From Style.com : Chris Benz’s L.A. Story

http://www.style.com/stylefile/2010/04/chris-benzs-la-story/

Was thrilled to read about Chris Benz and his LA story on style.com's stylefile  blog... bit even more excited to realize that the piece was written by none other than the lovely Alexis Brunswick!

Love.

Xx  

What's On My Nightstand? : The Beautiful Fall

What's on my night stand?
--
In Hawaii celebrating the nuptials between the lovely J & M and lucky enough to be calling this cozy hammock my night stand for the week.
Nothing personal, but temporarily ditched Foer's "Eating Animals" for the more palatable vacation read "The Beautiful Fall" by Alicia Drake. Delish so far!
The story of ysl and lagerfeld in the 70s...vogue meets gossip girl meets project runway.
J'adore.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

front row tally! love to tracey...

My newest friend and favorite fashionista Tracey has been quietly working away on a fabulous blog...
Many thanks to her for spending the time to share the love.
Check it out here!!

http://www.frontrowtally.com/questionnaire/tally-questionnaire/

And look forward to good things from frontrowtally. Have a feeling this east coast girl gone west will be bringing plenty of much-needed stylish spice to Los Angeles.

Aloha and mahalo.

OOGABOOGA!

Go Here!

http://www.oogaboogastore.com/index1.html
943 N. Broadway #203
la 90012

enough said.

(thanks mandrew)

Listing #4 : Diptyque Fois de Bois et Pois de Senteur

So caught up in all things style, completely forget to go on about all the things I want!
Jump to my favorite seasonal indulgence.
Diptyque candles in Fois de Bois and Pois de Senteur- well really anything Diptyque at all...but these are the faves.

Pois de Senteur- Sweet Pea! This one is reserved for the months of sun- and yes...that basically is all year here in L.A., but you know that day in Spring when you wake up and can actually smell the sunshine? That's the perfect moment to break out the Pois de Senteur.  I'd love to describe it for you, sweet and crispy, fresh and warm.  But trying to describe a scent is like trying to taste a word- Think Jo Malone French Lime Blossom but cleaner, less cloying and completely delicious.

next up

Fois de Bois- Fire Wood! This is hands down my favorite scent in the world- but I do admit that my nose is a little bit masculine.  It's true! I consistently wear more "manly" scents than any of the men I know and am constantly being questioned by the lovely sales people who kindly help me to build upon my ridiculously vast scent collection.  This one is my end of fall through April showers candle- helps to create that warm and cozy, "I've got a fireplace" in my apartment feeling without being tooooo holiday, fir, pine etc.  The best part is that little turn at the end that just smells like a fresh, soapy shower...ahhh.  Let's just say I spent the latter half of last week covered in the Fois de Bois room spray- which is lovely but maybe a little bit strong for the body?  Until discovering the latest brilliance from Comme des Garcon- a partnership with Monocle Men's Magazine for "Scent One: Hinoki" now this is where I get a little too excited! But if you notice me smelling like "camp" (thanks merks ;)) this is what I'm wearing, and Fois de Bois is how I'm feeling.

p.s. for those as obsessive as I am...may want to check this out.  Apparently since being purchased by a larger company in 2005 there's a "death list" including Pois de Senteur.  Time to stock up!

oo

Dreams Do Come True!!

Quick post that I just couldn't wait to put up!

Rumor has it Ms. Marant has been bidding on some real estate around the City of Angels.

I want it now!
...hmmm where would you put her first L.A. location?

That Certain Something: Jane Birkin

Ohhhh.  Where do I even begin? I've been trying to map this entry out in my mind for a while now....and I figured the best thing I could do is just START and see what happens.  Truthfully, Ms. Birkin and her dynasty could be an entire blog topic all on their own- so expect this to be the first of many wandering diatribes on the clan.

It would have been enough had she simply inspired the legendary Hermes Birkin bag or made the cashmere sweater a must-have wardrobe staple.  It would have been enough had she been simply the dynamic style icon married to Serge Gainsbourg. It would have been enough to mother two of the most exciting modern style icons- Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon.  Dayenu!
It would have been enough...

But to be each of these things rolled into one as an actress, model and film director... it is almost too much to imagine!  Thankfully, this blog is about style and that certain something so let's hone in on my central thesis of the afternoon... Jane's charisma, individuality and taste have given us years of style inspiration.  She is one of the chosen few with the ability to bare all while landing nowhere near trashy, to push the boundaries of classic out to here and to inspire generations of emulation undoubtedly French, English and American alike.




