Sunday, February 28, 2010

Look of the Week: Kate Winslet


Kate Winslet attended the BAFTA Awards this past week in London in this gorgeous Stella McCartney ensemble.  With her Stella McCartney dress and shoes, she accessorized with Tiffany's jewelry.  And she looked ammmmaaaazing!!! The strategically placed sheer cutouts were very sexy yet still refined! Cant wait to see what you wear to the Oscars Kate!

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Saturday, February 27, 2010

La Descarga: The Sexy Havana Rum Bar in LA


When you enter through the non descript door on Western Avenue in Los Angeles you have no idea what is in store for you.  But rest assured, at La Descarga you are in good hands.  Fast forward to the trip up a narrow staircase into a lobby.  You are greeted by a hostess who walks you through an armoire to enter the two level bar.  La Descarga (meaning the after party in Spanish) transports you to a Pre-Fidel Cuba, complete with a cigar room, a live band, dancers and fabulous Rum cocktails.  The keen attention to detail takes form in its gorgeous decor, including weathered walls, antique light fixtures, wrought iron banisters, cigar boxes and an oak bar stocked full of Rum and other libations. 

The bar opened early this month (Feb 2) and has sold out nights ever since.  We say sold out because you must make reservations in order to get in.  Reservations can be made on their website: ladescargala.com They fill up fast so try and make them in advance.  Or you can always try showing up, well dressed and with a small party if you think you can get passed the doorman.

Le Descarga
1159 Western Ave., L.A.
323-466-1324

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Rachel Rosenthal's Tohubohu in Los Angeles: One of a Kind


The Rachel Rosenthal Company's 'Tohubohu' is quite an interesting and very novel show.  I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like it.  And that is the beauty of Rosenthal's performance technique.  Each show will be entirely different than the next.  So although I can tell you about my experience there, yours could be completely different.  While the show definitely took me out of my comfort zone, it was in such a good way.  Even in Los Angeles, it is tough to come across something that you have never seen before. But in this case, 'Tohubohu' is it.

The intimate theater, 'Espace Dbd' is lead by Rosenthal- who directs the actors into different situations to see what happens.  The name 'Tohubohu', loosely translated, means “collision or chaos” which Rosenthal describes as their process and technique.  No one knows what will happen before it actually occurs. And it's a safe bet that what you see will never happen again. “When it’s good, it’s sublime. And when it’s bad, it can be a painful experience. Much like human existence,” says Rosenthal in a naked assessment of the art form, “Sometimes you walk away scratching your head wondering what the hell you just watched. We embrace that sort of uncertainty and chaos which is counter to highly processed culture.” The show itself integrates movement, voice, choreography, improvisation, costuming, lighting, music and a variety of props/sets.

Each monthly performance, which started Feb 19th,  will span three nights during one weekend. All performances begin at 7:30 or 8:30pm. Tickets cost $20. Reservations are necessary to insure seats and can be made by calling 310-839-0661 or online via Brown Paper Tickets at www.rachelrosenthal.org.

Spring/Summer 2010 Schedule:
MAR 12th, 13th & 14th
APR 9th, 10th & 11th
MAY 7th, 8th & 9th
JUN 11th 12th & 13th

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS : at 8:30 PM
SUNDAYS: at 7:30PM

Location: 
Espace Dbd/The Rachel Rosenthal Company
2847 South Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
- cross street: Hargis Street
- street parking is available
- enter the building through the alley

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Delicious Recipe of the Week: Eggplant 'Pasta'

 Eggplant 'Pasta'
In honor of the Culturistas resolution to eat more veggies and less meat (after watching
Food Inc.) we decided to post this delicious recipe from Alton Brown on the Food Network. You almost wont believe the 'pasta' is really eggplant! This makes a perfect Meatless Monday meal! Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 2 medium-large eggplants
  • Kosher Salt, for purging the eggplant
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon chile flakes
  • 4 small tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 4 tablespoons basil chiffonade
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • Freshly ground pepper

Directions

Peel each eggplant leaving 1-inch of skin at the top and bottom unpeeled. Slice the eggplant thinly lengthwise, about 1/4-inch thick. Evenly coat each slice with the salt and purge on a sheet pan fitted with a rack for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water and roll in paper towels to dry. Slice the pieces into thin strips to resemble pasta.
In a large saute pan heat the oil. Add the garlic and chili flakes and toast. Add the eggplant "pasta" and toss to coat. Add the tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes. Add the cream and increase heat to thicken sauce. Finally add the basil and Parmesan and toss to combine. Season with pepper, no salt needed as the eggplant will have residual salt from the purge. Serve immediately.

