LA Chic

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California before moving to Las Vegas over seven years ago.  Even though Las Vegas is missing a lot of things that are key to California living, such as a beach, you can absolutely live your life as if you were in Los Angeles.  And the perfect place to do this is Boca Park fashion village.  They even have palm trees!  If you stand at PINK and look towards the mountains, the look of the palm trees against the blue skies is very reminiscent of a fabulous day out at Venice beach.  This week make it your mission to enjoy a cup of coffee out in the sun with the newest issue of InStyle.  Boca Park reminds me a little of The Grove, but luckily it's not as crowded.

For me, the best thing about Los Angeles fashion is the ability to be stylish but casual and comfortable.  Los Angeles is a melting pot of people and so the fashion in Los Angeles reflects that as well.  My Los Angeles outfits for this week reflect the more bohemian aspects of LA.  From Rodeo drive to Venice beach, there's often a bohemian, artsy sense to the chic locals of Los Angeles.  It also reflects the fun fashion available for summer.

After such a long winter, summer is finally heading our way and I for one cannot wait to throw on a maxi dress and sandals.  This summer the hot colors include pink, coral, orange, and navy blue.  Bright colors are beautiful for summer and they positively scream LA!  LA Idol shorts and the Classic crop-tops are a  must this summer.  I love layering crop tops with simple white or black tank tops.

LA Chic by magicknik featuring wrap around leather bracelets

The best part about this style is that you can add a lot of personality to the outfit with accessories.  I love leather wrap-around bracelets and more power to them if they have an inspirational message written on them.  The more layers of bracelets, the better in my opinion.  I also love feather earrings or feather extensions in your hair.  They create a bohemian look without having to do too much else.

Flip flops are a must for the summer and at PINK we sell the Popit brand flip flops as well as Lori Jack flip flops.  The nice thing about Popits is that you can buy different charms for the flip flop and then switch them out whenever you like.  They are also the most comfortable flip flop I've ever owned.

Last, but certainly not least... purses.  LA fashion is known for big totes and purses.  Here are a couple of tips for choosing a new summer bag.
1. Summer is the one time a year when you can wear virtually any color bag and it doesn't have to match your outfit necessarily.  Try a coral or hot pink bag to brighten up your outfit this summer.  It will absolutely turn your jean shorts and white tank into a stylish outfit on the go.
2. Try different textures.  I love the look and feel of a tweed, canvas or straw bag for the summer.  You can throw these textures with just about anything.  Think of a floral print dress with a tweed clutch.  Or try a straw tote the next time you wear linen pants.
3. Don't be afraid of fringe, studs or chains.  These accents will make a nice contrast against your summer-wear!

Enjoy your Los Angeles fashion this week!  

I know you're going to love living Los Angeles. 

XOXO

Buongiorno Italia

Welcome to Milan, Italy.  

Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world.  

But if you go to Milan, you better be prepared to strap on a pair of high heals or a wedged sandal.  The women of Italy don't go anywhere without heals.  My first time in Milan was about seven years ago.  I remember taking a taxi into the center of the city and stopping into a trattoria.  It was that summer where Europe was record-breaking hot and all I wanted was a cup of gelato.  The trattoria was crowded and I couldn't even see the counter to order.  Tall men stood in front of me, placing their orders.  Luckily, my mother always wears wedge sandals in the summer and she was able to stand among the Italian men and place our order with confidence. 

Here's a little Italian lesson for your next trip to Italy.  Io desidero due gelati, per favore.  (I would like two gelatos, please.)

So our first point of order is to strap on a wedged heal, because the women in Italy are known for obtaining artificial height and they walk... everywhere!  No wonder Italian women are so skinny!  ;-)

 The next order of business is to get an outfit to go with those comfortable, but stylish wedges.  Stripes always remind me of Italy, and not because of the gandola drivers.  The fact of the matter is that black and white stripes are a European thing and especially so in Italy.  But stripes are more on the casual side in fashion and I wanted to present the glam side of things.  

White capri jeans and a blue ruffled tube top are the way to go.  White pants are always classy and I love the gem-toned blue of this shirt.  It is sexy and glamorous.  This outfit must be worn with confidence.  I would pair this outfit with a large-faced, masculine gold watch.  The contradiction between the masculine and feminine will really balance out this outfit.  

  

This week, I will be watching two of my favorite movies featuring Italy.  The Italian Job and The Tourist.  If you haven't seen these two movies, you had better put them in your netflix queue. 

 

And I might just cheat my diet a little and make an amazing Penne Alla Vodka.  Mmmmm.  

Italy is Romantic and sexy.  

Italy is confident.  

This week you are in Italy, Bella!

Ciao ragazzi!!

Detour to Greece!

Ladies, today we're making an unplanned trip to Greece.  So repeat after me... Kalimera!  Good Day!

I spent 2 weeks in Greece the summer before last and I absolutely recommend this country for a little R&R.  The culture is beautiful.  Every single person you encounter will be friendly.  This is a country known for its carefree atttitude (commonly represented by Zorba the Greek's "Now we dance" philosophy).  

Greece has some of the most beautiful beaches with water so clear you can see your orange-painted toes as you walk through it.  The food is delicious with the freshest vegetables and fruits.  You can taste the difference.  

Greek Salad Recipe

My recipe makes a big bowl.  

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.  

Add more, Add less- your preference.

One head of romaine lettuce, diced.  

2 cups of grape tomatoes, halved.

One cucumber, sliced thinly.  

One Yellow and one red bell pepper, sliced, not diced.

Half an onion, sliced.

Half a cup of kalamata olives.

Crumbled Feta cheese.  

Oregano, salt and pepper to season.

Olive Oil to dress.  

Today we are going to experience a little Greece. 

I love the fashion in Greece.  You can look sexy but still be comfortable.  When I think of Greece, I think of white and blue linen.  A lot of Greek buildings are white and blue and that's partly where I got my inspiration for the outfits below. 

Greece by magicknik featuring linen drawstring pants

First, the navy blue Rubber Ducky dress with the white geometric pattern is a must.  It's perfect for dinner or for a night out on the town. 

If I lived in Greece, I would wear white linen pants every single day.  They go with just about anything, they are so incredibly comfortable and there's just something stylish about a pair of linen pants, a wedged sandal and a pair of dark sun glasses.  Try linen pants with bold colors like pink or turquoise.  

I also have a linen peasant shirt that would be adorable with a pair of shorts (denim or white) and a flat sandal for a more casual look.  Cinch a belt just below the rib cage to dress it up a little and pair it with a high wedged sandal. 

Don't forget your Greek accessories.  You can't be in Greece without an evil eye bracelet.  The ones we carry in the store are made from dyed quartz, rose quartz, turquoise, or jade.  Traditionally the evil eye is blue, but you'll get just as much good luck from wearing pink or green. 

Throw in a Nicole Lee tote and a gold cuff and you're ready for Greece. 

And if you decide to go to Greece in actuality, get away from the touristy stuff!   Check out a cute little city called Nafplio.  My little brother enjoyed going out on a ferry to check out a fortress and my mother and I enjoyed shopping in adorable little boutiques.  There's great shopping for jewelry, clothing, and artsy pieces.

Oh!  And check out My Life In Ruins for a great movie with lots of shots of Greece.  Gotta love Nia Vardalos.  (Check out My Big Fat Greek Wedding, too!  It's one of my favorites even though it doesn't take place in Greece!) 

Enjoy your day of Greece.  

Dress for comfort while still being sexy.  

Enjoy Greek cuisine.