DAILY CELEBRITY STYLE CRUSH: NICOLE RICHIE

THE GLAM LIFE: STYLE CRUSHIN'

Nicole Richie in Mugler Cropped Button Blouse, Balmain Stretch Leather Biker Trousers & Saint Laurent perforated Derby Oxfords...PERFECTION!!!

Glam It?  OR  Slam It?

Are you crushin' on Nicole's look?

Nail Service with Essie

THE GLAM LIFE: Introducing Essie Fall 2013 Collection

For all you fashionista nail crazed Glams out there, Essie just released their 2013 Fall collection.  Timeless style with a trendy twist.  Which one will you pick up first?!  What designs will you try?!  Oy vey!  Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Send us pics of your best Manis & Pedis, we wanna see!  

Happy painting!!


xxMD

THE GLAM LIFE CELEBRITY NEWS: Baby North West REVEALED!!

THE GLAM LIFE: CELEBRITY NEWS 

BABY NORTH WEST REVEALED...AND SHE'S ADORABLE!!

Kanye West & Kim Kardashian have a GLAM Baby in the making!!

Google + Vogue = Glam

THE GLAM LIFE: FASHION GOES FUTURISTIC

Vogue & Google Glass are teaming up for an ultra-nerdy (I'm such a nerd at heart) piece of some pretty cool gadgetry, if I do say so myself.  In one of the most famous and most glamorous fashion magazines in the world - you can i-spy Google Glass (styled "GLΛSS") in Vogue's, annual flagship September issue.  Glass is a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display (in layman's terms, that would be glasses) is being developed by Google in the Project Glass research and development department, with the mission of producing a mass-market ubiquitous computer.  Get this, Google Glass displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free sorta way, that can interact with the Internet via natural language voice commands - kinda like Siri (for all you iPhoners out there - we won't get into what type of mobile device I currently own - one word: embarrassed).

While the frames do not currently have lenses fitted to them, Google is considering partnerships with some pretty fashion-forward, downright glam, sun-glass retailers, like Ray-Ban or Warby Parker, and soon to come, may also be in retail stores where customers can try on the futuristic specs in the flesh.  Bummer for all of the true four-eyes out there who actually use glasses to see, The Explorer Edition cannot be used by those of you with prescription glasses (present party included).  Don't fret, Google has confirmed that Glass will eventually work with frames and lenses that match the wearer's prescription; the glasses will be modular and therefore possibly attachable to normal prescription glasses.  Score!

Glass is being developed by Google X, which has worked on other futuristic technologies such as driverless cars (WHOA!). The project was announced on Google+ by Project Glass. And of course, Google has patented the design of Project Glass.  Duh.

So, what does all of this really have to do with Vogue, or fashion, you might ask?!  Well, in an effort to un-geek the futuristic specs, the Google PR team has been going hard in the paint to portray a sexier or (at the very least) a more mass market-friendly image of Glass, hence the 12-page glossy Vogue spread.  Okay, so what?!  Not only that, you have major designers like Diane von Furstenberg (love her) who had models strutting Glass on the catwalk to accessorize her Spring 2013 collection during Fashion Week.  Pretty cool!

Now, with limited functionality paired with a hefty $1,500 price tag for ONLY a prototype model (which have since sold out), Google Glass is far from a consumer product just yet.  But when it does become available to the masses (and it certainly will), will YOU be first in line to grab a pair of these futuristic, extremely fresh specs?!  Things that make you say hmmm....

Are you INSPIRED to get your pair???

Until next time...Toots!!

xxMD

DAILY CELEBRITY STYLE CRUSH: LADY GAGA

GLAM LIFE: STYLE CRUSHIN'

Lady Gaga in Balmain Fall Leather 2013 Top & Mini Skirt

                                                             

    

Glam it? OR Slam It?

Ladies Who Brunch with SWAPportunities

THE GLAM LIFE: FASHION & STYLE SWAP

Okay so, I was invited to attend brunch this past weekend at a cute little restaurant called TART, located in the Mid-Wilshire district of Los Angeles.  Just to set the scene, Mid-Wilshire is all about the hustle & bustle.  

It’s an extremely diverse, well-educated and densely populated residential neighborhood in Central Los Angeles.  This area is host to tons of great shopping, good eats and fanciful bars. 

It’s a happening area to say the least.  

So, this wasn't just any ol’ brunch though; this was a brunch offering a come up (cue music), in walks the SWAPportunity.  Definition – (noun) an opportunity to make a swap.  The SWAPportunity worked like this (follow closely):

Bring two items gently worn that you don’t mind parting with (like seriously, you wouldn't care seeing your item on someone else who’s rocking the ish out of it!).  And please, no Indian-givers.  

Okay so, pick a number from 1-7 (or however many people are participating). Choose from one of the blind items (no peeking)!

