ISSUE: 1
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L etter from
The Editor
Marie Applegate
Thanks for stopping by hlo mag, your guide to living and breathing the hi-lo lifestyle. Blending different price points while stylin’ is nothing new, but instead of keeping hush-hush about it, we’re celebrating it! We’re here to reflect how fabulous metropolitan gals—like you!— live the hi-lo way. Yes, we’re talking about the women who proudly pair their Pradas with H&M, who buy the cheapest plane ticket to Rome so they can luxuriate in a 5-star hotel, or who brown bag their lunch to work so they can live it up at a Michelin restaurant on a Saturday night. If any of these sound familiar, and you thought you were the only one who did them—guess again, you’re not alone, we all do this! Hlo is here to capture all of it, while inspiring you to live a stylish and beautiful life at any price point. A few years ago, I first noticed the hi-lo trend materializing in fashion with everyone from celebrities to the first lady touting their budget finds. It was a result of the recession, but it came off as impossibly chic rather than cheap—and thankfully, it stuck! Then, I took a step back and realized that hi-lo was actually pervasive in other aspects of life and many people incorporated the concept into their lifestyle in one form or another. People were becoming a little wiser with their money, figuring out where to scrimp and when to splurge. Sure, there were little blurbs here and there about it, but it occurred to me that no other magazine had ever embraced the concept wholeheartedly. And that’s when I had my AHA! moment and hlo mag was born. We’re totally excited about presenting our very first issue to you. We hope you enjoy and would love to hear from you! Shoot me a line anytime at hello@hlomag.com. Cheers,
Marie 3
R TEAM HLO
Sasha Moyer creative director
I’ve always wanted a pet pig, but I also really like bacon. Big dilemma. Once I got questioned by three separate flight attendants about whether I was old enough to sit in an exit row. You have to be 15 to sit in an exit row. I still don’t think they believed me. I’m an obsessive Googler. Seriously, I don’t know how I survived my childhood without it. Card catalogs and Encyclopedias? Craziness.
Molly Covert art director
I took myself out on a date to see Moonrise Kingdom. I had froyo and I cried. It was 2:00 on a Tuesday. My day starts and ends with the Jezebel Dirt Bag. Sometimes when I can’t sleep I think about some real strange stuff. Like how would our lives be different if werewolves were real and how would that impact our day to day activities?
Lisa Brawer features editor
I adore my dog! He’s a black and white (tuxedo!) chihuahuaterrier rescue named Pierre. I love green tea ice cream with Golden Grahams cereal on top. So delish! But no Golden Grahams, no thank you... I think the ice cream by itself tastes like perfume. Despite my love for reading and writing about what’s new and trendy in beauty, I’ve essentially rocked the same look every day since I was 14: cat eyes and red lips..
Casi Stewart social media
I’m not so secretly obsessed with Disney. From the classics to Hannah Montana, I’m hooked. If I coud, I’d spend an hour (or more) every day in a book store. Preferably alone. My best friend is a nine year old. He’s my brother.
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R TEAM HLO
Therese Jacinto
Event Designer - www.craftandcouture.com What’s your biggest recent steal? A vintage Loewe clutch , FREE from mom’s closet.
What’s your biggest recent splurge?
An much-needed trip to Paris and London.
Rizza San Agustin Photographer - www.rizzariz.com What’s your biggest recent steal?
3 Vintage pewter picture frames I purchased at the Salvation Army for $2 each. Online they retail anywhere between $75-125
How do you spend your rainy spring days? I turn off my cell phone, shut down my computer and watch movies.
Elena Sevastopolous Writer - www.culinarysavvy.com What’s your biggest recent steal?
Tory burch blue cords from Nordstrom Rack.
What’s your biggest recent splurge? Kate spade orange toed flats.
RC Rivera
Photographer - www.rcrivera.com What’s your biggest recent steal? $275 roundtrip ticket to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
What’s your biggest recent splurge? $275 roundtrip ticket to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. :)
Rachel Sutton
Model - rachelxsutton@gmail.com What’s your biggest recent steal? $20 leather jeans from a UO sale.
How do you spend your rainy spring days? Curled up in bed with X-Files re-runs and junk food.
Victoria Toda
Makeup & hair - www.victoriatoda.com What’s your biggest recent steal? A suede bag by Kooba for almost half the price!
What’s your biggest recent splurge? Makeup! Every time I walk into Sephora, I come out with something.
