Friday, December 3, 2010

What to Wear and What to Leave at Home for Your Best Office Christmas Party Ever!

Don't you dare!
Smashonistas, are you wondering what to wear to your office Christmas party or any other unofficial Festuvus parties.  Oh what you're not having one because the economy stinks?  So sad. Well for those of us who are, here are a few not so humble suggestions.  The little black dress for women may seem a little boring but it is always a sure bet.  For a nice trendy twist try a little black dress made of lace.  If you want to throw in some color a nice jewel tone dress may be your bet.  May I suggest emerald? Red is nice but always overdone at Christmas.  Now ladies as always don't overdo it.  If you are going to go with big hair, leave the Dolly Parton makeup and fingernails at home.  Believe me, we all have someone in our office who ALWAYS has this look covered, ALWAYS.  If you are going to do smoky eyes go for a nude gloss on the lips.   If you are wearing a strapless dress make sure the hemline skims your knee and not your hinee.  If your dress is giving your Christmas tree competition with all the bedazzle steer clear of your jewelery box. And if you don't heed any of this advice just please, please leave the pants for the guys to wear.  Now for the gents.  Unless the invitation specifies black tie, please save the tuxedo for your "coming out party".  A black solid suit with a white shirt will do with a solid color satiny tie.  Try a Brooks Brothers plain white dress shirt.  These shirts seem to hold up nicely even after a few drinks and don't denigrate the look.  And if your dress shoe soles look like mini tractor trailer tires and could be potentially used in a John Deere ad, just plan on staying home. You are unlovable. No, I don't care how comfortable you claim they are.  No, no, no.  Run don't walk to your nearest men's shoe department and get yourself  a decent pair of shoes. And ladies be on high alert that creepy office guy (yes that one) only get's creepier when placed in social situations involving alcohol.  Oh your Christmas Party will not be serving alcohol.  Poor you.  Back to the creepy guy, may I suggest some mace?  Merry Christmas Smashonistas. 

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale

Smashonistas who loves Rebeca Minkoff?  I do, I do!  Well our fair lady is having a sample sale here in Los Angeles, Friday December 3, through Sunday December 5. That's right you have a week and a half to beg, borrow or work that overtime. 

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The Stud-E Bud-E

The Stud-E Bud-E
The Stud-E Bud-E by smashonista on Polyvore.com

She likes studs. She likes to play with studs. She is a stud. She'll leave unannounced when she wants and who she wants. She's got her Morning After Stud-E Bud-E Clutch and she don't need much else.


Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Isaiah Mustafa: The Man Your Man Could Dress Like

Smashonistas, Isaiah Mustafa, who knew this heap of sexiness was also a style icon.  According to a recent interview with the LA Times, when the Old Spice man is not wearing only a towel, riding a white horse, or offering you tickets to that thing you like,  Mustafa can be seen running around in Adriano Goldschmied and Hudson Jeans.  Truth be told I think a lot of ladies would  trade in that white horse, tickets to that thing they like and the man their man could smell like for their own man, fully (stylishly) clothed, riding a lawn mower and offering to take out the trash...... I digress. (You see we aren't asking for much).  Back to AG Jeans, Caulfield Prep and John Varvatos shoes.  Take notes my good fellows.  You may not have Isaiah's white horse or your wife (or anyone for that matter) may not enjoy YOU running around in just a towel but what you do have is some very accessible tools. Go out and buy some, and throw in a bottle of Old Spice and a can of "Act Right" for good measure.    

Friday, November 12, 2010

Rock & Republic Sample Sale going on NOW!

My LA Smashonistas this is a late post so get shopping.  Rock & Republic Warehouse Sale going on now! Started today November 12 and goes through November 14.  Today they are open until 9pm and tomorrow from 9am to 6pm.  Sunday is the shortest day starting at 11am and ending at 4pm.  Here is the address 

Rock and Republic Sample Sale
3525 Eastham Dr.
Culver City, CA 90232

Apparently you can score deals of up to 90% off with denim starting at $40 and shoes at $25. Have fun.  And for those of you in San Diego same event will take place at Horton Plaza  November 18-21.
  

