DailyCandy Los Angeles

Zit Takes a Village

2009-11-06T17:30:00Z

Aesthetician April Walden

According to you, that blemish wasn’t so red. In fact, barely noticeable. And it was never going to erupt.

Yeah, neither was Mount Vesuvius.

You pore thing. When it comes to acne, aging, and the finickiest skin conditions, facialist April Walden will tell it to you straight.

Her approach is simple: Do whatever it takes. Count on budget-friendly custom treatments that start with a thorough cleansing and skin analysis, followed by any number of personalized peels and rehydrating masques applied all over or swabbed on just so, gentle extractions, relaxing massage, and possibly even nutritional tricks that’ll get your skin to glow.

A note to vapor lovers: Walden skips the steam in most treatments.

She’s not full of hot air.

Available at Lucas, 1541 Echo Park Avenue, between Grafton Street and Morton Avenue, Echo Park (213-250-7992).

Photo: Courtesy of Lucas

Doodle Bug

2009-11-06T14:15:00Z

Lisa Marie Norton's Pet Doodles

When you doodle, it’s usually something shameful like your name with boy-of-moment’s last name. You know, just to see how it will look when you fetch the mail after you two are married with kids.

Lisa Marie Norton’s doodles have real-life inspiration.

The Michigan-based graphic designer creates noncutesy five-by-seven portraits of your dog, cat, bird, bunny, iguana, turtle, or snake. You supply her with photos; she takes pen to paper and then colors it in digitally. The depictions are modern, cartoony, and a little Japanesey.

At just $50, they’re a perfect sentimental gift for yourself or others.

Even if they’re not destined to be significant ones.

Available online at lmnoprint.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Marie Norton

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T17:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

You saw that one coming from a mile away.

SAVE A SEAT
Pirate Radio
What: Free (yes, free!) screening for DailyCandy readers of Richard Curtis’s new wild comedy romp inspired by the rogue DJs who rocked 1960s Britain from out at sea.
Why: It’s groovy, baby.
When: Nov. 12. Thurs., 7:30 p.m.
Where: Landmark Theatre, 10850 W. Pico Blvd., at Westwood Blvd., West L.A. R.S.V.P. to pirateradio@43kix.com. Sorry, space is limited. Seats available on a first-come, first-served basis to those who R.S.V.P.

DO
Machine Project Benefit 2009
What: A month’s worth of events packed into one evening, including fake museum membership ID making, slime-mold racing, movie-style art heist games, panning for gold, live music, wine bar, noodle cart, brick-oven pizza, s’mores, and more.
Why: Make it last forever.
When: Sat., 9 p.m.-midnight.
Where: Mister Jalopy’s Secret Lair, behind Coco’s Variety Store, 2427 Riverside Dr., b/t Fletcher Dr. & Clearwater St., Frogtown.

BUY
Not Rational Sample Sale
What: Ladies’ handbag, diaper bag, and belt one-offs and overstock marked right around wholesale and new rugged Killspencer carryalls for guys.
Why: Use some common cents.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 852 S. Wooster St., b/t Gregory Way & Chalmers Dr., upper unit, Beverly Hills (310-855-1021).

EAT
Rustic Menu at Il Sole
What: To mark the addition of Sunday night service, the Italian staple offers a new menu of homey favorites (burrata with tomatoes and arugula, osso buco, spaghetti and meatballs).
Why: Mention DailyCandy on the inaugural night for a special Bellini and dessert on the house.
When: Sun., 5-9 p.m.
Where: 8741 W. Sunset Blvd., at N. Sherbourne Dr., West Hollywood (310-657-1182).

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: New sample sale e-commerce site where you can nab clothing and accessories from our editors’ favorite designers at up to 80 percent off.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get first dibs (and we’re giving away $100 gift cards to 100 early members).
When: Beta site (and first sale) launches Nov. 16.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Focus Features

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Gordon Ramsay’s birthday on Sunday so have a f***ing good time.

SLEEP
FJS Pillows
What: Rest your head on beautiful, hand-sewn cushions inspired by the designer’s g-ma’s hankie collection, batik shirts Spitta wore in seventh grade, and his mom’s old hippie threads.
Why: You’re feelin’ groovy.
Where: Online at fjspillows.com.

