RSS

Coachella!

Jenuine West - Thursday, April 22, 2010
I’ve been back from the desert for a couple of days. The dust has left my lungs, I’ve unpacked, did laundry and the only thing that I choose to ignore is the mud-caked suede wedges that are hidden away in a bag in my bedroom. Coachella is always a mixed bag for me. I love music but I don’t do well in huge crowds. I love getting tan but I don’t like sweating in the sun with clothes on. I love my boyfriend but when he takes the time to say hi to someone while we are all following each other through a sea of people and gets lost for two hours, the love dwindles. Nonetheless something keeps me coming back.

Festival fashion is a complex animal. You can pretty much break the “looks” down into a couple categories: Hippies. Hipsters. College-like boys with t-shirts and cargo jeans. Ravers dressed in all sorts of colorful animal masks, nipple covers and fur boots.

I am not sure where I fit in. Even at a festival there is a huge part of me that longs dress up in heels. Fortunately, I didn’t. For the most part my outfits were pretty comfortable. I made mistakes on the 2nd day. Don’t wear shoes you know are uncomfortable and do not wear McQueen leggings that do not breathe because you will experience buttock cheek sweat. This year jersey and cotton dresses, small wedges, and cardigans aided in my survival. My favorites were jumpers, hippy chic, and red lipstick.






Beware of neon American Apparel overdose... doublemint twins (I saw a lot of girls in matching outfits) and fur boot covers! 





What were your favorites?

Happy Birthday Estyn!!!!

Jenuine West - Wednesday, April 21, 2010
I never claimed talent even an expertise in fashion, just a love for it and the undeniable truth that I can spend money, my money with the greatest of ease (And others if they willingly give it up). While I am still finding that my niches, my passions and my creative outlets comes in many forms; I am delighted when I see others embrace their talent.

Estyn celebrates a birthday today and I celebrate Estyn - a talented, beautiful woman with a great sense of style and undeniable talent for sketching and designing. I envy her talent and admire her drive.

If you don’t know Estyn, you should. And if you don’t believe me, take a look for yourself.



Sketches by Estyn Elan

Happy Birthday Darling! Sending my love your way, admiring your talent and so proud of all your accomplishments.  

A House that is not a HOME!

Jenuine West - Tuesday, January 19, 2010

A 1920’s pistachio colored house nestled in a private corner on Genesee and Fountain Avenue looks like any ordinary house… until one enters the door. Upon taking your first steps inside you will find that this U-shaped house harbors art, fashion, furniture, and events in every room and the exterior. Family run, the Artigas from Mexico City have truly turned “a house that is not a home” into a gathering place for the former. Alejandro Artigas, the eldest and the architect of the family remodeled the house and landscaping for a warm, welcoming and peaceful disposition. His furniture can be found sprinkled through out the house with strong lines in sturdy woods. Teresita Artigas heads the daily operation while Gabriela Artigas’s jewelry line and scarves are showcased throughout the house. www.gabrielaartigas.com




In addition to the Artigas’s talents on display, they also showcase several designers and artists:

 

Carla Fernandez

www.flora2.com

Inspired by the Mexican Revolution of 1910 with production done by Mexican artisans and craftsmen, her look book is a visage of designs that are bold, geometric in nature, and unique.

 

Zan Zan eyewear

www.zanzan.co.uk 

Limited edition eyewear with flairs of vintage, handmade in the Jura Valley in France by third generation artisans – a face cannot go wrong.

 

Trista

http://www.aliciamelodiosa.com/

Inspired by the photographer, Evgen Bachcar – their current collection was awarded “Best Female Collection” in Mexico’s fashion week.

 

CLAE

www.clae.com

Breathing life into classic styles of footwear with athletic and dress undertones for men.

 

And many more…

 

 Paella was served a couple Saturdays ago, while yoga classes occur every Saturday in the garden at 10 a.m. Their sense of community and act of combining art with fashion is refreshing in times where people get caught up in the obsession of the mainstream. A “house that is not a home” but still one feels a sense of community, quite the opposite of stuffy showrooms where you feel as if you touch anything you would be reprimanded like a child.


  (Photos from Melissa Keller and www.houseongenesee.com)

 

The Artigas invite you in, ask you to stay and serve you lunch on certain days or by appointment. The feeling is always welcome and the fashion and art is always original. Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 11-7 (Monday by appointment) you must check out this Angeleno gem. 1300 N. Genesee Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046 (323) 845-9821 www.houseongenesee.com

 

 

Recycling Raquel Allegra

Jenuine West - Monday, November 02, 2009

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. 

The Death of Dressing Up...

Jenuine West - Tuesday, October 27, 2009



Descending with lots of turbulence and popping in my ears, I am able to look around at the people that have shared this plane ride from Heathrow to Los Angeles with me. I was lucky enough to attain an upgrade and sit in a comfortable business class seat. Coming from London and being in the business section, softens the view of what people are wearing. As a young child, we traveled often and people were always dressed nicely. Since the airlines have deteriorated, so has the fashion worn on planes. Even though I was once guilty of the juicy couture pants and flip flops I do find it important to look presentable even when traveling. In the past year or so, I wont even go out in public in sweat pants, let alone travel in them. And even as I type now, I know what I am wearing is hardly glamorous or stylish, yet I do know I look okay. Black jeans with boots, a gray t-shirt, with a black rival a velvet sweat suit with Uggs any day.

 

Angelino fashion etiquette can seem nonexistent. I understand we live in a place where people work in an industry where jeans and t-shirts are acceptable as everyday “office” wear. Suits and dresses are things of the past, for most. Yet even in Los Angeles, I still expect a certain level of elegance when attending the theater, an Opera or visiting a nice restaurant. Upon my first visit to the Dorothy Chandler to see La Boheme – I dressed in a dark purple satin gown while my date wore a suit. I was shocked to see people dressed in tight provocative clothing, jeans and even … shorts! What ever happened to the respect of the theater? In the land of actors, I can’t imagine why one would ignore the importance of looking presentable.

 

What ever happened to dressing up? Can someone please resuscitate dressing up? 


Simple rules to follow by:


If you can work out in it - don't wear it out, unless you are heading to Equinox.

If it's made of spandex and you are not five pounds UNDERweight, just throw it out. 

If it has more sparkles and sequins than JonBenet Ramsey's pageant gown, burn it. 

Ed Hardy isn't cool, so please... just stop.

Cut-offs, jean skirts, and cargo shorts aren't acceptable forms of formal wear. 



What is important is to love what you wear but wear it well and of course the above is never worn well....

More rules to follow....