ShopEatSleep

I have been meaning to write about Spanish leather-goods maker LODIS for some time now. Ever since my mother-in-law gave me a LODIS messenger bag as a journalism-school graduation present, I have been hooked. The classic, clean designs coupled with extraordinary craftsmanship (I’ve had a LODIS wallet for about five years and it has yet to crack or come apart in any way) has made me a huge fan. It’s also pretty reasonably priced, which makes LODIS one of the best values out there for bags, wallets and the like.

I’m currently coveting a few LODIS products, including one of its brand-new belts, the Audrey Metal Buckle High Waist Belt. At only $34, it’s a steal!

LODIS Audrey Metal Buckle High Waist Belt

I’m also loving the Alegra Sabrina Satchel. I can’t decide which color I like better, though. I really like the blue, but I’m not crazy about the yellow piping, and I like the brown, but I’m not sure about the shade. But the shape and size are perfect for what I need.

LODIS Alegra Sabrina Satchel

The Odyssey Lexy Crossbody is another bag I would love to have. I’ve been looking for a good cross body for a while. This one might be it!

LODIS Odyssey Lexy Crossbody

Erin Gallagher's Judy necklace

My best friend turned me on to two of my new favorite jewelry designers, Erin Gallagher and viv&ingrid. She gave all her bridesmaids Erin Gallagher jewelry, and so did I. She also gave me a viv&ingrid necklace as a bridal gift, so both of these lines will always remind me of weddings — which isn’t a bad thing, right?

Both lines have designs that range from simple geometric shapes to the more complicated and colorful; there’s something for everyone, especially because there is also a wide range of prices. And both offer customization, though Erin Gallagher is more flexible, which is probably why it’s popular with brides.

Coachella. From Stereogum.

This is the first post by ShopEatSleep contributor Jessica Hagy, a fellow USC Annenberg alum and lover of fashion, relationships, travel, interior design, inspirations and life’s little eccentricities. You can read more from Jessica at Jessica Daily.

With the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival just over a week away, my thoughts have been wholly consumed by what’s on my packing list (aside from a flask and a spray tan).

I’ve spent an arguably unhealthy amount of time considering how I want to dress myself for the three-day festival and since I always aspire to dress like a hippie, I’ve decided that this is the time to let my flower child flag fly high.

These hippie aspirations have me longing for anything flowy, fringed, Stevie Nicks-esque or Native American-inspired (yes… feathers in the hair).

If your game plan includes online shopping, I suggest clicking over to Pixie Market, Nasty Gal, Topshop and Spanish Moss for cut-off shorts, kimonos, floppy hats and sundresses.

If you need to see, touch and twirl around in everything before you buy it (like yours truly), you might want to pop into Planet Blue for crocheted vests and purses. Its collection of Precious Hands crochet bags is refreshingly inexpensive, and the bags are perfect for carrying necessities without weighing you down.

And if you’ve got the time to sift through some racks, I’d also recommend my new personal favorite place to shop: Crossroads Trading Co. There are six locations throughout Los Angeles, and I’ve been to the Santa Monica location for the past two weekends in search of the perfect grungy rock tee. My valiant efforts were successful last Saturday, and I’m now in the process of making my men’s T-shirt into a cropped top with fringed and beaded sleeves. The jury is still out.

Regardless of my eccentric arts and crafts projects, Crossroads is the place to go if you need cheap shirts, jean cut-offs and bohemian scarfs to drape around yourself at Coachella.

I threw together a look to get your Coachella juices flowing. Try not to be alarmed if you see me stalking Lauryn Hill while wearing this exact outfit next Friday.

Coachella Couture by jessica hagy featuring flat shoes

View from the upstairs bar at Fig & Olive

A week ago (I know, I know — I’m behind!), the New York-based, olive oil-centric restaurant Fig & Olive opened its flagship West Coast location at the trendy corner of La Cienega Boulevard and Melrose Place. It was a scene, my friends: three nights of people in cocktail attire walking a red carpet complete with a step and repeat, as well as fashion presentations by Cholé and Fendi. All that for a restaurant opening!

