::Cuvée Chic::

New Music: Savoureux

2010-11-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm digging the Daft Punk-esque sound of Toronto based DJ Savoureux, especially this track Je Sens La Musique.

Find more artists like SAVOUREUX at Myspace Music

Courtesy of French Filter House Music

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T15:31:00.000-08:00

Where's the turkey?

Jaded

2010-11-24T19:44:00.000-08:00

This green eyed lady is crazy for this cool color. Green is synonymous with life, health, happiness, good luck, tranquility, and of course, $$$. We're all going green these days, but I've always been a fan constantly on the hunt for key pieces like winter coats, cardigans, dresses, and eye catching accessories. From Kelly, British Racing Green, Chartreuse, Olive, Teal, and Jade, there's a shade appropriate for just about every day of the year. (Jade Jagger pictured above with rock star pops Mick.)

Jade ring designed by Jade Jagger herself

MK Olsen - looking stunning in her own green plaid jacket designed for The Row.

Dominick Dunne's green Jag convertible.

Minotti Andersen green ottoman packs a powerful dose of color to this neutral room.

J. Crew's Belinda dress in Monterey Pine...festive for the holidays, but works year round too.

Hunter Green Wellingtons are the original rain boots. I love the classic green seen here on Nicole Richie.

Green Trellis wallpaper brightens up this narrow hallway. I love the green bicycle too!

Sunny G's

2010-11-23T21:05:00.000-08:00

It was one of those rare sunny London days in September of 2003...when I was first introduced to the term "sunny g's" by a couple of London blokes by way of South Africa. Vintage sunny g's are fun to sport for a summer or even this winter and then stash away until the mood strikes again. Giant Vintage Sunglasses featured on Thrillist.com serve their purpose well. From French made, assymetric, 70s skier, and Wayfarer knockoffs, there's a pair of sunny g's for just about everyone and cheap enough even to wear once.

Disco House Music: Jamiroquai

2010-10-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

Nothing puts me in a better mood than a killer disco house track. Pair that with a dash of English jazz funk band Jamiroquai and that'll get any party started! At age 15, I listened to my first Jamiroquai album, the band's third. I can still remember how different the sounds of "Travelling Without Moving" were from any other popular music of 1996. I just had to buy that CD and I still own it to this day, though it's gained a few scratches over the last 15 years.

Check out the Knee Deep remix of "Feels So Good" and turn the volume up...way up.

Positive Energy...Positive Vibes

2010-10-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

There is plenty to be said about the energy in the world in which we live. All things undergo change. And the forces around us exude energy in ways that impact our own energy. People, places, and things have the ability to deplete or replenish our energy. I constantly strive to surround myself with positivity; people, places, and things that bring me up. With this said, I've recently embarked on the study of the art of Feng Shui at the American Feng Shui Institue of Los Angeles. I never realized there was such a school specializing in Feng Shui, right here in my own backyard, and one that attracts students from all over the globe. If I learn anything at all in my studies, I hope that it's atleast how to create a prosperous position for myself in the universe generating health, happiness, and peace of mind. Positive energy...positive vibes.

Raincheck

2010-10-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, I was once again reminded that my Fall wish list item, the classic tan trench coat, is an absolute must buy. It is the perfect lightweight weatherproof piece of wear to work outerwear. So, instead of longing for it, I went right ahead and ordered it. Done and done. Now, it may not be the ultimately classic Burberry trench coat, but it's pretty darn close. It's the London Fog Double Breasted Trench Coat from Macy's that's pictured above. Considering I'm a resident of one of the most seasonless metropolitan cities in the country, I think it will be with me for years to come. So,bring on the rain!

The Burberry Trench is gorgeous!

The Banana Republic Classic Trench was my 2nd option. The size small was a perfect fit.

Off the Shoulder Looks

2010-08-07T10:43:00.001-07:00

9 times out of 10, my eye is drawn to subtle yet sexy ensembles. For some reason, these looks incorporate some adaptation of a little black dress with neutral accessories. The girl's style in the 2 pictures below inspired my search for the perfect off the shoulder little black dress, showing just the right amount of summer bronzed skin. Not to mention, the 2 of them make the cutest couple! The look easily translates to colder date nights with a tan fur vest (as pictured above - by Victoria's Secret) or tights and leather boots. So when all other outfit options fail, this really is a great go to look.