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Parts of Summer Parts of Winter

Parts of Summer Parts of Winter
Parts of Summer Parts of Winter by smashonista featuring skinny pants

Smashonistas transitioning from Summer to Winter is easy! Well especially in California. Throw a cute cozy jacket over that summer T and scarf, add some tall boots and a cute hat and it's on!


Benefit : The Cure for Ogreish Eyebrows

great cocktails
Hey my LA Smashonistas.  Looking for a place to get your eyebrows finely sculptured.  Check out Jennifer at the Benefit Store on 3rd street in Los Angeles.  (near one of my favorite watering holes El Carmen pictured below)  Back to Jennifer, she does wonders with the most challenging of eyebrows for a not so big fee.  $20 plus tip as the other girl ringing you up will unshly ask you how much tip would you like to leave Jennifer.  Really, I just think reminding customers to tip is a bit tacky but I'm petty that way.  Call and get an appointment.  I was able to make my appointment the same day. Although when I got there someone had mysteriously erased my name from the appointment book.  Oh well Jennifer squeezed me and my ogreish (OMG that really is a word) eyebrows right in. 

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Sick Boots that Love You Back

Smashonistas as much as I love sneaker wearing male Smashonistas I'm a little over it.  So I convinced my fiance to graduate from his Pumas into something a little more sophisticated and classic with a twist.  One evening I carted him over to the Nordie's men's shoe department wherein we encountered these lovely..... I'm sorry I mean rugged sick lookin' pair of Timberland boots.  As soon as he put these suckers on he couldn't take them off.  He absolutely loved the way they were so COMFORTABLE and very FASHION FORWARD.  Now if you buy a pair don't go ruining them by wearing some white socks.  Stick with dark colored sport socks or even a thicker pair of dress socks.  These boots are very versatile and will go with all manner of chinos and jeans.  Boys if you are still at that clubbing, creeping age these boots will get you through many nights. If that's not you, you say, these boots love going to church, dinner, art galleries, shopping with their man's wife, movies and last but not least work.   They also come in a great dark brown color.  These babies run about $275 a pop but you can check out Rockport they have some similar designs without the so hefty price tag. 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Guadalajara: High Fashion and Tequila Shots to Go

My adorable shoes!


Andares......
Planning on traveling to Mexico anytime soon?   Okay I know most of us wet our pants thinking of all the horrific narco murders that are going on but not to worry that's mostly in the border towns.  Well I braved the threat of being sequestered or murdered by druglords and traveled to Guadalajara last week.  I stayed in the historic district where there are mom and pop Payless quality type shoe stores on every corner. But Smashonistas fast forward to a snobby mall called Andares way outside of the historic district.  Way way outside.....and you got your fabulous Liverpool department store, Brooks Brothers, Zara, Apple, BCBG, Louis Vuitton, American Apparel, Burberry, Stuart Weitzman, Carolina Herrera, Versace and so much more.  I was able to finally find a pair of shoes at a store called Dione that I have scoured the internet and every Los Angeles shoe store to find.  And my Smashonistas they are adorable.  Adorable to go with a nice pair of skinny jeans, shorts, leggings, dresses, skirts you name it. Oh and don't be fooled just because you are shopping in Mexico.  These babies put me back $160.00. And for you partakers of spirits there were tequila stands offering shots to go and featuring the BEAUTIFUL women of Guadalajara.  Unfortunately ladies I can't say much about the men.  They need to step up their game!!!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Murphy's Law: Busted Nights, Ferraris and not so Gracious Reunions at the 7 Eleven

