Diamond in the Rough

On my recent annual trip to my "home away from home", San Francisco, Ca, I got to spend one day snapping great photos for my portfolio in West Oakland. Sure, the city is one to be dealt as it's a rough diamond that has yet to be discovered. Naturally, I was scouting the area for some good eats as I was working up quite an appetite. Then along my snapping journey, I came across this stand alone "modern day" soul food restaurant, Brown Sugar Kitchen. What I admired the most was that this hot spot cooks with locally grown, organic and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. The delicious baked goods and hot entrees are inspired by Tanya Holland's interpretation of soul food. Her influences are a concoction of her African American heritage, her formal training at Le Varenne Ecole de Cuisine in France and her general appreciation for a wide variety of cuisines. You can definitely taste the love in each bite! So next time you take a trip over to the San Francisco area, I highly recommend you treat yourself to something so good!

Brown Sugar Kitchen

Sweet West Oakland

2534 Mandela Parkway

Oakland, California 94007

Stay Sexy

There's nothing better than speaking your mind on matters that mean the most to you. Thus, I was surely impressed with this fresh and edgy, new age hipster clothing company known as, Sober Is Sexy. Sadly, there are many of people out there, including myself, who have known people to succumb under the spell of substance abuse. The good news is there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. To provide those with moral support and several resources to clean up their lives can prove to save lives. Which is why I have much respect for Sober Is Sexy clothing and accessories. There are several ways you can make a statement ranging from loudly stated apparel for both men and women to tote bags and jewelry and 5% of each purchase goes towards a substance abuse organization. So go ahead and be sexy, help save a life and get your shop on.

Visit Sober Is Sexy

Alluring Antiquities

There's nothing this girl loves more than to accessorize my favorite outfits with rustic jewelry. Sure, anyone can go to the local swap meet in hopes of finding that rare vintage jewel to add to your latest collection, but why not go straight to the pot of gold? This is exactly how I felt when I came upon my latest discovery and new favorite jeweler, Erica Weiner. This grassroots gal started out creating her own jewelry in her apartment back in 2005 and since has been collecting amazing treasures throughout her travels to use them in creating a line of jewelry that surely emphasizes exquisite craftsmanship and now her line is being sold in shops all over the world! Her line has a wide variety of jewelry pieces for just about every occasion ranging from necklaces to engagement rings. Check out some of my favorite pieces below.

Pair of Late Victorian Belt Bracelets

Birdcage Earrings

Deco Engagement Ring with Curving Filigree

Visit the Erica Weiner Online Shop

New Kids On the Block

There are many reasons as to why I simply adore where I have grown my own life roots in good old Long Beach, CA. Aside from the sunny days at the Pike to enjoying my Jameson and tonic water at the local Hip-Ster bars on 4th Street, what I appreciate and love most is the diverse and creative counter culture  uprising in the underground. There are many days, if not most, where I still feel young at heart despite the fact that years seem to pass by like months as of late as I recollect the sweet and irreplaceable memories of the more youthful days. Recently, As I was driving in my car, I happened to be driving behind a car that had an unfamiliar bumper sticker which reads "livevil". I was a bit curious but went on with my day forgetting I'd ever seen it. Two days later as I was on the road to the dance studio, I saw that same sticker again on another car! I was then, even more intrigued. Naturally, I turned to Google to inquire about this new "hype" and I liked what I found. So today I wanted to provide you with a peek inside the uprising of the newest kids on the block, who have come together to make their mark starting with their clothing line that speaks for itself, LIVEVIL. Still curious? Visit their online STORE to see what all the hype is going to be. You just might thank me later :)

Let Them Eat Cake

There is nothing better to me than having a few sweet treats! I am a fan of it all...pastries, cupcakes, muffins  and the list goes on. That is why today I wanted to share a special treat with my readers today! During my recent trip up North, I had the pleasure of coming across a cute, vintage style bakery located in Arroyo Grande, called Eclair Bakery. They had everything from Crumble Top muffins and fresh baked bread to irresistible Apple Turnovers and heart warming Red Velvet cupcakes (which is an absolute favorite of yours truly!) Their customer service is surely impressive and most welcoming. You can feel the passion for making special baked treats to share with their customers just by walking into the kitschy bakery, which I feel most standard bakeries lack. So next time your sweet tooth is aching for something special and you are near the area, I highly recommend going to this lovely little bakery! They also specialize in custom orders and decadent wedding cakes!

