Hey J.Crew, como que estás muy “Oaxaca inspired”

It’s Friday, it’s full on Spring weather in LA, and my freshly minted copy of the J.Crew Style Guide arrived in the mail today. Aaaah! Time for some fantasy shopping and virtual wish lists. It’s like I want the entire catalog every month. 

Something caught my eye, however, about these Spring trends and colorful items featured in the catalog this month. Como que J.Crew se fue south of the border for some inspiration, y se fusilaron todas las modas, textiles y los patterns de las oaxaqueñas y las guatemaltecas. Hmmm, these look really familiar. 

Claro que están padrísimas y super cute. But if the median price range from their collection is $110-395 dollars, it makes me think we should probably all book a trip down there soon and  bring back some of these goods, whilst we support the (our) people and artists who created the original styles. We should consider doing that instead.  Se me hace que esto es mas “fair practice” and doing the better thing.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun to see these Latino trends in mainstream fashion. There’s blouses, linen tunics, a “Mercado” poncho (for $395 bucks thank you very much) and chanclitas and huaraches galore to get us all excited. It’s not like we didn’t know all these things were fashionable, but it takes a powerhouse company like J.Crew to bring it to the general market in America and you can bet your bottom dollar they’re gonna use it for all it’s worth, sin pagar derechos de autor. 

I guess that’s why they call it capitalism, right? (Lo malo es que lo copian en China y se roban toda la creatividad de los nuestros… sigh.)

This brings up a conflict of interest for me. Pero no me hagan mucho caso. I love J.Crew and can’t really speak ill of them, except to say que me gustaria que le bajaran a los precios mas seguido.

By the way, Jenna Lyons is on the cover of Fast Company this month and there’s a great story of how the company works with a behind the scenes look at her office. 

Here’s a sneak peak at what they’re featuring this month.

The “Embroidered Gauze Top” inspired by a vintage Mexican folk dress retails for $110 dollars. Must be nice! (Photo from jcrew.com)

I can’t get over the “MERCADO” poncho. This baby sets you back $395 bucks. ¡No manchen! (screenshot from jcrew.com)

Here’s another look at the Mercado Popover from jcrew.com ($395 bucks I tell you!)

A short sleeve sweater with patterns and embroidery reminiscent of the Mayas. “Collection short sleeve beaded sweater” retails for $188 at jcrew.com.

Jenna Lyons on the cover of Fast Company this month (a good read!) and the May 2013 Style Guide from J. Crew. (photo from iPad)

For the photogallery Inside Jenna Lyons office, click here.

It’s Margarita time.

Así es mis estimados, we’re getting closer to Cinco de Mayo. Maybe it’s the marketing behind the print ads, but I find myself craving a really good Margarita these days. Did you know it’s the most popular cocktail in the US? (According to CBS Sunday Morning.)

Earlier this year, we went to Rosa Mexicano on the Sunset Strip and I tried a Pomegranate Margarita que me encantó. It was delicious.

I’m looking for a similar recipe online and haven’t quite found it, so I guess another visit is in order. The texture is an amazing liquid “raspadito” that is tangy, sweet and sour. A few other spots in LA must have similar versions, so it’s time to explore.

Who wants to come with to the Margarita scouting? ¿Quién dijo yo? Of course someone has to volunteer to be the designated driver. Safety first, amiguitos!

Happy 4th Blogging Anniversary to Life in Spanglish!

Thanks WordPress for reminding me of my 4th Blogging Anniversary.

It’s been 4 years since the launch of Life in Spanglish. Where does the time go? 

Thank you to my loyal readers who stay with me, read me and keep coming back, despite my awkward silences and occasional MIA’s. I am extremely grateful you choose to spend a few minutes here and there reading and commenting, it means the world to me. Muy agradecida, muy agradecida, muy agradecida!

Another note of thanks to WordPress for providing a free outlet for my Spanglish. Special emphasis on the word GRATIS.

I looked up the traditional gifts for 4th anniversaries and they are fruit and flowers. Pero me pueden dejar un comment in lieu of the fruit basket or flower arrangement (hint hint!) asi que dejénme una florecita de comentario si gustan.

