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I’ve always been obsessed with Beverly Hills. The mansions, the shopping, the original 90210 - I love the reputation & the eclectic mix of people who make up the area. So this past weekend, Jason and I headed up to Hollywood to visit. We made it up to Rodeo Drive and Melrose. This was my first visit to Rodeo and second to Melrose which is where I got my nose pierced 3 years ago.

We first stopped by Rodeo where we walked down the infamous strip, grabbed lunch, took pictures of the gorgeous walkways and buildings and gawked at the mansions in the surrounding exclusive neighborhoods. Everything about the visit was perfect. Easy parking, driving, and accessibility - except I do have to complain about the prices. Who can afford this stuff?!

Being a LOVER of Chanel, naturally, the address I put as the destination into my navigation was for the Chanel Boutique in the heart of Rodeo. You better believe I made sure to tour the magnificent store - it was AMAZING. The mannequins were dressed & fitted with precision, the store was immaculate and every single Chanel product put a tingle in my stomach. It was my first time in a Chanel Boutique (I bought my Chanel sunglasses & lip gloss at Nordstrom) and it far surpassed my expectations. Even the carpeted stairs were luxurious and of course, pink. I couldn’t take pictures in the store, but I made sure to get a few snapshots with the Chanel sign on Rodeo Dr!

We also headed over to Melrose to shop in the secondhand stores and of course, Fred Segal. I actually found a pair of Tory Burch jeans for $55! JACKPOT! This hippy, eclectic strip of secondhand stores, diners, tattoo parlors and liquor stores is, in my mind, the quintessential personality & experience of LA. There is nowhere else in the world quite like Hollywood.

If it weren’t for the traffic, attitude and smog I would (almost) love LA. Almost.

Check out more of my photos from Beverly Hills on Flickr!

Apparently after a series of failed cocaine tests on the energy drink, RedBull, German retailers were told to STOP selling the drink in their stores.

Are you kidding me?!? Is this why Red Bull has such a strong following? Sounds similar to that of the original Coca Cola formula…

Tests detected 0.4 micrograms per liter in the drink - not enough to pose a health risk, but enough to get them pulled from the shelves. So does this mean you’re considered under-the-influence when drinking Red Bull and driving?

I personally think energy drinks are disgusting - this stuff is bound to cause cancer.

Red Bull still states that it’s drink is “harmless” but I wonder how harmless it really is when they promise to give us wings. I guess that’s where the cocaine (hallucinating) comes in.

Original source pulled from MSNBC.

As I’ve stated before, I love vintage (along with most every other 20-something girl on the West Coast). It’s hard to find mint condition vintage (after all I’m looking for 30-40 year old pieces here!) and I don’t especially love rummaging through trunks at Salvation Army. NOT that there’s anything wrong with Salvation Army - it’s just not quite my cup of tea. And what is that perpetual SMELL!?!

So my bf, Jason, has been using eBay for years now. He sells golf clubs, car parts (and sometimes the entire car), vintage coats - you name he’s auctioned if off on eBay and he inspired me over the weekend to create an account and just start checking out what’s available. So I did.

I’m hooked.

Not only did I find some amazing pieces but they’re extremely affordable!! Obviously opening bids can start really low and end up selling past what I’m willing to spend, but that’s the nature of the beast. It’s absolutely amazing what variety and selection this nifty site has to offer! I already have myself setup for a half dozen different auctions for some fabulous 70’s vintage dresses and tunics!! The only thing I don’t like about it is that I have to WAIT for another 7 days before some of the auctions actually end - which kind of blows - but good vintage is worth it.

So if you’ve been sitting on the fence about creating an eBay account, I just want to say please stay sitting because that means there’ll be more vintage selection for ME! XOXO

This Saturday, Christies Boutique is hosting a coming out party for ABBL! The swimsuit line is debuting at the Mission Hills boutique who will be offering to the first 15 people (who make an appointment for a custom suit) a discount of 15% off their suit. Also, the first 10 people to spend $100 or more at Christie’s (yes, that would be ME) during the event will be entered into a drawing to win a FREE SWIMSUIT!! Count me IN!

There will also be a small runway where ABBL designs will be highlights and you will actually be able to order a custom suit - you pick the fabric, the style, get measured right away and the designer, Elizabeth Samford will custom make your suit!! Seriously?! Where have you been all my life, Elizabeth?!

