Saturday, January 31, 2009
Style Profile: Rihanna
How to be a smart shopper
Gone are the days where I go into a store and purchase hot designer items at retail prices... Well that's a lie, I never really did that in the first place. But alas---what do you do when you have high end taste, love to shop but cant afford the crazy price tags? Well lucky us, there is an answer:
*Online Sample Sales*
Many sample sale websites have cropped up over the past year with the mission to bring you designer merchandise at up to 75% off retail price. Here is the list of the Culturista's faves:
Rue La la: Is a great sample sale website full of designer brands at very low prices. The sales last 48 hours each. Membership is free but you have to be invited or get on the waiting list. Items sell out fast so make sure you get there right as the sale starts!
The Top Secret: This is another, invitation only, sample sale site--with an option to get on a waiting list as well. They provide their members access to exclusive offers from premier brands with discounts up to 75% off. Each sale runs 1-3 days.
Hautelook: Hautelook is a club which organizes 12-48 hour on-line private sales of premium fashion and luxury lifestyle brands. They have prices of up to 75% off retail. Membership is free :) Merchandise also sells out fast here so get there right as the sale starts!
The Gilt Groupe: Gilt Groupe provides access, by invitation only, to coveted fashion and luxury brands for Women, Men and Children at prices up to 70% off retail. Each Sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from a single designer. They also have a great blog!
If you need an invite email us: theculturistas@gmail.com
Friday, January 30, 2009
The Coachella festival
[Via Coachella.com]The Coachella music festival goes on every year in Indio, California (about 125 miles east of LA). It brings in crowds from all over the state and country, equaling up to around 60,000 people.
It is three days long and this year falls on- April 17th through the 19th. The line up for the three days was released today and it looks like it's going to be awesome! Check it out: HERE The usually Indie-centric festival has the likes of Paul McCartney, The Killers and Amy Winehouse this year! Plus the Culturista's are huge fans of MSTRKRFT, Girl Talk and Thievery Corporation! CANT WAIT!
Single day tickets are $100 and the three day pass is $269. PLUS they are being very recession friendly with their layaway payment plan.
Purchase tickets and get more information here.
Look of the week: Dakota Fanning
Last night Dakota Fanning attended the premiere of her new movie "Push," in this grey strapless BCBG dress. She has been dressing so chic lately- I am happy to see her out of her teen awkward phase. This fashion forward look (I guess appendages of fabric CAN look good) is the Culturista's look of the week!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Culturistas!
Lady D and Lady Lay
We are the Culturistas: 3000 miles apart, bound together by one blog, and a whole lot of L.O.V.E.
17th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition @ FIDM
The popular exhibition features actual costumes from the previous year's most memorable films. This year, the costumes are from a host of fabulous movies, including The Dark Knight, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Doubt, The Duchess (pictured above), and so many more--over 22 movies in all!
Being a costume designer AND an alum of FIDM, this exhibit is naturally one of my favorites in LA. It is always so fun to see the costumes up close and personal. It opened to the public Wednesday January 29th and will continue to run until March 29th.
The exhibition is free to the public. Group Tours are available. Visit the FIDM Museum & Galleries online for more information.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through March 29.
Where: FIDM Museum & Galleries at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, 919 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.
Information: 213-624-1200, ext. 2224.
Interview with the museums curator and exhibit info [Ventura County Star]First Look at the Exhibit [FIDM Magazine]
Recessionista tip of the week!
EXERCISE YOUR BODY NOT YOUR WALLET!
I know it is bitter and cold outside and the walk alone from the subway to your apartment is miserable. However, it makes days that are 25 degrees out and the sun is shining feel like SUMMER. That is a big statement coming from an LA girl. But like everyone else, I have adapted...moderately. Below please find some suggestions on creative and economic-friendly ways to take advantage of physical activities NYC has to offer.
Brooklyn Bridge- I walked across this beauty last weekend and felt completely rejuvenated. One might say it was literally a "breath of fresh air." When its 35 degrees and no snow, there is no reason to stay indoors. There is a wonderful pedestrian walkway and it is probably only a 25 minute walk. Towards the end we lost sensation in our hands and feet, but that is a reflection of "bad gear" not bad weather. I cannot wait to stroll across the bridge once spring rolls in!
