Summertime On 3rd Street Promenade

Summer has finally arrived here in Los Angeles, so we headed to Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade to see what shoppers can't live without for the season. The message was clear that color is a must, whether in skinny jeans from Joes and Kitson, maxi dresses in stripes at Forever 21or a white statement and shots of color on screen tees from Zara. Color was in the windows and on the streets. Ultra-femme looks of vintage lace and crochet in frilly dresses or used as trims are key at Urban Outfitters, H&M and Brandy Melville. Pretty garden florals in strapless ruffle layered tops and tribal-inspired prints in '70s style jumpsuits, circle tops and soft shorts are perfectly matched, creating a new bohemian style that rounds out her looks.

Guys @ Coachella

Guys beat the heat at Coachella by sporting their favorite tanks.

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More from Coachella!

Coachella is known for wild style and forward fashion, but these concert goers get a special shout-out for calling in a comrade.

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Fashion from Coachella

Coachella rolled through California for another non-stop weekend of music, art and of course fashion! The hippie spirit of music festivals delivered lots of lace, feathers, crochet and loose, languid bottoms. Maxi skirts were in full force, while denim shorts were rediscovered with sexy styling from thousands of girls. Be still our hearts as Americana was reinvented literally and through leather vests, shorts and boots. This choice was daring for the desert, but these band aids made it work by mixing it with feminine textures and delicate pieces.

Check back for more of our fashion forward festival sightings in the coming weeks!

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Fall 2011 Trends Runway Show

Earlier this month, Directives West presented the Fall 2011 runway featuring Contemporary, Juniors and Girls fashions to a full house! The presentation covered the seasonal trends, the best of the key items for each category and all the right West Coast trend information! Here's a sneak peek into the fabulous show!

For more information regarding Fall 2011 trends and key items, contact www.directiveswest.com

Lucky Shops LA

Lucky Shops burst onto the LA scene this past weekend with a VIP party Thurday night before the event officially opened to the public. This special preview of the shopping event hosted by Lucky Magazine took residency in Siren Studios of Hollywood. Stylish celebrities like Rashida Jones, Cat Deeley, Mandy Moore and guests, were welcomed with a pink carpet, cocktails and deep discounts on current styles and merchandise. With a similar layout as the pages of the magazine, the event featured a wide range of over 40 designers and retailers including Helmut Lang, Theory, Kate Spade, Pour La Victoire, Rebecca Taylor and much more at up to 70% off retail. Accessories and shoes were a smaller feature, while denim took charge with an official Jeanious Bar.

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Moonlight Graham

Housed in one of California's earliest FORD dealerships, Moonlight Graham has revamped the setting to create a true guy's lifestyle store. While keeping some history through the aesthetic with original brick structures and expansive glass windows, the shop feels like a neighborhood hangout, like the old days of the barbershop. The company began in 2000 with a complete collection and a few small stores, before being lost, and then reacquired by Moonlight Graham's founder and creative director Bart Silberman. He's curated a collection of nostalgic memorabilia, including a major baseball theme throughout the store and an excellent selection of menswear brands. Levi's (the XX line, Made & Crafted, Levi's Vintage), CXXVI, Rockmount, Reyn Spooner, Red Wing Heritage, Red Jacket, as well as their own Moonlight Graham label. Management also plans on bringing more iconic musicians for exclusive in-store performances soon at this unique Old Town Orange retailer.

401 West Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866

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FIRST.LA VIDEO PREVIEW

Here's a sneak peek of the most recent FIRST.LA runway show. The exciting presentation of the best in Los Angeles contemporary fashion for the season was held on March 14th. The show kicked off with the latest brand from reality starlet Whitney Port, Whitney Eve. YuYu, Twinkle by Wenlan, J Brand, James Icon, Dolce Cabo and Hazel, also represented California cool to its fullest with their new collections hitting all the right trends for the Fall 2011 season.

