Category Archives: Beauty & Fashion

August 12, 2010

This Weekend: Kawaii Sales, Bloomfest LA, Blue Palms Beer Party

Written by Caroline on Crack in Art, Beauty & Fashion, Lists, Los Angeles, Movies, Music, Nightlife, Recreation, Shopping & Sales
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Whoa, there’s wayyy too many things going on this Saturday, it’s so intense. Too bad I gotta pack for my move.

Friday, August 13

L.A.M.B. & Harajuku Lovers Sample Sale LA
For the first time ever in LA, Gwen Stefani’s two lines, L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers, will be available at a sample sale. Normally her stuff is wayy too expensive for me to even consider, being “designer” and all but at this sale, everything will be up to 75% off. Kawaii bags, rocker-style clothes, hot shoes. RSVP here. BTW, credit cards only.

  • Friday, 8am-8pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm. Siren Studios, 6063 West Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood (map).

Saturday, August 14

Rilakkuma Weekend
More kawaii stuff! A whole weekend with photobooths, djs, free gifts, Sapporo beer, food trucks and a pop-up store curated by JapanLA owner Jamie Rivadeneira. Even Umami Burger gets kawaii’d up as all four of its locations will be themed for the promotion through August 22. For the fan party on Saturday, the first 100 guests get goody bags and Lil’ Rae cakeballs.

  • Saturday, 11am–11pm; Sunday, 11am–7pm. 7326 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles (map).

Bloomfest LA 2010
Jonesin’ for more art after tonight’s Downtown LA Art Walk? Fortunately for you the Arts District will open the doors of its cafés, galleries, performance venues, and 40 studios for this summertime event. Tour the lofts and galleries after checking out the live bands, booths and food trucks at the nearby Bloomfest street fair. After party will be at e3rd from 11pm to 2am.

  • 12pm-11pm. Arts District, 714 Traction Avenue, Los Angeles (map).

Blue Palms Brew House’s 2nd Anniversary Party
This Hollywood beer haven is celebrating its 2 years with a 200-pound pig, a 400-pound rib roast, 30-plus beers on tap, a cigar lounge and live music. For $40 you get 10 tastings of delicious brew like The Bruery’s barrel-aged Coton, 10-month aged Allagash Curieux, and even special limited kegs from Alesmith, New Belgium and Greenflash.

  • Doors open 2pm. $40. Blue Palms Brew House, 6124 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

John Cusack Double Feature: Better Off Dead and One Crazy Summer
“Gimme my 2 dollars!!!” Growing up, I loved these movies. Such great one-liners, including that one with the relentless paperboy going after his fee. And who could resist poor John Cusack, the adorable loser of these ’80s movies? Special guests will show up at the end of the screenings. No, not JC, although maybe. Rather, the writer/director of the films Savage Steve Holland as well as Curtis Armstrong, Bobcat Goldthwait and more.

  • 7:30pm. $12. The Cinefamily, 611 N Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (323) 655-2510.
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July 1, 2010

This Weekend: Tequila Magic, Poolside Pizza, Happy 4th

Written by Caroline on Crack in Beauty & Fashion, Cocktails, Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Shopping & Sales
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What you got going on this weekend? I don’t know about you but it’s gonna be my bday! Huzzah! Oh and here are some other things going on.

Thursday, July 1

Huge Agent Provocateur Summer Sale Starts Today
I’ve always wanted to shop at this sexxxy, upscale lingerie store but it was always just so expensive. Well yay for the big sale starting today at the Melrose location. Select styles are 50% off including this very festive Sky Ranger Bra (reg. $150, now $80) and this gorgeous liquid silk satin Black Swan Body (reg. $490, now $250). There are also purty swimsuits, jewelry, suspenders and underwear to choose from.

  • Thru July 31. 7961 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles (map). (323) 653-0229.

BreadBar’s Hatchi Mix featuring Rivera’s Julian Cox
Julian Cox, magician mixologist, is featured at this month’s edition of BreadBar’s Hatchi Mix tonight. Guests will ooh and aah as he serves up his eight tequila-inspired cocktails ($8 each) in three acts a la three courses of a meal — a beet cocktail with goat cheese foam as an appetizer, a Jamon Iberico Old-Fashioned as an entree and Cherries Jubilee for dessert, to name just a few. There will also be a Pizza Mixo menu of crisp pizzas as well as the full bistro menu for nosh.

