Inherent Style in LA

Living In The Future

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Tue, 29 May 2012 17:48:00 +0000

Oscar Niemeyer, 1967 - Sunset Strip, West Hollywood

Yesterday while I was driving home from my long weekend spent at the beach a few sights jumped out at me. Some were more familiar than others. What interested me most was how they had a common thread that began to narrate a story of sorts. LA Past and LA Present became LA Future... Suddenly I realized I was living in one giant movie production complete with locations and costumes and an interesting supporting cast.

Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills

Sprinkles Cupcakes, Beverly Hills

Cupcake ATM

Neiman Marcus windows showcasing Otis student designs

Sunset Plaza, West Hollywood

Edward Durrell Stone, 1962 - Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills

This morning when I awoke I continued to write the script. I wonder how it will all turn out?

Rapunzel Bangle DIY

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:53:00 +0000

I was out and about the other day and decided to make an impromptu pit stop at Opening Ceremony. It is a store like no other. Very aspirational, highly inspirational (it inspired this post!). I hope it will become to LA what Fred Segal once was... Okay, before I go off on another tangent, let me get to my point. I was saying how inspired I was. Particularly inspired when I stumbled onto yet another work of art by Delphina Delettrez. (You may remember this post when an obsession with a DD cuff unleashed a flurry of creativity resulting in a hand painted clutch???)

Well, this time Delphina's "Rapunzel Bangle" was the culprit. The Rapunzel stole my heart and broke it all at once - she was so pretty and so unattainably expensive! If you feel an obsession coming on too, don't feel sad for us because I've found a way to get the look and it's pretty darn easy.

Here's what you'll need:

Cheapy bangles - found these at F21

Colored floss (I think choosing one color in a gradation of light to dark would be cool too) - found these at Michaels

You'll also need a ruler and a nice pair of sharp scissors

Step One: Decide how adventurous and impractical your bangles are going to be. I decided 12 inches sounded just long enough to be dramatic without having to worry about the situation getting too tangled down there. Keep in mind the floss is going to be folded in half and looped around the bangle so I doubled the initial length, making it 24 inches. Measure each strand, clip and set aside in a nice neat stack.

Step Two: Making sure the strands of floss are even (I used 8 strands per color), fold stack in half and loop around bangle.

Step Three: Pull ends through the center of loop

Step Four: Pull the ends tight until the loop is flush with the bangle. Repeat.

I used 6 colors for the first bangle and 8 strands of floss for each color

For the second I used 7 different colors and 5 strands of floss for each. This time I added two strands of the neighboring shade to each grouping so that the colors sort of bled into one another.

If you're going to be this bold may as well pile it on!

Thoughts?

Do you think you'll give it a try?

Happy Friday everyone! Glad to be back... I missed you so...

Have a great weekend!

Lining Up For Pizza - 800 Degrees, Westwood

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:02:00 +0000

That's right - we lined up for pizza because we knew it would move fast and it would be worth the wait. It is the genius idea from the good people at Umami Burger. Seriously, why didn't I think of this?

Once inside you stay in the line and place your order as though you were at a Chipotle or Subway. You choose the foundation for your pizza - bianca, margherita, or marinara. You build your pizza from there by using or embellishing their suggestions or creating your own!

800 Degrees is Neapolitan style pizza, which is meant to have a thin chewy crust devoured by knife and fork. I love a thin crust but prefer a little crunch so be sure to request extra crispy before it is sent off to the wood burning oven if that is your preference.

Vintage Pizza Boxes as Art

Other than being served fast, 800 Degrees has nothing in common with fast food. This gorgeous hunk of prosciutto perched in this sophisticated piece of equipment is proof!

The Burrata Bar

HIgh Tech Soda Dispenser

Old Fashioned Wood Burning Pizza Ovens

About two minutes later... Margherita base, sopressata, Calabrian chilies. Multo Bueno!

Caponata and Pinenuts from the Burrata Bar

Tartufo

I just love a charred, blistered crust. Don't you?

I hope this post finds you all well and hopefully still my readers after my long and unexplained absence from the blogging world. First my back surgery and then - a burglary! My laptop was among the items stolen. This post is dedicated to my boyfriend - who missed my blog so much he generously replaced/upgraded my laptop!!! The world doesn't feel like as cold and uncaring when you have a good man in your life. Thank you RC.

Dinner And a Movie - Broadway Theater District, LA

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:12:00 +0000

Saturday night we went to dinner and a movie. LA is the birthplace of the movies, as you know, so it only makes sense we have movie-going experiences to rival all others. I've always wanted to see the 1974 Roman Polanski flick Chinatown - a neo-noir film set in 1937 Los Angeles based on the "water wars" headed by William Mulholland (see how Mr. Mul inspired me to frolic in a water fountain in this post). It is a twisted story with incredible acting and gorgeous costumes. Our night began with dinner at - you guessed it - Bottega Louie...

Pizza Love

A floral heart is hung above the wood-burning pizza oven at BL

I spy with my little eye... someone who is FABULOUS!

It's my favorite game to play while dining... I shamelessly chased after this couple as they stepped out!

My posse walking the mean streets of LA, en route to the theater

My Aunt Anita is visiting from Canada and I thought a movie about how LA came to be would be the perfect way to welcome her to town. I purchased the tickets through the Los Angeles Conservancy's Last Remaining Seats program which was created to draw attention to the few remaining movie palaces remaining in downtown LA.

