The Perfectly Intense "Black Swan"

Last night, I went to a preview screening of Black Swan at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) starring Natalie Portman as the prima ballerina who, in pursuit of being perfect, loses herself and ultimately becomes the black swan.  From the trailer, Mila Kunis is portrayed as the evil rival that's out to get her but in the movie it's Portman's character Nina that's her own worst enemy.  At a few points in the film, this psycho-thriller really tests your tolerance for gore and even had everyone in the audience expressing their anguish out loud.

There is so much buzz about the film being an Oscar contender and after seeing Portman's intense performance, I can see why. Director Darren Aronofsky, also known for his critically acclaimed 2008 film The Wrestler, conceived the idea for this film several years ago. Portman had long been slated for the film and once it began taking shape she trained for a full year with former New York City Ballet dancer Mary Hellen Bowers. Although Portman had ballet training from the age of 4 to about 13, when she first met with choreographer Benjamin Millepied he was concerned about her abilities. I myself had training as a child and don't think I could have pulled off those dance sequences, even after a year of training.  Apparently she did have a body double but according to an LA Times interview with the director, she did 90% of the scenes, which is pretty incredible.

One of the main reasons I wanted to see Black Swan was to finally see the ballet costumes designed by Rodarte.  Although photos of the costumes have been circulating everywhere, it was quite a treat to see them in action, twirling around the stage.  As a loyal Rodarte costumer, Portman introduced Kate and Laura Mulleavy to Aronofsky and from there a wonderful collaboration was created. In an interview by New York Magazine, the sisters said that their biggest challenge was making the tutus. Since they had never designed a ballet costume, let alone seen one up close, they had to start from scratch. Although it was their first time working with layers of tulle, the costumes were absolutely gorgeous and created a dark, romantic aesthetic which really made those intense ballet scenes come alive. During the film, I noticed all the intricate details and obvious hard work that went into each costume. They should be in a museum, maybe donated to LACMA's Costume and Textiles department perhaps? Swarovski also donated nearly 250,000 crystals, weighing 40kgs for the ballet costumes, which added some sparkle.

Black Swan comes out this Friday, December 3rd. If you're seeing it this weekend, get ready for an intense and amazing film.

Related Articles:
Rodarte's "Black Swan" Tutus on Display
Black Swan's Costume Designer (No, Not Rodarte) Speaks Out, But Why Now?  
    

Store Openings Around the City

Although it seems that more and more stores are shutting their doors, there are a few exciting LA openings coming up soon.

On Rodeo Drive, the opening of the Tom Ford store has been abuzz since December 2008, when WWD got wind that a space had been leased.  If it opens soon, it seems perfectly timed to the release of Mr. Ford's Spring/Summer 2011 collection.  Since Vogue's sneak peek in their December issue, I can hardly wait to see the whole collection!

Just down the street,  Lanvin recently put up a very cute "Opening Soon" sign in front of their soon-to-be store.  I absolutely love the whimsical graphics on the windows. In early August, WWD reported that the store will be 6,000 square feet and include an underground VIP entrance for celebrity clients. After my euphoria from the Lanvin for H&M debut, I'm even more excited about the new Lanvin store!

A few doors down, Agent Provocateur will open a store in Spring 2011.  Earlier this month, they put out a Craigslist ad that they were hiring for the new store.  And down the street closer to Tom Ford, Badgley Mischka is opening a fancy new two-level flagship store (bridal on second level), which was suppose to open Summer 2010.

On Melrose, Vivienne Westwood will open sometime in the new year, according to their PR person.  I'm really looking forward to that opening since it's their first U.S. store.

In Beverly Hills on Canon, Priscilla of Boston will debut their first SoCal store in December.  For my wedding, I had my girls wear a super cute Melissa Sweet, which is under the Priscilla of Boston label, short babydoll dress. Their wedding dresses are gorgeous as well.

