Los Angeles

I'm loving my new job as the creative director for The Stylist LA. My first task was to get the new studio up and running. With direction from The Stylist LA's founder, Emily, I set out to create a space that would be fun to work in, as well as hang out in. I think that was accomplished. I repurposed some items from the old studio, did some shopping at Ikea, and sourced a lot of items from flea markets and Etsy. The studio is now open for business and clients can come in and try on dresses in a space that is welcoming and just a fun place to be!

{photos by Penny Cordero for The Stylist LA}

 I'm going to this! I wanted to let you know about it too. My friend Megan will be on one of the panels (which is how I found out about it). Editors of some of the best interior design magazines will be there and the world of interiors will be converging on this space for the 3 day event. I have such admiration for "real" interior designers and just love soaking up their wisdom and of course looking at all the pretty things they create. If you're a wannabe designer or just love interiors, you might want to get yourself a ticket. Here's the website for more info www.legends2013.

{Please let me know any ideas you might have for activities under $10 in and around the area. I realize The Getty isn't in the beach cities, but it's close enough to take advantage of.}

I was pleasantly surprised when I drove past ms vintage at their new location on Culver Blvd. They were previously located on Abbot Kinney, but have now set up shop in Playa Del Rey which is wonderfully close to our area here in the beach cities. This shop is an absolute dream to browse through because all the items are handpicked by owners Marsha and Sabrina who have a wonderful eye for all the best in vintage. You'll find top designer labels but also obscure labels that only "in the know" and well schooled fashion types would know of. Marsha and Sabrina travel all over collecting and sourcing amazing pieces for their shop. 

They carry men's pieces as well and in many cases they know exactly where all the items originated. I love hearing all the stories about where something was found and how they came to acquire it. 

Above 1930s French dressing/jewelry table and Hermes cape wrap were like nothing I'd ever seen before and I wanted to take them both home with me.

I had so much fun chatting with Marsha and Sabrina. I wanted to hang out with them all day. They were so welcoming and passionate about the treasures in their shop. I hope you'll visit them soon and see for yourself!

ms vintage hours: thurs-sat 11-6, sunday 12-6

310-314-6999

www.msvintage.net

{photos by Penny Cordero for Beach City Lifestyle}

Walking along the canals in Venice has been on my list for quite a while. My husband and I had a free morning on Thanksgiving and thought it would be the perfect time to head over there and snap some photos. A little info about the canals: 

The man-made canals were built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as part of his Venice of America plan. Kinney sought to recreate the appearance and feel of Venice, Italy in Southern California.  The beautifully lit canals with gondoliers and arched bridges drew widespread publicity and helped sell lots in the development. However, as the automobile gained in popularity, the canals were viewed by many as outdated, and the bulk of the canals were filled in 1929 to create roads. By 1940, the remaining canals had fallen into disrepair, and the sidewalks were condemned by the city. The canal district remained in poor condition for more than 40 years, as numerous proposals to renovate the canals failed due to lack of funding, environmental concerns and disputes as to who should bear the financial responsibility. The canals were finally renovated in 1992, with the canals being drained and new sidewalks and walls. The canals re-opened in 1993 and have become a desirable and expensive residential section of the city. The residential district surrounding the remaining canals was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. However, in recent years, there has been extensive renovation work on many of the old houses, and many large, modern houses have been built.    

{info per wikipedia}

Needless to say we were pleasantly surprised at how lovely and peaceful it is on the canals. Many of the homes are beautiful, some are interesting, and some look like original bungalows. It's very dog friendly as people were out and about walking their pooches along the water. You can't feed the ducks and dogs must be on a leash, but it really is a stunning area that is right at our back yard. I also love a bit of history and the knowledge that they've been there since 1905! Love that. 

{view map here}