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Munchin Monday: Stripped Down

By |December 20th, 2010|Why Did You Eat That?|

As many of you know, I hate Vegas. I’ve now been there twice. The first time I fell asleep at the hot spot du jour both nights. Needless to say, I wasn’t impressed. The second time I went was actually last week for the grand opening of The Cosmopolitan.

To say this place is sexy would be an understatement. I may be completely and utterly biased due to the fact that the entire place is decked out in chandeliers. They even have a bar called Chandelier Bar.

As far as dining goes before hitting the slots or the nightlife, New Yorkers and Angelenos alike will feel right at home with Scarpetta, STK, Blue Ribbon Sushi and Comme Ca (to name a few) all under one roof. So, basically, whatever you’re craving, they’ve got it. Isn’t that what Vegas is all about?

So how does one get decked out for Sin City? Many would immediately suggest sequins, but there’s enough sparkles in Vegas. Why not pick a shocking saturated color to really stand out? Save the shimmer for your accessories.

Naven Heartthrob Dress, $285 (one of the colors is even called “Vegas Blue”)

Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Clustered Crystal Bracelet, $74.88

Diane von Furstenberg Envy Strappy Platform Sandal, $350

Deux Lux Large Studded Clutch, $60

Let it ride.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: In Good Company

By |December 14th, 2010|Why Did You Eat That?|

It’s that time of year again. You know what I’m talking about. Company Christmas party time. Oh boy… I wonder if these are just orchestrated in order to cut overhead by reducing manpower in the new year. Some of the insane behavior that occurs during these parties is just shameful. Last year, the illustrious TJ Kelly (Why In Gay Hell?) gave some pointers on proper holiday behavior and I get a feeling it may be important to revisit some of these points as well as discuss proper attire.

A few key pointers:

  • Do not get hammered. I know the booze is free and you had a hell of a day crunching the numbers for next month’s budget, but tonight is not the night. Limit your cocktail intake to two.
  • Holiday parties are also not the time to reveal the crush you’ve had on Sally from accounting either. Just because the atmosphere is relaxed for the evening, doesn’t mean it will be when you awake tomorrow.

  • Going along with the previous pointer, this is also not the time to act on (read: hook up) with said crush. This has disaster written all over it.

  • I have always been a firm believer in keeping your professional life and social life somewhat separate. Certain things are just not meant to mix. You don’t need to be an ice cold, antisocial bitch, but there is also no need to fill everyone in on each detail of your failing relationship.  Don’t forget, your boss is still your boss.

Now onto “what to wear.” They may suggest that the attire is more “casual” but that doesn’t mean “look like a slob.” On the same note, there is no reason to over do it. Most importantly, do not over “sexify” yourself. Wear something you’d feel comfortable wearing to a normal day in the office but add at touch of holiday spirit with sequins, velvet, plaid, or color.

Adam Sequined Bamboo and Cashmere Blend Cardigan, $395

Talbots Ruffle Plaid Blouse, $59.99

White House Black Market Slim Satin Pant, $98

Kate Spade New York Giada Glitter Dot Shoes, $350

Have fun, relax, and make sure you have a job on Monday.

xx,

WhyDid

 

Why Did You Eat That: Dinner and a Movie

By |December 7th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

Ah… the quintessential dinner and a movie date.  This is the oldest trick in the book… well, it’s not really a trick. Just pretty straight forward. Anyway, I was lucky enough to have not one, but two handsome gentlemen take me to dinner and a movie this past Saturday.  We dined at Soi 7 in downtown Los Angeles which is a pretty swanky Thai restaurant. I had only ordered take out from here, but was pleasantly surprised when we stopped to dine in. You can’t go wrong with the pad siew, chicken satay summer rolls, and panang chicken. They also have amazing Thai iced tea if you’re into that.

After dinner, we wanted to see a movie and took a group vote to see Black Swan (it was a toss up between that and Burlesque). I was a little skeptical of the Arclight in Hollywood on a Saturday night… apparently with good reason. While, we didn’t quite get to the theater on time to see Black Swan before it sold out, we did decide to stick around and watch Love and Other Drugs. (The next day we ventured out yet again to catch Black Swan so I spent more time at the movies in one weekend than I have in the past six months).

