NEWS AND NOTES

NEWS NOTES

LOCAL LABEL

Rodarte’s fashionable ties to Pasadena.

Any fashionista or red carpet watcher is familiar with Rodarte—the label that’s been worn by famous faces like Kirsten Dunst, Natalie Portman, and Michelle Obama, and is stocked globally by the world’s premier retailers, including Moda Operandi, Net-a-Porter, and Neiman Marcus. However, you may not be aware of the brand’s Pasadena connection.

RODARTE was founded in 2005 by sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy after they returned home to Los Angeles following college. Since then, the Pasadena–based Kate and Laura have expanded their vision into multiple artistic endeavors, including costume design, writing, and directing, and launching Radarte, a T-shirt and casual wear collection designed for every day that pays homage to their laid-back California upbringing.

But while the sisters may mix and mingle with the Hollywood elite, they haven’t forgotten their Pasadena roots. In 2019, Rodarte’s fall fashion show took place at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in nearby San Marino, the same locale that inspired their spring 2007 collection.

Recently, Rodarte showcased their spring 2022 collection (shown here), which was inspired by movement and the open landscape of the desert. From $500; shoprodarte.com

SMART SIPS

> It’s time to swap the single-use plastic for a smarter solution. Path reusable water bottles can be infinitely refilled and recycled so you can fuel your body while helping break the world’s addiction to single use. Made from durable aluminum in the U.S., the BPA-free, lightweight aluminum bottle is 100% recyclable and designed with a wide mouth opening for easy refilling. Path comes in three options: Still, pure reverse osmosis filtered water; Sparkling, delicately carbonated with added electrolytes; and Alkaline, featuring a pH of 9.5+ with specialty electrolytes. $3/bottle or $19/9 bottles; drinkpathwater.com —S.S.

LIVE WELL

> Found along shelves at Anthropologie, J.Crew, Madewell, Neiman Marcus, and Ojai Valley Inn, Bodewell Living’s fragrant candles are inspired by L.A.-based founder E e Tanji’s memories—from her childhood in rural Pennsylvania to summers in Greece. Rooted in an eco-conscious and philanthropic ethos, the candles are made with all-natural soy wax, lead-free cotton wicks, and dynamic synthetic fragrances— free of phthalates and synthetic musks.

Bodewell Living recently released its Pastel Collection to raise money for the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The collection includes five dynamic scents—Tender, Noble, Radiant, Human, and Bold— that represent positivity and hope for humankind and are intended to push us forward, give us strength, and remind us to see the good in others. From $42; bodewellliving.com —SARA SMOLA

BOOK READING AT VROMAN’S

> On March 8 at 6 p.m., literary landmark Vroman’s Bookstore will host Caroline Frost (below), author of the newly released novel Shadows of Pecan Hollow for a reading and Q&A session.

Originally begun as a screenplay, Pasadena resident Frost decided instead to explore the story more in depth for her own personal pleasure—not publication.“When my daughter was 6 months old, I got this huge burst of energy and a powerful urge to leave her something when I’m gone, something that I made,” explains Frost. “So, I went to work during naps and feedings and in the middle of the night until I had something I could send to an agent.”

What became Frost’s debut novel is a Texas-backroads thriller that tells a gritty but tender story about a fierce woman and the partner in crime she can’t escape. If you’re a fan of Where the Crawdads Sing or Valentine, this is the book to pick up next. $30/ticket (includes book); vromansbookstore.com —S.S.

BEST BROWS

> Put down the tweezers and finally achieve the brows you wish you were born with. In September 2021, certified microblading technician Selena Dailey opened LA MicroBrow in Pasadena’s Burlington Arcade and has quickly become a go-to destination for those seeking natural, full-figured eyebrows that can last up to two years. Microblading, a semi-permanent enhancement that gently fades over time, mimics an eyebrow hair through small incisions made with a microblade.

Nervous about going under the blade? No need— Dailey numbs the area for a pain-free procedure and uses top-quality disposable microblades to keep everything sanitary and safe. From $600; lamicrobrow.com —S.S.

SUSTAINABLE SNACKING

> California-based Sun & Swell makes delicious and sustainable snacks that are better for people and the planet—over 75% of products come in compostable packaging and the family-owned company o ers eco-friendly, carbon-neutral shipping. Sun & Swell makes everything with organic, plant-based ingredients that are free from added sugars, preservatives, and flavors, and prioritizes sourcing from U.S. farms, close to home.

For the ultimate guilt-free indulgence, Sun & Swell’s Energy Bites are perfect for any snacking occasion. Eat them as a pre-workout snack, breakfast in a pinch, while hiking Eaton Canyon, or as an afternoon treat. Crave-worthy flavors include Apple Pie, Fudge Brownie, and Oatmeal Cacao Chip. $14; sunandswellfoods.com —S.S.

SHOP SMALL

> Inspired by the intention of creating something meaningful to impact society in a positive way, Burbank resident Lisa Allen founded Good Spark, an ethical online marketplace that bridges the gap between handmade creativity and consumerism. The brand o ers small-batch, sustainably sourced goods handmade by independent brands in the U.S.

For a chic, eco-friendly storage solution for farmers market produce, books, toys, odds and ends, and everything in between, Good Spark stocks Creative Sacs, handmade in Los Angeles from a consciously sourced textile fabric of blended recycled polyester felts and lightweight virgin pulp fibers created through cultivation, not deforestation, so your space can look good while you do good. From $24; goodsparkshop.com —S.S.