Culturistas: June 2009

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Trend Watch: Sheer Panel Dresses

Shoes: Forever 21 $28.80
Cuff Bracelet: Topshop $22.00
Dress: Asos $54.72

Emma Watson, Megan Fox and Isla Fisher have all been rocking the sheer panel dresses. Emma wore a William Tempest dress from his Spring 2009 line to the "Tale of Desperaux" premiere. Megan Fox wore a Herve Leroux dress to the premiere of Transformers 2 and Isla Fisher wore a Stella McCartney dress to the premiere of "Bruno." Accessorize a sheer panel dress with chunky cuffs or statement earrings. Stay away from necklaces when you wear this style.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Look of the week: Kelly Ripa

Kelly Ripa and her family were spotted walking around Soho on Saturday. Kelly looked uber chic in her navy romper, nude bag and heels. She also accessorized with a few long chained necklaces and cute big sunglasses. She looks so put together but still fun and relaxed! The Culturistas totally LOVE her look!

Anna Sui for Target: Gossip Girl Inspired

The first photos of Anna Sui's line for Target has surfaced. They are all based on the characters of the hit show "Gossip Girl." The photos seen above are based on the character "Jenny." Jenny and Vanessa inspired duds seem to be my favorite. (Vanessa pictured below). From what i've seen, Serena's fell very flat and Blair's were not bad, but somewhat out of character.

Would love to get our Culturista paws on Vanessa's scrunchy brown boots!

The line will be in stores and online September 13 through October 17. To see more photos of the collection, click here: NYMAG

Friday, June 26, 2009

FREE PINKBERRY TONIGHT!

To celebrate the debut of Pinkberry's two newest flavors, Coconut and Passion Fruit, they are handing out frozen yogurt for free! Tonight from 5:00-9:00 PM you can get a free small cup of one of their newest flavors. Pinkberry is oh so delicious and also a bit overpriced. If you are motivated enough to wait in a presumably long line head on over! Bon appetit!

To find the closest Pinkberry location click the LINK!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Channeling: Elvira Hancock

Dress, Temperley London
Jacket, Lanvin
Heels, Jimmy Choo
Clutch, Prada

Elvira Hancock, Michelle Pfeiffer's character in "Scarface" has one of the most memorable on screen styles in history. Her glamorous South beach looks were expensive and ultra sexy. They were perfected with her sculpted blond bob and sparkling jewels.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Style Profile: Megan Fox

Transformers 2 comes out today and the cast and crew has attended multiple premieres across the world. Here a few of Megan Fox's red carpet looks from those premieres. You might recognize the purple jewel tone Donna Karen gown we featured as our "Look of the Week." Anything but boring, Megan changed up her look at every premiere! And the Culturistas love her looks!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Poketo Pop-up shop at Royal T Cafe: LA

“Poketo Pop-Up Shop”

Poketo is a designer of limited edition art products, accessories, apparel, and decor. Founded by Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, Poketo promotes the work of top international artists by showcasing original artwork through their fun and accessible wares. Affordable Art!! The Culturistas love that!

Shop Duration: From June 27th to July 18th 2009

Events
Opening day celebration and sale: June 27th, Saturday 11 - 4 PM
Poketo Karaoke Dance Party: July 10th, Friday 9 PM - 1 AM

At Royal/T: 8910 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232

Royal/T is a playful collision of spaces—café/shop/art space. An eclectic mix of retail and contemporary art re-imagined in the surrounds of LA's first Japanese-style cosplay café. The perfect place for this type of event!

The opening day celebration on Saturday, June 27th will include:

• A storewide sale of 25% off on all Poketo items.
• First 50 guests to arrive will receive a free gift bag.
• A special artmaking workshop with James Gulliver Hancock and APAK.
• Launch of APAK wallets, t-shirt, and cafe mug. And a new shirt by James Gulliver Hancock.
• Poketo curated menu for the Royal/T cafe inspired by Japanese street foods.