Yoga to the People- this popular yoga joint is donation-based yoga. More specifically, you pay what you think it is worth. The suggested donation is $10 per class, however, everyone is welcome and any amount you offer to pay is accepted graciously. It is also designed to be for people at all levels. Whether you are first-timer or you have been doing yoga for years, this class welcomes you. I am trying this tonight and will report back. VERY EXCITED.
Restaurant Profile: Itzaka-ya by Katsu-ya
At Itzaka-ya, I've had the freshest and most creative sushi in my life. Because of the countless sushi restaurants and quantity of fresh fish available in LA, that is a tough thing to do. IF you haven't noticed, the Culturistas are on a little sushi kick. But isn't everyone in NY/LA obsessed with sushi? Anyways...the restaurant is the spawn of Katsuya--another fabulous sushi place, obvy. They share many of the same recipes, but Itzakaya seems to be a lot less self conscious than the ultra trendy and showy Katsuya. Although if you DO want the Hollywood/ trendy /dining experience I recommend checking out their Hollywood location. Not to mention that it is on the list for restaurant week--which you might remember us blogging about here.
Itzakaya is a small but boisterous restaurant. This is probably due to the hoards of people that try and get in every night. I recommend getting there early evening, making a reservation or just going for lunch. They used to pass around this board of specials when you sat down at your table but now it comes in the form of a friendly menu.
There are a few things you MUST try when you go there:
Spicy Tuna with crispy rice (I dream about this!!)
Baked Crab hand roll
Rock Shrimp tempura OR Rock Shrimp Tempura on Spicy Tuna roll (pictured below)
Baked Crab hand roll
Rock Shrimp tempura OR Rock Shrimp Tempura on Spicy Tuna roll (pictured below)
Don't go to Itzaka-ya and try to order your average California roll or Spicy Tuna roll---try their specialty rolls! You will not be disappointed! They also have great sake based cocktails as well as a great price on a pitcher of Japanese beer ($16)
Itzaka-ya is located:
8420 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-9536
8420 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 782-9536
It's quite difficult to find parking on 3rd street and the surrounding area- so spring for the valet.
More Shopping Deals this weekend
Couture Luxury Resale
Deal: 50% off vintage from Celine, Prada, Chanel and others
When: Thursday, January 29 through Saturday, January 31. Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm.
Location: Couture Luxury Resale, 11740 San Vicente Blvd (310-890-8140)
Ron Herman 75% off SALE
When: Through Sunday, February 1. Wed-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 12pm-6pm.
Location: Ron Herman, 8100 Melrose Avenue (323-651-4129)
L.A. Eyeworks 30-70% off SALE
When: Thursday, January 29 to Saturday, January 31. Thu-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm.
Location: L.A. Eyeworks, 7386 Beverly Blvd (323-931-7795)
Archive Agency
Deal: New merchandise starting at $15 from Geren Ford, AG Jeans, Goldenbleu handbags, Mike & Chris, Wren, Lorick, Rory Beca, Pegah Anvarian, Botkier shoes etc.
When: Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1, 12pm-5pm.
Location: 7494 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 200
Thanks to Racked LA for the great info
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Go shopping at the Catherine Malandrino Maison!
If you want to ignore the fact that we are in an economic recession and refresh your wardrobe you should head out to the Catherine Malandrino Maison and Cafe on La Cienega. They are having an amazing 70% off of all Fall/Winter 08 merchandise. The set up of the boutique is designed to make it feel like an intimate home. The cafe is also done by the same people as the Little Next Door. Instead of waiting an hour in line this Saturday for brunch at the Little Next Door, head over to the Catherine Malandrino Maison and boutique for some rest and relaxation. Nothing screams weekend like shopping and eating!
The Edwardian Ball
[Photo Courtesy of Neil Girling]Trying to figure out what to do with your Saturday? How about the 1st annual Edwardian Ball in Los Angeles? This San Francisco tradition is being brought to LA this year for us Angelino's to enjoy.
Guests are encouraged to dress in Edwardian period clothing--the scene looks straight out of a Toulouse Lautrec painting.