Numbers 1-7 can pick whatever items they choose, BUT (here’s the kicker), they can also have those items “taken” from them (so I’d advise having a poker face IF you like what you've picked).  If for some reason your item is “stolen”, don’t fret, you get another chance to choose something else OR you can steal something from someone else.  You just can’t steal back the item that was just taken from you.  Um…that was a mouthful.

The person that chose number 7 (or the last person) is sitting pretty.  They can choose a new item, OR steal from someone else.  This is the best position to be in because the last person has now seen what everyone has picked.  Not fair, but fair! 

Last but not least, an item can only be “stolen/taken” up to three times, and after that, it’s a wrap.  The person to steal the item last, WINS!

All in all, this was super fun!   Not only is it a bunch of fashionistas getting together and giving away adorable items (in most cases), but you’re catching up with friends, possibly making new ones, plus, getting your grub and drink on.  What could be better than this?!  Not to mention, this was a bottomless mimosa and bloody Mary type of brunch, so the champs and vodka was definitely flowing.  Way to go Oscar (he was our server)!!  My glass was NEVA empty.  Holler!! And, what’s better than drunk shopping?!  FREE drunk shopping, right!  Brunch wasn't all that expensive either.  I got away with spending right around $30 bucks.  On budget for me!  I win.

So, the moral of the story is, if you have glam GF's, and you love getting together, spending time, chit chatting and sip sipping, than arranging a SWAPportunity is highly recommended!!

Get to it Glams, times-a-tickin.

Until next time…toots!!

xxMD

Good Eats, Good Company – Equator Café, Pasadena CA

THE GLAM LIFE: A FOODIES CORNER

LIVE TO EAT!!

I’m always super hyped when I find a great restaurant, lounge or bar that’s easy on my six year Louis Vuiton Joey wallet.  Yes, I said six years, but when you pay for quality it’s built to last.  Actually, it was gifted to me by a past suitor, but who’s bragging?  Certainly not me, that’s so not my style, but the fact that its Louis V means that it will always be in heavy style rotation, right?!  “Fashion fades, style is eternal.”  What?!  I didn't say it, YSL did.  Ha!

So, back to the topic at hand, I can’t really take all of the credit for this gem of a find (thanks to my lovely friend Coco, boho-chic fashionista and foodie), but I can share by spreading the word.

About a week ago, a girlfriend of mine and I caught up in Oldtown/Downtown Pasadena (cute little suburbanite city right outside of LA) at a place called Equator Café.  It’s an eclectic hodgepodge of Asian, French and Gothic Bordeaux all fused into one.  The eats are delish, mostly consisting of an infused Asian cuisine with tidbits of American fare tucked in here and there. 

We shared the Chicken Sate ($1 - might I add), Seaweed Salad, and for all the cheese lovers out there, blue cheese fresh cut French fries – to die for, literally!!  The fries are A-MA-ZING!!  It was like a blue cheese gravy river spread all over the fries.  Heaven in your mouth!  Plus, they have the normal entrees to choose from as well.  

As for libations, they have a pretty good selection of mouth watering martinis, creative cocktails, a solid beer selection, all types of wines and trendy specialty drinks.  Not to mention, great happy hour selections, like $1 Tuesday Martinis and $3 cocktails and apps on Thursday.  

It's a very chill vibe during the week, with a DJ spinning on certain days, so I’m sure it gets super crowded at those times.

Definitely somewhere worth checking out, especially if in this neck of the woods!  Be inspired to try new things and different places...

Until next time...toots!

xxMD

DAILY CELEBRITY STYLE CRUSH: RITA ORA

GLAM LIFE: STYLE CRUSHIN'

Rita Ora in Katie Eary Men's Spring 2014 Red Ombre Leopard Print Hoodie and Matching Pants

Glam It? OR Slam It?

Au Revoir, Summer - Tips for Seasonal Fashion & Style Changes

GLAM LIFE: STYLE & FASHION

Face it, fashion changes just like the leaves change in Fall, and if you don’t keep up, you’ll be left behind.  It’s important to make an effortless transition with what you already have (operative words) in your closet.  With weeks left of summer still to enjoy, it’s never too early to start thinking of cool-weather clothes.  Listen, I’m a beach bunny at heart, so I’m the last person to rush into fall here, but before long, days will grow chill chill, summer staples will feel too summer-y, and newly arrived liquid Gucci booties will catch your eye at your favorite fashion-go-to sites or at the nearest mall.

What to wear, you might ask?!

Well, for starters, whether it’s a little dress, denim shorts, a legging, or a cut-out shirt, any great piece can be turned into statement-making style.  The key is to keep it all in the family.  Picture a long-sleeved top in a very thin, drapey fabric to wear with summer pieces.  A flowy jacket or a lightweight scarf, are versatile options that are easy to slip on and off (you know for those private summers – quick hot flashes, we ALL get them from time to time, don’t front).  Pair this with a colored ankle skinny jean and a cute flat or sandal – you’ll be good to go.  For those colder days (burrr), you can just throw it over a dress for that effortless bohemian chic look.
 

