CityStyle LA

Ho, Ho, Holiday Gift Guide

Editor — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:00:19 +0000

Holiday season is officially here. And with it comes the joys of giving (and receiving) glorious gifts. Here, our short-list of toys, threads, and other cool stuff. Enjoy.

FRED’S COOL JAZZ ICE CUBE TRAY

Sometimes the best bar in town is the one at home. Especially when your ice cubes are shaped like Stratocasters. That’s the idea behind Fred’s Cool Jazz Ice Cube Tray. For less than a ten spot, you get a trio of groovy guitar molds made of premium food grade silicone. Bonus: they also double as Popsicle molds. Hendrix would be proud.

Get into the guitar lifestyle at amazon.com.

FRIEND OR FOE’S SINATRA TEES

Of course, if you would prefer to wear your appreciation of music, the good looking tee shirts from the jazz aficionados at Friend Or Foe have got you covered. For their latest collection, they’ve hooked up with Ol’ Blue Eyes. So the next time you feel like channeling a little Rat Pack, start here.

Check out Friend Or Foe’s full Holiday 09 Collection.

WALLETS BY MAKR

Sure there a lot of handsome wallets out there. But not many are hand-crafted to such precise measurements using premium leather for so few Washingtons. That’s the charm of MAKR, a superb, little leather-goods shop located in Orlando, Florida. Think of them as stylish, wallet-friendly wallets (and bags).

Peruse the goods at makr.com.

THE VIPER SMARTSTART

It’s not easy to get excited about winter. But when your ride’s equipped with the superior technology of Viper SmartStart (and you have an iPhone), the coldest season is that much easier. With VSS and an iPhone, not only can you remotely start your car from your apartment, you can also get the heat started too. Ah, technology.

Learn more about Viper SmartStart here.

BACON POP

Standard microwavable popcorn is okay. But sometimes you want something more… bacon-y. (Or is it bacon-ish?) Either way, the bacon-loving food engineers at Justin & Dave’s have a greasy good solution: it’s called Bacon Pop. As in bacon-flavored popcorn. You can thank us later.

Experience bacon in a whole new way at baconpop.com.

The Best Luxury Sales of the Season

Editor — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:00:26 +0000

Yes. That was great turkey.

And now that December is officially here, it’s time to retire the old gear for the new. Here, our roundup of the season’s very best sales. High fashion, meet low prices.

THE BARNEYS DESIGNER SALE

Gift giving season is almost here. And we’ve been thinking, you sure could use another cool gift. Fortunately, Barneys is having yet another sale. This time, the Beverly Hills luxury department store is luring you in with up to 40% off select men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, shoes, and gifts for the home. Consider yourself lured.

For more details about the sale, head to barneys.com.

Barneys Beverly Hills, 9570 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, (310) 276-4400, barneys.com

THE GUCCI FALL/WINTER SALE

Speaking of luxury, Gucci is also having its end-of-season sale. Saunter over to their Rodeo Drive flagship and score up to 40% off the select threads for men and women. Bonus: shoes, boots, and sneakers are on sale, too.

Check out the goods at gucci.com.

Gucci Flagship, 347 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 278-3451, gucci.com

40% OFF ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Do something naughty for a nice price, and treat yourself to some Alexander McQueen. 40% off fall/winter apparel, accessories, shoes and jewelry means more sharp designs with a side of leather and signature skulls. Like we said, naughty.

Eye before you buy at alexandermcqueen.com

Alexander McQueen, 8379 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, (323) 782-4983, alexandermcqueen.com

3.1 PHILLIP LIM YEAR END SALE

Yes, you guessed it - another 40% off, this time at the perfectly-cut 3.1 Phillip Lim. The WeHo boutique is featuring discounted apparel for men and women, and even their kids’ collection. Because you’re never too young to appreciate great style.

Peruse the collection at 31philliplim.com

3.1 Phillip Lim, 631 N. Robertson Boulevard, West Hollywood, (310) 358-1988, 31philliplim.com

Something To Be Thankful For Next Year

Editor — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:00:17 +0000

This time of year, we like to slow things down a little and reflect.

Then it’s back to business and looking ahead to the cool and artistic.

Which brings us to models. In swimsuits. In the tropics. Yes, we’re talking about the one and only PIRELLI CALENDAR.

For those new to the ultimate pin-up calendar, think of the Pirelli Calendar as the perfect Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition shot by the world’s best photographers with a touch of European edge. (And by edge, we mean liberal attitude towards toplessness.)