Kat Gopez
Illustrator - www.ohtangerinelove.blogspot.com What’s your biggest recent steal? A lovely Leyendecker dress- 50% off!
How do you spend your rainy spring days?
Doing Bikram yoga. I find it very rewarding in both a physical and emotional sense. Plus I get to ward the rainy spring day lazies off me.
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Cat Juan Ledesma Writer - www.catjuan.com What’s your biggest recent steal?
A Laura Mercier finishing powder that came for free when I replenished my tinted moisturiser. Score!
What’s your biggest recent splurge?
A trip to Turkey for my honeymoon. Worth every cent.
Margaret Cullum Writer What’s your biggest recent splurge?
VIP Package for the Madonna concert. There’s a reason why I became a member of the fan club. Boo yah!
How do you spend your rainy spring days?
Curled up in front of my fireplace. Even though it’s 60 outside.
Keane Li
Writer - www. keane.li What’s your biggest recent steal?
A month’s worth of accommodations in Rome with Airbnb cost me less than the plane ticket there.
What’s your biggest recent splurg?
Just purchased a nifty netbook for writing on-the-go.
Kate Record
Writer What’s your biggest recent steal?
I scored vouchers for wine tastings in Solvang along with free bottles of wine for less than $10 a pop!
What’s your biggest recent splurge?
The rest of that trip to Solvang! The wine and wine tastings were cheap/ free, but everything else sure added up!
Craig Lee
Photographer - www.craigleephoto.com What’s your biggest recent steal? 30% off on a nice restaurant through opentable.com
How do you spend your rainy spring days?
Indoors having a home cooked meal or at a neighborhood restaurant.
Irene Stone
Writer What’s your biggest recent steal?
A vintage 50’s Cannady Creations of Hollywood dress - it’s the most Jayne Mansfield piece I have ever owned & fits perfectly.
What’s your biggest recent splurge?
Tickets to Amsterdam in the spring! I’ve never been.
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SEARCHING FOR HAWAII
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{ Indoor Picnic p 28 }
SUMMER
In This Issue STYLE
12 TRENDS FASHION 38 FILM FEST 20 48
SPACE
28
INDOOR PICNIC
36
STARTING AN ART COLLECTION
VIBRANT FEMMES STREET CHIC
WANDER
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SEARCHING FOR HAWAII
NOM NOM
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TOP 3 CHEAP EATS
MAC
43 WEB LOVE MEET
THE 46 LIVING DREAM
ME
44 DIGITAL DETOX 45 MOOD BOOSTERS
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BAROQUE
Mirror $649 www.brocadehome.com, Charade Maltese Cross Box $175 www.JonathanAdler.com, Sunglasses $290 Prada at www.saksfifthavenue.com, Bourgie Table Lamp $362 Kartell at www.barneys.com, De Manta Lace Print Satin Clutch $525, Alexander McQueen at www.net-a-porter.com
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ATHLETIC
Techno Triple Stripe Plate $3.95 www.cb2.com, Clemence Necklace $135 Jennifer Loiselle at www.leifshop.com, Knitted Mesh Sleeve Dress $92 www.topshop.com, Salem V Throat Peep Wedges $144 www.topshop.com, Hitch Marigold Stool $169 www.cb2.com, ASOS Color Block Watch $32.23 www.asos.com
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PASTEL
31-Hour Bag $750 3.1 Phillip Lim at www.saksfifthavenue.com, Bourree Flats $130 www.anthropologie.com, Carnation Bracelet $68 www.jcrew.com, Yoghurt Bottle Vase $16 www.leifshop.com, Club Piping Chair $799 www.cb2.com, Dear Marlene Bikini Bottom $108 Top $118 www.anthropologie.com.
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DECO
Peacock Pave Ring $35 Lucky Brand at www.piperlime.com, Deco Earrings $170 Dori Csengeri at www.charmandchain.com, Lingerie Set $148 www.anthropologie.com, Glitter Court Shoes $120 www.topshop.com, B a l e n c i a g a P a r i s Pe r f u m e $ 9 5 www.bloomingdales.com, Cream Embellished Short $120 www.topshop.com
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Paper Napkins €3.99 www.zarahome.com, Gramercy Sofa $749 www.urbanoutfitters.com, Cutlery $39 www.urbanoufitters.com, Crepe Myr tl e Shi r tdre ss $248 www.anthropologie.com, Digital Blue Pillow $49.95 www.cb2.com, Swami Desert Set Plate €7.99 & Tea Cup €8.99 www.zarahome.com
By Sasha Moyer, Illustrations By Kat Gopez
POLISH
CATS MEOW!