REREAD
The Classics
What: Penguin’s jazzy ten-book collection of Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcovers is finally available in the U.S. of A. Titles include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.
Why: It’s a universally acknowledged fact that they’re awesome.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our fave designers — all at up to 80 percent off. Beta site (and first sale) goes up Nov. 16.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get dibs (first 100 members get $100 gift cards).
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DONATE
Your Halloween Candy
What: Participating dentists will buy back your unopened treats and ship them to troops overseas.
Why: You’re sweet enough already.
Where: Online at halloweencandybuyback.com.

BE
A Fashion Designer
What: Stylish sketchbooks feature figure templates (that disappear when photocopied) and a notes section on every page.
Why: Unleash your inner Coco.
Where: Online at hokeycroquis.com.

BUY
The Working Proof
What: New site releases a print by an emerging artist every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
Why: The proof’s in the pudding.
Where: Online at theworkingproof.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of FJS

Apiece Apart Clothing Fall 2009

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Drink, Drank, Drunk

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Spike Your Juice Kit

Things have been a bit flat lately.

But the new Spike Your Juice kit should bring back that twinkle in your eye.

Inspired by federweisser, a young wine imbibed by Germans and their neighbors during fall months, SYJ turns plain old juice into a sparkling, boozy beverage to call your own.

Start with a big bottle of your liquid of choice (go grape for authenticity, try cherry for kicks), add a packet of magical powder (okay, it’s a special formulation of yeast and sugar), and seal with the air lock and rubber stopper. Wait 24 hours before taking a sample swig; after 48 it should be ready to swill.

Your homemade bubbly will last for weeks but will lose carbonation over time.

Though your enthusiasm won’t fizzle out.

Available online at spikeyourjuice.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Spike Your Juice

Hot Tomato

2009-11-04T17:00:00Z

Black Tomato Launches DailyCandy Travel Desk

Travel dream No. 1: India. Now, pick cities. (Jaipur? Udaipur?) Find driver. Arrange elephant ride. And sunrise mountain picnic. Mmmkay. Maybe you’ll just go to your mom’s.

Travel dream No. 2: It’s Wednesday. Your boss tore you a new one. Sure would be nice to call in sick from a beach in Mexico Friday morning.

If only? Impossible? Nope. We’re making it easier to get outta town: We just launched a partnership with Black Tomato, the travel company for the way we (that means you) travel — in totally customized trips.

Why do this? Well, someone needs to take you from A (you know where you want to go) to B (you can’t deal with the arrangements).

Why Black Tomato? You pretty much suggested it. When we published its Insider’s Guide to Indonesia last year, so many of you booked with BT — and kept booking — it’s a wonder you got any work done in 2009.

What’s in it for DailyCandy subscribers? A dedicated travel desk a call or e-mail away. Personalized service. Custom trips. And sweet extras like a free night at a hotel (or that sunrise picnic).

We’ll keep doing what we do here at DailyCandy Travel: hitting the road and reporting on the destinations we think you’ll love. Only now we’re making it easier for your getaways to happen.

Your wish, our command.

Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

Apiece Out

2009-11-04T14:15:00Z

Apiece Apart Fall 2009 Collection

Deafening sirens, rowdy mob scenes, shrieking teenagers.

Sheesh. Can’t we get a little peace and quiet?

Actually, yes, thanks to Apiece Apart, a high-end line of sleek separates that harmonizes your wardrobe.

Designed by two NYC gals, the collection consists of everything you need (from skirts, trousers, tops, and jackets to carryalls, clutches, and belts) to look like a chic, put-together grown-up. (And really, it’s time.) Articles pair as well with each other as they do with those crazy impulse buys (hello, sequin leggings!) sitting in your closet.

The hefty price tags might feel like a problem.

But pristine cuts and luxurious fabrics make Apiece Apart of the solution.

Available online at satineboutique.com, mickmargo.com, and shopjumelle.com. To see styles, go to apieceapart.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Apiece Apart

Delightful Deals

2009-11-03T16:00:00Z

Aren’t we the cutest little e-mail you’ve ever seen?

Gifts for Nesters

2009-11-03T14:00:00Z

Where’s your piece of the hostessing pie? Try these gift picks, homeslice.