  • 6pm-close. BreadBar Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard R-2, Los Angeles (map). (310) 277-3770.

Rio Brazil’s 2nd Anniversary
Celebrate the 2nd year of this Palms restaurant which will be serving up free appetizers and Salgados. Camarena Tequila will be providing the tequila shots and Caipitequilas. And if you’re still hungry you can get feijoada, moqueca, trip tip, and bobo de camarao bowls for $7 each. Stick around til 8pm for the Samba dancers.

  • 6:30-9pm. Rio Brazil Cafe, 3300 Overland, Palms (map). (310) 558-3338.

Friday, July 2

Al Forno Fridays Poolside Pizza at the Viceroy Santa Monica
Hmm, pizza by the pool just sounds weird to me but Viceroy Santa Monica somehow is making it work with the launch of its Al Forno Fridays where you can enjoy a gourmet “poolsize” pizza from Whist executive chef, Tony DiSalvo. Pizzas ($10-$17) include oven roasted tomatoes, burrata, basil and sausage, salami, prosciutto, pancetta, tomato, mozzarella. There will also be a selection of beers from Unibroue and Stone Brewing Company as well as wines by the glass.

  • 2-6pm. Viceroy Santa Monica, 1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica (map).

Sunday, July 4

Here are some 4th of July lists for you:

CitySearch’s July 4th in Los Angeles 2010

The Rundown’s List of Where To Watch the Best Fireworks

UrbanDaddy’s 4th of July Party Guide

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May 20, 2010

This Weekend: Silver Lake Jubilee, Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale, The Bruery Party

Written by Caroline on Crack in Beauty & Fashion, Dining, Los Angeles, Music, Nightlife, Recreation, Shopping & Sales
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Damn this weekend is going to be so fun. Festivals, sales and, more importantly, a beer celebration.

Friday, May 21

Rebecca Minkoff LA Sample Sale
At this sample sale, get the same hot handbags that you see Hollywood starlets toting around on TMZ for 50-70% off. How is that possible? These babies are samples from past and current seasons and overproduction. And if you manage to spend over $700 you get 10% off. Cash and credit cards only.

  • Friday-Saturday 10am-7pm. Confederacy, 4661 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

LA Weekly LA Weekend
Comic book burlesque, J Gold discussing the finer points of hot dog meat and a slap booth featuring Lucha VaVoom’s Poubelle Twins. Sounds like a party you need to be a part of, right? This two-day event brings together all that’s right and good about our city, combining speaker panels, food, art, politics and theater in the Saban Theatre. Proceeds go to benefit the Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center in Watts.

  • Friday-Saturday. $12.50 each day. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

Saturday, May 22

Silver Lake Jubilee
Remember when Sunset Junction was cheap and humble? Well that’s what this new, neighborhoodie, eco-friendly music and art fest is. It will feature over 35 musical acts for only $5! There will even be a mini microbrew fest inside with two beer gardens hosted by Good Microbrew and Firestone Walker Brewing Company. Enjoy food from 30 food trucks and browse the wares of local vendors.

  • Saturday-Sunday 10am-10pm. Myra Avenue between Fountain Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

The Bruery’s 2nd Anniversary Party
OMG I’m SO excited about this one. One of my fave SoCal breweries is celebrating its 2nd bday and they’ll not only have tastings of their standard and limited release brew but will also release their 2nd Anniversary Ale, Coton, which you can buy a bottle of at the party. Guests will also get stuffed on Seal Beach’s Beachwood BBQ and The Bruery’s own Liege waffles. The celebration is split into four 3-hour sessions with tickets costing $40 (includes 10 beer tasters) or $20 for the designated driver.

  • Saturday-Sunday. Tickets: $40. The Bruery, 715 Dunn Way, Placentia (map).

Sunday, May 23

4th Annual Flavors of Los Angeles
This culinary gala isn’t a food fest where you walk from table to table sampling a bunch of random dishes — not that there’s anything wrong with that. This one features renowned chefs who design and prepare their five-course menu table-side, complete with paired wines and a specially designed table setting for a table of 12 guests. Featured chefs include Top Chef Michael Voltaggio, Drago Centro’s Celestino Drago, Rivera’s John Sedlar and more. Proceeds go to benefit the American Liver Foundation.

