A Taste of New York in the 323

Okay, so a much needed trip to L.A. must be planned soon. I'm needing to get my hands on some items that can't be found around here. And I'm so over online shopping at this moment. I'm not asking for a week, just a quick weekend getaway. And this time, my sights are not set on Kitson, Lisa Kline or Madison (The Robertson Blvd. Elite). I'm off to Maxfield, Ron Herman and most importantly Confederacy, a relatively new store that is entirely unique to Hollywood. The concept of this store is old New York with bits of Americana and the 1940's. The goods are a mix of contemporary and luxury brands ranging from Alexander Wang to Givenchy to Rebecca Minkoff. There's a shoe living room and a 1950's/60's inspired tea room for private fittings for clients. And the best part includes vintage phone booths that serve as the dressing rooms. You summon the front desk via antique phones to get sizes and styles without having to step out of the dressing room. That is magic and so much fun! Not only can I shop for some amazing pieces from labels such as Commes des Garcon, A.L.C. and Olga Kapustina but I can pretend I'm in a museum, immersed in some serious east coast culture. This cleverly constructed store comes from the masterminds of actor Danny Masterson and Ilaria Urbinati, former buyer for Satine and Milk. Even the staff gets to wear uniforms designed by Rag and Bone and they constantly change to reflect the current collections in the store. Must be nice to have to wear mandatory Rag and Bone attire to work. They are even planning on opening the popular Brooklyn coffee spot, Gimme Coffee in the courtyard cafe. That's pretty legit. Got to hand it to Danny Masterson...didn't know what was going to happen to you post That 70's show, but you've done good, you've done me proud.

Whiz Kids: Danny Masterson and Ilaria Urbinati

*Images courtesy of shopconfederacy.com

Current Style Idol

As "The Rachel Zoe Project" Season 2 nears its debut in late August, I'm getting excited to see what great style Taylor Jacobson (one of Zoe's assistant) will serve up. I absolutely adored her in in Season 1 as the witty and moody busy gal who was constantly annoyed with Brad Goreski, the rookie of the Zoe camp. She always seemed to look effortlessly stylish and cool as she ran around town, juggling her own styling gigs while catering to Zoe. What I didn't know is that Jacobson has quite an impressive resume that includes working as a wardrobe assistant for Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lover's Tour and The Chronicles of Narnia. Look likes she is always wanting to expand her horizons even though she does work for the most sought after stylists in Hollywood. Geez Taylor, can you share your insight? I will use you as my current inspiration especially when I'm coordinating my outfits.

*Images courtesy of Bravotv.com