If you ask people who’ve met me in passing somewhere out in the scene, you might hear my personality described as “dramatic”, “loves attention”, “loves the limelight”, etc…
Category Archives: Los Angeles style
Metropolis II (Installation by Chris Burden @LACMA)
Metropolis II (Installation by Chris Burden @LACMA).
Bridget Hoida on: Sunglass Burial
I’ve always been a little bit, shall we say, irrational, devoted when it comes to my Sunnies. Like certain women from Texas who have a thing for bouffants, I’ve always believed that bigger is better. Or, in the words of Magdalena de la Cruz, the protagonist of my novel So L.A. “As long as you have a good purse and big enough sunglasses you can get away with anything in Los Angeles.”
Case in point? See “Post Exhibit A” (archived by my mother) wherein I rock a gingham chambray jumper and fashion a pair of red sunglasses in perfect “Sunnies-Quite-Possibly-Bigger-than-my-Face” style. I was maybe two.
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Come to think of it, it could be said that the best part about Los Angeles is the fact that you can wear Sunnies anywhere, anytime, always. It matters not that you’re indoors. Nor does it matter that it’s after dark. I’m going out on a glamor limb here, dangling dangerously from a date palm tree, but I’m going to admit that in addition to sporting Sunnies to match my dress, I may even have sunglasses for different qualities of light. I mean, doesn’t everyone?
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My best pair of Sunnies, by far, were a vintage pair of off-white Dior glasses (see “Post Exhibit B”). They were HUGE in the best possible way. And they died a tragic death in the hands of my daughter, who, when she was two, went on a spiteful sunglass busting bender. She just snapped every pair she could find: crack, pop, burst, like a wishbone the week after Thanksgiving. I was devastated. In fact, I still am.
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In the hours after, when I was in shock and unveiled disbelief, I rushed out of the house with my puffy eyes exposed and drove them to three (yes I said three) certified optometrists, an ophthalmologist, a jeweler and a patio-glass repair man (that was when I was really desperate) but all six told me the same thing: Ma’am I’m sorry but…
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Even still I couldn’t part with them. I keep the left “arm” as well as the right “three-quarters” of these glasses (of these tinted, broken dreams) on my desk as a reminder of who I used to be. They are joined by four other, less meaningful pairs, that were also busted by the baby. It’s a variable vintage sunglasses graveyard.
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My current (favorite) Sunnies are newer and slightly smaller (not by choice) and much less fabulous, but in quintessential Didion fashion, they are about three-and-one-half inches round and a muted grey (perhaps because I am still in mourning?)
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Bridget Hoida’s new novel, So L.A. must be read poolside with a floppy hat. You can find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or buy it from the publisher, Lettered Press.
You can reach Bridget, typing behind oversized sunglasses, here: www.bridgethoida.com
Titles & all of that ” ” … (introspection)
I’m often cut off mid-sentence and asked, “But..what do you wanna do?”.
Fair enough question.
(SPOILER: There are no images in this post)
I suppose operating from the gut can make sense to one’s self but not necessarily to others.
It isn’t as if I responsibly mapped out my professional trajectory like I was taught to do…Instead, I followed my heart (whatever that means) and learned important lessons along the way. But, that doesn’t help clarify things, does it?
Unfortunately, passion can lack the efficient jargon demanded by those who wish to make a quick assessment of another’s perceived added value.
How silly was I to add “passion” to the bulletpoints on my resume? The entire Dalek population would explode attempting to grasp this concept.
Passion is tough to quantify. Just ask any successful entrepreneur.
That said, using a wordcloud tool has failed to capture the essence of the value I can add to any organization – instinct, experience, heart, loyalty, intuition, perserverance, empathy, connection, et al…These terms are not trending on LinkedIn – Google alerts would’ve informed me, and I just checked.
So, since my unorthodox list of accomplishments are invisible to search engines (and, incomprehensible to Daleks), I decided to explicity define “success” for myself as a courtesy to my new friends and acquaintances.
Here is what my point B looks like:
*You’re having your A.M. coffee while reading about the biggest networking event of the year on a page in the WSJ.
(Blurb for one of many well-known international events)
The text reads:
Notable Speakers include:
Abby Joseph Cohen one of the most respected figures in investing circles and is the chief US investment strategist for Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue
Carrie Fisher, Actress best known as Princess Leia
Meg Gomez, Makes handmade stationery & sells them on Etsy
Sarah Blakely, CEO & Founder, Spanx
Genevieve Bos, Founding Publisher, Pink Magazine
Sheila Kahanek, former Accountant, Enron.
