My Chic Life

Well Chic Readers,

Tis’ the season to be jolly and all things festive.   This is the only time of the year where several holidays are jumbled together, which can be great for some… but a nightmare for others.  Great if you’ve been invited to parties, a nightmare if you’re throwing one!  Just the thought of throwing a soiree together can induce bouts of anxiety, especially if you’ve never thrown one before.

With that said, let me be the first to say that I really dislike parties that are thrown together in two seconds.  For one, it’s the surest way to ensure that your party is going to suck.  Secondly, there is no way to rectify any last minute snafoos should you encounter any, so it’s definitely better (and safer) that you at least plan ahead and adopt some very basic (but essential) party guidelines.

Let me just add that I have hosted some really great parties and some… well…not so memorable ones -slash- they were crazy lame and haunt me to this day.  I know what works and what doesn’t.

To start;

1) Pick a date:

I think the trickiest part to any party is the actual date of the party.  With so many people leaving town for the holidays and throwing parties of their own (hiss), it is super important that you pick the right date.  Once you’ve picked a date that works for the majority of your guests-stick to it!  Also, it also helps if you pick your date several weeks ahead so people remember and actually mark it in their calendars.

2) Be realistic:

The one issue I always had when throwing parties is that not everyone will show up.  Don’t take it personally because as we all know, Murphy’s law can rear its hideous face and totally ruin any of your guests’ plans. If you plan on having 20 guests, invite 40.  If you plan on having 40 guests, invite 80.  There is no way all your guests will attend. Trust me. And in the off chance that all your guests show up, then you’re a rock star.

3) Food & Drink

I know we’d all like to think that our friends and families will come to our parties for support… but alas this rarely proves to be true.  The one way to attract your BFFs is incentives.  People like to eat and drink. If you can foot the bill for some premium spirits and yummy snacks you will forever be remembered as a great host.  Even if you’re on a budget, having some sort of sustenance will deter your guests from taking off in search of greener pastures. Great party foods include; cupcakes, chips & dip (duh), cheese, pizza, sandwiches, and other easy finger foods.  If  you want to get really fancy, cater it…

4) Soundscaping

Music, music, music.  Seriously take 30 minutes to make a really cool playlist because the right music can make any party.   Theme it. Going for lounge, check out Koop.  Going for dance, check out Kaskade.  You get the point.

5) Be a good host.

I have a ton of friends so every time I throw a party, I have different kinds of people together in one room.  Some intermingle with ease, while others sip their drinks and pretend to be on their phones.   I know its hard for some people to meet new people, so I always make it a point to strike up a topic of conversation that both parties can engage in.  I also make rounds and make sure that everyone is having a good time and that no one is in need of anything.

Im sure you’re thinking that this is like common knowledge, but you would be surprised by how many people forget the most basic things.  So by following these rules you should have a great foundation for the perfect holiday party.  So Chic Readers, take note, plan now, and most of all HAVE FUN!

As many of you already know, October is breast cancer awareness month, so it makes sense that the following month would focus on men’s health and specifically prostate and testicular cancer.

I had noticed just walking around that a lot of guys had more facial hair than usual…going back to a previous post to flavor save…or not, I figured it was just trendy. I recently found out that the month previously known as November has become Movember…the annual, month-long celebration of the mustache, highlighting men’s health issues – specifically prostate and testicular cancer.

The Movember Foundation was created to bring awareness to men’s health issues and has partnered with the Prostate Cancer Research Fund and Livestrong to raise money for cancer research. Basically, each Movember they encourage men everywhere to start off the month clean-shaven and then stop shaving for the entire month. At the end of the month, there are giant parties in major cities, where all participants are invited to come, with a mustache of some sort and a costume to match it…awards are given to the best of the best and the whole month brings awareness to men’s cancer.

It’s not too late to start your Movember participation! Even though I’m not a huge fan of facial hair, it is definitely more appropriate when it is for a good cause. Check out the Movember website for more information about how to participate, donate, or attend one of their events!

