When you talk about shopping in LA, it’s pretty much sacreligious not to mention the city’s staple specialty, MADISON.  We stopped by their flagship on 3rd street a couple days ago to check out some new SPRING merchandise…all the S/S 2012 collections are in full bloom!

So unless you live under a rock, you can tell that NAUTICAL is going to be a HUGE trend for spring – we are loving the UNEVEN HEM maxi by ELIZABETH & JAMES, and SPLENDID made some super cute STRIPES that are not only HOT ITEMS, but so comfortable. Also, BOHO is back (don’t think it ever goes away in LA). It’s fresh this time around with less concentration on florals and more focused on vintage-inspired textiles like CROCHET & VELVET. Possibly one of the most versatile spring trends, OPEN WEAVE KNITS are items that can work for everyone. We LOVE the PASTEL short sleeve by SPLENDID, the DRAPED CARDIGAN by 12th STREET CYNTHIA VINCENT, and the COLD SHOULDER by one of our favorites, HELMUT LANG. Always being a step ahead on WHAT’S HOT, MADISON will forever be our home for everything fabulous. Oh, and their collection of basics (i.e. T by ALEXANDER WANG, EQUIPTMENT, NATION) doesn’t suck either

Check out all of their 6 locations, each one is so unique to it’s own space…and SHOP online!

“I don’t do fashion, I am fashion,” a famous quote by Coco Chanel is printed on the mirror right outside the dressing rooms – the perfect place where fashionistas, who come to shop here, are inspired.  This mantra immediately sets the tone for the type of shopping experience you are about to have.   

TIMELESS, with two stores on Melrose and one in Studio City, is our go-to place for the HOTTEST items of the moment.  No matter what kind of budget you’re on, this chic boutique has something for everyone.  While most stores on Melrose carry the same merchandise packed together from wall-to-wall, TIMELESS easily separates themselves from the herd.  They pride themselves on carrying a uniquely curated selection from local designers such as Z. HOVAK, COCO DE COEUR, MY VL and SEE YOU MONDAY.  On this trip, we saw these amazing red and navy STAR PRINT leggings, a NORDIC tank with a CORAL iconic Chanel logo, an UNEVEN HEM tank with DOTS and a boho OMBRE FRINGE top with peace sign…all completely on-trend and affordable!  We LOVE this spot because, even though, their collection is trendy, the items will never go out of style…they are TIMELESS. 

Visit their website http://timelessboutique.blogspot.com/ for more information…or stop by one of the three locations to get your shop on!

With SPRING just around the corner, we needed a taste of brightness and decided to visit the happiest place on earth (no, not Disneyland).  Honestly, if you’re ever in need of a pick-me-up, just walk through the doors of JOYRICH and you will experience an immediate sensory overload – the good kind.  The store itself is a sight to be seen with Barbies and Trolls lining the shelves. The accessories are to die for…like the crystal encrusted Rolling Stones phone, lucite backpacks, and exclusive bags designed in collaboration with LeSPORTSAC.  The private label collection can’t even be defined in words, but in an attempt to try, let’s call it NEON & FLORAL EXPLOSIONS, BRIGHT LEATHERS, and PLAYFUL PRINTS.  With both men’s and women’s items, the JOYRICH collection stands out in any crowd.  They do carry some fabulous funky designers such as UNIF, JEREMY SCOTT & GERLAN JEANS that are housed (literally) in a tiny plexiglass room in the center of the store.  It’s truly an experience and bottom line…we’re OBSESSED!

Insider Info:  They’re opening up another store across the street on Melrose, which will carry all outside brands.  JOYRICH private label will stay at the current candyland location.

PHOTOS: LiveLoveShopLA

ARTISAN HOUSE is now open in downtown Los Angeles, and FINALLY, here is another foodie oasis that can rival Bottega Louie ANY day!  OK, so maybe it’s not AS large or as GRAND, and FOR SURE, it’s not even “French” in looks or feel,  BUT…it’s a divine option that damn near exceeds any expectation!

On first glance, it’s a “wine country market” vibe with wood plank floors and a bar that is the main attraction. This place is perfect for conversation where Louie is so loud it’s almost impossible to hear the waiter read the daily specials.

Since Sunday brunch was the fare, we started with the House Bloody Mary which is thick and creamy, with just the right blend of organic spices.  Someone shouted, “It’s a smoothie,” while others concluded it was similar to a savory gazpacho.

Next was the Tuna Tartare (with pistachios) which was whipped up tableside.  Delectable!  The flatbreads were other excellent choices as were the sumptuous sandwiches, including the famous Croque Madame.  All in all, we welcome this newcomer to the ever changing restaurant scene.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARTISANHOUSE.NET

SHOP the WILDFOX Daisy Denim Bikini right now @ KITSON online

Last week we did a little shopping by the beach…it was 78 degrees in January (we LOVE LA!).  First stop was the PLANET BLUE store on Main Street.  As usual, we were welcomed with open arms and started shooting right away.  Barely two steps in the door and we found this CROPPED CHAMBRAY by ONE TEASPOON (call them, it’s sold out everywhere) and were stopped dead in our tracks…the black tie is too cute and the back is an UNEVEN HEM!  Those candy COLORED STRIPE shorts by KENNY were so bright and delicious, and the exposed zipper on the side gives them a little edge. And finally the BLU MOON lime green FRINGE KIMONO captured the summer mood perfectly.  LOVE the Venice store, its probably one of the most beautiful locations architecturally and the girls are so much fun!