A few other suggestions:

• Beam me up Scottie!!  Give your T-shirts a boost with embellishments - some kind of sparkle, studs, rhinestones or cutouts.  Simply add a great skinny jean, high-waist shorts, or even a circle skirt paired with a blazer and heels to go from daytime fab to night time glam.  Printed blouses work for late summer, early fall, as they are on the comeback for the upcoming season.  Printed tunics are also a good-go-to; they work as popular transitional pieces too.

• The darker the denim, the sweeter the look and in the case of denim, always go dark.  While I adore denim of all shades, faded or lighter denim makes me think spring or summer, but a darker jean gives a more crisp look, especially as the cold front nears.  Try a pair with one of those printed blouses.  Winning!

• For the love of layering: Wear a colorful printed shirtdress unbuttoned over a tank top with ankle-cropped jeans.  Worn this way, with the dress hitting just above the knee gives the look of an easy summer coat.  Accessorize with a lightweight scarf, with a pop of color from the dress (or not), belted, strappy sexy sandals and loads of jingle jangle bracelets will complete the look.  I love scarves; they always finish off a look perfectly, giving it that extra little somethin' somethin'.  Tailored denim shirts are also a good layering piece.  They go with everything, and I do mean, everything!

• Sweater Switch Up: Cardie sweaters can quickly transition dresses and sleeveless tops from summer to fall.  The good thing about a sweater is that they come in varying lengths, colors, materials and styles. Pick one up ASAP!

• Don’t pack up those summer dresses just yet, they can work for cooler weather with tights or leggings and a more fall-type shoe (think booties, chic loafer, oxford lace up).  And don’t forget to grab one of those cardigans or even a long-sleeved shirt underneath depending on the dress style.  WERK those layers, honey.

• Sandals be wear: Don't be fooled, there are many more weeks of sandal-wearing to be had, especially if you live in warmer climate cities like LA (that would be me).  But eventually you’ll need to swap those summery pastels, sunny brights and whites for golds, browns and blacks. Metallics are good late summer options too.

• Tame that kitty: I love my animal print, but just a smidge – in an accent piece, like a belt, bag, shoe or scarf.

• Color change, but not until the time is right: Tobacco (mix of red/brown/tan) is a great color for transitioning, others include eggplant (dark purple or brownish-purple), camel, grays, shades of orange, emerald, and surprisingly, mint is still hanging in there as well.

• Nail service, is so very necessary.  I've had fun with all of the bright colors like the hot pinks and neons, but soon it'll be time to put these colors back on the shelf (just until next summer, that is).  Wink!  While I'm a French mani fan, let's give these a rest too, unless, that’s a French with darker colors and lighter tips or some sort of funky combo.  Love this look.  
With August almost over and September just around the corner, taupes and sandy colors are all the rage.  Next to follow, will be the darker hues; like varying shades of browns, vampy reds and of course my go to all time faves, Smokin' Hot by Essie or Lincoln Park after Dark by OPI.  You can never go wrong with either one of these.  And of course, I love an accent nail or two. Creative nails in the fall color palette will win every time.

Well, I guess that'll be it from me.  I hope I've inspired you with helpful suggestions to work with what you already have.  But what do I know after all?!  I'm just a regular girlie girl with a passion for fashion and style...

I'll leave you with this, fashion is subjective, so rock whatever makes you feel fierce, and always remember to OWN it!!

Toots...until next time!!

xxM

DAILY CELEBRITY STYLE CRUSH: KIM KARDASHIAN

GLAM LIFE: STYLE CRUSHIN'

Kim Kardashian makes one of her first appearances in a black fringed ensemble and Azzedine Alaia Nude Embellished Suede Sandals

Glam It? OR Slam It?

Not Your Ordinary Record Store or Hair Salon

Glam Life Introduces: The Artform Studio

The Artform Studio is not your ordinary record store, nor is it your ordinary hair salon.  It's a place where you can walk in to get your hair cut & styled and walk out with that vinyl record that you can add to your music collection.  

The Artform Studio is located in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles on 3rd Street and Alameda.  The owners' Adrian & Sherry Younge ideal of combining a record store and a hair salon is quite unique. You can feel at ease getting your hair cut & styled by their talented stylist while they transform your look. You can peruse through the extensive vinyl collection in the record store, which its collection ranges from funk to soul to hip hop. There is something for everyone's musical taste. The vibe of the studio is laid back with its vintage inspired furniture and decor.

The Artform studio provides services from cuts & styling for men and women and they also provide make-up & nails services. It's a one stop shop to get you ready for any occasion while listening to great music. They also sell vintage clothing and handmade jewelry. I didn't leave there empty handed, I was able to score a pair of vintage leather shorts & a cute midriff top with tribal print on the front. Super cute!

I will definitely be coming back here. I love that The Artform Studio combines my fave things: music, beauty & fashion all in one place. Enjoy.

Location Info:

701 E. 3rd Street Ste. 120

Los Angeles, CA 90013

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 11a.m.-7p.m.