To commemorate this happy occasion, I’ve rounded up a few of my greatest hits and favorite blog posts. Take a look at my history, hope you enjoy. 

Top hits and faves from the Archive over the years:

De cuando anduve en el DF, todo el mundo on the street showing their Public Displays of Affection: Bésame, Bésame Mucho.

De cuando fui al Museo de la Ciudad de Mexico and I discovered my new favorite artist/painter: Abel Quezada: Revisiting Códice AQ de Abel Quezada

The time I spent my birthday in New York: New York City Bites or how I ate my way around Manhattan.

De cuando la Kate del Castillo kind of “lost it” on Twitter: Ooops! I think La Reina del Sur lost it.

De cuando la Jenni Rivera (rip) was so generous to a local group of cheerleaders: Random Acts of Kindness by Jenni Rivera.

De cuando la Salma Hayek brincó en una silla por miedo a las víboras: “Somebody do something!” A Salma no le gustan los snakes.

Ay si, Ay si… de cuando me entrevistaron de la BBC London (yeah, I’m still bragging about it): Hey, Life in Spanglish is on the BBC!

De cuando fui a la 99 Cents Store toda unemployed in the middle of the recession pero me sentí lo máximo porque me alcanzó el dinero, tanto that I even wrote a poem about it: Ode to the 99 Cents Store.

De cuando se fue Alex: (I miss him every day.) OK, 2009, la última y nos vamos.

Thanks for reading. God Bless!

Look forward to more blogging and keeping el Spanglish alive. Besos y Abrazos.

Pastel for breakfast? Don’t mind if I do. Photo via my very own Instagram. CB2013

Anthony Bourdain and Roy Choi talk “Guts and Glory”

Fans of Anthony Bourdain are a unique breed and I count myself among them. We absolutely adore the man and in our eyes he can do no wrong. Period.

Our favorite chef/writer was in town this week for a sold out presentation at the Pantages in Hollywood, where he shared the stage with our very own LA homeboy and the man behind the Kogi taco trucks, Roy Choi. (Gracias a la Karlita B. and Alejandra for the invite and to Lucia for coming with.)

“Guts and Glory” was the theme and it was a fascinating two hour conversation, interview style, con cada quien haciéndose preguntas from their own list. The main topic was food, of course, but it went far beyond that and turned into a great analysis of what’s going on today in our lifestyle, our culture, our worship of all things food related, business practices, good versus evil, celebrity chefs, and even racism in restaurants. De todo un poco!

The poster from the event.

Both guys are passionate about their stuff. Tony Bourdain was his usual, badass self when talking about McDonald’s and the other fast food chains, and how much he despises the fact that KFC now offers “boneless chicken wings” just to make it easier for the younger generations to eat the wings. “What does this say about us as a nation?!” The man is not shy about sharing his opinion, and when asked about his nemesis, la Paula Dean, he did not back off from his earlier controversial statements about her being the “worst person in America.” Yep, it’s pretty clear he still can’t stand her. As for Rachel Ray, he said they’ve made their peace and told everyone why he “can not dislike this woman.” (Se lo ganó la Rachel con un roast en donde ella le hizo unos comentarios un poco crudos that I can’t repeat here.)

But for me the real surprise was how close Bourdain and Roy Choi have become, even saying about Roy “he’s my brother from another mother.” Tony mentioned he was publishing Roy’s upcoming book and was extremely concerned when Roy became a vegetarian last year. “Are you OK?” he emailed him. Roy was charming, humble, honest and seems to be a really good person, concerned with the way his waiters and cooks are treated and even suggesting that homeless people be served at restaurants. (“Never gonna happen,” said Bourdain. “It’s still has to be a business.”) Me dio la impresión que el Roy es ‘paisa,’ ya saben como… buena onda, chistoso y muy chambeador.

