And I Quote...

"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me" - Steve Carell as Michael Scott in "The Office"

Image from nbc.com

Leaving On A Jet Plane

You're bags are packed and you're ready to go. Time to tackle that cross-continental 6-and-a-half-hour flight in less-than-favorable conditions (thunderstorms at your layover in Philadelphia, Hurricane Bill at JFK, anyone?). DailyCandy.com, my favorite e-mail publication, offers some of the best travel advice. So this is for you, you jet-setters of the world.

Check, Please
"Many airlines (American, Continental, Northwest, United, US Airways, Frontier, AirTran, and Spirit) now charge $15 each way for the first checked bag (the. nerve.), and Delta starts soon. (Funny, most still want a fuel surcharge though gas prices have dropped.) Southwest and Virgin America still offer free checked bags, but the smart call is to carry on only. Bulky coat and boots? Wear them on board."

Bottle Service
"Most airlines won’t offer you so much as a bottle of water. And forget the meal, not that you’ll miss it. Little did we know you can BYO empty water bottle through security and then fill it at a water fountain. (It worked at JFK, LAX, and Hartsfield Atlanta, among others.) Thanks, but no thanks, for that funky airplane tap water."

Tips and Tricks in the Terminal
"The best time to tackle the to-do list? When there’s nothing to do. Stash in your carry-on: seven unread New Yorkers, unpaid AmEx bills, office expenses, tweezers. About those 357 unanswered e-mails…Need to get online? Check TravelPost’s handy airport WiFi guide. Need a power outlet? Look for the vacuum cleaner plugs (usually in a pillar — no one else is looking there). Need a comfy chair? Join Priority Pass for access to more than 500 airport lounges or pony up the $50 to get into your carrier’s for the day."

So settle your self in for the 2 hour line at security, nab the newest tabloid to entertain yourself, and go baby go.


Tips and images from DailyCandy.com

Shreddin' the Gnar, Bro

You're one to embrace the sand between your toes after a long day at the beach. You consider sea salt as your natural body butter. And you're no stranger to the motion of the ocean atop a surfboard at the dawn patrol for a gnarly swell. So traveling cross-country for college to a foreign, land-locked location is just a bummer, brah. Forget begging for your ocean breezes and a glimpse at a dolphin fin on the horizon, drop into the line-up with some college swank for some dank dormage, dude.

Line up several of these anchor hooks from Urban Outfitters along your dorm wall to add that first touch of nautical notion; perfect for loose scarves, towels, long chains, an extraneous jacket, you name it.

Then every shredder needs some shut-eye, so curl up with one of these Humble pillows thrown on your extra long twin (and, no, that is not a type of surfboard). Nab one of the seahorse and jellyfish designs, and they also come in printed towels and totes. Major props for the eco-friendly printed textiles too.

Eat your edibles off another Mother Earth-saving trick from Target: these recycled paper bowls come in sets of 2, and are definitely legit enough for your sick style. Also from the white and red store comes an air purifier that'll remind you of the chilly Alaskan current that sweeps in late summer. This Crane Penguin Air Purifier from Target is gnarly enough to keep your room dust-free (and even your bros think its pretty cute). Looking for something less "Surf's Up" and more sleek, dude? Bed Bath & Beyond will hook you up with this awesome air purifier for less than a week's worth of breakfast burritos.

Add then try tossing some wicker into the room to remind you of those walks down the shore smattered with driftwood. We're a fan of these righteous seagrass-weave baskets from World Market in an array of sizes. Totally boss for storage, man. Throw your sanuks in one, your baggies in another, and pray for the snow to clear up as you pile on the sweaters you keep in the other.

Just proving that you can take the bum away from the beach, but you can't take the beach out of the bum.

Images from Todd Glaser at Surfermag.com, Humble, Cost Plus World Market, Target.com, and Bed Bath & Beyond.

The End of Summer Playlist

Catch it while you can.

