Culturistas: March 2009

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Restaurant Profile: Pitfire Pizza

Pitfire Pizza sure knows how to make a delicious pie. They hand craft every pizza with the perfect dough and freshest ingredients. Their dough is left to rise for around 2 days and then it is cooked in a ceramic bottomed oven which allows them to achieve a crust that is crispy and yet still chewy. They also buy the freshest ingredients locally and seasonally, supporting LA's farmers markets and local farmers. The quality of the ingredients is definitely tasted!

Pitfire makes gourmet pizza fun and affordable. Every dish in the restaurant ranges from 6 to 10 dollars. Not to mention there 2.50 Bud/Bud Lights and 11 dollar PBR pitchers! And not only do they make great pizzas- but they have delicious salads, sandwiches and soups too! This makes for a fun place to go with a bunch of friends! Their downtown location also has 10% off for students every Wednesday!

They also have 3 locations in LA now:

Westwood
2018 Westwood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA‎
(310) 481-9860‎

NoHo
5211 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA‎
(818) 980-2949‎

Downtown

108 W 2nd St # 108
Los Angeles, CA 90012

(213) 808-1200‎

Check out their website (pitfirepizza.com) for more info---including the menu.

NYC Sales this week

J. Mendel dresses are 75 to 90 percent off and Tracy Matthews pieces are 50 to 90 percent off.
When: Through 4/1; T (9–7), W (9–5).
Where: Hudson Hotel, 356 W. 58th St., nr. Eighth Ave., third fl., Hudson Room (212-247-0769).

Elie Tahari samples are up to 85 percent off.
When: 3/31–4/4; T–F (8:30–7:30), S (10–5).
Where: 510 Fifth Ave., nr. 42nd St. (212-398-2622).

Get more sales info in New York City at NYMag

Get Vanessa's Kids Choice Awards Look for Less

From Culturistas

Vanessa looked very stylish at the Kids Choice Awards in her fringe top, cut off shorts and gothic accessories. Find pieces for less at American Eagle, Forever 21, and Steve Madden!

Spring Break Fashion Inspiration

Spring Break Inspiration

It just became spring a week ago- and if you're like us, you are already dreaming of a tropical getaway full of beaches, cocktails and relaxation. With a mixture of high and low prices you can achieve the perfect look!
Bathing Suit: Wet Seal, 19.50
Kaftan: Monique Leshman, 553.00
Sandals: American Eagle, 29.50
Necklace: Monica Vinader Marie, 390.00
Ring: Kenneth Jay, $250.00

Monday, March 30, 2009

Zac and Vanessa at the Kids Choice Awards 2009

From Culturistas

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens attending the Kids Choice Awards last night in LA. This couple is so stylish that we are always excited to see what they are going to wear! Love Vanessa's fringe shirt and gothic accesories. The Kids Choice awards is a great place to have fun with your look and dress casually.

[Photo credit: Just Jared]

Is that a bird on your head, or are you just happy to see me?

Headbands have always been in style. Whether you use one to work out, or as an added accessory, most women have an honest appreciation for the headband. A new trend, the feathered headband emerged nearly a year ago after the Sex and the City movie came out. While I thought it gave a unique spin to the haute couture in the film, it now has been popping up all over the place at hip stores like Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. While some styles require guts to wear which I am always fan of, I am not the biggest follower of the big bird look.

What do you think? Is this trend cultured or vultured?

I Love Metallic Leggings!

Attention! Forever 21's metallic shine knit leggings are my latest acquisition and I cannot stop wearing them. For just $13.80, these blingin leggings not only jazz up any outfit you want to wear, but are also surprisingly warm. I wore them with a simple black tunic and gray boots. An ordinarily boring outfit was given pazazz, flair, and received a lot of attention!

To order these fabby leggings you can find them online just click
LEGGINGS!!