*end scene
I hope that helped clarify some things for you.
Have a great weekend!!!
Best,
Meg
*end scene
;P(SPOILER: To be continued…)
“…the beauty of letting things go…”
“The beauty [of Los Angeles] is the beauty of letting things go; letting go of where you came from; letting go of old lessons; letting go of what you want for what you are, or what you are for what you want; letting go of so much—and that is a hard beauty to love.”—Michael Ventura, “Grand Illusion”Letters at 3 AM: Reports on Endarkenment
Bridget Hoida on: hard beauty
Bridget is a friend, mentor, inspiration, advisor, twitter follower, confidante, et cetera…
I learned a lot about self-acceptance from Bridget’s writing advice during my years as an undgrad (and afterwards).
As it turns out, writers view words as instruments by which individuals connect to others. I learned that writing can be formatted in any way as long as the message and the spirit of the message are successfully transported to another — carrying with it the essence of its source.
Writing is a vehicle.
And, unlike perfectly formatted bullets on a memo, the musings of a good writer isn’t only concerned with getting you to point B -- she wants to take you on a ride!!!
Congrats on your beautiful book, B. And, thanks for the ride.
Love,
Meg
“I’m a big girl now”, a message from Katy Perry (imgs)
So you still think style’s just a bunch of fluff?
Katy Perry’s photographs by Jannson in Interview mag beg to differ.
When you’re in the media’s eye and every step you take is scrutinized, publicized and tweeted, it’s tough to create a brand without your audience’s approval and agreement. It could be even harder to break out of your teeny-bopper persona … unless you’ve got the right tools and strategy to to make your desired new message clear.
The photographs of Katy Perry below successfully reposition the celebrity and communicates a clear message. What’s the message???
Take me seriously; I’m a talented and professional performer.
3P
(Blk/Wht Photography by MIKAEL JANSSON)
Cool, Determined and Entrepreneurial: Etsy Community Strategist, Morgan Evans is awesome!
The Pink Ponies Etsy team is honored to have been invited to tonight’s Etsy dinner by Morgan Evans, Community Strategist for Etsy , the global online marketplace for handmade goods and antiques.
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| “Cool, Determined and Under 30″ (via Inc. magazine) |
Tonight we met inspiring local entrepreneurs who create and sell handmade goods via their online store on Etsy. These Los Angeles creatives utilize technology and the platform provided by Etsy to lead teams of like-minded sellers.
We don’t necessarily think about the handmade goods seller when the word “entrepreneur” is used, however, these small business owners aren’t sitting around bedazzling for nothing — they make it rain!
Stay tuned for more feedback and some background on the L.A. – based Etsy Entrepreneurs in an upcoming post!
3P
How to improve your A-Game (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).
You were known as a focused player who wasn’t very personable. Did that hurt your career?
Well, it had a negative effect on how I was portrayed. But I had no one to explain the value of public relations to me. When I was in college, there was such an intense demand from the press that John Wooden said they couldn’t talk to me at all. So that was what I took for normal going into the NBA. Being at the top of my game and working as hard as I could for the people who employed me—that was my primary focus, and everything else was secondary. So I didn’t always respond to social situations in a pleasant way. When it came to talking to people, I was kind of reserved. But shyness is something you have to overcome. Later in my career, I started doing a lot better relating to fans and talking to the media. I think that’s continued to improve in my retirement.
Excellent interview with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Harvard Business Review. This interview highlights elements of success and transcends industries beyond sports. We continue to explore lessons from athletes on tonight’s #3PChat with @RickardonSports. Please follow and ask questions using “#3PCwin”. Thank you.
This interview discusses:
- Why PR matters in addition to your team’s results.
- What role managers play in development.
- Being multi-dimensional
- How to play with Magic.
- How being described as “difficult” hurts your game.
- Improvement in general.
- Being accessible.
- How to market and sell yourself.
- Good-judgment.
- Et cetera…
We highly recommend this interview with Kareem as he reflects on his trajectory as he evolved from a great player to a winning player on and off court:
Can love make you healthier and more immune to disease? #Love #Health …
Can love improve mental and physical health and aid in our response to pain?