When it was turn for the audience’s Q&A, most questions for Tony were related to his new show, to his travels and to what he eats. When asked what his favorite restaurants in LA were, he mentioned a few, but remember him listing Son of a Gun, Mozza (from his buddy Mario Batali) and of course, In N Out Burger. You can’t go wrong with that. For his last meal, he’s changed it from the tuétano-bone marrow he loves to Jiro’s Sushi in Japan (I recently saw the documentary and it is wonderful!)

As for “Parts Unknown,” his new show on CNN, he says he has a new list of places he wants to visit and has the green light from the network to go anywhere he wants. If things work out and the production is secured, one of the places he’ll visit is Iran, since he wants to go eat the rice there, which he says is amazing. Roy then added that he now wanted to tag along. (Nomás que tengan mucho cuidado.)

Of course they also plugged this Sunday’s show where Bourdain comes to LA again, but now it’s to Koreatown, or the hidden part of LA as he calls it. Looks like it’s going to be an interesting show since both guys have a good dynamic and Korean food is delish.

One of my favorite moments from the night was when someone asked Bourdain why anyone should travel and see the world. His answer was very simple and very heartfelt. “It just makes you a better person, to see the world, walk in someone else’s shoes. I can’t recommend it enough.” 

Come back to visit us soon Tony Bourdain! We love you.

Anthony Bourdain and Roy Choi and their K-Town adventures air this Sunday on CNN at 9pm. (Photo from on-air TV promo.)

Yeah. We’ll be watching. (Photo from on-air TV promo.)

Spring Cleaning Part 1: The Editing Process

¿Cómo andan estos días mis queridos readers? A mi como que me han dado ganas de un R&R “renew & refresh” a few aspects in my life, starting with my wardrobe.

Since it is Spring and it seems the weather will kind of finally decide to cooperate and give us warmer days (esperemos) now is the time to sacar todas esas cosas que nomas me estan haciendo bulto en el closet and give myself a little space for the makeover I want.

All the articles, books and tips I’ve read mention the first part is the EDIT. Start with the stuff you no longer use and either throw it, sell it or donate it.

Pues with that in mind, ya me hice de una little bag and bulks of stuff that are going to Goodwill, y otro little pile that will be part of my Garage Sale. Hey, a lo mejor sale algo de cash suficiente para ir a todos los summer concerts on my list.

Recently, la Gwyneth Paltrow, mi ídolo/object of envy affections (or bff slash frenemy) hizo su propio Spring Cleaning from her closet and it kind of inspired me. Of course, I don’t have old Stella McCartney blazers ni designer booties just sitting there and taking up precious space, but you have to hand it to her for being honest about what she can do without. She also has good rules of thumb to follow when doing this purging of cosas inecesarias en la vida that you just don’t need to hang on any longer. Si la Gwyneth puede, ‘pos yo también! (Click here to see that blog post from goop.com)

So I have begun this process and I just keep repeating to myself: edit edit edit! Here’s a sneak peak at what I’m “re-purposing” and letting go. Mis cosas no son de designer (J.Crew is about as designer as I get) but of course some of them have more sentimental value. Although I have to admit, most of my old clothes have seen their better days, so I’m excited about making room for new things I can wear this year. 

Asi que, se va, se va, se fue! Goodwill Centers, here I come. 

 

 

Must see exhibit: Stanley Kubrick at LACMA

Authentic film buffs and admirers of the “cine de autor” genre have pretty high standards for their movie preferences, and surely Stanley Kubrick must be on top of their list.

He was a genius and a little far out in his ideas, one of those once in a lifetime people who changed the world (and how we see it) through his movies. Lucky for us in Los Angeles, at the moment we have an amazing exhibit that allows us to get to know the mind and the work of Mr. Kubrick.

Ongoing till June 30, 2013 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts (LACMA) “Stanley Kubrick” is a great collection of the work of Mr. Kubrick, from his early days when he started out as a photographer for Look Magazine all the way to his film masterpieces. There are entire sections dedicated to A Clockwork Orange, Lolita, Paths to Glory, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Dr. Strangelove, The Shining, and Barry Lyndon. There’s a collection of his film cameras, lenses, scripts and production notes, images and costumes from his movies, as well as personal mementos. It’s a real treat for movie lovers.