1. Earthquakes and Sharks - Brandston
2. Hollywood - Collective Soul
3. Oh Oh It's Magic - Pilot
4. White Houses - Vanessa Carlton
5. Wake Up - Sliimy
6. Coconut - The Sea and Cake
7. Good Girls Go Bad - Cobra Starship ft. Leighton Meester
8. Feeling Better - The Teenagers
9. It's All Right Here - Hannah Montana
10. How Love Should Be - Tyler Hilton
11. 40 Day Dream - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
12. Wasted Time - Kings of Leon
13. The Blankest Year - Nada Surf
14. Supernova - Mr. Hudson ft. Kanye West
15. Shambala - 3 Dog Night
16. Everything I Asked For - The Maine
17. Silver Lining - Rilo Kiley
18. You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift
    
19. Sunny Hours - Long Beach Dub All-Stars
20. Starstrukk - 3OH!3

Image from art.com

Eat Cake

Marie Antoinette clearly stepped on some toes when she suggested, "Let them eat cake." Unfortunately her comment landed her a date with Lady Guillotine. Ouch.

But Becker's Bakery throws caution to the wind and simply commands you to "Eat Cake" with their buttercream confections tantalizing the Manhattan Beach community. A family-owned and locally-run business, the beach-side Bakery humbly boasts the best baked goods in the South Bay as one of the only buttercream bakeries in the area. Known for their creative custom cakes, cookies, and cupcakes, Becker's caters to any sweet tooth. Cupcakes ranging in side from jumbo, regular, and mini fit the perfect craving as a rich, decadent treat. Cookies come in giant frosted oatmeal, sugar with rainbow sprinkles, screen-printed-frosting, delicious large-and-in-charge chocolate chip cookies, and--if you're daring enough--the frosting-filled Cookie Monster cookie. And any event is reason enough to order a scrumptious Becker's cake. Custom-made for you by Todd and his crew, they have never failed to produce an edible wonder. With fillings such as fresh strawberries and chocolate buttercream, to red raspberries and whipped cream, the confections are truly finger-licking. In a hurry? Grab a fresh cake from the glass and have Todd ice it right then and there. Their Giant Cupcake cake is perfect for any occasion, and delicious enough to order anytime!

When you're walking up from the beach--it's lunchtime--and you need a bite to eat, stop by and grab the perfect Becker's sandwich from their deli on their fresh roll or sqaw bread, made to order.

That's just one more reason that Becker's won't be getting the axe anytime soon.


Becker's Bakery and Deli, 1025 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach CA, phone (310) 372-3214, order online here, or email Todd Becker at tbecker55@roadrunner.com

Images from beckersbakeryanddeli.com

Arabian Nights

You spend your time searching for the Cave of Wonders, you're best friend is a monkey wearing a fez, and you're on first-name basis with Ali Baba. Yet all that time in the hot desert sun has left your hair thirstier than that camel you "borrowed" from the sultan (you and your forty thieves you).

Put down that genie lamp and consider your wishes granted with Moroccan Oil. You're new cure-all for damaged, dry, frizzy hair comes from the argan nut, native to only a handful of dry-climate regions. It boasts an extensive resumé: it adds sheen and shine to the wild and frizzy, helps repair color and the chemically treated, applies extra conditioning to the dry and damaged, all while throwing in UV protection for your now-touchable tresses. Apply to damp hair right out of the shower, or ask your color technician to add Moroccan Oil to any treatment for a manageable mane that will contribute to the life of your color. The product line also offers variations of the original oil in several different formulas including an Intense Hydrating Mask, a Restorative Mask, an Intense Curl Cream, a Hydrating Styling Cream, the Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, and a Glimmer Shine Spray.

And while you're sticky fingers may get you far at the local bazaar, a bottle of this miracle product will run you about $40 a pop. But consider it an investment when your luscious locks stream behind you, as you whisk away on your black steed, into the darkness of a thousand and one nights.