One of the more outrageous shops in the district

The Broadway Theater District used to be home to dozens of theaters. It has the largest collection of pre-WWII movie palaces in the US. If you explore Broadway, which in her heyday was the hub of LA's entertainment scene, you'll find twelve surviving theaters built between 1910-1931. Most of the theaters have been converted into churches and retail spaces in what has become a predominantly Latino shopping district.

The Orpheum - built in 1926

An ornate French Renaissance lobby makes quite a first impression

Designed by architect G. Albert Lansburgh, it was originally home to the vaudeville circuit where Judy Garland performed as Francis Gumm. I couldn't help but imagine the varied performances those heavy velvet curtains revealed to captive audiences over the decades. From burlesque to rock and roll - the only thing that hasn't changed is our desire to be entertained...

The Mighty Wurlitzer - the last remaining theater organ on Broadway

Back in to the neon night...

Guns N' Roses "November Rain" features the Orpheum

Tell me about your weekend, my friends. Did you enjoy a spectacular meal? Discover something new? Lay around Italian style - "dolce far niente"?

Pink and Orange - Ombre Nail Art

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:12:00 +0000

Isn't it interesting how inspiration can emanate from a variety of sources? One of the most difficult things a blogger encounters is how to be creative and remain inspired enough to post consistently. LA inspires me in so many ways - the lush vegetation, eclectic architecture, amazing markets and restaurants... But sometimes I find the most inspiration in you, my fellow bloggers! I'm still recovering from back surgery so I spend a lot of time being horizontal and that allows for time spent with you. This morning I decided to see how Paola of The PvdH Journal was doing with her relocation from London to Mexico City when I discovered a very lovely and unusual post on nail art. Unusual for Paola, I mean. I myself have only posted once about nail art when I painted nails inspired by Tony Duquette. Take a peek here. Anyway, Paola inspired me to do a post on a new Essie color I picked up over the weekend. I decided to apply my art degree here and mix it up a little! The result was ombre nails using Essie's "Orange, it's obvious" and Rimmel's "Posh Pink".

Thank you for being my muse today Paola!

Tell me friends, when inspiration doesn't find you, where do you find it?

Post Cards From The Canals of Venice - Venice, California

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:51:00 +0000

Venice is my favorite beach city. You may remember this post about a shopping and eating excursion on Abbot Kinney Blvd. Well, food and tchotchkes aren't the only draw in Venice! Let's see, there's the ocean for one! There's a vibrant art scene too. Great people watching on the boardwalk... But what you may not know is Venice, like her namesake city in Italy, also has glorious canals!

Tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney wanted to create a beach resort town and in 1905 he dug several miles of canals on marshy land. Not only did he build residential cottages but also a pier complete with roller coaster, arial acts, an aquarium and several other attractions.

Kinney Pier circa 1921 photo via Los Angeles Public Library

On weekends the population swelled to up to 150,000 visitors until the late 20's. It was the Disneyland of its day. But by the 50's Venice had become incredibly neglected. It became "The Slum By The Sea", with low rent run-down bungalows attracting European immigrants and young counterculture artists, poets and writers. (Would that I could step into a time machine and buy up all the adorable little cottages at discount prices!) Home to members of the Beat Generation and founding members of The Doors, the Venice of today is one part hippie and two parts bougie! If the city of LA hadn't let it fall into disrepair maybe it would never have become the art center it is today.

The table was all set for brunch - wouldn't you love to be a guest?

Stars stenciled on a bridge

70's globe chandeliers decorate a tree

"Fly pelican! Fly!"

I hope everyone is having a great week! I'm coming down off a crazy sugar-induced high from Easter Weekend celebrations... Wish me luck on day two of NO SUGAR!

A Stylish Easter At Bottega Louie

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Dark and White Chocolate Eggs

It just wouldn't be a holiday without a trip to Bottega Louie... I found myself ogling over the tasty confections and the parade of Easter-inspired fashions! I could have spent the entire day in Bottega's pastel paradise... Instead I made my purchases and made a run for it before I bought up the entire store! In my haste I forgot to photograph the seasonal macarons which included violet cassis and grand cru...

It's so rare I meet another Angela - but we're out there!

Angela works at Bottega and is wearing a dress designed by her good friend and FIDM fashion student Ralph Prado

Chocolate Lambs

Pastel Marshmallows

Chocolate Bunnies

a chic patron named Joy

Saint Amour and Lemon Saint Amour - tellement jolie!

Happy Easter friends!

My Dad Died of Cancer Because He Was A Smoker

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 03:44:00 +0000

Today all I can think about is the most terrifying and horrible day of my life. It was exactly one year ago. It was the last time my Dad ever held my hand. The last time he ever looked into my eyes.... He did these things as he convulsed in pain from the mini-strokes that were slowly and painfully killing him - despite the high doses of drugs coursing through his veins. Staying ahead of the pain was our collective goal for the past six months but this day we seemed to be loosing the battle. It was the first day of many things that would never be again.