Linkage

Metromix:Navigating Pizza Places
Thrillist: The new art medium
Daily Candy: New Boho Gastropub
Who What Wear Daily:Styling Tips
LA Times:Chacka has an art show

Haute Look Sales this week

Vix ON SALE NOW- ends March 31 at 11 pm

Pink Tartan ON SALE NOW- ends March 31 at 11pm

De Groot ON SALE NOW- ends March 31 at 11 pm

On Sale tomorrow Tuesday March 31st at 8am

LaRok
Lamb Footwear
Waldo Kelly
Elegant Baby

On Sale Wednesday April 1st at 8am

Gucci
Elizabeth and James
JT
Dru New York
Pop Beauty

On Sale Thursday April 2nd at 8am

Autumn Cashmere
Priorities
Erica Anenberg
Jonathan Hair
See Kai Run

Haute Look Website

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Recipe of the week: Chicken Lettuce Cups

Make these Lettuce cups with steamed rice for a delicious Chinese inspired dinner!

Adapted from Guy Fieri's Chicken Lettuce Cups

Ingredients

2 tablespoon oil
2 small carrots, diced
1 celery rib, diced
10 snap peas, diced
1 cup diced red onion
1 cup mung beans, cut in 1/2
1 lb ground chicken
6 ounces Apricot Sesame Sambal Szechwan Sauce, recipe follows
6 fried wonton skins
10 iceberg lettuce leaves
1/4 cup of diced green onions
4 tablespoons crushed, unsalted peanuts
Black sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

In a medium saute pan over high heat, add oil. Add vegetables to the pan and cook for a few minutes. Add chicken, saute until cooked. Deglaze with sambal sauce for 30 seconds.

Add pan fried wonton to lettuce cup, pour chicken mix into cup, top with green onions and peanuts. Garnish lettuce cups with black sesame seeds.

Apricot Sesame Sambal Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons minced ginger
3 tablespoons sambal hot sauce
3 tablespoons apricot preserves
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon minced cilantro
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Shake before serving.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Look of the week: Zac Efron

From Culturistas

Zac Efron attended the UK premiere of "17 Again" yesterday in this very slim cut 60's throw back suit. Love the skinny tie and the black/white/grey color scheme. Very classic and fashionable!! Which is exactly why he is the Culturista's look of the week.

Brick Pizza Oven DIY?? La Times tells us how!

The LA Times gives us the goods on Pizza---specifically how to make your own authentic one at home!! Looks delish!

Recipe for the homemade dough
Written recipe for the Margherita Pizza

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Matthew Williamson for H&M

Matthew Williamson's line for H&M will be released April 24th! And I am waiting with baited breath. Typically the designer lines for H&M translate well (which is more than I can say for Target! *achem Alexander McQueen*) and it looks like this one will too! Looks gorgeous!! Watch the designer speak below about his first collection with H&M.

Net-A-Porter's new site: The Outnet (as in outlet)

Attention Culturistas!!! Net-A-Porter just announced their new site called "The Out-net" as in an outlet site for the internet! It launches in April, and boasts 40% to 80% off designer goods--with new merchandise each week. Check out their website (theoutnet.com) to sign up so you can be the first to know when it launches!

The Culturistas are HUGE fans of net-a-porter so this is very exciting news! Check back here for updates!! We will keep you posted :)

Gyu Kaku Dinner/Happy Hour Specials

http://www.pasadenaweekly.com/site_images_upload/legacy/media/12/diningout.jpg

We've already mentioned that Gyu Kaku is a great place for happy hour (99 cent Kirin Drafts!! helooo). But now they are having extra discounts for us foodies---with their Sakura festival from March 16th through April 19th.

New "Sakura" menu:

Filet Mignon is now $3.95
Hana Sake bottles are now $12
All Japanese beer is $3.95
Sakura Cocktails are $3.95
All desserts 50% off

When you fill out the survey at the end of your meal you are also entered into a contest to win $1,000. Sounds good to me!

Rue La La sale today: 30 brands!

Rue La La is having their "Final Sale" today--which has 30 fabulous brands for us to dig through.

Here are a list of the brands:
7 for all Mankind, Hanky Panky, Samsonite Black Label, alice + olivia, IISLI, Shoshanna, Ali Ro, Judith Ripka, Splendid, Calvin Klein Handbags, Kay Unger, Spyder, Cole Haan, Kooba, Te Casan, Cosabella, La Perla, Theory, Dolce&Gabbana, Laundry by Shelli Segal, TOYWATCH, Ella Moss, M Missoni, Vera Wang Lavender, Frye, Marc by Marc Jacobs, What Comes Around Goes Around, Hale Bob, Max Mara, Yummie Tummie

So go check it out now before everything is SOLD OUT! Rue La La Final Sale

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Celebrity Stylist Tara Swennen gives some Recessionista tips

[Tara Swennen with actress Lucy Hale on a Teen Vogue shoot]

Tara Swennen is one of the most sought after celebrity stylists. Her clients include, Miley Cirus, Rumer Willis, Eric Dane, Jordana Bruster and Kristen Stewart. Here she gives us some must-have tips for recycling last years Spring wardrobe!

