LA is more than just a location; it's a lifestyle and even a state of mind! Come check out the "LA Story" for what's hot in fashion, beauty, events, stores, sales, places to go and what's going on as I cruise through life in LA -LA Land!
This blog has moved to a new location! You can now find it at www.la-story.com.
Attention Southern California Lifehouse fans!! Want to be a part of an exclusive major internet event with Lifehouse? Yahoo! Music and Geffen Records want you to join us when Lifehouse takes the stage for Nissan Live Sets in West Los Angeles, CA.
If you don't know who Jane Monheit is, please don't skip over this podcast. This is really something different. It's not your typical 'indie rock/pop' person that I interview. Instead it's a singer whose vocal prowess is phenomenal and she's just as beautiful as her voice. Grammy nominated Monheit has just dropped her seventh album and still finds there's a goldmine of songs in the pop/jazz repetoire to sing-- and bring her own tone, "voice", personality to each one of these songs and make them her own.
Produced by the magician producer, Jorge Callandrelli (Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand and more, Surrender features 10 tracks of fab ballads and sexy and romantic bossa novas. Now you might not recognize all these names but you do know Stevie Wonder and Jane covers Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed” in a magical way. She also worked with Sergio Mendes’ on his “So Many Stars,” which he produced, arranged and guests on, along with Johnny Mandel & Paul Francis Webster’s “A Time for Love.” There's so much depth to these songs, that they don't sound like classics but fresh material.
Working with her core of musicians including Ari Ambrose (saxophone), Michael Kanan (piano and Fender Rhodes), Orlando Le Fleming (bass), Rick Montalbano (drums) and Miles Okazaki (guitar), Monheit has shown us that not only can she do the classics, but she can take contemporary material and make it gorgeous as well as venture into Brazilian jazzy bossa nova beats and produce a lush, sexy "meet me in Rio" feel to these amazing songs - and she's very very good at interpreting the romance of the language.
Check out the podcast so that you can learn the who, what, where, why and how about this album as Jane Monheit gives us some time to ask her about her newest "baby" and what she's doing in her life when she's not on the road or in the studio-- and you will be surprised at the things she really loves. Or -- if you already listen to Monheit-- you won't be surprised. She's a multi-faceted, fun-loving person whose enthusiasm for her favorite things should be 'bottled" for it's pop and fizz. Don't forget to check out the track listings-- there are 2 streaming songs!
Check this out. Planet Funk the store in LA and PlanetFunk.com is having a sale. Not just ANY sale mind you, but a sale where the more you buy, the more you save.
Buy one sale item -- get 25% off
Buy THREE sale items-- get 40% off!
NOW that's a deal-- but it's a LIMITED TIME OFFER!!
Can't be combined with any other special offer but it's definitely worth taking some time to surf the site and get some bargains in the process!!
Maybe you have heard about the carnage in DARFUR.. or maybe not.
If not, call this a reality check because you NEED to know that there are people being slaughtered out there. You might think that there is nothing you can do. Maybe you feel that you can barely make ends meet and you cannot help in any way.
Guess what- YOU CAN.. By using your computer to watch the NEW DAY video from THE KIN trigger a donation to halt the brutal genocide in Darfur simply by watching The Kin's video hosted by Revver.com.
"The tragic genocide that the people of Darfur are being forced to endure is horrifying - my brother and I felt we had a responsibility to do whatever we could to help," says Isaac Koren, one half of The Kin duo. "The groundbreaking technology of Revver presented us with a solution where anyone with a computer - a child, grandmother, taxi driver - can make a difference immediately, to save lives and halt the genocide in Darfur."
The Kin aims to raise $350,000 with a high-tech campaign tapping the power of the Web, video and music.
A complex and bloody civil war that has left 400,000 people dead and more than 2 million displaced in just three years, the Darfur conflict is a calculated campaign of displacement, starvation, rape and mass slaughter unmatched in the 21st Century.
Aletheia Entertainment recording artists The Kin, led by Australian brothers Isaac and Thorry Koren, are the most recent artists to join the growing world contingent of concerned citizens.
The brother musicians have made a video of a stirringly soulful acoustic performance of their song, "New Day" available through Revver.com. (I know where it was shot because I saw them perform there -- just for me and my photographer-- that will come in another blog)
As a "Revverized" video, "New Day" has technology embedded into the clip which triggers a donation to SaveDarfur.org every time a viewer watches the entire video and clicks through to the sponsor's link displayed at the end.
