CRAVE CRUSH the urban girl's blog to all that you CRAVE

Interview with Jeannie Lee of Satine

January 29, 2010 by Megan | Comments (0)

 

Los Angeles fashionsitas will love Satine, where they can find both major international fashion brands and unique indie labels. Owner Jeannie Lee says she is inspired by global fashions and has completed her expansive collection of everything from handbags to lingerie to classy trousers to include both luxurious pieces and those that reflect the quirky style of Southern California. You can join the Los Angeles fashionistas who shop at this chic boutique on 3rd Street or shop from the comfort of your living room by visiting the website www.satineboutique.com. Meet Jeannie Lee, the brilliant mind behind this shopping hot spot. 
 
How do you design fashion that sells in California AND is marketable across the globe?
 California clients are more tactile, meaning they are sensitive to anything that does not feel soft, and of course there is the fact that the climate is much milder than in most parts of the world. But overall, buying for a California store is not really that different.
 
What are your most popular products?
 Alaia and Balenciaga shoes, all things Isabel Marant, and our own Satine label.
 
People may be surprised to know…
 Most people who work in high fashion still shop at Target.

 Who inspired you to start your business?
 My mother has great style and took us with her shopping when we were growing up.  I literally grew up in boutiques, so it seemed natural to go into the business……
 
Where do you like to go with your fellow fashionistas? Your favorite shopping location?
 Rose Bowl Flea Market.
 
What is you favorite piece of clothing you own?
 A vintage Chanel military jacket.
 
What do you CRAVE? In business? In life?
 In both business and life, I crave tremendous success and happiness for my colleagues, friends, and family.

Best of LA Resort and Beachwear

January 27, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

Even though the New Year is just getting started, we are already CRAVE-ing a vacation. All this talk of the winter Olympics can make you shiver just thinking about it, so why not dream up a fabulous spring break getaway full of sand, waves and blended margaritas! Go on and flaunt your inner sun goddess….but first check out some of our top finds to get your look ready to impress. 

milk owned by  Bari Milken & Marni Flans

A great place to peruse for casual sun-wear, we love milk for all the comfy tees and tanks to throw on after a day outside.  And don’t forget to pick up some killer gladiator sandals and leave flip flops for the kiddies.

 Diane’s Beachwear owned by Diane Biggs

With their huge selection, everyone can find a suit they love at Diane’s Beachwear. From single-colored to bold prints, you can search all different types of styles and cuts. You can also snag a kimono silk cover-up to complement your new suit. The empire waist will flatter and conceal while still allowing you to feel sexy.

Undrest owned by Maria Paz Navales

Unique in its marketplace, all Undrest garments are produced in-house in their own warehouse. We love the intricate trims and unique shapes- the “monokini” is a cut-out one piece that will stand out pool side. The super cute Malibu line carries ruffled bikinis for an ultra-fem feel.

happy LA owned by Lori Bzura & Dawn Baker

An oversized floppy beach hat is a favorite find from this shop, perfect for looking glam and protecting your face from sun damage. happy LA has some classic, simple suits and cute beach totes to carry your stuff. We also love the wide leg cotton pants and boyfriend shorts to stay covered and comfy poolside.

Best of Red Carpet Ready Fashion

January 20, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (0)

Do you have post-Golden Globe depression because your closet is missing that incredible dress your favorite star walked down the red carpet in? Or do you just wish you could show up to a party with the kind of couture that will undoubtedly turn heads? We’ve gathered a few suggestions for where you can shop around LA to find that perfect unstoppable outfit.

ARCADE

“ARCADE is a window into high-end fashion, with hand-selected, exclusive pieces from all over the world.” Owner Rochelle Gores features gorgeous pieces from select designers and carries both cocktail and evening wear to strut your stuff red-carpet style.

 Beckley

Melissa Richardson Akkaway showcases some fabulous evening wear from both top and upcoming designers at this LA boutique. Beckley is based on a concept of luxury shopping in an exclusive environment. A far step above your typical shopping experience, Beckley customers are privy to a lush private garden and relaxation area. Besides actual evening wear, you can spice up your look with CRAVE worthy snakeskin heels and detailed cuff bracelets.

