SPRING IS IN THE AIR!

---

Happy Springtime, all! It's the first day of Spring so smile and prepare yourself to be" twitterpated."

How great is this flower arrangement?? My new favorite bouquet tip: throw in a few sprigs of fresh mint from the garden (or potted herb trio from Trader Joe's) for a fresh and unique beauty to add to the room. Not only does the bright green mint look gorgeous next to the hot pink roses, the entire things smells amazing too!

This season is always so delightful, truly a favorite; green popping up everywhere, flowers blooming, beautiful days, crisp weather while still being sunny.  Everything just feels fresh, like each day has the potential to be that new beginning we have all been waiting for.  And that's the beauty of it... it can be the perfect excuse to kick your butt in gear.  Get your spring cleaning done... because it's Spring and time to refresh yourself with clean air and scrubbed floors.  Start your marathon training and make those morning runs happen... because it's Spring and you can't say no to the lovely weather and charged energy everywhere. Make your Farmer's Market fresh meals at least twice a week... because it's Spring and time to eat healthily and only put the good stuff in your body to prepare for summer bikini season.

FLOWERS AND FARMER'S MARKETS

---

We took advantage of this weekend: its sun, its splendor and all that LA has to offer on a gorgeous day in March. We started off the weekend with a trip to IKEA. That massive Swedish store with instruction booklets that look like coloring books. It's a store that serves as a catalyst for couples fighting; if they don't get you at the store, they'll get you when you're trying to assemble the dresser you purchased. But by some miracle, Thira (who I will now refer to as T) and I explored and imagined our future homes with the help of the pre-designed kitchens and bedroom sets, without the use of profanity or angry gestures. We had no intention of buying any large items, like a bed frame - although we do have matching bed frames from IKEA- but instead vowed to purchase little additions for the apartment. Small things that make life easier, but nothing too noticeable or fancy. Simply little somethings to make Mondays a bit brighter.

LOOKS WE LIKE: T.D.D. STYLE FILES

---

Trending.

LA is a city of trends. Trends that come and go as quickly as the busloads of aspiring starlets seeking fame. For example, one minute a club with a "sexy, fresh" angle, like no lights or electric eel aquariums, will be the hottest thing on the nightclub circuit. Then the following month no one can remember its name. LA lives and breathes "the next big thing" as the city that has carved its own global footprint as the place where dreamers come to flourish and everyone is clamoring to be part of the famous elite, those who set the trends and don't have to follow them.

Fashion offers one of the most prominent platforms for trends to be showcased and encouraged, as everyone wears clothes every day (or so we hope). What you wear can say a lot about who you are, want to be, or aspire to become.  As fashion observers, we are not strangers to spotting new trends. Spring trends are currently upon us with the season right around the corner. We've picked out two trends we've been seeing a lot of recently and given them our own flavoring.

*And keep in mind that not all trends will be flattering to your body type, so pick the ones that make you say, "Shoot, I'm looking pretty darn good in that!" and not "Whaaaattt am I thinking?!"  :)

• • •

LOOKS WE LIKE: T.D.D. STYLE FILES

---

We are working girls. We work hard and have big career ambitions. Most days we love what we do. Or, rather we love what working hard enables us to do, the independence it grants us, and the royalties that we indulge in to make the difficult days more bearable (e.g. drinks with friends, shopping, dinners out, movies on the big screen, etc.).  But let's face it, the daily grind can get to you. When that fancy cup of coffee just won't shake the serious case of the Mondays, try turning to your closet and spice up your day with the excitement of a classy ensemble or "impossibly chic" getup. Looking good can make you feel good, and vice versa, which makes you more confident and able to strive for that next big step, whether that is a promotion, a raise, or a new job you have had your mind on. 

We put together two looks inspired by the Los Angeles workplace for women that show drive and a love of fashion.  First, we have the "PR-type" girls, those who have a job with a little wiggle room in regard to the dress code, where looking chic and "of-the-moment" style-savvy goes a long ways. Second, we were inspired by "The Editor" career path, those office girls who can easily look put together without raising any eyebrows for the wrong reasons, but still turn heads because they always just look so good!

• • •

BAO DOWN

---

We love food, exploring and shopping. The Westfield Century City Mall combines all three!

