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

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

Runway Presentation from Directives West FIRST.LA

Returning for a second season, FIRST.LA hit the runway, marking the kick off to another season's market week. Offering an exclusive first look at the best contemporary styles for spring 2011, Directive West's market analysts selected some of the best emerging brands and designers to shine a light on. Under the twilight of downtown LA, the show featured local favorites Whitley Kros, BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND and Yana K., as well as promising up and coming lines, AI FOR AI, Moon Collection, Champagne and Strawberry, A. Mullier, COUTURE by W., fraiche, gwynedds, and R.P.S. The upbeat vibe was in full gear as industry insiders crowded into seats and grabbed the best standing option available for the sneak peek into some of the lines bringing a positive outlook to spring business.

The spring 2011 contemporary trends include:

Sheer Encounters - bringing femininity and vintage romance to the season in cool neutrals

Leisure Life - effortless dressing catches on with a hint of classic Americana

Global Affairs - multi-cultural destinations inspire eye-catching prints and eclectic color

Precious Armor - minimalist appeal through textural manipulation and modern refinement

A Frill A Minute

This season, the ladies of Los Angeles have graduated from charm school with a refined take on frothy fashion. Ruffled tiers and trims are adding femininity to their summer looks late in the season. With cascading sleeves adding big body volume and a softened structure to this style, these stylistas are adding fluidity to their fashion. As vintage romance moves into fall, expect delicate details to appear with boyish looks and military inspired pieces.

Runway Presentation from Directives West introducing FIRST.LA

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.