Eclair Bakery

117 East Branch Street

Arroyo Grande, CA 93420

Phone: (805) 481-7654

Animal Style Artillery

One thing this lovely leopard enjoys is to take in every beautiful day in the diverse city of Long Beach, CA. Over the weekend I had the pleasure of heading out to the grassy knolls of the Marina Green to listen to live bands and check out hip new vendors while sipping on a cold and refreshing Blue Moon. One vendor I was pleased to come across is Arm the Animals (ATA). Being an animal lover myself I was so happy to see a clothing company with a purpose I fully believe in. Arming animals with artillery and giving them a voice of preservation. Their collection for both men and women is simple yet strongly stated with images of animal silhouettes  armed with various weapons. Even better than their celebrity supporters such as Andrew Keegan, Shannon Elizabeth and Shilo Fernandez defending the defenseless is their current partnerships with rescue shelters, Bark of Love and Strangest Angels. So go ahead and check out some of this swag with a purpose below, animals all around the world will thank you.

Check out more styles at Arm the Animals

Natural Instincts

City life for me can get a bit overwhelming at times. Between the city's racing heartbeat which thumps to the tune of the local police helicopters and tricked out cars whizzing by, it can lead me to feel a bit restless and longing for a few days of tranquility and solitude. So I've had the pleasure to escape the tight grasp of the fast pace city life, which has been the best inner self cleanse I've had in a long time. So as a tribute to my lone wolf-like get away I a wanted to share with you an amazing jewelry line that sells intricately adorned rustic jewelry pieces and primeval talismans. Founded in New England, Cloven has an array of jewelry pieces which will allow you to always surround yourself with natural beauty even if you don't have time for a quite little get away. Check out some of my favorite pieces they currently have available for purchase below. 

Trouvere of Gryphon's Moor

The Rath, Aspen Wood Necklace

My Undying Honor, Filigree & Bone Necklace

To check out more  goodies visit, Cloven

AMAZING

Bird's Eye View

Many of us are familiar with the traditional birdhouses which are plain jane style homes to accommodate your local feathered friends. I know that personally, I am all about upgrading the home style so why not let the birds in on having a nice modern day home too? This is sure to not only add a stylish and quirky unconventional style to your own patio or yard but you can provide style for your favorite neighborhood sparrow. Even if you are not quite a fan of bringing all the birds to the comfort of your home this would also double as a nice stylish accent piece for the interior of your home! If all else fails this talented woodcrafter also has iconic style patio tables and wall panels for the inside of your beloved home. Check out these modern day birdhouse favorites created by nathandaniels below! 

nathandaniels

Modern Day Romeo

I just came across this powerful image on Yahoo News spot today and I had instant goosebumps from the unintentional snapshot by a news photographer during the hockey riot in Vancouver. I mean, what woman wouldn't want to have her worries instantly removed by a simple and romantic gesture in the midst of chaos and terror brought on by an overdose of testosterone (over a sport none-the-less)? Guys, I would say review and take notes of this one man's quick thinking cause this is surely one way to win hearts over many! I'd say this is definitively  an iconic kiss that is up there with the August 14th, 1945 "V-J Day Times Square Sailor Kiss"...and they say "hopeless romantics" are a thing of the past...

Photo taken by Richard Lam

Perfect Little Princess

Staying young at heart is essential in the coming years of adulthood. I for one, am a firm believer that no matter the age its good to live like you mean it. So why not dress the part? I was very excited when I discovered an amazing independent custom dress maker company, Ouma! I couldn't take my eyes off these well crafted dresses that emit such a delightful feeling of living out your inner princess self. Each dress is custom-made-to-order and is accurately fit to your measurements. Between choosing from hand dyed fabrics and custom details to your liking, you will surely feel like royalty when creating the dress of your dreams! Check out some of my favorite pieces from their collection below.

Cirque Party Dress

A Whimsical Spring Dress

Blushing in Pink Dress

So go ahead and treat yourself at Ouma's Shop

Don't You Know?