Can love make us wiser?
© 2006-2010, all artwork and website copyright, http://www.carolinehu.com. All rights reserved.
Included in this post is a link to an interesting piece by Diane Ackerman on a new field in science, interpersonal neurobiology (in other words, the science of relationships).
The fundamental idea of interpersonal neurobiology draws its vigor from one of the great discoveries of our era: that the brain is constantly rewiring itself based on daily life.
What we pay most attention to defines who we are — physically altering our brains…
The article argues that how one chooses to spend the hours in our lives literally shapes our physical selves.
Confidently “un-pretty”. (images)
When I worked full time in corporate America, I was always polished and groomed at the office. I worked in an environment where presentation and details made a huge impact on the perception of one’s sense of professionalism.
That said, it was always so refreshing to become “un-pretty” during weekends.
What does it mean to be “un-pretty”? First, let’s take a look at what “pretty” means:
I define ‘pretty’ as being polite, pleasant and polished. ”Pretty” is the very essence of being a lady — coiffed hair, a manicure, a poise presentation, warm, approachable and socially graceful. (Think of a house party’s hostess – friendly and sociable). Someone “pretty” offers you coffee and cookies when you visit their homes. The “pretty” girl tells you how great you look (to simplify the concept); she is concerned about whether or not you’re comfortable and considers what your preferences are.
When I use the term “un-pretty”, I’m not implying that I made an effort to look unattractive (although, a lot of times, this was the case). What I mean is, my style of presentation was less ladylike and lacked the polish and niceties one would expect from a pageant-trained woman.
How does one achieve a “pretty” look?
Feminine make up highlighting the shape of one’s eyes + full lips + groomed brows and hairstyle + polished ready-to-face-the-camera style + tailored and put-togehter – any piece of hair out of place
I love the “un-pretty” side of my closet as much as the polished and tailored pieces I own. It’s necessary, at times, to wear wrinkled shirts, athletic shoes, cotton tees and unruly hair. I say this because I think it’s an advantage to be comfortable even without having to project the socially-constructed version of “girl”. You can be attractive in various ways — wearing pearls and a tiara or sneakers and a baseball cap.
To me, an un-pretty style can convey the gritty sexiness of Marlon Brando’s Stanley Kowalski.
Un-pretty means dressing with style without having to make a lot of effort — in So Cal this laid-back style is one that many non- L.A. natives try very hard to emulate. It’s the confidence in one’s self without having to look like a doll who took two hours to apply make up.
It’s an image that actors and models (who spend their working days in full make-up) naturally have on their days off. A look that conveys the understanding that if they wanted to, they could very well shave their scruff and be as pretty as they come. The “unpretty” girl doesn’t necessarily say ‘please’ or ‘thank you’ in a bubbly voice. She may give you a smirk or a nod of acknowledgement if she’s pleased with you.
Simplified, the “unpretty” girl asks you for a smoke without taking into consideration whether or not you approve of her smoking. She is not as self-conscious as her socially-graceful “pretty” girl counterpart.
How does one achieve this un-pretty too-cool-to-care style?
“undone hair” + cotton tee + element of relaxed or athletic gear – bubbly persona – string of pearls – “matchy-matchy” accessories + grit + attitude…
It’s an image that says, “I’ve got better things to do than try and please everyone I encounter on the street. I’m more than just eye-candy and amusement — I’ve got more important roles to play.”
I’m sure Sienna Miller (above) is a very pleasant and classy lady. However, I can guarantee that there are probably times when she could care less about what flavor cupcake would make your day. On those days, if you stopped her in the street to chat with her about your exciting new puppy and tell her that it would be really cool to have a picture of you two together, she would somehow let you know that there are other priorities in her day that are a bit more important than hearing your about your puppy’s outfit and how much you’d love to update your Facebook profile picture.
Do you have an “un-pretty” side? How do you celebrate it?
Meg@PoniesLLC.com
More:
Congratulations, B. (Book: So L.A.)
ABOUT
Beautiful Magdalena de la Cruz breezed through Berkeley and built an empire selling designer water. She’d never felt awkward or unattractive… until she moved to Los Angeles. In L.A. where “everything smells like acetone and Errol Flynn” Magdalena attempts to reinvent herself as a geographically appropriate bombshell—with rhinestones, silicone and gin—as she seeks an escape from her unraveling marriage and the traumatic death of her younger brother, Junah.
