Pravada - Somebody Else

A trio of musically talented men have come together as a unit collectively known as PRAVADA. Being no strangers to the music scene this collaboration is something you’ll anticipate more great things from. With their album Dirty Looks just making its appearance in the music world, I bring to you their also newly released video for “Somebody Else”. Singer/guitarist Jesse Lee has a raspy off pitched voice, and he produces meaningful lyrics that add beauty to every track on Dirty Looks. Take a gander for yourself with the “Somebody Else”. The video tells a tale of deceit, sex, and a good ass kicking. You might have to watch it twice because director Joel Umbaugh put together a clip in which you get lost in trying to figure out what the main character is up to. Or, you can just continue to watch the video over and over again because “Somebody Else” is a great track to end the year with. If you dig the sound and want more, click here to purchase “Dirty Looks”.

Melissa Moreno

@mel.moreno6

Holiday Shopping Fair

Bagstil/b.i.t.s. designer Cindy Gellersen will be hosting a Holiday Shopping Fair in conjunction with Create Your Health Teas on Sunday December 15^th. The event will feature 10 local vendors and designers, including Jen and Kim, K Bird, Tears of Bleu, Amorroma, Cali Lu, Bagstil, and more. The fair starts at noon and ends at 6 p.m. Create Your Health Teas is located  at 121 W 5^th St. Between Spring and Main (Rosslyn Lofts.) – NIN

Calleen Cordero Holiday Party

Calleen Cordero will be throwing a Holiday Party at her Sunset Plaza location on Wednesday, December 11^th (6 p.m. – 9 p.m.) The event will feature a live performance by singer/songwriter Anita Coats in addition to hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. RSVP at kara@calleencordero.com  Calleen Cordero Store is located at 8659 Sunset Blvd. W. Hollywood. – NIN

Unleash Your Inner Rock Star With ICJUK

When I first met Claire Jane Vranian I knew she had that extra special something to make her mark as a designer. Her fashionably chic accessories and hip rock and roll tees have gained her a large following on a global basis. The quality of Claire's work is impeccable, her designs are one-of-a-kind, and she constantly comes up with new ideas to keep things interesting. We are quite impressed with how far this talented designer has come since our first interview in 2010 and, yes, ICJUK is still a one woman operation.    

BM: When we did our first feature on you, your line was relatively new. Back then it was called Inspired By Claire Jane. Now it’s ICJUK. What motivated the name change?   

CJ: It was really because ‘Inspired By Claire Jane’ was too long as my website name and people were having problems spelling it correctly, so I abbreviated it to ICJ and then after designing the original ICJ logo I decided to add the UK (as I’m from there and use a lot of British flags in my designs) and, ascetically, it just worked with the design of the logo.   

BM: When you first started out you were making and selling everything out of your home. Now, you have a lovely showroom in Vegas. What is the secret to your success? 

CJ: This has been an amazing time for me and I feel very blessed that I am able to do this with my ICJUK brand. I have created the ICJUK Showroom and Lounge. I have an office and design studio in the same space, so it’s wonderful to be able to create the ICJUK Lifestyle – It‘s Rock and Roll Baby!  My customers can come and visit, by appointment only, for their personal shopping experience with me. 

As for the secret to my success…Keep smiling! Plus, staying true to my vision. Don’t take it all too seriously. It’s Fashion darling not brain surgery! I love what I do and my customers are very important to me. Without them there would be no ICJUK! I always take the time to speak with people and I’m very gracious and humbled when someone appreciates my wearable art – That makes me happy! 

Fashion Show at BLEU XO

Designers Dawn Nguyen (Dawn Sunflower) and Kanlaya Wantanathirawoot (Ploy Kate) will be the featured designers in a fashion show to be held at BLEU XO nightclub in Orange County. In addition, there will also be special live musical performances. The event will take place on November 30^th (9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.) and you can purchase tickets at www.bolsatickets.com. BLEU XO is located at: 14160 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA. Dress to impress. – NIN

Catch Live Bands For Free At The Silverlake Lounge

Looking for a something fun to do on Thursday nights? Then check out The MuseBox/ReverbNation’s November residency at the Silverlake Lounge. Every Thursday you’ll be treated to some of LA’s hottest emerging bands while supporting a worthy cause – NoKillLA (an organization that finds homes for shelter animals and is working towards making LA a No Kill City by 2017.) Tomorrow’s line-up includes: the neon-tinted grooves of Island Boy, the bouncing beats of Night Club, anthemic pop from Joshua and The Giant, and the wistful melodies of The Palace Ballroom. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8. Admission is FREE! (21 and over) Silverlake Lounge is located at 2906 W Sunset Blvd, Silver Lake.- NIN

Metropolitan Fashion Week Closing Gala

Originally based in Seattle, the fine folks at Metropolitan Fashion Week brought their extravagant affair to Pasadena, CA. for the first time. A series of events were scheduled for the week; thus, leading up to the closing gala.