By Cat Juan Ledesma
STILA
rueniL laerOʼL
Cat eyes are a classic style that never really go away, but this summer they’re back with a roar! The best felt-tip liners for the job are Stila’s All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner or L’Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner.
Mascara Mayhem We all love having lashes so lush they’d give Twiggy lash envy, but can’t stand when they smudge. Show your mascara who’s boss with these tips:
1
Clumpy wands leave globs of mascara on the tips of lashes, which end up on your cheeks before the day is through. To prevent this, gently brush the wand against a paper towel and wiggle the brush as you apply.
2
If you’re prone to raccoon eyes, skip your bottom lashes – it’s just not worth the mess. And using products that contain oil are a hell to the no! They’re practically guaranteed to smudge.
3
One of our favorite tricks is to apply a coat of clear mascara to seal in your regular mascara. It can also be used on the bottom lashes and works as a great eyebrow tamer, too. We love Maybelline’s Clear Mascara.
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R POLISH
By Cat Juan Ledesma
A
IN OUR STEP To help your skin make the transition from completely covered to out and about, switch up your beauty arsenal with our top summer picks.
By now you know sunscreen is an absolute must. Blue Lizard Sunscreen Daily Moisturizer Face SPF 30 is our top pick for maximum protection without being too heavy.
Make the switch to oil free products, starting with your cleanser. We love Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free Cleanser, because all you need is a little dab to get super clean skin without any residue.
Foundations might be a wee bit heavy for summer, so try Laura Mercier’s Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer, for the “no makeup” makeup look. For a more dewy finish, try Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint.
Downpour F XES On your way to a big date and got caught in a torrential downpour? If the drowned rat look isn’t your thing, we’ve got just the fix to tame your tresses: channel Madonna in ‘Desperately Seeking Susan.’ Head to the nearest restroom and plop yourself under the hand dryer to dry your hair out. If that’s not an option, grab as many hand towels as you can and give your hair a rigorous pat dry, then fluff, scrunch and shake that rain right out of your hair. Short haired gals – keep a few hairpins or clips handy for hair emergencies. Give your mane a good run through with your fingers, tuck strands behind your ears and secure. We like these cute bows from Forever 21. Voila! You’ve saved the (rainy) day.
THE NEXT BEST THING
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If there’s one thing beauty lovers can’t stand, it’s when brands introduce a product, make us fall in love, then take it away for all eternity. Just last year, we were devastated when The Body Shop revoked the Olive Dry Oil Mist we loved so dearly. This amazing oil was the perfect way to moisturize after a shower – not to mention it smelled like heaven in a spray bottle. Desperate to find a replacement for this staple in our beauty regimen, we found two: L’Occitane’s Almond Supple Skin Oil has a deliciously warm and nutty scent that’s highly addictive. And our more affordable pick, Booth’s Tahitian Monoi Dry Oil Spray is reminiscent of a hot, luxurious tropical day. Two delightful choices that make your skin soft, softer, softest.
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VIBRANT
Photographer: RC Rivera Stylist: Sasha Moyer Hair and Makeup: Victoria Toda Model: Rachel Sutton
FEMMES
Sweater: H&M $49.95 Skirt: Anthropologie $288 Necklace: J.Crew $150 Hat & Shoes: Aldo $22, $80 Purse: H&M $17.95
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Jacket: Zara $79.90 Tank: H&M $12.95 Skirt: ASOS $62.67 Shoes: Zara $39.90 Bracelet and Sunglasses: Edition by Banana Republic
Necklace: H&M $12.95 Jacket, Tank and Shorts: J.Crew $168, $39.50 $65 Shoes: Zara $39.90 Belt & Scarf: Stylist’s own
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Shirt: Madewell $110 Pants: Zara $79.90 Hat & Necklace: Stylist’s own
Jacket: H&M $59.95 Tank, Shorts and Scarf: Madewell $22, $88, $55 Shoes: Zara $39.90 Bracelet and Sunglasses: Edition by Banana Republic Clutch: Stylist’s own
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Shirt: Madewell $110 Skirt: Anthropologie $128 Necklace: J.Crew $128 Bracelet and Sunglasses: Edition by Banana Republic Shoes: Alice & Olivia $280
PRINT DESIGN.CUSTOM STATIONERY.BLOG.SHOP
RABBIT FOOT FERN WWW.RABBITFOOTFERNDESIGN.COM 27
Indoor
Picnic
Bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home through fresh flowers, pops of color, and natural elements. By Therese Jacinto Photography By Rizza San Agustin
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Welcome your guests with handmade place cards, favors, and menus with their names on it.
