LAFashionsnob Weblog

SS12 Preview of the Yoyo Yeung Collection

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:35:08 +0000

I had the pleasure of previewing the Spring and Summer 2012 collection: YOUNG by Yoyo Yeung at the Cooper Building (as well as pieces from the 2011 collections). It was held in the showroom and was rather an intimate affair. Fellow bloggers and I enjoyed gabbing, viewing the line and munching on cupcakes and treats; as well as having some champagne. I really enjoyed seeing the line and wanted to go on a shopping spree and fill my closet with ethereal dresses, sequin tops, the cutest romper EVER, a simple black spaghetti-strap maxi dress with drawstring waist, adorable lace sheer maxi skirt, sequin harem pants and flowy tops. The inspiration for Yoyo’s SS12 collection was ‘mother nature’ and the elements: water, Earth and sun. Yoyo goes on to describe the collection, “The power of water and its turquoise color is captured in the styles that accentuate a woman’s body-romantic and sexy, yet edgy and expressional. The power of the sun, its light and glamour comes through sequins and silk designs. The feeling of softness, femininity and sensuality of sand is beautifully captured in draped, floaty pieces.” Yeung stays true to her words. Every element was clearly seen that evening of the preview- from the ‘sandy’ sequin harem pants and tops to the flowy sleeveless water-like print blue dress.

It’s no wonder YOUNG has a celebrity following, such as Nicole Scherzinger and Kyle Richards. YOUNG is designed for the jet-setting, sophisticated woman in mind. Her clothes are perfect for the office, as well as an easy transition to a red carpet event. YOUNG by Yoyo Yeung can be found at Bella Rosa in Los Gatos, CA, The Beehive in Manhattan Beach, CA and Kitson in Los Angeles CA. If you’d like more information, please check out their website, here. They are also on Twitter and Facebook.

I want to give a huge thanks to Brandi and the team at Yoyo Yeung for your gracious hospitality! Yasmine, Rachael (check out her blog- Ordinarily Urbane) and the team at Bollare. I wanted to give a shout-out to Teresa and Emily of The Style Map, Carrie, Ari of La Catrina, Jill Pineda (check out her handmade bow ties!), Kiara of Tobruck Ave., Chanelle of The Penelope Times and Kelly of BussBuss. Ladies, let’s do this again, shall we?

2012 Tasty Awards

admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:33:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of attending the 3rd Annual Taste (TASTY) Awards at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. The TASTY Awards celebrate the year’s achievements in food, fashion and home lifestyle. There was a pre-show red carpet and reception, as well as an after party, featuring samplings of chocolates, toffee from Toffee Talk, quinoa beet salad, cranberry bread, Think Thin bars, etc.

The awards ceremony itself lasted about an hour and a half or so. Celebrity presenters include: Joanna Weir (PBS and Joanne Weir’s Cooking Class); Chef Tanya Holland (The Food Network and Cooking Channel); Chef Nathan Lyon (The Food Network, Fit TV, Discovery Health Channel, PBS); Bobby Bogner (The History Channel, “Food Tech”); Fabio Viviani (Bravo); Michelle Harris (ION Life) and Austin Lau (YouTube). Winners of the coveted award include: Nail Files (TV Guide), Mad Fashion (Bravo), Steve Jobs (Outstanding Inspiration), Extra Virgin (actress Debi Mazar and hubby’s cooking show), No Reservations (Travel Channel), Project Runway (Best Reality Show), HGTV Design Star (Best Home Decor Series), Average Betty (Best Critic) and Style.com (Best Fashion Program). For a list of the rest of the winners and more information on the TASTY Awards, go here. It was a fun evening and I found some new shows I’m going to check out, like: The Naked Wine Show, Jolene Sugarbaker The Trailer Park Queen, Extra Virgin, Bitchin Kitchen, Nail Files (I had the opportunity to briefly meet Katie Cazorla and she is the sweetest!) and Mad Fashion.

**Above image courtesy of Getty Images**

FIDOO Presents: Holiday Swap ‘n Shop

admin — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:46:13 +0000

I had the pleasure of hosting a DIY session at the Holiday Swap ‘n Shop at Space 15 Twenty in Hollywood. The event was hosted by the fabulous folks at FIDOO.com. FIDOO is a helpful search engine that will tell you what brands are in what stores, all over the USA and will eventually reach oversees as well. Brands are able to create profiles and share social media updates, products, their website, etc. Be sure to check out their website here. The event was a chance for me to clean out my closet for the swap. In addition to the swap, there were a number of vendors, including: Lisa Michelle Collection, Han Cholo, Karlita Designs, Ohara, Future Standard, Project iPaw, Valou and more. Hosting a DIY was fun, especially because I could do what I enjoyed, which was making elaborate headbands. Supplies included tulle, rings, chain, sequin elastic, felt, garland and mini ornaments. Local bloggers who partook in the DIY were Teresa and Emily from The Style Map, Sasha from LAInspiration and Megyn from I Want It Fashion. I really enjoyed meeting new people and just having a blast! It was a great way to spend a Thursday evening.

