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Gluttony

I just read an article on the 50 Fattiest Foods in America.  Just looking at the pictures made my stomach queasy and my arteries clog!  Perhaps I should print out and post the article on my fridge as an appetite suppressant.  But then again, it may have the opposite effect...Here are some of the most stomach churning items on the list:

Alabama:  Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf.  Is meat on meat really necessary?

Arizona:  Quadruple Bypass Burger.  The word "quadruple" in the name should be a clear indicator that it's just not worth it.  8000 calories makes up this fattening tower of fat and carbs.

Colorado:  Jack N Grill's Seven Pound Burrito.  You're basically ingesting the weight of an average newborn baby.

Illinois:  Deep Dish Pizza.  This actually looks really yummy!  Probably because of all the oil.

Mississippi:  Mud Pie.  No wonder the state has the nation's highest obesity rate.

Nevada:  Buffets.  I have a soft spot for Vegas buffets.  I love the beautiful displays, the endless plates of crab legs and cocktail shrimp and the freeing feeling of being able to eat anything I want.  Hands down, the buffets are what I look forward to when I go to Vegas.  

New Mexico:  Frito Pie.  This item is deadly because unlike the others, it's technically a snack, which means you might be eating an entire meal after consuming this calorie laden monstrosity!

Bon Appetit!  

Stand Outs

Resort 2011 Collections

Moschino Cheap & Chic

Love the color combo

The striped blazer adds a Parisian refinement to the outfit

Marc Jacobs

the straw bucket hat reminds me of the end scene in the Thomas Crowne Affair

The Little Nude Dress is the new LBD

The pockets complete this look

Looks so fragile and whimsical 

Jill Stuart

epitome of modern resort wear

I'm  not a fan of jumpsuits, but the structured shoulders, cinched waist and mellow pattern prove that even the gaudiest concept can be transformed into beauty when properly executed

Perfect tea party outfit

Barely There

Depending on the shoes, the long shirt/no pants look can be both sexy and cute.

I like this look from 3.1 Phillip Lim's Resort 2011 collection.  The tan cuffed booties add a layer of put-together cuteness to the ensemble

Renee was snapped entering a New York restaurant a few week ago (perhaps a romantic rendezvous with Mr. Bradley?) wearing  short shorts underneath an already short shirt and a pair of nude Jimmy Choos.  So sexy. 

Same concept, two very different looks.  

Peepin the Street Scene-Glastonbury Festival

I'm loving Alexa Chung's flats.  They're Vivienne Westwoods, but very similar to Chloes.  

Her shoes and pose are fierce!

Gives new meaning to hot shorts!

Emma Watson's casual and creative take on a Louis Vuitton corset.  Definitely works with the boots and the side braid.

Alexander McQueen Resort 2011

Sarah Burton, the new creative director of the Alexander McQueen fashion house, debuted her first collection for the label.

I like what I'm seeing.  The colors and architecture in this Resort collection captures the spirit and essence of the late Mr. McQueen's artistic vision

In the Nude

Dress:  Ebay
Shoes:  Miu Miu Strappy Sandals
Bangles: Neiman Marcus
Clutch:  Marc by Marc Jacobs

Starry Days

Dress:  shopnastygal.com

Shoes:  Pour La Victoire Laser Cut-Outs

Necklace:  Forever21

Bangles:  Neiman Marcus

A Colorful Take on Beauty

I am so excited Illamasqua is coming to the States!  It's an amazing British cosmetic line that emphasizes bold, shimmery and pigmented color palettes.  I first heard of the brand when I was looking for an alternative to the highly coveted but sold out Chanel "Jade" nail polish last year.  I found Illamasqua's "Milf" and so much more.  Their entire line of nail varnish is absolutely fabulous and very much on-trend.  Before, you could only purchase the products on Sephora.com or Illamasqua's  website, which meant I was buying without testing, something I'm very wary of when it comes to beauty products.   But now, the entire line will be available in select Sephora stores, which means hours will be dedicated to trying the entire line!  I kid...not really.

Angelina Jolie, Ephemeral Beauty

Angelina Jolie graces the July issue of Vanity Fair

I am loving her smoldering dark eye makeup and nude lips.  It really brings out her beautiful blue eyes.  She will be divine as Cleopatra and she will give Elizabeth Taylor a run for her money!  