Smashonistas, what did I ever do to Murphy?  Damn that Murphy.  Just when you think it's safe to make a pity party midnight run to your local 7 Eleven for some well deserved Rocky Road flavored Haagen Daz, a bag of Jalepeno Kettle chips and a 64 ounce Big Gulp gushing with diet Dr. Pepper, looking BUSTED, THERE IT IS, you're worst nightmare (okay not the one where you find yourself naked in front of your coworkers) but the cowardly ex who got away by employing Freudian techniques to make you hate him so you could dump him, the ex you secretly spent nights thinking of how to ruin without getting arrested is standing at the wine and beer section with his latest not so greatest flame, nightmare. (Okay so you weren't wearing your glasses). Wait a minute didn't "THE EX" move out of your neighborhood years ago or was that Google search wrong.  Damn that Google search.  Eeek too bad the freezer just couldn't open up and suck me in.  So this wasn't my most fashionable moment.  After I diligently slaved to find a great picture to put on my Facebook profile.  Why Murphy why?  Why did I have to have a tumorous mountain commonly known as a pimple strategically growing between my two unsightly UNwaxed eyebrows?  Why Murphy, why did I have to be wearing these gruesome preschool age sweats with my faithful been chewed by more than one dog flip flops? You get the point my Smashonistas.  After the initial shock of seeing "THE EX" I graciously waved from afar, ran to the counter to pay and got the hell out of there.  I just pray that the Ferrari parked right next to me wasn't his but if it was I apologize for my overzealous opening of my car door.  I blame the tiny stalls. Wow who knew a car door could really do all that?!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

L'arnacoeur

L'arnacoeur
L'arnacoeur by smashonista featuring a chiffon skirt

Smashonistas, boy did Vanessa Paradis ever do a great job of inspiring me in the French comedy "Heartbreaker" Vanessa's wardrobe in the movie was fantastically fabulous. Very chic and feminine. I now can't get out of pleated accordion skirts. I love them. Go see the movie if not for the cheesie comedy but for the beautiful fashion. Oh and the fact it is filmed in part in Monaco doesn't hurt either.


Fabiola the Fabulous: Tan in a Can

Fabiola the Fabulous
Smashonistas, so I heard a rumor that a tan makes you look thinner. I am not ashamed to say I have engaged in a spray tan or two in the past when I have been in a pinch.  And I found myself there again.  I needed to look thinner fast this past weekend so I made my way to Cordova tan in Beverly Hills right on Robertson Blvd.  I had a lovely young lady by the name of Fabiola who was just plain Fabulous work her magic.  Fabiola the Fabulous.  If you live in Los Angeles and or coming to visit this is a great way to indulge for a small price.  First let me say the spray tan ingredients are organic based and paraben free.  Secondly, Fabiola the Fabulous customizes the color of the bronzer to compliment your skin tone and hair color sans the Lindsay Lohan I'm all fired up orange look.  It's a very comfortable setting and you can choose how naked you want to get.  (Hey I'm Mexican and I have issues with nudity).  She spent at least 45 minutes on me and I was thrilled with the results.  The cost $35.  (When you make the appointment mention you saw her review on Yelp and she'll charge you $35.) What a steal.  I did leave Fabiola a $10 tip because of all her labor intensive work.  The tan in a can lasts up to 7-10 days depending on how well you baby it.  Here's a link.....Oh and if you are looking to hire a Taquero (person who can be hired for all manner of celebratory affairs to doctor up delectable tacos on site) ....Fabioloa's mama will hook it up.
http://www.cordovatan.com/

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Update: 7 For All Mankind Warehouse Sale

Okay Smashonistas apparently you need to RSVP if you plan on attending this party.  Here is the link just click on the date you plan on going and it will allow you to RSVP.
http://www.7forallmankind.thewarehousesale.com/la.html

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

NFL: Now For Ladies

Oh wow Smashonistas finally someone is getting it right.  Women love sports too and for some, even more than the man in their life.  Okay that was confusing.  I meant some women love sports more than their man loves sports.  And every female Smashonista wants to look stylish while supporting their favorite teams or at least not the alternative (frumpy) being forced to wear men's football apparel.  Apparently the NFL has come out with a new line called Fit For You and you know what I like it, I like it a lot.  My question is, when is basketball going to catch up?  All you female Laker fans, you  know the challenge of having to scour the ends of the earth including the internet to find some decent women's Laker gear.  What's going on with that?  It seems like it's either too slutty or it makes you look like a man. Thankfully, what the Dodgers put out is a little better.   Now the days of resorting to wearing children's football jersey's of your favorite team are over ladies and you have the NFL to thank for that.  Wow and it only took them 90 years.
Oh and for my two favorite Bronco fans, you know who you are, here is a cute Bronco's t-shirt

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Sample Sale Alert: 7 For All Mankind Jeans

Okay all my Smashonista designer jeans lovers.  Wow that's a mouthful.  Here's one for you.  Seven For All Mankind is having a sample sale.  The sale hits four U.S major cities and lucky for you Los Angeles is on the list.  Actually the event kicks off in Los Angeles starting October 1, 2010 and goes through October 3, 2010 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  Since it's so close to my day job I guess I will have to go check it out.  