Piperlime's Riller & Fount Fiona tunic

Piperlime's Riller & Fount Creed tunic dress is casual California chill

Classique's tunic dress comes in 5 other eye-popping colors if black is too boring

Le Soulful Mixshow

2010-07-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

Without good beats, workouts are just that. Beat. I'd rather skip the workout if I forget to bring my loaded iPod to the gym. Lately, I've been hammering out 30% incline hills on some state of the art treadmill, killing it with sets of jumping jacks, and mixing it up with dreaded squats/lunges and ab work. I'm getting it done to the continuous Podcasts by Klink Le Soulful Mixshows. I'm currently obsessed with the July 11, 2010 Mixshow La Loca 21.

The Mixshow takes the listener on a 1 hour 22 minute house music journey with sexy piano chords, tribal drum beats, male and female soul vocalists, and incredibly positive messages. 24 minutes in features John Legend's "Ordinary People" followed by Stevie Wonder's "My Love is On Fire" at 32 minutes. 42 minutes in is my signal to start my cool down. The Mixshow is even perfect for a long car ride.

Mixshow La Loca 21 Tracklist

Vision Questa - Hold My Heart (Frankie Feliciano Vocal Mix)
Aphreme feat Donald Sheffey - Come a Lil' Closer (John Crockett Rework Vocal Mix)
Jihad Muhammad feat Chris Dockins - No More War (Seedadiandeep Remix)
Soul Addiction - Let it go part 1 (tristram and redford got house remix)
Oumou Sangare - Ah Ndiyah (Boddhi Satva's Soil Spirit Mix)
John Legend - Ordinary People (Karizma Remix)
Jellybean feat Carla Prather - Secrets & Lies (Guy Robin Remix)
Stevie Wonder - My Love is On Fire (DJ Spinna Mix)
The Bucketheads - Sayin Dope
Jill Scott - The Real Thing (Jozana Remix)
Lovebirds - The Night (original mix)
Restless Soul feat Zansika - And I Know It (Jose Carretas Dub)
lovebirds - N2Deep
Ben Tom feat mr V - It's a Party (Nacho Vega's Deep Re-Edit)
B.O.P - Celebrate (BOP Til U Drop mix)
Mood II Swing feat Carol Sylvan - Closer (King Street Moody Club)
The Rurals - Corker (Knee Deep Break a Lot Dub)
95 North - Find a Way to Believe (95 north club mix)

Listen to the Podcast Here

Bell Bottom Blues

2010-07-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

...you made me cry. That's what Eric Clapton says in the appropriately titled track. Honestly, I never got this song. Was it about a pair of bell bottoms? Or was someone wearing bell bottoms terribly blue? Apparently, English model, photographer, and rock n' roll muse Pattie Boyd inspired Clapton to write it. She just had to have an American pair of bell bottom "blues" or jeans. My sister linked me in to the spot for that perfect pair of bell bottom blues, by Emersonmade. Pattie Boyd (pictured above) may not be my muse, but I visualize her looking a bit like this in hers.

The Green Scene

2010-07-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

Change is good. Change allows us to start fresh, with a renewed sense of ourselves. Onward and upward. Recently I decided to make some small changes in my daily life and get on the eco-friendly train. And, it feels good. I'm not going out right now and buying a Hybrid car (although, it's not a bad idea) or never again drinking out of a plastic water bottle (but, I really should stop that). So, I've incorporated some way more greener options into my world. I've discovered an array of exciting new things that make going green cool too. Check 'em out...

Get your water fix on with these reusable water bottles.

SPLURGE: KOR ONE hydration vessel for $35

SAVE: Old Navy Stainless Steel Water Bottle for $5

Ice cream goes green at KindKreme in Studio City, CA. For this Moose Tracks lover, I was more than impressed by the this is way too delicious to be raw, vegan, and organic "ice kreme." The pint sized strip mall shop serves up daily made good to the planet and really good for you flavors like Chocolate Salted Caramel for the salty/sweet lover (that's me), Raw IceKreme Sandwiches, Chocolate IceKreme (with homemade Almond Milk) Shakes, and Fresh Green Juice Blends. I'd say it's worth $3.99/scoop.

