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Why Don’t You Come In?

By |May 18th, 2011|Uncategorized|

I think I don’t mind moving so much (I’ve done it three times this year alone) because I get to redecorate each time and every space brings new inspiration. In the last apartment I lived in with my fiance in Los Angeles, we had a lot of room to work with. We moved into a 1300+ square foot newly constructed loft space. This place was an artist’s dream.

A funny thing happens when two very creative people merge their belongings. My fiance has very, very simple modern taste. I, on the other hand, love anything that is shiny. I would live in a disco ball if I could. Luckily, mixing simple clean lines with more ornate accessories makes for a very “man meets woman” aesthetic. Our two incredibly different styles balanced each other to create one especially cool space (and one especially cool couple).

Anyone who knows me knows there are two things you will always find in my home: a chandelier (multiple when applicable) and some type of wallpaper. Because I inherited a flaming orange couch in this merger, it was imperative to keep the rest of the decor simple. I opted for black and white and allowed said couch to be the focal point. Some of our favorite pieces in the house were the vintage porcelain cat and dog statues that we found, authentic tractor gears, and “surgery table.” We also swapped out standard bulbs for filament bulbs to give more ambience.

Before we moved out about a month and a half ago, we were sure to capture our first home together on film. (Yes, you probably saw our apartment on Khloe and Lamar. Yes, Lamar Odom was our neighbor).

Want to create this look in your own home? Of course you do! Start with a clean simple palette. Pick one bold piece and use neutral (and quirky) accessories. The most important part of decorating is making the space look like “you.” And yes, it is possible for both parts of a couple to get their way.

1. Jonathan Adler Menagerie Collection Cat (Tall), $120, 2. Modern Orange Leather Couch, $1,859, 3. West Elm Totem Pillow Cover, $29, 4. Restoration Hardware Tractor Wheel Gear, $189, 5. Restoration Hardware Venetian Beaded Leaner Mirror, $449-750, 6. Theresa Rialto Black and Clear Chandelier, $648

xx,

WhyDid

***Note: It didn’t occur to me that the mannequin in those photos is a bit strange because I got so used to him being there.  You may remember him from this little video.  He moved in and never left.

Monday Mashup: Oh me, Oh my, Oh Pumpkin Pie.

By |January 25th, 2011|Monday Mashup|

I can not lie.  I love to watch The Bachelor.  Something about watching fifteen crazy women compete for the love of one (somewhat crazy) man is a recipe for sheer entertainment.  Call me a sociologist, but I love watching human interaction… especially that of the cray cray kind.  I remember thinking that sweet, sweet Emily (a children’s hospital event planner- WTF??!! – from Charlotte, North Carolina) was a force to be reckoned with… until tonight.  I’m not sure what the hell is happening in that bachelorette (hen) house, but something bad happened.  Week by week, the girls get drunker, crazier, and somehow oranger.  Perhaps they should check the vents? Maybe even check where the closest power plant is located cause something ain’t right.  Maybe I need to fix the settings on my TV, but I think Brad may want to invest in some protective radioactive clothing.

It’s the final rose. Who should get it?

Ladies, if you did not receive a rose, please take a moment and say “goodbye.”

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Steel Magnolia

By |September 27th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

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It may now be known as the infamous location of Lilo’s Tweet about failing her drug test, but Magnolia was worth stopping by well before LoLo got hammered. With the original location in the heart of Hollywood, it’s the perfect place to people watch in the evenings. Or for a more secluded moment, take a seat out on the back deck. I was excited to see a second location in DTLA for a much more chill atmosphere.

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Upon arrival at Magnolia, you must order a Grape Collins (unless, of course, you’re wearing your SCRAM bracelet). It is a perfectly refreshing mixture of muddled grapes and deliciousness.

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After a quick toast to good company, go ahead and be sure to order the tuna tartare. It’s something I’d like to call lifechanging. Piled atop a fresh avocado, the tuna is super fresh and seasoned just enough. If you’re not much for seafood, the macaroni and cheese is a surefire hit. The herb roasted organic chicken and the marinated skirt steak are both home runs in the entree department (although the the brussels sprouts steal the show in my opinion).

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Oh… and as if you even have any room left… there’s the mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwich to top things off.

Magnolia (Hollywood)

6266 1/2 Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90028

323-467-0660

Magnolia (Downtown)

825 W. James M. Wood Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90015

213-362-0880

So what’s a girl to wear to dine at Magnolia? If you can’t beat em, join em:

Screen shot 2010-09-27 at 9.51.54 PMWildfox Couture Witchcraft Tee, $78

O44LFL-26126 by Lindsay Lohan Lily Lace Stretch Legging, $66

house2009712447_p1_v1_m56577569832049884_254x500House of Harlow 1960 Leslie Square Toe Platform Booties, $275

Screen shot 2010-09-27 at 10.03.26 PMStella Mc Cartney Studded Eco Suede Shopper, $1695

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Louie Louie

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

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Between work all week and apartment hunting on the weekends, I’ve been spending 89% of my time in downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). A lot of people would probably frown upon my last statement seeing as downtown is still considered to be “up and coming.”  Granted DTLA certainly isn’t as tacky trendy as West Hollywood or as squeaky clean as Beverly Hills, but it’s the only place in Los Angeles that actually resembles a city. Yes, there are some creepy people roaming the streets over here (Um, I’m from New York, kiddos. Bums don’t scare me!) and they could certainly use another Starbucks or Coffee Bean, but there is something sexy about not choosing the obvious. Not to mention the loft spaces you can get here are unrivaled anywhere else in the city.

Anyway, a girl’s gotta eat, right? After a long day at the office, we decided to grab dinner (which may or may not have included cocktails) in the neighborhood. Several people suggested a little place called Bottega Louie. So, off we went.

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Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised (and impressed). Bottega Louie functions as both a restaurant as well as cafe/bakery with some of the most exquisite pastries and desserts I’ve ever seen. The space is large and white. After checking in with the host at the table separating the bakery from the restaurant, we hung near the bar and took in the scene. The clientele was polished. I saw several suits (something I haven’t really seen since being in LA). I’m assuming these were the bankers who work downtown. The Fashion District and the Financial District in the same neighborhood. Finally a city that got it right!

As we were seated the host confirmed the last name, which at first I found peculiar until the waitress came by and addressed us by name. (It’s the little things). We were next to the pizza bar which smelled absolutely divine. Unfortunately, I’d already had pizza the day before, otherwise I would have eaten an entire pizza myself. I ordered the lasagna which turned out to be almost as good as mom’s (almost, mom, almost). My companion opted for the chicken carcioffi (chicken with artichoke hearts, capers, garlic, herbs and white wine sauce). I assume it must have been pretty good because he was done with it before I had the option of asking for a bite.

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We were in a bit of a rush to get out of there, so we skipped dessert, but we did manage to snag some of the amazing and colorful French macaroons on our way out.  I would definitely like to go back and try their pizza along with a few hundred other things on the menu. It was almost like being back in New York.

Bottega Louie

700 S. Grand Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90017

866-418-9162

Hey, for the food at Bottega Louie, I’d take the bums in downtown over the freaks in your hood any day!

xx,

WhyDid