For more information and to view the complete video: www.directiveswest.com

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Positive press has been pouring in for the latest installment of FIRST.LA! Directives West selected the best in Los Angeles contemporary fashion for the seasonal runway show held on March 14th. Featuring the latest brand from reality starlet Whitney Port, the show kicked off with the eclectic collection of printed knits, skirts and dresses, evoking a girly vibe with a touch of sass, for Whitney Eve. YuYu, Twinkle by Wenlan, J Brand, James Icon, Dolce Cabo and Hazel, represented California cool to its fullest with their new collections hitting all the right trends for the Fall 2011 season.

Dolan, a Los Angeles favorite for its authentic and easy approach to fashion, was selected by guest stylist and LA fashion blogger, Laurie Brucker of Laurie B Style. Erin Weinger of Style Section LA chose to feature and style the sophisticated collection by Kolae, while Hellin Kay, the third guest blogger and stylist, presented 50 Dresses for the exclusive runway show.

Stellar reviews from InStyle.com, MTV Style, Harper's Bazaar UK, and countless blogs, such as BTY Style Guide, MYFDB blog and more!

www.directiveswest.com

FIRST.LA Runway Show

FIRST.LA hit the runway for its second year with another stellar presentation of LA’s best in contemporary fashion. With standing room only, Directives West sent over 80 looks down the runway from up-and-coming brands and designers, to the newest looks from internationally recognized, J Brand.

Whitney Eve, the latest brand from reality starlet Whitney Port, kicked off the show with an eclectic collection of printed knits, skirts and dresses, evoking a girly vibe with a touch of sass. YuYu, Twinkle by Wenlan, James Icon, Dolce Cabo and Hazel, represented California cool to its fullest with their new collections hitting all the right trends for the Fall 2011 season.

Dolan, a Los Angeles favorite for its authentic and easy approach to fashion, was selected by guest stylist and LA fashion blogger, Laurie Brucker of Laurie B Style. Erin Weinger of Style Section LA chose to feature and style the sophisticated collection by Kolae, while Hellin Kay, the third guest blogger and stylist, presented 50 Dresses for the exclusive runway show.

For more information about the featured collections, contact Directives West @ 213.627.5921.

www.directiveswest.com

Final Touches for FIRST.LA

The final touches to FIRST.LA are happening now...get ready for the show!


All the looks are getting the final touches at the hands of our fabulous stylists and our favorite LA STYLE BLOGGERS: HELLIN KAY of CHAMPAGNE + HEELS, ERIN WEINGER of STYLE SECTION LA and LAURIE BRUCKER of LAURIE B STYLE.

MONDAY, MARCH 14^th 2011
Cocktails – 5:30 PM
Runway Show – 6:00 PM

For more information regarding this exciting event contact Directives West.

www.directiveswest.com

FIRST.LA RUNWAY SHOW IN 1 WEEK!

The countdown begins as it’s less than a week until FIRST.LA launches fashion week in Downtown Los Angeles!

Join us as we present a dynamic mix of directional contemporary designers, including: Jbrand, Dolan, James/Icon, Twinkle by Wenlan, Whitney Eve, 50 Dresses, Kolae and more!

For FIRST.LA FALL 2011 we keep it fresh by collaborating with our favorite LA STYLE BLOGGERS: HELLIN KAY of CHAMPAGNE + HEELS, ERIN WEINGER of STYLE SECTION LA and LAURIE BRUCKER of LAURIE B STYLE and reveal their exciting CURATED RUNWAY SECTIONS, featuring their choice LA DESIGNER!

MONDAY, MARCH 14^th 2011
Cocktails – 5:30 PM
Runway Show – 6:00 PM

www.directiveswest.com

FIRST.LA - March 14th, Downtown LA

For more information regarding this exciting event contact Directives West.

www.directiveswest.com

FIRST.LA TO FEATURE TOP FASHION BLOGGERS

FIRST.LA will feature the best in contemporary fashion with curated sections by our favorite stylish bloggers from Los Angeles. Stay tuned to find out who!