Okay You sexy Chic readers…

Before I go into this week’s Tuesday Tunage, I have to just say that last night on the VMAs , Beyonce Knowles was truly the definition of chic. You will never see Kanye on Tuesday Tunage… Nuff said.

NOW… I am so excited about this weeks Tunage. La Roux is a London based pop duo. Fronting the duo is hipster Elly Jackson, who undoubtably has a look and sound of her own. Their self-titled debut album drops in the US on September 29th and has already been released in the UK (They get all the good stuff first) to RAVE reviews.

The song is I’m not your Toy…. and the music video is SUPER CHIC… Not just kinda chic, but SUPER CHICNESS to the highest degree!!! It reminds me of my college friends lounging around on the weekends and being sexy for no good reason. (Yes, I went to art school)…. Pour a mimosa, kick back, and CLICK HERE!!!!

Chic Readers,

Hello you sexy chic readers… Its the infamous Johnny Debut. I come to you from the beautiful San Francisco. I am so glad to be part of the Chic team because it’s important for EVERYONE to realize, chic isn’t just for women. It’s for the men who love them. It’s for the men who THINK that presentation and attitude don’t matter. Chic isn’t about materialistic items or physical style, Its about stepping back, looking at the world, having a good laugh, and then stepping back in knowing you have a place.

I grew up in a middle income family with with two amazing parents who taught me the meaning of Chic. We had good times and we had bad times, but I will never forget my father’s obsessive need for his sons to always keep their fingernail’s short and clean. Now at 30 years old I can look back and see that the clean finger nails weren’t a mechanism for steering judgment but more a metaphor for class. We were by no means rich or spoiled, but it was instilled in us that we must always be presentable…. and it starts with the hands. My father taught me chic is staying the best you can be no matter what your economic status. Chic is presentation. Chic is never being the underdog but always remembering your never the best; there is always room for improvement. It doesn’t have to cost money to be chic…. Its about attitude. Whether male, female, black, white, gay, straight, old, or young…. Keep those nails clean and the rest will follow.

Ladies, Chic is helping your man be the best he is. For example, suggest to him flip-flops are not appropriate for a bar, shower before sex, Gap/Abercombie/AE Outfitters are not classified as engineered denim… etc. Don’t change your man, just give him the confidence that he needs.

Oprah once said “use your best things while you have them”, so to all my chic readers, pour yourself a glass of Tots, curl your hair, put on your best outfit, sprit some perfume/cologne… and head to your local Ralph’s or Pavillion’s…. It’s your day!

- Johnny D.

Want to test your vocabulary? How about your Spanish skills? How about naming that famous painting? While ending world hunger…

I came across this great website that not only improves your knowledge, but also helps feed the hungry all around the world. Choose a subject to test your knowledge and let the addiction begin. BEST of all, for every correct answer, 10 grains of rice are donated to the United Nations World Food Program.

According to the United Nations, 25,000 people die every day from hunger or hunger-related causes, most of them children. Over 66 billion grains of rice donated to date thanks to Free Rice and their partnerships.

So check out www.freerice.com now!

 

My husband and I had the distinct pleasure of eating dinner at Susan Feniger’s Street on Saturday night. I have long been a huge fan of Ciudad (as you well know if you follow us on Twitter since I seem to be there once a week!) so trying Susan’s new place was high on my priority list! 

 

It must be said that trying a new restaurant is easily one of my favorite things ever. I adore food and the idea of ordering a tasty cocktail and nibbling off one another’s plates makes me positively giddy… also, just the fact that Dave and I are out of the house sans-babies is reason enough to celebrate!

 

The concept of Street is really appealing, it’s street food from all over the world, I mean, literally, I couldn’t pronounce half the menu! That’s what made it so fun!! We ordered several different starters (Cuban Stuffed Potato Cakes with Mint Salsa and Poblano Crema and Russian Varenyky stuffed with Spinach and Salted Cheese) it was soooo good! I loved that every single dish had a completely different flavor palette. Genius! Oh, lord and don’t even get me started on that ginger martini business… sweet rapture!