Shoe buyer's remorse begone with TOMS shoes. The Santa Monica, CA based espadrille style shoe company gives a pair to a child in need for every pair purchased. There's a ridiculously huge selection too. Love it.

TOMS Gold Glitters for $54

French Bohemian Chic

2010-05-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

The June 2010 issue of ELLE Decor notably mentions French bohemian artist, Jean Cocteau. Interestingly enough, the starving artist sported not one, but two Cartier Trinity pinkie rings. As a throwback to the dandy bohemian, Cartier added to the age old Trinity line with a new take on the classic.

The Cartier Trinity Sauvage ring

The original Cartier Trinity ring

Butterflies and Zebras and Moonbeams

2010-03-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

"Little Wing" shuffles through my iPod once in a blue moon and I couldn't help to notice the simplistic beauty in Jimi's poetry....even if it was probably my 500th listen. He never ceases to amaze me.

Well she's walking through the crowds

With a circus mind that's running around

Butterflies and zebras and moonbeams

And fairy tales

That's all she ever thinks about

Riding with the wind

When I'm sad, she comes to me

With a thousand smiles, she gives to me free

It's alright she says it's alright

Take anything you want from me,

Anything.

Fly on little wing,

Yeah, yeah, yeah little wing.

-Jimi Hendrix

Skinny Dipping

2010-03-23T21:11:00.000-07:00

OK, just a couple more spin classes to get a Marisa Miller-esque bod...riiiiight...lol

The Pink Bunny

2010-03-22T21:00:00.001-07:00

Just when you think you've seen it all, you really haven't until you've seen The Pink Bunny entertains the pretty girls and boys of the hottest parties. You can't miss him hopping around the DJ booth poolside at Wet Republic or Drai's Hollywood. Silly rabbit, tricks are for kids!

Drai's poolside on the W Hollywood rooftop...

Forever Affordable

2010-02-25T22:12:00.001-08:00

No matter what the economic climate does to my bank account, there's always a little extra spending money to blow on fun, cheap wardrobe updates! And, even though, I'm 8 years beyond being "Forever 21" again, there's always a few pieces that I fancy adding to my typically black and white closet.

Black cut out skinny jeans for $17.80!

Satin trim romper for $32

Grey knit shirtdress for $10.80

Black Cardigan $34

Lace back silk dress $32.80

Entire look for well under $100

Cheetah expedition dress $24.80

The Great Gig In The Sky

2010-02-22T21:08:00.000-08:00

It's been many years ago and seemingly galaxies away since my last astronomy lesson. My Sunday trip to the newly revived Griffith Observatory in the Hollywood Hills reminded me that we are all made of stars. Where have I heard that one before? Ah, yes...that Moby song. Gazing one-hundred & eighty degrees over the city of Angels makes you think how small we all really are in the grand scheme of things. For a brief moment, all that seems overwhelming and insurmountable in your little bubble makes you focus on the big picture. Sometimes, we need these little reminders because we aren't the center of the universe. We are all made of stars and all that above us is just a great gig in the sky.

Zenyatta Mondatta

2010-02-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

One of my all time favorite albums garners one of the most obscure titles in album title land. During my morning commute, my trusty iPod shuffled to Zenyatta Mondatta tracks. After having a split second flashback to 2004 when I picked up this musical masterpiece from Amoeba Records in Hollywood, I began to wonder, what on earth is a Zenyatta Mondatta? Besides the fact that it's a cool pairing of words, but what does it mean? Stewart Copeland explains, "It means everything," [Copeland] yelled back. "It's the same explanation that applies to the last two. It doesn’t have a specific meaning like ‘Police Brutality’ or ‘Police Arrest’, or anything predictable like that. Being vague it says a lot more. You can interpret it in a lot of different ways. It’s not an attempt to be mysterious, just syllables that sound good together, like the sound of a melody that has no words at all has a meaning." Well, I guess ZM beat the runner up title, Trimondo Blondomina, meaning...3 blondes and the world. I'm glad the Police went with ZM. But, hey, they could have named it anything and it'd still be one of the best reggae and punk playlists out there.

