My Chic Life

Recently, when asked to list my bust size on a clothing form, I filled in: “Depressed” 32 B

Bandeau Bra

Now those of you with beautiful, perky breasts un-touched by the spoils of breast-feeding or perhaps of gaining and losing, oh, say 35 pounds, have no clue what I’m talking about. When I say things like this about my chest, you, being the sweet friends that you are, will say, “you’re crazy, you have great boobs!” No really, you have no idea the amount of wire, padding and duct tape required to keep these puppies airborne. You also have no idea of the atrocities these two pull when they aren’t contained, or their disappearing act if I were to, say, lay on my back… I usually find them inside my armpit or thrown over my shoulder like a continental soldier. It’s sad, but true, and honestly, the more I’ve come to grips with the state of affairs, the less interested I am in wearing the contraptions necessary to fake my way back into my former glory.

So I set out on a mission to find a way to hold the girls in, without hoisting them up or causing me any unnecessary discomfort. After MONTHS or research, behold my favorite options for those who’d rather not wear a bra but don’t want to look like Drew Barrymore in that unfortunate Oscar moment from a few years back.

First of all, as odd as it sounds, my FAVORITE braless wonder is a tank top I got from Veronica M… I know, random, right? Veronica M has these tanks (not online, just laying around in their store) that are cotton blended with extra tight spandex. Not only does this thing hold in your girls, but it also holds in unsightly food babies from those tacos you had for lunch. At some point I need to go back in (God willing they haven’t discontinued these!) and buy 3 in every color. They’re that fantastic!

Seamless Tube

Now the mother load… Free People has a line of intimates that are going to blow your mind!! Not only do they come in every fabric from floral to neon yellow, but they have TWO different great options that I love. The Seamless Tube is both a shirt AND a bra and comes in a ton of great colors. I wear this all the time layered with a few other shirts or under and oversized sweater.

Then there’s the Bandeau Bra (see pic up above) that’s basically a rubber band for your breasts. Granted, neither of these options are going to be fantastic support if you actually have much to support. But, if like me, your boobs are the ghost of their former self, these are going to change your life!

Hey Chic Readers,

Joan Jett and Kristen Stewart (swoon!)

Sorry I’ve been MIA for the last week or so… if you’re following me on Twitter than you’re well aware the mayhem surrounding the latest Chic Event. We’re smack in the middle of Utah and 4 days in to the Sundance Film Festival. This is our second year working the Entertainment Weekly Lounge which is both a blessing and a curse.

A blessing because, doing the EW Lounge at Sundance is the type of thing we dreamed about when we were wee baby event planners and to actually be doing such a thing (for the second time) is beyond cool… I mean, we’re hanging out in an ultra chic lounge in the beautiful snowy mountains watching Orlando Bloom get his picture taken. This does not suck.

A curse though too, because we’ve been doing this same thing for 4 long days of standing on our feet as really, glorified waitresses, wearing Mountain Men uniforms that we can’t seem to get the soup smell of out of.

Regardless here are some stats from the festival:

Number of celebrity sightings: 1.2 million

Number of Twilight Heroine’s I’ve personally served minestrone to: 1

Cast of Happy Thank You

Number of times the Paparazzi have mistaken Erika for Cameron Diaz – 3

Number of times we’ve been skiing or done anything vacation-like – ZERO

Number of HIP eyeshadows the L’Oreal Paris Makeup Girls have tried out on me – 2

Number of days til I go home – 2 (yipee!!)

So that’s what I’ve been up to for the last couple weeks. I promise to get back to all the blogging merriment upon my return. Until then, check out the photos of the shoots that have been going on in our space and be sure to follow my Twitter so you can get all the haps on Park City!!

EARTHA KITT

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! HAPPY HANUKKAH!!! HAPPY QUANZA!!!! I wish you and your loved ones the chicest of holidays. Stay safe and merry and watch the carbs!!!!

This week is a special holiday classic in it’s original form. I used to sing this song year round in my youth… Now its my gift to the Chic readers!!!!  Although Eartha Kitt left us last year, she is still one of the Chicest and most sultry women to ever come out of Hollywood! Click Here for Eartha original 1953 television performance of Santa Baby… Then go have yourself a merry little Christmas and a happy holidays!!!!

FILTHY DUKES

Happy Tuesday chic readers! Its almost christmas, Heres a great last minute gift idea!!! ….MUSIC!!! This week I will recommend a band I would love to have play at my holiday festivities… Filthy Dukes!!! Lost in the earlier shadows of  DJ’s like Hot Chip, and LCD Sound System, this English electro band was bound to be recognized…. They have been DJ and supporting like type artists for years and finally in March 2009 they released a seriously chic and sophisticated debut album, Nonsense in the Dark! It is indeed dark, refreshing and best of all oozes sex appeal…. Turn out the light, pump up the volume, start grinding those hips and CLICK HERE for one of my favorites, Light Heart Skip Cross!….. Then go stuff it in someone’s stocking!!!!

VV BROWN

Happy Tuesday! I’m excited to be in LA this week… (Chic office pics to come)! I am also excited about this weeks pick. Vanessa, or VV brown, is a 26 year old out of Northampton in England. She hit the scene running with her distinct sound and style. Inspired by 1950 couture and  Northern Soul sound, this musically trained artist is something I am expecting big things out of. She is trully one of my new faves and worth the unknown release date of her single Shark in the Water. Click Here for the Video!!!!

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!

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”

Since Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, I thought now would be a great time to talk about one of the ways Xerox is helping us all say thanks. They have started their “Let’s Say Thanks” program, where anyone can go to their website and send a personalized message to the troops overseas. This is a completely free service and a great way to show your support for the troops, whether or not you agree with why they are there. We should all still appreciate the work each individual is doing abroad and take a minute to send them something so they know we are thinking of them during the holiday season.

You aren’t able to choose who gets the card, but you can write a personal message and choose the design for the outside of the card. I think this is a great and easy way to show our troops some love. Go check out their website and send one today!

Thank you!

I’ve heard that it’s good to take new routes to places you frequent. Taking the scenic route home can be an eye opening experience. I decided to try this today and took a different route from my parking spot to the office.

Better than a purse

Typically I try and take the least bum infested path. Walking up Hope Street, passing through the LA Public Library, and cruising up 5th. It a nice 4 block stroll and I can make a Coffee Bean pit stop on my way into the office. Perfect.

Today, however, I switched things up and boy am I glad that I did. As I meandered up 7th, taking in the new sights and sounds I looked up at the windows of a place I often passed but never really took the time to look at because I could never really tell what it was they were selling. Today, I took a chance and walked inside.

Low and behold! Louie turned out to be the most fantastic discovery I’ve made downtown since Varnish! I felt like I had walked into a fancy perfume store crossed with a European bakery. Yes, I know that sounds totally weird but visit and you’ll see what I mean.

I tried their California Veggie Sandwich and it was FAN-TASTIC! The cucumber gave it a good crunch and the yummy curry spread gave it a delicious blast of flavor. Plus, it was all cutely wrapped up in tissue paper ready to slip in my bag. Besides grab-and-go goods, Louie also has a full bar, a huge selection of freshly baked pastries, and a reat area where you can grab cheese, wine, meats, and sauces to throw together for a quick Euro dinner.

Bottega Louie officially wins my vote for best Louie around.