chelsea levy

What your handbag says about you

chelsealevy — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 21:57:59 +0000

I know I haven’t posted in a while – all my free writing time has been dedicated to my Examiner page! However, yesterday my dad passed along a great article to me that he came across in BusinessWeek – about handbags nonetheless!

The journalist got together celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe; Kate Schelter, a stylist and brand consultant; International Best-Dressed List Hall of Fame honoree Amy Fine Collins; and handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff (my favorite)! The knowledgeable panel analyzes ten different types of bags and what they say about the lady carrying it.

Interestingly enough, two of the bags they included are ones that I own! A Longchamp classic tote and a Rebecca Minkoff crossbody clutch. According to the article, this means that I am both a “Party Girl” and an “Eternal Prepster.” makes sense since I use the Longchamp for work (its practical and can carry everything I need at once) and the Minkoff for going out nights and weekends (I like to work hard AND play hard).

What does your bag say about you?

My newest painting!

chelsealevy — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 02:42:47 +0000

‘Glee!’ Some inside scoop from the show’s costume designer

chelsealevy — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 23:02:14 +0000

Recently, I had the fabulous opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the set of “Glee,” right here in West LA. The tour was exciting and eye-opening as we took a look at Rachel’s bedroom, Mr. Schuster’s apartment and McKinley High (the choir room, the teacher’s lounge, the cafeteria, Sue’s office, and so much more). Following the tour, a panel comprised of Glee’s art director, set decorator, and costume designer answered all our questions. Obviously, the most fashion-focused information came from Lou Eyrich, Glee’s talented costume designer.

Eyrich previously created looks for the movie “Running With Scissors” and the TV show “Nip/Tuck,” before landing her position at “Glee,” which just won her a Costume Designers Guild award. With “Glee,” Eyrich’s biggest challenge is making a bunch of 20-something year olds look like high school students. Her favorite characters to dress are Kurt and Emma. Emma’s style is closest to hers and she loves shopping at vintage places, like American Vintage on Melrose, to get all of Emma’s pins as well as pieces for Tina’s victorian-punk style. She also frequents shops like Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters, places any other midwestern teen would shop. Eyrich loves dressing Kurt becuase he will wear literally anything and never repeats an outfit. When asked how Kurt affords Marc Jacobs, Eyrich answered, “He uses RueLaLa!”

Dressing like your favorite Glee character is simple and affordable. Whether you admire Rachel’s plaid skirts and knee-highs, Merecedes’ gold jewelry and neon sneakers, or Kurt’s bowties and cuffed pants, embrace your inner Gleek and get shopping!

Some of the best, and most affordable, designer collaborations

chelsealevy — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 03:33:25 +0000

(Another article from my Examiner blog!)

What’s not to love about scoring items from your favorite designers at a discount price? Designer collaborations bring the trendiest and drool worthy designs to America’s mainstream retailers, allowing all non-actresses, models, heiresses and socialites to indulge in a little taste of high end fashion.

Hawks by Geren Ford for Urban Outfitters launched in 2008 and the 2010 collection has been available since this summer. Hawks takes Urban’s vintage/hipster vibe and adds a whimsical, feminine touch, featuring draped dresses, skirts and tanks in minimalist hues (think navy, gray, and dark pink). LA-based Geren Ford (aka Geren Lockhart) is known for her sophisticated, flattering silhouettes and the Hawks line definitely embodies Geren’s style and look. Be sure to go in and try on the Seamed Puff Skirt ($68) and Godet Dress ($78), two excellent and affordable classic editions to any fashionista’s wardrobe, and keep an eye on Urban Outfitters for more of the ongoing Hawks line.

This fall, it’s all about bedazzled minis and metallic accessories. So what could be more perfect than a pair of sequined Keds by Alice + Olivia? Even though this collaboration was announced way back in February of this year, these awesome kicks are still available online at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Alice + Olivia. Priced at $88 and available in black, silver, pale pink, and gold, these snazzy sneaks are to die for – and a trendy alternative to the glittery Toms that everyone has.