 

So, I, definitely give it a big thumbs up… it’s such a fun atmosphere and a great place to go in groups (more dishes to try!) and honestly, I loved every single thing, well, except for one… while we were dining a certain celebrity whose names rhymes with SchNatalie SchPortman came in and out rushed the chef to personally help her choose her dishes. Now I don’t know, maybe the chef and the celebrity are long time friends, but I think what’s more likely is like almost every other place in LA this restaurant thinks an awful lot of the celebrity set. I couldn’t help but think “why doesn’t the chef come to my table and help me choose dinner, or anyone else in this room for that matter?” Why is it that if you’re not a celebrity you’re sub-human, your money or patronage is somehow less important than Queen Amidala’s? I mean, I get it, say hi to them but then maybe at least give everyone else in the room a nod or something on your way back to the kitchen!

 

Maybe you think Chic is your sexy patent pumps, maybe you think Chic is being on the cusp of every new trend, maybe Chic is your favorite martini, or they way you live your life… whatever Chic is, we want to know what your definition of Chic is!

So put it on a painting, a post-it, your hand, whatever… then send us a jpeg to rachel@chicevent.com!! We’re also putting them on our Facebook Fan Page, which you should totally join if you haven’t already!

 

Ah, summer. Most of us are getting ready to gear up and head to the beach for the Fourth, but I can’t help to feel a tad bit guilty. Skin damage, anyone? I must admit, I am a SPF fiend, but I still like to get my tan on and enjoy a healthy dose of Vitamin D. But with an increasing rise in melanoma these days, it’s hard to risk your looks for your health.

 

Luckily there is a safe and healthy alternative – airbrush tanning. No, it’s not your typical Mystic booth. Airbrush tanning is fabulous and when prepared for correctly can be the best faux-tan you’ll ever have!

Some of you may be a little weary or confused, especially if you’ve never done it. Don’t fear, Chic readers, I’m here to give you a crash course in airbrush tanning, considering I’m an airbrush tan artist 

So first things first: how long does it last? How much is it? Will I turn orange? To start, it can last anywhere from five to 10 days depending on where you’re getting the airbrush. Some solutions wear off more easily than others, but it also depends on how well you prepare, care for and maintain your tan (which will be discussed below). Prices vary, but can be anywhere from $45 – $100s. And the orange question: it’s always a possibility, but it’s contingent on how specialized your airbrush tech is and what color is used. If you go and get the darkest solution possible and you’re fair skinned, then yeah – you’re going to be orange. You’d never naturally get that dark in the first place. Your tech should know what color(s) blend or mix best with your skin tone, so unless you have a gut feeling otherwise, let them decide what color would be best. You can always ask to go a little lighter or a tad bit darker, but don’t do anything out of the ordinary.

So, some tips from the pro:

1. Always do your research. Go onto sites like Yelp and read reviews of airbrush tans in your area. It’s always best to visit the business website as well so you can get a feel of if the solution is just another “tan in a can” or if it’s going to be a specialized airbrush experience. Mystic Tan is not considered airbrush – neither is VersaSpa – as it is administered by a booth and not a technician.

2. Carefully book your appointment. Make sure you can go in during a time where you can relax afterwards. The tan usually takes a minium of six hours to set (eight-12 hours in most places), so you have to be sure to avoid perspiring, getting wet and moisturizing for at least that long. I’d also recommend making sure you can easily go braless afterwards (ladies) to avoid any rubbing off of the solution. I tend to get my airbrushes in the evening so I can sleep in them, allowing the DHA coloring agent to adhere to the skin longer, developing a more beautiful tone.

3. Give yourself time. Airbrush appointments tend to last about 30 minutes. Be courteous and show up early so that you can get airbrushed on time.

