06.23.2010
Nic’s VODBOX (and the best faux fur leopard coats ever)

So this past Friday night was definitely an LA adventure.  Sydne, Dahvi and I met up with some friends at a spot that I’ve been absolutely dying to check out- Nic’s Martini Bar in Beverly Hills.  Sure, I like a good martini as much as the next girl…but the real reason I’ve had Nic’s on my “list” is because they have a famous “VODBOX.” Now you might be thinking “what the eff is a VODBOX,” right?  Well, if you like vodka (as I do) then you really need to get to LA and check this out.  It’s basically a walk-in freezer full of vodkas from around the world and take three shots for $30.  The BEST part is that you get to wear a faux fur leopard coat (a la “Real Housewives of NJ”) since the freezer is 28 degrees.  Hell, I would’ve worn the coat even if it was 78 degrees in there.  Sydne and I were especially elated when we realized that the leopard coat goes perfectly with her Fashion Staple Series this month- where she features animal print.

06.22.2010
FREE Kerastase Treatments and blow drys for Locks of Love

So there’s nothing this girl loves more than a good blow out…add a nice charity component and I’m golden.  This Wednesday, June 23rd, Kerastase is giving us West Coasters the chance to get a free Kerastase Treatment and Blow dry service.  The suggested donation is $10 and all proceeds go towards Locks of Love so get to a salon near you on Wednesday.

06.21.2010
Hudson Jeans VIP Party

So my friend’s Jessie and Dina invited me to a fabulous LA party on behalf of their client, Hudson Jeans, at the newly opened The Colony.  I was super excited to attend this event for the following reasons- 1-) I haven’t seen Jessie and Dina since I left NY 2-) Hudson Jeans are awesome and 3-) I’d been dying to check out The Colony, since it’s “Hamptons-inspired.”  Sydne and I, as usual, were twinsies with our matching studded Matt & Nat bags, naturally.  The party was really fun and I even got to bring my friend Kelley, who had been hibernating in her apartment for the last few months due to some very exciting news!  As a side note, I need to have someone start reminding me that I really should slap on some self-tanner to my legs before going to these events…any takers?

Kinya, Sydne, me, Kelley

 

06.17.2010
Physique 57…Los Angeles

So I’ve been on a really big fitness kick lately so when I heard that the famed Physique 57 was opening up its first Los Angeles location, I was super excited to check it out.  I brought my partner-in-crime, Sydne Summer, along so I’d have someone to laugh with when I failed miserably at keeping up with this class that’s known through out Manhattan as “death by Physique 57.”  True story.

We started out with some hand weight exercises, which was surprisingly pretty easy for me (thank you to my trainers!!!).  We went through a series of fast paced exercise movements that all echoed parts of ballet, yoga and pilates, which I love.  The barre activites were natural to me with my background in ballet and it actually really motivated me to look into taking some adult ballet classes again, a la Broadway Dance in New York City.  For me, I’d say the hardest part of this class was definitely when we put the Physique balls behind our knees and did a series of flexing movements.  I never realized how out of shape my calves are!  Overall the Physique 57 class was an amazing workout and I couldn’t recommend the instructor more.  She was super enthusiastic and supportive…especially when I looked like I was about to die, she would come over and cheer me on.  If you’re looking for a great workout in NYC (and now LA), you should definitely head over to Physique 57.

 

06.11.2010
Hard Candy does the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards with Emily Kate Warren

So I’ve met many people over the years in this crazy industry…but one of the firsts was Emily Kate Warren.  She was a beauty editor at my beloved CosmoGirl! magazine and probably one of the nicest people EVER.  Now?  She’s a famous makeup artist and most recently ventured out to LA on behalf of Hard Candy to do a fun event for the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

To get the weekend started, Emily and the Hard Candy team set up shop at LA’s London Hotel.  Suite attendees includes Molly Ringwald, Ali Landry, Katherine McPhee, Glee Cast members and even a few True Blood actors.  The theme was based around looks inspired by this year’s “Best New Movie” nominees!  A fun event, indeed.  Follow @HeresHardCandy on Twitter for more updates on the classic brand.

06.11.2010
CoverGirl’s LA beauty blogger event!

So last Sunday I had the luxury of getting full-on pampered with friends before the big Lakers vs. Celtics game.  It’s pretty rare to attend a beauty blogger-only event in LA so I was elated when CoverGirl told me they were hosting a soiree before the MTV Video Music Awards at Byron & Tracey in Beverly Hills.  All my LA favorites were in attendance that morning- Sydne from Think thru Fashion, Nadine from Nadine Jolie, Amber from Beauty Junkies Unite, Kristen and Sarah from Total Beauty, etc. and Sydne and I were amped to get glammed up before going to my college friend Scott’s birthday/Lakers party later that day.  While the girls and I sipped mimosas, Rashida Jones from “Parks and Rec” (and Jim’s ex girlfriend on “The Office”) got her makeup done for the MTV awards show.  What did we think about Rashida?  Wow.  Not only was she gorgeous, but she’s also funny and super smart.  It was awesome watching the fabulous Molly R. Stern (CoverGirl’s makeup artist) do Rashida’s makeup and listen to their funny banter.

Check out some pics from the event!

Rashida Jones’ finished look

me getting my makeup done

me and Sydne Summer

06.08.2010
Makeup&Go of Brentwood

So I recently checked out a new (and might I add innovative) store over in Brentwood, California called Makeup&Go.  The concept is similar to DryBar but instead, of hair, this one-stop-shop provides makeup application (note: they will soon also provide blow outs!).  Do they sell makeup?  The answer to that is N-O.  Makeup&Go is an absolute essential for anyone who has a big part, event or even a night out where they want to get a bit glammed up.  The shop even has dressing rooms so you can leave literally right after getting your makeup done!  I love how everything is very well thought out- including the fact that they even sell gifts and fresh flowers, if you happen to be heading to a birthday party or wedding shower, etc.

I don’t know about you, but you probably read my post about Drybar and how you always feel extra sexy when someone else does your hair…I’m telling you, it’s better than losing 5 lbs.  The makeup artists at Makeup&Go use products from great brands like Smashbox and Juice Beauty, which I adore, and the prices are reasonable – check out a list here and check out Makeup&Go!