How to Wear Pink Jeans

The Scene

Laurel Hardware was a neighborhood institution in WeHo for more than 60 years. I remember shopping there in the 80s with my parents when I was little – before Home Depot was even a glimmer in anyone's eye. Like many longtime patrons, I was sad when the old-fashioned hardware store on Santa Monica Blvd shuttered in 2008.

Four years later, the musty old hardware store has been gutted and re-imagined as a GORGEOUS restaurant and bar. 

Gaga for the beautiful patio. Perfect for summer drinks

Love the relaxed but chic decor. Especially love that the new owners kept the original store-front and name. Yay for respecting a neighborhood's history.  

Mr. Diabolina nabbed a reservation for opening weekend. A foodgasm followed. 

The cocktails are a must at Laurel Hardware. Meet the Exuberance, tequila and St. Germain with grapefruit and salt/grapefruit foam. Heavenly. 

Behold the decadent chicharrones.

Snap peas with black barley and parmesan in a kumquat vinegrette: light and tasty starter for summer. 

Softshell crab with corn pudding, stewed tomatoes and basil oil: sinful. 

 Eggplant pizza with summer squash, burrata and thyme: solid but nothing special. I say stick to the larger plates for your main course. 

Dessert was grilled peaches with ricotta, honey comb and olive oil: my favorite of the night!

Also got the strawberry and rhubarb crumble with ice cream because how could we resist!

The fact that all this deliciousness is now within walking distance = a problem for my ass.

The Outfit

Forever 21 top and spike bracelet

Random necklace

LA Fashion District pink jeans and green bracelet

Stuart Weitzman sandals

Louis Vuitton bag

Chanel earrings

Dior sunglasses

The Grade

B

The Commentary 

My name is Diabolina and I've slowly but surely become addicted to colored jeans. It started with red, then cobalt, followed by burgundy. My newest neon pink pair was purchased at Santee Alley. My co-worker nicknamed them Pinkie LaRue...because he finds himself hilarious.

I justified adding a totally impractical, totally fun new pair to my jean collection for one reason:  the pricetag. This bold pair cost $24. In fact, each pair of colored jeans I've bought have cost less than $35. That means that my four pairs of colored jeans still cost less than one pair of J Brand. I win.

My take: Never spend triple digits on a fad – much less a DENIM fad. We live in a commercial moment where every high fashion trend trickles down to retailers that price them for the masses. 


Consequently, I only invest in special pieces that I love and know I'll wear for years. Everything else, I say, nab on the cheap and chuck when you're over it. 

The Inspiration