For those interested in interior design, their are two stores opening on Melrose Place and Melrose. Pratesi, luxury home linens, and Siglo Moderno, contemporary designs, are preparing to open their doors very soon.

For Lease signs are still up at the former Anthropologie store in Beverly Hills, the Miss Sixty and Fornarina stores on Melrose, and large retail spaces next to Toast on 3rd Street.  I can't wait to see what pops up at those prime spaces.

More storefront photos after the jump...

Lizzie Mandler + Gilt City LA = Champagne, Cupcakes, & Shopping

Jewelry designer Lizzie Mandler is teaming up with Gilt City for a "Jewelry and Hands Night Out" on December 2, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Polish Salon on Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood. This mix and mingle event will have champagne, baked goods from Buttercake Bakery, and a gift card for a manicure at Polish. Plus Lizzie will be on hand for style advice as you shop her gorgeous collection of unique jewelry. A ticket purchase through Gilt City will get you all kinds of goodies at the event but if you and a few girlfriends want to show up to only browse the trunk show, then the more the merrier. Could you ask for a better evening with your girlfriends? I think not.


More about Lizzie, event details and a link to purchase tickets after the jump...

J. Crew Goes Private; Sold for $3 Billion

J. Crew announced today that it's officially going private. There has been a lot of talk about this buyout, which sold for $3 billion to two private equity firms, Leonard Green & Partners and TPG Capital.  Despite their popularity among women across the country, including the First Lady, sales in the last year have been slow (mostly women's sales; men's sales have, in fact, gone up), therefore going private will allow them to stay out of the public eye while they fix what's broke. The company will remain under the control of CEO Mickey Drexler, who, before this slump, was known for reviving the J. Crew brand along with Jenna Lyons. He's also well known for transforming GAP into an industry leader during his tenure . On a side note, can someone please explain the Valentino and GAP collaboration. Valentino ruffles on military khakis?  Really?

“It is a clear endorsement of J.Crew and of the hard work and commitment of each and every one of our associates,” Drexler said in a statement. “As I have always said, we are in this for the long term and we do what we do day in and day out so we can deliver the best possible products to our customers.”

Over the weekend, I was discussing with a friend how we've noticed the price point for J. Crew has increased over the past year.  Although I love their clothing I was starting to feel more and more ambivalent about their style, which has recently remained stagnant instead of being on trend.  So, because of that, I started only buying from the sales section, in-store and online, since those prices seemed more reasonable. As I read the CNN article this morning, Brian Sozzi, equity research analyst at Wall Street Strategies, was quoted saying just that, "It really drills down to the women's assortment," Sozzi said. "It's just a little off trend from what we've seen in the past and items have gotten a little pricier, which might be causing consumers to look elsewhere in the mall."

I still do love their new Spring 2011 collection but might have to wait till it goes on sale.  In the meantime, I think I'll start shopping more at their sister store, Madewell.

Lanvin for H&M Debuts This Morning!

H&M Sunset Plaza Window Display

Bright and early this morning, the Lanvin for H&M collection debuted at selected stores across the country.  I woke up at 4:00 a.m. in anticipation of my alarm clock and then realized it was only 4:00 a.m.!  When my alarm finally did go off, I jumped out of bed as if I was a child on Christmas morning.  I threw on some clothes and picked up my friend on the way to Sunset Plaza.  We got there at 7:45 a.m. and the line was as long as I anticipated. We had debated whether or not go to the Beverly Center since it was raining, but then figured the line there would be out of control.  So I brought with me an oversized umbrella and we waited in the rain, which actually stopped.  The line was the length of the H&M store and there was a tented overflow area nearby.  We were handed wrist bands with a time and told we could come back 20 minutes before if we didn't want to wait in line.  As we waited, I noticed actress Tracee Ellis Ross (see photo below) was also in the tented area, guess everyone has to wait in line.  One of the security guards mentioned that there were a few people camping out since 11:00 p.m. last night, in the rain no less. Then as the line started moving and we got closer to the door, celebrity stylist Jessica Paster walked out with loads of garment and shopping bags (see photo below).  I worked with her in a previous life and it was actually quite entertaining to see her all stressed out and crazy, guess some things never change.  Finally, we were able to go in and see the collection and it's as amazing as I imagined it.  I picked up the black dress I featured in a previous post and can't wait to wear it out!  I heart Lanvin for H&M.

