Tarina Tarantino to open Sparkle Factory on Broadway

Tarina Tarantino is bringing the sparkle back to Broadway. The jewelry designer is taking over the historic L.L. Burns’ Western Costume Building and turning it into her very own “Sparkle Factory”, complete with a flagship retail store, production studio, and art gallery.

This is the most recent accomplishment of Councilmember José Huizar’s Bringing Back Broadway initiative, and we are beyond excited. Crystals, sparkles, AND glitter? Yes, please!

The soon to be Sparkle Factory will be located at 908 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, at the intersection of the historic and fashion districts.

More details on the project will be coming soon, but for now we leave you with some of our favorite Tarantino designs.

Cold Weather Boots: $100 Shopbop Giveaway!

Since moving to the snowy paradise that is Wisconsin, I've had to build up my winter boot collection (no complaints here!). The weather is so unpredictable, but snow or shine, looking chic is always important to me.

Luckily, the stylish people of Shopbop have a headquarters in Madison and understand the need for cold weather boots that deliver on style and comfort.

Above are a few of my favorite picks: cowboy boots with tights and floaty dresses, cozy and waterproof shearling boots, wellies tucked into denim, Pour la Victoire moto boots for an every day edge. and knee high wedge boots for chilly nights out for cocktails. 

I'm so excited to work with shopbop on this $100 giveaway for LPF readers- just the Tuesday pick-me-up everyone needs! I can't wait to see what everyone picks (anything your lil heart desires) and to pick a winner!  The contest will end  2/11/12 at midnight. 

xoxo, lauren

Print it!

Today I decided to prepare a special ''meal'' that contains flowers, birds, animal prints and some geometrical figures. YES! I'm speaking about one of the most beautiful trends of the next season: PRINTS. Head to toe print were all over the runaways. ENJOY!

photos from vogue.com style.com streetfsn.com

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Anyone who has read my blog for a while knows that between my collection of western wear and love of wide open spaces I'm certainly a cowgirl at heart. In fact, as a kindergartner, I told my teacher that's what I wanted to be when I grew up.

 I seriously, need ALL of the shirts in Wildfox Couture's Spring 12 collection, how amazing would they look with my beat up cowboy boots? There's just something so romantic about the Wild West.

I'm loving the sheer skirts and stetson hats in the editorial. And that last image, reminiscent of the Old Time photos shop they used to have at Busch Gardens. I seriously need to visit one again, I think it'd be too fun dressing up in saloon girl garb.

xoxo, lauren

Welcome to my fashion cuisine!

After years spent on different sites and blogs about fashion, I decided to create my own blog. I am a inspiration scouter with a deep passion for fashion and sense of style.  I decided to open a fashion cuisine. It will contain recipes for perfect look, the latest trends and occasionally  best products for skincare and hair. I hope you will enjoy it and will follow my tips.

Stay tuned and Bonne appétit!<3

I Heart Valentine's Day

Ever since I was a little kid, I've always loved hearts. I used to (and admittedly still sometimes do) sign my name with a big heart next to it. Thus, Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays because It's an excuse to wear heart sweaters, eat chocolate, and spend time with the people you love. Though I strongly believe that should be more than once a year!

Single or taken, let the day be a time to indulge a little. That heart shaped whoopie pie heart pan would make amazing goodies to hand out to friends or a boyfriend!

What's your favorite thing about Valentine's Day?

xoxo, lauren

Credit and Money Management Workshop

Here at the LA Fashion District we’re not just dedicated to helping you dress well, we also pride ourselves in helping Downtown LA become a better place to live and do business. In honor of that philosophy, we invite you to attend the Credit and Money Management Workshop, on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 5:30p.m. at The Exchange. It’s sponsored by the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council and Operation HOPE.

The workshop is open to all Downtown residents and stakeholders and will offer information on managing credit and finances. Don’t miss it!

Pretty, Pretty Print-cess

I stumbled upon Australian clothing line, Gorman and am seriously obsessed with all the print and pattern and color in the line. I'd say almost every single day i'm wearing something printed; it's sort of my thing. Even our print designer at my company has noticed, always commenting on what my print of the day is. I'm also seriously digging those strappy sandals with socks.

I've also compiled what I think will be trends in print & pattern for Spring '12! It's a nice step away from the traditional floral prints; a bit more futuristic, scientific, and mathematical looking.

