Category Archives: Shopping & Sales

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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August 11, 2010

Free Ice Cream at Poketo for Target Ice Cream Meetup

Written by Caroline on Crack in Los Angeles, Shopping & Sales, Sweets
2 Comments
From Poketo for Target collection by Poketo

From Poketo for Target collection by Poketo

To celebrate the launch of its “Poketo for Target” accessories collection, the artsy collective will be throwing an ice cream meetup at the Target West Hollywood store on August 14 from 1 to 3:30pm where you can also chat with Poketo co-founder Ted Vadakan. The first 100 folks to show up will get a free scoop of tasty Lake Street Creamery Truck ice cream! After that they’ll sell the ice cream, including Poketo-inspired flavor, white chocolate cherry.

Afterward, shop browse the cutesy limited-edition collection in the store. I love that Tar-jay makes affordable versions of designer brands but OMG when it’s Poketo. Colorful, adorable water bottles, wallets, iPod cases and more by artists like Betsy Walton, Maki and Silvia Portella. Click here for the complete list of artists.

UPDATE: Because of Target’s recent support of anti-gay politicians and groups, I can’t support them, as much as I used to love them. So, yes, to the free ice cream and supporting Poketo, but not so much to actually patronizing the store. Boo.

EVENT: SATURDAY, AUGUST 14 from 1 to 3:30pm

Target in West Hollywood
7100 Santa Monica Boulevard
West Hollywood, California 90046 (map)

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August 5, 2010

This Weekend: 3-Story-High Hangover, Mall Hype, Free Cupcakes

Written by Caroline on Crack in Dining, Lists, Los Angeles, Movies, Music, Nightlife, Shopping & Sales
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I’m going up north for another edition of 24 Hours of Lemons but I’m not leaving you blind. In addition to Saturday’s KBBQ cook-off you’ve got these events.

Thursday, August 5

BreadBar Hatchi Mix: Comme Ca’s Cedilla — A Suite of Cocktails
Max Seaman and Jeff Knudsen, the mixology team at Comme Ca in West Hollywood, are featured in this month’s edition of Hatchi Mix. They’ll serve up eight cocktails for $8 each. Yummy-sounding concoctions like Hot Pepper Smash with rye, lemon, honey, Serrano chile and mint and Sergio Leone with tequila, Campari and Sweet Vermouth. Classics like Penicillin and Bloody Mary will also make an appearance.

  • 6-10pm. BreadBar Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

Friday, August 6

Santa Monica Place’s Grand Opening Celebration
Finally! The Santa Monica mall is back. AND it’s so new and improved that it’s now an outdoor mall, complementing the 3rd Street Promenade nicely. Celebrate at this all-day party which kicks off with a morning ribbon-cutting ceremony and ends with happy hour on the gorgeous Dining Deck where KCRW music director Jason Bentley will be spinning a two-hour set! And throughout the day there will be live music and retailer-hosted events from the likes of Bloomingdales, Disney and Charlotte Russe.

  • Starts 10am. Santa Monica Place, 1453 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica (map).

Saturday, August 7

OC Foodie Fest’s Pub & Grub
I know this is a bit beyond my jurisdiction but the OC is having its own “Foodie Fest” on August 28. And in anticipation of that, it’s throwing a special preview party this Saturday at Proof Bar in Santa Ana where presale OC Foodie Fest ticket holders will get a sneak peek of the OC food trucks attending the food fest as well as get to enjoy an Azunia Tequila tasting, giveaways and music. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, you can do so at this event for a discounted price!

  • 7-10:30pm. Free. Proof Bar’s parking lot, 215 N Broadway, Santa Ana (map).

Win $500 at Westfield Culver City for Being the Most Stylish Shopper
Yeah, I thought this sounded weird and am not really sure how a “stylish shopper” would dress. But maybe just show up like you’re dressed for the Oscars and strut your stuff on the red carpet at the mall while the hosts of weekly entertainment show, On the Red Carpet, provide the running commentary, and you can’t lose. Participant photos will be posted on the mall’s Facebook page. The winner, who will be chosen by a panel of judges, gets a $500 gift card for the Culver City mall. Easy peasy.

  • 12-4pm. Westfield Culver City, 6000 Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City (map).

SusieCakes Celebrates Its 4th Birthday
To celebrate its 4th birthday, SusieCakes will be giving out a free box of four mini cupcakes to the first 100 customers to show up between 1 and 4pm. If you miss your chance for the freebie treat, the cupcakery will offer retro-priced goodies like 40-cent cookies!

Outdoor Cinema Food Fest Presents: The Hangover
OMG my fave Vegas movie EVER! I can’t imagine how much more awesome it’s going to be on a three-story-tall outdoor movie screen! Couple that with food trucks like Fishlips Sushi, Nana Queens and Don Chow Tacos, and you have one swinging good time.

  • 6-11pm. $8. Exposition Park, 700 Exposition Park Boulevard, Los Angeles (map).

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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
1 Comment

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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June 17, 2010

This Weekend: Bloggers Who Bake, Free Counter Burger, Beer Class for Dad

Written by Caroline on Crack in Cupcakes, Dining, Los Angeles, Movies, Shopping & Sales, Sweets
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Yee-haw for Dads! Hope your kids really celebrate you…except for the deadbeat dads, in which case never mind.

Thursday, June 17

Steve McQueen Weekend and James Bond Double Feature
I know these film events are supposed to be for dads but damn, I like Steve McQueen and Sean Connery, too. HOT! This whole weekend, the Egyptian Theatre will showcase a slew of Steve, including the 50th anniversary of The Magnificent Seven as well as The Great Escape. But unfortunately, no Bullitt. And on Sunday, the Aero Theater in Santa Monica will be showing Goldfinger and Thunderball, featuring my favorite Bond: Sean “Hot Scot” Connery.