I never considered myself a fan of Kubrick’s work, (yo me veo mas como una Woody Allen person) but after this exhibit, this film god has my total admiration. Be sure to catch it if you can before it leaves in the summer.

Here are a few glimpses from Kubrick at LACMA.

The Kubrick exhibit at LACMA runs until June 30th. Go see it!

In 1949, a young Stanley Kubrick was a photographer for Look magazine. This is a great picture of Rocky Graziano.

The wing for 2001: A Space Odyssey.

I always found this movie to be very creepy. “A Clockwork Orange” is on full display.

Remember these? Ay ay ay… “The Shining” cuatitas costumes on display.

One of Stanley Kubrick’s favorite cameras, a Arri, for which he had special lenses made. Got goose bumps just to think what this camera has captured.

“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” Yes, the typewriter is here.

Yo quiero mis Sound Machine Headphones

Emilio Estefan is a name that stirs up good memories, admiration and a sense that Hispanics somos bien representados wherever he goes. Soy su fan!

I remember dancing to Miami Sound Machine and the Conga en las primeras fiestas que iba de la escuela back in the mid 80′s, and believe me when I tell you I can also lip sync to all of Gloria Estefan’s greatest hits. It’s nice to see los Estefan are always doing all sorts of creative things and trying out new ventures. 

Which leads me to this very cool product, the Sound Machine headphones,  just introduced yesterday at Hispanicize 2013 in Miami, the annual event for Latino Trendsetters and Newsmakers. Yes, even as we speak all sorts of blogueros y blogueras, social media mavens, brands, marketing folks, music peeps and film companies are converging for a week long party slash conference to discuss why los Latinos somos lo máximo. (Ni crean que no me quedé con las ganas de ir! Well, maybe next year.)

Mr. Estefan collaborated with Target and Monster headphones to develop these premium “high-performance, sonically superior” headphones which are available as of April 14th in two presentations: On Ear ($149.99) and Over Ear ($249.99). It seems they are a fabulous way to connect to your music, films and gadgets. Además, they come in a glossy purple color which I immediately loved. Purple lovers, you know who you are.

The lucky people attending Hispanicize had a chance to check them out at the launch party held by Target on Wednesday, over at the pool area of the Eden Roc hotel. They even had synchronized swimmers performing to Reik’s “Peligro” song (which I love, yay for los Reik de Mexicali!) and I hear it was a lot of fun.

So I’m intrigued and will probably stop by Target to test them soon and see if they’re worthy of a Miami Sound Machine Conga percussion, a ver si es cierto que ComeonshakeitbabydotheConga….

I’m also curious to see this other collaboration Mr. Estefan has with Target, called Emilio Estefan Picks, a selection of his favorite movies, music and books. Siempre me llama la atención saber lo que leen y ven la gente que es muy successful.

Les comparto estas fotos que me mandaron los de Target para compartir acerca del evento y de los headphones. Let’s check them out and see what we think.

Maybe it’ll finally replace my rinky dinky $10 cheap shots that I bought over at Big Lots, nomás para salir de apuros. I’m due for a nice pair of headphones soon.

MIAMI BEACH, FL – APRIL 10: Emilio Estefan and Target celebrate the launch of Sound Machine by Monster headphones at Hispanicize 2013 on April 10, 2013 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Target)

MIAMI BEACH, FL – APRIL 10: Guests celebrate the launch of Sound Machine by Monster Headphones with Emilio Estefan & Target at Hispanicize 2013 on April 10, 2013 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Target) Second from left, the fabulous Debbie Deras from deborahderas.com (Hi Debbie!)

Having fun at Hispanicize 2013 at the Eden Roc hotel in Miami, during the party to launch Sound Machine headphones. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Target)

Se ven super “Esther Williams” las synchronized swimmers que presentaron los Sound Machine headphones, aqui con Emilio Estefan. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for Target)

These are the Over Ear model I liked, retail for $249.99 at Target and avialble from April 14th.