(photo Tommy Ton via JAK & JIL)

My father smoked from the time he was around 14 and aside from a few failed attempts he didn't stop until a couple years before his 80th Birthday. Finally with lungs like black tissue paper and three aortic aneurisms about to burst at any moment he finally followed his surgeon's advice to quit. I remember what it was like to watch the rotation of pharmaceutical commercials on NBC Nightly News with him. A commercial for some drug boasting its ability to treat COPD would come on and he would say " Oh, COPD? I have that". He said it pleasantly, not just acceptingly. He was clearly in denial about what it meant to live with a disease that could kill you. I never knew exactly how to respond. I was living in comfortable denial too. One commercial after the next, the diseases and drugs would vary but his commentary and attitude didn't. The only disease he had that there was no drug commercial for was lung cancer. With that disease his denial faded in and out. He would often say to us with total conviction "I really don't believe I have cancer! I don't FEEL sick". Unfortunately I never felt the luxury of denial with this diagnosis. And some days I felt happy my father was living in denial and other days I was concerned he didn't feel the urgency of his final days. I didn't know how to respond. It frustrated me. I didn't want him to "waste" a single day. Who the hell was I to decide how he should spend his last days on earth? I stopped feeling that way the first time I saw him really feel the fact that his final day was coming. I never wanted him to feel that way again. And all I could do to help him was tell him what he meant to me. Really meant. It surprised me how easily the words fell out of my mouth. We are not a vocal family when it comes to our feelings. I know - weird considering we are of Italian descent!

(Tommy Ton photo via JAK & JIL)

In six month's time my dad's cancer spread from his lungs to his adrenal gland and then his bones and then they stopped looking.

(photo Tommy Ton via JAK & JIL)

You may think 80 is a full long life but you don't know how youthful my father was. You don't know how much he LOVED life! He used to say "Life is for living" and quoted "This old world we live in, sure is hard to beat. You find a thorn with every rose, but ain't the roses sweet". Were it not for his total zest for life he would never have made it through all the health complications he suffered the last ten years of his life. They were all directly related to his lifelong smoking habit. Totally self induced. Totally unnecessary.

(photo Tommy Ton via JAK & JIL)

Some people live to be 100 and smoke their entire lives. Some people never take a drag and die of cancer at an early age. Some people smoke, quit and crave it every day and then get hit by a bus and die anyway. Life is short - why not indulge? I feel this way about cheese despite having "dangerously high cholesterol" since the age of 24. I have my own vices so who am I to lecture the close friends of mine who smoke despite the facts. But I worry about them. What my dad went through, and what his friends and family witnessed didn't have to be. That's what keeps passing through my mind. It simply didn't have to be. But he had his first cigarette high before they knew the consequences. So why do my friends smoke?

(Paz de la Huerta portrait by Terry Richardson via terrysdiary)

The Surgeon General released a shocking report a couple weeks ago.

They are calling it "The Epidemic":

- every day in the US 30 kids pick up their first cigarette

- the overall number of teenagers smoking is down but the rate of decline is slowing

- 88% of smokers start in their teens

- 600,000 middle school students smoke, 3 million high school students smoke

- 1,200 people die every day from cigarettes, for every death 2 young adults start smoking

- when you start younger, you're likely to be addicted longer

- 3 things happen when you start smoking at a younger age: 1- cardiovascular damage 2- stunted lung growth 3- shortness of breath

- nicotine is more addictive than heroin

- the 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes are what kills you

(Kate Moss portrait by Terry Richardson via terrysdiary)

Chilling news, this epidemic. I'm sure there are many factors that contribute to the results of that report but the one that strikes me most is the images we are fed daily. Not to single anyone out but there are two sites I visit daily - they are the sites belonging to my two current favorite fashion photographers. You likely know them: Tommy Ton - whose inspiring images of street style are taken to the next level and have made stars out of "fashion people"; and Terry Richardson whose work is in just about every fashion magazine out there. I have personally seen his work exhibited at "Art in the Streets" at the Geffen Contemporary and "Terrywood" at OHWOW Gallery. I admire their work. I believe in their images. I'm buyin' what they're sellin'. My guess is so are young impressionable minds. And images of smoking isn't just all over the internet but TV (hello, Mad Men!) and movies... Ciggies are dramatic props. Smoke swirling around is sexy. They draw attention to the mouth - hot!

(vintage Odille dress hand painted by me!)

So, before I get too rambly or worse, preachy, I'd love to hear why you think this epidemic is growing. What can be done about it? I've seen some pretty terrible commercials with labored breathing as of late. In Canada they've had frightening images of lungs on their packages of cigarettes for years (and exorbitant taxes as well) and yet I have plenty of family and friends over there who still smoke... Smoking bans vary from state to state and even city to city here in LA county but trust - it's getting harder to find a place outside of your home (and some apartment buildings do not allow smoking in your apartment or even on your balcony!). Maybe if I were an important image-maker I'd consider some of the images I was putting out there...

The only forms of expression I have are through this blog and my personal style. So I guess this is my way of trying to get through to friends, and family, and anyone reading because no man is an island!

Please, I'm worried about you! Stop smoking... form a nice healthy cheese habit!