Images from moroccanoil.com

And I Quote...

"He attacked everything in life with a mix of extraordinary genius and naive incompetence, and it was often difficult to tell which was which." -Douglas Adams

Images from douglasadams.com

Back In Black

You're creepy and kooky, and can be mysterious and spooky. And while sometimes you're fashion choices often lean towards the deadful and dreadful, summer's transitional trend into fall is no longer reserved for the Wednesday Addams's of the world.

All-black outfits are making the rounds again as the temperature begins to drop and the leaves begin to change. Spotted walking the streets of Venice Beach, I couldn't help but notice how chic and pulled together my friend Juliana looked in a sheer black t-shirt and classically cut black shorts. I decided that this look was definitely one to mimic, and began patrolling my sources for further inspiration.

Keep from going all spiderwebs and spooks by playing with proportions: short shorts matched with long-sleeved button down oxfords tucked neatly in; a billowy blouse offset by sleek and strappy brown heels; a textured top and ankle-hitting harlem pants. Posh gets the idea with an added bike glove without getting too rocker-chick on us; Kate Bosworth adds a dash to her solid-color ensemble with a pop of pink lipstick. This blank-canvas look easily becomes your own with those kind of special touches; consider a neon belt or signature necklace. Plus with the summer tans we've all been working on for the past four months, the blackest black can only compliment your glow, rather than preen your pallor.

Best of all, is this whole look goes easy on your wallet. Check out my picks below, or raid your own closet for your basic blacks to mix and match! These all-black ensembles really are a scream, even if you're Uncle Fester disagrees.

From top left clockwise: Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Chrisscross Sandal (ON SALE!) $19; Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise Cropped Dolman Tee (ON SALE!) $24.99; UO Brass and Leather Bracelet $28; and Forever 21 7 Pocket Denim Short $14.80


From left to right: Forever 21 Looped Rope Necklace $14.80; American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Short Sleeve T-shirt Leotard $28.00; Silence and Noise High Waisted Harem Pant $58.00; Deena & Ozzy Suede Zip Bootie $78.00


From top left clockwise: Lacoste Short-Sleeved Strech Piquéd Polo $79.50 (Macy's); American Apparel Unisex Strech Courdory 5-Pocket Short $44.00; The Limited Skinny Patent Belt $19.50 in Aqua; Forever 21 Cleopatrice Wide Metallic Cuff $8.00

Images from teamsugar, fashion launch page, fashionising.com, and styleontrack.

Time Warp (Part II)

Aug 14, 2009

Dear Diary,

Is it time yet? Is it? Can I go? Please. Pretty please? Countdown: t-minus 8 days. Let's go already!! I mean, summer's been great. It's been fantastic being home. But, really, is it time yet?

Everything's stored at Grandma's in PA. I'm scheduled to fly in there to visit her first before I move into my dorm. I should air out my Northface parka. I wonder if I need that now, or if I can wait til after Thanksgiving? I don't remember it snowing before then. I can't decide if I should start packing my CA stuff this weekend or not. Is that a little too eager-beaver of me? I don't want to give my family the wrong impression. I mean, I miss them all during the year but....

Speaking of family Diary, my sorority sisters are getting me so excited to return back to Cuse. I've been bombarded with Facebook messages daily. I'm living with one of my sisters next year--Jen!! We've been video chatting all summer. This time I'm bringing the fridge (she's on microwave detail). We're going to have such a good year.

Hmm, it's about time I start looking at my class schedule. Rob already has his, but then, he's off in Chile studying abroad (man, it's going to be weird not having him around this semester). Suzi is abroad too, I'm definitely going to miss them both. But while they have their act together already, Diary, I have some rearranging to do ever since I was accepted into the Newhouse School of Public Communications this summer. Though you know I'm never one to procrastinate, maybe I'll just wait til the info meeting when we go back to SU. Molly and Thomas both said they'd go with me. Reunion!

