Monday, January 30, 2012

El Tepeyac Cafe & Olvera Street

I totally woke up yesterday morning without a clue as to what I'd be doing for the day. These are my favorite kinds of days. In fact, Jared and I literally decided to first grab lunch at El Tepeyac Cafe as I was starting my car! This LA favorite (and Jared's favorite, too!) is known not only for their authentic Mexican food, but also the cultural experience that comes along with it. It was my very first time eating at El Tepeyac Cafe, and I cannot even begin to express how wonderful the whole experience was. It was so refreshing to meet and talk with genuine LA natives over a delicious meal. We ended up sharing the Manuel's Special Chile Verde, which is meant to feed 2-4 people. They even give you a spatula for the monster. Here are the before and after shots that pretty much explain it all:

Before..


After..


El Tepeyac Cafe
812 N Evergreen Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90033

In efforts to properly digest our food babies, we continued our little adventure on Olvera Street. If you've never been to Olvera Street, go! There is so much to do, see, and learn about one of the oldest parts of Downtown Los Angeles. If you've already been, go again! It's one of the best places to grab a churro, throw a cascarón or two, and listen to mariachi music.



P.S. Be sure to check out Union Station if you decide to visit (or return to) Olvera Street. So beautiful!

(All fish eye lens shots are c/o of Jared, while the rest are by yours truly.)

P.P.S. Just for funsies, how many movies can you name that were filmed at Union Station? I can name one: Can't Hardly Wait (SPOILER ALERT: the last scene when Jennifer Love Hewitt tracks down Ethan Embry before he leaves for colegio is filmed at Union Station. You're welcome.)


Friday, January 27, 2012

Mindy

via nytimes
If you know me pretty well, then you know that I am a huge fan of "The Office" (American version, with or without Steve Carrell). One my favorite characters on the show is ditzy and distracted Kelly Kapoor, who is played by none other than Ms. Mindy Kaling. What you probably don't know about Mindy is that she is one of the show's executive producers, a wonderfully hilarious author (check out her libro, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? And Other Concerns), and also a fellow blogger extraordinaire (see The Concerns of Mindy Kaling). Did I mention that she is partially responsible for writing this beautiful moment in television history?

Season 6, Episodes 4 & 5: "Niagara" aka Jim and Pam's perfect wedding!
Anyway, what I love most about Mindy is that she does not resemble your typical LA woman. Curvaceous and of Indian descent (minorities FTW!), Mindy defies the expectations of a successful, working woman in an industry that is much about who you know rather than what you know. How did she get there, you ask? Hard work and pure talent. And that's the way it should be! You go, girl.

Four Leaf


Ever since last summer, I became addicted to boba drinks (let’s face it, I’m Asian). If you don’t know what boba is, they are tapioca balls (officially called Pearl Tapioca) that are typically put into Asian beverages, such as milk tea. It’s delicious and refreshing, especially for the warms nights we've been having lately! My search brought me to Four Leaf in Little Tokyo. Not only is this place a tea and crepe café, but they also sell a bunch of quirky gifts that you probably don’t need, but would really love if someone bought them for you.


Of course, I had to take a picture of the delicious looking pastries. Can’t go wrong with $1.25 green tea pastries!


Oh, btw, I didn’t end up getting boba. I got this delicious banana, Nutella, and ice cream crepe in a cone form instead. How efficient! I'll definitely be back for boba though; don't trip.


Four Leaf
318 E 2nd St Ste 8
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Monday, January 23, 2012

Winter Fashion Essentials, LA Edition

polyvore.com
Winters in Los Angeles can be so deceiving. It’s raining and freezing and no one knows how to drive one day, then it’s sunny and beautiful the next. Only one word can be used to describe winters in Southern Cali: bi-polar. While most of us women complain that we’re not fashionably “prepared” for the hot and cold transitions, let’s face it: we’ve been preparing for years. Or at least I have. Anyway, here are my fashion essentials for winter (or all year?) in LA that you probably already own:

T-Shirts: Wearing your favorite t-shirt all year long is typical in LA. I prefer stripes, white, black, or any thing really soft and basic. Think of your t-shirt as your blank canvas and work around it by layering with jewelry, scarves, or even a menswear inspired button-up. Farhi by Nicole Farhi Striped Top, $140

Skinnies & Shorts: I’m guessing that 90% of female Angelenos already have a pair of both skinny jeans and denim shorts (feel free to even layer your shorts with opaque tights). Keep both of them handy for the remainder of this winter season. You won’t regret it. P.S. Stick with a dark wash, please. J Brand 651 Super Skinny Trousers, $335, MOTHER Cuffed Denim Short, $96