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Get Personal & Crafty
For some simple “printed” goods, pick out cute rubber stamps and white ink to decorate the menu and tags. Liven up place cards with leftover scrapbook paper (don’t you just love this chevron pattern paper?).
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Mix it Up
To get guests to relax and kick off their shoes, use a low to the ground coffee table surrounded by comfy throw pillows. Mix a few glamorous items (gold stemmed goblets, chargers and flatware) with some rustic pieces (wood planter boxes and place mats) for that cozy yet refined feel. Carnations and roses in fresh citrus and peachy hues are easy to create centerpieces. And for that extra fun factor, add a whimsical touch with a bright and cheery astro turf table top.
Shop S
WOW without b Check out thrift kets, and discoun up on vases, dinner other items. Bu collection of uniqu hand, and you wo much to dress up a t craft stores are g materials (the ast $15 at Home Dep for the napkins fo For big-ticket ite flatware, rent from supply store.
Smart
breaking the bank. shops, flea marnt stores to stock erware, fabrics, and uild a solid ue accessories on on’t have to spend table. Hardware and great for unique tro turf was only pot, and the fabric or $9 at Joann’s). ems like unique m your local party
Add layers
Layer textures, materials, colors, and shapes. Don’t be afraid to mix and match finishes, styles, and pr ints. For a fun picnic table setting, star t with a piece of plywood as the placemat, add a gold plate , white plate, a DIY bold floral napkins and top it all off with fancy gold utensils. Recreate these centerpieces with recycled boxes or crates. Inser t a few cups filled with water and add the flowers all cut to the same height.
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Blackberry Sorbet 1 1/4 cups sugar . 1 cup water . 24 oz. fresh blackberries . 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1. To make a sugar syrup, combine sugar and water in a medium size saucepan. Dissolve sugar over medium heat, whisking occasionally. Bring mixture to a boil for 2 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and transfer to a bowl. Cool mixture to room temperature then chill. 2. Place half of blackberries and half of sugar syrup in blender and puree until completely liquefied. Repeat with other half of berries and simple syrup. Pour berry blend into strainer placed over a bowl to remove seeds. Use a spatula to move around the pulp and press the liquid through the strainer. Mix in lemon juice and chill. 3. Pour mixtures into ice cream maker and process for about 25 minutes. Transfer to a freezer safe container that’s been pre-frozen and let set for a few hours in the freezer.
Kiwi Sorbet 2 lbs kiwi fruit . 3/4 cup sugar . 1 tsp kirsch liqueur 1. Peel and core kiwis. Slice them in half and puree in the blender. Heat 1 cup of the puree in a small saucepan with the sugar, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Add this to the rest of the puree and chill. Add 1 teaspoon of kirsch liqueur. Then repeat step 3. Recipes adapted from The Hungry Mouse and Chez Panisse Desserts
Honey Milk 4 cups milk 6 tablespoons of honey. 1 teaspoon vanilla Heat milk in a saucepan over low heat. Mix in honey and vanilla and stir until dissolved. Let cool until room temperature and chill.
Pink Lemonade 1 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup sugar syrup. 3 cups water. 2 teaspoons grenadine Mix lemon juice, sugar syrup, water, and grenadine together in a blender. Process until completely smooth.
For the Grownups A nice, refreshing Riesling pairs well with the citrusy sweets. Serve it chilled. 2010 Dönnhoff Estate Riesling $19.99 2010 Joh. Jos. Prün Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Auslese $39.99 Both wines available at K&L Wine Merchants - www.klwines.com
Mak
ke It!