The show resumes for its 2nd season, March 14th - get ready!

www.directiveswest.com

Directives West Presents FIRST.LA

FIRST.LA Runway Show is an exciting mix of fresh contemporary designers and emerging talent presented in the dynamic setting of Downtown Los Angeles. In its second year, FIRST.LA continues its commitment to providing a West Coast perspective and excellent insight into Women's Contemporary fashion.

Monday, March 14th, 2011

Cocktails: 5:30 PM
Runway Show: 6:00 PM

The Patio @ California Market Center
110 East 9th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90079

www.directiveswest.com

What They Were Wearing

Directives West scouted out the most fashionable designers and attendees at the most recent installment of PROJECT in Las Vegas. Heavy knit sweaters were spotted on guys, while the ladies opted for leather jackets and vests as their topper. Slim pants with gathered or cuffed ankles in twill and denim dominated for both men and women. Mixing textures, like fine gauge knits with woven fabrics, created offbeat layered combinations and touches of lace, crochet and fringe added a hint of 70's chic.

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February 2011 MAGIC Presentation

It's exactly one week until we greet Fall 2011 with excitement at MAGIC and PROJECT! Next Monday, February 14th we present the Directives West runway presentation of Young Men's and Boys' Fall '11 trends with a West Coast perspective; focus on identification of key items, resources and merchandising issues. We can't wait to introduce you to: The Hunter, The Click, The Class Act and The Outsider. Wishing you all the best as the Fall 2011 season begins - See you at MAGIC!

For further details regarding the 2011 MAGIC Presentation please contact Directives West.

www.directiveswest.com

Makeup & GO! Pop-Up Shops

Red carpets are prepped and ready as awards season in Los Angeles has arrived but this time of year the Oscar nominess aren't the only ones in need of beauty attention. Makeup & GO! the innovative, Brentwood-based walk-in studio, has opened two Makeup & GO! Pop-Up Shops in L.A. to keep the entertainment and fashion community camera ready during this eventful season. The exciting pop-up shops are now opened; one on Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills and the second in West Hollywood on Melrose. The two locations will offer professional make-up application and many of the the flagship store's signature services. In addition, Makeup & GO!'s sister store, BUBBLE Blow Dry, will offer blow outs at the Beverly Hills pop-up shop. Talented artists, the best brands and affordable pricing combine, making Makeup & GO! Pop-Up Shops the perfect remedy for 'time-pressed beauty lovers.' Whether it be for a dinner date, the red carpet or the runway, being 'GOrgeous' in L.A. takes one simple stop!

Brentwood Flagship Store
1308 San Vincente Blvd. @ 26th

Los Angeles, CA 90049

Book Online/Phone: 310.451.6253

Beverly Hills Pop-Up

152 S. Beverly Dr.

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Book Online: Open 3PM - 7Pm (Daily)

West Hollywood Pop-Up

8654 Melrose Ave. @ Norwich Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90069

Book Online: Open 3PM - 7PM (Weds. - Sun.)

www.directiveswest.com

General Quarters

General Quarters had a quiet arrival in Decemeber across from American Rag CIE, but it is garnering attention as a must-see shop along La Brea Avenue. Owner Blair Lucio has curated an impressive selection of apparel, jewelry, bags, books, boots and more. Inspired by heritage, nautical, aviation and automotive memorabilia, which helps to explain the Triump TR6 bike for sale in the window, which is the same model Steve McQueen rode around in The Great Escape. For a more classic look, check out the Gant Rugger shirts, Life After Denim sweaters and resonably priced tees, mixed in amongst a smart collection of vintage chambray shirts, racing gloves and military duffel bags.





General Quarters
153 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036

http://www.directiveswest.com/

The Current Was Strong

EM & Co, a West 3rd Street boutique, supplies fashion-conscious shoppers with a well-orchestrated mix of fashions from world-class designers (i.e., Vivienne Westwood, Iodice, Stella McCartney, JC de Castelbajac, Beatriz, Anna Sui), as well as innovative styles from emerging L.A. talent. Featuring over 30 lines from around the world in its gallery-like space, EM & Co is also an active supporter of local talent, hosting monthly art exhibits and other events featuring local artists and designers. Along with Wallspace LA gallery, EM & Co presents: The Current Was Strong, paintings by MB Boissonnault. MB Boissonnault's use of colors in her landscapes draws the viewer in to a new universe that represents the expression of the painter's organized thoughts about their existence as a painter. After 'battling' with painting as a way of life, MB's rules evolved to reflect the statement that "the world is perfect with all its flaws; no matter what is happening around you, this world is perfect, always."

