EST. EDITORIALS: Summer In The City
This end-of-summer Fashion Editorial was inspired by this season's Summer Fashions - and what better way to showcase them than in Los Angeles' very own Downtown artist district.
Photography by: Jason Flynn Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JASON FLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY
This end-of-summer Fashion Editorial was inspired by this season's Summer Fashions - and what better way to showcase them than in Los Angeles' very own Downtown artist district.
Photography by: Jason Flynn Photography
Model: Abbie Monjoin
Styling by: Eleni Hopkins
CLICK HERE TO SEE ENLARGE THIS SPREAD
Look 1 : Wide Leg Trouser & Lace Crop Top from Zara - Vintage Chanel Earrings - Steve Madden Shoes - Gold Clutch from H&M, Sunglasses from Madewell
Look 2: Sunset Jumper & Hat from Free People - Shoes from H&M - Coin Necklace from Urban Outfitters - Bangle from Forever21
Look 3: Dress by Free People - Shoes from Topshop - Vintage Chanel Birdcage Earrings
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eleni Hopkins grew up in a home where art and fashion were always the forefront of conversation. A Native to San Francisco, her passion for style, color and texture have made her fearless to take risks in order to stay on the cutting edge of fashion and beauty trends. It was her craft with palettes of color and make-up brushes that prompted her move to Los Angeles and her love for clothing, designers and street trends that have kept her here. With a creative but critical eye, Eleni is excited to share her love for dress up and show readers how to spice up their wardrobe and enjoy their time in front of the mirror.
FOLLOW HER ON: INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / PINTEREST
EST SPOTLIGHT: TINI - THIS IS NOT IKEA
One of my favorite things about being a Californian is the appreciation this state has for the re-use of great furniture. Vintage represents everything Californians love: upcycling, recycling and going green.
One of my favorite things about being a Californian is the appreciation this state has for the re-use of great furniture. Vintage represents everything Californians love: upcycling, recycling and going green. Vintage shopping is the ultimate example of going green. And while you can find yourself with endless flea market options on the weekend, there is one place that does the hunting for you.
Today my little vintage dreams came true when I went to the one and only T.I.N.I. {This Is Not Ikea}. TINI is an amazing vintage store located in the heart of Los Angeles with one of a kind vintage finds from all eras. I’ve wanted to go there for some time and this weekend I made sure I made the time. And when I say it didn’t disappoint, I couldn’t be any more truthful. It was everything I had hoped it would be and more.
As I walked up the to store front, its vine covered entrance immediately had me excited. Two steps in the door and I was in love. I will warn you, when you first walk in, it can be a bit overwhelming. There is so much vintage amazingness to look at, your eyes will freak out! There is even a second floor and rooms that stretch back for days. The place is huge!
I found so many amazing treasures and the prices were not unreasonable. Check some of my favorite finds below.
Image by Jennie Warren for LA Weekly
Co-owners Alexis Hadjopulos and Tom Whitman began TINI as a vintage and retro online shop for those who shared in their passion of vintage finds. But when fabulous finds filled the home of Alexis, the two opened their retail space. Coming up on the fifth birthday of their Fairfax and 6th home, TINI’s finds are better than ever. If you can’t make it out to their space, you still take a look online. But trust me when I say, it’s better in person. One more thing, it gets better… if you’re in the market to really redo your space, they make house calls! Happy vintage hunting!
TINI (This is Not Ikea) is located at:
515 S Fairfax Ave,
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 938-9230
Contributed by estCA staff, Megan Araujo
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN TACOS AT LA OTRA TAQUERIA ESCUELA
California is well known for their Mexican food and culture and if you were to ask any Californian what their favorite food is, I bet they would all tell you the same thing: Mexican.
Image via Elizabeth Daniels
California is well known for their Mexican food and culture and if you were to ask any Californian what their favorite food is, I bet they would all tell you the same thing: Mexican.