Viewers who visit the video at http://www.thekin.com/savedarfur to see and hear "New Day" will definitely consider it time well spent.
"This is a song about overcoming oppression," says Thorry. "The words visualize a time when people come together for peace."
"A lot of people want to help, but they don't think they can afford the time or the money," Isaac Koren concludes. "We're happy to help bring critically-needed aid to Darfur in a very simple way: All you have to do is watch a video.
This fantastic spontaneous acoustic performance shot in a California parking garage, this is acoustic musicianship at its best.. with their gorgeous harmonies and passion for the topic with the accompaniement a single guitar, these guys are smokin'. The lyrical message is one of hope and that we can make a difference-- YOU can make a difference. They are trying to make a difference and have already started the process. You need only to watch the video and click on the link. Pass it on to friends and tell them to watch (they will love the unique vocalizations and style of this new band) and then click the link.
It doesn't get any easier than this my peeps. So watch the video.. it's an easy 3-4 minutes to see these guys LIVE acoustically --in a garage no less- listen to the power and passion in their voices, their lyrics, in their presentation. You can help.
Maybe you have heard about the carnage in DARFUR.. or maybe not.
If not, call this a reality check because you NEED to know that there are people being slaughtered out there. You might think that there is nothing you can do. Maybe you feel that you can barely make ends meet and you cannot help in any way.
Guess what- YOU CAN.. By using your computer to watch the NEW DAY video from THE KIN trigger a donation to halt the brutal genocide in Darfur simply by watching The Kin's video hosted by Revver.com.
"The tragic genocide that the people of Darfur are being forced to endure is horrifying - my brother and I felt we had a responsibility to do whatever we could to help," says Isaac Koren, one half of The Kin duo. "The groundbreaking technology of Revver presented us with a solution where anyone with a computer - a child, grandmother, taxi driver - can make a difference immediately, to save lives and halt the genocide in Darfur."
The Kin aims to raise $350,000 with a high-tech campaign tapping the power of the Web, video and music.
A complex and bloody civil war that has left 400,000 people dead and more than 2 million displaced in just three years, the Darfur conflict is a calculated campaign of displacement, starvation, rape and mass slaughter unmatched in the 21st Century.
Aletheia Entertainment recording artists The Kin, led by Australian brothers Isaac and Thorry Koren, are the most recent artists to join the growing world contingent of concerned citizens.
The brother musicians have made a video of a stirringly soulful acoustic performance of their song, "New Day" available through Revver.com. (I know where it was shot because I saw them perform there -- just for me and my photographer-- that will come in another blog)
As a "Revverized" video, "New Day" has technology embedded into the clip which triggers a donation to SaveDarfur.org every time a viewer watches the entire video and clicks through to the sponsor's link displayed at the end.
Viewers who visit the video at http://www.thekin.com/savedarfur to see and hear "New Day" will definitely consider it time well spent.
"This is a song about overcoming oppression," says Thorry. "The words visualize a time when people come together for peace."
"A lot of people want to help, but they don't think they can afford the time or the money," Isaac Koren concludes. "We're happy to help bring critically-needed aid to Darfur in a very simple way: All you have to do is watch a video.
This fantastic spontaneous acoustic performance shot in a California parking garage, this is acoustic musicianship at its best.. with their gorgeous harmonies and passion for the topic with the accompaniement a single guitar, these guys are smokin'. The lyrical message is one of hope and that we can make a difference-- YOU can make a difference. They are trying to make a difference and have already started the process. You need only to watch the video and click on the link. Pass it on to friends and tell them to watch (they will love the unique vocalizations and style of this new band) and then click the link.
It doesn't get any easier than this my peeps. So watch the video.. it's an easy 3-4 minutes to see these guys LIVE acoustically --in a garage no less- listen to the power and passion in their voices, their lyrics, in their presentation. You can help.
If you are a "shoe addict" (or someone seriously addicted-- "shoe ho"), you are familiar with the brand Stuart Weitzman. Known in the industry as a craftsman and designer of gorgeous shoes that fit well and have cutting edge styles for the fashionista in you, there is always a run on his shoes when a new collection comes out.
Weitzman is known for great style in the entertainment biz because he creates a collection of Oscar worthy shoes every Academy Awards season and it's typically a six to seven figure shoe that is worn by some extremely lucky actress who attends the Oscar ceremonies. The collection is sold for about a month after the Oscars and the "special shoe" goes out on tour. Celebs clamour for Weitzman shoes because 1) they are gorgeous and 2) they are extremely comfortable.
