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.

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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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!

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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

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

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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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LA Fashion Week

Although it lasts longer than a week, Los Angeles made a strong showing again this season for its edition of Fashion Week. With events and shows spanning across the city, one of the major draws was downtown's Concept Fashion Week featuring, martinMartin, Jen Awad, MILA, Mike Vensel, Elmer Ave, Fremont, among others.

LA Fashion Weekend returned to the Sunset Gower Studios for a full schedule including, Joyrich, Balthaczar, JLMarks and the Green Initiative Humanitarian show featuring several promising contemporary designers using eco-friendly practices. Other events like, Project Ethos in Beverly Hills and a runway show at Exchange LA drew crowds to view the spring lines of designers Anthony Franco, Ashton Michael and hometown favorite Skin Graft. Brands like Siwy Denim and up-and-coming AI FOR AI chose retail boutiques to offer an intimate and up close look at their next collections.

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.

Connect the Dots

LA's female trendsetters are spot-on with the latest polka dot prints and patterns. As this is an emerging trend in the resort season, Angelenos are already opting for dots on dresses, skirts and tops. Ranging from speckled to spacious, this is a refreshing alternative to summer florals. Expect to see more of these looks as feminine and flirty continue to be important.