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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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

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

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

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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.

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Short Winter

There is never a season without shorts in Los Angeles. Savvy ladies have been sporting pleated styles long into these winter months. Highwaisted styles are key for the right look in classic cotton and feminine silky textures. Whether she is casually running errands or out to shine, California girls dare to bare their legs through to the new year.

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Unique LA + Apt 3 Pop-up Shop

Unique LA, the indie designer show held downtown that is growing in popularity each season, recently celebrated a more permanent opening, of sorts. Teaming up with two of LA's influential retailers, Apt. 3 and H.D. Buttercup, the show has created a pop-up shop worthy of the most refined and sophisticated shoppers the city has to offer. The combination of furniture, designer clothing, accessories, gifts and more creates a true lifestyle approach with this new boutique. For its opening party, the 4,000 square foot space was jam packed with hipsters, fashionistas and the like. The large section of H.D. Buttercup belongs to this first in-house pop-up shop for four months, at that point, organizers are looking to expand with a permanent location in San Francisco.

The Softer Side

Tapered, softly tailored trousers continue to be strong moving into fall. With new looks emerging in prints, both knit and woven styles remain as the latest go-to bottom in Los Angeles. Perfectly suited for professional and party time, these pleated harem-like and carrot top silhouettes match cropped tops, sweaters and structured jackets hitting big for the season.

Blues Clues

As a nod to the warmer weather, the ladies of LA are sporting lighter shades of denim and softer versions of this classic fabric. Pale blues and chambray have been spotted in skirts and casual jackets, along with oversized shirts for cool layering. As an alternative bottom, lightweight denim works with delicate pleats and a more loosened silhouette for the ultimate in California chic.

Romper Room

As summer starts to sizzle in Los Angeles, trendsetters are cooling down in rompers. This easy, breezy one piece is California casual and comfy for the lazy days of the season. Predominantly seen in prints - bold floral and tropical prints are the newest- while stripes on seersucker add a textural update. Miniature prints and solid colors are a simple approach, but welcome the tribal inspired accessories of the moment for extra flair.

Orange Alert

Trendsetters in Los Angeles are punching up their wardrobe this season with shades of orange. Juicy tangerine, persimmon and coral have been spotted in breezy tops, summer dresses, mini skirts and even the classic cotton t-shirt. Pairing these popsicle colors with less intense hues like brown or navy tones down the tartness, while wearing an easy one-piece solo lets the color really shine.

Fashions From the Fest

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival converged on the California desert last week with it's expected crowd of trendsetters. New fashions like lace and crochet were out in force at the three day fest, while trends with rompers, stripes and crop tops continued with refreshed combinations. High-waisted shorts styled with simplicity made an impact and shades of orange and melon sent a strong color message. Belt bags provided a creative blend of function and flair for attendees.

Look for more festival fashion favorites in the coming weeks!

Boyfriend Material

Boyfriend blazers are the latest top layer for updating any casual style. The ladies of Los Angeles are out and about sporting this look during daytime and evening. Slick grey, navy and black are predominant colors, with a boyish woven lining exposed by rolled-up cuffs as a definite styling detail. Plaid and tweeds add a more masculine influence and surface texture. This light weight layer is a perfect transitional piece as temperatures begin to change.

Worldly Wonders

Angelenos are nostalgic for the America of the old Wild West. Lately, navajo motifs in wool weaves and prints are appearing on guys and gals. This tribal spin is the latest in ethnic inspirations for apparel this season. New styles feature experiments with playful color combinations, mixing patterns beyond the traditional design and influences of Peruvian culture.

Six Taste Food Tours

One of the best experiences in life is the discovery of new flavors and one of the best ways to learn about a culture is through its food. With such vibrant neighborhoods like Little Tokyo, Koreatown, and Little Ethiopia, Los Angeles is home to an incredible array of eating establishments and restaurants. Six Taste's mission is to be more than just a food tour and to highlight all the senses. These 'tastings,' explore foods from restaurants, bakeries, and other ethnic eateries, allow guests to speak to restaurant owners and chefs, learn about the culinary cultural influences, and learn the history of the local community all while enjoying great food.

For schedule, tickets and more information, visit sixtaste.com.