What I Wore to L.A. Pride 2012

The Scene
I grew up in West Hollywood – north of Sunset for all you obnoxious Clueless types ;). Which I didn't realize was unusual until I went "away" to college. At USC, I learned that most kids flee to open-minded, glamorous suburbs; they aren't lucky enough to be born into them. Dumb lucky me.

Growing up in WeHo meant the Pride parade has always been a part of my life. I remember watching it on TV in the 80s with my parents – yes, they were THAT completely open with me about the realities of the world and community we lived in. Since then I've attended the parade in support of my gay friends. And more recently, I've attended as a Trevor Project volunteer.

But this year, I rode the float as a Trevor Project board member...excuuuuuuse you!!! We're talking BEYOND honorary gay status, right?!? Finally, my straightness has been overlooked and I've been officially welcomed into the gay bosom. It only took 34 years: F!

The experience was – duh – amazing!  Was so proud to participate in a community event that's been a part of my life since childhood. Was a TOTAL TRIP to pageant-wave my way down Santa Monica Blvd. - a street that houses so many of my most defining memories as an Angeleno.

Most of all, it felt amazing to see people cheering and sincerely applauding us for all the amazing work the Trevor staff, volunteers and board do for at risk GLBTQ youth.  I couldn't help but wish my dad was there to see it. He would have been so proud.

The Outfit
Forever 21 dress
LA Fashion District earrings
Vivienne Westwood clutch

Stuart Weitzman sandals
Dior sunglasses
H&M belt


The Grade
Pass

The Commentary

All you need to know is that I kinda sorta maybe refused to wear a t-shirt to Pride this year. I've done it in the past with HORRIFYING results. Was left feeling UNHAPPY and not myself.  

So this year I went a different route. I wanted to represent Trevor in an authentic, happy way (isn't that what Gay Pride is all about?) so I busted out a purty dress, clutch and earrings - all rainbow-esque with tinges of Trevor's signature orange. Theoretically an A+.  But I still felt awfully guilty for not adhering to the dress code, hence the Pass. 

Sorry, I just don't look casually glam in a tee and shorts like that Kate Bosworth does.



Roundy brown girls do better emulating fancy dress Kate.

Learned it by watching Lisa Vanderpump.
She went for a hot pink maxi and floppy hat at Pride this year. 

She rode the Pepto Bismal inspired float ahead of ours - amazing! 

Here's hoping it's just a matter of time before the right Bravo vehicle hurdles me into D list status. 

The Inspiration

Tropical Prints: Forever 21 Palm Tree Dress

The Outfit

Forever 21 palm tree print dress

The Accessories

Forever 21 bracelet

H&M belt

Chanel sunglasses and purse

Tory Burch flats

The Grade

B

The Commentary

This palm tree dress is the perfect example of why I heart me some Forever 21.  Adorable print: check. Classic shape: check. Can dress it up or down: check. Easy and comfortable and flattering: check, check, check.  Plus, just $24!! I should have bought two. 

 That Alexa Chung for Madewell dress that I wanted a few months ago cost nearly 10x as much.  F that skinny b.  I'm glad it sold out before I could shimmy my butt into it.

Was worried that this particular print might feel dated.  But then I remembered Stella McCartney also did palm trees this season. This look on Diane Kruger was one of my Cochella favorites. 

And I'm still in love with the palm trees and seascapes Prada did a few seasons back.

My theory: palm trees are here to stay. They've come a long way from the gaudy Hawaiian shirt variety and become part of the tropical prints trend that cycles into vogue every few seasons.

Perfect news for a California girl in desperate need of a tropical vacation  ;)

The Inspiration

How to Wear a Color Block Dress

To all of you who commented on my last post and sent lovely emails, thank you. I appreciate you bringing my pain into your hearts and sharing yours with me.

It's been four weeks since my grandmother died. I wish I could say that it's getting easier but it's not. The pain just tastes a little different with every passing day.