An article on designer collabs wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the latest and greatest partnership that has fashion bloggers, editors, and stylists squealing with hysterical delight: Lanvin for H&M. This highly anticipated 80-piece collection by Mr. Elbaz launches November 20, and according to the LA Times, “may be the best designer fast-fashion collection yet.” Key pieces include ruffled-one shouldered cocktail dresses (the grape-color is fabulous), a tulle-skirted dress collared in mesh, a bright pink chandelier necklace, and patent pumps with ribbon ankle ties. H&M always has successful collaborations – think Jimmy Choo and Viktor and Rolf – so this partnership with Lavin will no doubt be hugely successful.

What’s next in the fashion collaboration world? Target, the queen of designer alliances, will be celebrating the 5th anniversary of their famous GO International lines. The retailer will re-launch 34 dresses from 17 of their past designers: Zac Posen, Tucker, Rodarte, Thakoon, Proenza Schouler, Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, Paul & Joe, Behnaz Sarafpour, Libertine, Alice Temperley, Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, and Tracy Feith. What a list! The collection will be available in-store and online March 13, 2011 through April 10, 2011.

All these lines are available/will be available either online and/or at the retailers LA locations for all price-sensitive high-fashion lovers!

I’m the newest Examiner!

chelsealevy — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 20:57:48 +0000

I’ve recently gone live as the West LA Fashion Examiner at Examiner.com/LosAngeles. Stay tuned for my articles! I will also post them on my blog!

Get a head start on next year’s Halloween costume: a 3-stop shopping guide

chelsealevy — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 21:07:00 +0000

The pumpkins have been carved, the candy eaten, and the ghost stories told. Halloween 2010 may be over but it’s never too soon to start planning for next year. For the dedicated, non-procrastinators among you, here is a simple, fool-proof 3-stop guide to pulling together a prize worthy and ultra-fashionable costume for next year’s Halloween… or next week’s costume party!

First stop, Melrose Avenue between Fairfax and La Brea. Home to dozens of boutiques, vintage shops, and funky specialty shops, finding a costume on Melrose is a piece of cake. To avoid getting sidetracked, target three places. American Vintage (actually split up into two locations a couple blocks from each other: 7377 Melrose Ave and 7575 Melrose Ave) is a treasure chest of costumes. From traditional vintage wear (think Mad Men-esque 60s frocks, bell bottom jeans, and flapper dresses) to gently used pieces (marching band jackets and tutus), American Vintage is a Halloween costume shopper’s heaven. Items pictured below like the Cha Cha dancer dress guarantee that your Halloween look will be one-of-a-kind.

Also on Melrose, be sure to stop by the SLOW (7474 Melrose Ave), a vintage spot with all your sequin-dress and cowboy boot needs. And to stock up on any neon headbands or v-neck Ts, there is an American Apparel conveniently located just down the street (7726 Melrose Ave).

Next stop, the Goodwill on Beverly (7919 Beverly Blvd). Unlike some Goodwills, this one is huge, clean, and organized. They even have fitting rooms with mirrors! Sift through their stuffed racks to find 80s jackets with shoulder pads, prom dresses, tennis outfits, and more. The price points are beyond affordable and you are supporting a good cause. Swing by the accessories on your way out – their belt selection is prime.

Last stop on this whirl wind tour is the Beverly Center, specifically For Love 21, Forever 21’s accessories only store on the 7^th floor (8500 Beverly Blvd). Separate from the massive Forever 21 apparel store, For Love 21 is stocked with sickeningly affordable shoes, bags, jewelry, hats, and tights. This is the perfect place to fully accessorize the costume you picked up on Melrose or at Goodwill. Add some statement rings, pearls, fishnets, or headbands to make those finishing touches.

In three quick shopping stops, a costume can be created in preparation for next year’s trick-or-treating, parties and visiting haunted attractions. Take note of these store locations – all these shops can be visited regularly when shopping for vintage items, everyday affordable accessories, and unique trends.

Happy Halloween!