Celebrity Stylist Jessica Paster Walking Out Of H&M

More photos after the jump...

What Will Kate Middleton Wear...To All Those Wedding Events?

The big buzz these days is the engagement of Kate Middleton and Prince William.  There is so much speculation about the wedding dress she'll choose to wear, however, I'm dying to know what she'll wear to all those pre-wedding events, including the engagement party, girl's weekend, and bridal shower.  I've put together a few of my favorites as suggestions for Kate.

Engagement Party: This event is all about being classy and well put together, especially for a future queen.  The Vivienne Westwood dress shows off her great figure without being too revealing, plus it supports a British designer. The Miu Miu's keep it polished while the low-heal gives it a bit of style, as does the leopard print Valentino handbag.

Vivienne Westwood Dress, Valentino Aphrodite Leopard Bag, Miu Miu Shoes (Spring 2011 Collections)

Girls Weekend:  Most likely she won't have a traditional bachelorette party, but it doesn't mean she can't have a girls weekend. A Diane von Furstenberg flowy dress for wine tasting and shopping, a Burberry Prorsum dress (yes, I'm trying to incorporate another British designer) to sex it up a bit for dinner and drinks, and a causal J. Crew ensemble for brunch the next morning.

Left to right: Diane von Furstenberg, Burberry Prorsum, J. Crew (Spring 2011 Collections)

Bridal Shower:  I'm imaging a tea party for the bridal shower, since she's British, of course.  A very girly dress with pastel colors is a must for such an event.  The Lauren Moffatt dress is perfect with it's light and airy style.  The Miu Miu handbag adds a little more color and the Louisa Beccaria espadrilles are the right touch for an afternoon of Earl Grey and crumpets.

Lauren Moffatt Dress, Miu Miu Handbag, Louisa Beccaria Espadrilles (Spring 2011 Collections)

Rachel Zoe Confirms She's Pregnant Via Twitter

Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman at MOCA's Gala

Last night, after an event at Petit Ermitage, I was checking twitter and came across a tweet from Rachel Zoe which said, "Hey everyone! I want to officially confirm to my loyal friends and followers that I am pregnant!..." and "I feel great, Rodger and I are beyond excited and so thankful for all of your love and support. xoRZ & RB." Then Rodger tweeted, "Thanks everyone for all of the well wishes. I can't believe I'm going to be a dad :) So excited!!!!"

After rumors have been swirling around for months, it's finally confirmed. Zoe herself had even denied the rumors many times. Most recently, there were photos of Zoe at MOCA's Annual Gala last Saturday in a black grown with a very visual bump.  I guess there was no denying it this time.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next season of The Rachel Zoe Project.  That will be one stylish baby!

'Tis the Season for Sample Sales!

Ladies, hold on to your wallets, it's sample sale season! This weekend there are a plethora of sales around town which, to quote Rachel Zoe, will make you go BA-NANAS. Here goes the list (click on address for goggle map directions):

Vince
The sample sale features cashmere sweaters, tees, pants, skirts, jackets, and leather for 50-90 percent off retail.
Thursday 11/18, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday 11/19, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
5410/5420 Wilshire Blvd. (between Cloverdale & Cochran Aves., Mid-Wilshire)
[Daily Candy]

Ella Moss/Splendid
Great prices on cozy knits, luxe tees, and basics for women, men, tween, toddler, and baby.
Friday 11/19 and Saturday 11/20, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles Street, 11th Floor, Downtown (between E. 8th & 9th St.)
[Racked LA]