Weekend Sales-LA

I'm going to list my hand picked sales list every Thursday.  I get so many sale alerts and emails every week, and some are just completely blah.  To save you time, 've gone through all of them and selected the most shop worthy ones!

LA favorite Ron Herman is clearing spring/summer stock with markdowns of up to 60% off at each of their locales. Shop Myne, Elizabeth & James, Winter Kate, and more. 326 North Beverly Drive, (between Brighton and Dayton ways); Beverly Hills; 310-550-0910; for other locations, check out ronherman.com. 


Barneys New York is slashing pricing yet again.  The sale is now up to 60% off at all store locations and online at barneys.com. 


Save as much as 55% off of regular prices at all Neiman Marcus locations and online at neimanmarcus.com


The Saturday Sale in downtown LA is this Saturday, 6/26 (10am-3:30pm). Save 50%-80% on brand name and designer goods by Christian Audigier, Ed Hardy, Baby Phat, Plastinina, Qton, River Up Hats, Priorities Accessories, Erge Designs, Topin, Nu Paris, XCVI, Young Fabulous & Broke, DKNY, Crystal Rock activewear, My Tribe, Sara Palacios, Weekends Off and more . The Saturday Sale at the California Market Center, 110 East 9th St., Los Angeles, CA. 310.837.6788. Cash only. $1 entry.


Also in downtown: Multi- Designer Charity Sample Sale is on 6/25-6/26 (10am-4pm).  Save 50%-70%on tops, bottoms, dresses, sweaters and more. All proceeds go to the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Human Trafficking. Cooper Design Space, 860 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles. Cash.


TenOverSix super spring sale. All of the spring styles are going for 30-50% off, and some of our very favorite designer goods, like Acne shoes, Rachel Comey dresses, Band Of Outsiders shirts, Bodkin tops, and Broken Fab necklaces are priced to move.  7427 Beverly Boulevard (at North Vista Street); 323-330-9355.


Have a fabulous weekend!

You're not in Kansas Anymore...

These red heels are absolutely to die for!!!!  Work of art, indeed.

 Yves Saint Laurent Resort 2011 unnamed killer stilettos

Quick and Easy Summertime Detox

To get rid of extra bulge around my mid-section in order to get ready for stomach bearing beach days, I do just one extra thing a day.  I drink lemon juice in the AM!

It's the mild version of the popular lemon juice diet.  I mix the juice from one whole lemon with ice water and gulp it down in the morning before eating anything else.  The lemon juice acts as a natural and gentle laxative, flushing out my body's build-up toxins. The ice water plays a crucial role, as the coldness triggers the body to crank up the metabolism in order to raise internal body temperature.  

I've been steadfastly drinking this concoction for the past week and have noticed a significant flattening of the tummy, even after large meals!  I've been told that long-term benefits could include improved skin tone and texture and reduction in acne.  

Who knew drinking lemon juice could reap such sweet rewards!

The Jewelry Box

I would like to cordially invite you to a great new sample sale site!  It's called Eight1Six and is a member's only site, similar to Gilt Group and Hautelook except it specializes in jewelry.  The selections are well-edited and range from one-of-a-kind statement pieces to romantic staples. I love the fact that the site is fairly new and on the cusp, which means you're not cyber fighting a hundred other fashionistas for each coveted item.  Also, the prices are amazing!  Most items are under $50 and I haven't seen anything above $100 yet! Here is a sampling (no pun intended!) of its offerings:

Click here for your exclusive invitation.  Time to dazzle and be-dazzled!  

A slice of happiness

I love watermelons! I love the smell, the flavor, the texture, and even the rinds!  They are hands down the most perfect summer fruit.  Growing up in Shanghai, watermelon was a seasonal summer fruit, which meant we had it every single day in the summer. The watermelons couldn't fit in our mini-fridge (our apartment wasn't big enough for a standard size fridge) so we'd put them in a bucket filled with cold water. My dad would crack open the watermelon with an industrial sized chopping knife.  The slices were half moon portions and we would eat them outside our apartment stoop. With every bite, the juices would drip down the sides of our mouths and splatter onto the ground. It was messy but so delicious! Back then, most of the homes in Shanghai did not have air conditioning, so everyone went outside after dinner, eating watermelons to quench thirst and cool down. The apartment style homes crowded next to each other, like heavily stacked dominoes so the atmosphere was loud and lively. We'd talk to our neighbors,  try to create a breeze with our straw fans and enjoy the fragrant aroma and taste of the watermelons. Those were my summer nights.  

