feathers Aren't Just For The Birds

And if you’re expecting, be sure to check out FEM by t-bags, their newly launched (2007) line for pregnant women. FEM stands for Fabulous Expectant Mother because why can’t you still look fabulous when you’re expecting?

 Shadi sums up why t-bags captures our attention: “We create clothes that we wish we had hanging in our closets. It’s not about trend or the look of the season, it’s about creating what we think is missing.”

Dark Colors On Top Create The Illusion Of A Tiny Waist

T-bags is sold at: Bloomingdale’s, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Jill Roberts, Traffic, Planet Blue and Kitson.

 

As Promised … Your List Of Summer Essentials

After much “research” a.k.a walking up and down Robertson Blvd., dodging bullets at the Beverly Center, and flipping through all our favorite magazines (with a Coffee Bean as a new appendage) we have come up with our Must-Have-List.

Firstly and most importantly you will need the perfect bathing suit! Our pick is from Everything But Water at the Beverly Center. It is a Vitamin A (a favorite brand of celebs, as below on Leighton Meester) bikini (it’s cut is oh so flattering).

Cutie Patootie

 Next you will need a cover-up to take you from the pool to the pool bar. We like this elegant, yet casual, maxi dress by Victoria Secret. Then you will need a pair of sunglasses. We are IN LOVE with Oliver People’s “Harlot” design, worn often by Kate Beckinsale. If you are extra sensitive to the rays, you will also need a big floppy hat (a great time to channel your inner Italian goddess a la’ Sophia Loren) we like this one from J.Crew. After that, you can show off your new pedicure with these comfy, yet oh so glamorous sandals from Sam Edelman (they can be purchased at Kitson or Nordstrom). Lastly, you will need something to carry around all your goodies! Tory Burch’s canvas tote is on sale at CUSP at the Century City Mall as well as Bloomingdales. It is extremely stylish, yet has room for you’re US Weekly, Vogue, and your copy of “He’s Just Not that into You,” (yes we know you own one).

Los Angeles Summer Essentials

Hopefully that list will do you well and you can save your feet and fingertips from endless scurrying and flipping (your CB&TL barista will miss you). You just might be able to get all your shopping done in time for lunch at The Ivy!