Magdalena’s Los Angeles is glitzy and glamorous but also a landscape of the absurd. Her languidly lyrical voice provides a travel guide for a city of make-believe, where even Hollywood insiders feel left out.
Charlize Theron CNN interview…(vid)
Charlene Theron encourages embracing the complexity of individuals (specifically women) in the roles she chooses, recounts memories of being dismissed as being ‘too pretty’ to be taken seriously as an actor and how she has come to grips with the reality of her industry – business comes first.
Charlene Theron encourages embracing the complexity of individuals (specifically women) in the roles she chooses, recounts memories of being dismissed as being ‘too pretty’ to be taken seriously as an actor and how she has come to grips with the reality of her industry – business comes first.
“Chuck” – as Will Smith calls her – acknowledges the opportunities she was afforded by those who vouched for her when others thought she was just another pretty face.
Multitasking: How to develop your core muscle group while reading (video)
Nov. 26th is Shop Small Saturday!
Today is “Shop Small Saturday”! We love the charm of small stores and restaurants (some of which have been around since we were kids!).
- Flax Pen to Paper (Westwood)
- Meltdown Comics (Hollywood)
- Bleu (Larchmont)
- Pulp (Larchmont)
- Landis Gifts (Larchmont)
- Jonathan Wright (Melrose)
- Al Gelato (Beverly Hills)
- X & Oh (Laguna Beach)
- Alpha (Melrose)
- PinkPonies’Shop (etsy.com)
- Pink Ponies Classes (skillshare)
- etsy.com…(online)
- More on Yelp!
We’ve literally met and spent time getting to know the owners and shop keepers of the above-listed stores and are impressed with their vision, persistence and professionalism. (See our reviews on Yelp!)
These hard-working “store keepers” and their teams provide the best selection of carefully chosen products, and amazing customer service. A genuine overall experience!
We look forward to shopping today!
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY®
The 2nd annual Small Business Saturday® is
a day dedicated to supporting small businesses
on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.
On November 26, we’re asking millions of people to Shop Small at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. When we all shop small, it will be huge.
PLEDGE TO SHOP SMALL ON NOV 26
(Read more about Small Business Saturday here)
Re-post: Recognizing Uzo (NARS) for being such a class act!
Thank you for the rockstar treatment…
…and the illuminating info about Nars’ trajectory to being the biggest brand in make-up!
Xoxoxoxo,
myprettypinkponies.Blogspot.com
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Uzo:
More on Francois Nars’ accomplice, Uzo:
Vogue article (June ’11)
Youtube clip (July ’11)
L.A. Times.com
blog topic
A Word From Our Sponsor (vid)…
Closet Essentials – what do you wear when you work from home? (images)
I. BEING PUT-TOGETHER AT HOME
I miss writing about office-wear.
I miss wearing office-wear.
If this is your first visit to 3P, I’ll prepare you for what some have called my “vain” side. I’m into wardrobe, shopping and trying to look my best (call me a “girl”). That said, even when I’m at home, I’m somehow more productive when I’ve taken the time to “put myself together. Continuing to “dress for the day” helps keep my priorities in a professional context. Being dressed for business tasks makes sure the television, web, and phone calls don’t distract me from what I need to do that day.
Since my current priorities mostly involve conversations between recruiters and HR people online and by phone, I have to feel comfortable and at ease, without feeling so relaxed I lose my professional sensibility. In other words, bunny slippers are not part of my working-from-home wardrobe. Do you feel like a superstar right when you roll out of bed?
II. STAYING INDOORS
If truly staying indoors, I love wearing soft cotton shirts and pants with that fit well (not just your ol’ one-size-fits all sweatshirt). Monrow brand makes fabulous vintage sweatpants and soft cotton tees that are tailored to fit a young woman’s frame properly. J.Crew is another good place to buy basics (during sales, of course). Although the silhouettes I describe are loose-fitting or relaxed-fitting, they are lounge-wear and not sleep-wear. Pajamas all day are not allowed off-campus past sophomore year.
Soft, light cotton henleys, tees, tanks are definite ‘musts’. The weather in L.A. quickly changes from scorching hot, to rain, to fog in a matter of minutes. Lighter pieces are ideal here because they can be layered easily without adding bulk to your figure.