Jed and I have been planning our to-do's that first week we move in, like lunch at Faculty and room decorating (I mean they didn't call me Holly Homemaker just for any old reason last year). We're both working Goon Squad to help the new kiddies move into the dorms. Way to give back, I know. That plus OrangeSeeds, my freshman-leadership program from last year, has me working as a mentor for new students. I love playing mommy!

I'm so stoked. Where did the summer go? I still have checklist of things to do in LA, though having Syracuse friends visit this summer helped me cross several of those things off (hi Ben at 6MAN, Angela and Melissa at the Melrose Flea Market!). Anyway, the countdown continues!

Here's to the coming year!

-S

Image from syr.edu

Time Warp (Part I)

Aug 14, 2008

Dear Diary,

I'm packing. I'm off to college on the other side of the world. I'm starting to sympathize with Christopher Columbus right now--voyaging off to the opposite end of the globe, not knowing if it's flat or not. Do you think Syracuse is flat? I mean, I hear it's really cold; maybe it could be the very edge of the world over there. Though Helen says it's alright. She moved into her dorm yesterday at Villanova. Man, I hate good-byes. I have friends who are relocating all across the country: Philadelphia, Boston, NorCal, NYC, Indiana, Illinois, Colorado, Texas. Sure, we wouldn't be sharing late night In-N-Out Animal Style fries together as frequently. But we have promises of video chats in different timezones, Christmases at the beach to come home to, and a cross-country collegiate tour that won't require those information meetings.

I always knew I'd go to college on the East Coast, Diary. But now that tidbit of self-knowledge is becoming a reality. I packed up my clothes, my room, and pieces of my SoCal lifestyle to bring with me. I have a whole color scheme picked out for my dorm room--def plastering the walls with surf posters. My roommate seems nice. I think she might be wild. Well, she's bringing the mini fridge, so I can't complain.

I guess making new friends won't be that hard, Diary. I'm nervous. I know a total of zero people going to Syracuse. But there's about 16,000 students there. There's bound to be a handful of people who'll maybe(?) like me(!). That makes me nervous.

Ok, Diary, secret time: I'm petrified. High school was fantastic. I was somebody. Everyone knew me. I did everything. I was on top of the world. Graduated with honors. How can I be expected to do that all over again? No one knowing me, not knowing anyone. I. Am. So. Scared. But I guess it'll work out, right? If I've done it once, I can do it again. I mean, I'm not the only person to go away for college. And there has to be stuff for me to get involved in. Ok, deep breaths.

In all honesty Diary, I'm really excited. The timing's perfect, I'm ready to go. Let's try something new, shake things up a bit.

Here goes nothing.

-S

Image from sulacrosscamps.com

Some Like it RA

Some like it hot, some like it cold. Some like it in the pot nine days old. But if you like it fresh and sans the stew pot, it's time to head to RA Sushi for a gourmet hot spot.

Trying it out for the first time last night, my HHBC boss Jamie Bateman treated me and my fellow Head Staff and Assistant Director to the trendy eatery at Del Amo Mall in Torrance, CA. Graffitied, glass-lantern lit, and tastefully bambooed, the sushi restaurant/bar caters to the young, jet set crowd seated around in booths and at the bar. Naturally, I fit right in. Walking in for happy hour specials on drinks and sushi/sashimi, our ultimate trials and tastings allowed me to culminate an ultimate list for the food bon vivant.

Split the Miso Hot! Soup. It's served super hot, and super hot. Not for the weak-minded. Or rather, weak tasters. But ultimately it's a taste-bud tingler, and definitely not to be missed. Pair that appetizer with some steamed and sea-salted edammame.