Tangerine Lemon Thyme Ice Box Cookies 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature . 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted . 2 egg yolks . 1 tbs of tangerine juice . 1 tbs of lemon thyme leaves . Zest of 2 tangerines . Pinch of salt . 2 cups all-purpose flour 1. Beat butter in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment at medium speed until it is smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar and beat again until it’s smooth and silky. Beat in the egg yolks, followed by the tangerine juice, lemon thyme, tangerine zest and salt. Reduce mixer speed to low and add the flour, just until it’s incorporated. Turn the dough out onto a counter, gather it into a ball, and divide it in half. Wrap each piece of dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 2. Working on a smooth surface, form each piece of dough into a log that is about 1 to 1 1/4 inches thick. Wrap the logs in plastic and chill for 2 hours. 3. Position the racks to divide the oven into thirds and preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 4. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into cookies about 1/3 inch thick. Place the cookies on the lined baking sheets, leaving about 1/2 inch space between them. 5. Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. Transfer the cookies to cooling racks to cool to room temperature. Adapted from recipes by Dorie Greenspan and Smitten Kitchen
Key Lime Pot de Creme 2 1/4 cups whipping cream . 3 egg yolks . 2 whole eggs . 1/2 cup sugar . 1/4 cup key lime juice zest from three key limes 1. Preheat oven to 325° F. Heat cream over medium low heat until just below a simmer. Whisk together egg yolks, whole eggs, sugar, key lime juice and zest. Gradually pour the cream over the egg mixture, stirring constantly until all cream has been added. Skim off any foam off the surface of the custard. Ar r ange 6 custard cups in a baking pan with a 2-inch lip. Pour the custard into the cups evenly, and skim off any bubbles that occur. Meanwhile bring full tea kettle of water to a boil. 2. Set the baking pan on the open oven door and carefully pour boiling water around the cups, filling about halfway up the cups. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until custards jiggle just slightly in the center when moved. Remove cups from water bath and let cool to room temperature for 20 minutes, and then chill at least 2 hours before serving. Adapted from recipe by Anna Olson Sugar
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STARTING AN ART COLLECTION ........................................ By Margaret Cullum
The seemingly mysterious nature of the art world can be intimidating. But it only appears to be a private, invitation only club, where not knowing the difference between Picasso and Braque will get you laughed out the door. In many ways, it’s very accessible to young collectors starting out you just have to know where to begin. First things first... Educate yourself. You don’t have to know the difference between Picasso and Braque, but you do need to know what you like. Start by visiting your local art museum and galleries to become more aware of what’s out there. If you want professional guidance, Talley Dunn, owner of the Talley Dunn Gallery in Dallas, TX, recommends becoming a member of a museum aimed at young collectors. This gives you access to the experts: museum curators. These gurus of the art world will guide you through exhibitions, gallery shows, private homes – and artist studios. (They live for this stuff!) Remember, art is designed to be looked at. There’s no shame in browsing these venues before you intend to make a purchase, but having your new curator BFF with you definitely helps. When you are ready to take the leap and buy your first piece, they’ll know what you like almost as well as you do, make recommendations, and help you find something you love. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The gallery should be willing to work with you and should ask about your budget but if they don’t, tell them what you want to spend at the beginning. They typically keep the more affordable prints or photographs in the so-called “back room,” which is used for storing pieces that aren’t on view but still for sale. If you like the work of a particular artist, ask if they have any
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“The best advice I can give so
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omeone is buy what you love.”
additional pieces in the back room. And if you want to pay in installments—ask.This is a totally legitimate and frequently asked question! Most galleries will happily oblige.
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Buy what you love. As Jed Morse, the Curator of the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas,Texas, says, “[U]ltimately, when it gets down to collecting, the best advice I can give someone is buy what you love.” Determining an art work’s long-term value can be difficult. “The art market does tend to shift as popular interests shift,” says Morse, so buying what you like is essential. See it to believe it. Buying art online may seem like a good way to get a great deal, but seeing the work in person is much more important than many people realize. Don’t skip this step! It’s very difficult to capture texture and other fine details in a web image. Seeing a piece in person is really the only way to know its size and how it will actually function in your space. You’re inviting it to live with you – go meet it first!
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What else can SF do to have more people recognize it as a fashionable place? Adelle: I would say the city should just keep doing what it’s doing, and eventually the rest of the country will have to take notice.