Play on Player

2009-11-02T17:30:00Z

Liebrary Board Game

You never had anything to do with the infirmary, study hall, or counselor’s office.

It was always the Liebrary for you.

And now it’s for everyone else, just in board game form.

The bookish kit contains several stacks of cards, each with a book title, author, and plot summary. When it’s your turn, roll to determine the genre, pull a card, share the basics with the group, and copy down the correct answer while others try to concoct the most believable first line from the tome. To score points, players can guess the right answer (call me Ishmael, duh), have others guess theirs (Ishmael, call me, baby), or both.

It’s really quite simple, but to win, you’ll have to get creative.

And judging by your fifth-period gym attendance record, you have some experience with that.

Available at Barnes & Noble, 189 The Grove Drive, off Third Street, The Grove (323-525-0270 or bn.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Liebrary

Fine, Have It Your Way

2009-11-02T14:15:00Z

Omne Necklace by Gemma Redux

Help! Help!

Woman screams.

Deep in the heart of Pleasantville, there’s a damsel in distress. She’s worn the same boring jewelry every day since 2007 (hold back your tears, please).

Wait what’s that? It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Necklace, a.k.a. the Omne by Gemma Redux.

It morphs from chunky choker to open chain necklace to bohemian hair accessory to dangly belt in the blink of an eye — all thanks to a really strong magnet. Don’t believe it? We caught it in the act in today’s video, shot in New York City, er, Gotham.

And here’s the part that really saves the day: It retails for just $98 and up.

You know, in case you wanna hire it for birthday parties.

Available online at gemmaredux.com.

Keep on Trunking

2009-10-30T16:30:00Z

Trunkshow LA Designer Discount Boutique

Trolling basements, fending off scavengers. Shopping for bargains is spooky business.

For a trick-free treat, pop over to Trunkshow LA, a new modern designer discount boutique in Santa Monica.

Inside the neatly appointed space, a well-edited selection of handpicked labels is always marked down 40-90 percent. Thoughtful color displays and full size runs replace the usual picked-over chaos. The main attraction: current collections of top-secret designer denim. (Trust us, they’re good). Slouchy styles from Kova & T, soft-as-butta American Vintage tees, and LnA leggings complete the casual-chic look.

For your further shopping enjoyment, walls are decked with art from local photographers, art books and magazines await perusal, a projector screen will play fashion shows and art flicks, and a listening booth will be set up for scoping out new tunes. Plus, you never need to R.S.V.P.

All in all, a scary-good experience.

Trunkshow LA, 2430 Main Street, between Hollister Avenue and Norman Place, Santa Monica (310-396-3344 or twitter.com/trunkshowla).

Photo: Courtesy of Trunkshow LA

Don't Be Yourself

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

You know what was truly a fright last Halloween? Seeing a sexy Sarah Palin on every block.

This year, opt for something a little more original and a little less hockey MILF (but perhaps equally as creepy). And no, Balloon Boy isn’t what we’re getting at.

In today’s video, we show you five easy DIY costumes that you can make in less than ten minutes: a cereal killer, little white lies, swine flu (sorry, couldn’t resist), a chick in a box, and — get this — a Kraft single (you know we’d never pass up a chance to be cheesy).

The best part: You won’t need to stand in line at a Halloween superstore (which can be a scary sight on its own) for any of the above.

You’re a maverick in disguise.

For more detailed descriptions on how to make each costume, check out our photo gallery.

Strap One On

2009-10-30T13:15:00Z

Pup to Go Dog Carrier

Hey, everybody. My name’s Precious Peanut McDoggle III. May I sniff your crotch?

[Can I have a treat?]

You may think it’s easy bein’ a dog, and all I need to be happy is a snack or two (apples, Pinkberry, bread, insect bits, etc.). Not true! Although I am famished.

[Can I have a treat?]

The truth is, when you leave, I go nuts. So might I suggest you buy a Pup to Go dog carrier? So I can come with you everywhere.

[Can I have a treat?]

Basically, it’s a durable, breathable backpack for your front with my head coming out the top and arm, leg, and tail holes on the sides. It’s machine washable, comfy for us both, and available in three sizes.

