Daries Of A Diva

Shashi Bracelets: Rooted by Spirituality

2010-07-07T22:41:00.000-07:00

The designer duo of the jewelry line Ruby Kobo, Yuvi Alpert and Danna Kobo, created a second collection, Shashi, that is more casual while maintaining the quality of high end designer jewelry.

This line encompasses the different cultures of India, Morocco, Nepal and Africa. But the line was initially inspired when temple bracelets were being handed out during Hindu prayer services that the designers attended. The Shashi collection was rooted by spirituality, and now all of us fashionistas can bedazzle our wrists with these stylish bracelets.

The Wedge: To Splurge or to Conserve?

2010-07-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

It's the season for wedges, and I am obsessed with the Christian Louboutin Praia Wedge sandals for $595.00. As I try to justify why I should add these to my shoe collection, I remember (or I temporarily forgot) that I have a very similar pair of Michael Kors "Violet", that I bought 2 months ago for $195.00. So that took care of any justification that I should shell out $600 for these shoes. Well, what about Louboutin's signature red soles?
For the budget fashionista, the"Violet" Michael Kors, is the the more affordable alternative and you'll still be walking in style, of course, without the red soles.

Okay, so The Louboutins are the more stylish and unique looking of the two wedges, but are they worth the extra $400 and change?

What do you think?

NEW YORK CITY PHOTO JOURNAL

2010-06-10T01:03:00.000-07:00

Reminiscing about New York....the bright lights, the noise, the theater, the traffic, the park,the energy, the shopping, the restaurants, Rachel and THE FUN!! Below are some of my favorite photos I took during my last visit. Enjoy!!

"Manhattan Traffic" 4.8.2010

"Central Park" 4.10.2010

"Top Man" 4.10.2010

"NYC Fashion" 4.10.2010

What are your favorite things to do in New York City?

What is your favorite experience in The City?

Guilty Pleasure Summer Reading

2010-06-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

Which guiltless pleasure do you plan on reading this summer? Well if you are lacking in ideas, here are a few suggestions.......

Woman Food And God by Geneen Roth. Currently on the Best Seller List. Summary: Geneen, who suffers from relationships with food describes her trail and tribulations with her weight. Fluctuating more that a thousand pounds from weight gain and loss, she has been both dangerous underweight and dangerously overweight. Geneen shows how going beyond food and feelings can take you into deeper realms of your spirit and soul. Click her to purchase Women Food and God

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert Currently On The Best Seller List Summary: At the age of 34, Gilbert gdivorces her husband and embarks on a year long journey of recovery with three stops: Rome for pleasure, an ashram outside of Mumbai for spiritual healing and Bali for balancing. This is a true story of one woman's search for everything and her quest for achieving her goals. Click her to purchase Eat, Pray, Love

Jemima J by Jane Green Smmary: Jemima Jones is a writter on a small London Paper. Although she describes herself as boring, fat and unhappy, she takes on the identity of her friend when she joins a dating site. This story will take you through Jemima's journey of meeting men over the internet and her quest to becoming the person described on her profile before meeting the man she begins a relationship with on the dating site. As Jemima makes the transformation from an ugly duckling to an attractive swan by following a strict diet and exercise plan, she finally has the courage and confidence in succeeding to finding love. Click her to purchase Jemima J

Valley Of The Dolls by Jaqueline Susan Summary: A classic story about three glamor girls clawing their way to the top in New York City taking place in the 1950s. But once they reach the top, there is no other place to go, but down. Filled with sex, drugs and the social world of men, this book will bring you into the captivating lives of these three woman's fame and decent. Click here to purchase Valley of the Dolls