Junior Drake
Warehouse sale on their amazing soft leather purses as well as the new Herbie men's line.
Friday 11/19 and Saturday 11/20, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 11/21, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
740 East 60th St., Downtown (between Avalon Blvd. and S. Central Ave.)
[Racked LA]

Kimberly Ovitz
The sale features their Spring 2009 through PreFall 2010 merchandise, prices as follows:
Coats and Jackets: $100-300 (originally priced $500-$800)
Dresses: $100-250 (originally priced $400-600)
Tops: $50-100 (originally priced $200-400)
Bottoms: $50-100 (originally priced $250-$400)
Leather/Suede: $300-500 (originally priced $500-$1,500)
Friday 11/19, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 11/20 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
2601 Colorado Ave., Santa Monica (at 26th St.)
[Racked LA, Daily Candy]

Geren Ford
Hundreds of true samples ($10- $50) and recent season overstock up to 90% off ($30 - $125, including leather and shoes)
According to Racked LA, they're also doing a giveaway: First 15 people who come to the sale and drop the supersecret keyword "prancer" at the door get a free Geren Ford tee.
Friday 11/19, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 11/20, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Smashbox Studios, 8549 Higuera Street, Culver City (at Hayden Ave.)
[Racked LA, Daily Candy]
  
More sales after the jump...

Browsing Spring 2011 Lookbooks...

Designer's Spring 2011 lookbooks are popping up everywhere. While making my way through them, I found a few looks I fell in love with and will have to make part of my spring wardrobe.

I've always adored Elizabeth and James, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's brand (also designers of The Row). I feel no different about their Spring 2011 collection which is all about the slouchy and relaxed look (similar to the twins style but a little less homeless). Fashionista got their pretty little hands on the lookbook early and shared the entire collection online. I'm all about parading around town in trendy yet slouchy apparel and I would literally wear both these outfits every lazy weekend.

Photo credit: Fashionista (Elizabeth and James,*Photos by Roderick Angle)


Speaking of slouchy, Creatures of Comforts new collection brings us back to the days of Laura Ingalls. Refinery 29 featured their Spring 2011 collection today and I'm really digging the bright green shorts and pants. I especially love the high waisted look that's starting to catch on among designers.

Photo credit: Refinery 29 LA (Creatures of Comfort)


As the much anticipated Lanvin for H&M collection debuts this weekend, I'm super excited to finally see the collection in person. Their campaign ad looks so similar to the Gossip Girls promo spots, that I was half expecting to see Chuck Bass' snide look pop up as I clicked through the photos.

Photo credit: Lanvin for H&M


And finally, I leave you with a little glamour as the fashion world welcomes back Tom Ford. Vogue's December issue gives us a sneak peak into his Spring 2010 collection and the fashionistas are going mad over it, including me of course.


Photo credit: Vogue (Tom Ford, *Photos by Steven Meisel)

ELLEments of Personal Style Book Launch Party

Last night, I attended the ELLEments of Personal Style book launch event at White House Black Market Boutique in Santa Monica. The event was hosted by Joe Zee, creative director at ELLE, and actress Tracee Ellis Ross, who is also featured in the book.

Co-authored by Joe Zee and ELLE's deputy editor Maggie Bullock, the book looks in depth at the style of twenty-five fashion icons, from Diane Von Furstenberg to Dita Von Teese to Alicia Keys. With behind-the-scenes interviews, the woman intimately discuss their style inspiration through pieces in their personal wardrobe. While thumbing through the book at the event, I loved the way it encourages personal style instead of focusing on the latest trends. It's sometime everyone can relate to without feeling pressure to keep up with what's in style.

A fashionista in the making reading ELLE magazine at the event

Racked LA Takes You to the Front of the Line at the Decadestwo Shoe Sale

Decadestwo is having one of their famous $150 shoe sales this Sunday. Although it's guaranteed that the line will be blocks long, Racked LA is giving away front of the line spots to a lucky few that email them (la@racked.com) with a picture of their dream shoes along with a witty one-liner.

