» Glynis Costin: West Coast Bureau Chief, InStyle Magazine

My A-list

Glynis Costin: West Coast Bureau Chief, InStyle Magazine

InStyle Magazine's West Coast Bureau Chief, Shares A Page From Her Style Book

ELAINE SAYS: One of the handful of things I look forward to every month, is the day my favorite magazines arrive at my door...and InStyle is most definitely one of them (and I'm guessing that most of you feel the same way)! It's always a fun read...full of great products and chic fashion, as well as your monthly celeb lifestyle fix (don't try to tell me you don't love that). What you might not know, is that if you're working with InStyle in LA, you're working with West Coast Bureau Chief, Glynis Costin....she IS the hub of all the action on this coast (and couldn't be nicer, btw)!! So, given that it's her job to know what's up, it goes without saying that I was excited to read her list of local, "best of's". So, here it is....from the desk of Glynis Costin.

Posted on November 10th, 2011

email list

more sharing

FASHION FINDS

Statement Jewelry: L Frank VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: L Frank 1121 Abbott Kinney Boulevard, Venice [Abbot Kinney]I love the chic jewelry by designer, Liseanne Frankfurt, whose shop is called, "L.Frank" Liseanne, who oozes Bohemian chic, uses 18 Karat gold and precious stones to create bold and earthy pieces. You want to layer on her stacking rings, bangles, and nature-themed necklaces, and pair them with floaty dresses and colorful skirts like the ones L.A. based designer Gregory Parkinson makes and that Liseanne Is often seen wearing.
Sensational Style: Rachel Zoe's New Collection VISIT WEBSITE| LOCATION: Neiman Marcux, Bloomingdales, NordstromSome know L.A. based fashion stylist Rachel Zoe for her reality show, others for how she helps stars such as Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Garner get red -carpet ready, and still others for her line of Jewelry sold on QVC. But soon she will also be known for her fashion collection. Picture Bianca Jagger or Ali McGraw heading to Studio 54 in the Seventies and you get the vibe. Very Jet-Set meets Boho chic. (There’s that phrase again) Her debut fall collection includes faux fur vests, geometric patterned beaded mini dresses, floaty pants, sleek tuxedo jackets, sexy satin blouses and leopard print maxi dresses. She has called it “Affordable Chic,” and in fact, her pieces are quite reasonable. Her bags and shoes are also covet- worthy. For resort, look forward to more color and prints and sexy slit long skirts.
Sample Sale on Wheels: The William B Truck VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: find the truck on twitter @williambfriendsFood Trucks are one thing...But clothing trucks offer a whole new world of convenience for harried, working moms like me. Imagine if a small, chic little clothing shop was located right in front of your home or office. No driving. No parking, No hassle. And imagine if it sold cute NEW clothes from 50 to 90 percent off! You heard me. 90 percent! Well, that’s what it’s like when the William B and Friends Clothing Truck makes a house or office call. I am obsessed. Last week it rolled up to my office on Wilshire Boulevard and I got 2 sweaters and a black silk top, and I got my daughters a black sheer polka dot top, a pair of sandals, a feather hair ornament and a pair of J Brand Jeans--all for around $300.This little shopping heaven on wheels not only sells pieces from their namesake brand, they also feature labels such as J Brand, Chaiken, Theory, Rock and Republic, Black Halo, and more and they mix it up with items such as candles, frames, and Jewelry. There are two ample fitting rooms and long mirrors so you can make sure everything fits just right before forking over your credit card.
Another Golden Fave: Jennifer Meyer Jewelry VISIT WEBSITEJennifer is another favorite local jewelry designer. Married to actor Tobey Maguire (of Spiderman fame), she favors nature themes and has become famous for her “leaf” pendant. One of her newest looks are custom made “name” earrings—Spell out your loved ones names in tiny letters on your ear.
A Favorite Shopping Hub: the Malibu Country Mart VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Malibu Country Mart 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu [Malibu]I have been going to Malibu Country Mart for 20 years and I've watched its metamorphosis from a small , somewhat sleepy beachy retail square with a playground and a few local shops and eateries, to a destination spot, filled with upscale boutiques. On any given day, you can see local surfers with their wetsuits still on stopping off at Johns Garden for a healthy sandwich alongside celebrities dining on lobster pasta at Tra Di Noi, and Malibu moms in designer shades sipping their frapuccinos, tots in tow, headed for the swingset. While in recent years the whole area has drawn more chains, such as: Ralph Lauren, Juicy Couture and MAC, I love the longtime shops such as Planet Blue and Malibu Lifestyles. If you want to know what’s trendy, check out any of the sales girls at Planet Blue. They were among the first to wear Ugg boots with mini skirts back in the day (Love it or hate it, it became a huge trend) and more recently, they were among the earliest adapters of the whole feather earring and hair ornament trend and it might have been the first time I saw someone wearing sea foam green nail polish. Picture Kate Hudson ala “Almost Famous”-- she could have been a salesgirl at Planet Blue. This place is hippie, beachy chic at its best and I could browse in there for hours, looking at the floaty dresses, crocheted tops, hipster jeans, tiny Tees, Cute Jewelry.