Check out the half-off sushi during RA's Happy Hour (3pm-7pm). My recommendations include the Yellowtail Nigiri, Tootsy Maki, Viva Las Vegas Roll, and Crunchy Calamari Roll. Each hail originally from the Signature Sushi list, so if you miss Happy Hour, don't you fret. Meanwhile, order the Halibut sashimi (Sushi/Sashimi); try the Ultimate Shrimp Tempura, the Crazy Monkey Roll, and the Atlantic Roll (Signature Sushi). There was not one disappointing dish on the table, and every last cut found its way onto our plates and into our bellies.

And if you, like Head Staff Annie, are not big on the raw fish scene, go for something off the Dinner menu. We sampled her Chicken Katsu with wasabi mashed potatoes, and I was tempted to go fish-less as well! Word on the street is the Seared Ahi is amazing, and the Black Pepper Filet Medallions melt in your mouth. Somehow Annie and I made room for dessert (and Nolan and Jamie both knew that they'd eat whatever we ordered); the Cinnamon Tempura Ice Cream absolutely was to die for, and comes highly-recommended by the waitstaff.

The tables are equip with traditional sushi-and-soy-sauce plates, the food is served family style to share. Order your sushi and sashimi of choice in check-box style, and ask for a side of Ponzu sauce to really take things up a notch.

Hot, cold, cooked, or not. RA Sushi is the place for fine wining and dining this summer.

For locations, check out RA's website here.

Images from rasushi.com

Love Today

I'm in love I'm in love and I don't care who knows it!

Though my admiration for musical artist MIKA has never been a huge secret. Mika and I go back to 2007, to his first album Life In Cartoon Motion. Clear and conspicuous hooks, the vocal range that hails Freddie Mercury, all layered together with arch, campy amusement, he had me humming my way through high school. Now, a couple years later and I've graduated to the halls of even higher learning at Syracuse University--and he's done it again. Allow me to introduce to you The Boy Who Knew Too Much, Mika's second album set to be released September 21st.

Already, samplings off the album are circulating the net; received with tumult and applause, his vocal gymnastics and polymorphous music display the ingenuity behind this imaginative British musician. Talented doesn't begin to cover the man: classically trained, racially mixed and prone to theatrical physical gesture, he has become a scion of ambitiously delivered self-expression. Mika has said his music can be condensed easily, "the basic principals are that it is joyful and empowering and doesn’t cowtow to fashion or convention," calling to mind an old and almost forgotten pop notion: individuality.


Pre-orders are a go on iTunes UK, or check out his absolutely outstanding music video for "We Are Golden" here. I watch it at least 5 times a day. I almost wish I was exaggerating.

Images from mikasounds.com

Tour Du France Is Our Goal!

Drive downtown. Drive past destination. Circle 1 block radius for parking. Drive past destination. Circle 2 block radius. Drive past destination. Circle 5 block radius. Find parking spot 8 blocks from destination. Put money in meter. Walk down 8 blocks to beach. Return 2 hours later. Find ticket on windshield. Curse the parking gods.

Break the cycle with one of your own--a bicycle that is. In my experience of growing up next to the beach, I've found that taking a leaf out of Lance Armstrong's book has never left me without transportation in a pinch.

Every day this summer, I've hopped aboard my Elektra Strand Cruiser (white with pink flames, natch), and Tour Du Franced it to work. It saves a) time spent searching for a parking spot b) time spent going to the gym (with a total 5 mile cycling workout round trip) c) the environment and d) the stress of a potential parking ticket. With a fool-proof bike lock, a shiny new bell, and a detachable surfboard rack, allow your bike to become your new best friend all over again. Your rock-hard thighs will also thank you at the end of the summer.