My secret to battling unwanted blemishes: Tea Tree Oil by The Body Shop

2010-06-04T02:10:00.000-07:00

From pre-teen years through adulthood, one of the commonalities in the ages are blemishes. They are simply unavoidable. A pimple at its best to a cyst at its worst. Regardless to say, they are unwanted, and have the ability to linger and cause beauty pain. I am fortunate enough to say that they are uncommon for me. On the rare occasion that I have a blemish, one of my closest friends, makes every effort to point it out as she tells me "I should embrace my beauty mark".
My secret to getting rid of that unwanted visitor: tea tree oil by The Body Shop. It's the BEST natural solution to clear blemishes quickly and effectively without over drying the skin. This antibacterial formula is a culmination of lemon tea tree oil, trade tree oil and tamanu oil. The Body Shop carries an entire line of tea tree products: the oil, a blemish gel stick, exfoliating wash, face mask and concealer. This by a long measure, is the best product I have purchased for solving many skin issues including blemishes, minor skin infections, uneven skin tones, cold sores and even athlete's foot.
Click here to purchase a bottle of The Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil for $9.

Bikini Grooming: The Brazilian Wax by Bliss World

2010-06-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

Summer is upon us, and other than getting your bikini body in shape and buying some basic summer essentials, us ladies need to prepare for summer time grooming: the bikini wax!! Rachel, who always does her detailed research, called me today to ohhh and ahhh over the Bliss World Brazilian Wax. She said not only was it painless, she can't wait to go again. I wasn't sure I heard correctly, because I have never had a woman tell me her "bikini wax" was painless. Go figure.......Well than I did some of my own research (but of course), and all the reviews are consistent with Rachel's: Bliss spa offers the best Brazilian bikini wax as quoted by New York Magazine Best of New York. So guess what? That's right, I made myself an appointment. And if you don't want to pick up the phone, click here, to book an appointment and schedule a specific beauty technician. Hmm, this experience isn't so bad thus far, is it??
So if you are in need of finding the perfect place to get a bikini wax, look no further. Click here to learn about their Brazilian Bikini Wax and to read consumer reviews.

Click here for Bliss World Spa Locations.

Okay Ladies.....Go and Get your bikini grooming on!!

My Love for Claremont Village, CA

2010-06-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

I went for a mini getaway, 40 miles east of Los Angeles to Claremont Village. Tucked away in the Inland Empire, Claremont is the home to a prestigious cluster of five undergraduate and two graduate education institutions. This quaint village caters to college students and locals. Claremont has an electric vibe and a multifaceted feel. You can find many unique shops, boutiques, restaurants, bakeries and art galleries. In one of my first posts, I blogged about Bath Junkie, one of my favorite stores, which is located in the Village (this is the closest store to Los Angeles). Another one of my favorite stores is Amelie, an upscale clothing boutique offering many contemporary designers as well as collections from up and coming designers. Every Sunday Claremont has an outdoor farmer's market providing fresh organic produce. Claremont is also the home to the Folk Music Festival. Many concerts also take place at the stylish and instrumentally diverse Folk Music Center, owned by musician Ben Harper.
Many people wonder why I love Claremont. Well, here is a photo journal of my last visit, and maybe you will see why I have a love and fondness for the village.......

Hotel Casa 425, is a stylish boutique hotel and lounge opening onto a tranquil courtyard with an outdoor "living room"

Bath Junkie offering your own scented bath products for men and woman and products for pets, the home and babies

Patty's.....a Mexican take-out restaurant which on many occasions has a long line to order food. All tortillas are hand made. Personally, I think they have the best taco's and I believe many would agree.

Amelie

Hero's and legends restaurant

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-29T10:36:00.000-07:00

Photo taken by me in Cabo San Lucas

Happy Memorial weekend!! This represents the start of summer, so start cleaning out your closets to make room for your summer and beach attire.

If you don't have an activity packed weekend, here are some "Memorial Day Weekend" suggestions......

Here are things to do in Los Angeles over the weekend

Here are things to do in New York over the weekend

Here are things to do in Chicago over the weekend

Here are things to do in Miami over the weekend

So Soft, So Joie

2010-05-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Joie introduced it's new line this Spring, "Soft Joie". Joie is known for it's modern and fashion savvy collection made with luxurious fabrics to create the quintessential feminine style reflected in both their tops and dresses.

A few pieces from the Soft Joie Collection

Nine years later, Soft Joie has hit the fashion market proving the perfect balance between comfort and style. The collection brings sophisticated basics made with 100% viscose and slightly sheer fabrics. All of their styles maintain an effortless and feminine feel while exuding a flirtatious attitude. The prices in the soft joie collection range from $48-$158. Click here to purchase from the collection.