Dresses are also great for their ease of wear. Dresses allow for efficient ‘wardrobe-styling’. If you have a comfy jersey dress, it cuts your outfit-hunting time in half!
III. RUNNING ERRANDS
When I have to run errands, I like to dress comfortably but, slightly more dressed up than what I consider lounge-wear. I prefer the casual version (or “weekend version“) of office-wear (you never know if you’ll run into your future boss). What I mean is, I wear less tailored versions of button-up dress shirts, or loose-fitting cardigans with denim. I still wear loafers (mocs) and not flip-flops if I can help it.
What I described is a good balance between being put-together, comfortable, and mature (professional). If I run into potential employers, former colleagues or anyone in my professional network, I’d feel confident that I have represented myself in good form even outside of a business setting. At the same time, if I run into my friends, I could join them for lunch without having to change out of the khaki/polo combo or any other outfits that are not appropriate for my age and personality…
CONCLUSION: PREPARATION IS KEY!
It’s important to be put-together if you want to be productive. There’s something about looking mature that makes one behave more responsibly (for most people). If your goal isn’t to sit around like a vegetable on the couch and if you’d like to prevent yourself from falling into a lazy unproductive lull, mentally prepare yourself by dressing, then behaving like the energetic and responsible go-getter that you are!!! Even Kobe has to warm up before games…
What do you wear on the weekends? Do you present yourself as a mature and capable individual?
Tall Boots 2011 (37 photos)
Knee-high boots – Fall 2011 (Slideshow)
Ask A Pro: How do we burn belly fat? (video)
(Video)
We ask our friend, Adam, how to best avoid the jiggles…(I’m not a fan of point #1)
We ask our friend, Adam, how to best avoid the jiggles…(I’m not a fan of point #1)
- Avoid sugar (what?!?! – Is there any way around this?!)…
- Moderate your carbohydrates per meal
- Eat appropriate calories per meal
- Eat at correct meal intervals of every 3-4 hours
- Avoid trans-fats and hydrogenated oils
- Moderate alcohol intake
- Add lean muscle to your body with strength training
- Burn fat stores through cardiovascular training
- Eat whole foods that are high in fiber for improved digestion
- Be consistent in your diet and fitness habits
People Profile: Rachel Roy (video)
When we encounter a woman we can classify as a successful, balanced go-getter, we love to take a look at her and how she carries herself.
The lovely American fashion designer was born in California to a Dutch mother and an Indian father.
Wikipedia tells us that the designer got her start by working part-time at a retail store, Contempo Casuals, at the age of 14…Her trajectory spiked exponentially upward from there…
The official YouTube channel for fashion designer Rachel Roy.
Rachel Roy’s designs capture a sense of lady-like glamour with a subtle feminine edge. With knee-length pencil skirts and blouses, the label’s aesthetic catches the eye with a familiar and classic silhouette. However, by combining unusual colors, patterns and fabrics, the lady-like silhouette becomes modern. Cool.
Here’s her take on formal-wear:
She’s pretty and girly…
…yet bold, independent and sophisticated.
Rachel Roy’s style is one a career-focused young woman can wear with confidence (without having to dress like the boys).
3P
. . .
it starts in my toes…
I feel absolutely amazing. Why? I’ve accomplished the objectives I set for myself for the week (and scheduled smaller tasks throughout the next few days), I had a delicious and healthy meal, read a couple chapters of a good book, reconnected with supportive and genuine friends, submitted my resume, attended to other responsibilities while getting an opportunity to “flex” some valuable attributes in myself that I haven’t been able to in some time…
Days that make me “crinkle my nose” are top priority, and I make sure to schedule them strategically following tough weeks.
Seriously.
I reserved a portion of today for less demanding chores like drycleaning, laundry, household chores, returning calls to friends, etc… I do have stressful obligations on my plate, however, for the next three hours, I choose to “responsibly ignore” them as a proactive and conscious form of self-preservation. The objective is to shut down stress by being around inspiring people..or intellectually stimulating ideas…or existing in an environment filled with “things I love” (i.e. the outdoors, the stationery store, indoors watching movies with gorgeous imagery, museums, gardens, etc…) to bring me back to center. When time’s up, I’m back to focused work, appointments, stress, bills, etc…
Do you set aside time to do the things you enjoy and be around friends (not associated with your job and/or goal to “network”) who are supportive and trustworthy?
