Fashion

Denim Spree

I know it is hard to believe but fall is on its way which means highlights will grow dark and it will soon be too chilly to throw on a sundress and flip-flops. However, the thought that gets me giddy about going back to school and saying goodbye to the sun is the new wardrobe I get to put together for the new season! I cannot begin to tell you how much I love cozy sweaters and good pair of boots.

As runway shows have begun it is obvious that many new trends will be sweeping the fashion world in the fall; however, an essential item for every woman has been revamped: denim. The blue jean is a classic piece every woman should have. They have a certain sex appeal, simplicity and comfort that can go a long way. To be able to throw on a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt is effortless but still so chic. However this year’s denim will be brought to a completely new level. Here are four trends you cannot miss for fall!

1.  Colored 

Like spring, colored denim will be all the rage for this upcoming season. In particular deeper jewel tones rather then bright neon colors. Pair a jewel-tone jean with a neutral sweater or blazer to give the look a sophisticated feel.


2.  Print 

I know, the idea of wearing pattern on your legs is absolutely horrifying but it is also a great way to make you stand out in a crowd. Favorites such as Current//Elliott, Rag and Bone, and J Brand gave us a taste of this last season. Popular patterns for the fall will be Polk-a-dots, animal print, floral and plaid! To avoid blinding people as you walk down the street throw on a solid separate to balance the look.


3.  Coated 

Here is a look you cannot pass up! Be daring and slip on pair of these bad boys. The leather like style gives any look a bit of an edge but pair it with a lady like tweed jacket and get a great contrast!



4.  Cropped 

Skinny, cropped jeans are a fresh take on the regular skinny jean. Throw on blazer and some pumps and you’ll be ready to go. You could also throw on a pair of cropped boyfriend jeans with a sweater and flats for a more laid back look. Buy them now and wear them during summer with sandals and a simple t-shirt.




xx

Hannah

Love, Life & Literature

Wickedly Good Read

A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Janet Evanovich, is currently enjoying the success of "Wicked Business," the second book in the Wicked series. Janet first experienced popularity with the Plum series, 23 fiction novels following the heroine Stephanie Plum in her journey to juggle her work life and personal life as a bounty hunter, daughter and girlfriend. The first novel in the series, "One for the Money," was adapted into a film, which was released in 2012 and featured actress Katherine Heigl as Ms. Plum. Keeping her stake in the romance game yet delving deeper into the world of mystery, Evanovich makes a departure from Stephanie and the Plum series with the sequel. "Wicked Business," her most recent novel, centers on a new protagonist named Lizzy Tucker who in a twist of fate goes from pastry chef to full-time relic hunter alongside her romantic interest, Gilbert Reedy. The job gets rough as she must persevere through mysterious chaos and outwit fellow treasure hunters to find the elusive Luxuria Stone. Evanovich’s new story is clearly being well received as only last week it was number one on the New York Times hardcover fiction list and continues to stay at the top. Fortunately there’s no need to peril through a cryptic search for this novel; you can buy Wicked Business online from Barnes & Noble or in store at the Westlake Promenade or Calabasas Commons. 

-Bailee Ahern

Source: http://www.evanovich.com/novels/wicked-series/wicked-business/

Travel Around the World Without Ever Leaving L.A.

Continuing with the European flair, say ciao to the beautiful peninsula of Italy. The first thing everyone thinks of when they hear Italy is, of course, the food! From pizza to gelato, Italian is always on everyone’s top restaurant choices. Now, here are a few local places that embody the spirit of Italian cuisine and the air of true italiano. 

Rosti in Calabasas exudes the theme of casual Italian. Customers have the choice of dining on the outdoor patio or inside where the Tuscan theme is portrayed through wall décor and beautiful flower arrangements that bring each table to life. Rosti is known for its delicious Tuscan chicken but also has delectable courses such as the Milanese Caprese Sandwich and Rigatoni with Sweet Sausage & Peppers, along with dozens of other paninis, pastas, pizzas and entrees. This is the perfect place to go to with the whole family to enjoy the bold and mouthwatering flavors Italy has to offer. 

