Hump Day Happy Hour: Cheers to 2012!

It’s time to refine your pallet and explore the wonderful world of mixology! Time to put down the Red Bull & Vodka and try something worth sipping on!

Next time you go to a Happy Hour with your coworkers pick a cocktail that really makes a statement! LA Weekly did the heavy lifting on the top 55 cocktails in LA and we narrowed down our favorites.

1. Mojito Sphere: At Providence get 3 Courses of “cocktails”: three spoons; three spheres: a mojito, a greyhound and a gin and tonic. Our fav is the Mojito hands down!

2. Flaming Honey Bowl: Taste of the island to be shared at Rosemead tiki institution Bahooka

3. Tequila con Sangrita: At Border Grill, the spicy, citrus-based house sangrita is just right mixed with tequila.

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California Dreamin’

What do you wear the opening of Hedi Slimane’s “California Dreamin” show at the MOCA Pacific Design Center?

We’re thinking the always chic look in black. We suggest picking out your finest dark asymmetric sweater, your ultra skinny Edie pull on jeans, and your fav black leather bag! This exhibit is a must-see for all of you who cannot get enough of the famed photographer’s black and white gritty prints.  The second floor will feature a full-scale installation with projected images and a specially built stage that will host numerous up and coming Cali bands.

Hedi Slimane, “California Dreamin”
November 12-January 22, 2012
MOCA Pacific Design Center

8687 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA

(310) 657-0800

 

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Go Retro!

Thursday is technically considered the weekend, right? We’re going to have to go ahead and give that a definitive “YES!” If you’re with us on this one, keep reading.

Stationed in the Hollywood Roosevelt, the Spare Room is a modern day gaming parlour and cocktail lounge that is anything but your typical Hollywood scene. Not only does this swanky lounge feature two vintage bowling lanes amidst a sea of custom, eclectic furnishings, but this October, the fabulous Samantha Shelton (of the jazz cabaret act ’If All the Stars Were Pretty Babies’ with Zooey Deschanel) is curating a live music series every Thursday! Are you dying yet? Because we are.

Now, what to wear, what to wear? This is the perfect time to debut the new Fall/Winter collection! This line blends rock ‘n roll design with DIY flare, perfect for the retro feel of the performances. Think along the lines of the Fitted Zip Sleeve & Front Jacket paired with High Waist Skinnies. Introduce this edgy ensemble on October 27 for The Petrojvic Blasting Co. performance!

 

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Hallowe’en in London

If you’re looking for something authentic to do this Hallowe’en forget pounding the streets with the kids and instead head to Hackney for a weekend of horror movies in a church. The Round Chapel in Hackney, E5 will play host to these special Hallowe’en screenings from the people who brought London the Rooftop Film Club. Experience Cinema is a new way of watching cut, alternative and classic films in unusual settings. The classic 70′s horror movies on show over Hallowe’en weekend (28th-29th-30th October) are as follows:

The Exorcist (1973) – Friday 28th October at 7.30pm

The Omen (1976) – Sunday 30th October at 7.30pm

Halloween (1978) – Monday 31st October at 7.30pm

and a matinee screening The Blair Witch Project – Sunday 30th October at 4.45pm

Tickets cost between £9.50 and £11.50 and are available to buy: here

There is a licensed bar and visitors are encouraged to dress up, though fancy dress is not essential. Prepare to scare yourself silly in this spookiest of settings.

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LA BAR FILES: Harvard + Stone

Name: Harvard & Stone
A bar with history + good entertainment! This two story World War II-esque watering hole in East Hollywood is live, raw and crafted. Making a ruckus on the daily is their obvious duty. With live tunes and an all American bar full of tasty poisonous drinks that would make Rosie the Riveter proud, this bar is something fresh and nostalgic. They pride themselves on their one of a kind cocktail menu, which changes on the daily, so make sure to check for the specials.
Drink up: If it’s your first time there, try the “Baby’s First Bourbon.” Mixed with Bulleit Bourbon, Orgeat, lemon juice and a dash of Angostura bitters. This classic will take you back a few decades so sip slowly and enjoy.

 

Attire: This is a hipster hangout housed in an industrial steam-punk venue! So, with that said ,dress code is not strict but they do ask you to be in “East Side lounge” attire.  May we suggest our Loulou Skinny Mid Rise Trouser with a chambray top and a motor cycle jacket. (Yeah Rosie the Riveter is our inspiration. Duh.)

 

 

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LA BAR FILES: El Prado

 

Name: EL Prado
This ‘oh so New York-ish” wine + beer bar is set in the hip (and once mean) streets of Echo Park. Located on Sunset Blvd, this tiny joint is a super chill and still somewhat off the radar place to listen to records and drink a fine glass of wine (or a cold glass of craft beer, whichever your poison) among trendsetting locals. The record collection is super curated and if you come on Tuesdays you can bear witness to Record Club Night, a night filled with tunes and record talk from LA’s audiophiles. So if your looking for a place to nibble, drink, gab and listen to the best hand selected record collection in LA then you found your home. Cheers! 

Got to have drink: Depending on your plan of action the wine + beers are all well crafted and distinct choices. The bartenders are very friendly and if you tell them your usual likings they can suggest a wine or beer selection for you. Try being adventurous and give something new and or local a try!

Attire: Since this is a more casual spot you might want to keep it hip and go with your Gwen wide legged Hudsons and pair with a knit top and your wooden platforms for lift. The bar stools are high (just saying).

