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.

www.directiveswest.com

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

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.

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

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.

www.directiveswest.com

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.