This year, the good people at Pirelli commissioned hipster photographer Terry Richardson for the 2010 version of their iconic calendar. The exotic location was “It” country of the moment Brazil, and the models were all A-list (Ana Beatriz Barros, Miranda Kerr, Georgina Stojilkovic).

Of course, we could go on and on about the gorgeous models, the great use of color and light, and the scenery.

Or we could just point you the site…

View the Pirelli Calendar here. Warning: Tropical beauties are not always safe for work.

Mark Ronson: DJ and now, Gucci sneaker designer

Editor — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:00:59 +0000

They say you can tell a lot about a person by the shoes they wear.

So when the Gucci style gods wanted a healthy dose of hip to go with the launch of GUCCI ICON-TEMPORARY, their new flash sneaker store debuting later this week in New York City’s Soho, they called for Ronson.

Mark Ronson.

You’re well aware of Mark’s reputation as turntable master, award-winning producer (see Back to Black by Amy Winehouse), and favorite DJ of the fashion police.

Now, thanks to a smart collaboration with Gucci’s creative director Frida Giannini, you can add footwear designer to the list. Starting this Friday, his new line of Gucci Ronson shoes will debut at Gucci’s new pop-up shop.

Along with his designer sneaks, Gucci will also unveil a limited edition collection of kicks featuring 16 men’s styles and 2 women’s styles, all highlighting classic Gucci design elements. Each shoe comes with either silver or gold metal dog tags, and you can even emboss your initials onto a customized leather tag on each shoe’s laces.

Throw in a special 12-inch vinyl record with tracks selected by Ronson himself and you’ve got a pretty cool deal.

You do own a turntable, don’t you?

Gucci Icon-Temporary opens to the public in New York on Friday. To see more Gucci Ronson kicks, click here.

Gucci Icon-Temporary
For more details, visit Gucci Icon-Temporary’s Facebook page.

The Motorcycle Jacket You Must Have

Editor — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:00:54 +0000

In this town, Fall happens slowly.

But as the mercury drops and the white parties disappear, take solace in the fact that you will need a jacket.

Preferably, a motorcycle jacket. Preferably, by Barnabé Hardy.

If the name sounds familiar then you’re probably a big-time Balenciaga menswear fan. You may also know that the Frenchman took residence at the revered label prior to branching out on his own last year.

For his first collection, Fall/Winter 09, Hardy (not to be confused with Ed Hardy) focuses exclusively on motorcycle jackets. Some are black, some are brown. Some are cropped bomber-style and some are lengthier, but all are sleekly sculpted with impeccable attention to detail.

To score one of his new jackets, you’ll have to jet to Paris or at least know a little French to navigate his only retailer’s website.

Or you could just ask your French girlfriend for help.

Head to barnabehardy.com to learn more about Barnabé Hardy. To view the Autumn/Winter 09 collection, click here.

The Secret to Looking Sharp This Summer

Editor — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:00:39 +0000

With Summer coming into range, looking sharp is essential.

From hip to haute, we have a little secret to scoring the very best threads at the very best prices…

… it’s called Gilt.com. If you’ve been introduced to the stylish, invitation-only website that curates members-only sample sales, you’re probably already saving up to 70% off retail prices for an A-list of luxury brands.

If you’ve haven’t already joined Gilt yet, you’re in for a treat: recognizing you as a covetable (and cute) bunch of readers, the fashion elite at Gilt are extending an exclusive invitation to you and a $25 credit when any of your friends sign-up and make their first purchase (if you have a lot of friends, that’s a lot of credit).

Next week, Gilt is getting you ready for Summer with luxe watches, and smart prices on Summer collections by a few notable designers.

To get the goods at great prices, all you have to do is sign up.

That’s an easy fashion statement.

Click here to sign-up for Gilt Groupe. Membership is free.

A British Glossy Comes to Life in Brentwood

Editor — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:00:49 +0000

Magazines have the power to inspire, to educate…

… And to sell shiny, new things.

Which is why we’re excited to introduce you to the just-opened Monocle Shop, nestled in the Brentwood Country Mart. If you’re familiar with the luxe monthly magazine by Tyler Brûlé (ahem, he also founded Wallpaper*), you already know that Monocle delivers cutting-edge editorial on business, design, current affairs and culture for a sophisticated international audience (trust us, it’s your kind of magazine.)