Sojourne in the Sierras - Mammoth, California

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 07:02:00 +0000

Our lakefront cabin at Tamarack Lodge

I was so heartened to read all your well-wishes I managed to slap together this post I procrastinated doing pre-surgery. (I suppose when you're concerned about your health and impending surgery it's a little difficult to focus your thoughts so I forgive me!) I also managed to gently blow dry my hair today - another sign I'm on the road to recovery!

entrance to the main lodge at Tamarack

I know everyone east of Arizona is enjoying unprecedented warm temps but we here in the southwest have been FREE. ZING. Freezing! (Well, save for the last two days). When it rains down in LA you can pretty much be sure it is snowing up in the Sierras. Until last week, Mammoth had very little snow - including a few weeks ago when my man and I made our way up. And they are expecting more this weekend I believe. Thanks to my debilitating back situation I couldn't ski then and I certainly can't ski now but oh how lovely it would be to see everything buried in snow... I know, I know, East Coasters, you're enjoying the balmy weather and wouldn't trade it for ours - let alone a snow-laden destination resort! How amazing is my bf, by the way? He refused to abandon me in my weakened state last weekend and refuses to go this weekend... He's stubborn, that man... but what a good egg!

fireplace in the historic lodge

Mammoth is another reason why I love living in LA. World class skiing is a mere five hour road trip away! I grew up in the northern reaches of Canada. The whole snow thing became a little played out when you trick or treated in a snow suit and hunted for Easter eggs in the snow. The ever-present white stuff stole from my enjoyment of traditional winter activities like tobagganing, and playing "Squish The Lemon" (a game invented for the purpose of keeping warm during recess in 30 below celsius weather).

This tree reminds me of one of my favorite Canadian artists - Emily Carr

But when I know I can leave the snow and don't have to live with the inconvenience of snow - I LOVE IT! It's such a novelty. And I love the accoutrements.

... So while some people were doing this...

... and my bf was doing this...

... I hiked up Tamarack's cross-country trails to Lake Louise!

Hiking in my sasquatch Sorels left me with quite the blister but the view and feeling of accomplishment was well worth it. I still had energy for a snowball fight...

Despite my limping they cruised right on past me...

The kids in the cabin next to us - who participated in our snowball fight - made this little guy. I've never seen a snowman with a tail before... Really inappropriate from certain angles...

This truck is actually a huge mobile ski shop parked at the base of the mountain. It was closed when I had my camera ready.

This ski shop displayed a history of ski gear on the wall.

Same shop. Wish I had this for my deer collection!

I hung out in the village before I picked up my man at the lift. I really regret not taking some shots of the cute little snowboarders in all their stylish regalia. There were also some chic winter resort looks - because Mammoth is mostly filled with Angelenos! (Although, now that you can take a direct flight from LAX you'll encounter people from all over the country, and world even.)

We hung out in the lodge while we awaited our reservation at the restaurant. One of the guests got hold of my camera and decided to do a mini-photoshoot. Wish he'd gotten a shot of my fierce winter accoutrement - Costume National boots! I genuinely enjoyed our stay at Tamarack. It is authentic, rustic and cozy and elegant all at once. And the setting will take your breath away. I slept so well feeling nestled among the mountains. Or was it the propane gas leak coming from the kitchen? I prefer to think it was the fresh mountain air.

And feast your eyes on this wild game sampler! When in Rome, oui? Who knew Mammoth could offer dining so fine, so French-Californian even the New York Times and Bon Appetit had to rave! The Lakefront's chef de cuisine Frederic Pierrel cooks in the "terroir" style, meaning "of the earth".

It is so cozy and romantic you slip into a blissful food coma where you become too weak to turn down this:

Lavender Creme Brulee. If you follow me you know how I never turn down a chance to eat flowers.

And you know how I always enjoy an opportunity to end a post with dessert!

So glad to be back in the fold of the blogosphere! You are such a tremendous comfort to me. And I just reached 200 followers on Google Friend Connect (although I think they are doing away with that soon, so maybe the best route is to follow through Bloglovin 'cause Google+ just really doesn't interest me!).

Thank you thank you thank you!

A Temporary Interruption....

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:33:00 +0000

Hello fellow bloggers and friends. I'm sorry it seems as though I've fallen off the face of the earth... Just wanted to let you know that although I've been neglecting my blog as of late, I am alive and well and think of you often. I am recovering from back surgery and will be back soon with more LA adventures to regale you with. Namaste.

"The sounds of their growls... filled this canyon" - Old Zoo, Griffith Park

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 02:59:00 +0000

Jill and I took pictures of each other this morning at the Old Zoo in Griffith Park. Leave it to Jill to be new to LA and know of all the good abandoned places in town...

Advances in the zoological sciences have deemed these former chambers unfit for animals. This vintage faux fur Jordache jacket is perfect in such an environment (as I channel a very frustrated polar bear). It really belongs in the disco but Jill has yet to discover an abandoned discotech... If I didn't know the provenance of this coat I would have expected to find a vial of cocaine in one of the pockets.

If you ever need a good place to do bad things - this is probably the spot. There wasn't much evidence of wrong-doing aside from the graffiti. I think the worst has already been done. Those poor bears, macaws, elephants, reptiles, lions, monkeys and goats etc... What an existence...

Francis Bacon-head

"The Perfect Fit" denim shirt - J Crew

"Beatnik" jeans - J Brand

vintage scarf - Rudi Gernreich

handcuff bracelet - A.L.C

"Petty" boot - Sam Edelman

Thanks Jill! I needed to get an outfit post out of my system - it was a long time comin'...

Hope everyone is making the most of their weekend. Satisfying cravings, urges and the like!

