Strong Women Don't Sit.

Recently I’ve noticed world-changing women popping up one after the other in the news- a trend I couldn’t be happier to see. These powerhouses are challenging standards and standing up for their rights. #emptyseats

First, we’ve got Robyn Lawley telling the fashion world to buzz off with her outspoken “poo poo” to the media’s size 0 standard. She’s considered a “plus size” model at size 12. See below. Now you tell me if you see anything “plus” about Miss Lawley who asks, “What’s so great about size 0 anyways?” #crickets

Next up is Misty Copeland, ballet prodigy who, at age 13, was told she started her career too late, not to mention that her body was overall “wrong...for ballet.” At age 24, Copeland became the  American Ballet Theatre in N.Y.C.’s second black soloist. Boom.
Now, Copeland is featured kicking ass in Under Armour’s new campaign, “I Will What I Want.” #notlistening

Keke Palmer will be Broadway’s first Black Cinderella this September. Apparently being the youngest person in television history to host her own talk show wasn’t enough. #GoKeke

Lastly, the Spurs officially welcomed Becky Hammon as assistant coach. Hiring a full-time, paid female coach is not only a first for the team, but the NBA as a whole. After this six-time All Star retires from her 16-season playing career in the WNBA this month, she'll immediately switch gears as assistant coach. Looks like playing “like a girl” isn’t a bad thing after all. In fact, it’s pretty damn baller.

Which female mold-crushers keep you standing tall and speaking up?
#GirlsRule
XOJP

Being a “Cellar Dwellar” is Pretty Stellar

Who’d have thunk a story about someone working in an underground cellar could be so entertaining?

It's easier to understand when that the cellar is actually Barbra Streisand's own pretend shopping mall built below her Malibu mansion. And yes, this really does exist. 

The idea for this genius comedy called “Buyer and Cellar” came about after playwright Jonathan Tolins read Barbra’s “My Passion for Design.” The book highlights every last detail of The Funny Girl’s dream home in the making, including her faux mall. This tickled Tolins’s obsession with “artificial utopias” and planted the seed idea that would explosively blossom into a critically acclaimed hit.

Tolins told The New York Times,
“I imagined a struggling actor getting hired to man the floor and greet the customer. What would the job entail? Would the lady of the house come down to shop, like Marie Antoinette playing shepherdess in her backyard at Versailles?” 

Entertainment Weekly insists this one-man show is, “Hilarious! It’ll go down like butta’!”
So, it’s probably best for you to get your tickets now, melt into your seat and enjoy the show.

Have you seen this belly-buster yet? RuPaul recently claimed it “twerked the corners of my mind.” So what do YOU think?

XOJP

Last dash for dineL.A.

Have you hit dineL.A.’s Restaurant Week yet?
If not, you better slip on your stilettos and get ready for some serious yum at an even more delicious price, but ASAP: Sunday, July 27th is the LAST day!

dineL.A.'s Restaurant Week showcases Los Angeles as a premier dining destination, highlighting the diversity of culinary experiences L.A. has to offer. Locals and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of specially priced prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus (cough, cough #deals!) from some of L.A.’s best restaurants. 

Restaurants include Gordon Ramsey at The London West Hollywood, celeb-favored steakhouse BOA and intimately enticing Lucques, to name a few. #hungryallthesudden

Gordon Ramsay at The West Hollywood

Lovely Lucques

I just had an outstanding Blackened Shrimp and Quinoa Salad lunch at as I sat outside the ocean view at BOA Santa Monica and can’t wait to keep the yummy coming. 

Dear BOA, I love you.

Which spots have YOU visited? And which restaurants would you like to see added to the dineL.A. list?

Foodies forever. #nomnom
XOJP

Drop Dead for Red Bread

OMG Red Bread.
If Pinterest were to come to life it would most definitely reveal itself as this place.
Red Bread made me crumble like the top of their Vanilla Peach Pie. The chalkboard walls warmed my heart like the the twine-laced, jelly-jarred tea did my hands. 

Built upon good intentions in Culver City, this social justice based Organic Kitchen and eGrocer “utilizes classic technique and time honored artisan processes in house to bring you the best food possible.” This method is responsible for awards like #1 Cookie and #2 Bagel in all of Los Angeles. #winning

Red Bread just celebrated its big-girl-now 1st birthday and I’m so glad they’ll keep the lengthy-named menu options coming.
(See “Salted Toasted Buckwheat Honet Peach Pie”, “Apple Cherry Caramelized Onion Corn Pudding Muffin”, and “Bubbling Pear Whole Wheat Tarts”. Fancy!)

Oh hey Linda!

Other reasons Red Bread rules?
They use only whole, natural, local and organic ingredients from California Farmers.
A portion of every sale is donated to the L.A. Food Bank.
The menu is ever-changing and harvest-inspired. #neverBored

Have you been to this seriously sweet spot? 
I’ve got to take my Aunt Penny here, she would die… #CPR

XOJP

Be SCENE Not Heard with Silent Frisco.

