Wishing you the Best in 2012!

Happy New Year!!

on behalf of the

LA Fashion District BID Board of Directors & Staff

A Toast to 2012

I can't believe it's almost the new year already! So much has happened in my life in the past 12 months; I've graduated from college, settled into life in Wisconsin, and got my dream job in the fashion industry. I have so much to celebrate in life.. I can hardly wait to see where 2012 takes me! So here's a toast to the New Year!

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I am sadly still on the hunt for the perfect New Year's Eve dress to wear out this weekend. I'm thinking either something sparkly or basic with dressed up statement heels and jewels (I need an excuse to buy leopard wedges!). I'll be sure to let you know what I end up with!

Cheers to the New Year

What will you be doing to ring in the new year? And more importantly.. what will you be wearing?

xoxo, Lauren

Latest Lust: Coastal Interiors

I hope everyone had an amazing holiday. I'm enjoying my time home in sunny Florida! Today, I went house hunting with my parents. As a kid, I always loved going into model homes and admiring the interior decor, I feel no less inspired as a 20-something.

I snapped tons of pictures of chic decor in all the homes we saw. I have always loved the look of coastal interiors, it's such a light & airy, but polished look. These were some of my favorite styles.

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One of the things I responded to most were the printed wallpapers, curtains, and chairs. It's an easy way to modernize any home and step up the style quotient.

What would your dream house look like?

xoxo, lauren

Shop LA Fashion District Handbags & Accessories at Trend Essential & Get 20% Off

The LA Fashion District is one of the best sources for buyers to find amazing merchandise to stock in their brick and mortar stores. Additionally, this 115-block neighborhood of wholesale stores including designer showrooms is also becoming a top choice for online retailers! Trend Essentials is one of the many online shopping sites priding themselves on doing businesses in Downtown Los Angeles’ fashion district. And their merchandise shows! The Ontario, CA based company is solely focused on handbags and accessories of all kinds (earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.) and are always on the frontline of what’s trending. They are always on the hunt for new products so they can provide new and fresh arrivals to their shoppers. Some of the brands that they work with are found in the California Market Center such as Melie Bianco, Charlene K, Danielle Nicole, Imoshion and High Fashion Handbags.

Check out what we're coveting!

1. TE Lights Camera Action Ring $9.99  2. TE Christmas Reindeer Scarf $12.99  3. Charlene K Mini Pendant Clover Necklace - 14 K Gold Vermeil $49.99  4. Melie Bianco Brown Madeline Blocked Convertible Chain Bag $59.99  5. Dogeared Friends Dragonfly Necklace in Gold 16" $52.99              6. TE Obsidian Stud Earrings $9.99

As their holiday present to you, Trend Essentials is offering LA Fashion District readers a 20% OFF and FREE SHIPPING promotion! Just type in "LAFASHION20" at the checkout.

Quick, it expires January 30, 2012. Now go shop!


If you are a vendor and are interesting in working with Trend Essentials, please contact them at:

Trend Essentials Inc.
623 Doubleday Ave.
Ontario, CA 91761
1-800-893-3006
cs@trendessentials.com

Ace Hotel to Make Its First LA Establishment in the LA Fashion District


Photo via Curbed LA
Curbed LA reported on December 21, 2011 that an Ace Hotel will open in Broadway’s old United Artists Theatre in the LA Fashion District which was recently purchased by Connecticut-based Greenfield Partners. We originally reported this story in our October 18, 2011 issue of “What’s New”.

This will be LA’s first Ace, a trendy boutique chain that first opened in Seattle in 1999 and now has hip hotels in Portland, Manhattan and Palm Springs.

Sample Sale: Urban Behavior & Costa Blanca!



Urban Behavior and Costa Blanca Sample Sale
The New Mart
127 E. 9th Street, Suite 1202
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Every Friday through December 23rd
Hours: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Contact: (213) 623 – 1999

CASH ONLY!

A Very Florida Christmas

For me, growing up in Florida has meant white Christmases in terms of sandy beaches, decorated palm trees instead of pine, and weather warm enough to spend in a bathing suit. While this seems like Christmas sacrilege  to many of my Wisconsin friends, it's the only thing I've ever known!


 I'm looking forward to spending a week at home enjoying the nice warm weather, seeing my friends and family, and scooping up some Florida souvenirs to bring back with me.

How will you be spending the holidays this year?

xoxo, lauren

Happy Holidays from La Petite Fashionista!

