Bobi, the Celebrities' real favorite Everyday Wear

By Laura Medina

Sure, we may gee-gawk and ogle haute couture celebrities pose on the red carpet but what do celebrities actually wear off-duty?

A steady stream of them are happily in bobi, a comfortable contemporary knit-wear of fashion-forward tees, tunics, dress, and tops that keep Young Hollywood hip without being ostentatious about it, like Anna Sophia Robb and Gilles Marini.

 

 What really gets this scribe is bobi equates style plus basics.  The basics don't have to be dull and sloppy; and style doesn't have to be in your face about it.  When met, bobi's knit tunics, tops, and dresses are quick and easy classics that you can stash in your carry-on at the last minute, such as this cowl tunic.

Have that favorite v-neck tee you will always remember because it fits, it moves with you then it disappeared off the face of the earth?

Have no fear, bobi's Kara Lusardi is here for the rescue with celebrites' classic basic, the pocket V-Neck Tee.

Basic knit wear never means staid.  Kara added flounce trim to the light blue asymmetrical dress (left) then punched up resortwear backup, the halter maxi dress in slushy orange and mod brown stripes (middle).

bobi's Fall 2013 continues the blue trend in curve-friendly cowl neck tees and tunics.  Knitwear, thanks to current technology, transforms into structured but comfortable "sweater" blazers that moves with the body.

Male celebrities have envied their female counterparts in grooving about in the ease of bobi's knitwear.  Now, Cisco Adler has a say in bobi's new emerging mens knitwear line, bobi's Men.  Of course, those lucky male celebrities were the first to get them.  The mens line has proven to be such a hit in Europe that Bobi's Men will launch in Fall 2014.

 

The high demand for men’s has encouraged bobi to launch a limited edition collection earlier, for Fall’13/Spring’14 titled bobi Collaborative with Cisco Adler.  Th is line will be available exclusively, in the US for two seasons.  

 This collection will feature the high end, cutt ing edge, haute fitt ing t-shirts Bobi Men’s is famous for, as well as branch out into a full knit men’s collection, with a variety of texture, fabrics and washes.   This collection is for the metropolitan man who is sophisticated, edgy and individual, much like the women.  The vibe is Johnny Deep meets young James Dean with traditional knit garments roughed up with rock and roll flare.

bobi designer Kara Lusardi chose Cisco for this collaboration for two reasons.

“He is my model customer and he is a talented artist. Cisco and I met through his wife bobi model Barbara Adler.  He became a fan of the brand and we had talked multiple times about doing a line together.  I like the idea of side projects and collaborating to express a variety of ideas.  I love being around other talented artists and I think by working with Cisco, I will feel inspired to push my ideas and enhance the men’s line.  I like his point of view, taste level and fresh ideas.  He is very involved in the whole design process.  I am doing this project while we have the chance before the bobi Men’s line hits the US in Fall 2014.  Th e Bobi Collaborative with Cisco Adler collection will be available exclusively in the USA featuring bobi Men’s best sellers, celebrity favorites, and fashion forward cu ing edge styles with hot fits.  Bobi will use this as a chance to prelaunch and test the USA market, while Cisco makes his mark as a designer collaborating with myself on this project.  He hopes to continue on with his own clothing line and open his own stores.”

bobi collaborative with Cisco Adler will be available in boutiques nationwide in Spring 2013.  Cisco will be making appearances and doing performances at select stores carrying the line alongside his “ALOHA” tour.

So forget the bedazzled, bling-ringed out tattoo graphic tees and get with it and get hip with bobi's cool and subdued tees, tunics, and dresses.

After being in low-key business for seven years, bobi is bubbling up.

Gilt.com Warehouse Sale, a Guilty Treat

By Laura Medina

Gilt.com City throwing their semi-annual clearance is a rare treat.  This scribe isn't sure about the New York edition if there is one but this 90% off discount sale is a rare but real treat that Angelenos are willing to line up for.

It isn't just only for women but a fashion bonanza for men, who can spot a deal when they see one.