For more info, visit: www.poketo.com or www.royal-t.org

Branch Earrings, $40/ Feather Tote $30

The Middeltons Plate Set, $40

Culturista Color: NAIL POLISH PICK FOR THE SUMMER

This summer it is all about bright and bold colors. The funkier and more out there, the better. Yellow is our top color choice. The Culturistas' number one pick is Essie Shorty Pants.It is fun, flashy, and sure to catch some attention! You can purchase it online or at beauty supply stores for roughly $8. Brighten up your day with a little bit of yellow!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Look of the Week: Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller attended The Hoping Foundation charity event at London’s Cafe De Paris Nightclub on Thursday the 18th. She looked very glam in her Temperly London jacket and belt. She also wore dark jeans and a slightly midriff revealing top. She accessorized her studded garb with a black croc skin clutch and awesome woven platform peep-toe shoes. The Culturistas love your look Sienna!

Photo Credit: Just Jared

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Cirque Berzerk 2009

Cirque Berzerk's, "Beneath," is a wild and twisted dreamland full of "dead" burlesque dancers, sexually charged contortionists, and demented clowns all under the command of a devilish ring master. And it couldn't be more fun to watch! The amazing costumes, makeup, and live band all reel you in to a stage performance that evoked cheers, shrieks, and laughs as well as a standing ovation from the audience.

When you enter their big top at the Los Angeles State Historic park, you are transported into a gothic fantasy world. But the experience really begins when you get to the park, not when you get to your seats. There are vendors selling merchandise and food as well as a tented bar with a live band. There is also a fire show outside, during intermission.

If you are looking for something new, fun and exciting to do this weekend, Cirque Berzerk is it. You can buy tickets here: CirqueBerzerk.com They go from 25-80 dollars. "Beneath" runs until July 5 (but it looks like an extended engagement is in the works until the 26th).

Tips:

Go an hour early to picnic before the show. Either bring your own food and wine or buy from the vendors there.

Bring cash because parking is $10 and you need cash to buy food (but there is an ATM on site)

Dress = anything goes. Some go very casual, others in date night attire, and even some in costume!

Stay late for an after party with the performers in the tented Berzerk Lounge.

Check out a preview below:

Photos by Pixie Vision Productions

Saturday, June 20, 2009

LA Film Fest 2009

The LA Film festival started this past week on Thursday and will run until the 28th. This is the 15th year of the festival and it will screen over 200 films. Around 15 different venues in the Westwood village will be participating in the event-- the Landmark, the Regent, Mann Village theater and even the Geffen Playhouse, to name a few.

Some highly anticipated films will screen in the next week, such as "Public Enemies" starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale (June 23, 7:30 p.m., Majestic Crest), "Paper Man" starring Jeff Daniels and Ryan Reynolds and even Michael Bay's Transformers Sequel. It's sure to be an eclectic mix of films and documentaries.

Check out the films here: Film Festival guide

Buy tickets here: La Film Festival tickets

Friday, June 19, 2009

Lust v Must: Long Vests

We've been wanting to get our hands on a long vest ever since Elizabeth and James launched their Spring 2009 line. And now Urban Outfitters has made a MUCH more affordable option for those of us that want to rock this trend!

Vest (left):Elizabeth and James
Vest (right):Urban Outfitters

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Get her look: Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere attended the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center’s Rock-N-Reel event in Culver City, California on June 14th. She wore a Topshop denim dress and gorgeous Christian Louboutin mary janes with studding detail. She kept her jewelry very simple- diamond studs and a charm necklace. Get her look with these Culturista finds! If you want to buy the real Louboutin heels- check out this site which is selling them for 70% off!!

Dress: Topshop
Jacket: Ben Sherman
Shoes: Endless.com
Necklace: Forever 21
Earrings: Guy and Eva

Sample/Liquidation Sales: LA June 18th-20th

Runway Atlanta Liquidation Sale: June 18th and 19th (2009)

7600 Melrose Ave
LA, CA 90046

Fabulous Fashionista Sample Sale: Saturday June 20, 2009

10am to 5pm

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Bonnaroo Street Style!