Thursday, September 23, 2010

New Jersey: The Garden Ho State Spices up Halloween

See my point.  Scary old lady face.  Yikes!
Smashonistas thinking of Halloween yet?  For those of you who are NOT little monsters or NOT GTL fanatics you will not be happy to hear that Jersey Shore and Lady Gaga costumes are the big hit this 2010 Halloween for dresser uppers. Oh how creative people. Picture this Smashonistas, droves of female and male Lady Gagas running around West Hollywood or wherever you pagans plan to spend your pagan holiday wearing meat dresses, platinum wigs and Martian boots. You see and Mike The Situation Whorrentino won't even have to dress up and not because he is Mike The Situation Whorrentino but because this guido sport's his scary-old-lady face mask 365.  Same goes for Gaga and J-BowWow.  Yikes.  New Jersey should be renamed the Garden Ho State.  Now Snooki is Snooki enough said.  Anyhow Smashonistas have fun and be creative with those costumes.  The world can only handle so many Gagas and Whorrentinos.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Not Your Granny's Shoes

Not Your Granny's Shoes
Not Your Granny's Shoes by smashonista featuring flats shoes

Smashonistas I have had a love affair with oxfords since I can remember. I use to sport white, brown, grey and black oxfords with little ankle socks back in the day. Pictured here, the set with the berry colored sweater is reminiscent of a favorite outfit I wore throughout my miserable days of sixth grade. Wasn't a big fan of piles of homework, being called a holy-roller (you can look that one up) and know it all teachers telling me what to do. Anyhow, I use to live in these knee grazing skirts, oxfords and sweaters. I am elated the good ol' flat oxford is back. Oh and the mini backpacks, are an added style point. Personally, not a fan of the high-heeled oxford but I did love these that I found featured here in the dressier set I put together. Yay for Oxfords!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Memo: Porno Chic is Out


Smashonistas the real tragedy in the Jet's locker room this past infamous Monday was Ines Sainz' poor wardrobe selection. Who is her stylist and who told her that a white button down shirt and baby blue colored jeans with a studded cowboy looking belt is fashionable? Oh and those boots are a big, big, big no, no. That's so '01. Geez, Ines you are representing women reporters who get a bad rap anyways and you had to wear this get up. Very disconcerting. Never mind the cat calls, never mind the vulgar vocabulary PROFESSIONAL football players used to refer to Ines as they acted like sex-crazed 13 years olds, never mind that most commentary on the subject blamed Ines for the PROFESSIONAL football players' behavior. Never mind all that. God forbid MEN take responsibility for their behavior. Doesn't she know Porno Chic is out and these days it's all about WASPY prep. So it wasn't a good idea to go into a locker room filled with half naked men wearing tight jeans and a cleavage showcasing blouse. Didn't Ines get the memo that public breast feeding is still controversial in the United States because of these same types of numb skulls, before coming to do the Mark Sanchez interview? Of course this is regardless of the fact that men have had the freedom to walk around shirtless (like the hairy monsters they are) for centuries when in reality they should be the ones covering up. Smashonistas that is the true controversy. I say make everyone cover up!! I think Ines gets that now. BUT I think the real teachable moment here is a fashion teachable moment. Porno Chic is out (especially in NFL locker rooms)......... at least for now.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