Petro Zilla 

Owner and designer Nony Tochterman’s fashion fantasy comes to life with Petro Zilla. Flirty and bright dresses pay homage to vintage fashion. Her looks reflect a classic taste with a modern edge. We adore her bold color choices of chartreuse and magenta to mix up your LBD collection.

The Way We Wore

The place to go for true vintage fashion, The Way We Wore holds gowns that were made to appear on the red carpet. Doris Raymond is known for selling coveted pieces to celebrities and designers from her LA shop. She carries clothing, accessories and shoes for women that span “the entire twentieth century, from the Victorian era to iconic pieces from the 1980’s”. For devoted fashionistas who CRAVE couture, this find is a gem.

Best of Fitness Tips for the New Year

January 13, 2010 by Nicole S. | Comments (1)

The New Year has just begun which means it is time to start following through on all those New Year’s resolutions you have been setting for yourself! For many of us that inevitably comes down to the same thing each January- a renewed commitment to a healthier, more fit lifestyle! We asked a few of our favorite local fitness experts for their tips on how to start the year of right.

Christine Kwok of Balanced Strength

• Make a date with yourself. Pick days & times for when you will do something physically active. Block it off in your calendar–in ink–so that you can’t break your date.
• Ease into a workout schedule. If you were previously sedentary, start with two 30 minute sessions on your calendar per week (you can add more time if your schedule allows). Progress monthly by adding more days until you are working out for the recommended minimum of 30 minutes per day, 5 times per week. Slow progression ensures success, as it doesn’t become a time burden on your already busy schedule.
• If you can, take the more active option. Examples: stairs instead of the elevator, restroom on another floor, dance while you cook, shoulder blade squeezes while washing your hair, balance on one leg while brushing your teeth, stand while on phone calls, etc.
• Drink lots of water. A well hydrated body equates to healthier metabolism, joint function, and mental acuity. It also helps to prevent cramping while working out and promotes faster workout recovery.

Jenna Phillips of Mission Possible

• Don’t set the bar too high- make realistic goals for yourself and do not expect instant results.
• Write resolutions/goals down on a piece of paper that you will see EVERYDAY
• Crash diets will fail, focus on the food you eat day by day
• Add more fiber and go easy on calorie-packed sauces
• Don’t let it get boring, keep your diet varied with different types of cuisine

Jennifer Williams  of Pop Physique

• In the New Year: you may be coming back to fitness after a holiday break or trying to start a new program. Don’t push too hard at first. You will be able to build strength quickly again with muscle memory.
• Breathe-the diaphragm is connected to your lowest deepest abdominal muscle (the transverse abdominus) and using sharp exhales allows you to connect the breath to an inward movement of your abdominal muscles.
• Eat Breakfast and snack! A small breakfast that includes fiber, protein, and carbohydrate to get your body moving and provide energy for your workout. Well placed snacks throughout the day that combine carbohydrate and protein (a skim milk string cheese and a small organic apple)
• Stay deep in the muscle with small controlled moves. We use isometrics and simply put that is holding the muscle contraction and moving with that hold. It is a very effective and efficient way of sculpting the entire body.

Stephanie Kagel of Stephanie’s Training

• Holidays are over and many sugar temptations are gone.  This is a great time to get back on track with reducing refined sugar in your diet.  Some sources of refined sugar are candy, breakfast cereal and prepackaged food.
• Starting to exercise is great.  Remember to do both cardiovascular and muscle toning exercises.  Muscle is half the size of fat, so the more muscle you have, the smaller your body.
• Flexibility is also very important.  With the New Year brings new stresses, increasing muscle tension and chance of injury. Help relieve the muscle tension through slow and controlled stretches and avoid any ballistic motion.  The increased flexibility will not only reduce your stress, it will also help you perform your muscle exercise more safely.