I want to thank Jackie, who hosted the event, which also benefited the Los Angeles Youth Foundation; as well as all the vendors Space 15 Twenty , PopChips, 365 Hangers, the rest of the gracious sponsors and the folks at FIDOO.com. To check out more pictures from the event, go to Rony’s Photo Booth or here.

**Video courtesy of FIDOO.com !! **

Motif LA Opening Party

admin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 02:00:17 +0000

I attended an opening party for the cafe/lifestyle boutique- Motif, located on Robertson Blvd. near Beverly Hills. Having just opened, Motif was founded by sisters- Elishia Bolour and Sasha Shokrian. Together, they combined their skills; Elishia’s background in interior design and hospitality and Sasha’s knowledge of organic farming and opened Motif. The cafe was quaint and inspired by homey cafes in college towns. The menu was plentiful and provided organic, vegan and seasonal options; as well as a variety of coffees and teas. It’s a nice atmosphere for meeting friends or just relaxing and browsing the net, using their free wifi. The boutique side offers 21st century apparel, furniture and other home goods that are consigned. Picture Chanel, Louboutin, Prada, Hermes and Lanvin, as well as other fabulous designers. The sisters travel the globe in search of fabulous finds and are always on the lookout for unique and emerging designers to add to their eclectic store. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, are looking for unique gifts (like a Chanel lamp or a Louis Vuitton tray), stop by, shop and maybe have a light lunch while you’re at it.

Motif LA is located at: 930 S. Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035. Hours are M-F: 8am-6pm.

Special thanks to the folks at Motif LA and Casey C. and Ann Flower at Ann Flower Communications.

DownEast Basics Holiday Blogger Mixer (Sponsored)

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:14:44 +0000

I was utterly ecstatic when the folks at DownEast Basics contacted me to come and review their new store at Irvine Spectrum. The brand is based in Salt Lake City, but the designer- Andrea Updike, is based in Santa Cruz, where a lot of her design aesthetic is based on that chic and carefree lifestyle. The founder- Johnathan Freedman, who’s background was in textiles and clothing; started the company with three objectives in mind: value, quality and style. The Irvine location is the first DownEast Basics store to open in Southern California and is still a newbie, having just opened this past June. I also have never been to the Irvine Spectrum mall, so it was like a double-treat for me (seeing the famed ferris wheel and carousel). The store was very spacious and (at the time of review) all decked out for the holidays. I had the pleasure of meeting store manager-Nephi Garcia and regional manager- Lisa Deets, as well as the rest of the DownEast Basics Irvine staff. I mingled with local OC bloggers and tried on a few clothes. The clothing style is very fun and sophisticated meets bohemian. I found that a majority of the pieces are easily able to be mixed ‘n matched and layered…whatever floats your boat. They also offer a variety of accessories, such as jewelry, headbands, knits, scarves (that of which are just super-soft and welcoming on a cold day). Prices are decent and there’s something for everyone’s budget. As a ‘thank-you’ for reviewing the store, we were given a gift card to shop around with. I purchased the Santa Monica maxi dress; which looks great on, I can add fun accessories and layers to, and is comfortable. It was such a fun evening and I enjoyed playing dress-up at this great new store in Irvine.

DownEast Basics is located at 71 Fortune Dr. in Irvine, CA between Anthropologie and H&M. You can also check out their website here.

Huge thanks to: Kathy at FizzBrands, Nephi Garcia, Lisa Deets, Miriam and the rest of the Irvine DownEast Basics Staff.

**I was gifted a $25 gift card to shop and review the store, as well as a warm and fuzzy scarf.**

Alicia P. Designs Trunk Show at Uniqbill

admin — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:51:53 +0000

I attended a trunk show that my friend, Tina Summers was hosting at her boutique- Uniqbill one evening in downtown LA. This particular trunk show was special because Alicia P., one of the New York designers I met while at MAGIC (you can check out the coverage and blurb on Alicia P. here). Alicia showcased her sculptured necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets to a roomful of fashion-minded people. I just love her creativity! Her jewelry is so unique and artistic. Think semi-precious stones, resin, seashells from Barbados and beyond…all wrapped with suede and other found materials. Check out Alicia’s website here.