The Doctored Diet



Smashonistas, I heard there is a new diet in town and it does not involve the disgusting act of sticking your finger down your throat. That diet trend is dead. (I hope). Aside from the possibility of looking like Hillary Duff with her toothy veneers (to put it nicely) after all the enamel wears off your chompers there is also the problem of yuk breath. I was never any good at it anyway. Some people are calling this new diet the "Photoshop Diet." I myself call it the "Doctored Diet" Last year it was Ralph Lauren's unbelievably skinny model and this year Ann Taylor. Hey I am all for this diet. Sign me up. The camera adds ten pounds anyways right and never in the right places. Besides, now the fashion industry doesn't have to work with skeletons losing their hair, who pass out during photo shoots because all they had to eat today was a lick of gum and a can of diet soda. Time is money. Just a nip tuck with a click of a mouse and poof you got your sickly I mean stickly looking model. Smashonistas sometimes you got to fight fire with fire. With Americans battling obesity are these images really such a big deal? How many stickly people do you work with, go to school with or know for that matter? None, right but whose friend vainly swore to them this morning in the break room that they would start their diet today and has already munched down a snickers bar a bag of kettle cooked chips and a piece of coconut cake their sister baked for them all before lunchtime? You see most people need to be looking at these kinds of photos. One day the silly scary skinny model trend will die off and people everywhere will have a good laugh and breathe a sigh of relief. Smashonistas if you are interested in the "Doctored Diet" Here is a link to the 2010 Photo Editing Software Review Product Comparisons.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Casual Friday: ditch the dark jeans

Casual Friday: ditch the dark jeans
Casual Friday: ditch the dark jeans by smashonista featuring a vintage skirt

Have fun in this sophisticated flouncy flowered skirt look by Veronica with a chic Prada satchel, sleek platform heels and a luxe Rick Owens Cardigan. Or You can take it to the next level in this colorful flouncy flowered Hollister skirt, silky Rick Owens T, a Marc Jacobs cross body bag and black boots.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

An Amends Making Affair: What to Wear




The title of this blog should actually be: what to wear to dinner when you have to take your neighbors out after you accidently threw away their mail when they were on vacation OR commonly known as What to Wear to Dinner. Yes it happened to me. After years of having neighbors who made you run and hide every time they even came near your door and neighbors you just didn't have to make a good impression on because they are related to you, my fiancé volunteered to do the neighborly thing. He offered to collect our new neighbors mail while they were vacationing in Nantucket for a week. And guess who accidently threw it away? Yes Smashonistas ME. Now as luck would have it our new neighbors are not of the recyclable, renewable, sustainable bunch who subscribe to paperless billing. Oh no they get all their bills mailed to them. Oh wanting to crawl under a rock, wanting it to be yesterday, the neighbor gingerly approaches our door after his return, requesting his mail. We made up some excuse saying we would be right over to deliver it. Three hours of water works later, back tracing my steps and promising my first born to God, their mail was not to be found anywhere. ANYWHERE. I finally realized that the small shopping bag with the ends tied in a knot on top of the fireplace mantel was not trash at all. No, it was actually where my fiancé had been SAFELY keeping the neighbors' mail for the past week. I guess I was suppose to read his mind and know that OR at the very least do what every other reasonable person in the world would do and open the contents of the bag to check what's inside before sending it to trash heaven. So we apologized to our poor victims offering up an olive branch and invited them to a fancy dinner. And what did I wear to this little amends making affair? (Because as a Smashonista that's what's important) A cute little navy dress, some strappy cognac sandals and a clutch with brass hardware. So lesson #1: Never let my fiancé volunteer to collect the neighbors mail. And lesson #2: nothing like fantastic fashion, fine food and some tasty cocktails to make it ALL better. If you are my neighbor reading this (Anne).....you've been warned. If we offer to collect your mail...... for your sake and our sake just say no.

Happy Anniversary to Me.




My dear Smashonistas,

It has been exactly a month since I started my Smashonista blog. Thank you for reading. If there are certain subjects you would like to read about, please make your suggestions in the comment box of this post. I know, I know, I am like a teenaged, Jonas Brothers obsessed girl, marking the first month anniversary of being together with her BF. If my blog was a person I would take it out to dinner at one of those fancy Wolf Gang Puck establishments and then take it salsa dancing. But I just can't help myself. I thought for sure after the first few posts I would get bored and quit. You see I have self-diagnosed adult ADHD. But I haven't. So yay for me and yay for you my Smashonistas. If you fancy this blog please support me and shamelessly promote me to your friends and loved ones.