Living in Southern California, we are so close to the Mexican border so Mexican food becomes a staple in our everyday life. We are cursed and blessed with knowing what authentic Mexican dishes taste like – so when I find myself on the road traveling for weeks at a time (or even just one week, lets be honest) – I’m always craving Mexican food. I will search the internet for random restaurants to get my fix and guess what: they just aren’t the same. Our Mexican food is just better (Sorry, Texas)
One of my favorite spots to grab a taco in Los Angeles just happens to be hidden off a busy street near The Grove in Beverly/Fairfax district: La Otra Taqueria Escuela.
Owner & Creator, Steven Arroyo, is no stranger to tacos as he also owns Cobras & Matadors and Escuela Taqueria (right around the corner). The rustic decor and unique menu of tacos, including Pork Belly, Lobster or Ground Beef & Pickle, get me coming back every time. Their tortilla chips are homemade and the salsa is out-of-this-world delicious; The perfect mix of spicy and sweet. Their prices aren’t as cheap as the taco trucks that frequently drive around the city, but they are affordable at $8-12 for two tacos. However, if you want a salty margarita to wash it down, you better plan on bringing your own because La Otra Taqueria Escuela is a BYOB spot and doesn’t serve alcohol.
Image via LA Eater
Image via The Delicious Life
Not in Los Angeles? That’s okay! You can still have tacos at home!
Check out my Healthy Taco Recipe here!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lindsay Vacek has a passion for style, details and design. As a Fashion Editorial Photographer, she's worked in the Entertainment Industry for over 10 years and has a love for adventure and travel. She spends her spare time globe-trotting her way through foreign countries and loves new cultures, food, music and the arts.
Being a California Native, Lindsay loves meeting new people and sharing her version of life with others. With an infinite list of things-to-do, places-to-go and sights-to-see - she believe everyone can have a little more California in their own lives.
FOLLOW HER ON: INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / PINTEREST
GRIFFITH PARK: HIKING IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Living in Southern California, there is an abundance of hiking trails from the Santa Monica mountains all the way down to San Diego. I happen to live in the center of Hollywood so I frequent the trendy and popular Runyon Canyon (which is fun for celebrity spotting and chatting with friends) but I wanted to get a little running in. Plus, it was a Sunday and Runyon would be super crowded.
Last Sunday morning, I woke up feeling a little groggy and hazy. It definitely was those few drinks I had at Megan's engagement party coming back to remind me that I am no longer in my early 20's. I made a mental reminder: implement a glass of water between drinks in the future. However, this is definitely not the first time I've told myself this but somehow I convince myself that one day it'll actually stick. But guess what? That's wasn’t keeping me down! It was absolutely beautiful outside and I planned on taking the bull by the horns and running with it (that's how the saying goes, right?).
Living in Southern California, there is an abundance of hiking trails from the Santa Monica mountains all the way down to San Diego. I happen to live in the center of Hollywood so I frequent the trendy and popular Runyon Canyon (which is fun for celebrity spotting and chatting with friends) but I wanted to get a little running in. Plus, it was a Sunday and Runyon would be super crowded.
So, I got my bum off the couch and I put some of my favorite running gear on. I decided to head over to Griffith Park Trails. The trails are wide and the inclines are not too steep which gave me the perfect opportunity to work on my cardio and interval runs. Plus, hiking is a great way to work on building those leg and booty muscles.
Aside from the running trails, Griffith Park is also home to the famous outdoor music amphitheater, The Greek (which if you missed Monday’s post, click here to read more about it), the Griffith Observatory, a Golf Course, pony rides, an abandoned Zoo.. even, a Merry-Go-Round. It’s the perfect place to bring the little ones to run around and play - or - a place to lay a blanket out with your beau and snack while reading a good book. Or you can try the cute Trails, a cute cafe located off Ferndale, surrounded by huge oak trees. You’ll forget you are in Los Angeles.
Don’t live in California? That’s okay! Jump on the interweb and do a search for some local hiking trails in your city. i bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised all the hidden trails you’ll find. Just pack a small bag and grab a good friend and get out and enjoy the sun.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lindsay Vacek has a passion for style, details and design. As a Fashion Editorial Photographer, she's worked in the Entertainment Industry for over 10 years and has a love for adventure and travel. She spends her spare time globe-trotting her way through foreign countries and loves new cultures, food, music and the arts.