[Can I have a treat?]

Sure, people might mistake me for a big, furry human baby at first.

But wouldn’t that be a treat?

Available online at puptogo.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Pup to Go

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T16:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

This one really snuck up on you, didn’t it?

CREEP
Bollyween
What: Tarot readings, live performances, dance party courtesy of Dublab’s Bloodsucking sound system, and a screening of Indian musical montage Bollyweird: the Movie during The Cinefamily’s Halloween party and fundraiser.
Why: It’s all the raj.
When: Sat., 8 p.m.
Where: 611 N. Fairfax Ave., b/t Melrose Ave. & Clinton St., Fairfax District (323-655-2510). Tickets online at brownpapertickets.com.

SPOOK
Héctor Serrano’s Talking Hand Tattoos
What: Temporary tats in the form of wacky monsters and make-believe animals transform your mitts in an instant — just add water.
Why: Pawsitively frightening.
When: Sat. (It’s just a suggestion.)
Where: A+R, 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd., b/t San Juan & Westminster Aves., Venice (310-392-9128).

SIP
Copa d’Oro Dress to Kill
What: Imbibement begins with a night of all-star live painting by artists Shiho Nakaza, Melissa Kojima, and friends, then continues with a margarita bar on Friday and a caipirinha bar for the costumed on Saturday.
Why: The motion of the potion.
When: Thurs.-Sat., 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: 217 Broadway, b/t Second & Third Sts., Santa Monica (310-576-3030).

CRAWL
Day After the Living Dead
What: Danceright’s afternoon pool party with beats by J-Wow, Zombie Nation, Destructo, and others, plus Bloody Mary specials to aid in recovery or continue the revelry from the night before.
Why: Scary good times.
When: Sun., 2-7 p.m.
Where: The Standard, 550 S. Flower St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Sts., Downtown (213-892-8080). R.S.V.P. at danceright.net.

SEE
Halloween Spooktacular
What: Charles Phoenix presents the life and times of legendary puppet master Bob Baker through vintage slides, film and TV clips, and a performance showcasing myriad handmade marionettes.
Why: Pull some strings.
When: Thurs. & Fri., 8 p.m.
Where: Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. First St., at Glendale Blvd. & Second St., Downtown (213-250-9995).

Photo: Michael Oochs Archives / Getty Images

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T13:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Be who you wanna be.

COMMISERATE
Cassette from My Ex
What: Writers (Jancee Dunn, Rick Moody) and other creative types wax nostalgic about old flames through the music they compiled.
Why: Beach ’93 (a.k.a. V-card mix) will never die.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

WRITE
Penzu
What: Record your scandalous thoughts and upload pics in a handy online diary. Unlike blogs, it’s accessible by only you unless you decide otherwise.
Why: Secrets, secrets are so fun.
Where: Online at penzu.com.

READ
Poetry of Food
What: New online magazine contains recipes, restaurant reviews, foodie recollections, and pics that’ll make you hungry.
Why: Eat these words.
Where: Online at poetryoffood.com.

PACK
Old-Fashioned Luggage
What: Although the colorful, little suitcases aren’t big enough for a vacation (let’s be real, overpackers), they’re perfect for day trips or even organizing things around the house.
Why: Stuff it.
Where: Online at landofnod.com.

WEAR
Month-of-the-Year Undies
What: Hip Portland-based site just started making timely little skivvies with leftover scraps from other projects. November and December coming soon.
Why: Don’t wear them a month straight.
Where: Online at store.makoollovesyou.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cassette from My Ex

Bungalow Ate

2009-10-28T16:30:00Z

Larchmont Bungalow Cafe Opens

No, the pink bunnies weren’t real. Neither was the singing apple trio.

But the red velvet pancakes in front of your face are — cream-cheesy whipped cream, maple syrup, and all.

You’re also in your pajama pants in the middle of Larchmont Bungalow. (No, not the patio or back by the fireplace. At the counter up front.)

Luckily, everyone inside the ecorenovated, organic- and sustainability minded eatery is too busy quaffing coffee; drooling over the all-day breakfast menu (veggie Benedict, please), salads, burgers, crepes, and other lunch and dinner offerings (tuna melt? fish and chips?); and ogling the dessert case of layer cakes and cookies.