There's nothing more fabulous than being clever and witty. I feel it breeds a sense of fun and laughter when used appropriately. Even more so being a Star Wars fan myself when I came across this set of solid sterling silver rings that have all of the above I was beyond ecstatic! I thought these would make the perfect wedding bands for any bride and groom who loves to add a touch of unique and thoughtful cunningness when solidifying their infinite union! The Han & Leia ring set is created by spiffingjewelry and at a very reasonable price of $100. So if you know you love it just say I do!

For more cleverly stated jewelry pieces visit SPIFFINGJEWELRY

Blast From the Past

Years ago I had worked at a PR firm in Hollywood, CA. At times I was blessed to be living any fashionista’s dream, then other times it felt like a scene from Devil Wears Prada. Although it had its moments, overall I was beyond happy to be surrounded by such great fashion and accessories, “Living the Dream”. During my time there, I learned about this amazing woman who has a keen eye for amazing vintage pieces named, Doris Raymond. Her delicately amazing collections are kept in her store The Way We Wore. It is like the Nordstroms of all things fabulous with pieces from the 20th Century. Her collections consist of casual to high-end vintage clothing, accessories and jewelry, Couture and pręt-a-porter to Ethnic clothing and textiles and prototypes of all kinds. Some of the mentionable designers you will find amongst her fashion treasures are Dior, Galanos, Versace, Pucci and YSL. She has items that are there to surely please anyone’s personal style and taste. Next time you are needing that great pair of vintage shoes or a great original 1920′s dress, take a trip out to L.A. and raid “grandma’s closet”. Check out some of my favorite pieces from her collection below.

Versace Chagall Dress

1920′s Beaded Flapper Dress

Chanel 1930′s Attribution

Miyake 3d Ensemble

The Way We Wore

334 S. La Brea Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90036

Can't Beat Cheap

Living in So. Cal surely has its benefits of having more sunny days than most states. Thus, in LA there are many  who know how to roll functionality into style. One style that has been on the forefront in Long Beach, CA is brought on by the local fixed bike rider hipsters. As the streets fill up with fixed bike riders who are taking advantage of the newly laid bike friendly streets all around downtown. Often you’ll find them sipping on hot coffees while choppin’ it up at Portfolio Coffeehouse on 4th Street’s Retro Row.  One common denominator I’ve taken note to is the hat factor. Very few are spotted without a cap of some sort, which also happens to spare one from those awkward sunglass tan lines. Being that I am quite the social butterfly who flutters around Long Beach as tho its my personal playground, I had the pleasure of befriending the owner and designer of the Long Beach, CA based hat company, OG Cheap. The leader of the pack,”Oh” (pronounced: OHH-EE) is a branding mogul who has taken on the edge of what we all love living the CHEAP life with his line of simplistic style baseball caps. They come in a variety of colors and select designs. Being one of having simplicity over a multitude of over the top designs, specifically for caps. This one surely rates 5 stars in my book.

OG CHEAP BLOG & SHOP

Leather Knuckles

Do you love glitz, glamour and fashion? Well I absolutely do! I've spent some years living in Southern California's epicenter where fame, fortune and fashion is a part of your everyday life right on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, CA. I was in the thick of it all, working and one of the few living in one of Steve-O's (from Jackass) "domains" and rubbing elbows with the sub-elite. I assure you it was quite the experience of a lifetime that could possibly leave me to write memoirs of my Hollywood adventures...one day. During my time spent there I was on a merciless journey to find the latest and greatest accessories and apparel, considering I had it all within arms reach. One brand that will stick with me forever is Seril, created by designer Marjori Seril. It was her vision of cultivating her luxurious vision of creating high end accessories line that holds the essence of Hollywood street life. I can say with confidence that she has achieved just that! It felt like sheer ecstasy when I was first introduced to this amazing brand. Seril has a variety of badass knuckle clutches and handbags. It surely has also caught the eye of the rich and famous as Angelina Jolie has been spotted rockin' my personal favorite of the collection, the Knockout Clutch. Check out these great pieces that just may be worthy of your hard earned cash! 

 Featured Items:

Knockout Clutch $545

Lockdown Clutch $425

Evening Knockout LG $493

Angelina Jolie sporting the Knockout Clutch

Seril.net