Light Shows by Chanel

In the truly over-the-top fashion that is only Karl Lagerfeld's, last weeks Chanel show was an after hours extravaganza.  Instead of attending swank parties and sipping on culinary cocktails, fashionistas were lined up along the runway of Chanel's 2011 Fall Couture show.  Besides the fact that it's Chanel (!!!!!), what could deter hipster fashion week attendees from their coveted after parties?

Lagerfeld is known for his eccentric presentations (ie: icebergs, giant barns, volcanos, etc.), and this year he "turned the Palais into the Place Vendome" cites New York Magazine's The Cut.  Replacing the statue of Napoleon Bonaparte with one of none other than Coco Chanel, the entire show's mood was dark and dreamy.  The modular twisted 40's inspired collection was set on a stage that resembled a train station at night.  The hall was filled with moonlight and glowing street lamps, and to add just a little extra glimmer, the model's boots were filled with soft blue LED lights that lit up during the finale.  How PLURfect!  The only thing that would have completed this show would be a custom set by Kaskade... a girl can dream.

STALKER STATUS

To my few and frequent followers, I apologize for lagging so hard on posting.  I promise, during those silent weeks, I am not twiddling my thumbs, wandering around like a chicken with my head cut off, or sleeping in  a dark cave.  Thanks to my new guilty pleasure, The Bloggess, I have decided to take stalking me to another level and keep you in the loop on all the things I do when I'm not posting here (dubbed by the Bloggess as Sh*t-I-Do-When-I'm-Not-Here)

In addition to posting here on music, fashion, culture, and random other items I come across during my day, I regularly blog for two other sites on a daily basis.  Fortunately for you, they add to my catalog of work.  Unfortunately for me, they tend to take away from my personal blogging.

Trendy Blair is a fashion blog specializing in finding steals in stores or online.  In addition to bargain hunting, I also blog regularly about high profile designers, couture fashion events, and provide exclusive interviews with some of the country's most influential designers and business owners.

Pinc Box, my newest addition, is a product my company launched that ships elegant gift boxes to breast cancer patients and survivors.  With the affected person's needs in mind, each product is hand picked for the recipient to be able to pamper themselves in true style and comfort.  We just launched our site 2 months ago, and so far are building quite the buzz (our new infographic is posted on the right)!

So if you are ever wondering, "What does that girl do all day that keeps her from writing about all the quirky crap she loves so much?"  Well, now you know!  And for those who are supportive of my loves for fashion and fighting for a cause, respectively, now you have two more roads to follow me on :)

New & Old Faves Make For Happy Ears

Music has a funny way of forming the soundtrack to one's life, and just as I felt an insatiable thirst for something new, I have once again been given the gift of beautiful music.

Once a die hard Incubus fan, it has been what seems like forever since the group has released a new, refreshing album.  After great success with Make Yourself and Morning View - two of my favorite albums of all time by the way, the reformulated band had a few sub par albums put out that just didn't sound like themselves.  With the release of their newest album, If Not Now, When?, the relaxing melodies delivered by Brandon Boyd's hypnotic voice are light, minimalist, sunny.  It is a bit confusing trying to figure out where the group envisions themselves at this point, this record doesn't exactly fit in the chronology of their discography, but I can't help but enjoy the mood its put me in.

Newly added to my list of favorites, Bon Iver is about to come out with a much anticipated album.  Set to be the same dreamy folk songs we all know and love, the album takes on a road trip theme that will hopefully transport me to whatever utopian paradise this magical music comes from.  After being introduced to For Emma about a year ago (thank you Mars!) I fell in love with the sweet sounds of Bon Iver and have him constantly on at work, in the car, at home, while I run, anytime really.  If his new album is anything like the last, I will be in heaven all summer long.

House Finds It New Home at GuestHouse

It isn't often that a major change arises in the Gaslamp Nightlife Sector, so when Stingaree announced its plans to give the landmark venue a face lift, I was very eager to hear what was in store.  Known for its three stories of warm inviting lounges, extensive DJ list and celebrity fan base, Stingaree has been named San Diego's hottest night club the last four years in a row.  What most people don't know about Stingaree however, is that it had an award winning restaurant attached to it.  But with the nightclub in the spotlight, the restaurant and its blossoming potential were overshadowed, and the demand for change rose.  So why wouldn't managing partners James Brennan and Demien Farrell do what they do best and build out a ground breaking new concept?  


"Stingaree has been at the forefront of nightlife, both locally and nationally, since opening over five years ago. The key to our long-standing success is constantly evolving to bring experiences to our guests that create unforgettable memories," said owner, James Brennan. "With the launch of GuestHouse, we look forward to delivering an entirely fresh and intimate venue that keeps guests coming back for more."


In addition to Stingaree, Brennan and Demien and the rest of the Enlightened Hospitality Group have been on the cutting edge of the industry for the past six years, bringing bottle service to San Diego from their roots in New York.  With smash hits like Universal, Side Bar and Bar West on the repertoire of successfully launched venues, the pair's wisdom and understanding of current industry trends proved valuable while renovating their space.  To make better use of the highly overlooked front half of the building, the duo decided to come up with a brand new, more intimate venue detached from Stingaree, cleverly dubbed GuestHouse.  


The setting is that of a sexy study, including cozy design elements like painted word search walls, custom lamp shade light fixtures, plush lounge seating, regal velvet drapery and a crackling fireplace.  But unlike the facades seen in other local hot spots like Vin de Syrah, the technology used inside GuestHouse is far more advanced.  Bringing together the talents of light and sound engineer John Lyons and AV Concepts, the killer sound system and sensational visual pleasure of textural mapping provide a unique experience unlike any club in San Diego.  

With a heavy focus on House music, the GH lineup will, "read as a 'who's who' dossier of headliners from around the globe, peppered with prodigious local talents".  The soft opening was this Monday and was a sparkling success, with lots of buzzing bodies and reasons to celebrate - the venue was remodeled in a mere 2 weeks!  Beginning with tray passed appetizers, dim lighting and a good looking crowd, the night progressed into a jam packed dance party under melting graphic sequences synced to the beats dropped by Scooter & Lavelle.  GuestHouse will be having its hard opening in a few weeks with big name DJ Sharam on the agenda, and is bound to be the newest Industry Night Hot Spot with weekly events on Mondays and Wednesdays.  

Tea With Missoni

Today has just been Missoni Madness!  After photos were leaked this morning from the Missoni for Target Collection, straight of the ironing board, I could not stop having striped thoughts and zig zag day dreams.  Now, I stumble upon the fabulousity that is the Hotel Missoni in Kuwait and I think I may have found heaven.  Appropriately named "House of Worship", ShelterPop did a fabulous photo spread on the magnificent new venue housing hundreds of patterns and unique designs.  See below for some serious dosage of Missoni...

 Missoni Hotel

 Missoni Hotel

 Missoni Hotel

Missoni for Target

Missoni for Target

Missoni for Target

Winehouse Makes Last Call Before Checking Herself Into Rehab... Again

The infamously trainwrecked Amy Winehouse has decided to check herself into rehab - once again - before heading on her European tour this summer.  According to Rolling Stone Magazine, the songstress has enteredt the treatment program at the Priory Clinic in London.  But not before one last drink!  Amy allegedly downed one last bottle of Smirnoff vodka en route to her new sober digs.  Hopefully this hot little mess can get it together before her Europen tour coming up in the coming months.  After all, it is the year of the comeback! (RE: Britney Spears)