Botanical Gardens - The Huntington, San Marino

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:14:00 +0000

The fiery red flower of Aloe Principis in full bloom on Aloe Hill in the Desert Garden

My dear friends, I suspect you may be feeling that end of winter ennui that tends to settle in around this time of year. I remember what it's like to desperately want to be done with snow and cold... The cusp of spring is in sight but feels like years away. In the spirit of needing to see and smell green here are some photos I took last month at one of my favorite places to visit in LA - The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens.

I will spare you the history lesson about founder Henry Huntington and the role his trains and cable cars played in encouraging LA to spread and sprawl into the ginormous metropolis it is today. Instead I will take this opportunity to vent about why I feel like I'm having a long distance relationship within the confines of my own city: I live on the East Side while my bf lives on the West Side (known to some as the Best Side or Blest Side). Sometimes - like when we'd just like to have dinner and enjoy each other's company for a few hours on a school night but can't bear the thought of traffic, or it takes him over two hours to get to me on Valentine's Day when it shouldn't take more than twenty minutes - it feels like I'm having a long distance relationship! ...Uh, back to the gardens...

I used to favor the Japanese Gardens but they are closed until spring. This trip I felt particularly inspired by the Desert Garden. Plants of these varieties (over 5,000 species) were not widely known and unappreciated at the turn of the century - even Mr. Huntington wasn't too gun ho about the idea - yet it grew to become one of the world's largest (and oldest) collections of cacti and succulents.

Over 120 acres of the 207 acres of grounds are devoted to the gardens. There are Chinese, Japanese, Australian, herb, rose (with tea room), jungle, Subtropical, and Shakespeare gardens. There are lily ponds and a children's garden to explore... And there are rare books and manuscripts in the Library's collection. You can see Gainsborough's "The Blue Boy" in the Art Gallery. The Huntington has always been a favorite place to take visitors or just to enjoy a restorative day on my own. If you find yourself near Pasadena be sure not to miss it. Eat at nearby Julien for an amazing experience and energy to walk the grounds - and be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Happy Friday my friends - and don't despair, spring has almost sprung.

Post Cards From SF - Food

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:23:00 +0000

free range chicken, farmer's cheese, green garlic, pistachio at Range

The good people of San Francisco live well. They also eat well. Must have something to do with the close proximity to all those beautiful farms, ranches, wineries and dairies in Northern California. One of my favorite experiences was the Saturday farmer's market at the Ferry Building. But more musings on that later.

Can't recall the name of this brilliant mixologist's concoction but the Creme de Violet is what sold me!

The opening picture was hands down the best meal of the trip. It was also the first meal - and happened to be my Birthday dinner. Who knew chicken could be so titillating? Everything about our experience at Range was praiseworthy. From the impeccable service, to the cozy atmosphere... Did I mention the cocktails? Let's just say it was a libation celebration extravaganza!

apple tart and rosemary ice cream

Another memorable food experience was in the most unexpected location. I dined in a warehouse at the historic Fort Mason - a former US Army base. I'm not vegetarian but I had a hankering for crisp local produce and lighter fare with an elevated gourmet twist. Greens fit the bill in every sense! Dining alone has never been so pleasant... The sweeping view of the Golden Gate Bridge and marina kept me company. So did my glass of sparkling Rose!

pink perfection - Cremant D'Alsace Brut Rose

blood orange and grapefruit brighten this lively salad of organic local greens

this "Winter Sampler" kept me going all day

You'd be right in thinking I ate and drank my way through the city... I'm not even mentioning the bits and bites in between meals! Gelato in North Beach, pizza on a park bench in Washington Square, the most sublime cup of hot and spicy dark chocolate on Union Street...

a perfect piece of pork topped with apple mustard

One of the hottest restaurants in the city - A16 - completely lived up to the hype. As memorable as the food and atmosphere were, what really stands out in my mind was the service. The wood burning oven wasn't the only center of warmth and goodness in the restaurant - our waitress had a smile that could even melt the heart of the most hardened haughty foodie hipster!

My bf, who knows a thing or two about wine, was seriously impressed with their selection of wines. I was seriously impressed with this:

any time there is Panna Cotta on the menu - I'm in

the only photo evidence I was even in SF - look how happy I am

I rode the F Line from Union Square - I haven't been in a street car since I left Toronto

I mentioned the Saturday Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building on the scenic Embarcadero at the beginning of this post and I am ending with the delectable pics. It was my favorite excursion. An exploration of all that is good about cuisine in Northern California. With the exception of actually pulling the produce from the ground yourself, this is where it all begins. Famous chefs mingle with the locals and tourists alike as we hunt down the most beautiful, fresh, tasty and sometimes imaginative food available. I've posted about my local farmer's markets at least a dozen times - but for me this was mecca!

Outside:

in line for the best coffee in the city - Blue Bottle Coffee

infused sugars and salts from Eatwell Farm

rolls of naturally sun-dried grapes

Inside:

mushroom biscuits and mushroom maple marshmallows (deeeelish!)

So, you can visit the maketplace inside the Ferry Building all week long. It was such a fantastic experience I went back for more the following day. It was far less crowded and equally enjoyable. I mainly went back for this:

farmer's cheese, roasted broccoli and garlic, pickled cabbage sandwich on Acme Bread at

Il Canne Rosso

But alas, the menu changes daily so I had something similar - but when I got home the first thing I did was replicate it in my own kitchen. Such an inspiring trip this was!!

artisan organic cheese from Cowgirl Creamery

edible art by Sweets Collection

That night we returned to the Embarcadero to gorge ourselves on fresh seafood at Water Bar. We managed to find a cab in the frenzy of the Chinese New Year parade. After a heart-wrenching cab ride (Our driver had just been served with divorce papers and needed a therapy session. Luckily for him his passenger - yours truly - was well-versed in matters concerning divorce!) we lingered over spectacular treasures from the sea and gazed into each other's eyes while trying to make sense of became the theme of the night - divorce! Believe it or not it was still romantic... my man has really beautiful deep blue eyes.

