The Selfie: As Demonstrated by Rihanna

Oh. Whadoyaknow, I'm speechless.

Video via Complex

Gypsy Junkies + Luxurious Poverty Pop-Ups

There's a lot happening over at Kitson right now. In addition to the NCLA Nail a la Carte fab-ness, a few additional designer pop-ups have claimed stake inside the Robertson Blvd flagship store.

Last week I attended the Gypsy Junkies pop-up launch inside the store, to peep the much coveted fall collection while sipping red wine and mingling with Creative Director, Marcus Paglialonga (seen above surrounded by the F/W collection).

I was familiar with Gypsy Junkies luxe velvets, furs and floral prints, but was surprised to find that they also offer an amazing line of bohemian jewelry. The perfect combination, of earth and edge. Like, I want them all.

Loved discovering another side of Gypsy Junkies!

Unbeknownst to me, another line was also celebrating their pop-up launch inside Kitson that night. And so, I was introduced to Luxurious Poverty, by Lisette Correa. It's a collection of jewelry that -in the designer's own words- "spreads love through art", donating 5% of all proceeds to various charities and non-profit organizations.

Myself, designer Lisette Correa and NBA baller Matt Barnes

A few of Lisette's Hollywood friends came by to support, which is how I ended up having a near panic attack when L.A. Clippers' Matt Barnes showed up. Gloria Govan, cast member of Basketball Wives: LA (and Matt's wife) was also there. Being as sweet as she was (I was even invited to attend her toy drive taking place later that night), I had to resist all urges to snatch up the tall and dashing man in front of me. But I'll always think my moment with him fondly.

Pop-ups are at Kitson until January!

A Few Things to Do 12/10-12/16

Fill up your week with these social and shopping events:

Join The Supper Club and GQ magazine for a special in-store event offering a chance to meet J.Crew Men's Head of Design, Frank  Muytjens, samplings of single malt plus a complimentary cut or shave from The Blind Barber. (Tuesday, December 11 6-8:00pm @ The Grove)

Mint Holiday Sample Sale

I've got a special Invite code for you! RSVP Here.

Your chance to party in style with myself and other top bloggers. Buy tix here.

NCLA's 'Nails a la Carte' at Kitson

Something cooler than usual is happening at the Kitson flagship store on Robertson Blvd. Aside from copping Brian Lichtenberg's HOMIES snapback -currently making it's way around to all your fave trendsetters- you can also stop in for the NCLA hosted Nails a la Carte holiday pop-up.

Last week I stopped by to celebrate the launch of of the holiday shop, nibbling Georgetown Cupcakes and sipping cocktails made with Little Black Dress flavored vodka, while waiting my turn for a fab mani.

Each Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the month of December, you can select from a menu of services featuring NCLA's ever-stylish nail wraps and trendy fall and holiday laquers (I lurrve the Dirty Martini polish). The pop-up will also host special guest appearances and treatments from celebrity nail gurus. Prices range from $29-$69.

The Kitson flagship and NCLA Nails a la Carte pop-up is located at 115 Robertson Blvd. Don't forget, NCLA nail wraps and polish make great gifts and stocking stuffers!

Shiny and New

It's raining here in L.A and has been for the past five days. I love the rain, though we hardly get to see so much of it. It's given me the perfect opportunity to stay in and settle into my apartment while watching Sex & the City on DVD and admiring Carrie's amazing collection of form-fitting silk and jersey cocktail dresses.

I've also spent some time hitting the pavement, revisiting a few of my favorite city staples and exploring new additions that weren't here when I last lived in the area. It's new and familiar at the same time. Like the City Target that just opened downtown near the Staples Center inside the brand new 7th At Fig shopping center, also home to Gold's Gym, CPK and a few other eateries on the way.

THREAD Eyebrows is a threading boutique that's made it's home over on Melrose Ave. I received and invitation for a complimentary service (with all the moving, I've hardly had the time to give my eyebrows a thought) and even though I gave threading a try back in college, I was surprised at how quick and mostly painless it was. Nina, gave me tips on letting my brows grow in thicker and showed me how to fill them in with powder. I wouldn't mind adding this to my list of regulars.

I also caught up with girlfriends at one of my favorite Hollywood lounges, Cafe Entourage. The staff is friendly, food and drinks are always good, and local well-known Chef E-Dubble offers a guest menu accompanied with live music on Tuesday nights. This is pretty much my go-to 'let's catch up' place but it's also great for nightlife and mingling.

Lastly, I finally got to check out Graffiti, a new coffee shop on La Brea Ave. that I'd been dying to check out since I first noticed it back when I was still commuting. Better than I even imagined -the inside space is huge, with more than enough seating (bars, booths and even lounge style in front of a fireplace), decor is supremely simplistic, and the coffee is good, albeit pretty pricey. It's a great addition to the trendy district that this area of La Brea is quickly becoming, with an art gallery across the street and boutiques like Stussy, Black Scale and And Still just a few doors over.

I also found it the perfect time to try Fonuts, vegan and gluten-free baked donuts. Fonuts opened about a year ago over on 3rd street, but a variety are also sold inside Graffiti. I opted for the Strawberry Butttermilk fonut and it was simply amazing. Like a tiny little cake.

I cant stop gushing about being back in the city, but it's so fab, can you really blame me?

We're in the City

[Downtown Cityscape]

Over a year ago, I had no choice but to move to Orange County with family due to a long bout of unemployment. Since then, I landed a job in Beverly Hills and have spent the last year commuting each day, all the while, working to move back to the beloved city of Los Angeles. Needless to say, blogging was put on hold, with only a few measly posts whenever I could muster up the energy. But I'm stoked to tell you that last weekend I hauled my ass (along with a butt-load of shoes and clothes) back to the city of angels. I'm back y'all!

[Sunset Blvd and the Hollywood Hills]

Admittedly, the move came with a lot of compromises. Rent has gone up quite a bit in the last few years, so I eventually had to give up my hope of a luxe apartment in a trendy west side neighborhood. I found a nice one-bedroom in Koreatown, which can only be described as L.A.'s Brooklyn (remember how hard it was for Steve to convince Miranda to make the move to BK?). But it's amazing to be back in my own place, with my own furniture -a place that's all mine. 

And I can grocery shop again! That was probably the hardest thing to give up -the ability to cruise the food aisles and stock my own refrigerator.

[Beverly Hills]

[Coastal view from Malibu]

Lastly, now that I'm local and without a completely draining commute, I'm free to start hitting the amazing events  and conduct the awesome interviews you've grown accustomed to me bringing your way. December's calendar is already chock full of events so I hope you're ready for some fun.

L.A, I've missed you!