Perfect for summer............

My current obsession from the Joie: Kendall Silk Chiffon Dress $298

In Honor of The Los Angeles Lakers- Playoff Game 4 "Go Lakers"!

2010-05-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

Kobe Byant Jersey

If you know me well, it's no surprise that I am a dedicated Los Angeles Laker fan!! My close friends are aware that they should never ask me for plans during a Laker playoff game. I will either be at the game or in front of a big screen TV watching my favorite team play ball. As a true fan would do, I yell at the players and at times inform Phil how he should be coaching....yes, it's comical, but true.

I was at "The Sports Spectacular" Cedar Sinai Charity event this past Sunday night where they were auctioning off Laker jerseys and basketballs. I was not prepared to bid in the thousand dollar range so at best, I snapped away photos that can now be stored in my photo collection. And I thought I would share these photos!!

Signed Jerseys by Derek Fisher and Andrew Bynum

Signed Jersey by Pau Gasol

Signed Basketball by Kobe Bryant

Signed Basketball by Phil Jackson

The proud Laker Fan

Kooba Introduces Footwear

2010-05-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

Kooba Molly Wedge $329

If you are a fan of the Kooba handbag line, like myself, you will be excited to know that they have launched a footwear collection for Spring 2010.

Kooba Mae Wedge $299

Kooba's footwear, which hits the stores this month, is stylish, sleek and sophisticated encompassing their effortless style that was first brought to us with their handbag line. The Brazil-made collection of flats and wedges incorporate details like python printed leather, studs and intricate buckles. They are currently avaliable at zappos.com and endless.com.

A Sneak Peak Into Sex And The City 2

2010-05-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

T*H*E*Y'*R*E B*A*C*K !!

On May 27th, Sex And The City 2 embraces the big screen across the United States. Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda take an exotic vacation to Abu Dhabi to have a girls-only vacation...NO kids and NO husbands! Let's just say cocktails and temptation impact their getaway.

Patricia Field, the wardrobe stylist for Sex and the city, has certainty transformed the charterers from small screen to big screen fashion icons, as we previously seen in the 2008 hit film. I am anticipating the wardrobe, maybe more so than the actual storyline of the film. Patricia has developed personal styles for each character: Carrie is fearlessly fashionable, Samantha wears sexy styles that exude confidence, Charlotte has a sweet and preppy style and Miranda is a very well dressed career woman.

The Girls: Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte

Carrie

Samantha

Charlotte

Miranda

Click her to watch the trailer for Sex and The City 2 Preview

Jellies: The 80's one hit wonder back in fashion

2010-05-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

Diane von Furstenberg Jaya Love Knot Jelly Sandal

I remember those carefree summer days when I ran around in my jellies. I owned one in each color made. Whether riding my bike, a trip to the beach, or going to a party of any sort, I had these fashionable jelly sandals on my feet at all times. Did you have a pair back in the 80's when they made their mark on the fashion radar?

That was back when I was a teenager. Today, they are no longer "the one hit wonder" as they mark their impression on the fashion scene. From target to high end designers, jellies are becoming a staple in the shoe market due to popular demand. My favorite are the Diane von Furstenberg jelly jaya love sandal featured in my blog. A friend of mine told me I would love these sandals. I googled them immediately, and I thought they were decent, but not a sandal I would own let alone wear. Once I saw them in person, I fell in love and my order will be arriving in the next day or two. I am so excited to revisit the 80's again.

Diane von Furstenburg java love jellies $75

Reinforce The Green Revolution With Stylish Eco Friendly Bags

2010-05-17T09:22:00.000-07:00

While shopping over the weekend, I came across these fashionable reusable and recyclable totes with creative designs. Forget the traditional common store bought canvas bags, when you can own one that is much larger, more durable, water resistant with interior compartments and most importantly stylish. Well, I bought one, or two........

my favorite, the leopard print

interior compartment, great for liquid bottles

So, this Insta-Tote Bag is great for anyone who enforces the "green revolution" because they are made from tough reinforced and recycled polypropylene at a very affordable price. Of course, they can be reused, and will last much longer than the traditional store bought canvas shopper

GO GREEN IN STYLE!!