So don’t miss this girls, the event is…

Saturday, May 16 at 1-5pm

928 Fort Stockton Drive
Suite 115
San Diego, CA 92103

For more information visit Christies Boutique or comment below and I can give you more info. XOXO!

I just got an email tonight with an invitation code to Gilt Groupe - an, invitation only, online store with access to luxury brands up to 70% off retail! I just logged on tonight to check it out and already I’m obsessed. The sales last 36 hrs with hand picked styles selected from a single designer. The fact that it’s members only is great because at least I have a chance at snatching up a killer deal on a Chloé dress or something.

If you want an invite, let me know…I have a few to give out. XOXO

Everybody loves a great vintage leather motorcycle jacket or couture dress and Spanish Moss Vintage is THE place to find those one of a kind pieces from your most favorite decade! I have an itch for vintage but always have the same dilemma of not knowing where to find exactly what I want. My good friend sent me this link and having never heard of this Southern California based gem, I eagerly visited and instantly fell in love.

Without hesitation I felt like these girls knew what they were doing and have been doing it for awhile. The photography was stylish, elegantly grungy; the clothes were amazingly modern, relevant; the prices were practical, tempting. Everything from bomber jackets to jumpers to fringe moccasins - Spanish Moss Vintage right off the bat shows character, uniqueness and seduction. I can tell they are careful in what they sell. Everything is well thought out. I am absolutely IN LOVE with this site and already have a few pieces sitting in my shopping cart…

I encourage you to take a look at what this jewel of a store offers - there are some serious fabulous finds that would be great as gifts or for your stylish self. GO SHOP!

Here’s a bit more about Spanish Moss Vintage (in their own words):

“Spanish Moss Vintage specializes in trendsetting vintage, new clothing and accessories for artists, gypsies, trendsetters and IT girls (or just those in spirit). Founded in 2006, SMV has grown into one of the most recognized vintage havens worldwide specializing in runway trends, rare 80’s avant-garde pieces and those coveted hard to find 60’s mini’s. Fifty percent of Spanish Moss’ vintage is tailored in house to make each one of a kind item the perfect statement piece for present day fashionistas.

Suzanna by Spanish Moss Vintage is a vintage inspired clothing line designed and produced in downtown Los Angeles. All pieces are proudly made in America of the finest brushed silks, antique crochets and embroidered cottons.” Read More about SMV here.

*Photos courtesy of Spanish Moss Vintage.

Click on the little robot below and nominate MindTouch for the SourceForge.net Community Choice Awards!!!

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These strappy patent band sandals by Sergio Rossi are an absolute shoe…err show stopper. When I first put these heels on I about died - one because I knew I couldn’t afford them and two because they were completely and utterly beautifully crafted pieces of art. These shoes bring sex appeal to ANY outfit you care to wear.

I want these shoes SOO bad. Maybe a summer treat, right?

Find these shoes at Intermix.

Just wanted to wish you all a Happy Cinco de Mayo and to stay safe tonight!! I can’t wait for some tacos, guacamole, and of course some good Mexican beer (not a big margharita fan).

Be safe out there tonight and enjoy the celebration!!

I’ve always loved shoes. The heights, colors, textures - I love everything about them. The attitude and confidence you feel when slipping on a pair that fit oh so perfectly against your freshly manicured toes. Pure Heaven.

Recently I purchased two pairs of Jeffrey Campbell shoes. One from Intermix and the other from Urban Outfitters.

The pair from Urban is Jeffrey Campbell Lattice Heel in black leather. With a silky leather peeptoe, allover cutouts up the top and buckle strap at the ankle, this 2″ heel shoe goes comfortably with cutoff boyfriend jeans or a LBD. It’s the perfect shoe to bring dynamic fashion sense to an everyday get-up.

The pair from Intermix are a Jeffrey Campbell Acropolis Suede Wrap Sandal in black leather, as well. These sandals are extremely unique in that you can wrap them low around and around the ankel (right) or wrap them all the way to the knees (left) for a more Greek inspired fashion statement. I love them worn both ways! I’ve also been tempted to wrap them high above jeans worn at regular length. It really depends on what look you’re going for…

Love, love, love these shoes! Jeffrey Campbell you’re the man!