RSS Random Ask us a question!

Hello….Summer!?

It is ironic that I am writing this post on a rainy day here in Los Angeles, but the sudden influx of warm weather last week really put me in the mood for summer.  Summer for me means short dresses and sandals like this keyhole Parker New York dress.  The dress has a keyhole in the back too!  How fun!

image

And paired with these pretty strappy flats from Jimmy Choo.

image

Wishful thinking on a cold (for LA), rainy day here in LA.  On days like this, instead of strappy sandals, I will be rocking my oxfords or saddle shoes (a la Audrey from Twin Peaks) with my usual roster of dresses and skinny jeans.  Like these looks here.

image

The joy of living in LA, is that your wardrobe doesn’t fluctuate that much between the cold and warm months.  Add on a sweater, put on some closed toed shoes and you’re golden.  What are your favorite cold to warm weather transition pieces?

Live 4 Fashion,

Audrey

1 note
One year into my Birchbox subscription, I thought I would share my favorite finds.  Sure there have been months when I’ve eagerly opened the pretty cardboard box only to be disappointed, but for the most part, there was at least one great product per box.  Here are my top six favorites (clockwise from right): 1.  Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture & Volume Spray ($25) - I will admit, this isn’t the best smelling product on the market, but nothing else makes my top knot stay in place like this texturing spray.  Turn on the bathroom fan, spray from ends to roots, tease and you’ve got sexy second day hair like never before! 2.  Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara ($42) - Blessed with short eyelashes, I have been on the quest for the perfect mascara forever.  This one fits the bill.  It doesn’t run (say goodbye to raccoon eyes), makes my lashes crazy long and stays all day. 3.  Ojon damage reverse™ Instant Restorative Hair Serum ($25) - My hair is pretty damaged at the ends and in fact the ends sometimes break off.  When I got the sample of this, I was a bit dubious.  But it really has restored my locks to a nice softness that had been missing for a while.  The bonus is that you can use it on wet or dry hair.  4.  Likewise Facial Moisturizer + Sun Protectant SPF 50 Normal To Dry ($44) - A staple for the summer.  A matte, easily absorbed moisturizer in take-to-the-beach packaging. 5.  Skin, An Apothecary Soy Body Whip in Poppy ($27) - I usually don’t like body moisturizers that are too heavily scented which also tend to dry your skin out.  But this one goes on strong, smooths your skin and leaves you smelling a fresh as a poppy all day.  The only caveat is that it leaves all your clothes smelling fresh as a poppy too - not great if you have that cardigan you want to wear again. 6.  Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Hazel ($38) - When I first tried this on, I thought it may had been too dark for me.  Now I can’t live without this product.  It’s sheer enough for everyday use, but opaque enough to cover those pesky sun damaged areas on my face.  Bonus that it’s SPF 15. My live without item?  My Jouer matte moisture tint!  I dab a little of that under the eyes, throw on some Chantecaille mascara and I’m ready to head out for the day. Happy Anniversary Birchbox!  I look forward another year of exploring beauty products together. Live4Beauty, Audrey

One year into my Birchbox subscription, I thought I would share my favorite finds.  Sure there have been months when I’ve eagerly opened the pretty cardboard box only to be disappointed, but for the most part, there was at least one great product per box.  Here are my top six favorites (clockwise from right):

1.  Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture & Volume Spray ($25) - I will admit, this isn’t the best smelling product on the market, but nothing else makes my top knot stay in place like this texturing spray.  Turn on the bathroom fan, spray from ends to roots, tease and you’ve got sexy second day hair like never before!

2.  Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara ($42) - Blessed with short eyelashes, I have been on the quest for the perfect mascara forever.  This one fits the bill.  It doesn’t run (say goodbye to raccoon eyes), makes my lashes crazy long and stays all day.

3.  Ojon damage reverse™ Instant Restorative Hair Serum ($25) - My hair is pretty damaged at the ends and in fact the ends sometimes break off.  When I got the sample of this, I was a bit dubious.  But it really has restored my locks to a nice softness that had been missing for a while.  The bonus is that you can use it on wet or dry hair. 

4.  Likewise Facial Moisturizer + Sun Protectant SPF 50 Normal To Dry ($44) - A staple for the summer.  A matte, easily absorbed moisturizer in take-to-the-beach packaging.

