Bandeau in January

New bandeau top for LCS Designs. Because January felt like the right season for a bandeau?

(H&M Shorts)

G'Day LA

Wow. It's been almost two weeks since I last posted! There's been a lot going on lately and much delayed posts will be rolling in over the next couple of days.

Meanwhile, I spent all day yesterday in Hollywood backstage at the G'Day LA Black Tie Gala fashion show, part of Australia Week (and no, I didn't know that existed until yesterday either). My role for this particular show was dressing male models. Not kidding. Not a bad job, I'd say, even though I definitely just felt like their mother; buttoning their shirts, straightening their ties and sending them off to school...very sweet, but not the most conversational of chaps. Met some great girls too and ended up grabbing a bite to eat at Aroma afterwards (to the beautiful Bailey: I SWEAR there was money on that credit card - I don't know why it didn't work...).

Here are a couple of pics from backstage:

That was my charge, Ryan. Yes he got my number. No, he didn't call. Lol.

Chanel, Champagne and Vanderbilts

Over break I actually got a chance to curl up and read for a change. Devoured three books in a few days and wish I could do it again. Here they are with Lindsey-reviews:

The Secret of Chanel No. 5

I never thought I would know this much about a perfume. Stunningly though, the detailed events of the life of the world's most iconic fragrance captivated me page by page. Tilar Mazzeo delves into Coco Chanel's personal history and weaves the events that led to the birth of Chanel No. 5, it's development, and it's impact on French society and then the world, together with the story of Chanel's own life of passion, desperation and perseverance. It is a fascinating study of an inanimate object that became a cultural icon, first through the name of its creator, then as a beacon of hope and freedom during war, and finally as a representative of culture, mystery and a sensual sophistication preserved by decades of elegance and glamor.

The Widow Cliquot

This is a detailed account of the accomplishments of an 18th century entrepreneur, a woman who successfully launched an international champagne empire in a world where women were valued more as objects of society than as astute, innovative business powerhouses. Mazzeo's investigation into the life and progress of this extraordinary character details as well the birth of sparkling wine, it's rise in the global market (much thanks to the Widow herself), and the changing tides of war that shook Europe again and again as France stumbled through a century of revolution. It is a rich tale, with subtle, satisfying notes, founded soundly on a reverent appreciation for the crafts of wine and business.

The Life of Gloria Vanderbilt

 

A parade of beautiful images and photographs provide structure for this delicious dive into the turbulant, effervescent life of one of the century's most glamorous American icons. Wendy Goodman's text is marked by an admiration of Ms. Vanderbilt's unwavering strength and vulnerability. Through tragedies, fairy tales, broken marriages and career rebirths, Vanderbilt's poise and unquenchable resilience inspire and enchant.

Vintage and Rodeo Drive

Went to LA yesterday to do a little shopping and discovered one of the most outrageously fantastic vintage boutiques known to man: The Way We Wore. Gorgeous stuff, often designer labels, and the second I start getting a paycheck that's above student wage I'm going back for one of those leather bags. And one of the oversized owl pendants. And that fantastic giant clutch. And the giant black tulle skirt by someone I don't remember. The list keeps going people... Not to mention the shop girls are all really sweet and stylish. Wish my hands hadn't been shaking so much when I took these pictures though. Too much Americano, too little actual food...

Purse corner.

Perfect oversize clutch.

Belt drawer I'd like to wade through.

Remember when Forever21 came out with those owl pendents everyone was in love with? Well I think these were probably the originals. Exquisite. Wish they weren't so blurry - the owls are actually surprisingly expressive.

After a very successful trip there (I did manage to purchase a pair of black leather gloves - so I can cut the fingers off of my old pair of black leather gloves...) I headed to Rodeo Drive because I've never actually spent much time there. Definitely worth paying way too much in parking (note to self, it's cheaper just a few blocks over on Beverly Blvd.). Here are some pieces that caught my eye:

 

Brunello Cucinelli. Saks Men. When I have a husband and we go to Barcelona I'm buying him this.

Chanel. Always a win.

Nicolas Kirkwood for Rodarte. LUST.

