bang it out

these images make me want to trade my grown out side swept bangs back to wispy front bangs...

to bang it out {again} or not to bang it out ... that is the question...

Images: Valentine, Zooey Deschanel, Striped Zebra, Fuji Files

{weekend} wonder words

have a 'love'ly 3day weekend...

LA's new backyard blowout

we may have heard of pop up sample sales and boutiques but now lets make way for a pop up outdoor club called Beachwood. every Saturday from now until September, soak up the sun for seven hours of laid back California fun in what looks like a massive backyard blowout. whether you choose a breezy cabana brunch or bottomless mimosas, expect a slew of bathing suit clad bodies, a jam packed dance floor, bubbly hot tubs, relaxing massages...and of course it wouldnt be a backyard bash without those squirt guns!

cecilia cassini

as soon as you find your passion, you are never too old or too young to live your dream. case in point: cecilia cassini. this LA-based, eco-friendly fashion designer who models all of her creations, has been commissioned by the likes of diane von furstenberg, has dressed young hollywood on numerous occasions and is in discussions with project runway producers. her collection is featured in high end stores such as fred segal and has received an extensive amount of media exposure. now for the kicker: this talented designer who is considered a fashion prodigy by many in the industry is a mere 10 years old. watch video

thx thx thx

Leah Dieterich's mother always told her to write thank you notes. So she listened, and began sharing her appreciation to essentially everything, with essentially everyone. thxthxthx is her daily exercise in gratitude. From friends and family, love and loneliness, light and darkness, to my personal favs shown here: meetings, uncertainty and suggestions, Leah sets out to acknowledge them all, in a unique, quirky, humorous and always entertaining way!

race yourself

here is a new way to look at yourselves: through the eyes of another race. set up like a photo booth, the human race machine is a diversity tool that allows you to see how you would look like in a variety of races ranging from caucasian, middle eastern, african american to asian indian, and more. a former boss had photos morphed of herself with a spectrum of races and although unique and powerful, i presume it is costly as well. in the meantime, if you want to get a fun/quick/free fix of yourself as an alternate race, visit face of the future , where you can transform yourself in a matter of of a photo upload.

bike jam

when i see videos like this, my desire for a bike escalates. can you imagine a third of the population biking as a main mode of transportation? maybe not in LA - but that's the case in the Netherlands. Watch.

{weekend} wonder words

ikea invasion

ikea certainly knows the power of a good marketing campaign. steering away from traditional advertising, the furniture maven recently invaded the metro stations in paris to showcase the current collection in high traffic destinations - allowing potential customers to get up close and personal, and actually experience the products ranging from sofas and armchairs to lamps. forget bringing customers to the store - ikea just brought the store to you.

atypical wedding dress(es)

atypical wedding dress # 1: never would i imagine a black wedding gown but when i saw these images, i couldnt help but notice the sheer beauty in it. breathtaking and stunning. now if only it came in white!

atypical wedding dress # 2: now this is atypical to say the least ... a wife who left her husband after 12 years happened to leave one thing behind: her wedding dress. now in his own public exercise of revenge, he is destined to come up with 101 uses for whats left of his demised marriage. think sporting event banner, dental floss, and gym towel...all chronicled here. wow
Black Gown Photo by Jose Villa via hip hip gin gin

romper room

cant wait to romp around in these comfy one pieces, complimented with chunky wedges and flowy accessories. which one is your favorite? click to enlarge

1. Navy Frill Sleeve Playsuit - Miss Selfridge - $38
2. Jersey Knicker Playsuit - Top Shop - $44
3. Embroidered Woven Romper - Forever 21 - $25
4. Elizabeth & James Factory Jumpsuit - Bergdorf Goodman - $345
5. Crochet Back Romper - Arden B - $49
6. Light Denim Playsuit - Net a Porter - $240

last photo via frichic

matthew scott drake

enter into the world of matthew scott drake; one that is seen through an eye of unordinate beauty, mystery, wonder, and surrealism. it was hard to narrow down his photography collection to just a few favorites, but these are the ones that i found to be the most visually stimulating and thought provoking...

embrace
melody of color
reflections of youth and the roads yet to choose
the lost canopy of red
what its all about - L.O.V.E
a moment of bliss

matthewscottdrake@yahoo.com

dining in the dark

ready for a dining experience like never before? try abandoning your vision throughout the entire meal. adopting from the popular trend all around europe, opaque is the first dining in the dark experience to hit los angeles. leaving all distractions (i.e your cell phones!) at the door, the three course meal is served by blind waiters, guiding you through the exhilirating experience. never have my senses been more heightened as they were during this journey of taste, sound, and touch, all in pitch black darkness. you must 'see' for yourself.

new rooftop cocktail hour, anyone?

the peninsula beverly hills has just launched a summer cocktail hour, going on every thursday from 5-7, now through labor day. sip on cocktails including the blackberry caipirinha with muddled blackberries, thyme, lemon juice and cane sugar among other summer signature classics and sizzling appetizers - all at half price. in case you needed more perks: the roof garden bar has recently been renovated; live music entertainment with infectious sounds of latin, jazz, and contemporary will be present; and complimentary valet to top it off.

mama's garden placemats

this weekend we hosted a luncheon in our backyard and i just loved the creative garden themed placemats my mom happened to make out of none other than a roll of synthetic turf purchased at home depot. its simple, inexpensive, and easy to make and adds an element of seasonal fun and a splash of color to any table ... perfect for summer entertaining.

angeleno adventure

some weekends you take it easy...other weekends you yearn to fly through the sky on a zip line. in an effort to derail from the monotony of the day to day in los angeles, i have compiled a wish list of local adventurous activities i am destined to check off my list. ..adding on a new take to sunday funday

Black & White Biplane - the ultimate los angeles airplane tour, departing from santa monica airport. experience views of the city like you have never seen before and end at typhoon restaurant overlooking the runway as the sun sets

Bungee Jump - I would personally rather experience this in a more exotic location than los angeles but we all have our preferences!

Speed Zone - race into action and get behind the wheel on a racing track that takes you from 0-70 in 3.5 seconds

fastest, longest zip line - in LA that is. You will travel close to three quarters of a mile over five consecutive zip lines at heights of 300 feet above the canyon floor at speeds pushing 45mph.

LA helicopter tours - travel in style to your next destination...via helicopter, overlooking scenic landmarks and several cities

kite surfing - looks like a challenge but everything is possible with the right amount of lessons

scavenger hunt - not as cheesy as it sounds ... a friend of mine just participated in one and based on the stories and the pics, i am ready to get on board

and now for my two favorite activities (so far):

atv - riding in the sand dunes in pismo beach

jet ski - ride through the waters in this adventure that is non-stop pure excitement ...

come sail away

the nautical look of stripes and bows combined with the staple colors of navy, white, and red is almost instantly synonymous with warm sunny days, cool ocean breeze and simply a crisp and fresh summer style. these classically chic and mostly affordable pieces will certainly put you in the mood to sail away these next few months
1. Gold Button Striped Nautical Cardigan
2. Nautical Floral Square Scarf
3. Alice by Temperly Sleeveless Striped Tank
4. Striped Red Bow Dress
5. Navy Button Knee Dress
6. Nautical Strap Platform Shoe

wonder words

quoted by tupac and beautifully designed by jak & jil
click to enlarge