Quick fix for favorites that feel dull…

Re-dye pieces to bring them back to life. Shoe repair stores can re-dye most accessories such as shoes and handbags or do it yourself and save even more. Most convenient stores sell clothing dyes that you can easily use at home.

Recycle footwear for added comfort…

Brands such as Airplus offer affordable products for making old shoes fit like new. Use Airplus ‘Sure Steps’ for worn out and slippery soles, or Airplus ‘Steppies’ for stretched out shoes. Give shoes a good polish and they will be as good as new.

Tailor old pieces for a fresh fit…

Try things on before recycling them to make sure they fit properly. Most women simply skip over ill fitting pieces but once tailored to fit you will be much more inclined to throw it on again.

Readjust lengths for a new look…
Turn a knee length A-line skirt into a short and sassy mini, make a long sleeved blouse into a cap sleeve top or even add a ruffle to dresses for a new twist.

Look to current trends to rethink your outfits…

Be bold when mixing and matching prints and patterns. Pair a small print with a larger one or a bright color with a fun graphic or texture for an updated look. If you think outside the box you can create a multitude of new looks.

Host a girls "Swap" night…

This is a new trend among friends. Order pizza, drink cocktails, and bring your least used items to swap with friends. Remember, one person's junk is another person's treasure.

Lust vs. Must

From Culturistas

From Culturistas

Many of us Lust over designer items each week- and love to follow certain trends. Right now the Culturistas are loving the YSL Cage boot, Studs on EVERYTHING, Greek inspired clothing and tough accessories. But if you shop at the right places-- Forever 21, Asos and Top Shop you can find those looks for WAY LESS.

Restaurant Profile: Rush Street

[The Exterior of Rush Street]

Rush Street- is a relatively new restaurant/bar in the heart of Culver City. It was inspired by the famous street in Chicago and serves "bar centric eats" and a dynamic nightlife scene. There are 2 floors and 2 bars in the restaurant. The food is very tasty and moderately priced (Entrees are $11-19)- I definitely recommend trying the turkey burger with sweet potato fries. They also have a wide range of pizzas, salads and appetizers. A perfect place for happy hour (which is Mon-Fri from 3-7pm). The restaurant also has specials---my favorite is Tuesday: 1/2 off bottles of wine!

[Inside the restaurant: Rush Street]

For more info and complete menu details check out their website: www.rushstreetculvercity.com

Rush Street
9546 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 837-9546

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

What to see in the last weekend of March: LA EDITION

Frost/Nixon

This is the last weekend to see this great historical play! A Culturista recommendation! Downtown is a great area for dinner and nightlife! Check out a list of bars in Downtown here and here.

@ the Ahmanson
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Projectionist
This comedic play opens this weekend at the Kirk Douglas Theater. This theater is right in downtown Culver City, which is a great area to grab dinner or get drinks. Try Fraiche or Rush Street !

@ the Kirk Douglas Theater
9820 Washington Blvd @ Duquesne,
Culver City, CA 90232

Tokyo
The tryptych film, "Tokyo" was released in LA this week. If you liked Paris Je t'aime, Eternal Sunshine on the Spotless Mind or arthouse films in general you will like this film. We really enjoyed it!

@ the NUART THEATRE
11272 SANTA MONICA BLVD.
LOS ANGELES, CA 90025

Lauren Conrad's collection on hiatus

According to Page 6, Lauren Conrad's clothing line is on hiatus until further notice. Her clothing line launched in fall 2007--and apparently just wasn't moving in stores this season. Some showrooms got a message from her camp saying, "In light of the economic climate, Lauren has decided to completely rethink her line." Another source said, "Lauren is going to revamp her line and design with more high-end fabrics . . . things she couldn't do the first time around," a source close to Conrad said.