4. Preparation is necessary. Go online and look at the airbrush website. Usually they will have instructions on how to best prepare your skin for a tan. After many years, here are my suggestions:

• Shave the night before.  It’s essential to wax or shave before your appointment to ensure it lasts longer – hair removal is a form of exfoliation and will help to take off the tan faster.
• Shower the day of.  I always hop in right before I get airbrushed to be sure my skin is clean.
• Do not moisturize, use body wash or wear make-up. These all act as barriers to the skin. If you tend to get really dry skin, call and see what lotions your airbrush tech would recommend. You can probably get away with moisturizing a few hours prior to the appointment, but not right before. This includes DEODORANT! Some body washes leave a film on your skin, so be sure to steer clear of those just in case. Make-up acts as a barrier and will increase your chances of losing color on your face. As a rule of thumb, be sure to avoid anything that includes oil, shea butter or long-lasting moisturizing agents.
• Exfoliate. Prior to your appointment, be sure to slough off any previous airbrush residue or dead skin. Even if you think your skin is clean, go over yourself with a loofah a few times. It is important to use a loofah or sponge and not an exfoliating scrub or bodywash because the oils and emolients within them can repel the tanning solution!
• Bring dark, baggy clothes to wear. This isn’t your time to shine. I’d recommend wearing a non-restrictive sundress in a dark color or baggy pants and a tee. The cosmetic bronzer, which is used to see where the solution is being placed, will come off on clothes (yet is machine washable). If you have errands to run afterward, definitely bring something black to wear. Do not wear tight clothes like jeans because it will rub the tan off; the bronzer is unable to wash out of nylon, silk and wool. Be sure to bring flip-flops or shoes that will not rub your feet too much.

If you’ve followed my steps above, you’ll all set to get your airbrush! Communicate to your airbrush specialist about what color you’re going for. They are going to be just as meticulous as you are about your tan – they’ve been in your position before – so be sure to explain any concerns or questions you may have.

The whole process takes around 30-minutes and includes a full-body application, which consists of the entire body, face, hands and feet. Some places offer half-body options, tan-line corrections and even body sculpting (abs, here I come!). Once finished, carefully put your clothes on and haul it home to relax. Consider this a full excuse to veg out on the couch and watch some TiVoed shows you’ve missed 

Maintaining your tan if fairly simple. Wait eight to 12 hours before showering so the DHA can develop and the solution will be set on your skin. If you can sleep in it overnight, it’s worth getting your sheets a little dirty (remember, it washes right out!). Once you take your first shower, avoid loofahs and sponges and any kind of wash/scrub that exfoliates. This takes the tan off quicker than you’d like. When in the shower, you’ll notice the water is brown. That’s the cosmentic bronzer I was refering to earlier. It isn’t permanent and is removed. That is not your tan coming off. What you’ll be left with is a beautiful, natural glow once you pat-dry or air dry off (avoid rubbing). To be sure your tan lasts it’s longest, moisturize moisturize moisturize! Once in the morning and once at night.

So that’s all there is to it. It takes a little dedication, but if you’re patient your tan will turn out beautiful, natural, and best of all, chic!

From Memorial Day till Labor Day, there will be some changes happening around the Chic Office. In true entertainment industry fashion, summer hours have been imposed so that we can actually enjoy the beautiful SoCal weather. Along with summer hours come Thursday Lunches and Half Day Fridays. Let me explain…

Thursday Lunches: Every Thursday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, we’ll be joined by the lovely Alex Lorton and Brittany Mcofsky of The Dolce Group for a girly lunch at a new spot. This week the ladies made the trek downtown for a trip to Tiara Cafe for sweet potato fries and delicious grilled veggie salads. Next week is Brittany’s pick. Any suggestions??

Friday Half Days: The Chic office will close at 1pm on Friday leaving us the afternoon to relax, run errands, AND hit up the rooftop pool at the Standard Hotel downtown. A little birdie told us that it was the place to be and that they are pretty lax on allowing people who aren’t actually staying at the hotel come and hang out. but SHHHH…don’t tell everyone that or all will be ruined.

So cheers, Chic readers- To good weather, good food and good friends!