Anyone who’s not? Well, the small-batch coffee roaster in the corner should distract them once it gets going on a custom blend.

Hopefully long enough for you to sneak out the back door.

Larchmont Bungalow, 107 North Larchmont Boulevard, between Beverly Boulevard and First Street (323-461-1528 or larchmontbungalow.com).

Go Wilde

2009-10-28T16:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Ireland

Ireland has a long history of rhyming (Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett). But there’s no East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which means you can hip-hop across the country from Dublin to Galway.

Dublin or Nothin’
Start by getting cozy. Check into Dylan (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; +353-1-660-3000), a colorful boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian building not far from St. Stephen’s Green. Then head off the beaten path to the serene Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; +353-1-612-9900) for outsider, Irish, and international art.

Now you’re ready for some Guinness. Grogans Castle Lounge (15 William Street South, Dublin 2; +353-1-677-9320) is a divey watering hole where local artists and writers will keep you entertained with stories and so-so artwork on the walls. Order another (and another) at Shebeen Chic (4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-9667), a gastropub decorated in thrift shop finds and clotheslines.

Prevent a hangover with classic Irish fare like black pudding and smoked haddock at The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop (40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1; +353-1-872-7320). How incredibly charming and cozy is this place? Well, there’s also a great selection of hard-to-find used books.

When you’re ready to shop, hit Design Centre (59 South William Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-5863) for Irish labels like Philip Treacy and Pauric Sweeney and Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-667-4215) for housewares, boho clothing, and affordable jewelry.

And get your green on strolling the River Liffey and the many parks around town.

Such Galway
It’s dramatically gray, right on the water, and authentically Oirish. And when you hang your hat at the glam Philip Treacy-designed The G (Dublin Road, Wellpark; +353-91-865-200), you’re front and center to everything.

Galway is an incredibly walkable town. Here’s your path: Stroll along the River Corrib, over to the Claddagh (yes, of those rings), and amble along the expansive Salthill beaches next to Galway Bay.

The annual Galway Oyster Festival makes for quite a show, but you can get your aquatic fill anytime at the down-to-earth and boisterous McDonagh’s Seafood House (22 Quay Street; +353-91-565-001), where no one notices how much you eat or drink. (It. will. be. lots.)

Pop into Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street; +353-91-564-540) for gems from Irish designers like Lainey Keogh and Mary Grant. Come weekend, hit the centuries-old farmers market (next to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Mainguard and Lombard Streets) for local crafts, woolens, and the biggest carrots you’ve ever seen. Saturdays are best for food; Sundays are all about crafts.

You’ve fallen in love with the town, now hit the road. Rent a car and drive to Cliffs of Moher for breathtakingly high views and then wind around through the rocky terrain of the Burren and breathe in the fresh air. So many sheep, cows, and horses. So many green hills and dramatic waters.

Aye, it’s enough to make you wax poetic.

While you’re down there:
+ DailyCandy Goes to Edinburgh

Photos: Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Grogans Castle Lounge; Courtesy of The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop; Courtesy of Avoca; Courtesy of The G; Eoin Gardiner/Flickr; Courtesy of McDonagh’s Seafood House; Courtesy of Lainey Keogh; Courtesy of Cliffs of Moher

Give Thanks

2009-10-28T13:15:00Z

Heritage Thanksgiving Turkeys

Your typical Thanksgiving meal includes mashed potatoes with a side of crazy, yams topped with family dysfunction, and turkey as dry as your parents’ sex life.

Bring some sanity to the table this year in the form of a Heritage turkey.

Grown on the Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch, the fowl is bred naturally; never fed antibiotics or animal by-products; matures at a natural rate; and, when the day comes, meets a clean end.

Pick a bird ranging from 8 to 22 pounds (one pound per person), and Heritage will include the neck and giblets for stuffing and gravy. Never frozen, the game comes on ice, sealed in a cryovaced bag with a cavity wedge to protect it from bacterial growth.

Order before they sell out, and your gobbler will arrive via FedEx Tuesday, November 24 with cooking instructions.

Oh, will you please pass the judgment?

Available online at heritagefoodsusa.com.

Photo: Getty Images