Love and Other Drugs was actually very good. I felt the tears coming in several different scenes. Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal spend quite a bit of time on screen sans clothing. I’m willing to bet they saved a bundle on the wardrobe budget for this film. But it is not one of those movies on drugs that sees the protagonists check in to a rehabilitation center like WhiteSands. While on the other hand… Black Swan used over 250,000 Swarovski crystals on its costumes. I know people are talking “Oscar” for the film, but I hope it’s for the costume designers (Rodarte) because that’s about the only highlight of the film. Not even the lesbo makeout scene can save this one… I wouldn’t recommend the film, but I would sell my first born for that white gown Natalie wears to the opening gala.

Anyway, while waiting to enter the particular theater for our movie, we squeezed in some time for some serious people watching. Apparently, my commentary on the attire of movie goers was that of a news anchor during Monday Night Football. My companions remarked that this commentary needed to be “harnessed’ and next time they were going to mike me and film the scenery. The things that people wear to the movies is just totally baffling. I understand that quite a few of you are on dates, but your outfits… Let’s just break it down: you’re going to be sitting in a theater for at least 90 minutes- skin tight jeans are going to give you a yeast infection. That said, you should be wearing pants or some type of leg covering seeing as thousands (if not more) people have sat in that seat before you. So unless you are trying to encourage your date to cop a full frontal feel all while risking a case of crabs, I suggest covering up. Look casually cute by trying a look like the following:

Forever 21 Warm Knit Pom Hat, $6.80

Nation LTD Georgia Burnout Tunic, $98

T by Alexander Wang Knit Fitted Sweatpants, $113

YARNZ Feathers Cashmere Scarf, $169

Sam Edelman Vancouver Military Bootie, $199

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Xino

By |November 23rd, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

So, last week our friends invited us to join them for dinner at Xino located inside of Santa Monica Place. I had yet to check out the newest shopping center in Santa Monica (I know… lame) so, I was pretty excited. Now, let’s just go ahead and be clear that the dining in this “mall” is not that of the typical suburban shopping center. Santa Monica went all out with their fine dining.

Xino is located on the top floor of the shopping center along with several other restaurants. It has both an indoor section which is decorated with modern furniture and art as well as a large outdoor section. We were seated outside in our own personal “cabana.” It was a bit chilly, so the heat lamps were cranking and we all huddled for some body heat.

Honestly, I don’t have a whole lot to say about this place. The portions are served family style and it is Asian fusion… aka it was a poor man’s Philippe. Not a bad choice for mall food though. Order the lettuce wraps and steer clear of the shrimp.

Xino

395 Santa Monica Place

Suite 308

Santa Monica, CA 90401

310-755-6220

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Like a Ninja

By |November 15th, 2010|New York, Why Did You Eat That?|

We had company who’d never been to Los Angeles in town this weekend and wanted to take him somewhere “sceney” without delving into the depths of hell that is Katsuya Hollywood.  To get some great sushi while still catching a little bit of the LA glitz, we headed to West Hollywood’s Katana.

After taking the elevator upstairs to the restaurant, we were greeted by a beautiful hostess and taken through the crowded restaurant full of pretty people. It was a Friday night, so there were lots of single girls and guys as well as cozy couples out for date night. After being seated our waiter came by and suggested a great cold sake for the table. We perused the menu and cheers’ed to our friend’s first west coast visit.

We ordered an array of different things for the table and some of the stand outs were crab dynamite roll, aspara niu maki (filet mignon wrapped asparagus with soy mirlin sauce), tori gyuza (chicken pot stickers with cilantro ponzu, and, of course, the Katana roll.

We felt we did a job well done seeing as our visitor was happily stuffed, tipsy, and impressed with the Los Angeles scenery. So, the only thing left to do was roll out in our Bentley to Soho House.

Katana

8439 W Sunset Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

323-650-8585

When heading out to the “scene” on Sunset, what should a dashing diva like yourself wear? Deflect from all the sparkles and sequins in something sexy yet understated:

Ella Moss Bardot Dress, $144

Forever 21 Chunky Knit Beret, $6.80

Giuseppe Zanotti for Thakoon Wedge Lace Up Bootie, $995

The Limited Cashmere Infinity Scarf, $78

Alexander McQueen Faithful Satchel, $1,175

xx,

WhyDid