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Sunday, February 21, 2010

Look of the Week: Nicole Richie


The recently engaged Nicole Richie attends the debut of her line 'Winter Kate's' Spring 2010 collection at Bloomingdales in NYC.  The name 'Winter Kate' comes from the middle names of her daughter Harlow.  She wore a white button down shirt with a black lace vest, denim cutoffs, black tights and Christian Louboutin suade booties.  Nicole's top is Isabel Marant, the vest is from her line Winter Kate and her shorts are Erin Wasson x RVCA.  Her outfit looks very fashion forward, edgy and chic at the same time.  The Culturistas can't wait to shop the line!

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Friday, February 19, 2010

Catherine Malandrino Los Angeles Sample Sale


Catherine Malandrino and Malandrino sample sale at TWO locations in LA this week/weekend! Check it out!

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Thursday, February 18, 2010

Style Profile: Rose Byrne


Rose Byrne is an Aussie actress, best known for her role in the TV series Damages and the movie Troy. She will be thrown further into the spotlight for her role in the upcoming movie "Get Him To The Greek."  Rose has incredible style as you can see through the photos below of some of our favorite outfits!

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Monday, February 15, 2010

Chanel Spring 2010: Spanish Fever

Baptiste Giabiconi and Freja Beha for Chanel spring 2010

Claudia Schiffer for Chanel spring 2010


Baptiste Giabiconi and Freja Beha for Chanel spring 2010

The Culturistas are loving the new Chanel ads for Spring 2010.  Karl Lagerfeld shot the campaign in Argentina, featuring models Claudia Schiffer, Baptiste Giabiconi and Freja Beha.  Who knew Gaucho hats could be so sexy- we might just have to get one ourselves!

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Sunday, February 14, 2010

Look of the Week: Whitney Port


Whitney Port wears a chic monochromatic grey outfit in NYC this past week.  Her silk trench goes perfectly with her drapey dress and suade boots. The Culturistas love this look!

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Friday, February 12, 2010

Alexander McQueen We Will Miss you!



With the tragic death of the ever so talented designer,  Lee Alexander McQueen, the Culturistas decided to memorialize him with our favorite looks of the year.  From the top right: Annalynne Mccorde, Camilla Belle, Sandra Bollock, Cameron Diaz, Emma Watson, Rachel McAdams and Camilla Belle. Plus two of our favorite clutches this year!

We will miss you and your gorgeous, fashion forward looks!

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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Spring 2010 Trends: Blumarine's Flirty Tie Dye and Color


Spring 2010 is all about prints!  We love floral, ikat, digital and any other print you can imagine.  But what we are really loving right is the tie-dye from Blumarines SS 10 collection.  From the flirty silhouettes and the models long wavy hair to the chunky platform ankle strap sandals and brown leather belts, we love it all.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010

LA Street Food Fest 2010


What:    LA Street Food Festival
Where:  LA Center Studios in Downtown (Enter on 500 S. Beaudry Ave, LA, CA 90017)
When:
Saturday, February 13th, 11am – 5pm
Admission:
General Admission available at the door for $5- which includes a free drink. plus pay as you go for tastings (CASH ONLY)

Forget having to track down your favorite food truck - at LA Street Food Fest you can grab food tastings from the most popular Food Trucks all in one spot!  Participants include: The Buttermilk Truck, Grilled Cheese Truck, Sweets Truck, Fresser’s, Frysmith, Slice Truck, Flying Pig, Fishlips, Komodo. Plus street food vendors from Boyle Height’s Breed Street scene including Rodolfo’s Barbacoa, Hello Lupe’s Pancakes, and Antojitos Carmen.  Each place will have tastings that range from $1 to $5.



The festival will also have fun extras like a Oh!Snap photo booth with street food themed scenes and props, live entertainment, donation based wine and beer bar with proceeds going to the LA Regional Food Bank, free bike valet, and a Valentines Day Marketplace for last minute gifts.

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Monday, February 8, 2010

Recipe of the Week: Lady Lay's Mexican Cabbage Cups


After a streak of ordering and eating out, I decided it was time to reignite my creativity in the kitchen. I'm also on somewhat of a health kick after the holidays and have been craving a healthy and delicious creation. While I admit I have limited technical skill and never studied at the Cordon Bleu I'm not afraid of trying new things in the kitchen. I took and a chance and it came out delicious, nutritious, and I can't wait to make it again! This is a "loose" recipe and ingredients and spices can be substituted if you please!