5.  Skin, An Apothecary Soy Body Whip in Poppy ($27) - I usually don’t like body moisturizers that are too heavily scented which also tend to dry your skin out.  But this one goes on strong, smooths your skin and leaves you smelling a fresh as a poppy all day.  The only caveat is that it leaves all your clothes smelling fresh as a poppy too - not great if you have that cardigan you want to wear again.

6.  Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Hazel ($38) - When I first tried this on, I thought it may had been too dark for me.  Now I can’t live without this product.  It’s sheer enough for everyday use, but opaque enough to cover those pesky sun damaged areas on my face.  Bonus that it’s SPF 15.

My live without item?  My Jouer matte moisture tint!  I dab a little of that under the eyes, throw on some Chantecaille mascara and I’m ready to head out for the day.

Happy Anniversary Birchbox!  I look forward another year of exploring beauty products together.

Live4Beauty,

Audrey

Thanks Marie and CONGRATS on your big win today! #LuckyFABB

Thanks Marie and CONGRATS on your big win today! #LuckyFABB

The Smiths was one of my favorite bands of all time in High School.  The  whiny unusual voice of Morrissey combined with the brilliant guitar work by Johnny Marr was on constant rotation on my tape deck.  I followed Morrissey throughout College seeing him live several times, but never kept track of what Johnny Marr was up to other than the superband Electronic.  Well, it turns out quite a lot.  Post The Smiths, Marr went on to join several bands including the Electronic,  the superband 7 Worlds Collide and Modest Mouse.

So it was a huge surprise to me that it took him 25 years to come up with his debut album “The Messenger”.  I was pretty excited to hear his vocals on his debut album.  For die hard Smiths/Morrissey fans, this album has much more of a pop feel.  I am including here a link to one of the tracks “Upstarts” that I rather enjoy.  

Here’s the track list:

1.  The Right Thing Right
2.  I Want The Heartbeat
3.  European Me
4.  Upstarts
5.  Lockdown
6.  The Messenger
7.  Generate!  Generate!
8.  Say Demesne
9.  Sun & Moon
10.  The Crack Up
11.  The Town Velocity - This one has Electronic tones to it.  :)
12.  Word Starts Attack

I’ve got this album on pretty heavy rotation on Spotify. I’m also listening to the new Depeche Mode, but that is a whole other blog post.

Live 4 Music,

Audrey

(Source: Spotify)

*Intergalactic* LAFC Fall 2013 Collections:: Spotlight on Odylyne

image

I’m not sure my words can do justice to the Fall 2013 Odylyne Collection by Stephanie Lampkin.  As you can see from my first ever outfit post, I am a fan.  So instead of commenting on the most recent collection, which “was inspired by our relationship with the universe. Looking to the galaxy as the force behind all the major shifts that happen in our daily lives and ultimately heighten the theory that we, humans, are made up of cosmic matter. The theory that somehow we are cosmically born into this life by the result of a fallen star is quite intriguing and keeps alive the belief that our souls are heavily connected with the unknown”.  Instead I am going to write three facts about Odylyne.  In the meantime enjoy the photos I took at the show and make sure to hit the website for more beautiful pieces….

1.  Where was I first introduced to Odylyne?  www.odylyne.com  At the #WFashion pop-up shop held by the Los Angeles Fashion Council.  

2.  Where did the name Odylyne come from?  Odylyne is derived from the artist Odilion Rion. It is just a more feminine play off the name. (source LA Inspiration) 

3.  Where is Odylyne available for purchase?  Click here for the most recent list.    But if you live in the Los Angeles area, there’s a good chance your nearest Madison store has it.  Also check my fave online destination shopbop.com.

Live 4 Fashion,

Audrey

Breaking Black :: what I wore to LAFW

Usually when I am at fashion week in New York, I go for the monochromatic head to toe black look.  Everybody is usually so glamorous up that I feel super self conscious all the time.  Wearing black makes me feel chic without all the effort of matching and having that “statement piece”.  And I also feel less judged.  

For this season in Los Angeles, I decided to have two dresses delivered from Rent the Runway.  Amazingly enough everything fit and all I had left to do was add accessories and shoes.  Easy.  I usually don’t do outfit posts on this blog because I am pretty self conscious of myself, but these dresses were a little too cute to pass up sharing.

image

Left to right:  Robert Rodriguez dress from Rent the Runway, Parker New York dress and Barney’s New York blazer, Odylyne dress purchased from the designer.

