Albert Hammond Jr. For Confederacy

I think I can easily get away with saying that Albert Hammond Jr. is one of the best dressed men in Rock n Roll. And now he has a new suit line, so if you've got the money (these suits aren't cheap), then you can share in his impeccable style. All suits are limited edition, and hand tailored in Brooklyn. I hope this isn't his only collection, because his first collection is very stylish and I'd love to see his casual side. Also, I'd love to see a little something for the ladies...c'mon Albert don't forget the ladies!!!

http://www.shopconfederacy.com/shop/mens/albert-hammond-jr.html

F*&@ Yeah Marilyn Monroe

This site had a huge assortment of rare MM photos, as well as a clever title. Check it out if you are a fan.

http://fuckyeahmarilynmonroe.tumblr.com

Dia de los Muertos @ Hollywood Forever

It was a lot of fun. More pictures to follow.

Let me see you shake your tail feather.....

Seriously, this woman is a painting come to life.

Slick Shoes

Oxfords are everywhere right now, and I'm not sure how I feel about that. I love the look, but it seems too accessible. I'm thinking of doing saddle shoes instead because I've always loved them. Or I was thinking of looking for a second hand pair and spray painting them gold for a messy and fun effect. Maybe even a little glitter......

ps. How oddly photoshopped are those legs?

Graceful

Some people are just perfection. And Grace Kelly was definitely one of them. Classy and and undeniably stunning. Taking notes right now....

Vegan Mofo

I signed up with Vegan Mofo and made a promise to post a few vegan blog topics a week. I'm not doing so well with that. However here's what I have, a list of what encourages me to keep at a vegan diet. I will say that I have not been a true vegan-I do however strive for it,I just want to be honest. But currently I am eating strictly vegan, and hope to continue to do so in the future.

1."Skinny Bitch" -Yes, it's silly, yes they cuss, yes the name is ridiculous...but this book got me thinking. I'd been a vegetarian for 12 years when I read this book, and it encouraged me to make the next step. It's a nice quick informative read and it really helps me stick to my guns when I need it.

2.M Cafe- I work near the one in Beverly Hills,and I am a lucky girl. The best food around, you forget it is healthy. They make eating vegan a true pleasure.

3.QuarryGirl.com- The best restaurant reviewer in Los Angeles and she is vegan. My boyfriend and I regularly find ourselves planning our days off with her blog. She never leads you astray and she has a wide range of food to pick from. She could teach Jonathan Gold a thing or two.

4.Whole Foods on 3rd and Fairfax- My one stop shop for greatness. They have the vegan pizza with daiya cheese ( a QuarryGirl suggestion), vegan Indian takeout, a huge selection of veggie cold cuts and cheeses, and soy jerky. In a word-delicious. I love them, and am grateful for their close proximity.

5. My Boyfriend Robert- An aspiring Vegan Restaurateur, he cooks some of the best meals and has so much enthusiasm for a vegan diet. It's so nice to have a partner in crime to eat this way. He's also very inspiring because he truly believes in that lifestyle and has no problem defending it to anyone who decides to ridicule it.

Naked Lunch

This month marks the 50th anniversary of William S. Burroughs' book, "Naked Lunch." So, to celebrate I am going to re-read this American classic. Luckily, I recently found a copy at the thrift store. I really love the Hollywood thrift circuit-they always have what you want and need. On a side note, the apartment renovation has begun and it is wearing me out. I have so many things I want to share, and not enough brainpower to follow through. Hopefully this week will be the end of the major renovations and I will be able to sleep and really focus. Until then-eat vegan for vegan month and read "Naked Lunch!" xoxo-Kristal

Imagine

Lady Gaga performed in Washington D.C last night, prior to the march today.Her rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine," was both beautiful and appropriate.

LOVE THIS.

The movie was lovely, but this somehow manages to top it. How adorable are they? Naturally, I want Zooey's outfit, like always.

Stop Sobbing

KCRW had Scarlett Johansson and Pete Yorn on yesterday morning, they played a majority of the album, and this Kinks cover. A little rough, but I liked it still. Another reason why I love KCRW, this will probably never happen again.

Besame Mucho

As a sucker for packaging, I love Besame Cosmetics. It's nice to see makeup not encased in plastic. Inspired by the glamorous makeup of the past,the makeup is a sight for sore eyes. On top of the aesthetic,the ingredients are mainly natural according to the company website:

"Aloe, ginseng, olive oil, green tea, jojoba oil, rose waxes, lavender flower extract, avocado oil, just to name few ingredients that go beyond the glamour and contribute to your well being, delivering the quality that has become synonymous with Besame Cosmetics."

A company after my own heart...and kisses.

Happy Birthday Johnny Ramone

You were always my favorite.

October is Vegan Month

So,to celebrate I'm planning on getting the vegan pizza at Whole Foods tomorrow. The Daiya cheese and roasted garlic cloves make it one of the best pizzas I've EVER had. EVER. If you have the opportunity to get one, do it. Not all Whole Foods make it, but the one on 3rd and Fairfax does. Call ahead, it takes a little time and it's worth it. While you are there pick up some Vegan Indian food too...and invite me over while you are at it!

