Cannibal Flower | Los Angeles

Cannibal Flower is a collective that produces shows every two months in Los Angeles that allows local artists to display their finest masterpieces. Complimented by local musicians as well as the creative minds and art fanatics residing in the greater Los Angeles area, the weather was not enough to rain on this parade! I brought two of my good friends from Santa Clarita to check out the show and also my San Diego pal Monty Montgomery had his work on display. 

  

Today's Treasures

A SNEAK PEEK:

Thanks Sherry Lou for showing me some awesome San Diego hot spots including Whatever in La Mesa and the Lemon Grove Am Vets (that is where I picked up the baby blue pumps!) 

I highly recommend Whatever, a cute & quaint store where you can find adorable new and even used finds! I bought a vintage 80's black & white dress, and two other steals for under $30. Now, that is a deal! Am Vets on the other hand was great, aside from the fact that there were a few items that were definitely over priced...and for AM Vets? But I did pick up the blue pumps for a super sweet deal of $6, cannot really beat that! After our thrifty afternoon, Sherry's mom made the most delicious burgers for dinner that had mushrooms, ahhhmazing! Expect a blog post about my attempt at recreating mushroom burgers of my own :)

Kelli Murray | Proxart Web Feature

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In preparation for Proxart Magazine's 5th issue release (awesome job!), they decided to highlight some of the articles from Winter 2010, including the one I wrote about the awesome Mrs. Kelli Murray! Take a peak at my article about this San Diego designer and artist with a one-of-a-kind style inspired by her femininity and influenced by the softer side of nature and beauty. The feature is up on the Proxart website this week! You'll also find the some awesome shots taken by my friend Kyle Ong.  You can also see my article on my Q&A with founder Jason Peskin and PR director Brianne Bear of Project ETHOS.

If you're a bird, I'm a bird

This weekend has been fabulous. Saturday began with a hot pink manicure then transitioned into an afternoon of March Madness at Balboa Park with my sister Bree. 

So many pooches and everyone was decked out in St. Paddy's green, I already have my green outfit picked out for the 17th. 

Then it was off to Project Ethos in Los Angeles at the Avalon. I brought along my friend Brett and we definitely had a great time and enjoyed the fashion, music and art. Sunday I woke up in Los Angeles to sunny skies and 70 degrees of perfection, so it was off to The Grove for breakfast and Melrose for some vintage shopping. I picked up some awesome jewelry, take a peak at my bird rings!

"If you're a bird, I'm a bird"

Indie Scene

“Indie": a term loosely tossed around and often presented in front of nouns like music, art and fashion, is short for “independent” which is a state of being that we all know is quite challenging to achieve. When you're independent, are you really on your own? I have discovered that there is a movement to support the folks who are supporting themselves. Independent musicians, artists and designers utilize local media outlets, tradeshows, and events in order to secure commissioned projects in raising awareness and (if lucky) a paycheck. Being your own boss, publicist, marketer and curator is no easy task even for a team of professionals. The one-man-show mentality of the Indie scene is not only impressive but down right admirable.

This week, I had the opportunity to meet and chat with some fabulous folks who are taking the Indie Scene by storm.

Monday I interviewed Jason Peskin and Brianne Bear of Project Ethos, a multi-city production showcasing the latest in music, art and fashion on an independent level. The passion behind this project began with a vision for something innovative, a way for locals to connect with other creative like-minds. What started out as a small-scale bi-annual LA event, has snowballed into a movement visiting big cities like San Diego, Las Vegas and Chicago. For the full article on Project Ethos written for SDIndieFashion.com, an awesome blog about the latest in the San Diego indie sphere--take a peak here! Looking for Saturday night plans? Project Ethos will be in it's hometown for LA Fashion Week!

Wednesday I spent the afternoon feeling inspired by Sherry Lou, a friend of mine who also happens to be influencing the blog-o-sphere with her weekly fashion updates where you'll find all of her latest designs! Her blog, THREADED is a collaboration of San Diego inspired trends, tips and tricks that are definitely worth reading. Also, check out her fabulous handmade designs on Etsy, her latest stuff can be found on America's Next Top Model Naduah.

Thursday night I spent the evening with fabulous company at NBC San Diego's Authentically Local Fashion, Music and Art show featuring Art Kills Artists and co-sponsored by THREAD Show featuring local designers. The usual THREAD Show is a one day retail environment, bringing new fashion and art to trend hipsters alike. Art Kills Artists is an online collective that friend of mine + independent artist, Monty Montgomery, told me about. AKA allows real artists (the 'starving' type) and art lovers to connect online, purchase original art and create a community of publicity and awareness. 

The Art Meets Fashion mission is to initiate collaborations between established fashion designers and visual artists of excellence, to showcase the creativity in San Diego, and to encourage local teens to be involved in the Arts. A good friend and colleague, Erinn Ryan of Killer Styling, who volunteer edits the Art Meets Fashion blog recently posted my Project Ethos article.

Spicy Salsa

Seriously, so simple!

Spending time at the Farmer's Market has really helped to re encourage my love for cooking, but more importantly my love for making salsa from scratch with juicy tomatoes, fresh cilantro and red onion. I learned a thing or two while I spent some time living and studying in Mexico during college. Whenever I make this recipe, I always find that it disappears in almost the same amount of time takes to make! 

Prep time: 10 minutes

What you'll need:

1 mixing bowl

2 large tomatoes

1 red onion

fresh cilantro

1 lemon

chipotle peppers*

SPICES:

ground cumin

salt

pepper

cayenne pepper*

Start off by cubing the tomatoes and add to mixing bowl. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice in mixing bowl with tomatoes. Chop up cilantro (no more than 1/4 cup) and cut the onion into slices and then again into small cubed pieces. (I usually use 2-3 slices of red onion about 1/2 an inch thick, not too much but just enough!) Add cilantro and onion to mixing bowl. Mix together and add salt, pepper, ground cumin (~1tsp) and cayenne pepper for extra spicy. 

I like to add in chipotle chilies. Which are dried, smoked jalapenos canned in a spicy tomato sauce, which is sometimes called adobo sauce. They are available in your grocery store in the Latin section and so incredibly delicious! 

After you've mixed all the ingredients, you can enjoy immediately or put in the fridge for a chilled snack later! Serve & eat with chips, but also delicious with eggs, chicken and even with pork. 

Enjoy!

White Alright

You can never go wrong with white. Although I am a huge fan of color, the absence of it is just so much easier sometimes. Who even says you need color to stand out?  My default is going with white, cream, ivory or something of the sort. Early this week, I took some time to re-organize my closet and color coordinate my entire wardrobe by color family. Neon and brights on one end, muted and soft tones on the other. I'd say it looks much better. much. Having all of my whites in one place is perfect. 

Here are some awesomely adorable things in the wonderful color of white. 

Delicate & Dainty

Jamie Lee | pagesixxx | in white Karen Walker Dress


Polar Bear

Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere | in Zara Coat

Ivory Girl

Kelli Murray | blog | in Free People dress

Bright White

BLEACHBLACK BLOG | Kristin in Reincarnated Gap Stripe Button Up 

Crystal Castles @ The House of Blues

Musically minded and truly enjoying the magic spell. Maybe it's that I have been out of touch with how powerful good music truly is, but there is something about how I have been hearing music with whole new ears it seems. I saw Crystal Castles at the House of Blues last night courtesy of my friend Nycole. It was definitely a full house all the while the crowd completely entranced by the futuristic light show reacting effortlessly in sync with the techno beats and sounds. I took some photos while I was there, but they really do not do justice for how incredible and captivating Crystal Castles really were.