There’s nothing better than a dance party.
Tell me something I don’t know, right?
Fine, I will.

If you haven’t heard of Silent Frisco yet and you love going dancing (without going deaf), you’re going to FLIP.

Silent Frisco puts on dance-party-concerts-supreme where multiple DJ’s vie for the ears and dance moves of audience members. The kicker is that the music comes through high-quality headphones that light up in colors to represent which DJ you’re tuning in to.
You can dance along with your buds, or to the beat of the other DJ’s drum. As a Libra I enjoy my options, so this obviously floats my boat. 

Yes, I did just get all astrology about it. #welcometoLA

Another cool thing about the silent disco is when you're tired of #twerking, you can simply remove your headphones, take a breather and participate in a real, live conversation and actually hear one another. Imagine!?

I discovered Silent Frisco’s silent disco at Wokcano a few weeks back and have been awaiting their return. Check out how much fun we had.
 

Great job on the vid, Joel Forrest Janacek.

I can’t wait to go again and am already contemplating what form of Spandex to sport for optimized move-busting.
Get your tickets here and meet me on the dance floor.

Don't forget to stretch.
XOJP

Ameoba Music is Marvelous.

Amidst my errands today, I noticed this super groovy-looking building. I had the time, so I stopped to check it out. 
Where was I? Ameoba Music, the world’s largest independent record store. 
And it was RAD!

Check me out with this beautiful painting of Jenny Lewis on the outside of the building!

Ameoba reeks of originality and makes you feel really cool by just being there. The selection of music, movies and more was wall to wall and the staff all (brace yourself!) know what they are talking about. There are concert posters, vinyls and new and resale CD’s everywhere. This is definitely any music buff’s heaven on earth.

Not only can you buy awesome stuff in here, you can meet awesome characters too. Rock on, Mister TopHat!

Ameoba hosts concerts too! I'll be back sooner than later to check one out...

Have you ever been to this musical emporium? Better get to it, because even though music has no expiration date...YOU DO!
#OverlyMorbid?
#RockNrollNeverDies
 
XOJP

Big Girls Do Cry. Especially On Holidays.

 

Breaking traditions sucks.
Holiday weekends can get really tough in a new place, especially when you have traditions that are broken for the first time.
 
This year I DID NOT complete the following 4th of July traditions:
attend a block party
burn my hand with a sparkler
wear a genuine thrift-bought (no, not American Apparel) Honky-Tonkin’, I-Luv-‘Murica t-shirt alongside my childhood pals

But after a(nother) good cry, a long call to Mama and perseverance to slap on that bright red lipstick (no matter how nude-matte I felt), I enjoyed the 4th of July weekend with my new LA homies.  Not saying it was easy or pretty, but determination to focus on the fabulous can really go a long way.

I took a moment to recognize that I had NEW things to celebrate:
Great friends with California-sun-shining personalities
Unparalleled outdoor shopping on Main Street
A beach trip to settle my newly earth-quakin’ soul

 

Instead of focusing on all the things I was without, I took a trip to Gratitudeville and you know…the lack of sparklers didn’t leave me feeling so broken after all.

I'm counting each blessing at a time. And having Mom ship me my dorky I LOVE AMERICA t-shirts so I can continue my homestyle tradition, just from another coast next year…

#countyourblessings #brightred
XOJP

Condiment Queen

This 4th of July weekend is off to great start but I want to make sure the typical get-together doesn’t start feeling like the same ol’ thang. So let’s add a little spice, eh?

Lord knows this weekend will host grill-outs galore, so I’ve decided to share with you my favorite BBQ bring-a-longs to zest up the ever-predictable "burgers and dogs" menu.

Share with your friends and you’ll be the coolest kid at the 'cue in no time...

Mrs. Renfro’s Ghost Pepper Salsa

 

 NOT for the spicy-intolerant. Start with a tablespoon or two and work your way into it. If you like hot, hot, HOT, you’re in for a win.

 

Trader Joe’s Organic Ketchup

 

This has a thicker, more natural-tasting consistency that I love. 

Silver Spring Peppadew Mustard

 

This tastes awesome on beef/ chicken/ turkey/ tofu weiners with its zesty, sweet and spicy kick.

Grilled Pineapple

 

Throw this bad boy on your sandwich and the sweetly crisped edges will add a crunch you’ll love to munch.

Which options tickle your firework-ing fancy?
XOJP

Flaunting on the Fourth

Happy 4th!
Everyone knows the 4th of July is a time for crop tops, short-shorts and flip flops. But are you staying classy or looking trashy this homeland holiday?
Before you leave the house, here are some tips to celebrate with sass AND class.

REFRAIN FROM:

Too Much Boobie.

Lack of Pants.

This.

PARTICIPATE IN:

Sparkles.

An adorable top that covers cleavage.

A mini dress that's not TOO mini.

Stay classy, America. 

What will YOU be wearing to today’s BBQ?
Cheers!
XOJP

I hate you. I love you. Happy 1 Year Anniversary.