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Underground Rebel Bingo


First Rule of Underground Rebel Bingo: You DO NOT talk about Underground Rebel Bingo! 

So with that said, all we can say is that this secret underground sensation is obviously THE place to be (if you know the secret location). However, don’t be fooled as this is not your Grandma’s BINGO night in face there is hardly any bingo at all! A night filled with loud music, booze, markers and lots of yelling this party is the place to see and be seen! Bingo is indeed being played, but in a more anarchist/crazy/fun kind of way. A night of debauchery that was born and raised in London and then like a bat out of hell graced it’s presence on our fine coast.

Oh and P.S there’s also a dress code: “Undercover on your way there, dangerous once you’re inside.”
We recommend your black stealth Hudson Collin Signature Skinny with a beat up white tee and your leather jacket. Undercover, Hardcore + ready for action!

But remember….you didn’t hear all this from us!

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Androgynous Ensembles

 


 

Ready to embrace a more androgynous ensemble? In homage of Lady Gaga’s recent VMA performance as her alter-ego, Joe Calderone, we have come up with a few fall-friendly pieces that are anything but girly. 

Step #1
First things first: Grab your go-to pair of Carly Flap Pocket Straight Leg Hudsons. These jeans have a true straight leg form and give you that “never-ending legs” look! The Elm Dark Blue wash are the perfect balance of a rich, masculine indigo with a feminine whisker detail flare. Be sure to cuff the bottoms or roll the hem the slightest bit for a subtle greaser look!

Step #2
Avoid all the bells and whistles and go for a sheer, plain top. Crew or V-neck approved! A sweater will also compliment this outfit nicely, try a longer black cardigan (with suede elbow pads!) out for size.

Step #3:
If there is one shoe that will reign supreme this Fall, it is the oxford. A pair of Oxfords will go a long way, but most importantly, you can dress them up OR down! A pair of two-toned Oxfords or Tassel Loafers will give an air of masculinity, but still show off the dainty form of your female foot.

Step #4
While our male counterparts are typically not adorned in jewelry, there are a few staple items that will complete this ant-feminine ‘fit such as a boyfriend watch paired with a black felt hat. These last two items will blend all the different pieces together and polish off the look!


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The LA Bar Files: Pattern Bar

Name: Pattern Bar 

A new fashion influenced bar was born in the garment district (go figure). Snuggled in the fashion district between LA’s chic designer streets, this bar is a great place to hang with friends and score on some high fashion inspired cocktails. With Chanel on the list, you know you’ve come to the right place!

Got to have Cocktail: The Gaultier (Puerto Rican Don Q rum, fresh watermelon, agave, lemon)

Night out: For a great ‘Sex and the City’ night with the crew, try to snag a booth by the large windows and try some tapas, arepas, a salad or panini while you wait for your couture drinks to be tailored to perfection. This bar is a great spot to relax and admire the city!

Attire: Take the new Hudson Nico jeans out for the night and dress it up with a sheer tank and a light blazer. Most importantly, channel  your inner Carrie Bradshaw and refine the look with some heels. Let the heels be the statement piece of the night, so go for a bold color or a sexy leopard print!

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Fall Forecast: Color Blocking with Denim

Take runway looks and make them real wear looks. While we love flirty florals and sassy prints, we want to let you in on our new obsession: color blocking. This trend will be major in the pre-fall and fall seasons, whether it be bundling up to stay to stay warm in the winter, or layering up to shield yourself from those early October winds. Throw away the notion that prints make or break the outfit, and embrace some color! The biggest rule of thumb when it comes to this bold trend? Mix and match, but don’t clash! We’ve done the dirty work for you and come up with three fabulous fall-ready outfits that outline the color blocking trend and all its glory. So step away from the go-to LBD and make a statement with COLOR.

Ensemble #1: The not-yet-Fall-but-Summer-is-fading look

Throw on a pair of May Five Pocket skinnies in blue and a grey crop top (we suggest The Molly Heather Burnout Crop Tee). Match this jeans and tee style with a bold colored basket tote like this Kate Spade one that we’re currently lusting over. Throw on your favorite pair of earth-toned sandals, some tiny gold necklaces, and strut your bold style down the street for happy hour with your gal pals!

Ensemble #2: The why-is-it-raining-in-September look

Nothing hits your wardrobe with such unexpected force quite like the first rain of the season. It totally throws your pre-planned work week outfit out the window, but we’re here to help though! Grab your Hudson Nico Mid-Rise Super Skinnies and pair them with a colorful pair of Hunter rain boots (we recommend the orange!). Go for a nude pastel color top, and a large circle scarf. Next step, outerwear. Pair an olive colored anorak jacket with a large statement tote. The orange, olive and pastel nudes scream fall and are functional while still fashionable!

Ensemble #3: The crisp night out look

Somewhere between the summer months of wearing cardigans at night and the winter months of rocking the pea coat lies the crisp night out attire. For a night out on the town, we are going to suggest that you think BIG and wear a pair of Hudson Gwen Wide Leg jeans. Pair with a bold pair of wedges (for a super leggy look!) and tuck in a sheer, bright tank. To essential part of this ensemble is a cropped blazer in a darker hue. Feel free to go crazy on the bangles and a bright clutch! Remember, don’t fear color, but don’t go overboard. This outfit will go perfect with a casual cocktail and some not-so-casual shmoozing!

 

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