Take A Bao located in the fanciest, hippest food court in Cali (at the Westfield Mall), offers a delicious, modern take on Asian cuisine. We often treat ourselves to the delicious fare after having visited the usual stores: Madewell, H&M, and ZARA. You might be confused with all of this bao talk. What exactly is bao? Basically, it is a dim sum dish that traditionally consists of a bun stuffed with vegetarian or meat filling. But "Take a Bao" has rolled out the dough, transforming the bun into a flat, doughy pita. Thira's bao was basically a fancy, Asian sandwich. But, the flavors and the unique texture of the bread are to die for.

Bao with cabbage salad

LOOKS WE LIKE: T.D.D. STYLE FILES | Valentine's Day LOVE-ly Fashion Inspiration

---

If you're anything like us you've been debating what to wear on Valentine's Day, regardless of your plans. Do you have a fun night out with the girls? A fancy date with that boy you really like, or maybe even love?! What about a casual, yet fun outing with someone new?

Well don't worry whatever your plans might be, we've got you covered! We have taken the liberty of pulling together three looks. Don't see a perfect match? Don't panic. Take a breath, choose your favorite look and make it your own with personal touches like that ring your mom gave you or that scarf you bought abroad! No one said you had to rock red and pink from head to toe, so please don't. Instead use red and pink as accent colors to make a fun and modern look!

• • •

A LILY FOR A SMILE

The last few blossoms of my lily bouquet.

Having fresh flowers nearby always makes me smile. I don't know if it's that stereotypical girl thing, where it is ingrained in us to like flowers and want them given to us as presents, but I'm leaning more towards a personal preference as I know many girls who consider fresh flowers to be a waste of time and money. The exact opposite of how I feel. In all truth, my instincts tell me this love of flowers on the kitchen table or office desk is primarily influenced by my mother. She always had fresh flowers around, always bought a bouquet for the home, for the host when she was a house-guest elsewhere, for special occasions, even if we were just invited to dinner at the neighbors. While her European roots consider this behavior to be ordinary and expected, it is not as common in the US. Sure, we are known to buy flowers for birthdays, anniversaries, when a friend or family member is in a stage production, funerals, and of course, Valentine's Day, but fresh flowers do not carry the same commonplace role in daily life as they do in many other places.

Sun-kissed Sunday... in the middle of January = LA

As working girls we all relish and anticipate our days off. The weekend. But, specifically, Sunday. Sundays mean: sleeping in, and being productive; lazing around, and going for long runs down to the beach; eating delicious food, and sipping special "fancy" caffeine treats (i.e. lattes, cappuccinos, freddos, or anything a step up from drip coffee); doing multiple loads of laundry, and shopping favorite sale racks for too-good-pass-up steals; laughing and catching up with each other and friends, as well as curling up with a book or magazine and not talking to anyone for hours. Really Sundays give us that brief break from the real world and remind us that it's OK and necessary to take a little time to enjoy the small things that are shoved aside during the craziness of the work week.

Here's a little peek at our recent favorite day of the week:) And did I mention that it was unbelievably perfect weather in the middle of winter?! Mid-seventies and blue skies. Yes, we are spoiled girls here in sunny Los Angeles...

Manda, me, Jen, spending plenty of time soaking up the vitamin D.

Of course us Dorothy girls started our day right, with tasty Peets coffee hitting the spot.

Manda is wearing:
* Ray-Ban wayfarer sunglasses
* yellow cord three-quarter sleeve jacket from Nordstrom

Jen is wearing:
* Zara gray long-sleeve top with faux leather sleeve and pocket detail (see more details here)
* Black denim pants
* Vintage kitten heels, brown with snakeskin heel detail (from flea market in Albania!)

My newest wardrobe addition that I have fallen in love with:
* Madden Girl ballet flats, zebra print with hot pink edge detail (found at TJ Maxx)

Sunday stroll around our neighborhood as we make our way from apartment to coffee, to lunch, to window shopping, to celeb spotting (Diego Lune and kids!), to treats, back to home.

We made the trek over to one of our favorite Mexican food restaurants in the area, Kay n Dave's - Brentwood. After taking half an hour to order because literally everything on the menu catches your hungry tummy's attention, we finally made our decisions. Delicious chips and salsa to fill up on before the real meal gets to the table; I enjoyed a taco steak chopped salad; Jen opted for the Anchiote prawn salad; and Manda loved her spinach, mushroom, and onion quesadilla with guacamole. If you're craving fresh, delicious, all homemade, traditional Mexican food loaded with quality ingredients and that extra something that makes it hit the spot every time, then definitely check out Kay n Dave's!