The Runway Event Hosted by Giuliana Rancic

admin — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:51:48 +0000

Gotta love fashion events where all I have to do is get ready and drive five minutes down the street and BOOM…I’m at the venue. California’s largest outlet mall- Ontario Mills played host to “The Runway Event,” held outside the main entrance to the mall. The Runway Event was part of the month-long (October) series of events that was dedicated exclusively to women, as well as fashion and the community. It was hosted by E’s Giuliana Rancic and featured fashions handpicked by producer James Campbell. The event also featured two celebrity models: Amanda Fields and Nicole Linkletter from America’s Next Top Model and celebrity stylist Vincent Boucher. Mr. Boucher briefly described five trends that we were going to see on the runway: Posh Country, Sleek City Dressing, Playful Patterns/Mixing Animal, Red and A Great Shoe- Loving the Ankle Bootie. As part of the event, Ontario Mills first recognized a few women volunteers from the Children’s Foundation of America for their hard work and contribution to the community.
The runway show was fun and presented fashions by Off 5th by Saks Fifth Ave., Nordstrom Rack, Betsey Johnson, BCBG, Nautica, Tommy Bahama, Levi’s and Gap. Giuliana herself actually sat right across from me! There were times during the presentation, when the females in the audience went crazy over the gorgeous male models. After the show, everyone followed Giuliana (who was being driven in the Fiat 500) over to the red carpet, where she was kind enough to sign autographs and take pictures with fans, before heading into Off 5th Saks Fifth Ave. for the VIP after-party; where DJ Daisy O’ Dell was spinning the latest tracks and sushi, cocktails and cupcakes from Suite 106 Cupcakery (winners of “Cupcake Wars” on Food Network season one) were being served. I hung out with my new blogger pal- Loretta of Find Me Fabulous and we made our way to where Giuliana was doing a meet-and-greet. I ended up briefly meeting her and getting a signed photograph. She was very sweet and even remembered seeing me taking photos of the runway show. Such a fun night and I hope Ontario Mills continues to “celebrate women” and have fun events dedicated to all Inland Empire communities!

A huge thank-you to Carolyn and Michael at Bitner Goodman, Masa Liles (Area Director of Ontario Mills Marketing), the staff at Off 5th Saks Fifth Ave. for the VIP party, the staff at Ontario Mills, Vincent Boucher and Giuliana Rancic.

Rodeo Drive “Walk of Style” Awards Honoring Iman x Missoni

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 03:53:51 +0000

Where else could I meet my style icon, an iconic supermodel, watch style history being made and rub elbows with some of the biggest names in Hollywood? Why Rodeo Drive of course!! I attended the Rodeo Drive “Walk of Style” event in Beverly Hills, which honored one of the top supermodels and brands in the fashion industry…. Iman and Missoni. During my short stint on the red carpet with the other mass of paparazzi, I managed to snap shots of Mena Suvari, Elisabetta Canalis, Alexis Bledel, Iman and the Missoni family. I felt like I was in a movie or something…It felt so surreal. I’m so used to just reading about these people, but to actually see them in person. It was awesome! I also have to add that Rosita Missoni (the Grandmother) is just too cute! Everyone just looked so amazing in (mostly) pieces from Missoni. I met up with my friend and fellow blogger-Mary of The Recessionista and we kept each other company that night. We browsed the Missoni store, where cocktails and champagne were being handed out. It was my first time in the shop and it was just to awe-inspiring to see the colorful fabrics and garments in person. It was in the store where (thanks to Mary) where I gathered enough courage to introduce myself to Iman, who is such a enchanting woman with a caring heart. She was wearing a 70s-inspired dress by Rachel Zoe (who was presenting her with the award later that evening). What also impressed me was that Iman was accessible enough to strike up a small conversation. After chatting with the lovely Iman, Mary and I walked around, nibbled from the small buffet of goodies and took in the scene before the ceremony.
We listened to speeches by the Mayor of Beverly Hills- Mr. Barry Brucker, members of the Save the Children Foundation and the Rodeo Drive “Walk of Style” committee before Rachel Zoe herself took the stage, speaking about Iman. “She’s kinda everything…” Zoe mentioned that she rarely uses the term, “everything” to describe a person, but Iman was the exception. Iman soon humbly took the stage, with Rachel handing her the small torso sculpture that was the “Walk of Style” Award. Iman graciously accepted the award, congratulating Rachel on her new baby boy before speaking about the honor of winning the award and the efforts of the Save the Children Foundation. She also mentioned the horrifying lifestyles that the women of East Africa and her home country of Somalia are facing still in 2011, comparing it to “Sophie’s Choice.” She ended her speech on a lighter note by saying, “I want to invite everybody to come and walk all over me…Come, walk over me, shop and be fabulous!” Next, THE Quincy Jones spoke about his friends-the Missoni family: Angela, Margherita, Rosita, Ottavio, Vittorio, Ottavio Jr. and Jennifer; making note that he is “a junkie and huge fan of Missoni designs.” The last highlight of the evening was when the Missoni family happily accepted their award. After the ceremony, I had the opportunity to actually meet Rachel Zoe, who is my style icon. She was amazing and even complimented my outfit, which was such an honor. We left with a Missoni scarf (my first Missoni piece!) and a few other goodies. If you’d like more information on the Rodeo Drive “Walk of Style” event, go here.