Insta-Tote Bag $6

My Weekly Obsession: Simone Camille Handbags

2010-05-14T00:42:00.000-07:00

Simone Camille Bags

Can you say perfection........

As seen on Nicole Richie

Simone Camille's on-of-a-kind handbag collection is crafted with love and much talent. Created by Simone Harouche, a well renowned stylist, she began making them for her and her friends. Quickly, they began the latest must-have bag and have been seen on some of her celebrity clientele, Nicole Richie and Miley Cyrus. These handbags are made with unique and high quality textiles that are aquired from different countries around the world.

They have a fun sense of style with a bohemian feel. Every handbag is an original work of art. Available on her website, Simone Camille and at Ron Herman.

Accessorizing With House of Harlow 1960

2010-05-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

There are times after I get dressed for an evening out and feel I am missing that finishing touch to perfect my ensemble. Although I may look in the mirror and see I have on a fashionably suitable outfit, I know it can be spiced up by transforming it from boring to brilliant. The House of Harlow 1960 jewelry line, does just that. It can make a woman feel extra special wearing an eye-catching piece that keeps a crowd staring. And at last, a smile emerges because I know I did well with one simple addition, a piece from the House of Harlow 1960 collection.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

Cream Starbusrt Sun Necklace $58

Black and Silver Cuff $95

Black and Gold Triangle Necklace $125

The Budget Babe's Summer Gathering

2010-05-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

Cass, the hostess/party planner

With a touch of imagination and creativity, you can throw together a party at little cost, like my best friend Cass did over this past weekend. Had it been a party thrown by someone else, I would have thought it was planned well in advanced with the help of a party planner. I was amazed, as I'm now going to pimp her out as "the ultimate party planner"!

A little over two weeks ago, Cass suggested that she wanted to have a little pre-summer shindig at her house that she recently moved into with some close friends. Her twin boys, Cade and Ryder, also were turning four, so she decided to weave some candles, cake and decor to celebrate their birthday, since she was not planning on throwing them a party this year. I truly was in awe as I walked in and saw that her backyard was turned into an outdoor living room. She hit a few key stores, got creative, and grabbed one of her must have items...THE GLUE GUN!!

Tables and Chairs: Cass bought a couple of cheap wicker chairs and a few $9 side tables from Ikea and moved some of her indoor furniture outside. What created a cozy and comfortable ambiance, were all of the floral and printed pillows, which she made in minutes with old fabric she had, her glue gun and sewing machine.

The centerpieces: Cass blended flower arrangements of roses in every color that she bought for next to nothing at the flower mart in downtown Los Angeles. She coupled these arrangements with clear jars (also purchased at Ikea) and filled them with candy and pink marshmallows.

Kids Table: Cass bought bright colored $0.99 plastic buckets from Michaels arts and crafts and filled them with cotton candy, crafts, pinwheels, bubbles and a few others from the 99 cent store.

Cake and Cupcakes: We all know that we can buy pricey cake's from L\A's famous Hanson's bakery and delicious cupcakes from Sprinkles or Ralph's market.....but it's so easy to do homemade deserts (from a box).......and make them both unique and eye-catching! Cass bought cupcakes (chocolate, vanilla and red velvet) and about 10 containers of Fluffy white frosting. She grabbed a box of non traditional food coloring from Michaels arts and crafts, mixed it in, added some sprinkles and these cupcakes became part of the decor as well. As for the twins' birthday cake, she just frosted the cakes, and put their initials on each cake to add that personal touch!!

Okay, so with $150, a glue gun and a sewing machine, I find this to be pretty amazing!!