There’s nothing like a good old cross-country move to excite, challenge and thrill the bejeezus out of you. One year ago, I moved to LA from the Windy City of Chicago.
It’s been a whirlwind of excitement and a storm of emotion, but I’m still kickin’ baby.
For any gals thinking about making the westward leap (especially my fellow Midwestern mamas), I’ve listed my: 

Top 6 Thing to Know Before Making the Cali Move. 
It ain’t always pretty, but nobody said it would be..

1) Dirty is the new clean. Torn jeans and messy hair can be symbols of immense wealth. OR homelessness. Take your best guess. Or wait until they walk to their car.

2) Read the signs. 2 words = Street. Cleaning. ($$$)

3) Be cool, be cautious. Work on your road rage issues before you move, kay? Cus no one knows where they’re going. And neither do I. 

Sometimes you just gotta get out and enjoy the view I guess.

4) Stretch. Because if you haven’t gotten into yoga yet, you’re about to. 

5) Practice your pronunciations. You’re about to meet people with names you never knew existed. Tinder is a nice introduction to this concept and will blow your mind.
#OwNowBrownCow

6) Keep your eyes peeled as you pick your produce. You never know who you’ll run into at Whole Foods.

Well, there you have it, a few tips from a Chicago transplant. 
Have you made the move too? What have you found hardest to get used to?

#IloveLA + #DaBears =

XOJP

Sparkle from the Inside Out: Carole Shashona

Ohhhhhh Carole Shashona. Where do I even begin with this Feng Shui-gone-stylist sweetheart?!

Behind the sparkle of her Asian-meets-Art Deco designs of the Black Diamond Collection is a deeper meaning: living in positivity and empowerment.

“What cred does Carole have to stake such a claim,” you ask?
How about becoming a Grand Master of Feng Shui after 16 years training in Hong Kong? 
(…How dare you doubt me.)

I recently checked out Carole’s Black Diamond Collection for myself and learned from her that choosing a piece is more about “answering to the need within yourself, visually” versus simple ol’ shopping. Carole believes the beauty of jewelry not only radiates outward, but sends beauty, balance, and serenity back inward to the wearer.
#Deep.

Some of her soul-soothing designs:

 

Notice that Carole’s designs feature a signature coin as a personal amulet, fashioned to assist with meditation at home or “on the go.” 

“It’s about centerlocking the senses to fully become your force of energy.” 

It’s impossible to walk away from Carole without feeling radiant- whether you’re in her presence or wearing her designs. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to look AND FEEL truly magnificent.

Rediscover wellness as you become your true “you”…at her site or at Barney’s near you ;)

XO JP

Sassy, Classy Oscar Styling: Michael O’Connor

We all enjoyed the Oscars. The style, the sparkle… and oh yeah…that whole awards thing was cool too.

Award shows wouldn’t be the same without the behind-the-scenes stylists responsible for the glitz that give us a face-freezing glaze (no botox required).

Enter jewelry and style expert, Michael O’Connor. Michael has worked with Oscar-worthy dazzlers like Amy Adams, Elisabeth Rohm, Gabourie Sidibe, Allison Janney, Debra Messing, Minnie Driver, Stockard Channing and so many more. (Can you say street cred?)

I had the pleasure of meeting with this super-sweet gentleman at an Oscars StyleLab Suite where the FABULOUS was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. See below and you’ll get it:

Don’t let Michael’s sweetie-pie smile trick you. Michael is also a television style commentator. A repeated guest on Joan and Melissa Rivers’ “Fashion Wraps,” Joan coined him “one of the most dangerous men in Hollywood.” See why…

As a stylist, Michael has the ability to give a red-carpet glow or a tragic look that screams “oh no!” As a commentator, he can trash talk you all the way home. On broadcast TV. So as Joan would advise: Watch it!

What’s next for Michael? Practicing his craft in head-turning, breaking traditional Hollywood molds and making you drool over your favorite celebrities’ duds.

Who wins your “Best Styled Celeb” award? You may just be giving kudos to the lovely Mister Michael… who totally rules!

Shine on,

XOJP

Fab on Wheels: The Styleliner

While cycling my merry way through the streets of Santa Monica this morning, I came upon this stylish ride. They call it The Styleliner and it's packed with hand-picked finds from all over the globe. 

AND. 

It's all organized to the "T" (aka you won't feel overwhelmed and have a heart attack.)

I got my ultimate boho-chic on and considered nesting in the masses of rhinestones, tassels and sequins amongst me. 

Since that would've been weird, I reconsidered and moved forward. But nonetheless, I'll def be back.

The girls on the truck were super nice, helped with some style tips and -my fav part- told the stories behind each unique piece.

(I'm all about the back story.)

Should you find The Styleliner in sight, make sure you come to an immediate halt, because everything from authentic accessories to unique apparel awaits you. And the fact that it's all aboard a truck is plain rad.

Have you seen The Styleliner in action? 

Check it out @thestyleliner and tell 'em jessundressed sent you :) 

#BohoForever

XOJP