The last thing we did was head back to the Ferry Building Marketplace the following day for more good eats. Any man who can keep up with my love for and constant interest in food is a keeper. It was too crowded the previous day so I really wanted to experience the Wagon Wheel Raclette at Cowgirl Creamery. It is fascinating and deeeescrumptious!

They heat the cheese under this amazing heat lamp and scrape it off...

...where it gently lands on a stack of Acme bread. A little pickled veg on the side is perfection!

We ate it outside on a bench. Something about good food on a park bench...

After the amazing experience eating roasted broccoli in a sandwich at Il Canne Rosso I went back the following day for something similar. They were a mix of greens, roasted in garlic and lemon olive oil... with ricotta and olive tapanade .

Mustard greens with feta and caramelized carrots

their signature dish - warm egg salad with provolone cheese

the trip ended on a sweet note with an Italian meringue-topped cupcake

Thank you for joining me on my food journey. Excuse me while I make something to eat!

Happy Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:02:00 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing you love all year long...

Post Cards From SF - Architecture

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:04:00 +0000

View from the top of the hill - Nob Hill

San Francisco is so beautiful it's almost impossible to convey its uniqueness in a photo, or even in a series of blog posts for that matter... And God knows I don't have the technical skills! The colors, the architecture, the incredible vistas in every direction - maybe this photo diary can offer you a small sense of the beauty I was enveloped in.

Coit Tower

Financial District as seen from Russian Hill

"If at first you don't succeed - call an airstrike" Banksy

Spooky warehouse at the wharf

Every time I'm in SF I wonder why I don't spend more time here, considering it's a short one hour flight up the coast from LA... I hope these posts inspire you to visit at least once, and for those of us in close proximity to visit often.

Searching The Shadows - San Francisco

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:38:00 +0000

Window Shopping - Chinatown

I promise to deliver more "touristy" photos while I'm in one of the most beautiful cities in the world... But for today come explore the details with me. I think they are beautiful in their own right and are worthy of a little attention.

Cardboard - Chinatown

Shoe Repair - North Beach

A Literary Meeting Place Since 1953 - City Lights Books

Molinary & Sons, since 1896 - North Beach

Corner of Grant and Columbus

A Comforting Reminder - park bench, Washington Square

Tastes and Cultures Co-Mingle on the Mean Streets of SF

Chinese Laundry - Chinatown

View From Inside a Cable Car, riding home - Powell Street

February 8th marked a special day for me. It was my birthday and the one year anniversary of my blog - my gift to myself last year. Thank you for joining me on my journey, I'm looking forward to sharing more adventures with you! You've made all the difference...

Saturday to Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Saturday: Rain

Sunday: Brunch at Figaro

Monday: Celebrating Chinese New Year in Chinatown at Yang Chow

Tuesday: drawing a card for a dear friend who lost two loved ones in one day

Wednesday: meeting up with my friends Darren the Chef and Carlos at the new farmer's market in Barnsdall Art Park

Thursday: Hollywood and Vermont

Friday: trading sandwiches with Susan at Say Cheese

Saturday: RIP Juan

The best accessory is a grateful heart.

Have a wonderful week!!

Not Another Night At The Roller Disco - LA Derby Dolls, Silver Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:05:00 +0000

(Roller Disco-inspired window at Squaresville in Los Feliz)

(Okay, I know I'm about to date myself but whatever.... I turn 42 in a couple weeks and I am proud!)

When I was a little girl I was obsessed with roller skating - particularly Roller Disco. Everyone was doing it. Olivia Newton John was boogying on skates in the movie Xanadu. So were Charlie's Angels and Jack on Three's Company and even CHiPs was in on the action! The silver roller skate on my childhood charm bracelet commemorates my fascination...

So when my bf invited me to the Roller Derby Saturday night I couldn't resist! I expected a night of pure retro-gt's but other than a few decorative details the roller derby didn't feel retro at all.

Disco roller skate at The Doll Factory

The LA Derby Dolls are a no-nonsense group of feisty females who's league is made up of five teams: Fight Crew; Sirens; Tough Cookies; Varsity Brawlers; and the all-star team -who I had the honor of seeing- the LA Ri-Ettes. If that isn't menacing enough - the players have names/alter egos like Demolicious, Mourning Wood (her number is 8am!), and Laguna Beyatch. You don't mess with this bunch - before I even watched them play hard, I was too intimidated to take their photos. I took photos of their photos instead!

And when they weren't looking I trolled their private spaces where they came to get glamorous or re-alined...

The Dolls wear Stila

And then we all cheered on as they kicked a** beating San Diego's Wildfires. It felt a little Mad Max Beyond the Thunder Dome but not staged. Just good old fashioned girl on girl fun!

These pictures don't do it justice!

One last thing - Chargin' Tina you rule!!

Saturday to Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:28:00 +0000

Saturday: Silver Lake Farmer's Market with my Mom and friends...