The most unique feature of Venice’s carefully curated boutique PRINCIPESSA is that the racks are filled with contemporary designer collections mixed with hand picked vintage pieces, a Rebecca Taylor blouse sits right next to a vintage Pucci…it’s great.  The CRYSTAL EMBELLISHED top by CHAN LUU was an immediate showstopper…it’s literally a top made completely of crystals! From rock n’ roll to boho chic, we found this gorgeous SHEER & LACE ETHNIC print blouse by LOVE SAM.  It’s the perfect transitional top – works with full flares in the winter and cutoffs when the sun comes out.  Last but certainly not least, we were dying over RORY BECA’s LEATHER VEST because the back is completely SHEER!  A Venice beach shopping trip is not complete without stopping off here…if you’re interested in our picks, call the store and ask for them specifically…their team is more than happy to help!

Welcome Back & Cheers to 2012!!  We know we’ve been away for quite a long while, and yes our site is still under construction, but we missed all of our readers too much to wait any longer!  There are so many incredible changes happening here at LiveLoveShopLA that we know you are going to LOVE!  But in the meantime, we want to share what we’ve been doing and what we’re up to everyday…so stay tuned!

Don’t forget to pickup your LiveLoveShopLA VIP CARD and start shopping with exclusive discounts 365 days a year! 

Our endless gratitude for your patience and loyalty. 

Love,
Your faithful team at LiveLoveShopLA

Roberta Koz Wilson isn’t just interesting because she’s the sister of famed jazz musician, Dave Koz.  She’s fascinating because she took a simple concept, the art of making the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie, and made it her business to GIVE BACK to this crazed world in which we should all be trying to make a difference.

The inspiration to bake came from Roberta’s late mom, Audrey, who was a pharmacist by trade.  She “knew” that the best medicine wasn’t just chicken soup as most of us were taught to believe.  Audrey maintained that a sumptuous, fresh baked cookie would do the trick one step even better! And THAT is the legacy that Roberta wants to not only continue but expand upon. 

Today, COOKIES FOR A KOZ are available in several yummy flavors including Red Velvet, Snickerdoodle, Oatmeal Raisin, White Chocolate Raspberry, The Original Chocolate Chip (but of course!) and new to the list, The Lemon Cooler.

And the BEST part of it is that l0% of all proceeds go to the Starlight Foundation, Audrey’s favorite “cause.” Ah, the art of knowing that a sick child is being helped with each delicious bite!  

COOKIES FOR A KOZ come in a cool brown box and can be ordered by the dozen or more.  They come individually wrapped (perfect for school lunches, picnics and party favors) and could soon be found in your favorite local coffee shop! Try them BEFORE they “go public!” Mm, mm GOOD!

ORDER NOW: www.cookiesforakoz.com

While “other” websites alert you to new openings in town, LIVELOVESHOPLA likes to REMIND you about those you may have never even tried!  We sometimes fall into that category and we always want to SHARE our findings with our loyal fans who trust us to never MISS A THING!

A quaint little hideway amidst the hustle and bustle on the famous Sunset Strip?  You probably think we’re kidding! Hell, no, we’re not and welcome to  EVELEIGH (correctly pronounced everly) where a cozy, ultra-cool neighborhood vibe (complete with an utterly CHARMING outdoor patio) focuses on country comforts and local-farm and market food with an old-world European slant.

First start out at the busy bar where lead-man, JOHN, will make you a cocktail to remember!  Though he might appear “aloof and elusive,” once you catch his eye, he’s on top of everything.  Then, move onto either a seat out front in the beautiful garden OR opt for the back room where it’s a chic party scene atmosphere. 

Oh, and make SURE you leave room for the frozen dark chocolate sandwich.  AH, only in LA!

The Eveleigh, 8752 West Sunset Boulevard, at North Sherbourne Drive, West Hollywood (424)-239-1630

With NAVAJO staking it’s claim in the current retail market, it was only a matter of time until FEATHERS – the ultimate navajo accessory (next to turquoise, of course) – started showing up everywhere! Our favorite accessories designer, MICHELLE ROY brightens up this trend by taking feathers to new heights. We visited her showroom this week, and picked out a few of our most favorite items. The SINGLE EARRINGS are fantastic for infusing a little color into your look without being too bold. Bright pinks, blues, and yellows are adorned with rhinestones, spikes, and skulls thanks to MICHELLE ROY’S unique touch that she puts on all her pieces. Her EAR CUFFS tend to show off your more daring side with a heavy metal base dripping in feathers and chains. Feathered FEDORAS and FLOPPYS will definitely top off your laid-back LA look. Last and certainly not least, feathered SANDALS for the true feather fanatics. Contact MICHELLE ROY for more information because this trend is HOT HOT HOT!

Shop with the LiveLoveShopLA VIP CARD and receive 20% off every time you make a purchase with MICHELLE ROY.