To be fair, the restaurant is housed in a pretty awesome space: it’s huge, and features rosemary bushes and an olive tree in the main dining room. There’s even an upstairs space, which houses the Fig Champagne & Cocktail Bar, unique to the L.A. location.

Fig & Olive’s thing is olive oil, which it uses in place of butter in nearly all its dishes. You can even buy bottles of its special infused versions at the restaurant (blood orange-infused olive oil, anyone?). The cuisine is inspired by the Mediterranean, and that means the entire region, including France, Italy and Spain.

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SALT. "Clark" glasses. Courtesy of Dan Deutsch.

It’s that time again — Junior Drake is getting rid of inventory and is having a sale at its warehouse this weekend. Get bags for as low as $39.95. You know the drill: spend $150, get a free gift, enter the raffle to win a handbag and eat free snacks.

740 E. 60th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90001

March 11 and 12, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
March 13, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

SALT. (yes, the period is part of the name) optics is having a trunk show at Dan Deutsch Optical Outlook in West Hollywood this Saturday. Shop the entire line, including the new spring/summer 2011 releases, which will be available for fitting. Enjoy refreshments and a live DJ.

Dan Deutsch Optical Outlook
8555 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069

March 12, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Candela oxfords at Gossamer

During the whole month of February, ShopEatSleep readers get 20 percent off at Gossamer, a new-ish clothing and accessory boutique on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. The store reminds me of Anthropologie but cozier — and definitely more local. Mother-and-daughter team Gwen and Ash Heier opened the shop back in September and offer everything from Michael Stars to Black Orchid denim to Daftbird. And in keeping with the local and homey aesthetic, the store features a living wall of plants and furniture from neighboring AK vendors. To get your 20 percent off coupon to use in-store, email thegirls@gossamershop.com with “ShopEatSleep – 20% off” in the subject line.

Gossamer
1410 Abbot Kinney Ste. 101
Los Angeles, CA 90291

I’ve been dying for a new bag, and I’ve been on the lookout for a cross body that’s the right size and style. The Daily Brights Satchel at Anthropologie immediately caught my eye, even though it’s a bit big for cross-body purposes. No matter; the clean lines, multiple compartments, bright color and fun lining all made me swoon. Too bad it’s $188 — totally out of my price range right now.

Inside of Daily Brights Satchel

Daily Brights Satchel from Anthropologie

1960s Pierre Cardin dress. From The Way We Wore.

Check out these sales from retail neighbors The Way We Wore and American Rag Cie. Both will be in effect through the end of January.

The Way We Wore: The consummate vintage store is selling everything on its first floor at 50 percent off. Find pieces from from Sonia Rykiel, Christian Dior, and Pierre Cardin, as well as other choice items from lesser-known labels, according to Racked L.A.

334 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Abandoned Treasures pop-up shop: Located across the street from American Rag, this special sale offers clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture and books for at least 50 percent off. Find items from American Rag’s warehouse, including Christian Lacroix, Rag & Bone, Helmut Lang and Comme des Garçons.

159 S. La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Swatch's Full Blooded "Blueberry" watch. From Kenmar Watches.

Did you get something this holiday season you’d like to return? An ugly, though expensive, sweater? A useless, though pricey, fountain pen? Maybe you’d like to return it and buy something you’d actually like. If I were you, I would consider the Full Blooded watch ($150 to $165) from Swatch. No longer just a novelty brand (remember those rubbery things that came in different colors that you could use to jazz up your wrist watches?), Swatch now offers pretty good-looking watches for grown ups. This bold purple (“blueberry”) one caught my eye, though I also like the caramel color, which looks more like rose gold to me. Either way, I’d be happy. What are you returning/exchanging your unwanted gifts for?

It’s every girl’s (and some boys’) dilemma: finding the perfect party dress for all those holiday parties that crop up every December. But you’re also on a budget — what to do? Hopefully I can help. Here are some of my favorites, from the ultra cheap chic to the less-cheap-but-won’t-necessarily-break-the-bank chic.

Fun, flirty party dresses: This H&M dress ($19.95) with a vintage-vibe print is super cute and super affordable. Looking for a little more sparkle? Try this Forever 21 black sequin dress ($24.80).

H&M

Forever 21

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