Lunch was followed by window shopping at the Brentwood Country Mart, watching parents chase after energetic children, excited youngsters go on pony rides, catch-up conversations over coffee at Caffe Luxxe. We eventually settled on some picnic benches to soak up the sun and laugh at the hilariously entertaining kiddies running about saying and doing things that only children can.

Three shoes under the table; my JLo aviator sunglasses; Jen's new iPhone case from The Container Store.

Of course, our afternoon had to be topped off with amazing homemade ice cream from Sweet Rose Creamery. I am a die-hard mint-chip fan and was instantly hooked on their fresh  mint with homemade dark chocolate chips ice cream. It literally tasted like mint leaves picked right off the bush (a flavor I absolutely love!) with bittersweet chocolate chunks that were dark enough to satisfy my dark chocolate obsession. A little bit of heaven right there. Oh, and a homemade chocolate waffle cone that was crispy and light. Insanely yummy. Perfect:) *Their famous salted caramel ice cream was pretty darn amazing too (had a large taste of that one)!

Overall, a simply lovely (Super Bowl? Eh...) Sunday. What do you like to do with your free days?

Tiffany: What Makes Love True by Garance Doré & The Sartorialist

I follow my fair share of style blogs; two that I have loved for years are The Sartorialist and Garance Dore. Garance Dore and Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist) became influential fashion players, and their mutual love for photography and fashion budded into an adorable romance. The incredibly talented duo is now engaged! This only adds to my love for the bloggers. 

I saw this video -- directed by Dore -- posted on The Sartorialist this week, and I had to share it! It's just in time for Valentine's Day, I hope you like it! 

Great buys under $30.00

I have a knack for finding great deals on classic pieces. Last weekend ZARA had an unbelievable sale that I was fortunate enough to stumble upon. I walked around and decided I wanted to buy everything, but thankfully resisted the urge. I did, however walk out of ZARA with a number of great steals!

Classic pieces under $30.00-

ZARA skirt: leather band, pleated (on sale)

ZARA loose shirt: leather pocket and patches

Leather pocket 

Side view

ZARA shirt: low back (back pictured)

ZARA Rain boots (had the leather version last season <3)

H&M camel hand bag: multiple hand straps 

Detail

H&M Jeans: "&Slim"

The Item We Love-

This month's item to die for is the "Pammy" wedge from Steve Madden. Thees wedges are insanely comfortable and add a much needed 5 inches to our 5'04" statures. Hello high altitude!

Happy hunting!

Looks We Like: Dorothy Style Files

LOOK ONE

Scarf: Madewell

Wedges: TOMS

Skirt: consignment/vintage

Shirt: Target

Bracelets: Chinatown flea market, assorted bangles

Why we like this look:  Our apartment lives in infinity scarves.  They are easy to put on, always look great, no fidgeting required. Pairing with a skirt, wedges and a loose top, creates a casual yet elegant look.  We chose wedges for a daytime friendly look.  To turn into nightwear, pair with classic stilettos and a black blazer.

LOOK TWO

Denim Button up: Forever 21

Boots: Corso Como, Richmond Boot

Black Jeans: Forever 21

Necklace: Madewell gold necklace

Fedora: vintage

Bag: Urban Outfitters

Watch: Michele Watch, with black patten leather band

Ring: vintage

Bracelets: bangles from India (travel gift)

Why we like this look:  Denim has been hot this season and from glancing at spring lookbooks, it isn't going anywhere.  Pair with white or black jeans for an easy, on-trend daytime look.  Spice up the classic look with a splash of color on your lips.  Bright red takes any outfit from mundane to sexy.  Personalize your look with vintage jewelry and a boyfriend watch.

LOOK THREE

Jean Jacket: vintage Abercrombie (kids)

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban's wayfarer, black

Bag (black): Marc by Marc Jacobs

Purse (red): vintage, red genuine suede 
Jeans: Madewell

Shirt: Old Navy

Boots: Roxy

Necklace: vintage

Why we like this look:  Bright blue skinny colored denim or pants are all the rage in LA.  Not to mention the color combo of bright yellow and blue is HOT.  Pairing two bright colors together will make your outfit pop.  Accent with classics, such as a denim jacket and comfortable boots.  A chunky necklace is a great statement piece to break up the bright, solid colors. 

 

Luxxe-urious Coffee for Coffee Lovers

Caffe Luxxe latte art. Photo credit, Thira.