  • 5pm. Tickets: $250. City National Bank Plaza, 555 South Flower Street, Los Angeles (map).
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April 22, 2010

This Weekend: $1 Cocktails, Beer Class, Poketo Party

Written by Caroline on Crack in Beauty & Fashion, Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Shopping & Sales
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SO many fun things to do this weekend. I hope it doesn’t rain!

Friday, April 23

$1 Cocktails at Bigfoot Lodge West
One of my fave Westside bars is debuting two new cocktails on its happy hour menu and we all benefit. From 8 to 10pm, the new drinks — Moscow Mule and the Honeycomb — will be specially priced at only $1 each! Only thing that makes me go “Wuuut?” is that their Moscow Mule is made with rum but it’s only a buck so why complain?

  • 8-10pm. Bigfoot Lodge West, 10939 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (310) 287-2200.

Thirsty Crow Bar’s Grand Opening
Last night I had a chance to check out this wonderful, new bar which happens to be owned by the same cool folks who own Bigfoot West, Bigfoot Lodge and Saints & Sinners. And if you consider yourself a serious bourbon fan, you’ve gotta check it out. And yes, the skunk butts are thankfully gone, now replaced by some antique-y lights. Order up a Sazerac or a Manhattan. Or even a Pappy Van Winkle with an ice ball. And then grab a cozy table in the back room.

  • Thirsty Crow, 2939 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). (323) 661-6007.

Saturday, April 24

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Before Kindle and the iPad, there were books. Remember them? Well, now’s your chance to stroll down Memory Lane and peruse novels, short stories collections, cookbooks. Smell them, get a paper cut and perhaps converse with actual booksellers. You can also check out author panels and seminars while there.

  • Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. UCLA, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles (map).

2nd Annual Unique LA Spring Show
Shop 300 hand-selected designers and artists and their wares. You’ll find unique clothing, housewares, artwork, gourmet edibles, etc. at this huuge two-day shopping event. It’s only $10 to get in and then it’s unlimited re-entry for the weekend. Admission also includes free drinks, hosted bar with Unique cocktails and a tote bag.

  • Saturday and Sunday, 11am-6pm. $10. California Market Center’s Penthouse, 110 E. 9th Street, Los Angeles (map).

1st 8th Annual Grilled Cheese Invitational
Yes, Mom’s comfort food has got its own event in L.A. that’s the favorite of every Angeleno foodie. Tillamook Cheese is the official cheese sponsor of this much anticipated cooking contest and will be handing out tons of sample of its cheese as well as grilled cheese sandwiches. And even the cute Loaf Love Tour mini bus will be on hand. Attendees will get to witness the amateur and pro grilling competitions, partake of a beer garden as well as feast on the food sold by the multiple food vendors.

  • 12-6pm. $10 online, $15 at event. Los Angeles Center Studios, 1201 W. 5th Street, Los Angeles (map).

Beer Class With the Beer Chicks at Rustic Canyon
Before I make you fall in love with this event, know that I’m not sure if tickets are still available. Yesterday Beer Chick Christina Perozzi said there were only 4 tickets left. Anyhoo, at this very informative, tasty school, you’ll get to go on a Beer Journey exploring the styles and flavors of craft beer. You can only buy tickets for this event online; they won’t be sold at the event.

  • 12-2pm. Tickets online: $40. Rustic Canyon Wine Bar & Seasonal Kitchen, 1119 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica (map).

2nd Annual Santa Barbara Wine Fest
Taste over 150 wines from 48 Central Coast wineries, all handpicked by the Wine House buyers. Small production lots, single vineyard labels and more. That will be over $5,000 worth of Santa Barbara Wine you’re tasting for just $55 a ticket. And if you purchase any of the wines the day of the event you get $10 off!

  • 2-4pm. $55 general, $68 VIP with early admission and parking. The Olympic Collection Banquet and Conference Center, 11301 Olympic Blvd. #204, Los Angeles (map).

Opening Reception Party for Poketo x Kitsune Noir presents “Los Angeles, I’m Yours”
Browse the living art market at the Space 15Twenty Gallery while enjoying Scoops ice cream and a DJ set by Aquarium Drunkard at this opening reception. Participating artists will include actor/musician Jason Schwartzman, film director Neil LaBute and over 30 L.A. artists. The market will run til May 15.

