FYF Fest

Guess who has their permits in order? The FYF Fest, that’s who!  The cancellation of the Sunset Junction festival was a disappointment, but music-lovers and festival-goers have another great show to look forward to this Labor Day weekend at the FYF Fest taking place at the Los Angeles State Historic Park in Downtown L.A. Mark your calendars. 

Will you be there?

Love It or Leave It: Loafers

From heels to flats, leather to suede, leopard to neon to glitter, designer to fast fashion - everything is coming up loafers! While we rarely hesitate to try a new trend, this one tends to remind us of our private school uniform years. What do think of Fall's hottest shoe trend?

Love It or Leave It?

From top left: Prada, Miu Miu, Alexander Wang, Topshop, Madewell, Sam Edelman, Topshop, ASOS, J.Crew, and Banana Republic

Mohawk Bend

After months of buzz surrounding the opening of Mohawk Bend, we had to visit the eagerly anticipated Echo Park restaurant and bar to see if it lived up to the hype. Simply put - Yes. It has been a while since we've been to a restaurant with a unique approach, and we couldn't appreciate it more. (We've seen enough gourmet burger and gourmet sausage restaurants within the past 6 months to last us a lifetime!)

Located in a 100 year-old Vaudeville theatre, Mohawk Bend is unlike any other restaurant. From the marquee to the tufted red leather booths and stools to the huge fireplace in the spacious skylit Ramona Room, the design leaves quite an impression.

Using locally-sourced ingredients, more than half of the menu offers vegan options - including the 72 craft beers on tap! This was fantastic news as we were dining with our vegetarian friends Jessica and Scott. Alas, a restaurant where herbivores, carnivores and omnivores can equally enjoy a great dinner together!

Tips: Mohawk Bend boasts a delicious dork burger (fresh ground duck and pork), so we tried it along with the veggie burger.  And the winner by a unanimous vote was - the veggie burger! That included the carnivore votes. For a well-rounded meal, do yourself a favor and get the JJ Kale salad, Squash & Chips, Flat Bread with the spiced roast eggplant, and any of their pizzas. If you're thirsty, have the Jalapeno beer. (We forget the name...we had too many!)

Sunset Junction 2011 - The Festival That Never Was

Just when we were getting excited about one of our favorite festivals of the year, we heard the terrible news: Sunset Junction, for the first time in 31 years, was cancelled as a result of the event organizers owing over $250,000 in fees to the City. The City argued that last year they gave the organizers the opportunity to pay their outstanding fees post-festival and proceed with the show. However, to this date they never received payment, so they would not extend the same favor this year.  If $141,000 in past fees could be paid by today, the show would have gone on.

In support of the event, Live Nation made a $100,000 donation. However, after a second hearing in court today, the City said the check had not yet cleared and pulled the plug on the two-day festival.

R.I.P. for now Sunset Junction. We hope you will resurrect next summer. 

Tuesday Tunes: Little Dragon

Swedish electronic band, Little Dragon, has been on our radar since day 1 and they are back with a new album we can't get enough of.  Here's one of our favorite songs off of the new album Ritual Union. 

If you're into it, they'll be at the Roxy on August 15th and Avalon on October 6!

Get the full album on iTunes! Enjoy. 

Spotted: Ellie Goulding Show

While dancing and singing the night away to Miss Ellie Goulding's tunes, we spotted this well dressed concert goer! The asymmetrical maxi is a playful twist on the traditional maxi and shows off her great pair of just-the-right-amount-of-height-for-a-concert nude wedges! And since LA summer nights never quite get that cold, we like that she swapped out the jacket for an oversized denim shirt. 

What are some of your go to concert outfits?

Weekend To Do

Don’t know what to do this weekend?  We’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks:

Music to My Ears

Mad Decent Block Party

If this Block Party is anything like the one we went to last year, you will not be disappointed. Great tunes, great eats and some of the most fashionable party peeps.  Performers include Major Lazer, Death Grips, and more.

Saturday, August 20, 12-8pm. Premiere Event Center, 613 Imperial St.

Bites + Booze

Hollywood Tasty Tunes & Trucks Festival

Eat tasty treats from over a dozen of LA’s best food trucks and listen to performances by artists from near and far. Word on the streets is there will be some sick reggae and dub sets.

Saturday, August 20, 12-6pm. The Music Box, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

Style Me

Barneys Warehouse Sale

It’s the last weekend of the sale and your last chance to save big on those designer digs you normally only dream of buying.