Saturday to Saturday is back! I missed this weekly post because it forced me to examine and appreciate the little "slice of life" moments in my day... It doesn't have to be something obvious like a memorable event. The simpler the better - like a view, an idea or more often a meal! Here is my very first posting of Saturday to Saturday - a week I will never forget thanks to my blog...

Sunday: Golden Globes feast - inspired by my trip to the farmer's market the day before.

Monday: Talia napping

Tuesday: Fresh squeezed orange juice

Wednesday: a healthier option at Umami Burger - Ahi Tuna Burger

Thursday: mixing real jewels with faux

Friday: nieces Aria and Talia ready for bed

Saturday: a cozy bowl of my homemade Tuscan Tomato Soup with spicy croutons for a rainy day

When I scroll through this post I can't help but notice how many food photos there are... I guess it only makes sense considering how much I love to eat and how the bulk of my week was spent in the kitchen! I didn't even photograph the delicious Mediterranean feast I prepared for my family on Tuesday! Saturday night my bf and I went to an unusual sporting event which I'll blog about next...

Wondering what your week would look like if you had to assemble a photograph for each day? Hoping it would be a lovely potpourri of happy moments... Happy Monday - have a terrific week! Oh, and Happy Chinese New Year! Just think - if your New Year's resolutions have fallen off track, you can just pretend it was a practice run and start all over again! Although we all know every day is a new opportunity to strive to be better, right?

Desert Oasis - Indian Canyons, Palm Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:28:00 +0000

You don't have to do peyote or dehydrate to the point of hallucination to see an oasis in the middle of the desert and I have the pictures to prove it! The Agua Caliente Cahuilla (Kaw-we-ah) Indians were said to be an industrious and creative tribe with a reputation for independence, integrity and peace. They thrived in this slice of paradise with an abundance of water, plants and animals. They grew crops of melons, squash, beans and corn. They gathered plants and seeds for food, medicines and basket weaving. It was a beautiful day when we explored their sacred land but I had to wonder what it would have been like in the heat of summer. Good thing Palm Canyon is the world's largest California Fan Palm Oasis - the palms must have come in handy for fanning each other.

A hike in the Indian Canyons is a perfect way to work off all those extra calories consumed while vacationing in Palm Springs! A taste of history is better for you than a taste of chili relleno... Why not take a moment to meditate in a grass hut? Or contemplate the beauty of life in all its simplicity? I enjoy hiding around rocks and screaming "boo" at just the right moment to my unsuspecting hiking companion...

This place was so beautiful we were convinced someone came in and planted all these palms! It was like the reverse of being in Vegas, on the grounds of Mandalay Bay or some such place, and thinking it was hard to believe it was real because it felt so fake. Does that make sense?

Here's how Mother Nature planted this garden: these black seeds drop from the palms and the wildlife eat them and if they are disposed of near water, the palms can take root. Amazing!

A forest fire tore through here in the early 90's and painted some of the tree trunks burnt umber, creating the most striking contrast with the pale stones and bright sky.

No artist could come close to creating a canvas like this... Next time you're in Palm Springs, and it's not too hot, tear yourself away from the pool and pay a visit to the Indian Canyons.

Rustic Pleasures - Smoke Tree Ranch, Palm Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:39:00 +0000

Another great thing about LA? Our secret hideaways! You don't have to travel very far - a couple hours by car - in order to travel back in time. Smoke Tree Ranch is a 20 acre enclave sheltered in the shadows of the San Jacinto Mountain Range.

Cottage

Habitual hideaway to a number of "Colonists" (residents who own homes), and guests who rent cottages, Smoke Tree offers immediate relaxation the moment you enter the gates. We instantly felt at home here. It was the perfect balance of unfussy elegance and rustic simplicity.

Ranch House - the social axis of the community

Given Smoke Tree's proximity to LA it isn't surprising to learn about its glamorous past. Founded in 1936, Hollywood luminaries and affluent families came here to unwind. Walt Disney built three cottages here which he sold in order to help fund a retreat of his own - Disneyland! But even Disneyland couldn't offer the escape Smoke Tree provided. In 1957 he built another home. His homes remain here today. Smoke Tree has changed very little, and many of the guests and Colonists have been coming here since childhood. In a transient town like LA, it's comforting to know tradition still exists in her crevices.

Bowling Green (One of Walt's favorite activities was lawn bowling)

Our stay was balanced with equal parts activity and relaxation. You can hike in the mountains, ride horses, swim in the pool etc but mostly we ate!

The Ranch House Restaurant ensured we never went hungry. The hikes and kicking around in the pool ensured we worked off the extra calories! They really know how to throw a good party too - it was the perfect setting in which to ring in the New Year (although counting down at east coast time when you're celebrating on the west coast was a total flub!)

Martini bar and hors d'oeuvres in keeping with the "New York State of Mind" theme

vintage velvet was quite apropos

My favorite fearless sartorialist whose philosophy is:

"You're not here for a long time, you're here for a good time"

our velvet shoes

the ambience

the main course: Petite Filet and Lobster

cactus garden at night...

... and the following day.

It was the perfect way to end the old year and begin the new. To see another side of leisure in Palm Springs check out t his post!

I know it is a little delayed but Happy New Year!

Thank you for visiting me from time to time... you have no idea what it means to me. I have received emails from people around the world who are planning a trip requesting recommendations on things to do and see here in LA - I must be doing something right!