Alice + Olivia RTW Spring 2011

chelsealevy — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 01:37:22 +0000

I realized today that I have yet to post about Alice + Olivia on my blog. And being as A+O is one of my all time favorite labels, I would now like to pay a much deserved tribute to Stacey Bendet’s Spring 2011 line.

The spring RTW collection is fabulous, just like all the collections before it. Party dresses, jackets, and tops all printed or embellished in metallics, sparkles, ruffles and vivid patterns. Add to that some fabulous footwear and some crazy colored nails and you have a girly, funky, unique collection.

I have included some of the highlights and my favorites below. The cream, strapless dress with a sequin bodice is to die for as well as the bright turquoise platform sandals. One day, when I can afford it, I will be mixing and matching A+O’s pieces all over the place

Rock Sugar

chelsealevy — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 02:15:26 +0000

I went to Rock Sugar with my co-workers for LA Dining week last week. The restaurant itself is quite impressive – its huge and decorated immaculately with high ceilings, candles, waterfalls, and Asian artwork. It’s definitely a destination restaurant.

I ordered off the fixed menu – $16 for a 3-course lunch (the Dine LA special). I had chicken satay, flat noodles with vegetables, and warm coconut donuts. The chicken satay was amazing… I am a huge fan of peanut sauce and I literally licked the saucer clean when I was done with the chicken. The veggies and noodles were decent – several of my co-workers ordered the Thai Basil Cashew chicken which was very delicious and more so than my entree. The donuts were huge and you got two! They were fabulous, warm, and moist.

Also – the crackers and dip that are served before the meal are sooooo good. They are white and spongy with black seeds and are complimented with a red, spicy sauce. Yum.
Overall, great experience – not sure if I would dine here regularly because it is on the pricier side, but definitely a great place to try once!

Blog Action Day 2010

chelsealevy — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:11:29 +0000

I’m so excited to be participating in this year’s Blog Action Day among thousands of other bloggers! Blog Action Day is an annual event held every October 15 that unites the world’s bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day with the aim of sparking a global discussion and driving collective action. This year’s the focus is on water issues around the world – today I will talking a little bit about Garbage Island.

Also known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch or the Pacific Trash Vortex, Garbage Island is a mass of litter and garbage in the central North Pacific Ocean. It is apparently roughly the size of the state of Texas (other reports have noted it is much bigger). A set of four currents in the northern Pacific Ocean creates a clockwise vortex known as the North Pacific Gyre, which encompasses 10 million square miles and ultimately brings all this garbage together into a mass of floating waste.

According to a San Francisco Chronicle article from 2007, the patch “consists of 80 percent plastics and weighs some 3.5 million tons, floats where few people ever travel, in a no-man’s land between San Francisco and Hawaii. The patch has been growing, along with ocean debris worldwide, tenfold every decade since the 1950s. Ocean current patterns may keep the flotsam stashed in a part of the world few will ever see, but the majority of its content is generated onshore.”

This debris is hurting the water and the animals who call it home. Fish, birds, seas turtles and other water creatures are digesting the plastic and waste. A Greenpeace report from a few years ago found that at least 267 marine species had suffered from some kind of ingestion or entanglement with marine debris.

Since the “island” is so massive, cleaning it up almost isn’t an option. Instead, limiting the waste we produce onshore is one of the only ways we can help it from becoming a bigger problem. We can limit our use of plastic (bags, bottles, etc) and make sure our trash is placed in the appropriate receptacles.

This floating garbage patch is yet another man-made island, yet one that we didn’t intentionally make, one that’s not up for sale, and one that no can take of the market. Please, please, please be aware of your waste and recycle habits. Garbage Island is far enough off shore right now for us to pretend it doesn’t exist, but at the rate its growing we will one day have to face it at our front doors. Take action!

Some quick facts courtesy of Blog Action Day:
- Death and disease caused by polluted coastal waters costs the global economy $12.8 billion a year.
- In one year, three times as much rubbish is dumped into the world’s oceans as the weight of fish caught.
- A single quart of motor oil can contaminate up to 2 million gallons of drinking water.