At the Samsung sponsor display, there was a "preppy ensemble pushed forward," a seersucker suit all in black.  Not caricature at all, an outfit that any twenty-first century man is hunting for during Summer.

Having a corporate sponsor like Samsung is a big deal.

The biggest deal and the heart of the matter is the 90% off discount on designer goods.  $80 for a Helmut Lang jacket that normally retails at $800.

The majority of the stuff are marked down at $35 a pop, like Cynthia Rowley, Zac Posen, and Missoni.

This is how real Angelenos shop, not Forever 21 here!  They know better.

Chi-Town to L.A. Hair, Angela Christine of WE's "L.A. Hair"

By Laura Medina

The cast of "L.A. Hair"  Angela Christine is in the white bandage dress.
(To watch this whole interview, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdSV8ApcD8o&feature=youtu.be)

Angela Christine, one of the reality stars of WE Network's "L.A. Hair," never expected to be on a reality television show.

As for "L.A. Hair" being extended for a second season, Angela was thinking about this as she was putting on her makeup for the Season Two preview screening party.

She just moved to Los Angeles, just to do hair while improving her skills and learning new techniques.  Once she realized she touched so many people watching the show, Angela felt blessed for this chance.

Also while getting prepped and primped for the premiere Season Two viewing party, Angela was reflecting on her path, how she got here, the lessons she learned-hairstyling, life, and fame-and what advice she can offer to those as she works and lives in two world, Chicago and Los Angeles, the transformation, the shift.

Down-to-earth and eloquent, Angela Christine reflects on her introduction into Hollywood, "L.A. Hair" Season One and how she adjusts in Season Two then gives some life lessons aspiring to be reality stars.

Her Hollywood Dream did came true, way more than she could ever fathom.  Her starring in "L.A. Hair" is a complete different experience for her.  Because of the position that Angela is in, this gave her the foresight to see what she wants to do in the future.

As for premiere night of Season Two, Angela is just enjoying this rare moment, celebrating with her clients, colleagues, and co-workers, the cast of "L.A. Hair."

For fans of "L.A. Hair," who witness Angela's comings and goings.  Truth be told, she wasn't a "lone wolf."  She was in Chicago serving her Chi-Town clients with the latest of L.A. techniques.  She wasn't "going Hollywood" to dump them and move on.  Nope.  Once she learned from "L.A. Hair" owner, Kim Kimble, Angela returns home to give her hometown clients to give them the "Hollywood Treatment."  Once she is done with her Chicago clients, she flies back to Los Angeles and the on-going drama and hysterical fits of "L.A. Hair."  Remember, Angela's goal has always been about professional growth and learning.  Just because she made it in Hollywood, it doesn't mean Angela will dump them.  She remember her roots, pun intended.

While still working in Chicago, her clients had always mentioned they can see her working in Hollywood or New York so they manifested a dream that she couldn't see herself.  To actually in be in it and experiencing it, this is a big thrill for Angela.

As for being a reality star, Angela just takes it day by day.  She never view herself as a reality star or a celebrity because I am an hairstylist at the end of the day.  She works with more established celebrities but she never considers herself to be a celebrity.

Obviously, it is big cultural shift from Chicago to Los Angeles.  It is only now, Angela is adjusting to it.  She still travels enough to Chicago to retain her hometown roots but now, she can live in both worlds.

She added that, having experienced sudden fame first-hand and dealing with more established celebrities, she respect these more established celebrities because they work harder and are more driven the average person; and this is why they are at this position in their careers.

Regardless, if that client is a celebrity or not and as long as that person is sitting in that chair, Angela gives that person the same consideration and thoughtfulness.  Chicago, Hollywood or not, she see all of her clients as stars.

Angela is a hairstylist, first and foremost.  A client is a client, whether that person is a celebrity or the average person.  She always make sure they get quality treatment without pain or discomfort.  She just wants to make their styling experience an enjoyable experience.

Her Chicago clients have been filmed in "L.A. Hair" but didn't make the final cut.  Angela says and tells them to have an easy-going attitude towards the editing process.  Angela has been edited herself.  Her most basic advice to anyone being filmed in a reality show or even considering it,  a reality show is it what it is.  If you made the final cut, enjoy the fleeting experience.  If not, don't feel bad.  Either way, don't let the reality show affect you.