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Those attending the Bonnaroo music festival merge their stylish clothing with more practical items like mud boots and hats. Check out some of the sartorial standouts like Drew Barrymore and Joy Bryant. We are loving these vintage and bohemian looks. Almost everyone was carrying around shoulder bags- a clear new trend this season.

Food Inc.

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, insecticide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

This is one of those movies that makes you aware. It can be disturbing and difficult to watch at times- but this is our food supply we are talking about. And as citizens, we are not being protected at the most basic level. So it is important to know where our food is coming from, how it is getting to us, how it and our planet are being treated.

What you can do to help:
Eat Organic
Buy Locally grown foods
By IN SEASON fruits and vegetables
Shop at farmers markets
Read food labels- know what you are eating!
Go to the Food Inc. website for more info: Foodincmovie.com

See if Food Inc. is playing near you here: Magpictures.com

MOTO: AN EPICURIAN DELIGHT

Tucked away in an unexpectedly urban neighborhood of Williamsburg, Moto is the ultimate find! This Euro-fusion restaurant combines the air of old world charm with contemporary culture. It is dimly lit and perfect for a romantic meal or a special occasion. Space is limited and the demand is high so you should definitely arrive early and expect to wait for at least 30 minutes during prime dining hour as they do not take reservations.

The menu is small in choice, however, in no way lacks flavor or originality. There are several tapas style plates and appetizers and a more limited selection for entrees. The most impressive appetizer we tried was the Warm Lentils with Fig and Walnut Crouton and Queso Fresco

For desert, we ordered the renowned Warm Date Cake with Toffee Sauce. As someone who tends to prefer savory to sweet flavors, I was blown away by this foodgasmic desert. It is a MUST.

I highly recommend Moto, and if you dine on on Friday or Saturday evening, there is a high likelihood that you can enjoy a live jazz quartet during dinner. This was an added bonus. Moto is by no means a cheap meal so save your money because when you go there you will want to go ALL out. Bon Appetit!

CAFE MOTO
394 Broadway
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Subway: J/M at Hewes Street
(718)599-6895

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Luna Park

Luna Park is an intimate and sexy restaurant with bohemian decor, a lively bar scene, and delicious cuisine. The menu, is very eclectic- with French, Italian, American and Asian dishes- anyone could find something appealing to them. You cant really go wrong with any choice here- but some standouts are the Pizzas, the Hangar Steak, and the amazing desserts. Try the 'make-your- own-s'mores' or the fried apple pie--amazing and perfect to share. They also have great signature drinks like the mojito or white sangria.

It's a great place to come with friends--enjoy their specialty drinks and loud atmosphere. But if you plan on having intimate conversation- request one of their curtained booths.

Parking: It's usually not a problem to find street parking on La Brea (free after 7). But Luna Park does have a valet for $4.50 as well.

Discounts: This weekend I was able to get 50% off my bill at Luna Park by following them on Twitter or Facebook. So take advantage!

Luna Park
672 S. La Brea (near Wilshire)
Los Angeles, CA 90036
tel: 323.934.2110

Luna Park
694 Valencia Street (near 18th)
San Francisco, CA, 94110
415.553.8584

Bloomingdales Sale: June 16-18

Big discounts going on at Bloomingdale's in store AND online. In store sale starts today and goes through until Thursday. Click the link to see details of the sale here: bloomingdales.shoplocal.com

Monday, June 15, 2009

Road to the Altar launches today!

Road to the Altar, a hilarious web-series starring Jaleel White and Leyna Juliet Weber launches today! Watch the first episode above! And catch the rest of the series at: RoadtotheAltar.com

Get the Look: Giselle Bundchen

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Get Giselle's summer look for less with these great finds from Forever 21, Steve Madden, Old Navy, American Eagle and Asos.