Have you ever cried for 30 days straight? Ugh. I never had. It's awful and exhausting.  I long for that day that breaks the chain.  Maybe I'll feel like myself again. Maybe look like myself again.  Thirty days and nights of crying = a puffy, red, damn mess of a face. **Vain sigh**

And yet, amidst a month of such intense sorrow, there have been moments of incredible joy. Funny how that happens in life.

I've spent countless days and nights with my mom, remembering together and trying to forget together. Mourning and healing together. Best of all, just being together. We've become closer than ever. I didn't think that was even possible.

I also started a BFD new job. Spent 10 days away from home onboarding at the company headquarters in San Francisco.  Didn't think I'd be able to make it through the first day, let alone 10 days. But I did. I learned that I'm stronger than I think...and that strangers can be kinder than I tend to think.

I also watched my best friend get married...just two weeks after her fiancee's dad died of cancer. Heartbreaking. I never dreamed her beautiful day would be tinged with so much pain. I feel closer to him and to her and to their families than ever before. Like our two tragedies have tied our souls together. Like a bow on a gift. 

And finally, I celebrated Mr. Diabolina's birthday. I've spent 17 birthdays by his side. But this year was the most special. I've never been more grateful that this beautiful man was born.

There are no words for how incredible he's been in the last 30 days. To me and to my mother and to everyone around us.  He has always been my rock. But through all of this, his love and patience and strength have been my North Star.

I'll never forget all the little moments.  Stroking my hair in those awful moments as she lay dying in that hospital room. Standing by my side as I picked out her coffin in a daze. Propping me up as I gave her eulogy because I was convinced my legs might give out.  Encouraging me to start the new job as scheduled, reminding me of how proud she would have been, reminding me how proud he is, reminding me that I can do anything. Calling my mother every day that I was out of town. Having a beautiful dinner ready for me when I finally returned home.

A few days after my grandmother died, my mother broke down in his arms. She could barely speak but, as she clung to him, she managed to tell him, "You're the best thing that ever happened to the two of us."  No truer words have ever been uttered.

I've been wearing mostly black since my grandmother died. Haven't been particularly interested in fashion. Haven't felt like me.

  But for Mr. Diabolina's birthday, I made the effort.  I bought a new dress, a red dress.  It is the color of love and passion and life. It was my grandmother's color.

And that day, it was my way of celebrating the man I can't imagine my life without.

xoxo

Prada Spring 2011 Stripes

The Scene


During our fall trip to NYC, my mom and I met the baby girl I used to babysit when I was a teen and she was a tween.  She is now bicoastal (a dream) so we caught up with her for brunch at The Dutch. Had been hearing about the SoHo spot from fashionistas and foodies alike so I knew it'd be perfect for a girlie pig/gab fest. 

The Food

Started with TDF biscuits slathered with butter and honey. 

Shared the two fried eggs, hominy grits, chorizo and salsa verde. Muy delicious. Not as greasy as it sounds.

    

And finally the Eggs Okonomiyaki, a Japanese egg pancake with pork belly and shrimp. Finger-like bonito flakes move and curl on top, beckoning you to get your grub on. Crazy creepy and craaaaaaazy tasty. Never eaten anything like it. Highly recommend if you are the adventurous type.




A+ brunch with A+ company.

The Outfit

Elizabeth and James top
Forever 21 skirt
Vintage trench

The Accessories
Rebecca Minkoff bag
Prada sunglasses
Abate for Payless heels
Forever 21 bracelets and earrings

The Grade
B+

The Commentary

Built the outfit around these sensible, stripey kitten heels.

Sadly after a few hours huffing around NYC even they weren't sensible enough. F to being an Angeleno without a car service. Had to change into super not fierce ballet flats.  Dowdy-ied up the cool striped skirt and poppy top combo.

Bought the skirt because it cost less than 20 bucks and approximated the Prada Spring stripes that I'm still loving.  Endless possibilities with this skirt. And love the thirty something appropriate length.

Love Spring 2011 so much that  on my last day in NYC I couldn't resist these stripey Prada sunnies from the same season at Century 21. Not the most flattering on my huge face but I don't care.

I fear I'm two pairs deep into a bonafide Prada sunglasses collection (read: obsession.)

The Inspiration