SALE TIME! Seasons are over and its time for retailers to shed their old frocks and make room for the extremely expensive pieces that we will covet, drool, and kill for.    

My favorite sales to peruse are Barney’s, Net-A-Porter, La Garconne, and always McQueen. McQueen is at 40%, a couple more weeks and they will be at their 60% sale.

Visit Barneys! Or Net-A-Porter! or La Garconne!

More to come in the next week or so...

Unfortunately for our wallets, there is always a reason to shop. Two come to mind this week.

First, Barney’s Warehouse Sale starts Thursday, February 4th thur Monday, February 15th at the Los Angeles Convention Center South Hall, 1201 South Figueroa Street. 50% - 75% off regular prices on clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts for the home.


Apartment-3 may not be as familiar to the ear as Barney’s, but it should be. This past summer I was perusing the Roosevelt pool side on a Tuesday evening. Okay, I lie, not really perusing as the males I was with, including my boyfriend, outnumbered the females I was with. But something shiny and handsome did catch my eye. In one of the pool side suites was a pop-up shop. They were harboring hipster jewelry and some nice pieces of clothing. My counterpart and I bought matching shirts in different colors: chains on the shoulders with a very revealing back, if you know me, you’ve seen me wear it and have seen my nipples fall out of it.   


This Saturday, February 6th, 1pm to 6pm they are holding a Pre-Valentine Day Penthouse Suite shopping event at the Standard Downtown, 550 South Flower Street.. Find them in Room 1214 with free drinks, a DJ and some incredible deals. Many of the items will be $45 and under. RSVP to RSVP@apartment-3.com

As quoted from mother and parents all around the United States: “Why would you pay full price for something with holes, rips and tears in it?”

 

And I would reply as I have before: “Because it is fucking fabulous.”

 

Raquel Allegra creates outstanding pieces from Los Angeles County jail tattered t-shirts. Using her secret techniques she turns these rags into soft, distressed pieces, such as t-shirts, tunics, tank tops, dresses and scarves. Reminiscent of spider webs, the distressed fabric clings to a body with the comfort of an old tee but with the style of an innovative design. 

 

She is based in Los Angeles and although she does not have her own store, her pieces can be found at the following stores as noted on her website:

 

Maxfield

8825 Melrose Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90069

310.274.8800

 

Curve

154 N Robertson Blvd.

West Hollywood, CC 90048

310.360.8008

 

Fred Segal Trend

500 Broadway

Santa Monica, CA 90401

310.458.6365

 

Switch

238 S Beverly Dr.

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

310.860.1650

 

Although, not on her website, I recently found a couple pieces at Barney’s in Beverly Hills and purchased a dark grey tee. I’ve worn it thrice and am in love. She is definitely an Angelino designer to watch out for and I’m intrigued to see what she does next. 

As an early birthday celebration before my two-week trip I rounded up some girlfriends for some good old fashion horse back riding. I grew up on a small horse farm and the appreciation for riding a horse has increased, as I have grown older. Surprisingly, finding a stable to ride at close to Los Angeles isn’t that hard.  Finding a quality one is another story.  Ask my girlfriend HanNah and Dina, how their bruises and bumps are doing…

The importance of getting away from the usual, putting a huge beast in between my legs and galloping into the sunset delights me. And although my boyfriend suffices to that routine often enough, horseback riding is a nice change.

But to focus on the much more important question: what does one wear when they ride?

Each season there seems to be a new variation of equestrian in fashion. Either it is in a flat or heeled styled equestrian boot or leggings that are quite similar to riding pants. Where do you find equestrian fashion in Los Angeles? Well, if you are looking for the real deal, you need to check out LA Saddlery located at 480 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA. It is one of the best tack shops in the Los Angeles area. They carry saddles and tack along with footwear, helmets, and apparel. You can also browse their selection on www.lasaddlery.com. I visited the store to get a pair of paddock boots about two years ago. I had a specific idea and a monetary limit. The sales woman was great. She was an experienced rider herself and was able to find me the correct paddock boots within my desired price range. Friendly and knowledgeable service!

Although a lot of deals can be found on the Internet, LA Saddlery has great prices and a great range of products. If you choose to buy off the web, it is a good idea to check out a tack shop before ordering. Especially if you are unfamiliar with what you need to have, it is always better to go to the store and try it on and speak with a salesclerk. I have found at almost every tack shop I have been to, in the Los Angeles area and beyond, the people working there will be quite versed in horseback riding and therefore be able to point you in the right direction.

And for those who wont be getting on a horse anytime soon but love the equestrian boot look: Barney’s is carrying the new Christian Louboutin Cate Leather wedge boots in black and in brown. The chain detail goes around the heel. 

Similarly, the Givenchy Chain Link Knee Boot has chain links but on each side of the shaft. This boot is only available in black. Both go beyond the one thousand dollar limit I give myself on shoes and boots (actually my limit is lower) but are great examples of a simple riding boot turned into an everyday boot. Who wants to go riding?