Friday, June 18

LF Summer Warehouse Sale
Build up your summer wardrobe at this huge warehouse sale where you can get designer jeans, dresses, tops and more for 70 to 90% off. Deals include $6 t-shirts, $12 dresses and $35 boots! Cash and credit cards only.

  • Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 7am-3pm. 5333 McConnell Avenue, Playa del Rey (map).

Saturday, June 19

Eat My Blog Summer Charity Bake Sale
We, bloggers, can criticize food but how are we as bakers? OK, not me, but definitely all the other food bloggers who will be selling their tasty pastries at this biannual bake sale. The Manila Machine’s Ube cupcakes, Lindsay of LAist’s scrumptious smoked salt toffee and so much more. There will even be gluten-free goodies available. Here’s the menu for your perusal. Proceeds go to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. I’ll be manning the table from 10am to 1pm if you want to stop by and say, “Hi!” and put me to work. Hope to see you there.

  • 10am-4pm. Tender Greens West Hollywood, 8759 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood (map). (310) 358-1919.

Beer Chicks’ Father’s Day Class at Rustic Canyon
If you still don’t know how to thank dear ol’ Dad for raising you, I say buy the man a drink, or several via this beer class by the Beer Chicks. I took the class back in April and had a blast. You and Dad will learn about all the different beers by tasting them. And for this class there will be several craft beers including Barrel-aged Beers, Double IPA’s and Sour Belgians.

  • 12-2pm. $45. Rustic Canyon, 1119 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica (map).

Sunday, June 20

Free Burger for Dad at The Counter
Score a free burger for Pops at any of The Counter restaurants just by walking in and yelling at the top of your lungs, “I WANT THE BFD!” OK, maybe you don’t have to yell it but just bring in your family and then let your waitress know you want the BFD (“burger for Dad”). And he’ll get a standard burger with toppings; it’s extra for the premium toppings. Only works when accompanied by a paying customer.

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June 3, 2010

This Weekend: Fashion Food Truck, N’Awlins Crawfish Boil, Girls’ Night Out

Written by Caroline on Crack in Cocktails, Dining, Los Angeles, Nightlife, Shopping & Sales, Sweets
1 Comment

Joseph Brooke from Edison in LA – Part 2 from Shaker Faces on Vimeo.

Is it the weekend already? Awesome.

Thursday, June 3

Los Angeles Magazine‘s Girls’ Night Out
Yes, sadly, I was SO disappointed by Sex and the City 2 and wouldn’t see it again. BUT if you’re an SATC fan and haven’t seen it yet, now’s your chance. At this girl-friendly party, the first 300 attendees to check in will get a FREE pass to see the movie after the event. If you’ve already seen the movie, however, you’ll still want to go for the mini spa treatments, cocktails, Pink Taco finger food, gift bags and music.

  • 6-9pm. Westfield Century City’s Center Court, 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Century City (map).

An Evening with Pablove and Intelligentsia
Spend a lovely evening in Venice enjoying an acoustic show by Eulogies and a DJ set by KCRW’s Tom Schnabel while sipping on the best cappuccino in the world. This special event goes to raise awareness about pediatric cancer as well as raise funds for the Pablove Foundation which supports the families of children suffering from the disease. Suggested donation is $10.

  • 7pm. $10 suggested donation. Intelligentsia Venice, 1331 Abbot Kinney, Venice (map). (310) 399-1233.

Friday, June 4

National Doughnut Day
If your fancier palate requires something more than a free Krispy Kreme celebrate this tasty pastry by indulging in BLT Steak‘s warm glazed doughnut with cappuccino ice cream or Culina‘s Bomboloni with honey ricotta, citrus and marmalade OR Hatfield’s Sugar & Spice beignets with Venezuelan chocolate fondue and a preserved ginger milkshake shot. Drool!

Saturday, June 5

Prix-Fixe Weekend at 6 Italian Restaurants
From June 5 through June 20, you don’t have to go to Italy to enjoy truly authentic Italian food. The Italian Trade Commission and Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West selected six L.A. Italian restaurants — Drago, Caffe’ Roma, Il Grano, Il Moro, Locanda del Lago and Valentino — to showcase the best ingredients from Italy. And each one will offer special prix fixe lunch and dinner menus for the occasion. Valentino will feature La Cassatina di Ricotta Siciliana con il Sorbetto di Fichi d’India and Locanda Del Lago has Risotto al Gorgonzola “Dolce Latte” con Barbabietole Rosse e Gialle. Don’t know what they are but sounds fab. Make your ressies through the restaurants’ sites.

Dominick’s Crawfish Boil
Nothing says summer like a good ol’ fashioned crawfish boil. And Dominick’s Chef Brandon Boudet, a New Orleans native, would know how it’s done. Fans of the mudbug will be able to enjoy the crawfish ($7/pound) served with potatoes and corn as well as roast beef po’ boys, oysters on a half shell and Creole-boiled artichokes.

  • 2-6pm. Dominick’s, 8715 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles (map). Reservations: (310) 652-2335.

Launch Party for Blood is the New Black’s Summer Fling Truck
A fashion and ice cream truck? Oh, I’m all about that! Blood is the New Black and mobile accessories designer I Make My Case team up with CoolHaus, gourmet ice cream truck, for the Summer Fling Truck to bring good taste and treats to all the good girl and boy hipsters around L.A. through September. The launch party this Saturday will feature an open bar courtesy of Pabst Blue Ribbon, live screenprinting and live performances by Dunes. RSVP with info [at] bloodisthenewblack.com.

  • 8pm-12am. Nomad Gallery, 1993 Blake Avenue, Los Angeles (map).
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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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