As for someone starring in a reality show, Angela recommend to stay humbe because a reality show is a very small window that opens and closes.  "You have to be very smart and mindful on that and how to capitalize on that."  Ignore the tweets and the Instagrams.  "You want to turn your fame to touch lives and to live your dreams on a much larger level.  It's a bigger stage so you need to learn how to fill that stage.  Otherwise, get down.  Either way, it's gonna happen, regardless."  Basically, her advice is to stay grounded and rolled with the punches and don't get caught up in the Twitter/Instagram/Facebook popularity contest.

As for handling and dealing with "the drama" and envious people...on screen, off screen...Angela advised picking your battles and not letting their opinions of what they assume of you and unfortunately, how they treat you, get to you.

Fame doesn't get to her head.  Angela is more interested on where her path is going to take her in the near future, the opportunities and the obstacles.  

Like Angela herself, she wants to the "L.A. Hair" fans to expect character growth among the cast for Season Two as they move and adjust to their bigger and new digs in West Hollywood.  "They will move with us, emotionally and professionally."  She does admit, the majority of the action happens in the salon.  Angela wants the viewers to see their vulnerabilities and what makes them tick...and the great hairstyles.  It is life in a salon as we know it. 

So stay tuned and keep watching, because Angela Christine isn't going away anywhere.

For real, she's not going anywhere.  To learn and Angela Christine's "L.A. Hair" styles, get the tutorials, the appearances, and the behind-the-scenes on her YouTube Channel,  http://www.youtube.com/user/AngelaCStyles.

Whether if she comes and goes in and out of "L.A. Hair,"  Angela Christine is just warming up.

Barbie is Moving from Malibu and Hitting the Road.

 By Laura Medina

 After living in Malibu, California for 41 years, Barbie have seen many changes to her Malibu 'hood and decided it was time for a change.

Now, she embarked on a 13 cities tour to find a new home, http://www.barbieismoving.com/tour.

The first piece of real estate she checked out was The Grove in Hollywood where she pitched a roving Barbie House, her Barbie Fashion Design Plates tent, and her Barbie MegaBloks where she and other girls can play architect and interior designer.

Her main "home-away-from-home" is a mobile runway house where girls-little and big-can dress up in pink feather boas and white satin opera gloves, strut a catwalk then having their photographs taken.

The big draw and the hidden but very important focus of this tour is promoting girls' education for careers later as women.

Mothers were thrilled watching their daughter, especially the ones gifted with the talent to draw and color coordinate, make their very first clothing designs on Barbie's Fashion Templates, http://www.target.com/p/barbie-fashion-design-plates-doll/-/A-14309759 where girls slide on a miniature classic shift dress over a template plate, rub on a design pattern then painted, decorated, and bedazzle with gems and glitter.

This scribe, way, way back in the days, had to used Lego Blocks to build her Barbies a townhouse and furniture.  It is nice to see MegaBloks have caught up with the times.

Fathers got a kick watching their daughter build their very first mansion, townhouse, fashion retail boutique, and convertible car at the Barbie MegaBlok tent, http://barbie.megabloks.com/ .  These girls are acquiring lifestyles that they will use later as professional adults as fashion designers, architects, and interior designers, even interior decorators.

Witnessing young girls discovering their talents (basically, having girls discovering their spatial-analytical intelligence) then finessing them into life-long skills was greatly rewarded at the Barbie Pop-Up Shop Tour; and it was even more rewarding for their parents.  Fathers like building mansions and cars with their daughters.

Gilt City Warehouse Sale with the Samsung Galaxy S 4 at Siren Studios in Hollywood, June 8th!

By Laura Medina

 

 Always wanted to shop Gilt.com on even deeper discounts, 90% off, in a party atmosphere?

This Saturday the 8th is the chance, SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.,  http://www.giltcity.com/los-angeles/lawhs2013noir

Up to 90% off on men’s, women’s and kids’ fashions and home décor.  Gilt City’s biannual mega-sale, taking place at Siren at Orange in Hollywood, Siren Studios, 1050 N. Orange Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90038 and open to ticket holders only.