Now you can get styles similar to those worn by celebrities (and in some case are the same styles)! The Stuart Weitzman store is featuring a TRUNK SHOW in Beverly Hills to launch his fall collection.
Sashay Peep Toe Pump in Fire Patent.
This is an opportunity to choose your favorite styles in an extensive range of sizes: 6-12 AAAA, 5-12 AA, 4-12 B and 5-11 C and not have to worry about availability because they are all there.
Circle May 21-23 on your Smartphone Calendar dolls, because the Fall Stuart Weitzman Collection will be in town and get your toes into some gorge shoes for fall.
Times: 10am – 6pm
Location: Stuart Weitzman
437 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 860-9600
Definitely get there -- and get there early! I am telling you now so that you can block out some serious time for shoe hunting!
Escape with Stylehive to only one of seven astronomic hotels worldwide, Nuestro Hotel's Elqui Domos, where you can stay in a private dome stargazing with the complimentary telescope.
With all the graduates out there right now, don't forget to give them a little something special. The Jewelry Weblog says that message jewelry, in fact, is a great way to show and tell how much you care.
Styleaholics discovers hot new sneaker line Jezign!
Come on girlies! If you missed the fem Fashion Elements sale last week at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica (or didn't but want to shop till your credit card smokes), then get your gas tank filled up and head to the OC -- to the Irvine Hilton (just off the Freeway!) and fill your trunk with designer clothing and accessories at MUCH LESS THAN RETAIL PRICES!!
What brands are you going to see? Check out these babies: Orange County 2B Free-- Love them! American Laser Centers B. Boheme BCBG--works for me! Blowout Men Cheena Chandra Jewelry-- GORGE jewelry Christine Price Inc. Contrabrand Convoy Eleanor Group - Spa Services--heavenly Flux Nouveau Geren Ford-Yummy! Joan Nguyen Julieri Kristin Kahle Design--fabulous belts La Chica Chic-- the most adorable bags Lesa Wallace Handbags Marisa K Mike & Chris-- killer brand I have 4 pieces from this line Nap Natalie Anne Designs Nyali People for Peace- love them! Rock de Goth Rock & Republic-- rockin' jeans San Damian Collection Shop Robertson Shu Shu Belts T-Bags Theresa Kathryn--great bags! Too Faced Cosmetics-- Gorgeous cosmetics Wahine Jewelry Yoga Army-- cool yoga and leisure wear Yesodra's Designs And More…
Event sponsors include
944 Magazine, MONSTER Energy, ZMario, Sambazon and more!
The VIP shopping starts at 11 AM. Best to get going early and do order tickets online-- it speeds you through the check in process and saves you dinero!
Haute stuff is going to start happening on the planet tomorrow.. PlanetLulu.com that is. What's going on? The May DENIM-Mania sale!! HUGE selection of brands starting at $59.00.
More than just denim though- woman does not live by jeans alone!! There's a lot more than that!
Check out the podcast that I did on what's HOT in the Planet Lulu Lofts!
Blue Dot--cool little LA brand that has a seriously fashionable flare.
Tiffany Alana--we adore Tiffany Alana and her dresses and lots more of her line. Spiritual Fitness-- perfect for lounging, lounging and oh yeah-- lounging when you want to relax after working out.
Juicy Couture--gorge velvet Edwardian blazers with lace cuff trim. They got more of these-- they had blown through a ton and now have a new shipment of this originally marked $350 blazer Kay Celine--cool tops Junk Food tees- adorable!! Literature-- we heart Literature tops Betsy Johnson-- not a lot left but a few things are left and they are sooooooooo cute.
Lapis-- cute dresses that are so perfectly summer. You will want at least 2 colors.
Cristi Conaway-- lots of CC stuff particularly luscious satin camis! Klub Nico shoes swimwear
Love Tease Dresses-- one of at least 3 styles .. TONS in red-- for that red hot mama you are!
Vera Wang poly charmeuse chemise-- unbelieveable prices!!
Vasna Gypsy dresses- perfect for that boho chic style-- beaching it, vacationing, or just making yourself stylishly you..whether you are wearing flip flops, sandals or boots!
There's a lot more. Make sure that you check out that sale every day as the stock is filled in and updated on the site every day.