Much Love,


Olivia












Friday, August 27, 2010

Bargain Alert: Macy's Furniture Outlet Lincoln Heights

Smashonistas, if you love fashion I will logically conclude you love fashionable home furnishings. I read in the LA Times that Macy's Furniture Outlet in Lincoln Heights is going out of business. Funny because the day before the announcement in the LA Times, my fiancé frantically called me, after making a voyage there, griping that we were too late. And this was almost true except for the fact that when we went there on Wednesday we were able to buy a love seat, two arm chairs, an eastern king mattress and three room sized rugs all for around $2,300. First lets begin with the armchairs. They were originally $1,500 and we bought them for $90 each. We bought the love seat for $240 dollars but I can't remember what the original price was. We bought a huge wool rug originally priced at around a $1000.00 for $300. Another rug for $180 originally $600. But best of all Smashonistas we bought a $9000.00 Heirloom eastern king mattress for $450. Everything is 75% off and it is rumored they might be getting a new shipment this coming Wednesday. There was a lot of swanky, quality type furniture that was still on the floor but already paid for. Yes I know heartbreaking to find that tufted sectional you were eyeballing had already been purchased. Smashonistas it's worth your while if you are in the market for a new bed or rugs for your home. But you better move fast. Oh and I would call before going. Because if you are looking to purchase a mattress I was told the outlet suffered a flood last night and it may have ruined the mattress section. Good luck and happy shopping.

Macy's Furniture Outlet
3880 North Mission Road
Los Angeles, CA 90031
(323) 227-2650

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Dry Hair Shampoo: bye bye toilet hair


Smashonistas, I admit I have never understood people who don't wash their hair everyday. You know the type. They can be found in elevators, work cubicles and all manner of small enclosed spaces that are famous for trapping the stench of oily pores and follicles. Now look I understand some people have toilet feet, others toilet pits, and still others toilet breath. And don't get all "TMI" on me, because everyone is prone to some type of toilet problem. As for me sadly yes, I have toilet hair if I don't wash my mop daily. But allow me to introduce you to a saving grace or a dry cleaner for the hair. Dry Hair Shampoo. I know some of you Smashonistas have been onto this for a while, but I never had the guts to try it. But I have read washing your hair everyday does a lot of damage. Personally I need to keep what I got left in good shape. So I tried it. And I love it....... Well that's not entirely true I tried baby powder and it worked wonders. And I didn't notice anyone avoiding me and my just dry cleaned toilet hair. Just dry cleaned toilet hair is wonderful and easier to style. Absolutely. The real deal costs anywhere between $5 dollars for a small can(Tresemme) and up to $25 dollars for Sephora brands. Apparently this stuff has been around since the 70's. Who knew? Oh and guys it wouldn't hurt you either to use some of this wonder powder between showers.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Trend Alert: Fingercuffs and Skinny Cargos


Smashonistas Two trends that I am loving RIGHT now: the reinvented cargo pant and what I've deemed the "fingercuffs". Let's start with the cargo pant. They are skinny now. So it's cargo minus the bulk. No carrying around other people's junk. I like that. Skinny cargo pants. Enough said. Now onto the fingercuffs ring. Love the look but I foresee an impediment. Restricted use of your digits. I'm thinking that having to take these babies off for a texting or driving session is too high maintenance for me.

Trend AVERT: kNOT on your Head

An emerging hair trend these days appears to be a knot on top of your head. I keep seeing these hairballs popping up in fashion magazines and runways but I was doing my best to ignore them. Then this morning while enjoying my walk to work, Coffee Bean in hand, checking out the latest trends worn by FIDM students, there IT was. Heidi Klum on a huge billboard with a hairball on her head. Heidi please no. A side pony tail, with neon ribbons maybe but not the kNOT on your head. Personally I akin this look to trying too hard with a dash of cheese. It's just bad form. Keep the knot where it belongs at the nape of your neck. Some things just do not need to be reinvented. PERIOD

Thursday, August 19, 2010

End of Summer Night Out

Girls Night Out