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By Lisa Brawer
Trends, fads, icons, fashion, and the movies that capture it all. The first ever Fashion Film Festival debuted at San Francisco’s Roxie Theater April 7th and 8th, giving fashion mavens a chance to explore what it means to be stylish in cinema, and tell the story of how the silver screen inspires our culture and impacts our closets. We sat down with curators Adelle McElveen, Annie Wilson and Kimara Mitchell Stokes to get the scoop on these screenings, panels and events designed exclusively for fashion-minded cinephiles. How did you and the other gals come up with this concept? Annie: Kim & I had talked about reviving “Style Cinema” - a series of fashion films that were screened in a cafe. Then, Adelle came on board with a much bigger idea of turning this small series into a much larger film festival. What are you hoping to accomplish with this project? Adelle: I’ve been to various fashion shows and trunk shows in the city, but those are all things that speak to someone who has identified fashion as an interest. I wanted a fashion event in San Francisco that anybody could go to and feel a part of. Kim: Part of our passion is regarding film and to start the discussion about how important fashion is in filmmaking. It can become another character in the story, so much so that it inspires other forms of art or popular culture. Throughout history, film has represented and interpreted fashion as an industry, a concept, and a cultural form that unites. We want to admire, celebrate, and investigate fashion as a theme in movies.
Annie: I believe it’s stylish because we all march to our own beat and develop our own styles that aren’t in the mainstream. This place is all about individuality and shaking up the trends. If “other people” see that or not, it’s still there! What’s your current favorite fashion film? Adelle: God Save My Shoes is pretty rad. I love that someone finally examined the relationship between women and shoes! Kim: My favorite current fashion films are A Single Man and I Am Love. In the first, you really see how the main character uses fashion to define who he is, while in the latter you witness the transformation of Tilda Swinton’s character through her fashion choices.
Annie: I’ve been really enjoying the Edwardian-era styles seen on Downton Abbey on PBS. What films influenced your fashion sense as a kid? Adelle: I had zero fashion sense as a kid, but Clueless was the first film to influence me. After the movie came out I copied nearly the entire getup: pleated skirts, knee-high socks and patent leather Mary Janes. I even got a mini backpack that Christmas. Kim: Growing up in the 80s, most of my fashion influences came from the films of John Hughes, specifically The Breakfast Club and Some Kind of Wonderful. I likened myself to be a prep with a punk/vintage edge. Annie: Sixteen Candles, Heathers, 90210, Clueless
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SEARCHING FOR
HAWAII
BY KEANE LI I recently returned home with the ambition of finding “Hawaii” in Waikiki; local spots for local people where history and ono kine grindz (translation: really delicious local cuisine) converge. Certainly, between all the bright lights and designer boutiques, there had to be authentic displays of Hawaii’s rich history here. I looked for attractions, restaurants and bars that represent local life well, those that offer much but cost little. Beneath the towering luxury hotels, it was an adventure to find the lows amidst the many highs of Waikiki.
any individual, whether visiting from abroad or just thirty minutes away.
I started at the posh Hilton Hawaiian Village and wandered down Kalakaua, one of two main streets in Waikiki relevant to the traveler. Weaving back and forth between blocks and into hotels, I relied on my memory and a short list of stops to guide me. The result: a collection of unassuming destinations worthy of notice, elucidating the spirit of the islands to
Celebrating 19th-century Hawaiian culture, the King’s Hawaiian Village hosts the King’s Guard drill at 6:15 p.m. every day. Nearby, the King’s Guard Museum takes visitors through a free tour of the legacy of these noble guards.
While Waikiki features some of the most beautiful hotels in the world, it costs absolutely nothing to visit them. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is a notable stop, as the grounds contain free-roaming flamingos and South African penguins. Halekulani, with its beautiful pink architecture, and the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, the first hotel in Waikiki, are also worthy visits.
Duke Kahanamoku was the father of modern surfing, popular izing the spor t to the West. A statue commemorates his legacy on Kuhio Beach, his hands often filled with flower leis. Nearby, a restaurant by his name serves up overpriced tourist cuisine. If you must visit, skip it and head straight for their beachside bar. It’s still expensive, but at least you’re on the waterfront. In a darker age, it required a lengthy drive up to the North Shore to score some local garlic shrimp. Thank Pele that the Blue Water Shrimp and Fish folks set up shop in the ever-changing International Market Place. While this take-out spot offers the beloved dish, it’s really the macadamia nut-encrusted opakapaka (Hawaiian pink snapper) that steals the show.