Being a California Native, Lindsay loves meeting new people and sharing her version of life with others. With an infinite list of things-to-do, places-to-go and sights-to-see - she believe everyone can have a little more California in their own lives.
FOLLOW HER ON: INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / PINTEREST
Everything you need to know about LA's favorite vintage store, Jet Rag.
It was a rough week in my wardrobe department. Seasons are changing and in typical Eleni fashion, I have grown tired of what my closet has to offer. On a super tight budget this month (and a NEED for some “new” clothing pieces to punch up my wardrobe) I had this genius plan to hit up the mecca of vintage thrift shopping - Jet Rag’s Sunday Dollar Sale on La Brea in Los Angeles.
Image via Downtown Dreamers
It was a rough week in my wardrobe department. Seasons are changing and in typical Eleni fashion, I have grown tired of what my closet has to offer. On a super tight budget this month (and a NEED for some “new” clothing pieces to punch up my wardrobe) I had this genius plan to hit up the mecca of vintage thrift shopping - Jet Rag’s Sunday Dollar Sale on La Brea in Los Angeles.
This sale has been a weekend staple for vintage collectors, designers, hipsters, and clothing hoarders for sometime now. I have driven past the Sunday morning crowds several times but never managing to stop. As a Jet Rag Sunday virgin, I did a quick Google search our my way there for tips and tricks from avid Jet Ragger’s but no amount of research could have prepared me for what was going to happen. I only wish I would have remembered to check YouTube.
I scored front row parking which gave me the advantage to do a quick scout before exiting the car. In the driveway of Jet Rag, two rows of tents were pitched and commercial sized laundry bins lined the perimeter. To the left, clothes were spread out on the ground from last week’s leftovers. To my right, the early birds were hawking over bundles of clothes tightly bound in plastic. It is not until 11:00am that employees cut the bundles free and all is revealed.
At 10:57am, an employee went over the rules: no one may touch a bundle until all have been cut open. I had assumed with the sound of the clip from the last band, everyone would have graciously sifted through what pile was in front of them. What the hell was I thinking?! EVERYTHING IS A DOLLAR! What transpired next became such a blur [much like the high school jungle scene from one of my favorite movies “Mean Girls”]. CATFIGHT! I was unexpectedly shoved clear out of the way. Crews of hipsters went diving, collectors were scrambling and hoarders were screaming to grab as many clothes as possible in one fell swoop. While in survival mode, I tried to regain focus and join in with the same conviction but I was too late. As people are hitting the ground around me, I left my childhood etiquette rules behind and started tugging and pulling on anything I could get my hands on. There is not a Black Friday sale that could compare to what this was.
Not expecting such a war zone, I walked away with a measly pile to go through (compared to my competitors whom had bins full). Pulling two items from my original grab (and a couple more from people’s rejects) I was able to walk away with a few finds that I felt would be great additions to my wardrobe. Hoping to return as a veteran, I am excited to fully embrace the experience.
With only $8 spent, check out how I mixed my thrifty vintage finds into my wardrobe.
Photography by Debi Prince
The Jet Rag $1.00 sale happens every Sunday, rain or shine, 9am to about 5pm.
Jet Rag
825 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038-3340
Phone: (323) 939-0528
Cost: All items in parking lot are $1.00. They request exact change in the mornings.
Note: Metered street parking on La Brea is free on Sundays till 11am. Make sure to feed the meter after 11am because they will start to ticket.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eleni Hopkins grew up in a home where art and fashion were always the forefront of conversation. A Native to San Francisco, her passion for style, color and texture have made her fearless to take risks in order to stay on the cutting edge of fashion and beauty trends. It was her craft with palettes of color and make-up brushes that prompted her move to Los Angeles and her love for clothing, designers and street trends that have kept her here. With a creative but critical eye, Eleni is excited to share her love for dress up and show readers how to spice up their wardrobe and enjoy their time in front of the mirror.
FOLLOW HER ON: INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / PINTEREST
LA'S BEST MUSIC VENUE: THE GREEK THEATRE
California has an abundance of unique buildings and structures. From beautiful bridges to abandoned zoos, there is always something the satisfy an adventurous soul. During the summer months, we always love to take in the warm 80 degree weather. Pair it with live music, a picnic of red wine and sharp cheeses and you can understand what it’s like to be a Californian on any Summer evening.