Whole Foods

6350 West 3rd St

Los Angeles, CA

90036(323) 964-6800

Vegan Recipes for Vegan Month-From the Los Angeles Times

Note: Adapted from Jeffrey Price of Skratch Restaurant in Culver City. The restaurant uses La Brea Bakery ciabatta or rustique rolls. Agave nectar and wasabi peas are widely available. White miso is available at Asian markets as well as in the refrigerated Asian sections of well-stocked supermarkets.


Edamame hummus10 cups loosely packed, cleaned and trimmed spinach leaves

2 cups shelled edamame beans
2 cups shelled garbanzo beans
3 tablespoons chopped garlic
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tablespoons tahini paste
1 tablespoon ground ginger
3 teaspoons kosher salt
1 cup olive oil

1. Blanch the spinach in a large pot of boiling water to bring out the vibrant color and wilt just slightly, about 1 minute. Drain and shock the spinach in a bowl of ice water. Drain the spinach again, pressing out all excess water. You should have one-half cup.

2. Place the edamame and garbanzo beans in the bowl of a food processor, along with the spinach, garlic, lemon juice, tahini paste, ground ginger and salt. Pulse until the contents are the consistency of a coarse paste. With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Place the hummus in a nonreactive bowl, cover tightly and refrigerate until needed. This recipe makes 4 cups hummus, more than needed for the sandwiches, and can be used as a spread on crackers or bread. It will keep for 4 days refrigerated.


White miso dressing

3 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon white miso
3 tablespoons agave nectar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil

In a small bowl, whisk together the miso, agave nectar, brown sugar and vinegar. Slowly whisk in the vegetable and sesame oils until emulsified. This makes 1 scant cup dressing that will keep for 3 days refrigerated.

Sandwich assembly

4 ciabatta or rustique rolls, halved1
1/3 cups hummus
1 cup peeled and grated carrots
1 large cucumber
8 slices ripe plum tomato (from 1 large or two medium)
6 cups mixed baby field greens (about 4 ounces)
1/4 cup white miso dressing
40 wasabi peas, crushed

1. Spread a heaping 2 tablespoons hummus over each roll half (top and bottom). Top each bottom half with one-fourth cup grated carrot.
2. Trim the ends off the cucumber and halve it crosswise. Slice each half lengthwise into one-fourth-inch-thick slices. Place 2 slices on top of each mound of carrots, then top each with 2 slices of tomato.
3. In a large bowl, toss the field greens with the dressing and crushed wasabi peas. Divide the salad among the 4 sandwiches and carefully mound in place.
4. Top each sandwich with the remaining ciabatta and press down firmly (if necessary, wrap each sandwich with parchment or butcher paper so that the contents don't fall out). Halve the sandwiches and serve immediately.

Each serving: 725 calories; 21 grams protein; 88 grams carbohydrates; 12 grams fiber; 33 grams fat; 5 grams saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 987 mg. sodium.

Courtesy of The Los Angeles Times

Thank You, Mr. Penn.

The fashion world lost a great visionary today in the death of photographer Irving Penn. One of the greatest still life and fashion photographers ever. Vogue will be less lovely without his touch, and I will be forever grateful for his point of view.

“A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective.”- Irving Penn

Marilyn at Home

I am so intrigued to look at pictures like this of Marilyn in her own space. I love her bedroom and book set up and hope someday to make it my own. For someone who moved a lot, she sure had a good amount of stuff. Although I move a lot and books are just mandatory, you just have to get a nice boy to carry them for you...

Thinking Good Thoughts for a Classy Lady

"Dear Friends, I would like to let you know before it gets in the papers that I am going into the hospital to have a procedure on my heart....Any prayers you happen to have lying around I would dearly appreciate. I'll let you know when it's all over. Love you, Elizabeth"

-Dame Elizabeth via Twitter

Lux and Ivy

Another great design inspiration. Lux and Ivy were/are cooler than anyone else. I love the kitsch/horror aesthetic.

Cuckoo at Pee Wee's Playhouse

Another design desire that has yet to cease. I'm thinking that Pee Wee's house is part of the reason behind my love of atomic 1950s and 1960s decor. Especially the color palettes, pastels and saturated hues. If it's good enough for Pee Wee,it's great for me! Excuse me, I have to locate a talking chair and a french globe...

The Haunted Mansion aka Home Sweet Home

My original dream home as a kid. I'd still live here if given the chance. The Haunted Mansion recently celebrated it's 40Th anniversary. As a result there is a lot of cool memorabilia available right now. You better believe a few pieces will be coming to live with me.After all, it is a part of the design aesthetic that I am aiming for. I do love a good cobweb....

Glitter Wall

The glitter wall at The Beauty Bar is a must have/do.This will be my dining room wall, I just need to pick a color.

Autumn Leaves

Dear Fall,
Please hurry up and arrive already.I want to wear a sweater and lay in the leaves with my boyfriend already.
Love Always,
Kristal
XOXO

Marilyn meets Poison Ivy

I'm about to redecorate my apartment. My theme is all over the place. I'm basically thinking Pee Wee's Playhouse meets the Haunted Mansion with some Hollywood Regency thrown in. Schizophrenic, yes-but it just may work. Inspiration file to come! I want something that is equal parts Marilyn Monroe, Poison Ivy from The Cramps, and a little bit of Frida Kahlo too. It shall be an adventure. But I am up for the challenge.