Do you ever crave a really good cup of coffee or espresso drink? Or perhaps "latte art," as it is called these days. I know I do. All of us Dorothy girls appreciate a superior cup of joe when we can get our hands around one. Every now and then it is worth that extra dollar or two to indulge in an espresso experience where you savor each sip and it gives you that extra kick of energy:)

Every city has its Starbucks, Coffee Bean, Dunkin Donuts, Dutch Bros., Peets, or whichever other large coffee chain is sprinkled on city corners around the country. Now don't get  me wrong, I frequent those corner coffee chains as often as the next person... I LOVE my coffee. But then there are the days when I crave more than a just a cup of coffee: I want a really good cup of coffee. So I pop over to the nearest boutique coffee shop. Artisanal coffee roasters have become a popular and successful trend, with coffee aficionados (or snobs, as many like to call them) heralding the superiority of local, freshly-ground, brewed-to-order caffeine. Every city has their collection of boutique coffee haunts that have garnered a devout following and solid reputation for "the best coffee," in someone's "expert" (or pretentious) opinion. I am often that person and will easily tell you all about the predominance and perfection of a better cup of coffee like it's a necessity not a choice. I hear about these "in-the-know" coffee spots that are a must try from friends around the country and the handful of cities I have been to: San Francisco has Four Barrel and Blue Bottle; Denver has Novo; New York has Bluebird, Mud, and Think Coffee; Portland has Stumptown and Barista; Chicago birthed Intelligentsia, which is now also an LA favorite; Los Angeles also has Groundwork, Lamill Coffee, and Caffe Luxxe.

Caffe Luxxe latte. Photos by Thira.

Now, I am not going to stop going to Starbucks or Peets when it is nearby and I get that coffee craving, because I appreciate their pervasiveness, convenience, and wallet-friendly prices as much as the next person. But, I also most certainly will throw in a boutique cup of luxurious and outstanding coffee when I feel like it:)

Jen and I did just that a couple days ago. We walked the few blocks from our apartment to Caffe Luxxe on a lazy Sunday morning. We didn't even mind waiting in line for ten minutes to order because watching the espresso artwork being made is entertainment in itself! The coffee treat that resulted complemented a lovely morning and every sip was thoroughly enjoyed and worth it.


What are some of your favorite boutique coffee roasters or coffee shops in your neighborhood? See Bon Appetit's Top 10 in 2009 here.

My Bike

When I finished the Peace Corps, I came back with a mission, to go car-less. Abroad I thoroughly enjoyed living without a car; I loved exploring new cities and cultures by foot, bus or train. I found walking around with my ipod and a new playlist to be calming and an opportunity to reflect. Not to mention it helped me get my daily workout in without thinking about it.

When I moved to LA for my TOMS internship, I was determined to walk or bike to work, being that HQ was only two miles from our apartment. So I bought a cruiser bike and made good on that promise. I have experienced LA with a new pair of eyes-- it's crazy what you can miss in a car. I've seen plants that I didn't know existed, cool houses, scary spiders, people of all ethnicities and ages, random acts of kindness, poverty... you name it I've seen it. I even saw a moving truck spew out precious belongings while people (myself included) rushed to the aid of pots, pants and guitars on Santa Monica Ave.

But I've decided after much consideration that I am going to buy a car at the end of the month. Part of me is sad for the environment, my worn out boots and the walking time I will miss out on. But ultimately I think a car will bring back a new set of freedoms, some I haven't been privy to for about two years now. I have to admit I'm a little terrified to drive again, but hey I'm sure it's like riding a bike...pun intended!

Here are some photos of my purdy bike and my favorite nail polish as of late- "Butter" expensive but worth it if you hate nail polish that chips!

Schwinn Cruiser

Birthdays go best with amazing friends & family. And delicious sweet treats add a nice finish as well!

It was my birthday this week and I could not be more blessed with the best roommates (a.k.a. adoptive sisters), always thoughtful and loving family, amazing coworkers, and the good fortune to be surrounded by generosity and kindness. My day started with surprise gifts from my lovely roomies:

This darling dress from Zara. I am loving bright orange and coral shades right now!

This fun nail art project from Sephora. O.P.I. for Sephora has created Trend Tips Real Lacquer Strips for your nails in all sorts of cool colors. designs, and styles. I now have the black and gold glitter style to try for a fun occasion! Dressing up your nails with color, gloss, sparkles, designs, etc is such an easy and fun way to add a splash of creativity and uniqueness to your daily style. Can't wait to try them out, will keep y'all posted on how they turn out!