 

Ugliest shoes ever: 1. Crocs. 2. Uggs. 3. These. Except I would wear Uggs around the house.

 A certain friend of mine who will remain unnamed has something like these for men. They horrify me. No, we will not be matching next week.

I ended the day with a pair of Kill City jeans and a sheer top (it's perfect. I've been looking for this top for YEARS) from Planet Blue. Good day.

Meanwhile, my friend Nate had a better day. He just posted these pictures from New Years in Saipan. Not jealous at all...

Job, job, hob, blob, knob, job

Obviously I'm a bit delirious right now. Spent this week training my replacements at work, finishing up a project for a client down in San Diego, and jumped full force into the job search. Geez. Graduating college is a big deal, no? Anyway, sorry I've been totally MIA lately. My other excuse is that I left my camera at Benvenuto and I only just got it back yesterday. Enough. Here are some snippets of life/inspiration for your enjoyment.

 

This is what I've been staring at all week...

Anna Karina. GORGEOUS. And she's Danish too. I need to start embracing that side of me more often.

 

I should also wear hats more often...

...and spend more time sipping tea :) This was Jasmine Tea on a lovely night at Cafe Veronese in Fullerton. Some day when it's not pouring rain I'm going to take a bunch of pictures here - it's like stepping into Wonderland...

In other news, music I love at the moment: Fader by Temper Trap, Little Lion Man and the Cave by Mumford and Sons, Sail by Awolnation, Be My Animal by The Good Natured, and Follow Me by Audrianna Cole (thanks @Bergdorfs for that last one!)

Tying up the odds and ends

Random things from December that I didn't get around to posting: 

 Pretty much the most amazing picture ever. Karen Elson and Tom Ford in Dec Vogue. Reminds me of two people I know...

My dream. Give me ocean, a convertible, heels and a full skirt and I'm basically in heaven. 

 Christmas rain at Benvenuto. We had to pump out the pool so it didn't overflow!

 Saying goodbye to my catering boys. They've been taking care of me for two and a half years now. Gosh I'm going to miss Dodge College. :(

 Kerrianne's Festivus. Pretty much just a holiday excuse for well dressed ridiculousness. I'm wearing the LCS Designs 2011 collection lobster dress. Yup. It's got lobsters on it.

Our lovely hosts.

Happy New Year!!!

I know, I know, SUPER creative post title. Hooray for 2011!!! I had such a fantastic New Years this year with my darling roomie - here are some of the pics:

At midnight we popped champagne off the balcony and watched the fireworks at Disneyland in the distance, then returned inside to dance around like idiots and eat these chocolate dipped strawberries while drinking more champagne and watching Casino Royal. So classy. Lol.

New Year's Day Brunch :)

The boys were in Big Bear for NYE. Derek sent me this gorgeous sunrise at 7am.

New Years Resolutions:

 (Because it sounded like fun and I'm procrastinating)

1.  Travel. Obvious #1. Not like I have difficulty traveling, being a nomad at heart, but it's definitely on the priority list. Already got Japan scheduled in for April. And no, Vegas in February for my 21st does not count as travel.

2. Start my career full time. Hopefully this will be accomplished by the end of this month...because that's when I'm graduating...

3. Never say anything bad about anyone. Not that I have a habit of doing this, but it's a good goal.

4. Stay healthy. Harder than one might think seeing as I haven't exercised in years and I'm notoriously good at just starving myself for results. Taking care of my skin/hair is included in this. I tend to just roll out of bed and go with it.

5. Cook more/better. I got a beautiful knife set for Christmas (complete with cleaver!) and I definitely need to step the cooking up a notch from fail-proof casseroles and rice bowls.

6. Throw at least 4 EPIC parties. On my own, outside of work. Working on the graduation party at Benvenuto now, but having a few technical difficulties...

7. Keep my apartment cleaner. Just because I know what's in all of the piles doesn't make it ok...

8. Go to the beach more. Always a good idea.

9. Embrace ridiculousness.

10. Up the artist quotient: aka photography, writing, museum visiting, clothing design, practicing French, etc.

Sounds like a productive year to me :)