martin + osa

Last week we had the opportunity to check out a new store opening at Century City Mall to benefit Step Up Women. Who wouldn't love to shop with a cocktail (or two) and some passed hors d'oeuvres in the name of charitable giving?

Martin + Osa is an offshoot of the American Eagle brand and the latest upscale sportswear line geared at the Banana buyer, whose name comes from an American adventurer couple who spent most of their lives on safari. The clothes were, well, very Bananaesque, but more casual and with the addition of khaki. A whole lotta khaki. Particularly in the men's. If you know a man who loves khaki, this will be his new favorite store.

Aside from a couple of lovely knits (I did my part for the cause purchasing a thin, cream colored wool sweater with a faux turtleneck and the prettiest border pattern to layer for $88), a beautiful bordeaux velvet peplum jacket ($128), and some very cool shiny textured leather zip pouches ($48), much of the selection - menswear, in particular - was unremarkable, at best. I'm hoping that once they find their niche in the market, that'll improve.

Far more impressive - the stores design. All of the Martin + Osa shops are marked with a striking wood paneled entry, well laid out without feeling empty or sparse, and have an absolutely gorgeous fitting room area that's a low-lit long hall, floor to high ceiling, seemingly endless panel of polished grainy wenge. I was tempted to try a few things on just for the sake of admiring the space!

Also of note - the little things that matter. My sweater purchase was popped into a recycled (and recyclable) white pull string pouch that could be used to wash, store, or travel with. The gift bags we left with included his and hers travel sets with soft, supple leather passport holders and matching luggage tags - chocolate brown for him and a striking shade of pale aqua for me. They're getting plenty of use already!

10250 Santa Monica Blvd #185
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 785-7924

long lashes at sephora

There are so many things to love about the grown up girl's candy store that is Sephora. They carry virtually every cosmetic, fragrance and skin care line you can imagine. They've always got the latest products in before they hit most shelves. With the addition of their (ahem, big brother) frequent shopper program, you can count on a free gift or two with virtually every purchase. (This month, it's a yummy new Pomegranate-Tangerine shower gel.) They've always got beautiful complimentary gift wrap on hand. There are numerous locations all over town. Hell, you can even shop online.

And the generous samples. How could you not love the unlimited samples they're always happy to offer of just about everything? This is the ultimate go-to for stocking up on airline friendly travel goodies.

When the familiar black and white stripes beckon, one of my favorite things to check out is the mascara bar. The last couple of years I've been happy with Paul & Joe's chocolate mascara duo for day and Dior Show for something more dramatic, but eventually, we all need a change, and mine came tonight when I realized they were all out of my color. After staring endlessly at the myriad options, I decided to give the Fresh Supernova a try. It was only available in black, but a friendly salesgirl assured me it was "less dramatic" than Show. The real lure is that this stuff promises to be a three in one - it thickens, lengthens and curls your lashes in one coat. Sure enough, it did exactly what it promised. Better yet, two coats and it went from everyday perfect to hot enough for a night out. For a mere $25 bucks, I managed to replace two favorite products with one. Woo hoo! Just imagine what they could do for you ;)

Sephora
8500 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 854-0071

lily simone

What a gift it was to happen upon this beautiful boutique! Former stylist Simone Porter opened the mid-century modern shop dedicated to small labels on Eagle Rock Blvd. almost 4 years ago. More recently, the space has been divided into both a clothing and home accessories shop.

In the clothing section you'll find labels such as Grey Ant, Ella Moss, Splendid, Kush Cush and Kenneth Lane jewelry. There's also a lovely selection of shoes, wallets and everything else a girl could ask for - including pretty glass jars of old fashioned candy sold for a buck a scoop. You may also spy Simone's lil pup Lily curled up on one of the chairs. This time of year, there were beautiful knits, wraps, and a couple of stunning party dresses in worsted wool - all at reasonable price points. My resistance worn down by the soothing tunes playing and the cotton candy pink walls, I picked up a dainty gold bamboo inspired bangle I want to wear with everything.


In the home accessories area we found all sorts of holiday baubles and ornaments, stylish textiles, vintage furnishings (including a fabulous chandelier), divine candles, and some very cool miniaturized stag's heads I had to pry myself away from.