Bikes--like their more mechanical counterpart, cars--now come in thousands of models, colors, and styles. Keep it classic on a Schwinn Cruiser to ride on those level terrains: add a basket, throw a towel over your shoulder, and bike along the beach for your most scenic summer activity yet. Or try Tandems for double the fun (I've also seen tandem bikes with attachments for as many as 6 people on 1 bike. Um, woah, awesome). And if you're like me and like to keep things fresh, Urban Outfitters now has a custom bike shop, where you design the colors of every single piece of the cycle; try designing your red front tire with lime green rims and orange bike frame with white handlebars and a blue back tire with red rims--you got it! The order form is simple, and the bikes are relatively inexpensive. Plus you can almost guarantee that there will be no other rider out there with the same bike as you!

So forget about your expired meters and half-mile hikes to your car. Just grab your bicycle and go for the gold!

From left to right: Schwinn 2009 AL $399; Urban Outfitters Aristotle $399; 2009 Tango Tandem $699

Image from BCsurf.com and thebicyclebum.com

Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz

I can easily say I'm a morning person. From early yoga classes at school, to punching in at work around 7:30am, jumping out of bed has never been a problem for me. But every once in a while--be it from a restless night's sleep, a late night out, or an all-nighter studying--I need that morning pick-me-up. Thank goodness for Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

A West-Coast-only commodity, it has been my favorite coffee house since before I began drinking coffee. Supreme brews range from rich exotic roasts, to light and subtle flavors. The variety of teas boast international heritages taking you to China with their Oolong flavors, or Sweden with a fruity twist, to England with their classic Earl Grey. Their mixed drinks are masterfully crafted and served, and anything on ice is definitely delicious. Not a fan of coffee or tea? Neither is my sister. Pure Vanilla and Pure Chocolate Ice Blendeds offer a sweet treat on any warm summer's day! (Try either of the flavors with a caramel swirl, you will not be disappointed.) My favorite orders consist of an iced coffee with Vanilla in the summer, and a caramel latte with soy milk to warm me up during the winter. The vibe of every Coffee Bean radiates hospitality, serving you scrumptious pastries on hearty chinawear if you order in, or quickly creating your drink if you order to go. Even after being back in a couple of times to my local Coffee Bean, the staff knows my name and order, and starts preparing it as soon as I walk in the door.

Morning person or not, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf fits perfectly into any AM routine. Just ask any early bird!

Images from Kaleo and brewed-coffee.com

Favorite Holiday of the Year

If you're from Manhattan Beach, California, and between the ages 13-47, you know from the picture and the title of this entry what we'll be discussing.

That's right, the Manhattan Beach 6-Man.

What started as a memorial tournament for Manhattan Beach legend Charlie Saikley, this weekend-long beach festival sports a surfing competition, the pier-to-pier swim/paddle, and of course, the volleyball tournament.

Teams sport themes from the Oompa Loompa dads to Rockstar Energy Drinks-sponsored Rage All Night, participants include world-class volleyball players, top collegiate stars, and hidden AVP pros in their costume-mandatory team colors. And what would a team be without its cheerleaders? With friends playing some (somewhat) serious volleyball for Becker's Bakery and Pancho's, I witnessed girl-versions of the uniforms being replecated, such as Kendall Waters's rendition of OLÉs for the Team Pancho's jersey. Who could resist this competative, debauchery-filled weekend? Just promise me one thing as we head back down the beach for next year's 6MAN: leave all your personal belongings at home. All you need is your bathing suit, some friends, and maybe the things listed below.


Images from Malibu Rum, GirlthingUK, Von Zipper, and Banana Boat; tshirt design complements of Kendall Waters

Sleeping to Dream

Sarah Newlin of HBO's series, TrueBlood, rocked a simply gorgeous white nightie two episodes ago. I covet that nightgown. Demure, sexy, and elegantly assembled with the ensuing robe--I wanted it.
I'm just gonna come out and say it: I am a fan of nightgowns. No longer for little girls, grandmas, and newlyweds; I am officially announcing that this particular type of sleepwear is, in fact, wearable. Revolutionary, I know.