  • 7-10pm. Space 15Twenty Gallery, 1520 N. Cahuenga Avenue, Los Angeles (map).
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April 19, 2010

Win VIP Tickets to Sassy City Chicks LA Fashion Bash

Written by Caroline on Crack in Beauty & Fashion, Los Angeles, Shopping & Sales
22 Comments

Fashionable footwear by Sassy City Chicks

L.A. fashionistas will converge on the Petersen Automotive Museum this Thursday for the Sassy City Chicks LA Fashion Bash which will feature lots of spring designer clothing, handbags, jeans and jewelry for up to 80% off. And we’re talking designers like Prada, DVF, Nanette Lepore and Marc Jacobs to name but a few.

And since “Labels & Liquor” is this sale’s theme, you know there will be complimentary cocktails to be enjoyed while you browse; PAMA pomegranate cocktails actually. Guests can also partake of free spa services.

Anyway, I’m giving away VIP tickets to this event which are normally $20 each and you’ll get a gift bag.

To win a pair of VIP tickets:

  1. The first 10 people to email info [at] sassycitychicks.com with “Caroline on Crack” in the Subject line get a pair of VIP tickets. You must do this before Wednesday.
  2. Leave a comment below saying that you sent an email and include who your favorite designer at the sample sale is. You can find the list here.

If, however, you miss that opportunity, you can still score free general admission tickets to the event (regularly $5 a ticket and no gift bag). Just use promo code “GENAD” at checkout.

Chevy is also hosting a sneak preview before the event at 4-5:30pm at its Chevy Lounge where shoppers can browse a designer trunk show and even get the opportunity to test-drive or ride the newest Chevy cars. Just RSVP with info [at] sassycitychicks.com, and include your ticket number to reserve your space for the preview.

EVENT: THURSDAY, APRIL 22 from 5:30 to 10pm

Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90036 (map)

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April 8, 2010

This Weekend: Sake Sommelier Seminar, Warehouse Sale, Vintage Yard Sale

Written by Caroline on Crack in Beauty & Fashion, Los Angeles, Movies, Shopping & Sales
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Looks like it’s going to be a gorgeous weekend, all sunny and stuff. I have to go out of town for family business but enjoy!

Friday, April 9

Junior Drake Warehouse Sale
Score Junior Drake leather handbags, wallets, totes, shoulder bags and more at very steep discounts of 65-90% off. We’re talking what once was $500 is now $80. And signature logo canvas and leather bags are two for $50. For sustenance there will be free hot dog refreshments and a live DJ will keep you grooving while you browse. Those who spend $150 and up get to spin some wheel for prizes. Cash and credit cards only.

  • Friday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. 740 East 60th Street, Los Angeles (map). (800) 813-1803.

Saturday, April 10

Master Sake Sommelier Leads Seminars at 2010 Cherry Blossom Festival
Celebrate the cherry blossom festival the best way, with hour-long sake sessions lead by Master Sake Sommelier Yuji Matsumoto of Kabuki Japanese Restaurant. This weekend Yuji-san will host educational sake-tasting seminars teaching you not only how to decode a sake menu but how to pair sake and food. Cost is $30 and includes three types of sake with food. It’s only 20 attendees per session and you can sign up at the event booth in front of the Japanese American National Museum.

  • Saturday 12pm and 3pm, Sunday 1:30pm. Entrance at: 1st and Central (in front of the Japanese American National Museum), 100 North Central Avenue, Los Angeles (map). Sake Garden: LA City Parking Lot #7 (in front of Geffen Contemporary MOCA).

Massive Stylesmith Vintage Sale
More shopping! Online Etsy store for Stylesmith is closing its virtual doors but you can shop its huuuge yard sale of hundreds of vintage garments, shoes and accessories starting at $5; jewelry starts at $1! Cash and cards only. RSVP: vintage@stylesmithonline.com.

  • 11am-4pm. 137 S. Jackson Street, Glendale (map).

Devil’s Drive-In: A Clockwork Orange
My fave Stanley Kubrick movie, next to The Shining. Gather your droogs for a little bit of the old ultra-violence. And don’t forget to bring your own bottle of booze. Show up via bike, on foot or car. There’s an FM transmitter for your car or comfy astroturf for your bootie. Angel Derby Girls are your car hops bringing you food and popcorn.