“...unassuming destinations worthy of notice...” The Hyatt Regency parrots, located near the central waterfall, actually do repeat what you tell them. But what guests need to look forward to are the Fridays here, where dancers, musicians and ar tists come together to share the Hawaiian culture with a hands-on presentation. There are only several places on Oahu that really do shave ice right. Some are in the North Shore, while the others are hard to find unless you’re a local. Thankfully, the newish Ailana Shave Ice is open for business in the Waikiki Shopping Center. The Uji Kintoki is the ultimate experience, with sweet azuki beans, green tea syrup, condensed milk, mochi and a dollop of vanilla ice cream hidden inside. Arnold’s Beach Bar and Grill looks passable upon first glance, but given their excellent happy hour specials, it’s no surprise that it’s heavily populated by locals. After all, all those workers in Waikiki need to grab a drink someplace after five, right? Possibly one of the most under-appreciated destinations in Waikiki, the US Army Museum of Hawaii celebrates Hawaii’s long military history and charges no admission. An emphasis is placed on Pearl Harbor, of course, but the examination of the social effects between war with Japan for the local Japanese population is particularly poignant.
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R so.phis’ti.ca’tion
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n o t h a v in g to a ss em ble your furnit ure
3 2 3 6 E . O ly m p i c Blv d, L o s A n g e le s , CA 90 0 23 323.203.2372 w w w. m a d e ra h o m e f urniture.com
R WEB LOVE By Irene Stone
Happy, Happy Joyus
Joyus is a place where passionate online shoppers have come together to create a new kind of experience for their fashion-loving friends. Curators use video to help you discover new trends, shine the spotlight soon-to-be-favorite brands, and offer great deals on both high and low end finds.
Gifted Gift Givers Unite!
Sometimes the most brilliant ideas are the simplest, and Giftiki proves it. You and your friends pool your money and Giftiki creates a fund that the recipient can use to buy something they really, really want. Giftiki eliminates the mind-reading usually required when shopping for picky people, and you can be 100% positive the lucky recipient will be happy with their fabulous gift. Hlo Mantra # 158: One $400 gift is WAY better than 20 $20 gifts. Check it out online, or download their free app now.
Zafirenia: So hard to pronounce, so easy to love!
Fun, fanciful jewelry. Easy to rhapsodize about, hard to pull off. What’s whimsical is not always wearable, and playful pieces often have price tags that are anything but amusing. If you’re looking for unique and affordable jewelry to brighten up your wardrobe for summer check out Zafirenia! Necklaces, earrings and bracelets are designed by Zafirenia herself and use a mix of vintage brooches and flower pendants, pearls, glass, and gemstones to create a rainbow of jewels ranging from subtle to (almost) over the top. Her collection comes to us from Greece by way of Etsy, and most of her handmade works of wearable art sell for under $50.
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R ME
By Kate Record
DIGITAL DETOX
Your status updates have status updates. Constant Tweets have you feeling like Tippi Hedren from ‘The Birds.” Texts, emails, calls, and IM’s have started to invade your dreams. This modern day madness has to stop! If you can’t remember the last time you unplugged, it’s been too long. Ladies, give your gadgets and your psyche a chance to recharge.
SPLURGE Massage, facial, and detoxifying green tea body wr ap at your favorite spa. Can you say ‘ahhh’?
Guided horseback winetasting ride - take a breath, tip back a bottle, and toast to your fabulous life.
Eat, pray, and love during a weekend yogi-retreat. You’ll be more limber and relaxed than your old pal Gumby by Sunday’s end you might even write a book about it.
SAVVY SPENDING Spa ser vice for less. Snatch up a half-price voucher on a massage or wrap from deal sites livingsocial.com or groupon.com.
A wine tasting for two followed by a stroll through a vineyard. Napa Valley and Sonoma wineries often have specials listed in local papers, magazines, and on the web. Purchase a one-on-one yoga or pilates session from your favorite instructor, and perfect those proud warrior poses once and for all.
SAVE Invite a few friends over and have a pampering party. Take turns giving each other pedicures, massages, and homemade deep-conditioning hair treatments. Take a walk through the woods and explore a new trail -- afterwards, bust out a blanket and a bottle of bubbly and indulge in a perfect picnic lunch -- packed from home. Take advantage of your local gym’s group exercise room, and invite your besties to join you in a DIY yoga session. Download a podcast from iTunes, and salute the sun.
MOOD
BOOSTERS
It’s Summer! The sun is shining and the days are getting longer. Don’t be a Debbie-Downer – say farewell to your sour spirits and pump yourself up naturally with these easy ideas.
BEAT THE BLUES Blast some mood-boosting music – check out your fave bands concert, karaoke the night away with your buds, or let Pandora.com introduce you to some tasty new tunes.