For their latest brand extension, the London-based mag has set up shop in Santa Monica. Step inside their tiny space (and by tiny, we mean 115 square feet) and you’ll be greeted by Vitsoe modular shelves and minimalist interiors, designed by the magazine’s own creative team. Of course, you’ll also find a well-edited collection of goods, such as limited-edition Labo candles, fragrances by Comme des Garçons, and Porter travel bags.

You’ll also find bits and pieces collected and curated by the magazine’s editors and writers as they travel - think sartorially splendid scarves, hip Japanese and French CDs and other assorted gems.

Which leads us to think: maybe you can judge a book, err, magazine, by its cover.

Monocle Shop LA is officially open. Get more Monocle flavor here.

Monocle Shop LA
225 26th Street, Shop 19B, Santa Monica
Tel: (310) 395-4180
monocle.com

Where To Dress Your Inner Rock Star

Editor — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:01:26 +0000

Everyone is telling you to buckle down.

But you like things bold.

With that in mind, we’d like to introduce you to the new Rock and Republic flagship store. Planted on the corner of Robertson and Alden, it’s upping the ante on LA’s most fashionable street.

Let’s be honest. R&R puts that whole idea of rustic denim to rest, and the store reflects that. Picture 3,800 square feet with no subtleties spared. Bold and brash, it’s swathed in mirror-finished stainless steel and laced with leather accents. And yes, there’s a DJ pumping beats throughout the day, everyday.

What you’ll find on the racks earned Michael Ball his CFDA induction. The line itself is confident, if not brazen. The denim is premium quality, and there’s a cut for everyone. The slim-fitting Henlee is the standard when it comes to R&R, while the Neil lets out a little more room in case you need it. Just reach out to one of the knowledgeable stylists, if you need an affirming opinion - you’re in good hands, er jeans.

Rock’ on.

Rock and Republic
103 South Robertson Boulevard (at Alden Drive)
Tel: (310) 285-0486
rockandrepublic.com

2009’s First Gilty Pleasure

Editor — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:01:05 +0000

Predicting fashion in the year ahead isn’t something you should do on your own.

But, savvy sartorialists (like you) all agree that there’s one place to start…

That place is Gilt Groupe. Many of you have already claimed your exclusive invitation, and are banking on your insider status. But if you haven’t scored your invite yet, pay attention.

A members-only luxury sample sale site, Gilt brings designer threads and accessories at irresistible prices to your inbox. Sign up, and receive Gilt opportunities every week. Each sample sale lasts just 36 hours, with prime steals flying off the virtual racks in the first few. 2008 saw deals on some of the hottest labels. Rogan and Helmut Lang are just two of the sales on tap this week.

If those aren’t enough reasons to join, this Thursday and Friday marks the Women’s Final Sale - including women’s RTW and designer pieces, handbags and shoes. And with just three weeks until Valentine’s Day, think of it as the perfect gifting opportunity for the woman (or women) in your life. There’s nothing to fear, as Gilt’s own blog helps you decipher between Cynthia Rowley and Cynthia Steffe; and with a fashion icon like Nina Garcia in Gilt’s fan club, we’re sure you can’t help but pick the most stylish gift.

Click here to score your exclusive invitation to Gilt Groupe and start your Gilt trip.

Global Goddesses And The Beautiful Botswana

Editor — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:01:33 +0000

With Thanksgiving Day coming into range, now would be a good time to think of all you’re grateful for.

Like Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana (plus six of her sexiest friends) photographed against the lush landscape of Africa.

Introducing the 2009 Pirelli Calendar. Those lucky enough to be on the list have been receiving “The Cal” for over 40 years. While Pirelli may be better known for making tires, they’ve been producing these glossy masterpieces since 1964. The roster of calendar girls both past and present reads like a supermodel all-star team: think Giselle, Kate, and Cindy. Match these muses with photographers like Annie Leibovitz, Herb Ritts, Patrick Demarchelier, and stunning backdrops (Côte d’Azur, Rio, Shanghai) and you’ve got yourself a year’s worth of dates with beautiful women.

This year, supermodels Daria Werbowy, Mariacarla Boscono, Lara Stone and Rianne Ten Haken are among those shot by Peter Beard in beautiful Botswana. Beard, having spent three decades in Kenya, is considered one of the world’s greatest interpreters of the mystery and charm of Africa. Through his lens, we see wild and unspoiled Africa, elephants as metaphor of the human race…

… And some of the most gorgeous goddesses frolicking in the Okavango Delta.

Thanks, Pirelli!

Click here to sample more supermodels and scenery.

Visit pirellical.com.