The conundrum often faced with the luxury of this particular form of pajamas comes two-fold: they're either too matronly to be worn without questioning your sanity, or they're too racy to be worn without questioning your sanity. Fear not, ladies! Almost every line of hip stores now feature affordable and adorable nightgowns. Shopping with Dana and Jackie at Forever 21, they had to pry the 6 nighties I'd grabbed off the rack for fantastic prices (they allowed me to get 2 of the 6. Fair enough). Urban Outfitters never disappoints with simple billowy styles for the bourdoir. And when in doubt, go to the source--Victoria's Secret knows sexy, but also has plenty of styles that bespeak modesty in place of racy.

From left to right: Forever 21 Swiss Dot Sheer Slip $12.80, Ralph Lauren His Shirt (ON SALE!) $39.99, Urban Outfitters Thistlepearl Watercolor Slip $58.00, Forever 21 Lace Trim Slip $16.80

Image from True-blood.net

BUT DAD!! It's SHARK WEEK!

No, I am not alarmed by sharks while swimming in the ocean. No, I have not seen Jaws.

Yes, I live by the beach. Yes, there are sharks where I live. Little bitty sand sharks. They nibble on your toes. My brother helped catch a shovel-nosed shark last Thursday. Magnificent creatures.
And while I spend more time swimming with them than watching them on TV, my favorite week of the summer has official come to an end: Shark Week on Discovery Channel.

When I come home from a hard day of work (at the beach, no less), my brother and I plop ourselves onto the couch to tune into the adrenaline-pumping programs that feature the fascinating fish. Half of our amusement comes from the fact that these creatures hardly roam our waters (though a Great White was reportedly spotted in Malibu two weeks ago), and that it couldn't happen to us. Though that's what half of the victims on "Sharkbite Summer" said. Dun dun duuuuuuuun.

And while the world is often my oyster, I can't help but wonder, what's the world like for the poor oyster? Now I'm not going to preach a vegan lifestyle to you, because hey, I like sushi as much as the next person. But I'd like to know that the fresh fish I'm feasting on is as humanely harvested as possible, rather than Nemo's cousin. Don't you?

Take some time to check out http://www.oceanconservancy.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home for more information on how to protect the infamous sharks of Shark Week.

Image from Disney and Pixar.

Melrose Place

Hi my name is Stevie. (Hi Stevie.) And I have a spending problem. (Awwww.)

Whew. Glad that's off my chest.

Now as I go through my 12 Steps, I must admit to you the sources of my problem. The newest being the Melrose Flea Market.

Today, I met up with Syracuse friends, Angela (a fellow Los Angelino) and Melissa (visiting!!!!!!), off of Fairfax and Melrose for my first time at the Flea Market. While I tried to curb my addiction, the tents teeming with vintage jewelry, clothing, and odds and ends beckoned to me. Alas, I was doomed.

This not-so-secret Trading Post takes place every Sunday (rain or shine!), and harbors an abundance of unique trinkets that are truly one-of-a-kind. Sellers set up shop weekly in Fairfax High School's parking lot; while some are seasonal, according to Angela the merch is generally the same. And take it from me, this is not your typical treasure hunt: from old $2 records, to gorgeous medallions ranging from $2-$20, to outrageous cocktail rings less then $10, to vintage designer clothing at bargain prices, you will not go home empty handed. I bagged a long necklace I created myself with charms from one vendor featuring a St. Christopher medallion, a tiny state of California charm, and a dinosaur pendant. I also nabbed a mint-condition Member's Only jacket I haggled down for $15.

The Melrose Flea Market caters to everyone from Hollywood clientele (our celeb sightings today included Matthew McConaughey and Shenae Grimes) to the hipsters of BevHills. It also catered to me, a shopaholic, without breaking the bank. The Melrose Flea Market proves yet again that LA is overflowing with adventure, right off the 405 freeway.


Melrose Flea Market
Fairfax High School every Sunday
7850 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Images from materialconcern.com and shenaegrimesweb.com