Cook time: 30 mins (including prep)

Servings: 8 cups

Ingredients:

1/2 a head of cabbage
1 can of black beans
1 cup of chopped white chicken breast
1/2 a cup of shredded cheese (your choice)
3 tablespoons of Ponzu Sauce
Pinch of Cumin
Pinch of Paprika
Pinch of Salt
Pinch of Garlic
Salsa
Olive Oil

Directions:

1. Pour the black beans in a mixing bowl and mash.
2. Put the spices and Ponzu Sauce once the beans are mashed.
3. Add the chicken and cheese.
4. Slice the cabbage so that it resembles a slaw.
5. Also be sure to have some pieces of cabbage that are in their original form and can be used as cups.
6. Then add the cabbage into the bowl and mix all together.
7. Put the olive oil in a pan and bring to heat.
8. Once hot, put 3 cups filled with the mixture in the pan.
9. Cover the cups with an additional piece of cabbage and flip once golden.
10. Make sure the other side is sufficiently seared and remove from heat. Do this until all the cups are prepared.

The cups are ready to eat! Serving them with salsa is strongly recommended. As Julia Child says...BON APPETIT!

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Channeling Alice in Wonderland



With the long awaited Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," Alice's girly and vintage look is popping up everywhere.  From bow headbands to vintage key or pocket watch necklaces to the tons of blue frilly dresses, you are sure to find something that screams Alice in stores this Spring.

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Sunday, February 7, 2010

Look of the Week: Kirsten Dunst



Kirsten Dunst made her way through LAX this weekend in a casual yet cool look.  She wore a pink silk tee with a black mini-skirt, black opaque tights, black suade booties, a long brown coat and floral scarf.  She looks effortlessly stylish and still pretty comfortable for a plane ride! Also loving her round sunglasses!

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Thursday, February 4, 2010

Misikko and Hana Salons donate to Haiti!


The CEO of Hana, in conjunction with Misikko, will send you a $25 personal check when you buy any of their products! He would like the recipient to send the check to Haiti or any other charity of your choice.  To buy a Hana Salon Professional Hair Straightener click on the picture above (Promotion ends February 10th) ! Read the CEO of Hana's letter below:

The promotion ends February 10th!

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Spring Couture Shows 2010: Part 2

 
Ellie Saab Spring Couture Collection 2010
Ellie Saab's Couture collection is anything but minimal- although his use of strictly nudes and pastelled fabric would suggest otherwise.  His ethereal, romantic gowns took center stage since the makeup/hair/jewelry were all natural and subdued.
  

Christian Dior Spring Couture Collection 2010
Dior's Couture collection went back to it's roots, when John Galliano got influence from the new look era.  His Gibsonesque and equestrian ladies bring a lot of sex appeal to this genre.  Galliano played with colors, fabrics and accessories bringing a fantastical feel to the show.


Givenchy Spring Couture Collection 2010
Givenchy's ruffles, feathers and lace, while nothing new, are still highly coveted this season.  Riccardo Tisci found influence in the glamorous 1970's.


Valentino Couture Collection 2010
While the new designers of ValentinoMaria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, are not designing in the same vein as Mr. Valentino, they are still producing interesting and aesthetically pleasing collections.  For one, we NEED to have a pair of their strappy/tied-up tights pronto.

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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Spring Couture Shows 2010: Part 1


Chanel Couture Show 2010

Karl Lagerfeld's gorgeous Chanel Collection, made up of silver and pastels, is a mix of romanticism and the space age.   But don't call it Futurism, "I hate that," Lagerfeld shot back. "I don't believe in avant-garde clothes for a future that will never happen. Fashion is always now." This is also the first time he has designed a collection with no black or navy, AND not one gold button.


Armani Prive Couture 2010 Show

The Armani Prive show was all about the moon and it's curving forms.  The lunar references, Georgio Armani pointed out, were poured into luminescent fabrics, curviform cutting, embroideries made to look like the craters of the moon, crescent jewelry, and a crescent-shaped updo for the hair.


Alexis Mabille Couture Show 2010

 The young designer, Alexis Mabille, took Cubist and Suprematist art as inspiration for his Couture collection.  From color blocking to geometric shapes, the collection was full of interesting moments, especially the bi-colored hair.

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Monday, February 1, 2010

Look of the Week: THE JONAS BROTHERS



The Jonas Brothers stole hearts on the red carpet at the 2010 Grammys in Los Angeles this past Sunday. In Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Lanvin suits, the boys look polished and super suave. Both Joe and Kevin accessorized with David Yurman jewelery. Rock on boys!

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