Existing in a “non-threatening” space where you can have your guard down and be as carefree as a child (read: without being judged) is healthy and promotes “good” behavior in adults. A recent research by Sreedhari Desai and Francesca Gino published by the Harvard Business Review found that an environment reminiscent of childhood encouraged adults to behave more ethically (link to article: Adults Behave Better When Teddy Bears are in the Room).
Have a lovely week.
3P
related articles:
“Scheduling Distraction-Free time” by Connectedlife.com
“10 ways to make more time for yourself” by chronicbabe.com
“Nice girl = Bad Networker” (Thanks to Connected Life)
related articles:
“Scheduling Distraction-Free time” by Connectedlife.com
“10 ways to make more time for yourself” by chronicbabe.com
“Nice girl = Bad Networker” (Thanks to Connected Life)
hairstyle GUIdelines (images + interview)
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| ** |
PPP: Gui! [air kisses on both cheeks]
Gui: Make yourself comfortable. I’m just gonna call my sister back .
Would you like some champagne or white wine?
PPP: No thanks, honey. So, you’ve been busy styling Harris Pilton. Anything interesting you’d like to talk about?
G: I love Harris Pilton. She’s a sweetheart and very private. I’m not at liberty to divulge much else.
3P: Fair enough. What we really want to know are some tips to looking fabulous. You’ve done hair for celebrities, TV show projects, music videos and as well as being the primary personal hair stylist for musicians on tour…For the everyday corporate rockstar who can’t wear a fabulous pink Afro-puff to the office, what are some tips to always looking chic without looking out of place?
GUI SAYS:
1. Get haircuts regularly – Fresh haircuts and color make as big of an impact as a facelift. Think about it. Your hair frames your face. When dark conservative suits create uniformity in the workplace, one’s haircut can subtly convey your own professional brand and individuality.
2. Communicate clearly with your stylist – bring magazine clippings with images of women whose hairstyles you like…it’s important that the model’s face shape, skin tone and hair texture are similar to yours. Don’t expect a stylist to turn your mullet into Slash’s Rockin’ ‘do.
3. Consider your lifestyle when choosing a style – If your daily life involves wearing a construction hat, it’s not practical to ask for a bleached and overly-coiffed ‘do (a la Gwen Stefani) especially if you can’t maintain weekly root touch ups.
3P: Great tips, Gui. Thank you for your expert advice. Xoxoxoxo.
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**note: Gui’s statements were communicated with a sexy Brazilian accent. Can’t forget that** |
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
related articles:
“10 ways to make more time for yourself” by chronicbabe.com
“Nice girl = Bad Networker” (Thanks to Connected Life)
Guest Blogger: RubyRedRockstar (images)
Apparently, some topics on our site are…hmmm..what some would consider “not as fun as could be”.
We agree.
We asked our professional make-up artist friend, Miss RubyRedRockstar (aka Farah) for her help.
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| What a pro. She’s the best. |
RubyRedRockstar (“3R”) is fun, gorgeous and is an award-nominated hair and make-up pro. She is second-generation film and TV industry talent and has years of professional experience as Depratment Head Make Up Artist for prime-time television shows (read: she knows what she’s talking about).
(*P.S. Farah is also a great mediator/peace-keeper for misunderstandings among friends. Thanks for adding levity to our lives, Farah.)
Anyhoo, Farah writes to you, readers, with tips on how to get a pretty sun-kissed So Cal glow.
- 3P
_____
FROM FARAH (below):
Hello sexy ladies!
In the olden days it wasn’t considered attractive to have tan skin [insert source here].
Today no man wants to see your “paste-y” ass [replace "ass" with a rated-PG term] in a bikini. But a free ticket to the skin cancer clinic isn’t the only way to be a bronzed goddess — you can achieve the same St. Tropez-vacation glow with self tanners!!!
The latest self-tanners are flawless. Technological and scientific advancement don’t just benefit boring industries like farming and the energy sector — they also benefit the gorgeous!!!
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| (Farah in glasses = very smart. Notice her thinking as she looks to the camera during a soliloquy) |
Lindsay Lohan may like her self tanner so orange it matches her fire crotch, but YOU don’t have to. (Nor do you have to have to be the smelly kid no one wants to sit next to).
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Although there are cheaper options available, the benefits from these KS tan towels make the additional cost worth it. One, they have no odor. Second, their result is a natural and pretty sun-kissed color. And, last, the tan lasts at least five days!!!