California has an abundance of unique buildings and structures. From beautiful bridges to abandoned zoos, there is always something the satisfy an adventurous soul. During the summer months, we always love to take in the warm 80 degree weather. Pair it with live music, a picnic of red wine and sharp cheeses and you can understand what it’s like to be a Californian on any Summer evening.
Los Angeles is home to three popular outdoor music amphitheaters: The famous Hollywood Bowl, The Greek Theatre and the Ford Theatre. Musicians, both newcomers and famous, have played on their stages to audiences waiting to drink up the experiences. My personal favorite is The Greek Theatre.
The Greek is situated in Griffith Park (3,000 acres of land left to the city by Griffith J Griffith back in 1896). The theater was built in 1929 and holds 5,900 people. The canyon site was chosen because of its good acoustics and has been home to many concerts, stage shows and graduations since.
If you find yourself in Los Angeles, The Greek is definitely a must-see venue. Be sure to pack a picnic and eat on the park grass or picnic tables prior to a show. Make sure leave all glass bottles at home and throw away any trash when you are finished. You won’t be able to bring the food inside with you but they offer bottles of wine for sale which is great to sip on during a show. But, if you can’t make it to The Greek Theatre, why not pack a picnic and head to your local park on a Saturday night with a loved one. Bring a portable speaker and your iPod and have your own musical night under that stars. You’d be surprised how relaxing it is to lay down and listen to your favorite music outdoors.
For more information about upcoming shows at the Greek Theatre, check out their official website at www.greektheatrela.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lindsay Vacek has a passion for style, details and design. As a Fashion Editorial Photographer, she's worked in the Entertainment Industry for over 10 years and has a love for adventure and travel. She spends her spare time globe-trotting her way through foreign countries and loves new cultures, food, music and the arts.
Being a California Native, Lindsay loves meeting new people and sharing her version of life with others. With an infinite list of things-to-do, places-to-go and sights-to-see - she believe everyone can have a little more California in their own lives.
FOLLOW HER ON: INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / PINTEREST
EST. EDITORIALS: Bikini and the Beach
We can't help but squeal over the swimsuits this summer. From Free People to Maya Hoffman, there is something for everyone. Established California brings you this summer editorial to inspire your summer swimwear obsessions.
We can't help but squeal over the swimsuits this summer. From Free People to Maya Hoffman, there is something for everyone. Established California brings you this summer editorial to inspire your summer swimwear obsessions.
Photography by: Lindsay Vacek Photography
Model: Summer Crosley
Makeup: Michelle Gani
Wardrobe provided by: Free People
CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE THIS EDITORIAL
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
Lindsay Vacek has a passion for style, details and design. As a Fashion Editorial Photographer, she's worked in the Entertainment Industry for over 10 years and has a love for adventure and travel. She spends her spare time globe-trotting her way through foreign countries and loves new cultures, food, music and the arts.
Being a California Native, Lindsay loves meeting new people and sharing her version of life with others. With an infinite list of things-to-do, places-to-go and sights-to-see - she believe everyone can have a little more California in their own lives.
FOLLOW HER ON: INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / PINTEREST
HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT GREEN SMOOTHIE
We’ve all been there. We tell ourselves we are going to eat healthy this week. Get back on track and promise ourselves that we won’t grab frozen yogurt for the fourth time this week.
Image via Juice Served Here
We’ve all been there. We tell ourselves we are going to eat healthy this week. Get back on track and promise ourselves that we won’t grab frozen yogurt for the fourth time this week. Then, the late hours at work begin, the skipped breakfast and rushing out the door, the office lunch of pizza that everyone is eating around you. All of a sudden you are back to square one and sluggish, tired and irritable. When your body isn’t performing at it’s best, you aren’t performing at your best.
This is why I’m here to tell you about a fantastic California based juice company, Juice Served Here, that has just the thing to get you back on track. Cleanse 2.0 starts July 7th and consists of different level juice cleanses (soft, semi and hard) and range from 3, 5, 7 or 10 days. With the right detox plan, you’ll help rid your body of some of the bloat, fatigue and stress that is bringing you do. By cleansing your digestive system, your body will be able to process the food that you put in it properly, allowing for more energy, better sleep and better skin, hair and nails.