As you may have noticed, I am wearing one all black outfit.  In my defense, I wore it to the Odylyne runway show to show support for the designer.  And this is the third Parker New York dress that I’ve worn.  I own one which I’ve worn so many times that it’s time to retire it.  But if you are petite like me, their cuts really fit my proportions right and make me feel just a little less squat.

Live 4 Fashion,

Audrey 

1 note

LAFC Fall 2013 Collections :: Spotlight on Sarine Marie

imageDay one of LAFC runway shows started off very promising.  Sarine Marie killed it with some updated “9-to-5” wear that I’d definitely rock to the office.  Especially that lavender shirtdress to the left.  And that coat to the right.  Ok, so I am pretty happy that I discovered a new Los Angeles based designer.  Sarine was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated FIDM in 2009.  A hometown legend in the making!

The Fall/Winter 12-13 collection was inspired by lady-like silhouettes.  I think the clothes are friendly for any body type and allows you to have a good clothes day on a fat day.

For more info and to browse her current collection click here.

Live4Fashion,

Audrey

The Magical Road to MAGIC

image

(Left to right clockwise: WWDMagic at LVCC, Outfit post (The Battalion Eco Couture sweater and Free People skirt, Downtown Vegas, WWDMagic at LVCC, The panel I moderated at Social House on Mobile and Social, the best group of gals I could’ve asked for to work with, Sourcing at LVCC, BCBG Generation bags, I ended taking one of these clutches at Ted Baker home.)


I was lucky enough to travel Las Vegas to attend MAGIC this year as part of Team Stylesmith.  I have never been to the show in a social media capacity, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Obviously long days and nights laid ahead of us, but what I didn’t expect was how much I would learn!  Between all of the Social House panels and Sourcing Panels I attended, I definitely learned a lot more about the fashion industry than I ever though I would.  I also walked about a dozen football fields a days.

One of the highlights of the show was the event the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace held for our Bloggers.  After a long day on the floor, it was such a treat to be treated with wine, scallops and burgers at PJ Clarke’s.  This was followed by a private shopping tour to Ted Baker and Elie Tahari where we had a chance to view the spring goodies.  The evening concluded at Max Brenner where I experienced more than one chocolate churro and a glass of champagne. 

Back to the MAGIC show….The manufacturing and textile focused  Sourcing show was a truly international experience and had countries designated areas:imageIt wasn’t long before someone approached me and spoke Mandarin Chinese!

Over at WWD MAGIC, there was a runway show everyday at 2pm.  I was so busy that I didn’t make it until the last day.  Check out my vine video of it.  

And of course I have to give a shout out to my two favorite Brits - Kelsi Smith and Jazmine Rocks (who I have adopted as a little sister) who are appropriately sitting on union jack sofas.

image

Hope to see you soon MAGIC!

Live 4 Fashion,

Audrey

And here is my Oscar ensemble…a BCBG emerald green, one shouldered with a slide slit. In a sea of all other non-green colors on the Red Carpet, my flowey 2013 Pantone Color of the Year dress stood out. Tip - Never forget alternate shoes to wear at the end of a long evening…mine were a pair of comfy Mossimo, high heeled flip flops. My feet appreciated that. ;)

And here is my Oscar ensemble…a BCBG emerald green, one shouldered with a slide slit. In a sea of all other non-green colors on the Red Carpet, my flowey 2013 Pantone Color of the Year dress stood out. Tip - Never forget alternate shoes to wear at the end of a long evening…mine were a pair of comfy Mossimo, high heeled flip flops. My feet appreciated that. ;)

2 notes
Follow us live on twitter tomorrow @notesandcloth as Audrey live tweets on the Oscars!

Oscar Fashion Reveal #2 - A Little Bling in My Outfit

What do I do with the Jimmy Choo shoes and a Sondra Roberts purse that I wore for my wedding? Why I wear it to the Oscars, of course! These gorgeous (and VERY comfortable) heels and purse will be the perfect accouterments for my Sunday ensemble. Hint — I may or may not be wearing color to go with my bling bling accessories. ;) 


Live4OscarFashion,

Gina
P.S. - My #1 stop for all of my accessories is Nordstrom. Their selection of Jimmy Choos and blinged out accessories is stellar and definitely Oscar worthy.

Fashion Reveal Leading up to the Oscars!