Soot Bull Jeep: The Taste of Authentic Korean BBQ

2010-05-09T00:34:00.000-07:00

SOOT BULL JEEP Los Angeles, CA

This no frills Korean BBQ joint with cracked linoleum tabletops and rickety metal chairs always has a line of hungry people waiting to be seated. They are not waiting for the service, as it's the eat, pay and get out kind of place. It's the charcoal grills coupled with the marinated meats that attract the masses and makes Soot Bull Jeep one of the most popular and busiest Korean bbq restaurants in the Los Angeles area.

the authentic charcoal grill

the fixings

Don't expect much service from the waitresses other than when they plop down the fixings and plates of meat. They will occasionally stop when they smell a sense of cooking ignorance at a table. It's a cook-it-yourself kinda place. Grill, raw meat and fixings provided. The rest is up to the customer.

You will leave feeling like you need an immediate shower, so make sure to change from your chick and fashionable attire, to your "less than suitable" lounge wear. Your clothing will absorb the smoke and you'll smell as if you just came from a campfire. The ventilation system doesn't do much justice.

The amazing taste, quality of food, feel of authenticity and the reasonably priced menu makes this restaurant a a memorable and fun dining experience keeping their customers coming back for more. This smokey spot offers remarkable bbq with meat marinated to perfection!

Location:

3136 West 8th Street

Los Angeles, CA 90005

213.387.3865

They do not accept reservations

Summer Stylin'

2010-05-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies.......it's just that time to exchange your rain gear for summer beach wear. If you are in need for some new stylish chic pieces, here are a few of my summer essentials:

The Suit

Aqua Ruffle Triangle Swim Suit

ruffle lining along neckline and waistband
$58 top $58 bottom

The Sandals

Matt Bernson "Love" Sandals

leather lining and sole

$129

The Bag

Tory Burch Beach Tote

metallic leather, canvas lining, no closure, double straps

$325

The Cover Up

Love Quotes Shiva Wrap

drapped sides, kimono sleeves, asymmetrical, sheer

$155

And of course, The Sunglasses

Michael Kors "Miami" Aviator Glasses

lightweight metal frames with metal arms, 100% UV protection

$95

Gourmet Meals on Wheels in LA

2010-05-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

If someone asked me a few years ago to go grab a meal at a roach coach, I would have thought you were temporarily insane and replied, "GROSS, lunch from a roach coach!". For the past few years the roach coach obsession has been hitting the streets of Los Angeles and have transformed into gourmet meals on wheels. It's the new "fast food" dining experience and be prepared to wait in long lines for good food that is reasonably priced. The true aficionados are always in the know where to find the best tacos, mouth watering grilled cheese, delicious cupcakes, and korean bbq. Most of theses mobile food trucks have twitter and facebook pages to give followers their daily locations.

My personal favorite is the grilled cheese truck, recently named the number one food truck in Los Angeles. Whether this a trend that will last, only time will tell, but in the meantime, I will take another double cream brie cheese sandwich!!

Harvest Melt from the grilled cheese truck

To find a roach coach to suite your appetite, click here. Blog dedicated to Dana!!!

Mother's Day Gifts Under $100

2010-05-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

Mother's day is just around the corner.......

Gift ideas for under $100

ECO FRIENDLY MOM: Marc by Marc Jacobs Shopper Tote $56

Available in 5 colors: Pink, Blue Gray, Yellow and Orange

100% Nylon, Canvas handles, Open Closures

STYLISH MOM: Michael Kors "Miami" Aviator Sunglasses $95

Available in 2 gradients: pistachio/brown and dark blush/smoke/pink

Lightweight metal frames with metal arms, stylish gradient lenses, 100% UV protection

TRAVELING MOM: Marc by Marc Jacobs Small Nylon Make-Up Bag $68

zip around closure, nylon, finish with a front logo plaque

WORKING MOM: Canali Leather Card Case $85

Avaliable in black/orange and brown/light blue

Italian crafted, 3 card slots on each side ( 6 total)

BAKER MOM: William Sonoma Cake Stand $65

Perfect showcase for and desert, sparkling clear glass, dishwasher safe, 13" diameter 4.5" high

FITNESS MOM: Fibit Wireless Personal Trainer $99.99

Use this personal trainer device to collect data about your daily activities, such as exercise intensity levels, calories burned, sleep quality, steps and distance. The data collected is automatically uploaded to your personal Fibit website where you can track your progress towards personal goals.