Design Star: Ryan Korban

2010-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

Recently, I learned of 25 year old "meticulous, self-made" interior designer Ryan Korban (on Elements of Style) and I'm loving his work! Ryan's website www.ryankorban.com even opens with "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes. Super cool.

Fun With Words: "Cali"

2010-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes there are words that should never turn into slang. The abbreviated version does no justice for the original term and hearing it used in daily conversations can really make the word sound incredibly annoying. Maybe I'm alone in this. Maybe I'm too observant. But, when people refer to California as "Cali", I ask myself why. Does it really take THAT long to actually say the whole word? I mean those extra 3 syllables are a bit daunting...riiiiiight. I know, I know, we're all SO busy, we just don't have time to say it all. But, please, do me a favor and show some respect for the beautiful State of California. And don't call it Cali. The only person who made the word Cali actually sound cool, was the Notorious B.I.G....cut to, "I'm going going, back back, to Cali." Admittedly, that rap would sound pretty lame if he said California.

Les Hommes

2010-01-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

London based trio Les Hommes are top on my playlist this week. Altsounds.com sums up the trio's vibe..."On their eponymous debut album expect to hear cool bossas to cliff-top drives along the Amalfi Coast, full-on pumping dance floor batucadas, and exotic Moog-meets-organ grooves that tap into the images of lost party scenes - all within the confines of a modern organ trio."

Listen to "Intraspettro", "Hommage", "The Forth Homme", "Six & Eight", and "The Way Out."

Home Sweet Home

2010-01-12T23:03:00.000-08:00

Studio apartment living doesn't have to look like a temporary living situation. After all it's my home and home is where the heart is. The Hancock Park studio apartment I moved into exactly 2 years ago, went from drab to fab for about $500 in improvements. The right color palette, furniture courtesy of Ikea, Goodwill, Craigslist, my Mom and sister, and designer sampler fabric swatches turned this less than average looking space into a welcoming home. You'll find me here atleast for another year.

Inspiring photos and spaces provide a solid foundation for redesign projects. The Paris apartment style appealed to my personal style and vision for my home.

This photo is courtesy of Teen Vogue circa 2008.

Special shout out to Vanessa of Vanessa + Valentine.

Sunday Night Blues

2010-01-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

About this time each Sunday, I reflect on the week ahead and tie up all those loose ends around home that I just won't get to (or want to) once I submerge back into the Monday through Friday routine. So, instead of thinking about it atleast for the next hour...I found some pretty blue pieces to take my mind off all that. Monday will roll around soon enough.

Matthew Williamson + turquoise chiffon = dreams of poolside glamour

The LBD remains namely so...instead the B is for blue.

This Kimono shades of jade mini dress is sexy for cold winter nights as we transition to spring...with just enough coverage in all the right places.

Turquoise NEVER goes out of style. I love these Cabochon dangles.

TWENTY TEN

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

There's certainly a lot to smile about this time of year. Year in and year out, the clear January LA sky reminds me of new beginnings. This is the time to reflect on the infinite possibilities of the 365 days ahead and how this will be the best year to date.

My get up and go song for today: LOVELY DAY by Bill Withers

"When I wake up in the morning love and the sunlight hurts my eyes. And something without warning love bears heavy on my mind. Then I look at you and the world's alright with me. Just one look at you and I know it's gonna be a lovely day! When the day that lies ahead of me seems impossible to face and someone else instead of me always seems to know the way. Then I look at you and the world's alright with me. Just one look at you and I know it's gonna be...a lovely day!"

Peace and Love in 2010,

Cuvée Chic

The International Frank Sinatra

2009-12-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

Music is the soundtrack to life. So, when times call for some fun musky electronic lounge, check out Louie Austen. The Austrian born international crooner of leisure entertains with the charm and charisma of Frank Sinatra and has gained success among the younger electronic music scene. Tracks like "Glamour Girl", "Dreams Are My Reality", "Disco Dancer", "Take Your Time", and "Myamy", and "Rain" are worth checking out.

Click here for Louie Austen's website