California Art Explosion!

The Bagavagabonds (http://www.bagavagabonds.com/) were at it again Saturday night, with their California-themed Art Explosion!  They never fail to put on amazing events, will great music, art, and all sorts of interestingly-dressed people.  Amanda and I hit the floor with Dalmiro, but got so caught up in the fun we only managed to snag a few outfits!  Poor FashionMashers have been so neglected, I decided a short entry was better than none.

Much to my amusement, Ty arrived at my door wearing pretty much a matching outfit to mine.  I wish you could see our pants here, but we were both wearing vintage 80s blazers, black skinny jeans and vintage grandpa loafers.  I'm used to accidentally wearing the same outfit as Chelsea, but when it starts happening with my guy-friends, I have to take a moment to appreciate the current androgyny trend.  He got his smokin' suit-top for 30 cents at Dollar a Pound at the Garnet District.  Nice find, sir! 

Laurel's dress was one of those rare but ever-so-gratifying Forever 21 finds!  I love it when a girl bashfully admits that that's where her unique piece was snagged.  There truly is something to be said for having the eye to pick out something awesome from the total eye-F that place tends to be.  The light jean jacket is Madewell (http://www.madewell.com/) and her boots were custom made for her in Italy.  

Natalie got this frilly frock at Urban Outfitters.  Score!  Of all the mid-priced commercial chains, I feel like UO most consistently delivers interesting and fun choices that don't seem too run of the mill.  The plastic orange chain around her neck is a much-coveted new J.Crew piece.  Boots are Steve Madden.

Jaimie's blazer is from Zara.  I feel like they are a great source for cool, great-fitting yet affordable blazers, and generally pretty well made.  His skinny tie was dug up at a vintage store his mother owns, and his shoes are from Politix (www.politixstore.com/).

L.A. Dillard got her blouse from Jet Rag's $1 Sunday Sale (http://bdla.typepad.com/best_deals_los_angeles/2008/08/the-weekly-jet.html)- and her pants too!  If you haven't checked out the $1 sale at Jet Rag do yourself a favor this Sunday.  Put your sifting hat on, because there is a LOT of crap to sort through, but at $1/pop it's totally worth it, and sometimes you find some pretty great stuff.  Her shoes were picked up in Manhattan and are Bass, and the purse was snagged at a garage sale in England.

Dalmiro's pick of the night was Jacquelynn, who describes her style as "Gothic Lolita."  She likes to mix stuff and just "throws it on."  Well, if that's true, G-d bless her!  It all seems painstakingly coordinated to this Masher.  Mostly she buys  pieces on-line, through Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/) or Lip Service (www.lip-service.com/lipservice.php).

Kate is the owner of Bobbie Boutique (bobbieboutique.com) on Sunset in Echo Park, and made this necklace herself!  She sells a mixture of vintage and new pieces there.  I'm tempted to nose around and maybe do a piece on her place!  My eye was immediately caught by her fetching red dress from Zara.  Paired with these darling patterned creme tights and shoes from Top Shop (http://us.topshop.com/), it's safe to say she was the Belle of the Ball Saturday.

Amanda's 1950s Bullocks Wilshire number was from a really cool vintage shop by Moca.  Stephanie mixes vintage and modern pieces perfectly, with this blouse from What Goes Around Comes Around (http://www.whatgoesaroundnyc.com/) I'm incredibly envious of her Michael Kors watch.  Why is it that every time I love someone's watch it's Michael Kors?  And almost every time their boyfriend bought it for them. 
 Operation: Find a Boyfriend to Buy Me a Michael Kors Watch is officially under way.

Amanda has trouble letting loose.  She's such a drag.

A couple of dandies with our perspective dates.

Dalmiro sold EVERY SINGLE ONE of his pieces within a couple of hours!

Thanks for tuning in, Mashers.  I'm sorry you've been so long neglected!  We have a few more tricks up our frilly sleeves, so hopefully you haven't lost faith in us yet.