  • 6:30pm. $10. 240 W. 4th Street, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles (map).
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March 25, 2010

This Weekend: Happy Hour Italiano, Rivera’s $5 Cocktails, $20 Unlimited Sushi

Written by Caroline on Crack in Beauty & Fashion, Cupcakes, Dining, Los Angeles, Nightlife
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Woo hoo! My last weekend of not drinking has finally arrived! And I plan to celebrate big come Monday at First & Hope’s Red Rover, Red Rover bar night. But til then check out all the fun things going on.

Thursday, March 25

Oliverio’s Italian-Inspired Happy Hour
Remember Blue on Blue? The Avalon Beverly Hills’ happy hour? Well, it has since been replaced by that of the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Oliverio, but this time en Italiano. New Salute cocktails are $14 and the aperitivi ranges from $8 to $22 with oysters at $2.50 each but it’s all half off during happy hour every Tuesday and Thursday. True, $7 cocktails is pricey compared to the usual $4 well drink fare of a typical happy hour. But this fancy, poolside one features Italian delicacies like grilled octopus ($4), pizzetta truffle with goat cheese and black summer truffles ($11).

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-9pm. Oliverio at The Avalon, 9400 West Olympic Boulevard, Beverly Hills (map). (310) 407-7791.

Rivera’s Spring Cocktail Menu Debuts Tonight With $5* Drinks
Tonight, master mixologist of Rivera, Julian Cox, will debut his new spring cocktail menu for the downtown restaurant. Liquid Muse Natalie Bovis and I got a sneaky peek of the prototype of a beet cocktail with Combier orange, Spanish brandy, beet juice, plum wine and lemon that may or may not be on the new menu. Whatever the lineup is going to be, though, I know it’s gonna be good. If you stop by tonight after 9pm, you’ll be able to try out the new drinks for only $5* each.

  • 9pm to close. Rivera, 1050 S. Flower Street, Downtown (map). (213) 749-1460.

Friday, March 26

Early 1900s Extravaganza at the Los Angeles Athletic Club
Party like it’s 19-0-0! At the Los Angeles Athletic Club’s wine soiree, guests will get to sip wine paired with historic cheeses as well as the lux Valrhona Grand Cru chocolates all while taking in the views from the athletic club’s rooftop patio. Folk-blues orchestra, The Dustbowl Revival, will keep your toes a-tapping. Tickets are $66 a person or you can score the ticket package of $88 for two people (as of this writing there are 4 left).

  • 7-9pm. $66 a person, $88 for two. Los Angeles Athletic Club, 431 W 7th Street, Downtown (map). (213) 625-2211.

Saturday, March 27

Chaya Go Pop-Up Restaurant’s All-You-Can-Eat Sushi and Bar for $20 a Person
While Chaya Venice is getting a makeover, Chaya Go, a pop-up restaurant, will open steps away to offer diners all-you-can-eat sushi and beer, wine and sake for only $20 a person! Executive Chef Shigefumi Tachibe’s menu will include spicy tuna, salmon sushi and veggie sushi rolls. Nice part is that all proceeds will benefit C-CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program).

  • March 27 to 31. Chaya Go, 245 Main Street, Venice (map).

Sunday, March 28

Pamper Me Fabulous
It’s that time of year again: Get scrubbed down, trimmed and polished to reemerge as a beautiful renewed butterfly for spring. Pamper Me Fabulous is the spa day you’ve been waiting for with an offering of mini beauty and spa services from the best spas and salons as well as lots of gourmet eats for you to luxuriate over in the Vibiana cathedral. Tickets range in price from $25 general admission (a swag bag, health and wellness expert sessions and access to beauty product samples, boutique shopping and drinks and desserts) to $100 VIP (two mini treatments from top spas and salons and access to lounges, bubbly and appetizers as well as a VIP swag bag). Get 10% off when you use discount code: oohlala.

  • 11am-5pm. Vibiana, 210 S. Main Street, Downtown (map).

* Not sure if the cocktails are $5 or $6. On Tuesday, Julian told me they are going to be $5 but then he tweeted that they’re $6. Either way, great deal.

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