Burger Week: Tiara Cafe's Cheeseburger, a Classic Done Right

Tiara Cafe
127 W. 9th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014

What I ordered: Cheeseburger
Total: $9-11.00
Thoughts: A juicy patty of the perfect thickness, sweet pickles, cheese, fresh lettuce, tomatoes housed between a toasted sesame bun and topped off with a thousand island dressing. Oh and a cone filled with fries - all for you.
Verdict: A classic cheeseburger done right!

Styling for Spring Guide: Downtown Night Out

This vintage Tayna dress from Virgo looked dauntingly shapeless when hanging on the racks, but fashion stylist Bettina Bati was determined to show our readers that there is nothing to fear. When she tried it on, it turned out to be a figure-flattering, girly dress. So much so that we thought it would make for the perfect night out look! With the weather warming up for summer, a mini dress like this is ideal for the evening. And it's always key to have a balanced outfit, that's why the long sleeves are a perfect match to the length of the dress. The matching of the polka-dotted collar and floral prints is also very on-trend and aesthetically interesting. With the addition of a Charlie Chaplin bowler hat, necklaces, and your choice of shoes (we selected black gladiator sandals, grey heels, or black heels), you're ready to take the downtown night scene by storm.

Get the look:

1. Zuma black sandals, FOREVER SHOES, $20

2. Bowler hat, VIRGO, $25

3. Presley heels, FOREVER SHOES, $25

4. Mustache necklace, VIRGO, $22

5. Cross necklace, VIRGO, $15

6. Vintage Tayna dress, VIRGO, $50

7. Finger ring, VIRGO, $35

8. Jeffrey Campbell shoes, VIRGO, $130

Forever Shoes - 1053 Maple Ave Los Angeles, CA 90015

Virgo - 216 E. 9th Street Los Angeles, CA 90015

Editor: Annie Chang / Stylist & Model: Bettina Bati / Photographer: Melissa Castaneda

Life's a Beach!

I've been home sweet home for a few short days and trying to cram in all the beach and pool time & pina coladas as possible! It's a steamy 95 degrees, which I don't miss at all, but I have missed all my friends and family like crazy! Being away definitely makes you appreciate the little things about home.

Just wanted to share a few pictures from the beach at sunset with my family & college roommate!

I'm not ready for vacation to be over!

xoxo, lauren

Burger Week: Market Restaurant's Turkey Burger & Salmon Burger

Market Restaurant at the Cooper Building
860 S. Los Angeles St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014

What we ordered: Turkey Burger
Total: $9.00
Thoughts: The turkey burger is such a great healthy alternative to beef burgers. It's less fatty, oily, and even messy. Though it's healthier, the turkey patty itself didn't lose its flavor. The cheddar cheese, pickles and secret sauce in the burger was a great complement. The ciabatta bread was fresh, also a great alternative to the usual sesame buns.
Verdict: Loved it!

What we ordered: Salmon Burger
Total: $9.00
Thoughts: Another wonderful, healthy alternative to beef burgers, the salmon burger was moist and tasty. The ciabatta bread was dressed in a yogurt sauce which was great paired with the fish. There were also mini, fried onion rings that gave a nice crunch against the soft fish. Again, the ciabatta was a favorite!
Verdict: Surprisingly good and everyone should try it at least once!

Burger Week: Angelique Cafe's Dijon Burger

Angelique Cafe
840 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014

What I ordered: Dijon Burger
Total: $12.50
Thoughts: In the median of Main and Spring Streets, Angelique Cafe sits snuggly on its french inspired, quaint island. The decor inside is reminiscent of a Parisian cafe that a traveler would nonchalantly stumble into. This charming experience is enhanced by their delicious French-inspired Dijon Burger. The dijon sauce and the caramelized onion and murshrooms take the lead in this dish. The sauce is creamy and decadent and goes perfectly with the thick patty. The sesame bun is soft and soaks up[ the leftover sauce like a sponge, although it would be interesting to try the burger with a brioche bun. Lastly, a whole plate of fries is served as your side dish.
Verdict: Delicious, but come hungry because the portions are huge.