I love my city, I enjoy dispelling some of the myths... And I hope to continue to introduce you to some of LA's lesser-known places of interest in 2012!

A Smattering of Silver - Beverly Hills

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:29:00 +0000

Rodeo Drive

My mother and I went in search of sales in what my bf lovingly refers to as the "high rent district". It was almost entirely picked over! Just as well, even when Bev Hills is on sale it's a little beyond my meager means! Doesn't cost anything to do a little window shopping though. Everything had a sort of silver (or should I say platinum?) cast to it...

fountain at Piazza Rodeo

A trinket in the window at Bvulgari

tree at the entrance to Tiffany's

A palm tree adorned with crystals and an early Frank Gehry building in the background

shoes in the window at Miu Miu

a miniature carousel in the window at Tiffany's

Prada.

Tell me - any plans for New Year's Eve?

Christmas Buffet

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:58:00 +0000

This post is a sampling of Christmas activities in the last few days. I've been partying sans camera as of late - it's so ginormous I've been leaving behind. Glad I've managed to document at least a few good times! This Christmas season is everything last year's was not. Despite the absence of my father I have managed to be filled with joy. Words and photos cannot express how very grateful I am...

A tradition among my closest circle of friends is dinner at one of LA's oldest restaurants - The Tam O'Shanter Inn, also known as The Tam-O. The Tam-O was designed to look like an old Scottish inn and this being LA, was constructed by movie studio carpenters in 1922. It was established by the founders of Van de Kamp Holland Dutch Bakeries who went on to found the Lawry's restaurant chain - everyone knows Lawry's knows meat! It is wonderful year round but especially festive at Christmas...

"Strike the harp and join the chorus. Fa la la la la la la la la"

This is why we come! The Prime Rib is exquisite! I get the California Cut, which is the tiniest cut but you can have bone-in, generous cuts or even request a crispy end piece like my sister who is the most carnivorous person I know!

Another great tradition - photos in front of the Christmas Tree

moi avec Maman

Amy avec Maman

Amy et Bryan - in front of the flocked tree

Nonna with Aria and Talia

So, after I photographed Bryan and Gabriel's flocked tree I just kept going... a la Selby!

Bryan's previous dwelling was an apartment downtown and was photographed for Apartment Therapy. Have a snoop here. He and Gabriel now live in an adorable bungalow in Silver Lake.

... and they are incredibly gracious hosts!

Merry Christmas!

Gilded Touches - Christmas at Bottega Louie

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:12:00 +0000

Gold-Dusted Egg Nog Macaron

Bottega Louie is where I come to be naughty. Sinful wood-fired pizzas, tempting pastries and macarons... Since my mother, sister and I were shopping in the neighborhood we thought we'd check out what Creative Director Leah Faust and her team of elves have been up to. Seems they've been busy gold leafing/dusting goodies, building towering macaron topiaries, and compiling wonderful gift boxes all in an effort to tempt us to be nice. It worked - I grabbed a few last minute gifties!

I just love the way the egg nog macaron coordinates with my outfit!

the windows

Got that right - the wood burning pizza oven is indeed a gift to us all

Don't worry, a pizza was present but I thought I'd show you some other options for once... If you need some serious food porn shots however, take a peep here!

Fettucine Belmondo - roasted garlic, arugula, cherry tomatoes, shaved Reggiano parm

Super-stylish patron sporting Louboutin loafers

My mother and I

(I'm wearing vintage jacket, Holt Renfrew gloves, Ana Sui for Anthropologie blouse, vintage bag, Prada Baroque Cat Eye sunglasses, Jeffrey Campbell Woodies, JBrand Martini jeans)

Hope you are all enjoying the delights of the season! Don't hold back - gorge yourselves!

Sparkle and Shine - Warehouse District

noreply@blogger.com (Style Dilettante) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:49:00 +0000

Jill (from Those Ghosts) and I had yet another adventure last week. This time we explored the Warehouse District neighborhood just southeast of downtown. While it looks like we are in some forgotten section of the city, it's anything but! Manufacturing, food processing, cold storage and the like continue to thrive in the area. In the 1970's some crazy artists began to occupy the spaces. It was illegal to live in the buildings until 1981 when the "Artist in Residence" ordinance was passed. Now everyone wants in on the act - living the lifestyle while driving up the prices. The neighborhood is now more commonly known as the Arts District and is slowly becoming gentrified. Galleries and a few shops and restaurants bordering Little Tokyo are awaiting your discovery! Read about my first brush with this hood here and don't forget to check out Jill's take on our adventure! (And special thanks to her for doing such a great job playing my photographer)

Many of the old warehouses are available as movie location rentals. I eased into the shoot wearing a Helmut Lang cashmere sweater over my sparkly number...

Aldo booties

These shoes work just as well for the Christmas season as they do Halloween

Then I pulled out all the stops! Vintage dress circa 1985

All hail Andy

When I bought this dress at the Rose Bowl Flea Market the lady who sold it to me asked me where I might wear such a sparkly dress. I told her I'd wear it to the supermarket or some such place. In other words - I think sequins are more unexpected and exciting at the market than a holiday party and are suitable year round... That's why I think this urban setting worked so well - the tension of opposites! That said, we all love a little sparkle and shine at Christmas time...

Are you going to sparkle this season?