Better than just a beautiful place with beautiful things, everyone who works here makes it a pleasure to visit. No pushy Westside salesgirls and no too cool for school Eastside hipsters. Hell, I almost forgot I was in LA!

Everything about Lily Simone is a grown up gal's candy shop, and no matter what your style or taste, there's something here for everyone.

Do yourself a favor and add this one to your holiday shopping list, even if it's just to sneak away and pick a couple of things up for the most important person on it - you.

Tip: Stop by on Tax Free Tuesday or flash your Oxy student id for a nice discount.

for love 21

Just when you thought cheapie cheapie couldn't possibly outdo themselves, they have. On the 7th floor of the Beverly Center is the Fashion 21 empire's latest venture - an accessories store. I still can't imagine what would possess you to name a chic looking shop just across from Bloomies "For Love 21" but that unfortunate bit aside, this place is a grown up girl's candy store.

The green space designed by Lexington is so pretty, you'd think it was anything but. Pristine white displays along walls and in rounds fill every inch of the bright chandelier lit room with shoes, jewelry, handbags, panties, sunglasses, hats, hair doo dads and just about every other accessory you can think of. Prices start at $2.80 (panties and boy shorts are $3.80!) and run all the way up to a whopping $20 bucks.

Sure, some of it looks as cheap as it is (you'd probably be hard pressed to find a fabulous pair of shoes here you could actually walk in), but there's plenty worth looking at. Cute vintage flower rings, fun beaded necklaces, stylish velvet flocked bags, knit caps and gloves, colorful crocheted scarves, cotton boy shorts in every color, print and trim you can imagine, bangles galore, and plenty of other steals just waiting to be had. Just when you're wondering how to carry all of your finds, a salesgirl will appear with a silver tray for you to tote your wares up to sales counter with.

You're not likely going to find a replacement for your Coach bag or Louis wallet here, but when you're in the mood to try on a new look or pick up something you know you'll only wear once or twice without guilt, this is the place. Next time you're looking for a splurge with that ten spot you found in your back pocket, you'll know just where to go ;)

Word to the wise. Make sure you love it before you buy it. This cheapie store has the same no return/limited exchange policy all of the others do.

Beverly Center
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 855-9511

nike women at the grove

Update 10/07 - Sadly, this is no longer exclusively a women's shop. They've redesigned the location to be a mini Nike carrying all of their wares. From the look on the sales associate's face, I was only one of many disappointed customers.
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Time to train for another marathon means time to start burning money at the Nike Women's store!

Right off the bat, I love this location because I can easily walk (or run) to it, and what better way to justify spending more money on workout gear than a good workout!? Even though I can get many of the same items at the mega NikeTown down the road in BH, the intimate 'all women, for women' vibe at this shop makes it well worth a visit.

Aside from all of the great fitness wear - from running apparel to dance clothes and lifestyle sportswear, and an entire floor of shoes and socks upstairs - they've literally got you covered. Surprisingly most of the clothes are not only fashionable, but flattering (even on a curvy girl like myself) and they perform even better.

Though you may come here for workout wear, you'd be surprised with what you leave with. Aside from their sport watches (which I own and love), they've got some great ones for everyday you could even wear with a suit to work. And don't miss the sportswear. I've found some great everyday skirts and pants here too.

Being that they're a major store, there's ALWAYS something on sale, both on the side racks and in the back near the dressing rooms. Another plus is the 10% discount they'll generally offer to anyone doing Team in Training.

And if that wasn't enough ... they also do Nike Club Run here every Wednesday night. All you have to do is show up ready to run at 6:30 to meet up with a great group. Everyone splits up based on pace and distance (they offer both a 3k and a 5k every week), and then set off to run from The Grove into Pan Pacific Park. Can't really think of a better way to meet your neighbors.

All that AND the staff are great. Super friendly and helpful, which, sadly, isn't all that easy to come by these days.

Tip: Nike Women doesn't validate, but the Barnes & Noble across the way does. No purchase necessary, and no questions asked.

189 The Grove Drive, Ste G-60
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 954-0450