Vacation is a State of Mind

Just as I thought I couldn't get any more anxious for my upcoming trip back to FL, I saw this ELLE Italia editorial! The tropical drinks, flowers in hair, and embroidered dress are exactly how i'd like to wear on my vacation! I'm so excited to see my family, be a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding, and get my sand and sunshine fix.

xoxo, lauren

Styling for Spring Guide: Vintage Party Outfit

For me, going to special events like birthday parties, bridal showers or even just brunch with the girls is a fun opportunity to experiement with my clothes and try something new. The same cookie-cutter outfits (shiny leggings and a loose top are my go-to) can get mundane. So that's why this aqua-blue, flowy vintage dress that fashion stylist Bettina Bati put together at Haute Olive Boutique is such a breath of fresh air! The color and texture of the dress is so great for Spring/Summer - it stands out and is comfortable. The draping neckline is also a subtle sexy touch. And it's also a one-of-a-kind dress! It was tweaked for a modern fit by the boutique's owner. This by the way, is another great plus about vintage shopping which is that you'll find unique pieces with a history. So, here are some pointers to remember when shopping for this style: bright colors, subtlle sexy/feminine accents, and accessories. Also, most importantly, remember that sometimes girls just want to have fun!

Get the look:

1. Van Eli heels, HAUTE OLIVE, $25

2. Vintage original dress, HAUTE OLIVE, $56

3. Vintage white belt, HAUTE OLIVE, $10

4. Vintage white bracelet, HAUTE OLIVE, $15

5. Vintage silver purse, HAUTE OLIVE, $28

6. System Turqoise pumps, FOREVER SHOES, $23

Haute Olive - 838 S. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90014

Forever Shoes - 1053 Maple Ave Los Angeles, CA 90015

Editor: Annie Chang / Stylist & Model: Bettina Bati / Photographer: Melissa Castaneda

Burger Week: L'Angolo Cafe's Kobe Burger

L'Angolo Cafe

What I ordered: Kobe Burger, comes with a side of fries

Total: $11

Thoughts: The flame-broiled homemade, 7 oz kobe patty was juicy and flavorful. The bun was very fluffy and lightweight, which let the patty take the spotlight. The meat was complemented with provolone cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and I believe thousand island dressing.

Verdict: The burger delivered what it promised: a flame-broiled kobe burger so hot-off-the-grill that it is reminiscent of laid-back summer bbqs.

L'Angolo Cafe

101 W. 9th Street

Los Angeles, CA 90015

Restoration Underway at the Huntington Hotel

Over the past several years, the Huntington Hotel has been one of the more troubled properties in Downtown, plagued by crime and ownership limbo. Now, the Huntington Hotel is back on track and is going through a comprehensive renovation to restore the building. The project will continue to provide housing to low-income individuals.

Rick Espinoza, the construction’s Project Manager, and his team have been working tirelessly for the past 6 months to get this building in shape and ready to open by June of this year.   

Before



After - walls repainted, floors refurbished, and windows replaced


Espinoza said that refurbishing a 100-year-old building has had its challenges, but the building has a well-built structure which has made his task a lot easier. So far, they have updated the plumbing systems and redesigned the bathrooms to include new sinks, toilets, and showers.



New and fully restored bathroom



Security upgraded with bars on the windows

The electricity throughout the whole building also has been updated. The lights are now energy efficient with a timer and light sensors. The walls, which used to be a mucky yellow color, are now repainted with a pristine white color, making each room brighter and more appealing.  Security has also been upgraded; extra bars have been added to the windows. In addition, each room will be equipped with wireless internet. The spacious, commercial areas on the first floor of the building have also been renovated for new tenants to set up shop and bring in business to the Fashion District.



A finished, furnished room with interior decor



We look forward to see the finished product in June!

Huntington Hotel

752 S. Main Street

Los Angeles, CA 90079

It's all Greek Key to Me

  A few weeks ago I posted about the chevron stripes trending in design. I'm bringing you another print and pattern trend for interiors and apparel; the greek key. It looks classic and modern; I love it on a rug or pillow. I grew up in a predominantly greek town so i've grown up seeing the key motif everywhere, so it reminds me of home!

Would you decorate w/ a greek key motif?
xoxo, lauren

Ciao Bella!

I stumbled upon this ELLE mag editorial from 2002 featuring a young Margherita Missoni and couldn't help but love her laidback but put-together Mediterranean style. The Italians have such a zest for life, food, wine, and clothes. They seem to live la Dolce Vita everyday, something all of us could learn from!

I love the signature Missoni knits, jeweled headbands, & breezy tunics!

xoxo, lauren

Spring's Fresh Squeezed Shades

As y'all know I'm a huge fan of color. Sometimes when I'm shopping color is the first thing I'm drawn to, even before its style. Each season I'm always on the hunt for my favorite new shades.


This spring, from tangerine to turquoise I'm loving these colors for apparel, accessories & interior design. I'm predicting they'll be big in the next few months! I love the bright, fresh, and optimistic color palette.

What shade are you loving for this spring?

xoxo, lauren