My top three ways to eat a watermelon:

1.  Watermelon bowl:  cut the watermelon in half, use spoon as scooper.  This prevents the juice from spilling out, as it is trapped inside the self-contained bowl.

2.  Slushie:  mix equal parts of watermelon and ice, blend, let concoction sit in the freezer for half an hour and enjoy!

3.  Watermelon and Prosciutto Salad: wrap the prosciutto around the watermelon, serve on a bed of greens topped with sliced almonds, and fresh cucumber slices.

Fab New Show: Double Exposure

While channel browsing last night, I put down the remote when I flipped to Bravo TV's new reality show "Double Exposure."  I am obsessed! The show documents the world of celebrity photographers Markus Klinko and Indriani.  Each episode showcases celebrity photo shoots and their trials and tribulations of having to travel all over the world, hobnobbing with and shooting the rich and the famous.  Last night's shoots included Jessica Stroup and Dita Von Teese. 


Watching the photo shoot process is interesting, but the interactions between Markus and Indriani are infinitely more entertaining.  Markus is kind of fem and soft-spoken with a fruity German accent, but is a self-proclaimed playboy and womanizer.  His flirty "date" with Aubrey O'Day was cringe-worthy. Indriani has a striking model's body and was rumored to be Lindsay Lohan's one-time flame.  Markus and Indriani were in a serious relationship for over 8 years and it's bewildering to me that exes can still remain friends, much less work together every day.  On the show, we see them bicker and argue over lighting and camera sets, but the show also captures very tender moments between the two, perhaps a glimpse into their former relationship.  All in all, the show leaves me fabulously entertained!

Here are some memorable shoots by the dynamic duo:

Indriani on the left, Blinko on the right

Lady Gaga

Lindsay Lohan

Dita Von Teese

Beyonce

Ebay Treasure

When I saw this Love Yaya Siren Dress on shopbop.com, I knew I had to have it.  The striped nautical look is so on trend.  The sweetheart neckline and the romantic waistline is both flirty and feminine.  Unfortunately, they sold out of my size so I ended up ordering a size 4, hoping against hope it would fit.  It didn't!  So, I am begrudgingly listing this fabulous dress on Ebay with a super low starting bid price. My loss is your gain!

http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-LOVE-YAYA-Siren-Blue-Stripe-Dbl-Strap-Hot-Dress-4-/200484436834?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_CSA_WC_Dresses&hash=item2eadcdbb62#ht_4019wt_1138

Knock off Knock out

As part of my job as a fashion IP lawyer, I must dissect and distinguish between counterfeits and copies.  Stealing someone's brand  is illegal.  Copying a brand's designs, on the other hand, is not (yet).  Being both a fashion lawyer and a fashion enthusiast, I have always been quite adverse to the idea of buying imitations of the real deal.  I cringe with disgust every time I see a wannabe wearing cheaply made platforms with the bitch red sole.  I think the reason why copycat fashion irks me is because these people are sacrificing style for superficiality.  They only see the high end connotations behind the brands and do not appreciate the actual designs and craftsmanship.  A pair of Loubs is not just a symbol of status. The shoe itself is a work of art and its sexy luxuriousness cannot be stripped by stripping off the red paint.

Okay, now I'm going to step off my soapbox and kind of contradict what I just said.  For months, I salivated over these booties.  They are absolutely edgy, classic and oh so comfy.

Camilla Skovgaard "Zaha" Booties

However, when they went on sale, I was distracted by wedding prep so I didn't get a chance to buy them. So imagine my delight when I saw these on the Steve Madden website:

Steven by Steve Madden "Linore" Booties

Yes, the Linore is a pretty blatant copy of the Zaha.  But from what I've been hearing, the Linore is well-crafted, uses real leather and is super comfortable.  Plus, CS is not a super recognizable or mainstream brand, so I don't feel as bad about "selling out" by purchasing the copycat.  Not only is fashion fleeting, it's bendy too!