Each cleanse starts from $55 and includes 6 different juices that you drink throughout the day in place of your meals. If you are a cleanse virgin, start with the Soft Cleanse which goes down nice and easy (and super tasty!). Or if you’ve done a cleanse before but aren’t quite ready for the super stuff, try the Demi Cleanse.
Juice Served Here is available for delivery and pick up in the Los Angeles area. If you aren’t in Los Angeles, you can still make tasty juices at home. Check out our Tips on How to Create the Perfect Green Smoothie below.
For more info, check out their website at www.juiceservedhere.com or visit one of their stores around LA.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lindsay Vacek has a passion for style, details and design. As a Fashion Editorial Photographer, she's worked in the Entertainment Industry for over 10 years and has a love for adventure and travel. She spends her spare time globe-trotting her way through foreign countries and loves new cultures, food, music and the arts.
Being a California Native, Lindsay loves meeting new people and sharing her version of life with others. With an infinite list of things-to-do, places-to-go and sights-to-see - she believe everyone can have a little more California in their own lives.
FOLLOW HER ON: INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / PINTEREST
SWANTON BERRY FARM, the first Organic Strawberry Farm in California
It was early Friday morning, summer was approaching, the sun was out and I couldn’t have been more excited for a three-day weekend! Since I live in Los Angeles, I saw this as a perfect excuse to road trip it up to San Francisco to surprise my parents and spend some time with Bay Area friends.
It was early Friday morning, summer was approaching, the sun was out and I couldn’t have been more excited for a three-day weekend! Since I live in Los Angeles, I saw this as a perfect excuse to road trip it up to San Francisco to surprise my parents and spend some time with Bay Area friends.
I convinced my childhood friend, Abbie, to come along for the ride. With time on our side, a partner in crime and a fresh playlist to help “Spring into Summer” we had the perfect ingredients for an adventurous weekend. We cruised down the iconic Pacific Coast Highway with the windows rolled down and the wind in our hair until we arrived at one of my favorite destinations, Swanton Berry Farm.
Located just after Santa Cruz near the small town of Davenport, you’ll find the local organic berry-picking field and indoor farm stand. Whether you’re on foot, bike or in a car, this farm’s homestyle strawberry jam, Ollallieberry cobbler, lemonade and berry picking make it a worthwhile detour or adventure all of its own.
Originally founded in 1983, two men shared the same dream to build the first successful organic strawberry farm in California. At that time no one in the farming industry had successfully grown strawberries organically on a commercial scale. By 1987, Swanton Berry Farm became the first certified organic strawberry farm in California. Their hard work shows when you bite into one of there sweet strawberries.
When you arrive at the farm, go ahead and pick your favorite treat and sit and play a board game. Payment is provided using the honor system with the old fashion till (scratch paper provided), You can even grab a journal to read about other roadies who journeyed thru Swanton and share your own story. Swanton Berry Farm invites you to stay, play, and fall in love with the local California culture.
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Swanton Berry Farm
25 Swanton Rd.
Davenport, CA 95017
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eleni Hopkins grew up in a home where art and fashion were always the forefront of conversation. A Native to San Francisco, her passion for style, color and texture have made her fearless to take risks in order to stay on the cutting edge of fashion and beauty trends. It was her craft with palettes of color and make-up brushes that prompted her move to Los Angeles and her love for clothing, designers and street trends that have kept her here. With a creative but critical eye, Eleni is excited to share her love for dress up and show readers how to spice up their wardrobe and enjoy their time in front of the mirror.
FOLLOW HER ON: INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / PINTEREST
There are many ways you can repurpose a timber pallet into something functional and stylish for your home or garden and you don't need any carpentry skills to do so because it's SO easy.
This DIY pallet plant hanger can be put together in a matter of minutes and will completely transform a blank wall, fence or courtyard corner into a vertical garden.
Grow herbs and edible flowers for the ultimate kitchen garden or keep it low-maintenance with succulents and fast growing trailing plants - the options are endless.