Now - Sunday, August 21. 1201 S. Figueroa St., LA Convention Center, Downtown LA

Field Trip

Sunset Strip Music Festival

If you’re looking for a blast from the past and want to rock out to some of your favorite old-school bands like Motley Crue, Bush, and Public Enemy, look no further and take a field trip west to the Sunset Strip Music Festival. 

August 18-20. Sunset Strip.

Love It or Leave It: Turbans

They're baaaack! When we were recently shopping at one of our favorite stores, Free People, we spotted a variety of turbans from their Fall collection, a trend that seems to resurface every other season or so, but it never really seems to stick. Is it because it's hard to translate from the runway to the streets? Is it because with the selection of the wrong print or style you can easily go from chic to extreme Sikh, or if you really don't know what you're doing gang-banger? Either way, we are still torn on this trend.

What are your thoughts? Love it or Leave it?

Spotted: BlackmarketLA

Recently we ventured west to BlackmarketLA to support our good friends at the launch party of their clothing line, Clean Aesthetic.  It was a super fun event with plenty of stylish peeps drinking (free!) Tecates, a DJ spinning, and our very own Clean Aesthetic guys silk screening shirts for everyone. We met the darling Sonia Kim below and were instantly attracted to her risque maxi dress that was just the right amount of wrong which she paired with a sleek belt, simple accessories and (the ultra controversial) flatforms. Sunglasses at night? Work it girl.

Tuesday Tunes: Fall 2011 Concert Guide

If you're like us, music runs through your veins, it uplifts your soul, and there's something almost religious about seeing your favorite band perform live. Fortunately, we live in a city where we can see one of our favorite musicians nearly every week, and this Fall is no exception. Below are some of our top picks. Hurry up and get your tickets now before they sell out!

 

SEPTEMBER 2011

9/8 - Band of Horses at The Wiltern
9/9 - Thievery Corporation plus special guest Fitz and The Tantrums at The Greek Theatre
9/10 - The Kills at The Wiltern
9/10 - Ray Lamontagne at The Greek Theatre
9/11 - The National at The Hollywood Bowl
9/22 - Two Door Cinema Club at The Wiltern
9/25 - TV on the Radio, Arctic Monkeys, Panda Bear and Warpaint at The Hollywood Bowl

OCTOBER 2011

10/6 - Little Dragon at Avalon
10/12 - Cut Copy at The Hollywood Palladium
10/15 - Foster the People at The Wiltern
10/15 - Friendly Fires with Theophilus London at Club Nokia
10/16 - Empire of the Sun and Mayer Hawthorne at  Club Nokia
10/18 - Foster the People at The Wiltern (again)
10/22 - Robyn with Royksopp at The Hollywood Bowl

NOVEMBER 2011

11/10 - Yelle at The Wiltern
11/12 - Feist at The Wiltern
11/17 - Chromeo at The Wiltern


TIP: You can purchase tickets to any of these concerts on Ticketmaster. However, if you are on a budget, we highly recommend you save yourself a few dollars by skipping the processing fees and purchase your tickets from the venue Box Offices. Then you'll have more money to put towards your next concert!

Spotted: Space 15 Twenty Yard Sale

Yesterday the EoH ladies took a trip to Space 15 Twenty's Yard Sale hosted by Toni Walker of Fair Season Vintage, where we rummaged through racks of vintage treasures and checked out a variety of handmade jewelry, all while on the lookout for street snaps. We spotted these two ladies out and about getting their shop on. 

While the cool girl on the left opted for a casual look with simple accessories, cute cutoffs, and a statement hat, the LA lady on the right threw on sky high platforms, a bright red tote, and a fashion forward turban. Although these looks are polar opposite, we were drawn to the fabulous headpieces and think they'd make a great addition to our fall wardrobes!

Sia at The Wiltern

Not many people are familiar with the name Sia Furler, but we know if we mention the song from the Six Feet Under finale you’d know exactly what we are talking about. You know the one - Breathe Me. It is a one of the most perfect songs sung by one of the most beautiful voices. It gives us the chills every time we hear it.

For those of you who are familiar with Sia, you know she's far greater than just this one tune. As early as her days of collaborating with Zero 7 until now, Sia could belt out a hypnotizing ballad and have you dancing the night away to her catchy pop tunes like no other songstress.

And as long-time fans of all her music, there is one song in particular that we just can’t get enough of. Every time we hear it we can’t help but laugh out loud. No, it’s not from any of her albums, but from YouTube. Yup, we are referring to Pee on You (a song we like to think was inspired by R. Kelly).

