Onwards and Upwards

As I prepare to move for the fourth time in three years, I've been thinking lately about how vastly different each and every place I've called home has been.

From the cornfields of my childhood to the yoga mat I used as a bed for the first two months in my very first apartment (because I'm so together like that) to the Observatory outside my current bedroom window, each place has had it's own charms and quirks.  I love each one for the time they represent in my life.  My Dad said everytime he visits me here in L.A. I live a little bit further up the hill.  I'm pretty determined to get to the top.  In home and in life.  I've always been a wanderer and I don't think I'll ever stop searching for the perfect place.  But along the way, I've come pretty close to finding it.

Photos and concert posters taped to the wall, hand-me-down

 furniture and lack of organization ruled my first apartment

This cute retro trailer was in the backyard at my old house.  There was shag carpet

and pink flamingo lights inside!  The names on the chairs are the homeowners cats'.

There was a slide to exit from the second floor balcony at my

old house in Hollywood...

Clementine loves all the empty boxes and drawers on moving day

I can't wait to get started on my latest home makeover.  Here are some of my ideas.

A black and white color scheme with pops of color in the rug and pillows for the living area.  This way, I can just switch out the pillows according to season or my own mood.  It helps to have a sewing machine for this since buying six different color schemes can get expensive.  I also like the glass-top or all acrylic coffee tables with a gorgeous rug underneath, so you can see the whole thing.

 

My bedroom taste has varied from my Pottery Barn college days to my current whimsical flea market treasures look.  Since my new place is short on space in the bedroom, I'd like to play up the small area.  I see silk floor mats, clashing fabrics, and enough pillows on my bed to build a nest around me while I sleep so that I'll never leave.  I feel like this is what the Rolling Stones' bedrooms looked like when they put themselves in exile.  Yes I just watched The Stones in Exile.  And I'm dreaming of being a hippie woman meandering through a mansion all day while great music comes from the basement. 

 

I am a fan of the spa-like bathroom.  It's clean.  It's bright.  It's fresh.  It's a great way to start your day.  Especially if you have to drag yourself to the sink and splash cold water on your face for ten minutes to wake yourself up if it's before 10AM.  Like certain people that I've heard of.  Greens and blues make for a soothing color palette.  Use accents in darker calming colors like plum and burnt orange.

What are your favorite things about moving?  Have any ideas for my new place?


Your Golden Girl,


Olive


All images courtesy of LivingEtc.com, except previous home photos which are property of VisforOlive

Alex and Chloe

Last week, a friend and I decided to jump on the bandwagon a year late and head over to the Umami Burger located in Space 15 Twenty. 

Umami Burger is delicious.  Highly recommended.  And Space 15 Twenty isn't too bad, either.  Despite the overabundance of hipsters.

Of course, I had been there before.  Like any good stylista, I had perused Free People and Urban Outfitters when they first opened here.  I also duck into the eclectic bookstore in the back of the complex every once in awhile to kill time during lunch or to buy an interesting book as a gift for someone when I really don't know what else to get them.  On separate occassions in said bookstore I have expanded my knowledge on Japanese architecture, 80's Vogue (world editions) portfolios, and little-known French historical events.  Nonetheless, I try to hurry past the windows of enviable clothing as I can practically feel my credit card making a frowny-face at me just for thinking about buying it.  Since "just one thing" often turns into "just one outfit", which turns into "Fuck it. I hate everything I own let's just start from scratch." 

This is why I dragged a friend with me to Umami Burger.  I figured her company would keep me from convincing myself that Total Wardrobe Makeover 2010 was a good idea.  Also, I enjoy having someone else to talk to over dinner other than my cat every once in awhile.

So, anyway.  As we wander into Space 15 Twenty, what's going on?  Some sort of indie designer flea market!  It was awesome.  Everything there was amazing, but I especially fell in love with Alex and Chloe, and their mirrored necklace designs. 

These are perfect for wearing this summer out in the sun, as the rays will reflect light off the mirror and create a literal flash everytime you walk into a room.  With all of the different shapes and sizes to choose from, I couldn't choose just one favorite.  I finally went with the branch and the fawn.  Although I also love, love LOVE the knife, between that and my bullet-as-charm necklace, and my faux brass knuckles ring, people would really get the wrong impression of how many weapons I have on my person at any given time.  It's usually just one...

Alex and Chloe branch necklace, $52

Alex and Chloe Fawn Necklace, $48

Alex and Chloe Knife Necklace, $48

Finding your way over to Space 15 Twenty pays off in more ways than one: most everything on sale by the designers was offered at a reduced rate from their websites and stores.  Being stylish, making my wallet smile, and supporting indie talent?  Three things I can't get enough of.

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

All images courtesy of AlexandChloe.com

Current Wishful Drinking: Designer Bikinis

The weather here in L.A. has finally reached unbearable levels of summertime heat.  Perfect for lounging poolside in a envy-inducing designer bikini.

While I love nothing more than tossing on a bikini and laying poolside, work and other obligations prevent me from doing so on a regular basis.  Thus, I really cannot justify spending a ton of money on such a small item.  If I were an utterly fabulous socialite, with no work or obligations other than being snarky and having a martini problem, then you can bet that I would not only own all of these bikinis but have a separate closet for them where they could hang in all of their tiny greatness.

My favorite bikinis are the ones that have a truly crazy pattern or color scheme.  It is quite important to try before you buy, as bikinis are definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation. 

Here are some of my favorites for this summer, all can be found at Net-A-Porter.

La Perla, $540

Missoni, $405

Matthew Williamson, $330

Pucci, $490

Enjoy the heat wherever you are.  Soon we'll be complaining again about how cold it is!

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

All images courtesy of Net-A-Porter.com