This amazing moisture remedy for my always-dry-and-thirsty hair! I am excited to treat my hair to Bumble and Bumble's Quenching Conditioner for "terribly thirsty hair" (yes, that is my coif to a T). Bumble & Bumble products have gained quite a solid rep for themselves in the beauty world, but when it comes to hair they really do prove that quality matters and can be worth the price (which is steep in BB's case! And their Styling Lotion spray is best finishing touch for your hair before you head out the door;)

THANK YOU to my ever-thoughtful girls! They know me too well:)

*Personalized mug was a thoughtful Christmas gift from my manager and friend, Airel at Resolution.
** The pomegranate tablecloth that I adore was a beautiful Christmas gift from my mama.

I enjoyed a wholesome and thoroughly satisfying breakfast: big mug of Peet's coffee with soy milk and a dash of cinnamon and drop of honey, two poached eggs on whole-grain sprouted wheat berry toast, a grapefruit (always peeled and eaten like an orange, not cut in half and spooned out).


My work day began with a delivery of 70 pairs of new shoes to at-risk youth. Never a bad way to start off any day, putting a smile on a stranger's face. Then a productive day at the office with plenty of birthday wishes. That evening at work at the restaurant I was surprised with a huge chocolate cake and sparkler brought to me by my amazing coworkers. I was embarrassed in the good way and certainly enjoyed stuffing my face with rich, chocolatey goodness. Birthday drinks post-work with the roomies and neighbors at our local bar topped off a wonderful day! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MADE IT GREAT!

Music we love

\

Have you ever fallen in love with a song and listened to it on repeat for weeks? I'm sorta infamous for this type of listening behavior. Gotye and Kimbra's "Somebody That I Used to Know," was no exception. I was originally introduced to this song by my friends Michael and Jaime (the cutest hipster couple I know). They are really cued into the music scene, always suggesting great new artists and songs. When Jaime and I were driving home from The Misfit (a great place for happy hour in Santa Monica) she played "Somebody That I Used to Know," but halfway through the song, the ipod died. I was frustrated, after having had a tasting of an amazing song, I was an addict wanting more. When I got home I looked on my Facebook wall and sweet Jaime had put a link to the song. I listened to it once from beginning to end. I was hooked. Love at first listen. I listened to it getting ready, walking to work, riding my bike, getting pretty, walking to bars...it was my personal soundtrack for a few weeks. I decided it would be a great first music post, I hope that you all love it too!

Above are two versions of the song-- the original and a cover. Let us know how you like the song, and what version or video you like best!

Happy Sunday!

"There's no place like home."
-Jen

Fairy Tales and Flight Attendants = Shameless Entertainment on ABC Sunday Nights

I'm a sucker for movies and television shows. I have loved storytelling on the screen for as long as I can remember. That being said, I am also easily entertained. I can find a reason to fall in love with most TV shows, especially the formulaic sitcoms and melodramas, and genuinely enjoy most movies (as long as they are not a horror, thriller, or scary in any way... those you would have to pay me a lot to even watch in the first place).

This season, I have found a couple new ABC network dramas that I am enthralled by week to week. One of those shows is ABC's Once Upon A Time, bringing the magic of fairy tales to the modern world and keeping alive those stories of love, heroism, and hope. Each show surprises with its clever ways of incorporating a new tale, a new character, and a new take on the classic stories that we all know and love. And I'm not gonna lie, I love a good fairy tale. Definitely worth a watch!

Another show that hits home with my secret fascination with an era is ABC's Pan Am. The period drama follows the lives of several Pan Am Airways flight attendants and pilots in the 1960s, when flying was glamorous and the Pan Am lifestyle was envied. Not only is the show well-cast and -acted, everything from the amazing fashions to the details of capturing such a glamorized and glorified time in history make this show great. Each episode is epic and travels the world touching on history, politics, culture, character... like watching a little movie every week!

Both shows are available to watch full episodes at abc.go.com/shows or on Hulu. Happy "shameless entertainment" time!

P.S. Two other ABC comedies worth watching: Modern Family!! (if you not IN LOVE with this show already, then watch it now and you will be hooked... just good TV) and Happy Endings (a cute comedy trying to be the new "Friends," not nearly as good but still brings about a few good laughs).