Sale starts:
May 16 9 PM PDT/ 12 M EDT Sale Ends:
May 18 (Friday) 12M PDT / Sat 5/19 3 AM
Don't forget the coupon!! LULUMAY07 is the code. It's good the last 12 hours of the sale and is worth 10% off.
Check www.myspace.com/planetlulu.com for other updates and maybe another coupon? If there is one, they aren't stackable or combinable--just come back the next day and shop again!
I love my iPod but wish I could easily hear the music in the car-- along with the cell phone, friends, (and an occasional police siren) without having to use earbuds or get a new radio/cd/iPod unit for my car. Problem solved courtesy of IMainGo!
This cool little product is about the size of your hand and it comes in five luscious colors (thank you for that! I addicted to all things pink or blue) that works for both guys and girls --which makes gift giving easier.
What's it really do? You take a fully charged iPod (duh), unzip the IMainGo and remove all the stuffings. Insert fresh AAA batteries x 4. Plug the IMainGo into the iPod Place the iPOD face down (so you can see it the controls through the window). Depending on your iPOD unit, insert any necesary adapter. Flip the switch to "music". Close and zip up the IMainGo. You are ready to "rock and roll" because once zipped up you flip over the IMainGo and turn on your iPod and pick out the music you want to hear and hit play--
VOILA! Instant music! Perfect for the car, beach, hiking, vacation, and the iPOD is protected in case you drop it. Wristlet is included so you don't have to "carry" this, but can hang it off your wrist. (Do turn down the sound). It's only 9 oz so it's perfectly portable! IMainGo can also be used as an external speaker system for any laptop, desktop computer, or sleek portable gaming device
This will be in stock at Apple stores in June! You can find more details or order NOW at IMainGo.com. It's only about $50.00 and you can give someone the perfect gift-- grad, dad, mom, bff, boss or yourself!
It's crunch time boys and girls! Shop till you drop or find the perfect gift for your mom. Here are some quick ideas that you can find online and in stores NOW!
If it's jewelry that catches here eye, Check out Tadam for some amazing pieces at affordable price points.
Bellmore Earrings are a smash hit for summer wear and into fall and would be a memorable gift.
Mom would be star struck with this fab necklace called appropriately "Star Struck" also from Tadam Jewelry.
What mother wouldn't love a gorge robe like this? Silk Charmeuse bi-colored embroidered long kimono robe features a detailed embroidered peacock on the back with Chinese characters embroidered on the front symbolizing long life, prosperity and good health. Three color combinations peach/ivory, lavender/pink, sage green/celadon from Shirley of Hollywood .
Moms love handbags-- well who doesn't? Check out this adorable piece from Kipling-- a duffle in a hot RED called Anatomy that is perfect for spring/summer!
Want to know what's hot in the blogosphere? The newest trends in fashion, the best spots to shop, the coolest new item? Web Snob brings you the best so that you don't have to google around to find out what it's all about. Now you already know!
eBelle5 reveals Jessica Simpson's version of Rafe's Rivington Handbag
Yes, you can wear a dress in emerald, fuschia, purple or any other bold color. According to Fashiontribes, the secret is accessories in nude or metallic tones.
An organized handbag makes girlawhirl’s life a little more manageable. Girlawhirl finds options from Alexandra Bee and Purseket
Iridesse is both a real store and also a dot.com from Tiffany that specializes in just PEARLS!!! Wow.. we do love pearls. Perfect for brides and perfectly suited for MOTHER'S Day. So take a hint from the photo above that indicates a SALE is going on .. so get over there pronto to a store, call in an order, or do it online and get Mom a big bouquet and tell her the pressie is on the way. We did do a little cherry picking of jewelry for you though.. we always love to help you out in a pinch. A get this-- the prices won't break anyone's bank!
Cultured freshwater black baroque pearl hoop earrings in sterling silver. Cultured freshwater pearls, 10-11mm. $110 ( yummy!)
Cultured freshwater black near round pearl and leather bracelet with sterling silver beading. Cultured freshwater pearls, 5.5-6mm. Bracelet, 7.5" long. $70
Edgy but fun and shows that pearls can be hip too!
Cultured freshwater multicolor oval pearl butterfly lariat necklace in sterling silver. Cultured freshwater pearls, 8-9mm. Original price, $145. Now 15% off. $123 (WOW!! What a great deal! PINK Pearls and this is HOT!)
So skidaddle over to Iridesse for gorge jewelry. Or check out this page for locations near you and an 800 number too.