BOOGIE DOWN Put on you hottest heels and hit up the gay clubs for a hassle-free night with your gal pals, take up swing dancing with a partner – or without! – or just Dance 3 on your Wii.
ENERGIZE WITH EXERCISE Sweat out stress during a spin class, cruise through the city on your bike, or just take a breezy walk through the park to increase those endorphins.
BE LIKE BETTY Crocker, that is – and bake up a storm. Take a cake-making class, break out your fave cookie recipe, or just pick up a box of brownie mix for a quick ‘homemade’ pick-me-up. Share the goodies with your girls, or surprise your dude with a lil suga.
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LIVING THE DREAM By Sasha Moyer
Leaving a steady career to follow your passion can seem a bit crazy – even moreso in this economy. But that’s exactly what Stephanie Shum did when she quit her job as an investment banker to start online interior decor haven, Muhs Home. Now, she curates a fabulous mix of minimalist, hand-crafted, ar tisan goods to charm even the most discerning clientele. We sat down with Stephanie to chat about her shop, that ‘AHA!’ moment and how she manages it all. How did you decide to start your own business? What inspired you? When was your “Aha!” moment? My then-boyfriend, now husband, started a new career in early 2010. I was so proud of and inspired by his passion and drive. His new career also meant seeing much less of each other. I wanted to figure out a career that would give me just as much joy as well as allow us to spend more time together. Opening my own shop seemed like a no-brainer. We love hearing what people did before starting their own business. What did you do before this? I was in investment banking for seven years, basically helping companies raise funding through the capital markets by figuring out the appropriate type and structure of securities for them to sell and matching them up with the right investors.
What’s your process for picking pieces for your store? My first sourcing trip was last year when I traveled across Japan and Europe, meeting with ar tisans in their workshops as well as visiting small neighborhood boutiques. I mostly look for what I would like in my own home, and then make sure it fits in with the shop’s criteria: goods that are simple, beautiful, useful and well made of natural materials. Describe your personal style for interiors and fashion. Start with well made classics as your base pieces (a great pair of jeans and a tailored sofa in Belgian linen) and pair with something that reflects more of your character (a bright mustard scarf and a gold accent pillow). What are your style mantras for furnishing a house? You build and create a home over time by slowly adding pieces you love and will cherish.If you want to incorporate trendy items, stick with small pieces like napkins and vases as opposed to duvet covers or wallpaper. What items in the shop do you have in your home? Probably more than expected for a new entrepreneur, but many were wedding gifts. Seriously, I’d buy the whole store if I could. Do you have any advice for other women out there who are looking to start their own business? Starting a business doesn’t mean just picking the fun tasks for yourself and then delegating; you should be ready to do all of it. The best thing is that it’s all yours!
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3 Yum ! CHEAP EATS through Michelin eyes By AJ Jimenez of Commis
VIKS Gum Kuo Oakland, CA I have to thank my Chef for showing me this early morning go-to spot… it’s perfect just before going wild at the Oakland Chinatown Farmers market. (Perhaps the best market in the bay…but we’ll talk about that another time). For a while, I didn’t even know the name of the place, I just kind of knew where it was and to look for the green awning. Jook, Chinese rice porridge, is the thing to order, either their chicken or pork jook with dark egg. And it’s just the thing to have when you’re hungover sick.
Vik’s Chaat House Berkeley, CA Vik’s is a deceptive place. Most people see it as kind of a big Indian cafeteria. What I see are street food carts taken indoors. Pretty much each dish on the menu comes from its own specialized station in the kitchen with its own cook. And whenever you have one station dedicated to a particular preparation, it tends to mean they make that particular item really well. Probably on the top of my list of cheap eats, you can have a seriously varied and delicious meal here for the cost of a super burrito at most places.
El Farolito South San Francisco, CA Of the seven El Farolito locations, this one is my favorite and is one of the best examples of South San Francisco’s secret culinary scene. The ones in San Francisco proper are primarily known as late night burrito joints. But this one brings me in with their awesome Tacos and Tortas. The key to the Torta here is that they actually grill the cheese to the bread, leaving it both melty and crispy. Pick carne asada if you want the purest expression of a torta, or go for the carnitas if you’re looking to fill that belly. Add an agua fresca to wash it down, and you’re good to go!
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R STREET CHIC
“Splurge on accesories because they’re timeless... it’s all about perfectly blending cheap and chic”
Brendan Camron, SF
Photographer Craig Lee
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