AMEN to that. I always thought her collection was cute, BUT everything was JERSEY! You can't expect people to pay $200 for a jersey skirt--especially in this economy. Instead of trying to make your line worth the money, Lauren, you should be focusing on how to LOWER the price. Has she forgotten the national unemployment has hit a 25 year high and is at 8.1% right now??

Monday, March 23, 2009

Getting lost in the Annex!

Photobucket

I had heard a lot of hype about the Lower East Side hotspot The Annex. Buzzing with hipster kids and scensters, this spot has something for everyone. Owned by Jason Baron, who is also responsible for another NY favorite the Dark Room, I was excited to check out The Annex. The top floor was blasting the electro music and everyone was dancing. Wander downstairs and it feels like a dive where the PBR is endless and the music is limited to the Oldies. Aside from hosting weekly parties, The Annex also has several shows with bands such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Silversun Pickups. One of the resident parties held at The Annex is Club NME, every Thursday, which is bicoastal and has had a long run at one of my favorite venues in LA, Spaceland. The one downfall of The Annex is that on Fridays there is a $10 cover. But it is a guaranteed good time. I can't wait to go back on and try a different night!

THE ANNEX

Pomegranate Mojito yummm

Sure seems like a lot of people have a case of the Mondays. Try this awesome pomegranate mojito recipe [from eatdrinkordie.com] tonight to take the edge off!

POMEGRANATE MOJITO - DRINK OF THE DAY - watch more recipes and videos

Runway to Reality: Reese Witherspoon

Photobucket

Photobucket

From runway to reality: Reese Witherspoon wears a Rodarte minidress, from their Fall 2009 collection, at the Monsters vs. Aliens premiere in LA. Impressive that she is wearing this dress way ahead of time (the line only debuted at the beginning of the month)---but alas, that is the life of a celebrity. She paired the dress with a pair of peep toe pumps which are clearly more versitile in real life than those thigh high boots. Do you think this dress translates well in real life??

Silverlake Wine tasting at the Standard

Silverlake Wine launches a weekly wine-tasting event at the Standard hotel in downtown L.A. this Wednesday, March 24th! The event takes place in the famous hotel's lobby and includes three boutique wines paired with snacks from the Standard's Lobby Lounge kitchen. It costs $20 a person.

SilverlakeWine.com

The Standard Downtown
550 S. Flower St., L.A.
5 to 8 p.m.
(213) 892-8080.

Kim Kardashian starts "Shoe Dazzle"

Kim Kardashian has launched a new styling company: Shoe Dazzle. Every month, for just $39, you will receive a pair of shoes that are handpicked by the company's fashion experts (which include Kim). Quite an interesting concept...and for 39 dollars a month you get an actual pair of pretty cute shoes without the hassle of going to the store. But do people really want to pay for a styling/personal shopping service and buy a pair of shoes every month? The good news is--they allow you to skip any months you don't want to buy a pair. Here are some photos of the shoes:

Shoes

HOW IT WORKS: (from shoedazzle.com)

Take our Fashion Survey:
It only takes a few minutes for us to get to know your style.
Our stylists pick 5 shoes for you:
Based on your survey results, our fashion experts provide you with a choice of 5 fashionable shoes each month, from which you choose one. If you don't like any of the choices, simply contact us and we will send you new choices. If you still do not like your choices, you can select "Skip this Month" and you won't be charged for that month.
Choose the pair you want:
We provide free shipping*. If you are unsatisfied with your shoes, simply return them to us using the pre-printed return shipping label provided with your order.

The Ruche Online Boutique

The Ruche boutique is a delightful online store full of vintage inspired pieces at VERY affordable prices! They have such pretty dresses as well as some great separates. They even have a section of eco-friendly clothing! So check out The Ruche Boutique today! Type "culturistas" at the checkout for 10% off (you have until May 1st 2009)!

Iris Giverny Garden Dress- 36.99

Peacock Brooch-9.99 Pink Shell Chandelier Earings- 6.99

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Get Kellan's look for less!

Kellan Lutz, the Twilight and 90210 star showed up at Kitson this week to celebrate the release of the Twilight dvd. He showed up in a really casual yet stylish outfit. Steal his look for less with finds from Abercrombie, Heritage and Old Navy!

Fairfax Regency Theater: See a movie for cheap!