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| Bronzed babes (Farah on the right) |
Here’s some pointers on how to apply the product to produce picture-perfect-pretty results:
1. lather your body with an emollient moisturizer paying special attention to your knees, hands, and feet.
2. apply the self-tanner using your “tan towel”to your chest, then your neck.
(Note: you can use it on your moisturized face and the tan is subtle and beautiful)
**The trick with any self tanner is rubbing the same places over and over ad nauseam to prevent streaking.
3. Apply the product around your neck and ears (avoiding your hairline)
4. When you get to your hands, either stop at wrists or make a tight fist and just do the top of the hands before the knuckles.
5. Apply the same principle above to apply the self-tanner around the feet, stoping before you reach your toes.
6. Apply product to your knees rubbing vigorously over and over (make sure your knees are bent).
**Try to reserve different sections of the tan towel for certain areas. This will guarantee one towel tans the whole body.**
7. Continue to apply the solution to the same spots. Lift your arms and make sure you get the underside of your forearms and upper arms.
The Kate Sommerville Tan Towels dry quickly so you can dress almost immediately.
Be SURE to wash the palms of your hands really well after.
Good luck!
-RubyRedRock-super-star
Sent from my iPad
Turn out like an Oompa-Loompa? Questions? Comments?
Send them to: Farah@myprettypinkponies.com
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| Thank you, Miss Farah. |
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
suggested reading…(img)
L.A.’s Fashion Identity
L.A. Weekly recently asked “Does L.A. have a fashion identity?”.
Gendy Alimurung’s article supported the notion that L.A. is “behind” when it comes to fashion.
Yet strangely, Los Angeles is not a town for high fashion, for $5,000
head-to-toe designer outfits. “We’re behind a little,” Cota admits. “Or
we don’t pay attention. Fashion Week in L.A. is not the strongest. It’s
not a priority.”
We disagree wholeheartedly.
There are many [mainstream] styles distinctly “L.A.” (that is, styles organically-raised by subcultures “born” in our town). Those who contributed to the article seem to have been too busy to watch L.A. “looks” go from underground to boutique to mainstream Wal-Mart.
In this case, the quote above was coming from the perspective of a designer/business-owner who is more likely speaking to the popularity of fashion and style in terms of business revenue. “Style” in L.A. doesn’t always generate revenue for store-owners because not all L.A. socialites (unlike their East Coast counterparts) necessarily feel required to carry luxury-brand handbags to gain admission into exclusive social circles. Some do. However, others use some form of “cultural and/or social currency” (more on this topic of “cool” later) to “belong”. It’s less likely for an L.A. socialite to be dismissed for not having blood ties to Andrew Carnegie. Thus, display of “old money” is less relevant to become popular in this town.
That doesn’t mean “L.A. is behind”, Mr. Cota. It just means we can use many alternatives to luxury brand clothing and accessories to demonstrate to others just how ”cool” we are.
There’s certainly a backlash from all the unkempt and boho looks
perpetuated by non-L.A. folk which drive more and more Los Angeles
denizens to adopt tailored and manicured self-images just to counter the
stupidity of wearing $500-dollar printed Hanes cotton Tees marketed as
“vintage”.L.A./So Cal is the birthplace of many now-mainstream-trends. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, here are a few distinct “L.A. styles” (among many others):1) Chucks - “..The Mexican kids doing the…rockabily thing…” you
mention in your article above helped bring popularity to Converse’s
Chuck Taylors. Once only worn by “greasers”, these ‘played-out’ shoes
(in various patterns and flavors sold by shark-y Nordstrom salesfolk)
seen even on midwestern homecoming queen L.A. transplants were
popularized, if not born, here.2) Graffiti prints - popularized
by Stussy, a retail brand which originated in the 80′s from Laguna Beach
became universally popular for its graffiti-inspired shirts. This
version of “cool” or “urban” – incorporating nuances from
skaters/surfers – was quite distinct from the NYC’s definition of
“urban” (read: hip-hop). The grafffiti/”bombing” style print was
exclusive to “L.A. identity” during the 90′s.3) Terry cloth
loungewear (a la Juicy Couture) – (image below) as hideous as they are (terry cloth
tracksuits + Ugg Boot combos) were born and raised in So Cal (read:
please blame Orange County). I went to USC and my girlfriends and I had nightmares about velour tracksuits even years after college (Thanks, Greek Row). I’m not proud of the “I’m-gonna-wear-my-GOOD-sweats” look, however, it is
distinctly “L.A.” (if by “L.A.” you mean trends not associated with NYC
or other large metropolitan cities).
