Where Horses Run Wild

That's how I felt this weekend at Santa Anita Park's "Uncorked" event and I was the horse! It was an open bar, open food, horse race affair and my routine throughout the day went like this: Wine, Food, Horses, Bet, Race, Wine, Food, Horses, Bet, Race, repeat...ah paradise.

In deciding what to wear to the track I mulled over the "pretty woman" dress, but instead opted for the equestrian look: black boots, cap and jeans. I'm not really the damsel in distress type, although Richard Gere is hot. But I prefer powerful women and a Ralph Lauren look.

Santa Anita is a wonderful track that harks back to the golden age of Art Deco, built in 1934.
It's just the next town over from Pasadena so it's super accessible (dangerous!). At the beginning of each race you can see the horses, jockeys and owners up close as they work their way to the field. It's a lovely sight.

On April 2 they are hosting a Food Truck Festival with over 70 trucks! Uh oh, here we go again...anyone want to join me in the fun?

Ooh Spike Dreams

Came across these gorgeous shoes in my email today.

Christian Louboutin - Pigalle Spikes

These days most of my shopping originates from emails...every day I get hit from Jcrew, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Anthropology, Gilt, One Kings Lane and more, hawking the cutest things often at a deal.

It's just too to easy to shop online...the adage "shop til I drop" takes on a new meaning from bed...I can shop until I pass out! Shipping is typically free and returning is a breeze...they provide labels....

Back to these shoes. I really love them, but I'm not in a place to plunk down $975 for a pair of shoes. SJP I am not. So I can just dream about them.

I suppose it's time for a new morning routine that doesn't include reading emails!

For the Love of Art

Yesterday I spent the afternoon looking at art. First stop was LACMA where I fell for a Rodin statue. They have a wonderful little garden area with about 10 Rodin sculptures. 

Dressing for the day I wanted to look art chic. I wore a black blazer with my new Joie studded shirt. Some dark blue jeans by ACME and my spiked JCrew ballet shoes. I paired this with a scarf I got last year in  Buenos Aires, Argentina. I felt sufficiently eccentric and artsy!

I also saw a photography exhibit by Larry Fink. He worked for Vanity Fair and took photos at Oscar parties from 2000-2009. Interesting camera views and mood. It was a small show in the Resnick Pavillon with maybe 20 black and white photos. 

Next stop was a downtown LA gallery, CB1 gallery. I loved the space. The art was definitely over the top. They have a show for Larry Mantello. Never seen so many SpongBobs in one place. 

Peace Rally Garb

Last weekend I attended a war protest/peace rally in Hollywood, CA. Deciding what to wear to the protest took some effort. I wanted to look radical and chic at once. I mean let's face it even in times of war a girl has to look stylish!

Then I remembered my recent rock t-shirt purchase from Em & co with John Lennon and Yoko Ono on it. I don't typically wear rock t-shirts, but couldn't resist due to John. I've always admired what he stood for. This seemed to be the perfect item for the occasion.

The protest felt great. Seeing everyone ban together to speak out.
All we are saying is give peace a chance! And fashion too :)

Gray Matters

Got a new dress this week from Gilt.

It's a simple silk dress by Rory Beca. I really like the color, cut and details.

Since it's still winter I paired it with a black sweater. 

Stud Week

Got two arrivals this week and both are studded with metal.

The first item is a cute pair of green beret ballet shoes from Jcrew with metal spikes on the back.
I love the look!

The second item is a Joie brand shirt from gilt that's covered in jet metal dots.

I'm feeling so rock'n'roll with these new pieces!

Gypset Style + Beaton: The Art of the Scrapbook

Just got a couple new books from Assouline yesterday.

I'm so excited to read GYPSET STYLE.  GYPSET = gypsy + jet set lifestyles combined.
This is my dream lifestyle, so I'm looking forward to read stories of people who are living this around the globe. Hoping it will kick me into gear for my summer in Buenos Aires!


BEATON: THE ART OF THE SCRAPBOOK is a really cool coffee table book.

Love his intro quote:
"Perhaps the world's second-worst crime is boredom; the first is being a bore"

Cecil Beaton was one of the 20th century's most important photographers. Assouline presents his private scrapbooks—personal collections of the man who helped invent the cult of personality.

Closet Cleaning - Ebay Fire Sale!

Finally photographed all my prospective ebay items. It's quite a process:
1. Go through the closets
2. Decide to part with items...weeping!
3. Photograph items (after clean up and photo opt set-up)
4. Scout around ebay to see what your item is worth
5. Set up ad....
6. Cross fingers that the item will sell

Hope these lovely PRADA shoes find a nice home. I loved the look but they are too steep and hurt my feet..sigh...In case you're interested: visit sale.

One auction ready, 10 more to go!

Culture Week!

Very excited about the coming week. Just got tickets for two cool shows at Red Cat and the Opera.

LA Opera: The Turk in Italy by Rossini

James Conlon conducts Rossini's zaniest comedy, which has been described as The Barber of Seville meets Così fan tutte. Nino Machaidze returns as Fiorilla, a woman determined to rid herself of the two men in her life - her exasperated husband (Paolo Gavanelli) and tedious admirer (Maxim Mironov) - in favor of a more exotic suitor, a pompously beguiling Turk (Simone Alberghini). The great Thomas Allenreturns in the part of the poet Prosdocimo.

• MUSIC

March 7

JOHN HOLLENBECK LARGE ENSEMBLE

John Hollenbeck is one of the rare artists who has mastered the tradition of big band composition while crossing aesthetic borders. 

Click here

• FILM/VIDEO

March 8

THE BIRDWOMAN AND HER DREAMS: ANIMATED WORKS BY NANCY ANDREWS

With characters and stories synthesized from sources including history and autobiography, Nancy Andrews works in a hybrid form that combines research with storytelling, documentary, puppetry, vaudeville.

Click here

Mardi Gras LA Style

Unfortunately I couldn't get to New Orleans this year for Mardi Gras, so in lieu of that I headed to the LA Farmer's Market on 3rd Street. They host a party every year with live music, gumbo and beads.
To get in the mood I pulled out a green shirt and some purple bead necklaces (no flashing!). Folks were dancing, eating and everyone was in great spirits!

Gorgeous Water!

Leave it to the Italians to make their water stylish. Yesterday I came across this San Pellegrino bottle. The label is designed by Missoni with it's iconic knit print. It's so pretty I plan to use it as a flower vase!