Lighten Up

Working in an office setting can mean you're swimming in a sea of gray and black color. While these two colors are classic, they can be a bit of a "Debbie-downer" during the sunny season. If you cannot wear yellow tops, and pink pumps, I suggest investing in a colorful tote, so that you can go strait from the office to that hipster martini lounge a few blocks over without moving your personal items from one carry-all to the next. I found a few that look professional enough, yet still fun, to wear to your 9 to 5. (Urban Outfitters, Urban Outfitters, Hype, and Marc Jacobs, top-down).

Summer Steals

One of my fave places to shop for the latest trends at low prices is Forever 21. The selection is infinite and the clothing quality has come a long way since I was in high school. There are also different lines, such as Twelve by Twelve and Heritage 1981, that are a bit more pricey but still affordable compared to most department stores.

The latest trends in fashion that I have noticed out here on the streets of LA are long maxi dresses, skinny jeans, old school Ray Bans, panama hats, plaid shirts, gladiator sandals, and my personal fave, black leggings.

Skinny jeans have been prevalent in fashion for a few years now, but the latest modification of the skinny is color. Skinny's come in almost every color, and since it is summer time, the best colors to wear are of course bold and bright. Pair these eye-catching skinny's with sandals, high heels, or a flowing cotton blouse and you're set.
















Another trend in skinny's are the faded, acid wash jeans, circa. 1985. They look best with pastel tops, slick pony tail, and a tan (if you do not have one try St. Tropez Self Tanner).


Is it me or are dresses becoming shorter and shorter with every year? Well thank God long, maxi-dresses are in this season as well. They come in every print, even tie-die, but I think they look best in one solid color because it makes it easier to accessorize and you can wear them any season. Keep in mind, one of this season's trends is nautical/cruise, which means navy blues, stripes, coral jewelry, and clean lines.

If you're a retro kind of lady, you will love the latest runway trend for spring/summer 09. It's called the "romper" and is a fashion hybrid. Part shorts, part blouse, and may look like a mini-dress, the romper is a chic but comfy edition to any wardrobe, and they are as versatile as the skinny and the maxi.


http://www.forever21.com/default.asp

Summer Play List

If you're looking for a fresh emo sound, try out Bat for Lashes' new CD "Two Suns". The theme of her album conjures a Native American mystique, adding to the spiritual quality of her sound and artwork. Great for those lazy, hot summer days, or road trips to the desert.
Watch the video for "Daniel":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00ZHah-c0hQ

Watch the video for "What's a girl to do"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1wnOUH2jk8&feature=player_embedded

If its a party you're craving while driving in rush hour traffic, and you love the pop sounds of Madonna and Britney Spears, well listen to the Lady. Lady Gaga is cheesy, but it's her cheese and barely-there costumes that have become her trademark. Her latest CD, "The Fame", is an eclectic mix of modern pop music, hip-hop, and the best of the 80s, and every single song is danceable.

















Also, Gaga has just collaborated on a single with Wale called "Chillin": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XwxKVBNbrQ

Watch the video for "Pokerface": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAoPJxTvZOQ

Lastly, if you're lookin for something a little retro, try Camera Obscura. The name is Spanish but the band is comprised of British kids who are channeling the look and sound of the 60s. "My Maudlin Career" is their latest album, and"French Navy" is definitely the indie love song of the summer.


Check out the video "French Navy": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3CkfvYMCWM

Who said desserts should be eaten last?

Yummy.

San Diego is one of my fave cities, not only because it's a hip place to be for a twenty-something-year-old, but because one can indulge in a fancy piece of pie without feeling like a fat ass. As you can see from the pics above and below, these sinfully delicious creations are more like works of art, and it would be a crime not to eat them. Extraordinary Desserts can be found in 2 locations in San Diego, Little Italy and Balboa Park. My fave is in Little Italy because it has a Japanese/modern/chic appeal and it has a large swinging door the size of my office. Hey, appearance is everything and I can definitely say this restaurant has the best of both worlds. The deserts are to die for, and the ambiance is sultry. All the creations at Extraordinary Desserts are made from organic ingredients and decorated with fresh-cut flowers. The chefs are professionals who were trained at Cordon Bleu, and the creator of the establishment traveled around the world in order to gather ideas and exotic foods. The result is an exotic array of culinary art.

The following is a link to the menu. My personal favorites are the vanilla bean creme brulee and this apple empenada thingy that is paired nicely with a hot cup of Chai.

http://www.extraordinarydesserts.com/desserts.htm