I was thrilled when HSN asked me to participate in its upcoming LA Event. My career as a fashion designer began in the garage of my Calabasas home, a stones throw from the Kardashian’s (I kid you not). I’ve posted pics of the house on my fan page so you can see what it looks like when Paris is mixed in with the easy, outdoor LA lifestyle.
Like all the places I’ve lived, LA contributed to my sense of style and color, both evident in my August collection. LA is a “lifestyle,” and while its weather is beautiful year round, it really does have four seasons. Easy “seasonless fabrications” are the most popular and layers of soft, comfy, unstructured flowing tops, skinny pants and leggings are “de rigueur”. Unexpected asymmetry and clever details are part of the city’s architecture and style, and they’re part of the special group I’m bringing to HSN for the LA Event.
In the meantime, I wanted to share my list of must see/must do hidden treasures near the home where this wild and wonderful adventure started!
The Lake Shrine Temple, 10 acres of gardens surrounding a beautiful lake, is nestled in the Pacific Palisades overlooking Malibu. A true sanctuary for the mind and spirit and an inspiration of color and light, it features structures honoring the five great religions of the world. http://www.lakeshrine.org
I love Topanga Canyon, kind of an aging hippy hang-out and community, more reminiscent of the 60’s than almost anywhere in LA and a great place for to stimulate my imagination. I discovered one of the best vintage clothing stores ever on my way home one day. It’s called Hidden Treasures and that’s just what it is.
http://www.facebook.com/hiddentreasurestopanga
After foraging around Hidden Treasures, stop at one of my families favorite restaurants, called Froggy’s Topanga Fish Market. It’s a throw back to the sixties with an eclectic and interesting menu and clientele.
www.froggystopanga.com
Topanga Canyon also is home to the famous Inn of The Seventh Ray. I’m not a crunchy granola kind of gal, but its healthy menu is as wonderful as the ambiance, possibly the most romantic in LA. www.innoftheseventhray.com
Saddle Peak Lodge, nestled in Malibu Canyon, is one of the coziest spots anywhere! It feels like a European hunting lodge, with a pricey but worthevery-penny-menu of game, meat and fish with contemporary twists. A favorite of mine for special
occasions. www.saddlepeaklodge.com
I love The Malibu Country Mart for shopping and Taverna Tony (in the Mart) for great Greek food. Enjoy killer Margaritas and appetizers (enough for a meal) while sitting under bougainvillea next to celebs and the beautiful people! Definitely not on my diet but ALWAYS on my list of things to do when I am in LA. www.tavernatony.com
Location is everything, particularly in Southern California, and Geoffrey’s Malibu couldn’t be any better situated. There isn’t a bad view in the place and the drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to get there is spectacular. The food and the people watching are great and the combination of stark white walls, bright flowers and sparkling sea are inspirational. I also adore the casual elegance of the diners. www.geoffreysmalibu.com
Just like the arrondissements of Paris, each of LA’s neighborhoods and communities has its own distinct flavor and things to taste, see and experience. I hope you can visit some of my favorite spots that contribute to LA Style.