Toscanova also in Calabasas is a high-end Italian restaurant situated in the cozy confines of the Commons. This extremely classy restaurant is the ideal spot to go to with the family for lunch and to go to with your sweetheart for a romantic dinner. The dimly lit candles and the soothing Italian music will create an ambiance that is muy romantico. This amorous mood is carried to the outdoor seating where tables are aligned near a large fire-pit that not only brings warmth but also sparks the mood. After dinner, guests can take closer seats on the couch near the fire and enjoy cocktails and good conversation. Toscanova is not only delizioso but also will truly transport you to the shores of Italy.

The Gondola Getaway in Long Beach. Truly transport yourself to Venice, the city on water, with a romantic, moonlit gondola ride on the enchanting canals and waterways of Naples Island. The Gondola’s appear just as they would in Venice, equipped with authentic oars and a cushioned love seat. The gondoliers, wearing the authentic striped shirt and Venetian straw hat, row the gondola leisurely through the water. If you ask, they may even sing you a classic Italian tune! At night, the moonlight paves the way of your cruise and you can row to a breathtaking location in the Naples Island where fountains spew out of the canal and twinkling lights line the edges of the water, illuminating the splashing water. This definitely is a night to remember under the stars! 

Fashion

Money For A Rainey Day 

Lets be honest, we cant all afford a $900 pair of designer pumps or the latest pieces Marc Jacobs puts on the runway for fashion week, but that does not mean you cant look great in the latest trends. Especially because fashion is not constant, it’s hard to keep spending on items that will be out of style in six months. As Coco Chanel said, “fashion fades, only style remains the same.” It doesn’t matter how much you spend if you look great. So, I thought I could give you some tips on how to be fashionable without going bankrupt! 

1.  Invest in timeless pieces. 

- There are a lot of basics every girl needs in her wardrobe such as a little black dress, a good pair of jeans, a classic blazer and a leather jacket. Don’t spend money on trendy things you’ll only wear once and never look at after Elle says it’s out of style.

2.  Have clothing exchange parties with friends. 

- A great way to get new clothes is to have a party where 10 of your friends bring their clothes and you can swap and by the end of the night have a whole new wardrobe!

3.  Consign clothes you don’t wear anymore and use the money to buy new clothes! Some local consignment stores are Eco-Fashionista & The Closet! 

4.  Shop at thrift stores or flea markets. 
- For me going to thrift stores is one of my favorite things to do. It’s a great way to find cheap, unique treasures for your closet that no one else will have! 

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Late British fashion designer Alexander McQueen even claims that “It's a new era in fashion - there are no rules. It's all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together.” As a girl who lives and breathes fashion it’s hard not to want to splurge every time you see something “to die for.” I have learned to pick my battles and spend the most money on pieces I will have for years and wear over and over again. The next time your heart sinks when you glance over the price tag, just remember to avoid impulse purchases!


xx

Hannah

DIY - (Do it Yourself)

Summer is full of freedom, laughter and care-free days. When I recollect on all my summertime memories I think of sipping ice-cold lemonade by the pool, day camp, and the melting of mint chocolate chip ice cream thanks to the strong rays of the harsh afternoon sun. In addition to these fond memories, I think back to all the fun summer evenings I spent in my backyard spending time with my friends and laughing about absolutely nothing. Enjoying the company of friends and family in the backyard is a common summer activity among many. It is important to create a fun, cheerful environment for your guests to enjoy their summer nights surrounded by. Here is an easy DIY project that is sure to add some color and cheer to your backyard! 

What You Need: 
1.  Any size or shape glass candle holder 

2.  A candle that will fit inside the shape and size or the holder you choose 

3.  Various colors of yarn (bright colors are best for summer!) 

4.  Tacky glue 

5.  Scissors

How to Create: 
The process to create these fun and colorful decorations is extremely simple! First step is to put a small dot of tacky glue at the top of the glass candle holder. After applying the glue, take the edge of a piece of yarn and start wrapping the yarn around the glass. Make sure that there are no spaces in between the different wraps of yarn- there should be no sight of the candle inside once you have finished! After a few wraps around with one color of yarn, cut the yarn and add a dab of glue to secure the end of the yarn. Pick your next color and continue wrapping. Once the entire glass is covered, slide the candle back inside and your project is complete! 

Try out different sizes and shapes of the candles and place them around your yard for some vibrant summer decorations! This project is also the perfect gift for the host of the next summer barbeque! Enjoy and have fun with it!