I’d like to thank: Mary, Felix (for helping with the Rachel Zoe introductions), Tara from The Donahue Group, Shana Yao, Iman, Rachel Zoe, the staff at the Missoni store and at the event and the Rodeo Drive “Walk of Style” committee.

“Hooray for Hollywood” Fashion Show & Fundraiser

admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:53:57 +0000

So my new good friend, Miss Norma Jean Hughes (you may know her from my spotlight on her lovely shop- Deja Vu Fashions in Claremont) told me she was putting on a small fashion show, featuring mens and womens clothing from the shop. It was held at St. Madeleine’s Catholic Church in Pomona. This was Norma’s second time working with the ‘Catholic Daughters of the Americas‘ in putting on a fashion show and every year, the event keeps getting bigger. The group is an international non-profit organization dedicated to funding any church-related events. Norma told me she has really enjoyed working with the group and loves that these young adults are so involved in the church. This year, the fashion show and fundraiser was held in the welcoming atmosphere of the church hall. Before the show, patrons were able to purchase handmade jewelry designed by jewelry-making students of jewelry designer Margaret Velarde, who was also modeling in the show. We also partook in a home style chicken dinner. The runway show was somewhat informal, with decorative dark purple floral arrangements marking the sides of the “runway.” As each model took their turn on the runway, Norma spoke about the outfit (like if it’s vintage and the brand). Brands such as: Quicksilver, Chanel (some vintage), St. John, Whiting & Davis, Gucci, Dior, Tadashi and Sherry made their debut on the St. Madeleine’s runway that evening. It was such a pleasure attending the low-key event and I’m looking forward to next year’s show!

Special Thanks: Norma; Helen Uceda (who organized the event); the models: Vanessa, George, Helen, Naomi, Danni, Eddy, Xochilt, Karla, Margaret, Evan, Josefina and Lisa; the other volunteers of the evening; St. Madeleine’s church, which is located at 931 East Kingsley Ave. in Pomona.

Project Ethos Private Label

admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 02:54:56 +0000

I was beyond thrilled when designer- Ermelinda Manos personally emailed me, inviting me to view her collection during the Project Ethos Private Label fashion show at Tru Hollywood; along with the alternative brand-Marialia. The show started somewhat later than expected, but luckily I was sitting on a comfy plush couch and talking with fellow attendees to pass the time. When the show started, Ermelinda’s collection was the first to go down the runway. It was everything I expected….beautiful, flowy and ethereal. The theme for her collection is “Hopeless Romantic”, inspired by Southern France. She drew her inspiration for the soft color palette from the buildings of South France. She also added fun gold accents and vibrant colors to make the collection pop. The collection is mostly hand-sewn and is meant to be mixed n’ matched and taken from day to evening. The collection ranges from $80-400. For more information on Ermelinda Manos, go here. After a somewhat long intermission, Marialia Pacitto showcased her S/S 2012 collection. Her theme was “The Jungle” and emphasized animal prints and jewel tones. I loved the Hello Kitty-esque bows that the models wore and thought that the glitter eye shadow was an added bonus. She showcased an assortment of garments; ranging from swimwear to day wear, club wear and evening wear. I thought that the maxi dresses were nice and I’m a fan of the black strapless dress with chiffon maxi skirt and short halter dress with bubble leopard-print skirt. For more information on Marialia and to shop the line, go here.

Thank you Project Ethos for putting on another great show! Thank you for having me and it was great seeing your collections, Ermelinda and Marialia!!