For those of you SICK of paying 12 dollars for a movie at the Grove---check out the Fairfax Regency theater right down the street. Pay only 5 dollars for a matinee! Sadly I remember when all theaters cost around 5 dollars to see a movie.

NOW PLAYING:

Crossing Over (R)
11:30 | 2:10 | 4:45 | 7:20 | 9:55

The International (R)
2:20 | 7:30 | 10:10

Waltz with Bashir (R)
12:10 | 5:10

The Wrestler (R)
12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:45 | 10:15

Linkage

Metromix: The Best bars for March Madness
LA.Com:LA's guide to the best parks
LATaco.com: Heard of March Madness for NCAA Basketball?? Well how about for LA's best tacos
Thrillist: Check out Barbarella Bar

Recessionista tip of the week- get threaded!

I have heard a lot of buzz about the benefits of getting your eyebrows threaded instead of waxed. This is a phenomenon that I only discovered once coming to New York. There are several salons solely devoted to threading scattered throughout the city. Largely run by people originally from India and Pakistan, threading is an ancient practice which originated in Iran and spread throughout the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

I have heard for quite some time that threading is a better alternative to waxing because it only removes the hairs and not the top layer of skin. It is highly recommended for those who have sensitive skin or are using acne related products such as Retin-A. Along with that, the thread is the only thing coming into contact with the brows and skin so it is far more sanitary. I decided to go with it and got my brows threaded. Not only was I happy with the shape, but the price was a few bucks cheaper than waxing and the results lasted nearly a week longer. I went to City Brows on 79th street and Broadway where I paid a whopping $7 for my sweetly sculpted brows. The next time you need to do some upkeep and maintenance, try something new, get threaded!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Look of the week: Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton

I know, Paris Hilton--the look of the week?? But she actually was looking very chic this week when she was out on Thursday in Los Angeles wearing this gorgeous blue satin dress and interesting two toned tights. And shes rocking a great new bob! Keep up the good work Paris!

Style Profile: Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung has popped up on the grid lately with her knack for dressing unassumingly stylish. This English TV host has been seen out on the town at events for fashion week and the like. She definitely stands out as one of the best dressed on the other side of the pond. She accessories well, she layers creatively and I love her generally cool book worm aesthetic. She even made the Culturista's look of the week. Here's to our new style crush: Alexa Chung!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Boyfriend Jean Rant

Rachel Bilson and Kate Walsh respectively

Helooooooo. Earth to trend-whores. The boyfriend jean makes you look like a slob---not to mention short and squat. It's visual pollution. Just because they are called boyfriend jeans doesn't mean you have to look like a ratty version OF your boyfriend. If you reallllly must follow this trend ATLEAST rock them with some glamorous pieces ala Lindsay Lohan in Harpers Bazaar (seen below).

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The Plus Size Problem

INC and Ralph Lauren respectively

While I was out shopping for a plus size woman--who is a character in a new project I'm working on ---- I became REALLY frustrated. There are no stylish stores for bigger ladies in malls. I was at Beverly Center AND Fashion Square...nothing. Luckily I decided to go into Macy's to sneak a peak *which normally I do NOT do---since I hate it there* Anyways upstairs they had a Macy's woman section---where I was so happy to see Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and INC all had collections that were cute and stylish!

Although there is a total lack of plus size clothes in general for women--it looks like the department stores are a great option!

See Paul Oakenfold this Sat at the Vanguard!

Paul Oakenfold and Calvin Harris at Giant this Saturday (@ the Vanguard). It's a must see event if you are a fan of the legendary Deejay, Oakenfold. It costs $30 if you pre-order your tickets before this weekend. Order them here: Groovetickets.com

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Rachel Zoe is selling her jewelry!

Looks like infamous fashion stylist Rachel Zoe will be selling her jewelry at DecadesTwo. Unfortunately for most of us Los Angelino's, it is a private event and you have to be invited. BUT any jewelry that does not get sold on March 26th will be available on their website decades2.com and on their ebay site. So thats good for all of us fashionistas! But you have to wonder why she is selling off her collection of jewelry in the first place....maybe the recession is really hitting ALL of us.

Rachel Zoe selling to Decades2: Racked LA
Shop Rachel's Closet: Fashionista

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