This year I've decided to send my holiday cards out via Paperless Post for a stylish, eco-friendly (& affordable!) option. We were lucky enough to get a dusting of snow the other night for me to take a festive picture (my holiday sweater is a vintage pearl encrusted number from the fifties).


I can't believe it's almost Christmas! It seems like yesterday that I got my tree up and decorated the house. I'm excited to go home to Florida to see friends and family (and hopefully regain my tan). It was so fun having Christmas decorations this year that are sparkly, colorful and completely my style!

 I wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures of the holiday season so far:

My bedazlzled Christmas tree

A festive table setting

My homemade wreath

Downtown Chicago's huge Christmas tree

Festive store windows on the Magnificent Mile

What do you plan on doing to enjoy the holidays?

xoxo, lauren

Mad for Monograms

I don't know if it's because I'm missing the South, my dear friend "RAA", or every fashion blogger's latest bespoke necklaces, but I've been absolutely adoring all things monogrammed lately. I've got my cardigans & tervis tumbler, and I have a certain Moon and Lola necklace on my Christmas list this year.

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I love a classic monogram backed with a super modern trellis or chevron pattern for pillows, platters & cosmetics cases. Blogger Blair Eadie can rock them like no one's business. The personalized touch is a nod to classic Americana (think 1950's monogrammed cashmere sweaters) and a modern day preppy look.

Mad for Monograms

I love that they're actually starting to trend lately, think of it as a new take on Carrie Bradshaw's nameplate necklace. Would you sport your monogram?

xoxo, LFP

Latest Lust: Luxe Lounging

Ever since I saw the J. Crew image below of mixing cozy pajamas & pearls, I've been thrilled with the idea of upping the ante on my Christmas pjs this year. Our family tradition is to spend Christmas day in our pajamas opening presents, drinking mimosas, and visiting with the family. It's definitely one of my favorite days of the year!


These are some of my favorite ways to dress up your comfy laid back looks. Whether you dress up your sweats with a fairisle sweater or flannel bottoms with a chambray shirt, mixing and matching gives cozy clothes a stylish twist.

Lovely Lounging

What do you wear when you just want to feel cozy and cute?

xoxo, lauren

Cute Coats for Chilly Weather

One of the things I've found to be hardest about living somewhere cold is that all winter long you have to wear coats to cover up your cute outfits! This is why I've been on the hunt for the cutest coats & coordinating accessories, so my outer layer is just as chic as the clothes underneath!
Cute Coats for Chilly Weather
Look for wool and down with faux fur linings, insulation & hoods for added warmth. Pretty colors, feminine details, and stylish cold weather accessories make all the difference in adding some style when you're feeling winter drab. 

Some more cute coat inspiration:



What is your go-to winter coat?

xoxo, lauren

Latest Lust: Down Vests

Before moving to Wisconsin, I had little need for coats, long underwear, snow boots, and all of the accompanying accessories.  Honestly, I've always thought down vests we're sort of dorky. It wasn't until recently that I've realized how warm they are & can also be a cute layering piece! I'm also loving my rust colored striped thermal; it looks perfect paired w/ my turquoise accessories.

These are some stylish bloggers and brands that have inspired my layered look:
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Penfield, so cute!
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What I'm Wearing:
Down VestLands' End Canvas , Striped Thermal: J. Crew, Jeans: Talbots, Wedges: Steve Madden, Scarf: Vintage

I'm so glad that I can stay warm AND stylish this winter! What are your tips for layering with style?

xoxo, lauren

Pretty Packaging

As I've said before, sometimes the present's packaging is as important as the gift itself. I'm all about presentation & special touches. It doesn't even matter if it's a fancy present or home baked cookies, the way you wrap it makes all the difference! These are some of my favorite DIY gift wrap ideas:

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I love the look of brown craft paper all tied up w/ colorful string, patterned grosgrain ribbon or lace to add a little something extra. How about the confetti dipped double sided tape and stylish tags (how cute are the covered button christmas trees & incredibly chic chevron)? I can't wait to try these out on my own gifts to give each it's own unique look!

I've also found a great set of stylish printable tags that you can print & use on your own gifts!

If you don't want to go to the DIY route, check out these already made stylish gift tags, bags, and wrapping paper. I love the use of colorful baker's twine, colorful confetti & putting a hairbow on a gift that can be worn as an accessory later!
Pretty Packaging Essentials
How do you make your gift wrap gorgeous?

xoxo, lauren