Lastly,
trust-fund-bohemian-types who labor to achieve the “…nonconspicuous
conspicuous consumption…”
I’m-not-vain-and-it’s-my-job-to-judge-those-who-blindly-consume-and-obviously-take-pride-in-their-physical-appearance
are the most unoriginal, self-righteous judgemental L.A.
transplant-types. (Totally non-sequitir, but I needed to vent).
meg@myprettypinkponies.com,
the girl who conspicuously consumes (and isn’t ashamed of it)
fin
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| the worst gang in Los Angeles |
Other good & bad popular (or, once-popular) “looks” originating in Los Angeles:
- Michael Stars and the comfortable yet fashionably sexy tee (no smelly bohos here).
- Baywatch and the tan, fit and “shapely” physique (medically-enhanced).
- (tbc..)
Sources:
SUN SUNTINEL re: Converse sneakers
Chuck Taylor All-Stars: the official shoes of the ’84 Los Angeles Olympics
Chuck Taylor All-Stars: the official shoes of the ’84 Los Angeles Olympics
Adding to Basics (images)
i was running an errand at my favorite stationery store and had to park my car around the corner. i was drawn to the interesting aesthetic of a particular store window i hadn’t seen before, and decided to stop in…
although the style seemed familiar (think: American Apparel), the style of the brand was a bit edgier…more chic. the store was filled with soft cotton basics in solid colors albeit cut in trendier styles.
while the pieces looked like items one can find in other stores in L.A., the interesting interior design and paintings on the shelves made me curious. i was greeted by the boutique’s lovely host, miss ashley. ashley gave me the low-down on the store’s genesis and eventually introduced me to the owner and his family (thanks, ash).
i write about this to point out how easily one can create various “looks” starting with “basic pieces”. coming straight from a corporate setting, i walked into the store wearing: a silk cami + sweater, black slacks, pearls, and a pair of black pumps. by updating my top (read: throwing something over my cami), i created various styles…with just one piece.
+ classic shirt in navy
+ striped sweater
+ fine cotton hoodie
+ classic shirt + hat
+ light cotton tank
+ kate moss screenprint tank
1. basics + classic shirt in navy
2. basics + striped sweater
3. basics + fine cotton hoodie
4. basics + classic shirt + hat
5. basics + light cotton tank
6. basics + kate moss screenprint tank
thank you jessy, mariam, joy and ashley!!! this is one of our favorite new stores!!
the sexy ‘santa monica stairs’ (img)
When we think of ideal physiques, we find healthy, strong, fit and flexible types to be best. It’s important that one is able to move, dance, hold our friends and loved ones tightly and possess the energy to power-through tough days.
OUR PLAN: Achieve an athletic and graceful dancer’s physique (a la Sophia Boutella)
Dancers seem to have the perfect combination of fluidity, grace and strength. To appear graceful in one’s clothes yet feel confident and able to pack a mighty punch gives a girl a sort of edge noticeable in her walk.
EQUIPMENT OF CHOICE: The [FREE] ‘SANTA MONICA STAIRS’
Realistically, our vision requires that we stop blogging right now, go outside and play in the beautiful summer weather until we feel absolutely great. It’s free…It’s lovely…And, it’s fun!
See you out there!
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| note: John Mayer not included |
THE WORKOUT: designed by Adam @ ADVANCED ATHLETICS:
members: view .pdf file of workout here.
switch beverly hills
If you haven’t been to The Cohen sisters’ Switch Boutique, you’re missing out.
Below is a message from the generous and beautiful co-owner, Jennifer Cohen…
Below is a message from the generous and beautiful co-owner, Jennifer Cohen…
Come join us for our 1st Annual Summer Blowout Sale!
Everything 30-70% off!!!
Designers included are Helmut Lang, Elizabeth & James, J Brand, Raquel Allegra, Cynthia Vincent and many more!
One day only, don’t miss out!
Thursday June 9th 10am-6pm
–
SWITCH
238 S. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
p.310.860.1650 f.310.860.1640
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Thursday (img)
Thursday by prettypinkponies featuring a pencil skirt
