» Brenna Egan: Los Angeles Editor, Refinery 29

My A-list

Brenna Egan: Los Angeles Editor, Refinery 29

A Style Insider's Online "Must Haves" + Local "Must Visits"

ELAINE SAYS: It's no surprise that I enjoy a good lifestyle guide and Refinery29 certainly qualifies. I regularly peak at (minimum) both the NATIONAL and LA EDITIONS , getting lost, getting inspired and well...getting lots of new stuff. But when recently-ish appointed LA Editor, Brenna Egan took her post, I knew I'd found a fresh reason to check-in. And I quote, " First things first, I love me a good Top 10 list!". I mean.... But read these fun, revealing and ecclectic favorites and you'll understand why I wanted to share the breadth and depth of her fashion knowledge as well as her unique, forward and quirky flavor, with you. This Omaha girl honed her point-of-view at Vogue and Ok! Magazine before landing at R29...a career path many only dream of. But before you wish for a pretty, breezy job like hers, you should know that this lady works her tail off. Proving my point, she's now added "fiancee" to her credits and wedding planning to her schedule, but still found time, somehow, to deliver in that signature voice that is so much fun to read. Get ready to be inspired!

BRENNA'S ONLINE FINDS: Los Angeles

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel | SHOP Diana Vreeland is my ultimate icon forever and always, and I've been in heaven lately seeing her get the recognition she so truly deserves. DV just posthumously received a plaque on the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style, and I was lucky enough to catch a screening of the latest homage to the editrix, "Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel". I was literally squealing in the corner of the theater by myself (I just couldn't contain it) with all of these serious film critics — pretty hilarious! The coffee table tome of the same name just came in the mail today, and it's so captivating that you may want to hide it if guests are coming over for social hour. It's too easy to hole up and just immerse yourself in the fruits of her vivid imagination. That woman could spend money better than anyone I've ever met, that's for sure! I'm proud to say my collection of the odes to her is now complete (the previous purchase was the Visionaire Memos, a birthday gift-slash-investment I gave to myself). Oh, and Henessey + Ingalls is the only place I shop for art books that aren't vintage. For old page-turners, it's hands down, Jackson Street Booksellers in my hometown, Omaha (they have an online portal, too). I actually recently found a first edition copy of "D.V." there, and Diane von Furstenberg's "Beds" with this amusing inscription: 'Dearest Brad, I know ours will hold the sweetest of all dreams & secrets shared! Have a super fierce Christmas - 1991. I love you — Rob.' Can you take it?? Forget the book, I want to know if those two are still together!
Designer, Lizz Wasserman | SHOP Lizz Wasserman may be one of the coolest chicks living in L.A. and her collections always have some thoughtful element that makes for great cocktail party conversation-starters (instead of a simple thank you when a compliment is given). Last season she used found objects from the bottom of Lake Michigan for her prints and managed to make them look so beautifully dope. I find her wit to be as charming as her garb. This dress is on my wish list. It's Rorschach Blots meet Hendrix. I can't wait to hang with Lizz soon and find out what was really going on upstairs when she dreamed this up.
Alex and Lee Jewelry | SHOP
I recently got engaged, and while I was at Decades vintage boutique looking for dresses (I refuse to wear anything but vintage), was alerted to the fact that they'd just received a shipment of Alex & Lee necklaces. There was a completely bonkers rendition with a giant eye in the middle and I was so instantly smitten that I started plotting how I could somehow incorporate it into the Big Day. Luckily I had a dear friend talk me back down to earth, and now I think I'll settle for a whacked-out bracelet instead.
On My Wish List....Vintage James Galanos, 1960's | SHOP I'm sorry that I'm now completely going off on a wedding tangent (I never thought I'd be this girl), but while we're on the topic, I found my dream Rehearsal Dinner dress at The Way We Wore. It's '60s Galanos and I can't stop thinking about it. Even though it wouldn't need a stitch of tailoring, I sadly told Doris, the owner and a truly amazing woman, that it's not in my budget (it's beaucoup bucks $$$), but since I can't have it, I still hope this frock finds the happiest home! (I also have bought six lotto tickets since my trip there last month).
Kelly Wearstler Clutch, et al | SHOP Last wedding topic, I swear. I am proudly the first official bride to be registered at Kelly Wearstler. She's another woman's vision I truly admire — yes, just as borderline obsessively as DV's. After writing about KW so often, I finally had the opportunity to meet the lady behind my fave zany wares like this clutch (in full disclosure, I purchased it at the sample sale damaged for $75, but I sort of dig that it's been on shoots and has been loved a bit — adds character, non?). Anyway, I may or may not have planned my outfit for weeks for this meeting and she couldn't be more lovely. The best part? She's now going to custom design my wedding band, too! I have been walking on air since that day. A Kelly Wearstler cloud nine.

BRENNA'S LOCAL SECRETS: LOS ANGELES

Room Service Home Rentals | DISCOVER If you want to host an easy, chic weekend getaway for a big-ish group, there is hands-down no other place than Room Service's collection of Mid Century mod homes in Palm Springs (if it's just 2 of you, I'd obviously say the Colony Palms or The Parker). They're all bedecked in the store's swinging '60s decor, and I can personally guarantee The Lodge will house a good time! (I'll get back to you on The Park as I'm staying there this weekend to celebrate my 30th birthday).
House Of Intuitions | DISCOVER This Silver Lake holistic hot spot is the place to go for a reading, healing, or just a crystal fix (I just picked up a Kunzite there, said to be the Prozac of all stones). There's one of the wider selections of meditation guide books that I've seen, too. When you walk up the steep stairs to the entrance, a trippy sign reads "Your intuition lead you here..." with an arrow pointing upwards. Love it.
Temescal Canyon Hike | DISCOVER I can't get my fanny to the gym to save my soul! I just feel like such a gerbil on the wheel with those machines. As a result, I've gotten to know the mountains of L.A. very intimately and nothing beats the Temescal Canyon loop for a hearty sweat up heartbreak hill! There's a waterfall (even though it's kind of weak sauce) and when you make it to the top, the 360 degree view of downtown to the Pacific and beyond is like this divine dessert. I've had so many spiritual moments in that corner of the Palisades — even shed a few tears as I hoofed it, it's really a cleansing and re-energizing area.
Mariachi Music | DISCOVER My fiancé and I met eleven years ago in Cabo (on Spring Break if you can believe it!), so we have a thing for mariachis. I never even knew this nook existed until I needed to hit the pavement for my story on downtown, and now Carle and I get to put in our odd requests any weekend we want. "Quando Calienta El Sol" is always first on our list and never fails to get me emotional.
Zooma Sushi, Malibu | DISCOVER I know everyone in town is crazy over their sushi recommendations and I may take some heat for this, but Zooma Sushi in Malibu is my personal favorite (well, it may be tied with Hama in Little Tokyo). My fiancé grew up about a mile away and we're really close with his parents, so it oftentimes ends up being a celebratory spot. You'll find the freshest, melt-in-your-mouth Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno and the Vegas roll is to live for. However, their fried green tea ice cream with cinnamon is really what keeps me coming back —Carle and I have to each order our own because we fight over trying to share it. Another cool thing about this spot is that it shares an outdoor deck space with Coral Beach Cantina, so if someone in your party is in the mood for Mexican, you can have both cultures blend right on your breezy table.