Like I said....I could go on forever.  Lucky for me a picture speaks a thousand words, and I think these are some good ones.  Lucky for you, there is plenty more to learn about the Birkin/Gainsbourg/Doillon ladies.  And I'll be bringin' it here!

Yup...bringin' it.

Single White Tee Shirt

Don't know why I'm feeling that title- but I'm sticking with it.

If you're anything like me- which let's face it, you probably are-you've spent the greater half of your shopping hours logged looking for one of two items- the perfect jeans (skinny, bell, high or low waisted depending on the decade) or for the single perfect white tee shirt.  Denim is a topic so insurmountable that I'll postpone my attempt to unpack it until I've got a free weekend to dedicate.  The beauty of a tee shirt on the other hand lies mostly in its simplicity.  It SHOULD be so simple- it is basically a commodity.  There should be little to no variation between one white tee shirt and the other- but as you know, dear reader, this is anything but true.

There is the basic v, the deep V-neck (thanks to Dov's imagination at American Apparel), the crew-neck, the pocket-tee, the boyfriend v (thanks Madewell!) the slouchly tee and the newest addition (gracias Kain Label) the sexy tee!  If you live in L.A. you probably make your wardrobe decisions based on how "fancy" your t-shirt is.  One for a daytime look under a blazer is definitely not the same you might wear over a "see me on purpose" bra that same evening.

So....the real purpose of this post is to discuss my top three picks, my biggest gripes, and hope upon hope that someone will give me some of theirs back--because in all selfishness I am pretty much ready to revamp my tee wardrobe and could really use your help.

So....without further adieu.....

1. James Perse Twisted Crew: now even if I was so inclined to continue spending $60 a pop on my quarterly white tee fix, I wouldn't even be able to.  As I've just figured out- Mr. Perse is no longer feature this item!  PHHHHH. give me a few seconds to dry my tears.
...
......
ok.  I'm back.
As I was saying, this has been my standard go-to for years.  HOWEVER, it is neither sustainable nor practical- and this coming from the girl who has no problem hand washing her favorite pieces in Dreft.  NO MATTER WHAT I do, those dreaded armpit stains find their way in there.  So as much as I love the tricep-defining sleeve and the clavicle-flattering neckline, this tee was too fragile to wear as a casual option, and too casual to wear as a night tee.

p.s. Having the same problem and wondering what to do with these expired, yellowed tees?  Skip over to lgd designs and let lgd show you how to work magic with a few bottles of RIT.

2. Hanes Mens 3 Pack  + 5 years
Here's the deal. Buy a three pack, sleep in 'em, run in 'em, yoga in 'em and wash them obsessively.  Fast forward 5 years? And you've got yourself the perfect DIY authentically destroyed, sheer and clingy white tee.  There is NOTHING better- and it sure beats the $2000 predestroyed Balmain option showing this season.  Plus, noticing that the heavier weight boxy tee is sneaking back into action- so pull up your boyfriend jeans, tuck in the tee and cinch it with a belt- et voila! Fem/masc chic style.

3. Kain Label
Let me be honest for a second.  I'm still on the fence about Kain.  Love the style, love the design, love the concept. Don't love $90.  Love the fact that my normally conservative pocket-tee wearing friends are baring their sexy underthings under the pretensive protection of a "t-shirt". Don't love that they snag toooo easily and require dry cleaning.  Love the fact that this amazing success if the result of an entrepreneurial love of vintage tees and classic Los Angeles style...don't love that I didn't think of it first.

note: prefer the cheapy version? check out Madewell's slouch pocket tee. Not bad for $38.  (let's not even get started on how $38 became the cheaper t-shirt)

So what's a girl to do?...Spend top dollar in a twice a year splurge? Or buy the cheapies and consider them disposable??  What are your favorites, where do you find them, how do you wash them once you've got them?

Excuse the lack of pics- not at home and would rather wait to post pics of my real tees rather than stock images.  They will be up soon and well worth the wait!

Stay Tuned!!

Stay tuned...
Next post up is all about the perfect white tee~
Round up you favorites, snap a pic and send them over!

xxoo

That Certain Something: Diane Keaton

Rolling around L.A. in her Mercedes G-Wagen, (short for Geländewagen-yes--I had to look that up), sporting Lennon-esque blue tinted shades, excessively layered and unseasonably covered up...NO-  it isn't Nicole Richie or MK Olsen that I'm talking about....it is our leading lady of certain something Ms. Diane Keaton herself.  As muse to Woody Allen or mother to Mandy Moore, embodying the perfect feminized masculinity and ability to embolden a generation plus of women to wear a vest and tie...her talent is undeniable, and her personal style pervasively influential.  Look no further than the clogs on Maggie Gyllenhaal the milkmaid braids on Kirsten Dunst or the gender bending yet completely lady-like looks from Boy by Band of Outsiders- she is everywhere!