Fortunately for us, we were able to attend Sia’s latest LA performance this week at The Wiltern, where some awesome fan requested it. (Thank you whoever you are!) And Sia, being the coolest off-the-cuff performer, obliged … and we recorded it!

What is your favorite Sia song?

Tuesday Tunes: Oh Land

Meet our newest girl crush Oh Land. We love the Danish beauty's voice and super cool style. You can catch her on tour this summer with Katy Perry and Sia! 

Here's one of our favorite songs off of her new album. Happy Tuesday. Enjoy! 

Want more? Read Oh Land's interview with Esquire here. 

Weekday Wardrobe

While some professionals are fortunate enough to wear denim or flip-flops to work, many work corporate jobs where slacks and pencil skirts in any neutral shade can be found in every cubicle. It is easy to get stuck in a rut and play it safe with the usual stuffy suit, but we are here to remind you that conservative doesn't always equal boring!  With subtle pops of color and feminine fits, you can still look polished and professional, but most importantly stylish.



j.crew


Brighten up your wardrobe with classic pieces in color!

H&M

Update your wardrobe with feminine pieces with added texture 

Zara


It's Casual Friday? Swap your button down with a crew neck, and your pumps with some strappy sandals
for a casual look that will transition perfectly to Happy Hour!



What are some ways your personal style shows through your work wear?

Spitfire Girl

They say it's the thought that counts when it comes to gifts. And we agree, it is. But, sometimes it's tough to find that unique & interesting gift for your special recipient.  Enter Spitfire Girl Boutique.  Us Eastsiders are lucky to have not one, but TWO locations in our hood! Located next door to another favorite of ours, Meowdy, Spitfire Girl is in great company and has become our go-to for cool gifts. We love that Spitfire is stocked with many original pieces manufactured and designed by the owners themselves!

The Hillhurst boutique is loaded with etched wood prints and woodcut invitations and greeting cards designed by the Spitfire team, which consists of 5 artists including Kristin's 12 year-old daughter! These prints will add a retro feel to your space and will definitely be a conversation starter among your guests. 

There is definitely something for everyone here. With all of the home goods, coffee table books, jewelry, and beautiful and fragrant soaps and perfumes, you are sure to find that special something for that special someone or that perfect piece that your home is missing.

Below are a few pieces that stood out to us, but trust us there is much more where these came from. 

Stop by Spitfire and let us know what you end up taking home!

Love It or Leave It? The Flatform

We've seen them on the runway and on some of our favorite celebs, yet we're still not quite sure how we feel about them. They are part platform, part wedge, all height: meet the Flatform.  You will either despise everything about the awkward heel shape, or love everything about the idea of comfort and height wrapped into a shoe. When rocking a pair of these, you're no longer teetering on a skinny heel or dealing with that uncomfortable feeling when you take off your heels and your feet are still in the shape of your shoe...you know what we're talking about.

So tell us, are you digging the idea of going flat or will you be sticking to your stilletos?

Clockwise from top left: Steve Madden Lalline, Jeffrey Campbell Suebee, Chloe leather and canvas platform espadrilles, Michael Kors flatform, Steve Madden Berklee, Jeffrey Campbell Boomer

Reggae Night at the Hollywood Bowl

As part of our KCRW World Festival package, we were lucky to wrap up last week with Reggae Night at the Hollywood Bowl. We packed up our picnic basket with jerk chicken wraps from Home restaurant and Red Stripe to keep with the night's theme and chilled out to Ziggy Marley and other reggae legends paying tribute to Bob Marley and many others! Ziggy put on quite an incredible show and had everyone out of their seats dancing and singing along to all of our favorite Bob songs. It was a great high-energy night that made Monday morning tougher than the usual, but it was definitely well worth it. Check out a few snaps from our night at the Bowl!






If you haven't been, what are you waiting for?



Jerk Chicken Wrap from Home

 

Rasta lights glowing through the bowl





The I-Threes featuring Rita Marley (Bob's wife!), Marcia Griffiths, and Judy Mowatt







Ziggy Marley





Ziggy Marley belting out Bob tunes



Spotted: Reggae Night at the Hollywood Bowl

In the haze of Rasta clad concert goers, we spotted this gorgeous girl in brights.  What could have been an otherwise simple jumpsuit instantly pops with all of the right accessories. Choosing not one, but two bright pieces along with beaded sandals is bold and fun--just what the evening called for! The chic, structured white bag is unexpected, and yet it works perfectly. We love a fashion forward lady that's not afraid to experiment with color! Bonus points for rocking a shaved head so damn good.