My Chic Life

A Little Bubbly

Need  a pick me up before you head out for New Year’s Eve?

Try this little doozy we came up with on Christmas… and be careful, this one sneaks up on you.

Champagne (chilled to perfection)

Fresh Raspberries

Fresh Apricots

Grand Marnier

Macerate a quarter of an apricot and 2 raspberries (this means smash them into oblivian) and put this mixture at the bottom of a champagne flute.

Cover the fruit mixture with Grand Marnier (it’s storng to be careful) then top with champagne. Add another raspberry for garnish.

Yum, enjoy!!

Let’s be real… I’m one case of wine away from having a full-blown drinking problem.

That being said, I’m always looking for new and interesting drinks and now that we’re in the middle of winter I’m leaning to something a little toastier. Below find a few of my new favorites, and let me know if you’ve got a fabulous hot number that I should be trying out.

Mulled Wine

Brown Sugar Mulled Wine

1 Bottle of dry Cabernet

1 Cinamon Stick (broken in pieces)

Peel of 1 Orange

8 Whole Cloves

1 Whole Nutmeg

1/4 Cup of Brown Sugar

Dump all that into your slow cooker and simmer on high for 2 Hours, yummy!

Hot Toddy

Hot Toddy

Fill your cup 3 quarters up with Hot Tea of your choice

2 Shots of Brandy

Add honey to taste

Garnish with cinnamon stick and lemon slice

Irish Coffee

Luck of the Irish Coffee

1 1/2 Oz. of Irish Whiskey (I like Jameson’s)

1 tsp of Brown Sugar

6 Oz. of Hot Coffee

1 Shot of Baily’s (a little more liqour never hurt)

Mix it all together and top with a dollop of Heavy Cream, though in a pinch, I’ve been known to use Cool Whip!

When I was in Art school, I had to take a class where we had to design a nightclub based off of a theme.  Our professor would ask us to compile concepts and then, as a class, we would collectively share our ideas.  The most obvious ones were struck out first. Things like; Safari, Candyland, Industrial, 50’s, and so on were eliminated almost immediately along with the hopes of the kids who had proposed them.  I was sad to see that among them was a personal favorite of mine; Alice in Wonderland.  Apparently this concept was constantly being proposed as an idea and as such, our professor was way over the Alice in Wonderland concept.

Alice

Let me just say that I have loved every incarnation of this tale; from the movies, paintings, tales, everything.  There is something completely enthralling about this alternate world of anthropomorphic animals, giant fungi, and quirky characters.  I, like so many people, am eagerly awaiting the new Alice in Wonderland film by Tim Burton with baited breath.   This, however, is not the reason for the post.  Dear Chic Readers, and Alice fans a like, let me introduce you to Wonderland.

Wonderland is one of the newer hotspots here in Hollywood and if you haven’t put two and two together by now, it is based off of Alice in Wonderland! It seems that the Alice theme, while not terribly popular with my professor, is a hit with the Dolce Group.  The Dolce Group owns and operates several of LA’s most popular restaurants and clubs including; Geisha House, Les Deux, Ketchup, etc.

I had the chance to see the interior of this space and it is even better than I could have imagined.  With something like Alice in Wonderland there could be some taste issues when designing a space that needs to be modern and chic, but Wonderland manages to incorporate the style within an LA nightclub setting.   The color palette stays true to what most people expect to see; blacks, deep purples, greens.  There are inverted mushroom chandeliers that illuminate the dance floor and VIP booths, as well as a wall of character silhouettes.  Other fun elements include a warped armoire that’s very Mad Hatter-ish, a Queen of hearts carpet, and topiaries.  All of the elements combine to make a genuinely fun and hip space.  Check it out below!

VIP booths

A la Madhatter

Queen of hearts carpet + mushroom lights

Fun colors throughout

Silhouette wall

These fabulous daytime photos were taken by the folks over at Biz Bash.  Im sure it would be hard to notice all the details with all of the LA glitterati tearing up the place.

In a city like L.A. it’s pretty hard to find a bar/club that stays open for more than a few months.  The life span of any club/bar tends to be relatively short if it’s considered a “hot spot”.

However, just because a place isn’t crawling with celebs and wannabes doesn’t mean it isn’t super cool and just as fun.  Dear Chic readers, let me introduce you to Bordello.

The current downtown renaissance has brought  an influx of young professionals, businesses, and an entirely new vibe to what was once a scary barren wasteland.   Bordello is a favorite for many for its carefree vibe, cheap (but yummy drinks), and lack of doorman attitude.

I have been to Bordello several times and each time has been amazing.  The decor itself is worth the trip.  Staying true to its namesake, Bordello boasts deep reds, elaborate moldings that look like  a frosted cake, and a sexy interior.  One of my best friends had her birthday party here recently and it was amazing.  The space really lends itself to being a great birthday spot.   But don’t take my word for it, check out some photos!

Sexy lounge area

From the outside, however, Bordello can give you the wrong impression.  The rumor goes that Bordello was once a fully functioning..well, Bordello, so it’s way on the outskirts of “Downtown LA”.  It’s in an area that is largely abandoned after 5pm, so it can be a little unnerving if you’ve never been, but never fear the area is totally fine.

The only down side to Bordello is that there is a cover.  BUT at least you avoid the snooty Hollywood bouncer who can make any night into a disaster.

Check out the website for nights and all the 411.

The dancefloor

Drinks please!

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.

Waa waa party foul...

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!

Weeee

Hi Chic Readers,

As usual, the staff at Chic Events has differing opinions on what to wear to Thanksgiving dinner… hopefully our holiday outfits will inspire what you wear to grandma’s house tomorrow!!

Sleek and Casual

Erika Says: “I’m all about comfort and stretch for Thanksgiving Day. Leggings are a must! I definitely don’t want with a constricting waistband while I’m shoveling stuffing. Boots and a big ole’ sweater will keep me looking pulled together and cute without trying too hard. The best part… if I go in to a food coma from turkey overload, I can just kick off my boots and crawl into bed. zzZZzZZZZZzzz…

Preppy and Perfect

Ivan Says: “I love nothing more than to get dressed up for an event! Here’s how I plan on getting spiffed up for the hoilday… Understated yet fashionable levis 511, a great pair of boots or some pointy oxfords, and a colorful luxurious sweater (a necessary splurge!)

Damsel in Denim

Rachel Says: “I tend to be a little more casual when I’m spending the holiday with my own family… after all, my mom is happy to see me regardless of what I’ve got on… but that’s not to say I don’t still want to wear something pretty. I’m a denim feind, so I start with a base of jeans and pumps (to dress it up a bit) and then I pair it with a great blouse like this one from Tucker. It’s so flowy and pretty (so it’s feminine AND it hides the post-turkey tummy) and if I top it off with a scarf I’ll be just warm enough for the “frigid” LA weather”