bottega louie macarons

It’s been a while since I have reviewed a mac-spot, so I’m filling the void. 

When I think of macarons in Los Angeles, I think of Paulette which I have blogged about before.  Apparently, Bottega Louie has been off my radar, until now.  What an establishment!  Bottega Louie is a serious macaron contender in Los Angeles, among other things.  The review in the LA Times states that Bottega Louie is “big portions, big crowds, and big noise,” the LA Weekly review states “it tries to be all things to all people and succeeds,” however the 2277 reviews on Yelp screams “quality food,” “quality service” and “trendy.”

via cool hunting

via foodgps

via faust haus

via bottega louie

via vegan and food

via baking bites

drybar: los angeles

You’ve seen these places in every major city. The popularity of blow dry bars started to gain traction about two years ago around the same time the global economy took a nose dive.   The  allure of a blow dry bar is two-fold.  Firstly, the concept is fairly simple. No cuts, no colour, just blow drying hair.  Secondly, it is cheaper to get your hair blow dried at a “blow dry bar” instead of a regular hair dresser (for the most part).  So when people feel the need to cut back and reduce expenses but are still looking for a bit of indulgence, an hour experience at a blow dry bar can be divine. 

One in particular caught my attention.  Drybar in Los Angeles has a great website, blog, and light, contemporary, interior design which I love.  The crew behind Drybar comes loaded with creative talents, bursting at the seams, most from different disciplines outside of hairdressing which is a great way to build a successful business strategy in my opinion. Not only did I want to write a little something on Drybar for its interior design, drybar also hosts events and parties in the salon- think birthday parties, brunches, bachelorettes.  What a fun idea.

via swell city guide

via swell city guide

via your daily thread

via the atkin report

blue pool road goodie bag

For the people who love paper products in your life (ah-hem, me included), I found this adorable holiday goodie bag from minimalist stationery designer, Blue Pool Road in Los Angeles.  It comes with a mini calendar, a folded card, a post card, a thank you card (useful to thank your gift giver) and other funky items that I’ve posted below.  I love this idea. 

Soolip Wedding Event

Soolipis a company out of LA that hosts events for soon to be bride’s and grooms who are looking for inspiration, vendors and a creative cross section of what LA has to offer those in the planning stages. 

I came across this photo on the green wedding shoes blog and had to post it.

Just look at the tired dessert on the right side of the photo!

photo via green wedding shoes blog

BED: Joan’s On Third

I recently read about Joan’s on Third in LA.  While this store-market-restaurant-catering company has been around for over 1o years, it’s a new find on my part and I love what I see.  I know a store may be an unusual choice for a BED post but the catering pictures showcasing the numerous events put on by Joan’s will make it clear why I selected them.  Each event shot looks so peaceful with its understated elegance. 

When I read through the company website and scanned through the fantastic event and store pictures online, I got a really warm feeling and good vibe from this place.  Not only does Joan’s on Third appear super classy, gourmet and down to earth but the quality of the products displayed look incredibly professional and well thought out- a concept that is clearly missing in Toronto.

Cupcakes (photo via yelp)(photo via yelp)

(via yelp)

A yummy looking sandwich (via Yelp)

Baked Goods (via Yelp)

Love Notes

My new favourite stationery design company is Blue Pool Road in Los Angeles.  Peggy Wong, owner  has a CV of experience to kill in art direction and she has a great eye for design which shows so well in her stationery.

I love her love notes.  I have never sent a love note before on such beautiful stationary but Peggy has motivated me to start.

Her website does more justice to her products than the pictures  I have- I can only provide a sneak peak!