Tumblr Time*

Once in a while I run into some ecclectic, & creatively put together Tumblr blogs (mine is here). A year ago -if not more- I ran into Lili Peper's blog, those damn city kids (here), probably at the worst time when I was in the midst of finishing my final year of college. It displays photos from fashion editorials which also portray her own style and personality.We both started following eachother and commented on each other's blogs. I later thought it would be fun if I asked a few "interview" questions, which we would post on our blogs. This would be a way to encounter new readers on Tumblr for me, and a great way for her readers to learn more about her:

1. where are some of your favorite places to hang out or eat?

LP: I definitely have found little magical places around the city where I love to hang out. On Franklin there is a cafe called the Bourgeois Pig where I spend a ton of time. It's tiny and personal with a fantastic environment that I would definitely consider inspirational. I also hang out on Larchmont Blvd in Hancock Park quite a bit, probably a little too much, haha. I practically live there as I am there almost every single day. There is another place in called Franklin Canyon Park which is a reservoir/park hidden in Beverly Hills, that I adore. It is honestly so beautiful and so inspirational and personally I have a lot of really valuable memories that take place there. As for restaurants I frequently eat at, there is Swingers, Gyu Kaku, Il Trem, Coral Tree Cafe, Urth Cafe, Katsuya, ect.

2. where do you like to shop?

LP: I love love love LF so I shop there quite a bit. Urban and American Apparel when I have something in mind that I sole need from those stores. Personally I am a big flea market/vintage store person so in that respect Melrose is my shopping paradise. I also do a lot of online shopping. Nasty Gal, Free People and Top Shop online.

3. any cool celebrity spottings? (you knew this was coming)

LP: Ah, the common "you live in Hollywood" question. I know this answer probably won't be as exciting as you'd hope but I honestly think of celebrities as normal people. So when I see them I don't even really notice. My father has a job that requires us to meet a lot of famous people, so I'm just kind of used to it. Also a lot of the events/restaurants/venues I go to celebrities show up. They are just going on with there regular lives just like everyone else, so I don't really think twice about it. Although once I was grabbing a quick lunch at the Chateau Marmont and Nicolas Cage almost hit me with his car, so there's that haha.

4. do you think there are any misconceptions about L.A. culture as a whole?

LP: Oh of course. There are a ton. L.A. is really like it's own bubble, it's own little world. Unless you live there or visit often, I feel like you completely miss what it is actually about. People only see the things you read about. Celebrities, Hollywood Blvd, stars, drugs, parties, ect. When I meet people in other parts of the world and I tell them where I'm from, they talk to me as if I'm an alien from another planet. It is kind of fascinating actually.

5. name 3 things your readers might not know about you

LP: Okay, I'm trying to think of little fun facts not many of my readers would know about me from my blog. I played soccer competitively for 10 years. I have an extremely large and unconventional family. And I really love acting. The first play I was in was Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, which turned me on to Oscar Wilde and acting.

6. do you have a style icon you look up to?

LP: I definitely have people that influence my personal style, but I always try to put my own twist on things. Off the top of my head, I really admire and derive styles from Edie Sedgwick, Kate Moss, Agyness Deyn, The Olsen twins, Ruby Aldridge, Chloë Sevigny, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Freja Beha, Rachel Zoe, and Alexa Chung.

7. what are your aspirations for the future?

LP: Right now I'm looking for internships with fashion photographers, PR firms, and stylists. So I'm hoping to be working by this summer in those subjects. I'm also working on building up my portfolio and getting my name out there. Other than that, I'm just traveling and finishing classes. Figuring my life out.

Thanks Lili, & all the readers. xo

red & blue velvet*

 a peak from my blackberry.

Milk has the best red & blue velvet cupcakes & cakes. If you're in the L.A. area, definitly pay a visit. xo

Winter Wonerland?

photos via wildfox

Just a few weeks until Christmas, & it's 80 degrees out here in Los Angeles--can't complain.*

xo Maria

MOCA Los Angeles Gala 2010

photos via celebritycenter

Rachel Bilson & Kate Bosworth looking their usual ladylike selves, in Chanel. I admire both their styles, but I have to showcase Rachel's dress, because I love the details, the sleeves, and the color ! Of course, you can never go wrong with black, and Kate is definitly rocking the maxi-dress trend. What do you guys think?

p.s. I update my tumblr blog, here*

L.A. fashion weekend show at Sunset Gower Studios

It might be mid-October in L.A., but prior to these last few days, the weather might have fooled us otherwise. Last night I attended the fashion weekend swimwear show at Sunset Gower Studios, where I got to see Christina Milian perform and model. Her song, Dip it Low, brought back a lot of fond memories.

The swimwear show included collections from A.Che', teeki, and kooey.

What's interesting about the line teeki, is that the bikini fabrics are made of recycled water bottles, to be environmentally conscious. Kooey is an Australian line, and was recently sported by Miss Universe Australia, the second runner up, this past summer.  The show was filled with California-vibe, and lots of colorful & fun swimwear. Later, my friend and I went to the after-party at Crustacean in Beverly Hills to have appetizers & drinks. I hadn't been to this restaurant before, and loved it the second I walked in when I saw the underground aquarium leading through the restaurant. Haven't been able to attend a lot of shows for LAFW thanks to other obligations, but it's been fun so far*

Beach Bunny Swwimwear Fashion Show at the Colony

Jayde Nicole, Playboy Playmate of the Year 2008

Emily & I

paparazzi tryna' make us pose ;)

Lynne Curtis from the Real Housewives of OC

playmates & models

Lynn & Jayde

I'm wearing a black lace top, H&M faux leather pants & leopard clutch*

It's rather appropriate to get Playboy Bunny, Jayde Nicole to host & model Beach Bunny Swimwear. The sexy venue took place at the LA hotspot, the Colony, & it was a full house of fashion savy girls, very-very happy & googly-eyed guys, & beach bunnies.  Emily from StilettoBeats & I had some good times admiring The swimwear, which had everything from lace, to metallic bandage styles. You might have passed by the Beach Bunny Swimwear boutique on Robertson blvd. along with the big campaign modeled by the Kardashian sisters. I was also able to meet Lynne, from the guilty-pleasure reality show, the Real Housewives of OC. We had a little chat about her Lynne Curtin Designs jewelry she provided for the fashion show, and was oh so sweet. I loved the cuffed bracelets the models were rocking, from her line. After the show, was the party, as Chanel from MTV's Fantasy Factory DJ-ed some awesome music. Jayde's ex, Brody Jenner, should be jealous, because the playboy bunny looked as amazing as ever !