Decadestwo is known for their impeccable selection of upscale designer clothing. They receive most of their consignments from celebrities and fashionistas, therefore this shoe sale cannot be missed!

Alexander McQueen Honored with an Exhibition at The Met in Spring 2011

The late Alexander McQueen will be honored with a retrospective exhibition organized by The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art next Spring 2011. On view from May 4 through July 31, 2011, the exhibition will encompass all of his work, from his Central Saint Martins postgrad collection in 1992 to his final runway presentation this past February. According to the press release, the exhibition will feature approximately 100 examples of McQueen's work from his prolific 19- year career. Drawn primarily from the Alexander McQueen Archive in London, with some pieces from the Givenchy Archive in Paris as well as private collections, signature designs including the bumster trouser, the kimono jacket, and the Origami frock coat will be on view.

"This landmark exhibition continues the Museum's tradition of celebrating designers who changed the course of history and culture by creating new possibilities," said Thomas P. Campbell, Director of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The exhibition will be preceded by The Costume Institute Gala Benefit on May 2, 2011 with Honorary Chairs François-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek, and Co-Chairs Colin Firth, Stella McCartney, and Anna Wintour. I'm looking forward to the red carpet for next year's Gala as I'm sure it will not disappoint. Imagine all the Alexander McQueen growns that will make there way up the Met's stairs.

The Row LA Sample Sale Tonight!

The Row, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen's brand, is having a sample sale in Los Angeles tonight! According to MYFDBlog, who attended the VIP session this morning, the prices start at $30 and up. Since this is a rare occasion, it's definitely worth checking out. Plan to leave work early as I'm sure the line will be around the block.

The Row's style philosophy places a sharp focus on clean lines, ultra-refined silhouettes and the perfect fit. They use some of the most luxurious fabrics including leather, cashmere, silk and modal. Check out the details on the invite. See you in line!

Swapping Clothes and Sipping on Mimosas for Charity

Next Saturday, November 20, Dell et Ruhs Public Relations will be hosting a clothing swap event to benefit the Ann Douglas Center for Women at the Los Angeles Mission. All you lovely ladies who have a surplus of clothes in their closets, and don't try to deny it, stop by the Dell et Ruhs Showroom to swap clothes and sip on mimosas.

They are looking for items that are in great condition, so don't come with undergarments, tattered or stained clothing. While browsing through your closet, think of pulling items that you normally would for Buffalo Exchange or Crossroads instead of Goodwill. If you don't have clothes to bring, stop by anyway and bring baked goods instead. Since this is a charity event, the whole point is to donate any left over clothes so please provide a substantial amount, more than you would swap. One last thing, there is a $10 donation at the door that also goes directly to the Anne Douglas Center for Women.

J. Crew & Lulu Frost Create Vintage Inspired Jewels for the Holidays

Just in time for the holiday season, this latest J. Crew collaboration will put a sparkle in their holiday catalog. I'm really loving the bracelet with the delicate crystals pieces (shown below). Prices seems a bit high, ranging from $75 - 175, but I'll probably give in come December. According to Daily Front Row, selected timeless pieces from Lisa Salzer's, Lulu Frost's designer, extensive archives as the basis of the collection. Salzer used handmade chains, antiqued glass crystals, and touches of 10-carat gold for this collection.

Salzer is known for her vintage inspired jewelry. Her grandmother worked in the estate fine jewelry business for 30 years. Inspired by the gorgeous Victorian, Deco, and Nouveau pieces that surrounded her throughout her childhood, her jewelry reinterprets these antique pieces by combining them with unexpected modern elements.

I'm all about browsing flea markets and my mother's jewelry box for vintage pieces, so I'm loving this collaboration.





 
Photo Credit: Daily Front Row