Tickets can be purchased at Gilt City Los Angeles, http://www.giltcity.com/los-angeles/lawhs2013noir

Expect to see aisles upon aisles of fashions from hundreds of top brands, including both up-and-coming young designers and the most venerable fashion houses.  Shoppers can expect the newest footwear styles, jewelry, denim, suits, jackets, tops and outerwear for men, women and children, as well as bedding, kitchen and bath accessories, decorative pieces, and much more.

During breaks perusing the racks, shoppers can refuel with refreshments by AQUAhydrate and Coco Cafe—and enjoy beverages courtesy of La Marca Prosecco, Whitehaven Wine, New Amsterdam Vodka, Vita Coco and more. A snacks and dipping station will be provided by Pretzel Crisps.

Here's what to expect...

• Admission for one to the Gilt City Warehouse Sale at Siren @ Orange on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 9 – 11 AM PST
• Access to the Samsung Galaxy S® 4 Fashion Pop-Up in the Samsung Lounge, where guests can use a Samsung Galaxy S 4 to shop a private online sale
  When you shop the Pop-Up collection, receive an extra discount to use at the Warehouse Sale
• Coat check (guests must check all coats and bags before entering the sale)
• On-site bar sponsored by La Marca Prosecco and also featuring Whitehaven Wine, New Amsterdam Vodka and Vita Coco Coconut Water
• Refreshments provided by AQUAhydrate and Coco Cafe
• Snacks and dipping station provided by Pretzel Crisps
• On-site promotions provided by Seamless
• $20 Uber gift card with purchase (valid for new users only)
• Photo kiosk provided by SMART Pics
• Music by live DJ
• Exhale discount card with purchase (expires June 30, 2013)

Noveau Prep...Pushing Forward & Onward

By Laura Medina

 

Regardless if you're an All-American preppy, a sexier "Bon Chic Bon Genre," or the original prepster, a British Sloane Ranger, every cultural subset of a species either continue to evolve with the times or be stagnant and die.  

A caricature (or a "cartoon" in layman's terms) is the extreme of  a living being too perfectly in-tuned at a set moment of time that it fails to adopt to the whims of Mother Nature, uhm like the dinosaurs.

Any at-tuned prepster knows better than be a dinosaur.

Most rather live to see the next day and be appropriate for whatever occasion pops up on a spur of the moment than be out of place and die from social embarrassment.

Welcome to the new American Preppy, better-educated, better traveled, and more adaptable to whatever surroundings, climates, environs,...beach, island resorts, and parties.  Shoot, it's Summer and most of them are pondering about the street & shop-to-sea & sand-then back again to evening soirees.

Tory Burch is the prime example of this next step-up in evolution.  Great Britain's Sloane Rangers (Kate Middleton is a great example) is also a good example.

Banana Republic's current collaboration with Milly is doing just that, outfitting today prepster with resort-worthy cool and cute halter tops in crisp cotton and sweat-breathable silk, http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=94862&vid=1&pid=412278002 and http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=94862&vid=1&pid=412276022

Today's prepster has traded-in the not-so-friendly heavy and choking pique cotton polo shirt for the more Summer-y appropriate Moroccansque banded collar tunic, http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=94862&vid=1&pid=561341002.

The navy blue dress shirt with pink piping, "Milly Collection Piped Shirt," http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=94862&vid=1&pid=412285002 transitions well into Fall with a good, solid blazer.

Regardless of nationality, a good prepster can spot a good wardrobe investment a mile away.

Another evolution of Preppism comes from "Charleston-Gone-Global" stylist/"Lucky" contributor, Andrea Serrano, http://charlestonshopcurator.com/womens/jadore-troubadour/ and Charleston-based brand, Troubadour, http://shop.troubadourclothing.com/

What and why this scribe selected Andrea Serrano to this scribe's hometown Charleston-style ambassador?  With 17  industry-heavy years working in Miami as a style intern for MTV Miami to Manhattan as a stylist for Victoria's Secret to Blender Magazine to settling down roots in Charleston, South Carolina to be Lifetime's Costume Shopper for "Army Wives" while raising her family,  Andrea has soaked up an unique and intriguing blend of Latin American Miami, urbane Manhattan, and the Southern Sweet Preppism of Charleston to make Charleston Style translatable nationwide and global.