[All Photos courtesy of Neil Girling]
Tickets are $25 for general admission and $75 for VIP admission. Find out more information and buy tickets at The Edwardian Ball website. The invitation says:
The Ball that started it all! Join us for an unparalleled night of elegance, dancing, music, theatre, storytelling, circus arts, burlesque, and late-night revelry. Featuring Edwardian Ball founders and co-hosts Rosin Coven with Vau de Vire Society, plus a special appearance by LA's finest circus troupe Cirque Berzerk. Plus "Belle of The Ball" Jill Tracy, Edwardian Disc Jockey Miz Margo, Portrait studio by Raven Productions, and ballroom burlesque by Vima Dance.
The Edwardian ball is on Saturday, January 31st at 8pm located at the:
Tower Theater
802 S. Broadway
Los Angeles
Tower Theater
802 S. Broadway
Los Angeles
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
When did tights become pants?
Tights. Are. Not. Pants! When did it become okay to wear tights with shirts that are not long enough to cover your butt?
Shanae Grimes: The worst offender. Period.
She has taken this to a whole new level with see through lace tights! Not to mention this outfit is rediculous
She has taken this to a whole new level with see through lace tights! Not to mention this outfit is rediculous
Sienna Miller: The Worst Dance Inspired Offender
She looks like she just got out of her ballet rehearsal than managed to put on a fur shirt and ugly boots so she could look "normal". Didn't quite work.
Mischa Barton: Least Flattering Offender
The tights are wrinkling, shes wearing flat shoes...nuff said
Lindsay Lohan: The Repeat Offender
There are many more offenses than just these two.
Would you wear tights as pants?
Style for men: casual and dressy
Here are two style inspiration boards for you "Culturistos" aka male Culturistas
Casual mens style - by Lady Danielle on Polyvore.com
mens fashion dressy - by Lady Danielle on Polyvore.com
Click on the images to see where they are from.
Casual mens style - by Lady Danielle on Polyvore.com
mens fashion dressy - by Lady Danielle on Polyvore.com
Click on the images to see where they are from.
'Pushed' launches on the WB website
This new soapy drama "Pushed" has just launched on the WB Website!It's full of sex, betrayal, murder, money and fun! I had the pleasure of working on the costumes and had such a great time! By the 4th mini webisode you'll be hooked! (they are around 3 minutes each). Webisodes are such a fun new way to watch tv---especially because you can sneak them in at work!
Get Lauren Conrad's Style
I admit I watch "The Hills" as a guilty pleasure---but have noticed Lauren 's style in the process. It is classic, chic and not overly fussy. Here are a few style inspirations thanks to Lauren and Polyvore As always if you click on my polyvore collages you can see where each item is from.
She also has a fashion line---which us Culturistas think are extremely overpriced. BUT there is a sale going on-- so check it out: Lauren Conrad Designs
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Culturistas heart Aegis Apparel!
Truth be told, I am somewhat biased with my love of Aegis Apparel as they are near and dear friends...but even if I had simply stumbled upon their website I would blog about how awesome their gear is.
Aegis Apparel is an Los Angeles based company that has super creative and fun graphic tees. Their support of local art is clearly depicted in the caliber of images chosen and their overall message..."Protect life. Protect art. Protect your style."
Aside from these shirts being hip, edgy, and affordable, Aegis also donates $5 from every shirt purchased to grassroots charity organization Nothing but Nets.
Go check out Aegis Apparel's different shirts and their blog
which is a sister blog to the Culturistas (music, nightlife, fashion!)
Fashion Police: Sag Awards 2009
This years SAG awards had some great outfits and some horrible ones. Here are the Culturista fashion police categories for the event:
Looked Great:
Christina Applegate / Evan Rachel Wood
Kate Winslet
Wore white:
Anne Hathaway/ Rosario Dawson
Taraji Henson
Looked better last year:
2009 ---------------------------------- 2008
Isn't it weird that Angelina Jolie looked better pregnant?
2009----------------------------------------- 2008
America Ferrera sure loves those muted tones. I just like everything about her look better last year. That weird side pony tail and dark lipstick aren't doing it for me.
America Ferrera sure loves those muted tones. I just like everything about her look better last year. That weird side pony tail and dark lipstick aren't doing it for me.
2009-----------------------2008
After seeing Eva Longoria looking so gorgeous in that red dress at the golden globes I just assumed she was going to show up looking fab! Not like a pageant queen :( But she did look gorgeous in 2008!
Had weird fabric appendages on their gowns:
Amy Adams / Marisa Tomei
Marcia Cross/ Teri Hatcher
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