HAVE IT ALL MOM: D.L. & Co. Angel's Trumpet Candle $95
Avaliable in different scents
White frosted scallop vessel in a silk box with white ribbon.
40 plus hour burn time, 10 oz.

RELAXING MOM: LaCoste "Smash" Robe $95

Avaliable colors: white, pink and blue

Plush, absorbent, with hood, 100% cotton

Vision Through The Aviator

2010-05-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

Ray-Ban Aviator

Aviator sunglasses first flourished the fashion world for men. Today, they are a Hollywood phenomenon and can be seen on both men and women clad in these sleek, dark and stylish shades. Aviator's are a fashion trend that have become a timeless all-rounded style that are suited for any occasion.
First created in 1936 by Ray-Ban, they quickly became a popular choice of eye wear after seen on General MacArthur during World War II. American's instantly fell in love with them. In 1986, Tom Cruise made the Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses popular once again and an instant fashion must have. They have been the most copied sunglasses as of date. From major well known brands to high end designers, the aviator sunglasses have become a staple style in their collections.

My pick's:

1. Michael Kors Miami Aviator Sunglasses $95

2. Marc Jacobs Full Metal Aviator $295

3. Gucci Aviator $275

LU LU for Lemon: Lululemon

2010-04-29T00:37:00.000-07:00

Lululemon, yoga inspired athletic wear, has become my daily uniform. Whether doing my daily errands or working out, it is quite often you'll see me in my lululemon gear. Yes, I have traded my juicy jumpsuits for lululemon and this fabulous yoga line has also influenced many people from both Los Angeles and New York to make the same change. The transition was easy and the obvious choice, for lululemon offers comfortable, cozy, form fitting, flattering and of course fashionable activewear. Need I say more, I'm officially a "LuluHead". I certainly own enough pieces to stock half a store. Between Rachel and I, we can definitely fill an entire shop with merchandise and make a nice chunk of change.

Lululemon Remix Hoodie (front) $89

Lululemon Remix Hoodie (Back)

Lululemon's Power Tank $52

Lululemon's first store was opened in Vancouver BC in 1998 and today they have over 100 stores across the United States, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong. The fabrics used to make their clothing line are top quality, moisture wicking (fabric dries quicker and you stay cooler during workouts and warmer afterwards) and comfortable. The fabric is also pre-shrunk, long lasting (worth the cost), lightweight and anti-stink. They use their signature luon fabric for most of their collection, which leaves the consumers addicted and coming back to buy more.

The Nature in Outdoor Workouts

2010-04-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

Hiking In Los Angeles, CA

Summer is around the corner, so I ditch my 4" louboutins and lip gloss for lululemon gear and my comfy asics tennies. It's time to succumb to less that perfect hair and start making my clothes work as hard as I do. Why not take a hike or a brisk walk and embrace nature while you burn some calories. I love outdoor workouts because it challenges my body to inclines, declines and obstacles, while leaving behind the monotony of any indoor workout machine. And besides, I hate when I am sandwiched between 2 occupied machines as I get a collective whiff of body odor and sweat dripping on my machine. GROSS!!! Studies have shown that outdoor activities increases your mood and boosts your self-esteem. I'm in!! Hiking is much more appealing than any indoor workout because it mentally and physically stimulates me as I shed calories. Whether hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains in Los Angeles, or taking a brisk walk in Central Park in New York City, outdoor workouts will beat boredom, boost confidence, and endurance and burn fat!!

LA's Best Hiking Trails

Central Park, New York City

Rachel, Erika and I stopping for a photo

Summer Sweet Contest from BESO.COM

2010-04-26T22:33:00.000-07:00

Do you have a favorite summertime recipe? Enter to win a KitchenAid Mixer from Beso.com by submitting your recipe which will be reviewed by Beso's style director, Emily Schuman. Entry ends May 31st and the winner will be featured on the Beso blog in June.

Beso's bake up summer sweets contest

Beso's Style Director, Emily Schuman from Cupcakes and Cashmere