For starters there was the Wine and Canvas event. Dubbed Canvas Project 2013 the occasion brought together artists and designers. The designers—Uriel Saenz, Monica Kitchen, Olga Swed, Deyonte Weather, and Mabel Obeng—each created a dress made out of white canvas and the artists painted something beautiful on it. The artistic collaborations would then be unveiled at the finale runway show.

The Outfit: Tough Kids

The Outfit has recently debuted their five track EP, titled Tough Kids, and it is available for purchase via iTunes or the band’s website. After listening to their first single, “Ceasar,” which is all rock-out indie I wanted to hear more and see if they can continue with the budding hype in my ears. Upon listening to the full release, especially “Projector,” I have become an Outfit follower. Singer/Guitarist Eric Johnston produces a Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) or Caleb Followill (The Kings of Leon) type of sound but still maintains his own. This is indie garage band phase at its best! Don’t let my love for the “garage band phase” fool you into thinking that these guys are mediocre musicians - they are far from it! Buy the EP (it’s only $4.95 cheapos), check out the aforementioned website, and listen to “Ceasar” and see what you think? I think you’ll find that The Outfit is the outfit of choice when wanting to feel like a bad ass. Alright, I’ll make it easy, click here for the soundcloud link to the EP’s single “Ceasar.”
Melissa Moreno

LAFW SS14: One Haute Night

The theme for LA Fashion Weekend’s SS14 finale was One Haute Night, and everyone was decked out in their finest. The great thing about fashion shows is that they give you a reason to dress as fancy or as adventurous as you want.

Mikey Koffman went the adventurous route and rocked a killer new hair style.

LAFW SS14: Project LA

I always look forward to the Saturday Show of LA Fashion Weekend because I know I’m going to see my dear friend, Actress Kate Linder (The Young and the Restless). Kate looked amazing in cream colored lace dress by Nathanaelle Couture.  She happened to arrive the same time as designer Nathanaelle Hottois along with another lovely lady who was wearing a red lace creation by Nathanaelle.

LAFW SSI4: Fashion Splash

For some reason L.A. Fashion Week this season was a bit hectic, so it was nice to go someplace that felt like home – Sunset Gower Studios for L.A. Fashion Weekend. Upon arrival I was greeted by my favorite security guard at the gate and then by my other favorite security guard when I arrived at the tent.  L.A. Fashion Weekend celebrated its 10^th season at Sunset Gower this weekend and it was my 9^th in attendance.

LAFC SS14 Collections At The Grove

The Los Angeles Fashion Council held it SS14 Runway Shows at the park located in The Grove. Major props go out to Kelsi Smith and her crew for putting together a very well organized event. The park was a great location, the shows were on schedule, the staff was friendly, parking was validated, shoppers at The Grove were able to view the presentations, and instead of paper wrist bands we were given neon friendship bracelets. Fun!

TPOLA SS14 Fashion Week Kickoff Party

Two Point Oh! LA hosted its traditional pre-LAFW party at Stylehaüs located in The Grove. Co-founded by Marina Monroe and Lion Shirdan, Stylehaüs is a members only, upscale clothing boutique and style experience in Los Angeles. It combines a physical showroom with a full service styling team. Members have access to the latest one-of-a-kind fashions from all over the world and can purchase clothing a season ahead.

Mel’s Fashion Week San Diego Outfit: Day 4

Alas! We’ve reached the end of the fashion shows. I drank champagne, broke in new ankle boots, and became overly confident with taking “selfie” shots in public places. It was by far an experience that every boy and girl who changes a minimum of three times before going out should partake in.

Mel’s Fashion Week San Diego Outfit: Day 3

Second day of runway shows are done and again it was nothing but amazing clothes. I was super excited to see the Love, Charles bathing suit line and am happy to gush over their all black teeny bikinis! I know where I’ll be purchasing my next pair of cheeky bottoms for next summer.(See intro photo.)

I was also very fortunate to spend some time with the designers for Dos Caras who specialize in bathing suits as well. Their line was filled with high waisted, vibrant colored pieces for every body type. I can’t wait to share more of their inspiration, Spring 2014 line, and their plans for Fall 2014.