Over the next few days, I will be revealing elements of my Oscar ensemble. Yes, I will be at the show on Sunday! :)

I’m starting with an absolute essential for all ladies…NAILS. Since I do not want my manicure to go awry before the show, I opted for lovely gel nails in a sparkly, metallic mixture of silver with flex of gold. As you can see, my nails are cut to a good length (as to not snag my dress) and they are Red Carpet Ready. Hint for another part of my outfit…my nails may or may not match my shoes? ;) Stay tuned this week to find out.

Live4Fashion,

Gina

Over a decade ago, I attended my first NYFW runway show at Bryant Park and was struck not only with the breathtaking clothes but the magical soundtrack that the runway played to.  The music breathed life into the clothes, the models, and brought a certain energy to the room.

I still remember the name of that DJ to this day - Javier Peral.   So imagine my surprise when many years later I saw that he was still working in the Fashion Music business and had collaborated with Carolina Herrera and composer, Tom Hodge, for “Capriccio for Carolina,” the video link above.

While watching it on your computer is definitely not quite the same as being in the seat, this clip definitely gives you an idea of how important music is to fashion and vice versa.  And if this leaves you wanting more, check out Carolina Herrera’s YouTube site for more gorgeous clothes!

 Live4Fashion,

Audrey

2 notes

(Clockwise from top: A Soolip Wedding invitations, wonderful treats from Good Gracious! events, a row of stunning St. Pucchi dresses, a breathtaking 1.1M yellow diamond ring from Black, Starr & Frost, the front window of St. Pucchi and YOUR official invite to the upcoming A Soolip Wedding at the Bel Air Bay Club.)

As a newly engaged person and a somewhat reluctant bride, I have been navigating through all sorts of uncharted territories of a scary Kindgom called Brideland.  So when I got the invite for A Soolip Wedding press preview held at the gorgeous St. Pucchi stores in West Hollywood, I took up the opportunity to attend a panel of Wedding experts who discussed current trends in the wedding industry.  

The panelists included: Pauline Parry (Good Gracious! Events), David Pressman (David Pressman Events), Rani Totman (Owner & Designer of St. Pucchi) and Nelson Holdo (Black, Starr & Frost).  Wanda Wen of A Soolip Wedding moderated.

The tips I picked up were:

1.  Brides & Grooms are now picking up the tab quite often for their own wedding because they want to make it their own.

2.  Color is more prevalent in wedding dresses (think Jessica Biel).  In fact, St. Pucchi has some gorgeous pink dresses for you ladies out there who are so inclined.

3.  There is a trend toward yellow gold engagement rings, rather than platinum/white gold.  I myself got a rose gold engagement ring and love how the color flatters my skin tone.

4.  Different gemstones in engagement rings are popular.  This may be due to the Royal Couple.  According to Nelson Holdo at Black Starr & Frost, only three stones have the hardness that qualify for everyday wear: Diamonds, Sapphires and Rubies.

5.  And when in doubt, hire a wedding planner!  

A Soolip Wedding will open to the public on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at the Bel Air Bay Club, Los Angeles from 12-4pm.  For more information click here.  

If you can’t make it and want to know more about what the panel went over, feel free to drop me line or send me a tweet at @msaudj.

Live4Fashion,

Audrey

GRAMMY Week - Sharing the Importance of Music History & Preservation

Hello friends,

Having worked at the GRAMMYs back in the day, I always get the same question from people, “What did you do the rest of the year after the award show?” After chuckling to myself, I answer, “There’s various events the GRAMMYs put on all year (among other beneficial things).” For example, every year during the week of the show, they host about 20 celebrations for members and friends of the Academy to attend…no joke! One that I recently attended (and positively one of my favs!) is the GRAMMY Foundation’s “Play It Forward” concert benefitting their Music Preservation Project and Grant Program. I thoroughly enjoyed a night of great tunes from these performers (to name a few): Ed Sheeran, Dionne Warwick, Yolanda Adams, Lupe Fiasco, Leann Rimes. However, the MOST important take away from this event was a speech given by one of their execs., Kristen Madsen, where she explained how important it is to know our history of music and to preserve its legacy. The speech moved me about as much as the music. Bravo! If you care at all about music, please visit The GRAMMY Foundations website, click here, to find out more about their initiatives.

Onward to the show this Sunday!

Live4Music,

Gina