Agenda: L.A. Weekend

It's almost the weekend and I'm super excited to not be traveling or sick, and actually have time to relax and explore. Here's what's on the agenda:

- Checking out Jason Wu at Target
- Drinks at The Palihouse in West Hollywood (Has anyone been here? Is it fun?)
- Seeing 'Pacific Standard Time' at The Getty before it closes
- Finally trying Intelligentsia (I've been here for 1.5 years, but I'm on team Caffe Luxxe)
- Scoping Surfing Cowboys on Abbot Kinney
- And then there's my cycling classes and doing some homework for a class I started taking

Of course, I'm sure I'll get some Superbowl action in there somewhere. Bon Weekend! xx

*images via bippity boppity boo + discoveries of glory

The Palihouse Hotel, Los Angeles

A new-ish hotel here in Los Angeles, The Palihouse. The interiors looks pretty interesting, really liking the outdoor patio and the bar area. Maybe for brunch? See more here.

*images via notcot

4th of July Weekend

The 4th of July marks one year anniversary in L.A., and I have family in town to celebrate! Cheers to an amazing summer weekend. See you next week!

*image via bippity boppity boo

Currently Craving: Kate Spade Old Fashioneds

I was recently shopping at Santa Monica's Wertz Brothers Antiques (one of my favorite stores in L.A.) and found these amazing vintage Ralph Lauren old fashioned glasses. Then, I came across these even more adorable options from Kate Spade. Definitely need 8 of them, and I could only find 4 of the RL version, so these are definitely on my list. Shop here.

June Gloom

Since I moved to L.A. (coming up on my one year mark!) last July, I've been living in this cloudy, overcast Marine Layer that hangs over California beach towns (we just call it 'fog' on the east coast..).

This usually burns off by 11 am, or if it's the month of June, it sticks around all day, hence 'June Gloom.' It seems like the weather everywhere else important (Manhattan, Washington D.C. and Nantucket, of course) is 95 and sunny.

June Gloom can't end soon enough.

*image via bippity boppity boo

Blackman Cruz

After cruising the latest issues of Elle Decor and Architectural Digest this weekend poolside (it was 80 degrees!), I found the same mirror, above, featured once in each issue. In the right room, of course, it could really work. I then realized it's by an interior design shop based here in L.A., Blackman Cruz. I'll be checking this place out soon!

Coffee Table Chic

In my apartment, the coffee table is the focal point of my living room. It was love at first sight when I moved to L.A. and came across the perfect square piece at Grace Home Furnishings right off of Sunset Boulevard. Below are the basics to get this look.

Books. These are what hold everything together to become the centerpiece of the room. Collect them throughout the years, interchanging them as often as your color schemes fluctuate. I like stacking them in piles so the bottom edges line up, with the bindings facing different directions. This way, no matter which way you look at the table, you can see what books are on view. No pile should have the same amount of books, but kept at a relative height. The bargain section at high-end photography book shops usually has some vintage gems.

Objects of Desire. Find a fantastic antique shop nearby. Wertz Brothers here in Santa Monica is a gold mine. A great way to bring in your favorite color that may be too much for anything larger in the room (hot pink anyone?) is by placing candies, buttons, marbles or anything small enough to fit in little dishes to top off the stacks. Plantation in Venice, CA is also good for inspiration and accessories.

Candles. For me, there is no scent more addicting than Diptyque's Tubereuse.

Trays. Placing items on trays lends them importance. Here is where you can place a candle, a vintage hotel ashtray, or any other antique finds. Depending on the type of table you have, a bright lacquer color is always fun. Try Jonathan Adler's or John Derian's classic decoupage trays.

*images via lonny, the wsj, the neo-traditionalist

J.Crew on the Beach

If I had to name one place in L.A. I love more than any other, it would be Brentwood Country Mart. A barn house turned intimate shopping center, BCM reminds me of the shops on Main Street in Westport, Connecticut that I frequent when I'm home back east. It's on the other end of the spectrum of the awful strip malls that populate Lincoln Boulevard, and I love them for it.

Before I moved to L.A., I didn't know where to start in terms of finding an apartment. So what better way to find a great location in an unknown city other than calling your favorite store (Calypso, located in BCM) and asking about the area they're in? I now live around the corner and couldn't be happier.

It seems country marts are common here, and there's another one up the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Only a 30 minute drive north, Malibu's version has a higher end J.Crew shop at the Malibu Lumber Yard I'm dying to check out. This location is one of the two shops in the U.S. that sell these limited edition SURevolution mochila bags. Perfect for beachy L.A. days.

*images via j.crew

Home in L.A.

I love traditional white rooms. I've said it before, but I think they are the perfect template for creating a space that's never tiring. Splashes of colorful modern wall art, deep burgundy Moroccan rugs and neutral/earth-inspired accents are all interchangeable layers in my idea of a well-designed room (similar to what's shown below).

It's a work in progress, but my apartment is slowly progressing into a relaxing white space filled with my favorite colorful found objects, books and collectibles (someone recently told me my apartment is like 'a well designed hug'!). Ever since I was little I was constantly rearranging my bedroom furniture and reorganizing everything in it. It was one of my favorite things to do. I now have my own space that is an ever-changing reflection of everything I love, and for some reason this weekend was the first time I felt that L.A. is home.

*images via digs digs

A Current Affair: Pop-Up Vintage Marketplace

Too bad I'll be working this weekend. If I weren't, I'd be going to this to check out the vintage art + clothing. Try going on the 11th so you can check out Artisanal LA right afterwards.

Cooper Design Space penthouse

860 South Los Angeles Street

Los Angeles, CA 90014

December 10-11, 2010
Cost: $10

Heidi Merrick L.A.

One of my favorite designers, Heidi Merrick, is introducing Retail Fridays in downtown L.A. Shoppers will get 25% off on all purchases (including their 50% off rack) this Friday. Their studio also features pieces that are not in their online shop. RSVP to sales@heidimerrick.com for the time and address. If you're not in L.A. but still want to shop, email them and they will send you a discount code!

Independence Day 2010

So here we are Independence Day 2010! It is a great weekend to celebrate my moving to California. After a long seven years in New York City, I have a one way ticket on July 4 to start a new chapter of my life in the City of Angels.

I don't really know what to expect, but I think I like it that way. I haven't made a move like this yet in my life. If there is a time, the time is now! I couldn't be more excited. You know you've made a good decision when you can't think of anything else you would rather do. I will be posting periodically as I get settled in, so stay tuned and happy July 4th!

Brentwood's Designer Tag Sale

Vanessa Squared Productions (interior designer Vanessa De Vargas and design editor Vanessa Kogevinas) is holding their Third High-End Designer Tag Sale shopping event in Brentwood, California, July 31, 2010 from 10 AM to 2 PM- and I'll be sure to be there!

The Designer Tag Sale is an upscale interior designer yard/tag sale that will feature over thirty of Los Angeles' top interior designers and stores/vendors selling items such as side-tables, lamps, rugs, pillows, art, accessories, etc. at the incredible price range of $5-$200!

The designer tag sale also features a silent auction, a raffle, drinks, food, DJ and gift bags for the first thirty attendees. Entry fee is $10 and the event is cash only. Read more about the event here. I can't wait to shop and explore!

California Dreamin'

After seven years here in New York City, this Kat is picking up and heading West- for Los Angeles, California! I never thought I would end up there, but a twist of fate and a new job have led me there. I couldn't be more thrilled! Back to packing up the life I've known here on the East Coast- more to come!

*image via flickr