Love, Life & Literature

Family Time on the 4th

With the Fourth of July just a few days away and the anticipation of beautiful fireworks and intimate time spent with family and friends building, there is an array of options for a Fourth well spent in the community. When you’re not in the backyard grilling food and sipping lemonade under the fabulous summer heat, consider going to a festive parade! Westlake Village, Ventura, downtown Ojai, Santa Barbara and Newbury Park are all throwing a parade to celebrate our country’s birthday; grab your friends, decorate a Radio Flyer wagon with the kids and get down to one of these parades. Fireworks will be booming in just about every city in the area including Calabasas, Thousand Oaks and Camarillo... just to name a few. Personally, I most look forward to sitting around the fire pit with my family, roasting marshmallows and watching fireworks in T.O. peek over the mountains at my home nestled in Westlake. Happy Birthday, America and Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

-Bailee Ahern

Go conejovalleyguide.com to receive a comprehensive list of anything and everything happening this July 4th.

Travel Around the World Without Ever Leaving L.A.

Bonjour and welcome to France, the first stop on our summer world tour!

A desired stop is a little café that is currently franchising across the U.S. and luckily; we have one just a few miles away.

Le Pain Quotidien at the Calabasas Commons (also located in Studio City, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood) is a quaint café known for its specialty, quality homemade bread. This was inspired by the owner of the first franchise, Alain Coumont, who strived to bring a slice of his roots and childhood to the United States by baking hearty bread. The intoxicating smell draws hungry customers through the doors to try one of the dozens of bread selections and delectable pastries. The self-seating arrangement allows strangers to come together over the most prominent cultural phenomena, food! The rustic wooden tables and chairs and French accents will make you believe you are truly sitting at a French bistro off the coast of Sicily. Just as you begin to relax and enjoy your freshly brewed French roast, an assorted bread basket will be brought to your table along with an array of fresh jams and chocolate spreads that are simply mouth watering. Breakfast or lunch, this is the place to go to take a bite out of France. On your way out, don’t forget to stop at the bakery to pick up a Hazelnut Flûte, Seasonal Cannelé, Brioche, or a Croissant for later! The smooth and creamy pastries will leave you in a complete state of amour and you will be dreaming of France for days to come.

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For those of you who have a true sweet tooth, Crème de la Crepe is the perfect place for you to satisfy your chocolate desires while experiencing authentic French cuisine. Nestled in a cozy ally in Old Pasadena, this café is easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. However, when you do find the spot, you will be welcomed by an amiable host and seated in either the candle-lit indoor room or in the umbrella shaded outdoor patio. As you gaze through the dozens of delicious crepe options on the menu- from sweet to savory- French music will surround you. It will transport you to an outdoor veranda by the shores of the Bay of Biscay where live musicians assemble for the crowds’ enjoyment. Sip on Chardonnay or Pinot Gris and consume ravioli, pasta, and of course, crepes but, make sure to leave room for dessert, the very best part. From fondue au chocolat to the dozens of dessert crepes like suzette, savouruese, and bisous, every member of your party will find the ideal crepe to melt the night away in.

Bon Appetit!

~

After you enjoy a filling meal in France, it is time for some authentic entertainment.

What better way to soak up French culture than through a French flea market. This market at the Tarzana Community and Cultural Center only comes three times a year, May, July, and November so you are just in time for the second. The beautiful garden venue equipped with cascading fountains and gazebos will transport you to a French Villa, secluded from the hustle and bustle of city life. A gourmet crepe food truck and a flower truck are present at the event, finishing off the French touch. At this market, you can find any item or trinket you desire, allowing you to pick out a perfect souvenir from your visit to France. From antiques and furniture to jewelry and clothing à la mode (in the style), there is something for everyone. While you are browsing, you will feel as though you are wandering the streets of Paris. Say Bon voyage to your everyday life and oui oui to embracing the air of France.

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If you are truly a dedicated Frenchman or woman and are just dying to see the Eiffel Tower, don’t worry because there is one much closer than the original 4,777 miles away. Just a few hours of driving and you can reach Paris Paris, a Las Vegas resort, which depicts a replica of the original. You can climb to the very top and enjoy a breathtaking view. Don’t forget to take a photo because this will be a moment worth saving for your summer 2012 scrapbook!

Au revoir!