Mysteriously private in her own life, we are left to our own devices to imagine her real-life charm through her on-screen personas...and charm there is!  Who can forget Annie Hall, or the pioneering business woman turned momtrepreneur J.C. Wiatt in "Baby Boom", the  turtleneck fanatic let loose in "Something's Gotta Give"...one can't help but hope they are really catching a glimpse of the real Diane, just as one can't help but hope that she might someday roll up next to them in that g-wagen, flash the quirky smile and share some style tips...let's just hope she's a better driver than Annie Hall.

That Certain Something: The Break-Up Heard Round the World

Break-ups suck. No way around it.  But few inspire as much gossip, speculation and heartache as the break-up heard round the world, 40 years ago today.

Was it Yoko? Paul's own project? Do we really know what happened and will we ever? Most importantly, why- 40 years later are we still so enthralled?

Style does not get more classic or iconic than the Beatles, and- let's be honest-there is no way my bloggy words could ever pay proper tribute.  To their style, to their music, their larger than life influence and inspiration.  Only these four could have managed to bring both rock and roll and "om" to the mainstream and there isn't a modern band to love or a new style to emulate that doesn't reference their certain something-
to me, The Beatles are close as it gets to a universal experience.

 And I love them...

That Certain Someting: Anja Rubik

Ahhhhhh. Anja. You've really got it don't JA?
Ok. That's enough.

Anja has captured my attention for the past few years - and probably yours as well though you may not know it.  Her iconic crop made waves rivalling the likes of Linda Evangelista's 90's do and created a face we all suddenly took notice of.  Since then, it has been nothing but bigger, better, and undeniable cooler.

Where do I begin....
she's the yogi master for wii, she's got a swingin boyfriend who's stylish to boot, she's been the face for Chloe, walked every runway you've ever googled, legged up for the relaunch of Gap Premium denim, posed for Alexander Wang's "secret" campaign, is a loyal friend to Freja Beha Erickson (look out for her own certain something mention)....the list goes on.

Plus, this just in!  Anja and boyfriend Sasha Knezevic have partnered up on 25 Magazine- he as the editor/creative director, her as the fashion/art director.  Here's one eager fan who'll be waiting with bated breath for a first glimpse at this Austrian mag.

Now, because I have so many favorites that I can't even keep count, I've decided to keep it simple.  And what's more simple that the perfect cut, on the perfect blonde, in a perfect white tee?

While her career was more than thriving before, this is the cut- that certain something- that launched a thousand clicks.
Incidentally, it is also the cut that made me the misled elvish tomboy that I was for the majority of 2008- but hey- it could've been worse...
right?

Listing #3 : Hermes Large Cape Cod

Sure. You could be predictable and go for the double strap Cape Cod or the Medor which I certainly wouldn't sneeze at. But in my humble opinion, it doesn't get more classic than an Hermes, and it doesn't get sexier than a woman in a men's watch. Hence the obsession with the large Cape Cod.

Doesn't have to be fancy navy, doesn't have to be classy alligator (although the image left certainly makes for nice eye candy)- just has to be bigger than the proper size for my wrist and the opposite of what the average lady might choose.  I'm contrary by nature- can't you tell?

So next time you're looking and you can't find me, check the jewelry case at Barney's next to the first floor elevators.  I'll be there -- drooling.

That Certain Something: Gloria Steinem

While the vast majority of those who know me may have been relieved to perceive a serious downplay in my feminist tendencies, rest assured....they are very much alive.  The fact that her audacity, outspokenness and brazenness paved the way for a generation of liberated, bratty and unappreciative women unwilling to embrace the word "feminist" is the real tragedy that I'd love to write about.

But that would require a very different kind of blog- one that would never be friends with this blog.  So I'll stick to the matter at hand and give a few great reasons to know and love Gloria Steinem for that certain something that she most certainly possesses.

