Posts Tagged ‘Santee Alley’

July
2009

LOST AND FOUND

Raissa, Los Angeles

It’s officially summertime in L.A and I’m trying my best not to let the heat cramp my style!  But I admit, it does have me feeling a little lazy, so lately I’ve been searching my closet for dresses, rompers, and jumpsuits…basically any item that requires the least amount of coordinating possible when I’m getting ready.  This weekend, I came across this beaded batwing tunic that still had its Forever 21 tags on.  Where have you been hiding my mini sparkling friend?!  I put it on for the first time since the fitting room, and it all started coming back to me.  I remembered LOVING this when I got it last December, but here it was still waiting to be worn.  As I ripped off the tags, I noticed that the beading wasn’t grade A, but the draping of the back was adorable and the fit was awesome.  So BRING IT ON Summer.  This hot little number can take whatever you dish out! 

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Batwing Beaded Tunic (Forever 21), Wrap Sandals (Santee Alley), Vintage Jewelry (Flea Markets, L.A.), Vintage Snakeskin Bag (Vintage Warehouse, L.A.)

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July
2009

TRIED AND TESTED

Raissa, Los Angeles

As die hard Obsessionistas, we love clothes, shoes, purses, belts, jewelry and just about everything else in our packed little closets.  Well, newsflash folks, we also have a soft spot for FOOD!  Since it was my birthday yesterday (with the festivities continuing throughout the weekend- WOO HOO!!), my sweet boyfriend took me out for a surprise dinner to Tom Colicchio’s L.A. restaurant Craft.  This morning, as I was rehashing every delicious detail with Jac, I thought it would be fun to share them with you guys too.

On our way there, I kept trying to guess the restaurant.  When we pulled up to the valet, my face lit up!  Score one for the BF.  As an avid Top Chef fan, I knew this place wouldn’t disappoint!

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First up, Malpeque and Kumamota Oysters (Wish there were more!  I could have eaten 10 of each!) and Sea Urchin with Cubeb Peppers.  Both were superb, and surprisingly, not rich at all.

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Vegetarians- look away!  We had the 35 Day Aged Sirloin (medium rare of course!) with Bone Marrow and Scallops in Brown Butter (not photographed).  SUPER FREAKING GOOOOOD!  We ate every last bite!  For dessert, we shared the Peach and Raspberry Cobbler with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.  YUM!   After that I was officially stuffed.  But theeeen, our waitress dropped off complimentary goodies – Lemon Custard, Brownies, Homemade Chocolate and Caramel Popcorn – and guess what?  I found the room, and ate those too!

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Big smiles after a big dinner that was downright AMAZING. Craft – tried, tested and highly recommended. Oh, and meet Damien everyone.  Thanks for making it a really happy birthday babe!

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Brigid Catiis Boyfriend Blazer,  Skirt (Santee Alley), Vintage Chanel Bag & Belt (Vintage Warehouse), Vintage Silk Cami (Goodwill), Rings (Vietnam street vendors)

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July
2009

GET UP AND GO

To: A Summer BBQ

Where: Los Angeles, CA

Get Up: Brigid Catiis Tunic, Wrap Around Sandals (Santee Alley- $14.99!), Vintage Levis Cut Off’s - Under tunic (Goodwill, LA),  Necklaces + Bracelets + Sunglasses (Flea Markets + Thrift Stores, L.A.)

Tis’ the season for BBQs, cook outs, and backyard happenings!  Getting constant invites to eat loads of meat and consume bottles (and bottles) of beer this summer calls for attire that you can, well, pig out in.  Save your bandage dresses and crop tops for another time!  This guest (as in MOI) can EAT!  Not wanting to worry about the over stuffed belly factor at a recent BBQ outing, I opted to wear one of my FAVE Brigid Catiis pieces.  A tunic with the perfect summer print, that’s easy, flowy and will HIDE the results of a full menu of Stella’s, hamburgers, carne asada tacos, chips + dip, wraps, hot dogs…OH MAN, I’M GETTING HUNGRY AGAIN!   

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July
2009

CLOSET OBSESSION CONFESSION: WE LOVE LOVE LOVE SANTEE ALLEY

DRIVE don’t run to the Santee Alley in Downtown L.A.!  The both of us have been fortunate enough to have known about this place ever since we were young little shoppers.  Learning from the best, our moms would take us here for gaudy prom dresses, back to school gear, and fun treats for under $10.  Now that we’re all grown up, shopping in Santee can still be cheesy, but we’ll totally tolerate the extra cheese for the extra AWESOME deals.  YES, it’s hectic. YES, there are fake Coach, Gucci, and LV bags everywhere.  YES, it’s outdoors and can get sticky hot.  And YES, you can score on super YUMMY goodies!  So if you’re into out of this world bargains, and don’t mind doing a little hunting, then check out the Alley!  Here are some helpful pointers to get you through it:

1. The Alley starts on Olympic between Santee St. and Maple St. and goes down to 12th Street.  Blocks and blocks of STEALS!

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2. It’s easy to get overwhelmed because it’s major sensory overload at every turn!  Stay focused on the task at hand: having what you’re looking for in mind before you get there helps.  Oh and have a little laugh while you’re there – lots of misspellings- see below!

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3. Stick to basic pieces that you know you’ll wear for sure.  It’s easy to start purchasing everything that comes your way since it’s so cheap!  But shop around, you may find something identical at another vendor for less.  Found this denim romper with the front zipper for $18 and the denim elastic waist band skirt for $13.99.  Both super cute!

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4. One word: SHOES.  They have EVERYTHING in every color and in every direction you look. CAREFUL!  It can get dangerous.  Again, stay calm and choose wisely. (PS – I can’t stop wearing my new fave shoes!)

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5. Avoid the weekends if you can.  It’s even busier then.  Some stores take credit cards, and when they do, lines form (see below). The smaller shops take cash only but there are ATM’s around, ready and armed if you need them.  HAPPY SHOPPING!

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