BEAUTY BESTS

The Best Tresses: Lea Journo Salon VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Lea Journo Salon at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills [Beverly Hills]This lively little white and turquoise salon overlooking the famed hotel’s pool is a bit of a secret gem. It's where I discovered Lea Journo, a native Parisian, who gives GREAT layered cuts. I have long, straight hair, and every time I tried to get a layered hair cut before her, it was always choppy. She somehow knows how to make it look thicker, sexy and flowing. She also cuts both my daughters’ hair and they love it! Plus, she is very funny and loves to chat in her own unique combination of French English. Last but not least: She has a great line of products. My favorite is her “Pouf Volumizing Spray.
Spa Day Stand Out: The Anti-Aging Facial at the Montage, Beverly Hills VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Montage Hotel, 225 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills [Beverly Hills]I have tried out a lot of different facials, but I have to say, The “anti-aging” facial at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, (90 mins for $320) truly makes your skin glow and you almost look like you had a facelift. I have never had Botox (I have nothing against it mind you, I’m basically just a big chicken and am afraid Ill end up looking like I’m permanently surprised,) so if something without needles or knives is going to make me look younger, I’m in. And after getting this one, I’ve had friends ask if I just got back from a relaxing vacation. Really.

SWEETS TO SAVOR

Cream of the Crop: Sweet Rose Creamery VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Brentwood Country Mart, 26th and San Vicente, Los Angeles [Brentwood] This relatively new ice cream parlor is always crowded for a reason. Don’t let the long lines deter you. Their flavors are original and their offerings delicious.THE flavor to get is salted caramel. (I’m craving it right now). But they also have fresh mint with homemade chocolate chips, french roast coffee, Earl Gray, strawberry and other classics while different seasons feature limited-time specialties such as fresh corn, (really) or watermelon granite. They also offer sundaes, pies, shakes etc.

NURTURE YOUR NEST

Dream House Designer: Brooke Giannetti VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: 11980 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles [Brentwood]Interior Designer Brooke Giannetti has a great eye. Her interiors are soothing yet exotic, classical with a touch of whimsy and her shop on San Vicente in Brentwood (and online) reflects her ease with mixing varied aesthetics. Co-existing with classic pieces such as Gustavian Chairs from the 1850s, an oak farmhouse table and a French Gilded Mirror, are pieces of teal Chinese pottery, a vintage cello, vintage gray top hats on stands and a 19th Century Swedish rocking horse. She also has a blog called, "Velvet and Linen," which includes photos and interesting local details from journeys to places like Brussels and updates on a home her family is building in Ojai. Bonus: She and her architect husband Steve Giannetti (pictured here) have a new book called “Patina Style” out this month!
From Clutter To Clarity: Lisa Viscardi, Professional Organizer VISIT WEBSITEFull Disclosure. I have not yet worked with Lisa, but I am going to and I'm so excited about it that I had to include her in my list! I have met her and read her website for tips and I have friends who have used her services and swear by her. Whether it's cleaning out and organizing your closet, de-cluttering your home office, wrangling your wayward Tupperware, creating a filing system or finally putting those photos into neat albums, Lisa does it with style and ease. Her company is called “Clarity— because that’s what she claims she helps people find. And not only does she organize and edit, she suggests great products!