Get it Right, Get it Tight(s)

Tights $5.80

Jumpsuit $27.80

Me and my signature drink at Isla

Fall/Winter is a great time for fashion.  One trend that I always wanted to try but never had the guts to do  was colored tights.  Opaque or textured tights can make an LBD pop, or spice up any outfit, so I finally decided to give it a try.  I payed a visit to every girl's favorite store,  Forever 21 to pick out some tights and of course I also found a few other items that I didn't need (don't we all?).  I found these maroon textured tights ($5.80) that I fell in love with, but felt I didn't own anything that would do them justice. Now I must say if you have hips, legs, butt, or any combination of the three then one size does not fit all!  I'm a healthy chick and I had to stretch these bad boys out before it could fit half way up my leg! It all worked  out so I was pleased. I browsed around and found these cute taupe colored short jumpsuit ($27.80).  It was perfect for fall with the tights, and great for summer paired with some bad ass sandals! Then I needed some accessories. Simple gold hoops ($1.50) and a bangin' necklace($7.80) did the trick.  My whole outfit was  under $50! Now you can't beat that with a stick!  What's your favorite fall trend??

Artisanal LA Part Duex

Spicy Pickled Garlic Smoked Olives $14

Butter Pie $25

Crab Roll $9

  Boy oh boy if you weren't in Downtown L.A last weekend you really missed out!  So many shows so little time! Artisanal LA, Unique LA, and A Current Affair, were just a few of the fab shows that took place over the weekend.  Chestnuts roasting on an open fire (literally), and all things food inspired were the highlight of the second installment of Artisanal LA.  My first stop was Artisanal LA, truly a food lovers dream, I was in Foodie Heaven! Crust was my first stop where I sampled owner Stephanie's Missouri Butter Pie (yes I said BUTTER pie), and cracker brittle, so good.  I then moved on to Orgasmo de la Boca which had some awesome smoked olives.  I've never heard of such a thing, in fact I don't even like olives, but this was truly the best olive that I've ever had!  This hickory smoked olive was a tasty treat and I'm glad I gave it a try.  Cold Brew and Cola was next on my list, if you enjoy coffee and a quick boost of caffine then this is the drink for you! 

Couch Mix $11

This mix of Mexican Coca-Cola and cold brewed coffee ice cubes was quite refreshing, it really helped me wash down all that goodness I was eating. If you're a coffee lover it's definitely a must.  To my pleasant surprise The Hungry Nomad and The Lobsta Truck there, now these are two amazing food trucks! Now The Lobsta Truck did not disappoint, the menu is simple, lump crab or lobster meat on a toasted roll with mayo or butter. I was in seafood paradise!  I chose the crab roll and of course I had it with rich creamy drawn butter!  It was a great sandwich, would've been even better if there was no shells in it, they get a pass because it was just that good!  But the crème de la crème of the event was Cast Iron Gourmet.  Owner Rashida Purifoy has me over here feenin' like a crackhead over this couch mix. Couch mix is trail mix with carmalized bacon, and it's G-double-O-D Good! Bacon chutney and Bacon Fat Pimento Spread, are her newest creations and I swear it's the best thing since sliced bread, and when you mix

MNKR Screen Tee $20

the two together? Don't even get me started!  It is a definite must try! So to work off all this goodness I walked over to

The California Market Center to Unique LA . This show was huge, so many unique items to see, and many eclectic and interesting pieces. I saw a couple of old faces like p.o.p candy and made some new friends like MNKR they had some cool screen T's, I love the one I bought. So many cool giftideas, I can't wait to see the next show in May 2011. My day unfortunately had to end, I had to catch the train home, it was getting dark and you know what Downtown looks like at night, folks start settin' up shop! I will definitely keep ya posted, on the next event, Ciao! 

Artisinal LA Holiday Pop-Up Shop

Just a reminder that Artisinal LA is this weekend! Don't miss out, this was a great event and kid friendly too so bring the fam!  Also the 3rd Annual Unique LA is happening simultaneously at California Market Center's Penthouse just down the way.  I know where I'll be this weekend eating and shopping!  Enjoy a few pics of the last Artisinal LA event, hope to see you there!

 

Artisanal LA 
851 Santee Street
Downtown LA 90015
Sat & Sun Dec. 11th and 12th 11am-6pm both days

$6 Entry Cash at the Door

Unique LA
California Market Center’s Penthouse 110 E 9th St
Dec 11th & 12th 2010, 11am – 6pm both days
$10 at the door  (kids 12 and under are free)

*Added Bonus: If you show your Unique LA wristband you save $1 off admission to Artisinal LA and if you show Artisnal LA wristband to Unique LA you get 2-for-1 admission! Score! Sounds like a win/win situation!

The Corner Store

As we all know I ♥ food, so one of my friend's decided put me up on game on this new Cuban restaurant in the Valley.  I'm Gordita, I know but I absolutely love Cuban food so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to satisfy my belly and get some great food. El Rincon Cubano is a hidden gem (literally) in Valley Village.  I pulled up to this seedy strip mall with a liquor store on the corner and needless to say I wasn't too enthused to eat anything in this local joint.  Nonetheless I proceeded, it took a few minutes to find because the restaurant is literally in the corner, hidden to public view.  I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in to a cute Cuban inspired Mom and Pop shop and to my surprise it was very clean.  You know when you go in those older Mom and Pop shops, and it looks a little dingy, but still has a grade A on the window, but you still eat it the food because it soooo good? Looked like the roaches haven't made their home yet so marched on in. It was a delightful place and much  bigger than it looks on the outside.  Since I was in a new place I decided to try a new dish.  I usually get Pollo Asado (roasted chicken with garlic and onions), but I chose a pork dish instead, the waitress recommended it so I said, "What the Hay?"  As I waited for my order, a nice basket of bread was presented to me. If you've never had Cuban bread then you're really missing out.  Cuban bread is flaky, buttery, and just melts in your mouth. Even though I dined alone I had a refill on my basket but Shhhhh!  Don't Tell Nobody!  So on to the entree, my pork chops came and looked really good.  Mind you I haven't had pork chops in years so I was a little apprehensive about trying ones from another country.  Pork chops weren't bad but wish I would've stuck with my chicken dish. Everything else was really good.  I'm not a huge bean fan but the black beans were delicious, plantains are always good, I always order an extra helping of plantains!  The best thing was that I got this meal all for $6.99!!!  El Rincon Cubano has a daily special everyday of the week.  I'll make sure to make this one of my Cuban spots anytime I need a quick fix.

EL RINCON CUBANO RESTAURANT

5424 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
Valley Village, CA 91607
(818) 763-6272