Which spring 12 print trend is your favorite? I'm partial to chevron, but I'm liking the geometric prints too!

xoxo, lauren

Sample Sales: The CMC, Filbert & Fig and Rosenberg Group, + Mother Denim

IT’S HERE! The first sample sales of the year!! Lucky for you we've got the inside scoop on who's having what where so you can get to shopping without hassles like the fashion-forward
pro-shopper that you are.

First Stop: The California Market Center

The CMC showrooms are having samples sales for women, men, children, and home décor. Don't be fooled, the CMC is HUGE. And by huge we mean it's actually three buildings in one (Suite A, B, and C). Take a look at their directory beforehand so you know where you want to go. Remember, not all showrooms will be having sales. Look for “Sample Sale” signs on the door for the ones who are.

Parking is only $10 for Sample Sales in the CMC’s underground garage. Once you’re parked, we recommend heading up to the 9th floor for Filbert & Fig and Rosenberg Group’s incredible selection of furniture and decorative accessories. Forget Ikea. We’re talking gorgeous couches and dining room tables at a fraction of retail price.

Second Stop: The Cooper Design Space
Cross the street and head on over the Cooper Building for Mother Denim’s sample sale. Snatch yourself a pair of jeans: skinny, flare, boot, cuffed, whatever your heart desires. They have them all.

Finally: End the your day at The New Mart. Sample sales:

• Calvin Klein
• Joe's Jean
• Hale Bob
• Hard Tail
• Many More

Click here for a full list of their sample sales.

FYI:
Plan on waking up early. Most sales are over by 4 p.m. Bring your own shopping bag. It makes carrying your goodies from showroom to showroom that much easier. And don't forget your cash. Most sample sales are CASH ONLY.

Try this Trend: Oversized Watches

WatchesOnNet.com asked me to give my top picks for the Michele watch collection. As you all know I have a thing for oversized watches and a wrist full of accessories in general. I'm in love with the statement watch styles below!

I love the look of a big watch paired with lots of bracelets, cocktail rings, and a statement bag. Can you say arm party? It's definitely one of the most versatile accessories that you can pair with everything from a t-shirt to cocktail dress. Investing in a nice watch will never go out of style!

Do you have an oversized watch that you wear?

xoxo, lauren

Update: Ace Hotel reveals plans for United Artists Theatre in Downtown LA

In a recent announcement, Councilmember Jose Huizar confirmed Ace Hotel’s purchase of the iconic United Artists Theatre. The theatre’s 13 floors will be redeveloped into 180 hotel rooms, as well as a pool, restaurant, and bar. The theatre will be reactivated and serve as the main attraction point for the hotel.

Located on Broadway & 9^th Street, the Spanish-Gothic-styled building was originally built by the U.A. to host premieres. It is rumored that much of the inspiration for the design of the building came from U.A. co-founder Mary Pickford’s love of European castles. Judging from the L.A. Historic Theatre Foundation's virtual tour, it does seem fit for a king. What do you think?

The hotel is scheduled to open summer 2013. We can’t wait!

Snapshots from SLC

I just got back from a few days in Salt Lake City for the Outdoor Retailer trade show. The Rockies are such a beautiful backdrop to the city and I saw tons of great trends for the outdoor industry. I just wanted to share a few snapshots from my trip

I splurged on a pair of Bonfire Ski Pants (I love the tailored & girly fit!) & a pair of polka dot Smith goggles that match my Roxy Ski Jacket! Though, after seeing so many bright colors on the slopes, my next purchase will be a bold ski jacket!

Colorful snowboards at Deer Valley Ski Resort


Gorgeous ski resorts!


Definitely need a splash of signature color in my ski look!

Loving these navajo print ski hats from Chaos!

This girl had on the coolest transparent/neon jacket

Busy day at the ski resort!


A picture perfect end to an epic trip!

I came home to lots of snow, I can't wait to try out my new snowpants on my first sled ride!

xoxo, lauren

Looking Cool & Staying Warm

I'm leaving tomorrow for a trip for work, to the mountains, to do some trend research (dream job, i told you)! I'm excited and trying to figure out what to pack for a few days in the high altitudes and snowy scenery. I've always been fascinated by the ski bunnies of Aspen and Vail.  (I mean, have you seen Aerin Lauder's beautiful ski chalet home?!). 

These vintage photos from lifestyle photographer, Slim Aarons, perfectly depict sleepy mountain towns and the stylish ski bunnies that inhabit them:

When it comes to cold weather, I'm not one to sacrifice style for warmth. I'd like to think it's possible to have both! (Fleece lined leggings have become my new best friend in recent weeks!)

What do you like to layer on when the temperatures dip to feel stylish and warm?

xoxo, lauren