After an hour of driving around Beverly Hills in a Mercedes coupe (that thankfully had a navigation system or else I would be somewhere in Pasadena right now) I gave up on my quest for a quaint breakfast spot and just came back to the Montage. The breakfast here by the pool is pricey ($10 for a smoothie, $12 for the above bread basket) but I suppose you’re really paying for the experience.
Also, I was so impressed that the hotel was able to fulfill my request for the International Herald Tribune, which is my favorite newspaper. It was delivered to my door printed by the hotel on thick quality stock paper. That’s true luxury–when the hotel goes out of their way to fulfill a client’s desires. I am truly blown away by the level of service here. Okay, enough blogging, now returning pool side with my bathing suit and tanning oil.
So for my first real night out in LA (I qualify that as I’ve been to LA before, though never out in the “scene”) Mary took me to Palihouse in West Hollywood. I told her that I wanted something laid back but still with good people watching to get a sense of the city’s vibe. We sat in the courtyard which had heated lamps and was perfect for the crisp evening.
This wasn’t the best picture, but Mary looked absolutely stunning. I don’t know the full details of the outfit, but she paired sky-high Marni heels with and an Oscar de la Renta fur vest and Ranjana Khan mirrored necklace that together just was drop-dead.
After my fries and Bloody Mary at the hotel, I was in the mood for something light so I had the lobster gnocchi and a couple of antioxidant-infused cocktails.
Afterwards, Mary wanted to show me the true Los Angeles scene so she took me to the Roosevelt Hotel. The scene at the Roosevelt is basically the Jane in New York. It’s as if you transported a truckload of Lower East Side hipsters, gave them more substantial clothing budgets and spread them around a large pool area outside. Suffice it to say, everyone was beautiful and some sort of actor.
What fascinated me most was the way the girls dressed. I held the perception that LA girls don’t really get dressed up, but it definitely wasn’t the case at the Roosevelt. Almost everyone had something interesting to offer stylistically. Girls in sequined leggings, amazing vintage dresses and so forth. It was inspiring to see girls really pushing the limits of fashion and doing something different and unique.
It’s a refreshing change of pace from New York, but at the end of the day, not much different either. Instead of the branché fashion interns that hang out at places like The Jane, in LA it’s all about the movie industry. Either you’re an actor or a screen writer or nobody. I find Los Angeles to be more relaxing and laid back than New York but it’s also less engaging. New York keeps you strung out and on your toes and for some of us, that’s just what we need.
And now I’ll be laying my head on the pillow I just realized was monogramed with my initial. Goodnight, Los Angeles.
After a brief stroll on Rodeo Drive, I came back to a harpist playing in this imminently comfortable and relaxing sitting area. It’s already time for a bloody mary with a side of fries.
The hotel is stunning. That’s really the only way to describe it. Everything feels clean and new, which makes you feel completely refreshed and relaxed (even if you’ve had the same foundation on for the past 14 hours and sat through a six hour flight, ahem).
I have a corner suite which has more space than I know what to do with. I could just stay here without ever leaving the hotel and feel like I got everything I wanted to out of this trip. I shot a video tour of the room and even that can’t do it full justice.
I’m thinking of heading up to the roof now to check out the pool scene, though unfortunately it’s a little breezy today so not ideal lounging weather.
Just got to Los Angeles! Mary picked me up and our first stop was Urth Caffé in West Hollywood–Virgin was nice but they served no food on the flight and I’m damn near starving.
Sometimes in the mornings I say that I need a cup of coffee the size of my head, but at Urth, a large coffee is literally so. I felt like the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland with that absurdly sized mug.
I immediately felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders upon landing in LA. The New York neuroticism is gone! (Almost).
Miraculously, I got myself out of bed this morning at 5AM after only a few hours of sleep AND managed to slap on enough maquillage to look presentable for the ladies at the security check in. The ride to JFK as the city was asleep was meditative and I couldn’t help but reflect on the past times I’ve made that trip and what it means to me.
This is my first time flying Virgin America and I’m in my seat waiting for takeoff (and of course hoping we’re not delayed. So far things I like: the mood lighting, friendliness of staff, comfort of seats and the on board WiFi!
Michael Bastian collaborated with one of my favorite footwear brands, Stubbs and Wootton for his Spring/Summer 2010 collection and designed seven unique styles including the camouflage pair above. I’m not convinced on the wearability of the other designs, however, which include a pony skin zebra print with grosgrain bow and a patent leather pump also with a bow that really couldn’t have possibly been created with anyone else in mind besides a foppish Dorian Gray. Judge for yourself below. Read the rest of this entry »
Mind you, that’s no small feat in and of itself–the man is a veritable giant.
Since The September Issue, you don’t have to pray at the alter of Vogue to be acquainted with the larger-than-life personality that is André Leon Talley. The Editor at Large (that’s really his title–not a description) has been further immortalized thanks to Christopher Lee Sauvé, a graphic designer best known for his “Save Anna” T-shirt featuring fashion’s patron saint that got the attention of Perez Hilton and the Metropolitan Museum of Art alike. The limited-run T’s are almost as outrageous as the man depicted.
Available at Seven New York and online.
This one completely evaded my radar as it appeared at the tail end of fashion week where I was in a quaalude-like state and numb to all fashion news. I knew that Jimmy Choo was collaborating with H&M but had no idea the collection also included menswear.
I have to say that I’m really impressed with the men’s pieces which include the above distressed leather jacket as well as light sweaters, jeans and, of course, shoes. The collection is laid-back and simple but still maintains and undertone of style throughout. I want all the knitwear and am highly tempted by the combat boots though not convinced I could pull them off. Maybe with skinny black jeans? Combat boots are a trendy item for Fall and I do like the idea of them, but I can’t help but think I’d feel like a mall rat high school goth. Photos below. Read the rest of this entry »
“Almost Blue” by Chet Baker completely captures the early Fall mood of New York right now as I lay awake with my computer on my bed listening to the rain fall on the fire escape.
After an hour of driving around Beverly Hills in a Mercedes coupe (that thankfully had a navigation system or else I would be somewhere in Pasadena right now) I gave up on my quest for a quaint breakfast spot and just came back to the Montage. The breakfast here by the pool is pricey ($10 for a smoothie, $12 for the above bread basket) but I suppose you’re really paying for the experience.
So for my first real night out in LA (I qualify that as I’ve been to LA before, though never out in the “scene”) 
Michael Bastian collaborated with one of my favorite footwear brands, Stubbs and Wootton for his Spring/Summer 2010 collection and designed seven unique styles including the camouflage pair above. I’m not convinced on the wearability of the other designs, however, which include a pony skin zebra print with grosgrain bow and a patent leather pump also with a bow that really couldn’t have possibly been created with anyone else in mind besides a foppish Dorian Gray. Judge for yourself below. 
Mind you, that’s no small feat in and of itself–the man is a veritable giant.