January 20 - February 23, 2011

EM & Co

7940 W. 3rd St.

Los Angeles, CA 90048

www.directiveswest.com

The Spare Room

The Spare Room has officially opened on the Mezzanine level of the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. This new, classy gaming parlor features two bowling lanes, custom board games, and specialty cocktails from a sophisticated menu. Once inside the double door entrance, guests will immediately notice the vintage bar to the right, accented with brass and leather, while the long main room is essentially divided in half, with booths and seating to one side, and the bowling lanes on the other. An eclectic mix of antiques brings a timeless elegance to the atmosphere with studded leather tops on tables, vintage steamer trunks, and sofas next to a low bookcase that runs the length of the lanes. Bowling is $100 an hour for up to six people, including $700 bespoke shoes made exclusively by LA-based Esquivel. Beyond bowling, guests are welcome to break out the other games, including artisan versions of backgammon, dominoes, and Connect Four, from behind a locked glass display case. The Spare Room also offers a photo booth, which is hidden behind the wall where the bowling shoes are stored. Have even more fun for $5 while posing for four photos with supplied props. What a night!

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.769.7296

www.directiveswest.com

Leather or Not

Whether it's faux or real, the black leather jacket is a staple for guys in Los Angeles. Throughout the city, they are warming up to the return of the greaser scene with this moto inspired outerwear. Varied pocket designs and exposed zippers are details of choice while the layered look of leather over fleece is another way to update. As leader of the pack, this LA dude rolls forward into fall with this versatile item.

www.directiveswest.com

People's Choice Awards

The 2011 People's Choice Awards hosted by Queen Latifah brought enthusiastic recognition to entertainment fan favorites in music, movies and television. After weeks of online voting the live telecast was filmed in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre, where award winners were appropriately revealed one-by-one through the opening of a text message. Young Hollywood seemed to shine brightest in bold hues and cosmetic neutrals. Taylor Swift, Choice Country Artist Winner, and TV sensation, Ashley Tisdale, represented the night's choice of vintage femme frocks in mini to maxi lengths. While teen TV series starlets, AnnaLynne McCord and Lucy Hale, chose minimal yet daring mini dresses in saturated jewel tones.

www.directiveswest.com

Feal Mor

This new, primarily men's shop on the busy stretch of La Brea Avenue, gets its name from a Breton phrase that translates as "of the sea." The steel gray brick exterior, simple glass store front, and foosball table welcome guests into a well merchandised friendly atmosphere. Exposed brick continues on the interior, outfitted with vintage bicycles, surfboards and wetsuits and a decidedly French military-inspired selection of merchandise. The mind behind it all is JP Plunier, described by his staff as a designer/music producer/skater/surfer/punk. Originally from Brittany, he's also lived in Vietnam, Japan, Lebanon, among other locales, and those influences are apparent in the store décor and its merchandise for sale - multi-colored sandals from Lebanon, scarves from Yemen, handmade Japanese indigo scarves by Judy Augur. Right now, there are few women's items, but more selection will be coming in March.

165 South La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

www.directiveswest.com

Los Angeles Arts Month

Los Angeles is truly the creative capital of North America. January is officially LA Arts Month in hopes of raising awareness, appreciation, and participation in the arts in Los Angeles, in all forms. This city wide event is an open invitation for Angelenos and guests to discover the city's arts and cultural offerings. Everyone has the opportunity to experience an entire month of free events across the expansive city that includes art, music, dance and unexpected public art works. Enjoy the best the art world has to offer without leaving Los Angeles.

For programming information please visit laartsmonth.org.

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