Similar things can be said of Troubadour, a Southern laid-back style with roots in New York's hard-core fashion industry, such as  J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler's Madewell 1937.  


With the sad passing of the long-storied Lilly Pultizer, someone has to pick up the torch for fun-loving, resort-soaking, globe-trotting preppy wear.

Pacifica's Brand New Makeup & Skincare Debuting at "Gen Beauty" then launching in 2 to 3 Weeks

By Laura Medina

Spotted at Michelle Phan's/F.A.W.N.'s "Gen Beauty" techno-beauty expo...Pacifica's brand new makeup and skincare line.

Yes, yes...there other makeup lines debuting their newest and latest cutting-edge makeup, skincare, and haircare but Pacifica is branching into new territories.

This all-natural perfume line is growing onto accompanying and equally all-natural cosmetics and skincare for their all-natural fan base.

What's even better, Pacifica is starting to be sold at Target at reasonable price points, making the whole all-natural brand available within reach for the all-natural, girl-next-door.

Brook Harvey-Taylor for the longest time hold out from being retailed at Target until she realizes that her all-natural fan base live away from the big cities and need Target's quality and reasonable-priced selections to meet their consciousness needs.

Ever since she made that move, she was glad she did.  Pacifica is Target's exclusively all-natural line that's being exposed to a wider range of shoppers.

The new cosmetic and skincare collections are coconut water-based.

Irritated that the run-of-the mill handiwipes smell "medicinal," Pacifica's new Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes smell just like their yummy perfumes.  This is especially convenient after chowing down on spicy, soupy crawdads at a food truck festival.  At $6 a pack, you can easily stash one in the car, the purse, the gym bag, the carry-on, and so on.

At the "Gen Beauty" expo, the lucky attendees got the chance to try out Pacifica's new Dreamy Youth Day & Night Face Cream.

Sure the technology may be high-tech but it's needed to pack in the all-natural ingredients of peptides, high potency antioxidants, floral stem cells and advanced natural extracts come together in our exclusive superpower Fleuracell Complex® 

Brook Harvey-Taylor, "This is my favorite cream.  I have been working on this combination of ingredients for years and as a perfumer, I love that flowers have benefits far beyond smelling good, they actually can change and improve your skin."

This anti-aging, everyday natural moisturizer help supports collagen, promotes a lifting effect, minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and deeply moisturize and protect...making this a great day and night face cream for surfers.  The fact that surfers can drop into Target and pick up a pump at $20 to slather on whenever and wherever is a good idea.

What's really cool, not only are the new cosmetic line is infused with coconut water, her new Radiant Shimmer Coconut Multiples, a palette of 3 pearly shades of Bronzed, a perfectly glowing sun-kissed color with golden shimmer shadow; Island Rose, a shimmering, radiant dewy pink shadow; and Moonlit, an iridescent pale shades of moon-kissed shimmer can be used as lip color, blush, and eye shadow.  You'll get your money's worth out of this $14 palette.

You can use Bronzed in the creases of your eyelids for depth and obviously as a bronzer to sculpture your face.  Island Rose is great for the eyelids and as a blush and lipcolor.  Moonlit is a highlighter for the brow bone and the cheekbones and center of the lips. 

Brook, "I love using the Moonlit as liner under my eyes as well as a highlighter on my cheeks.  It gives my face a natural radiance in an instant."

Pacifica's Radiant Shimmer Coconut Multiples (Radiant Shimmer),  Wanderlust Mineral Color, and Great Face Value Collection (Dreamy Youth Day & Night Face Wash)
are "Boho Chic" for the roving "Gypset," jet-setting gypsies who need a complete makeup and wash set that can neatly be stashed into a ruck sack and can be easily bought when they can drop by at any Target without dropping a lot of cash.

Pacifica's new line will drop in two to three weeks at Target.