Boots & Loafers/Flats: Solely (pun intended) based on observation, I can tell you that most women in LA already have a pair of great leather boots (you really only need 1-2). I also recommend getting a pair of great loafers if you’re into that kind of thing. Otherwise, flats will also do. Tory Burch Leather Boots, $277, Penny Loafers, $175

Trench Coat: If you don’t already have a trench coat, get on it. A good trenchie* is classy and timeless. I prefer one that is short and lightweight. Plus, Tim Gunn recommends owning one on his list of 10 Fashion Essentials (make it work!). Uniqlo Short Trench Coat, $125

Scarves: Whether it’s your favorite McQueen skull one or your $10 knitted infinity via Target, scarves are known for adding a pop of color or pattern to any outfit. Plus, they kind of keep your neck warm. But mostly they’re cute. Jigsaw Loose Weave Woolen Scarf, $76

Sunglasses: Sunglasses, in whatever shape or form, have become an LA icon and will never go out of style. As mentioned above, the sun tends to shine during winter, so keep your sunnies on you at all times. Ray-Ban Folding Wayfarer Sunglasses, $155

Jewelry: A simple pendant, studded earrings, a timepiece, and/or friendship bracelets are the perfect accessories to add to almost any outfit, all year long. Don't be afraid to mix, match, and layer (see Man Repeller for arm party tutorials)! MICHAEL Michael Kors Pavé Pyramid Necklace, $65, Pavé Pyramid Stud Earrings, $45, 2-Tone Chronography Watch, $250, Leather Beaded Bracelet, $45

So ladies, relax. Chances are you already have what you need for the remainder of the season. But feel free to go shopping anyway.

*Yup, I just coined this term.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Seeing Double in DTLA


Last night was spent in downtown getting to know some of my favorite girls from work (and Megan!). Clearly, suede booties (Abi in ShoeMint, Kasha in Sam Edelman) and Rebecca Minkoff MAC bags were all the rage. Anyway, I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Fish Eye Lens

Around lunch time today, one of my greatest friends, Jared, surprised me with a little accessory for my camera..


A fish eye lens! I was so sad when my 35mm fish eye camera broke, so this is the perfect replacement. Since I had already eaten (work caters lunch every Friday!) I went with Jared to California Monster Salads and took pictures of him eating, like a creep.


But I couldn't pass up a fresh kale lemonade, especially on a beautiful day like today.


Check out Jared catching up on Styled, Sealed, Delivered on my phone. What a loyal fan! And just because he is too lovely for words, I thought I'd showcase some of his amazing photography skills. Enjoy! And be jealous that you're weren't in Cali today.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Sweet Lady Jane


After a bit of retail therapy, my sister and I headed over to Sweet Lady Jane Bakery for a slice of something delicious. Not only is Sweet Lady Jane one of the cutest little bakery/cafes in Los Angeles, but its location is somewhat of a fashion mecca. DvF, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, and Vivienne Westwood are just a few of the boutiques that reside in the same neighborhood.


The cakes are so colorful and adorable! I wish I could just take them all home. Not going to lie though, I'm still not sure if fondant is edible. Whatever.
 

We definitely did not get any of the cakes featured above. Instead, we opted for a classic: a slice of red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Yum!


Red velvet can easily be done wrong, but Sweet Lady Jane definitely got it right. A rich and moist cake with the perfect cream cheese frosting. FYI, the slices here are pretty huge, so I definitely recommend sharing with a friend. And look who made an appearance..


My brand new studded bracelet (mentioned somewhere below)! I know, I'm crying too.

Sweet Lady Jane Bakery
8360 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Office Swag

For about five months now (three months as an intern, two as a full-time employee) I have been working at a lovely little start-up located in Santa Monica, California. While I would love to disclose my work information with you, I think it's probably best that I keep it all a secret for privacy reasons. And so I don't get fired. I can tell you, however, that what we do (among other things) mixes fashion and social media, two of my most favorite things in life (see bio down below). And while our company culture can be described as California cool and laid-back, the fierceness from my fellow employees is never ending.

(1) & 2) The first time I saw Hillary walk into the office wearing these shoes, I had to stop myself from drooling. Obsessed. I'm also loving the layered necklaces. You can't just layer anything. Layering is a talent, guys. 3) I can't even begin to tell you how in love I am with Jennifer's Chanel inspired jacket layered with her multicolored button-up shirt and necklaces. Again, it's a talent. Learn it and you're set. 4) Desks can be so monotonous sometimes, so I'm glad Jennifer has her metallic green French Bulldog by her side at all times. 5) And, of course, I had to include my Día de los Muertos floral skull that I keep at mine.

These ladies (and gents!) have style for days, so stay tuned for more office swag.