R.I.P. Vogue

It is not realistic to expect someone I really like on every cover of Vogue.  I don't think Rhianna or Jennifer Lopez are ever good choices for high fashion.  Kate Upton is pretty low-rent as well.  But Kim Kardashian?  I think Buffy said it best:

Vogue is an institution.  Anna Wintour is the IRL Devil who wears Prada.  When I think of Vogue, I think of old school Sex and the City, I think of the era of the classic supermodel, I think of Chanel suits, I think of McQueen ball gowns, I think of the ideal of cutting edge splendor and luxury.  Here are things that will be forever associated with Kim Kardashian: a sex tape, BeBe, and Sears.

Anna Wintour has stated on record that she regrets putting the Spice Girls on the cover in the late 90s.  I understand that a lot of people hated that cover, and argued that the Spices were not representative of the Vogue ideal.  I loved that cover, but then again I was 12 when that cover came out and my bedroom was plastered in Spice memorabilia.  I am trying to be understanding here, but let's be honest, Victoria Beckham would rather gnaw off a foot than collaborate with Sears.

I'll be surprised if the Kardashian taint ever leaves.  Here are some classic covers to mourn what used to be the authority on high-end fashion and luxury. #RIP

[I know it's a Paris cover, but I've seen this image before and I adore it.]

[I remember seeing this issue on the newstand and thinking Madonna as Evita was so glam.]

[Of course I have to include this one.]

Ode to LA

             If you know me, it is no secret that I am absolutely in love with this city.  In fact, on a worldwide scale of cities I have been fortunate enough to visit, LA takes a backseat only to my no. 1- Paris, but is still ahead of San Francisco, Beijing, and London.  LA is wonderful in part for the same reason as any of these cities: endless resources and culture right at your fingertips.  It falls in line that the shopping is amazing here!

            One of my fave shopping spots here is Westfield Topanga.  This is up in the Valley, Woodland Hills.  Although I love Hollywood too, the Valley is not exactly the 7^th ring of hell as Ari Gold would often describe it to be.  It’s actually got some amazing restaurants and shopping.  And you don’t have to worry about parking! 

[So rich, so pretty!  I'm sure Mickey Avalon wasn't talking about these, but it applies!]

              It's a massive space filled with high to low end and everywhere in between.  My personal faves- H&M, Zara, Burberry, BCBG, Marciano, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus. There is also a macaroon kiosk that serves up my most sought-after French dessert in the world!

  

              The boutiques on Melrose- Lots and lots of cute, reasonably priced boutiques that usually contain unique items.  There’s the high end shops in between too.  I love popping into Alexander McQueen and looking at the amazing clothing artwork, or going across the street and perusing Marc Jacobs, and also the more affordable but still cute off brand, MARC by Marc Jacobs.  Fun bonus: a great little bar is just around the corner, on La Cienaga called the Roger Room. 

                Beverly Center- WAY more built for actual shopping than the nearby Grove.  Even the Wet Seal looks upscale inside the Bev Center.  Lots of variety just like the Westfield Topanga. 

                Third Street Promenade- Santa Monica.  This recently renovated space has two of my faves: AllSaints and Ever.  Really pretty, open air space a stone's throw from the beach:

[I mean this AllSaints...]

[...not this one.]