Sandals: Old Navy
Denim Shorts: American Eagle
T-shirt: Forever 21
Sunglasses: Steve Madden
Handbag: Forever 21
Scarf: Asos

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Look of the Week: Megan Fox

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Megan Fox attended the premiere of the Transformers sequel in Tokyo this past week. She wore a magnificent purple jewel tone gown by Donna Karen and Stuart Weitzman platform heels. Another Hollywood celeb to rock the one shouldered dress. Love the color, love the silhouette and she looks WAY better than she did at the MTV awards.

Linkage: What to wear

LAT: How to Dress for a Job Interview
Style Bakery: What to Wear to a Summer Wedding
Racked LA: Alexander Wang for Gap
Style Copycat: Shirt Dress Trend [pictured above]
This is What Adults Wear: How to wear your jacket

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

June 12-June 25 the Human Rights Watch will be putting on their 20th annual International Film Festival in New York City. The festival will take place at Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theatre and screen several outstanding films, some of which have not yet been viewed by an audience. Films are being shown here in New York from countries all over the world and tackling a wide variety of subject matter and relevant social problems from post-war life in Bosnia (SNOW) to popular media culture in Afghanistan (AFGHAN STAR.)

Admission:
$11- Public
$40- Series pass which is good for one person to see five screenings

Where:
Walter Reade Theatre
165 W.65th Street
New York, NY 10023

For more information about the schedule and film overviews check out the website for the Human Rights Watch Film Festival

Check out this festival to get your dose of activism with a twist!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Trend Watch: One shouldered dresses

[Blake Lively and Rachel Bilson]

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One shoulder dresses are one of the latest rages among Fashionistas and Hollywood types. When accessorizing, stay away from necklaces---the off the shoulder neckline looks best without them. Instead wear dangling earrings and big cuff bracelets.
Dress 1 (from left): Warehouse
Dress 2: Top Shop
Dress 3: Top Shop

Happy hours and discounts this weekend!

It's no secret the Culturistas are fans of happy hours. It's a recession friendly way to eat, drink and socialize with friends! This weekend in honor of LA Pride 2009, Taste on Melrose is extending their happy hour to all day Sat and Sun!

Taste
8454 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood

And at Luna Park you can get 50% off everything Friday night-Sunday night if you bring a UCLA id or wear UCLA gear! Follow them on twitter for more of their awesome deals!

Luna Park
672 South La Brea
Los Angeles

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Spice up your repertoire with 3 aioli sauces!

An Aioli sauce is an easy and flavorful way to add a gourmet feel to your dishes. Here we will give you the recipes for a garlic aioli, a blue cheese aioli and a chipotle aioli. But once you know the basics you will have fun incorporating new flavors each time. All aiolis start with a base of either raw eggs and olive oil or mayonnaise. We teach you how to make it with mayonnaise because its much easier AND you don't have any raw egg in your sauce...which is a little questionable.

Garlic Aioli:

Ingredients

3 cloves garlic
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tbsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt

Directions

Crush the garlic cloves with the flat of a knife, and remove the skin. I like to use the rasper [pictured to the left] and grind the garlic into a pulp. If you don't have a rasper you can mince the garlic very fine and then press it into the cutting surface to make it into a paste. It's making this paste/pulp from the fresh garlic that gives aioli its intense garlic flavor.

Add the garlic to a small bowl, and whisk together with the rest of the ingredients. Wrap and refrigerate for atleast 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Blue Cheese Aioli:

Ingredients

2 garlic cloves
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Directions

Either mince the garlic and smash it into a paste or rasp the garlic into a pulp. Mix garlic in a bowl with blue cheese and mayonnaise. The smaller the crumbles of blue cheese the easier it is to mix it- but feel free to leave some chunks of blue cheese in the sauce. Wrap and refrigerate for atleast 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Try this with baked sweet potato fries from Trader Joes- sooo delicious. You'd think you were at Father's Office.

Chipotle Aioli:

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon minced canned chipotle chilies
1 tablespoon minced garlic/ garlic paste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Wrap and refrigerate for atleast 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Aioli sauces are great in sandwiches, burgers or tacos. They are amazing dipping sauces for veggies, chicken fingers, french fries, shrimp etc. They can even work as salad dressings!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Catherine Malandrino Sample Sale in NYC!