1. Iconic, incredible and perfectly indoor-tinted giant aviator sunglasses
2. Frosty highlights and frosted lips that perfectly punctuated exactly what the world needed to hear (see below for one of her top tens, or more gloria quotes here.)
3. "A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle." No- that's not a U2 lyric!
4.  She is living proof that intelligence and beauty work better as a team. Amen Amen!



ooh! A little bit of a more serious post tonight huh? expect a bubbly comeback tomorrow.
until then...buena noche. xx

That Certain Something: Jean Paul Belmando

Feeling like I should pay a little homage to the leading inspirations of the opposite sex- and who better to accompany our first lady of inspiration (Ms. Seberg) than Mr. Jean-Paul Belmondo himself.
Aside from the fact that the style and charisma laced throughout Breathless continues to be undoubtedly influential-
Mr. Belmondo himself is severely underrated in my opinion... Sure we're are all on board with the Paul Newman's, Steve MqQueens and Sinatras of the world- not to take anything from them-- but take a moment to appreciate this one.  And if you have more time than that- take a couple hours to appreciate Breathless.

It will be well worth your time...I promise.

And if you need proof of his certain something? I just found on wiki that Mr. Belmondo born in 1933 fathered a child at the age of 74 with his 24 year old wife...talk about charisma ;)

Jerome and Isabel Sitting in a Tree...On Broome Street in NYC

Let's just put it out there...I'm NOT one of those people who's just dying to live in New York.  In fact- I'm just the opposite. One of the few champions of the west coast, one who will stand up for the shallow, vein and beautiful city that is Los Angeles until the day I die- over-tanned, undeniably relaxed, and having logged thousands of miles on the Pacific Coast Highway in my hybrid car.

However, every once in a while something so fabulous happens on the other coast, that I find myself tasting just a bit of jealousy in my daily kombucha.  This time, it is opening of the Jerome Dreyfuss boutique appropriately snuggled right next to Isabel Marant's first stateside venture, (set to open sometime this month.)

Isabel and Jerome- as if their respective genius isn't enough on its own- their marriage easily creates one of the best couples around-but the his and hers arrangement of their new boutiques on Broome Street really seals the deal. Isabel Marant- the queen of easy Parisian cool who has singlehandedly set the tone for my last 3 years of dressing up, down and all around.  While many of our favorite L.A. boutiques, (Curve on Robertson or Aura in Santa Monica to name two) do carry Ms. Marant- I hardly ever make it there in time to snatch up the good pieces. And wouldn't it be lovely to shop the whole collection under her roof? And wouldn't it be lovely if that roof was here in sunny Southern California?

I'll be keeping an eye out for new images and news of the openings.  Hopefully this will mean more pics and ideas to come. For now- hit the link below for more on Jerome's opening and stop by Curve on Robertson for their final spring shipment from Isabel Marant...just don't get there before I do.

more opening news...

Isabel Marant

Jerome Dreyfuss

Listing #2

I may not be able to express in words the love I have for every item on my growing list.

So let's just agree that some need no words or explanation. Can this be one of those?
Thank you.

That Certain Something: la vie est belle pour la gypset

gypsy + jet set = gypset 

Trying to choose just one image from Julia Chaplin's "Gypset Style", is like trying to choose just one  pair of shoes to pack for vacation.  Of course in writing this I now realize that may not be the strongest comparison to appeal to any reader....but let's just say that for ME, it was hard. :)  In this end I settled on the above, as it sums up the magnificent Mignot sisters in all their bohemian glory- and as far as certain somethings go- they have certainly got it-and more.

If you haven't yet seen this book from Assouline, I would ABSOLUTELY mark it a must read.  Chronicling the "unconventional lives of wanderlust and the bohemian enclaves they inhabit",  it is a peek into the world the mesmerizing gypsets we know and love so well.  From Hemingway's home in Havana, to a candid Timothy Leary and Jack Kerouac, a clear window into the lives and styles of Alice Temperly, the Gettys and Devandra Banhart--each page is more colorful than the next.  It is impossible to deny the influence on the current boho revival- any glimpse of Nicole Richie or MK Olsen refers directly to the vividly genuine expression found on every page.  Interesting how clearly our modern tendency is to chase the freedom found in this implied rebellion of mainstream fashion.  But I digress...

The stars of Chaplin's Gypset Style are the painfully authentic and enchanting Mignot sisters.  Either wandering the earth with their many siblings on their hand-built boat, or communing with guests in their home in Sayulita Mexico they are above and beyond even the gypsiest and jet settiest...I haven't been able to really shake their images since I discovered them in this gem of a book.  If they won't give you the "must travel and be more creative with my life!" bug, then I just don't know what will.


Rumor has it that those who are met with approval by the Mignot sisters are rewarded with an effortlessly chic black pearl necklace strung on leather...Can you use miles to get to Sayulita?

That Certain Something: Disfruta lo! More old friends

In honor of every pixie out there. One of my favorite short cuts on Cecilia Mendez. The beauty from Buenos Aires. Disfruta lo!