Next Wednesday 6/17/09 at 10 AM the long awaited Catherine Malandrino sample sale begins. Brace yourself ladies, it is going to be good. It goes through Friday 6/19/09 at 8:00 PM and the discounts offered on both Catherine Malandrino contemporary and Malandrino designer lines are MAJOR. Discounts will range from 75-90% off. This is no laughing matter and one sale you do not want to miss!

Catherine Malandrino

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Happy hour shopping sales??

What is better than happy hour, shopping and chocolates? Not a whole bunch! "Mapel" is a store and online shop that merges all 3! Each day on their website they have a happy hour special- from 2-6 pm you'll find great deals [from 45% off to $50 off] on apparel, accessories and the like. And if you go to their store in Leavenworth, WA you will be able to try the signature chocolate truffles they give away to customers.

They are also holding the "Jean-ious event" until Sunday the 14th, where all of their denim styles are $25 off (except sale)! So if you are looking for a new pair of jeans or maybe a happy hour special: check out ShopMapel.com

2009 Israeli Film Festival: Los Angeles

Feeling in need of some culture? Check out the Israeli Film Festival which started on June 3rd in LA and goes through the 18th. The festival is premiering over 30 feature films, documentaries and student shorts. Waltz with Bashir is one of the many great films showing, which we told you all about in February.

Today's [June 9th] films:

The Beetle	5:00pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »
The Green Dumpster Mystery	5:00pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »
The Idealist	5:15pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »
Zrubavel	7:30pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »
Bruriah	7:30pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »
The Mystery of Aris San	9:45pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »
Out of the Blue	10:00pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »

Wednesday's [June 10th] films:

Desert Bride	5:00pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »
Lady Kul El Arab	5:00pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »
Ruth	5:00pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »
Rebirth (part 1)	7:00pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »
Srugim	7:30pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »
The Seven Days	10:00pm	Fine Arts Theatre	-	Buy Tickets »
Adam Resurrected	10:15pm	Laemmle's Fallbrook	-	Buy Tickets »

See the rest of the Israeli Film Festival schedule here: Iraelfilmfestival.com

Ariana Restaurant: A Journey to Afghanistan

Since reading The Kite Runner years ago,my quest to try Afghan food was piqued. As a long time fan of both Indian and Persian cuisine, Afghan sounded like an unbelievably flavorful and mouthwatering experience. Afghan food fuses naan and curry with kabobs and rice. I cannot imagine a more perfect combination. Ariana Restaurant is a quaint and small space located in the heart of NYC's Hell's Kitchen. There is one waiter who is eager to chat especially if you happen to be a group of attractive women. I can fairly say that it will increase your chances of complimentary desert.

We ordered two outstanding appetizers which i highly recommend. The Aushak (pictured above) is a traditional Afghan dumpling filled with leeks and topped with yogurt and meat sauce. The second being the Kadoo Bolanee, a fried pumpkin turnover also served with yogurt. The best dishes from the entrees were the Kabuli Palow with a chicken kabob (rice with raisins and a succulent kabob), and the Sabzi Chalow, a stew with chicken and spinach.

We ordered the firnee, a traditional desert which is similar to pudding and topped with almonds and pistachio nuts. This light delicacy was a great way to cleanse the pallet and finish the meal.

Ariana Restaurant
787 9th Ave
New York, NY 10036
212 - 262 - 2323

Monday, June 8, 2009

Fashionista Inspiration of the week

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Skirt: New Look

Vest: Oasis
Corset: Oli
Booties: Steve Madden
Clutch: Miu-Miu
Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs
Ring: Forever 21
Bracelet: Forzieri

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Fashion Linkage

LA Times: Style bloggers get personal about fashion
Style Copycat: DIY Head jewels
Frugal Fashionista: Cameron Diaz's look for less
WWWD: June Fashion Story
Budget Babe: Win a Lisa Kathryn Headband

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