The Second Annual Venice Sign Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Join in the celebrations with music, art exhibits, happy hour specials at Barlo Kitchen + Cocktails all night, and photos with Santa Claus. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and watch as the Venice Sign changes to green and red for the holiday season! Bring a new unwrapped toy and receive a special wristband good for discounts throughout the night. Toys will benefit the Muscle beach Toy Drive in conjunction with LAPD Pacific Division and Pacific Area Boosters. Friday, 6 pm; 1697 Pacific Ave., Los Angeles, California 90291
Something to Remember
The event provides free professional portrait experiences to families affected by cancer by celebrity, fashion and fine art photographer Jana Cruder. After losing her mother to a 22-year battle with breast cancer Cruder was compelled to make a difference in the cancer community and in 2010, she held her first Something to Remember event. Through this project Jana hopes to give cancer a face and inspire others to explore how they can help. With more support and awareness Jana dreams to one day host Something to Remember events in cities nationwide. Donate here. Saturday, Venice
Lululemon Athletica
The workout wear retailer’s throwing a grand reopening bash to toast their newly redone space. Enjoy raw vegan bites from M.A.K.E., sips from Pressed Juicery and plenty of tunes. Plus, free valet parking! Friday, 7-9 pm; 11920 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood, CA
Martinis, Jewels and Millinery
Join House of honey and Single Stone on Mission Street for martinis and bites from Crossings Restaurant. Design a custom hat, try on gorgeous baubles and glam it up in the photo booth. Plus, 10% off your purchase! Saturday, 5-8 pm; 1518 Mission St., Pasadena; RSVP: showroom@houseofhoney.la
Rilakkuma Sparkle Holiday
Join Rilakkuma for this event created by SAN-X. Rilakkuma is one of Japan’s most popular characters, and this year marks a decade of Rilakkuma’s “bear in relaxed mood” lifestyle of eating, sleeping and listening to music. This JapanLA’s pop-up shop will feature collectible mugs, markers, notebooks, stickers, socks and more. Plus, check out the fashion show featuring Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma Bodycon dresses, cardigan sweaters, and colorful leggings. The Well’s back room will be transformed into a shimmering Rilakkuma wonderland with a holiday tree centerpiece and kaleidoscope of Rilakkuma wall projections. Check out the Rilakkuma’s themed photo booth; sets by DJ Miss Glitter, savory Takoyaki TANOTA; Sushi Pirate food trucks; and drinks by POPwater, Sapporo Brewery and Kurosawa Sake by Pacific International Liquor, Inc. Free; Saturday, 8-11 pm; The Well, 1006 S Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90015
Splendid Opens in Manhattan Beach
This new Manhattan Beach outpost is opening with the brand’s Holiday 2013 collection with cashmere, bold plaids, stripes and Splendid’s vibrant color palette. To celebrate the new store opening, Splendid is throwing an afternoon of family fun. Joined by hostesses Debbie Goldberg of Manhattan Beach Momma, Rachel Pitzel of Club MomMe and Teri Roughen of Beach City Lifestyle, you’re invited to see the new Splendid store and take part in some holiday festivities. A custom Dylan’s Candy Bar with over 150 pounds of treats will be on hand plus candy craft workshops. Enjoy 20% off your entire purchase during the event and a portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Baby Buggy. Saturday, 1 – 4 pm; 329 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90296
Meatless Sundays at Willie Jane
Chef Govind Armstrong introduces Meatless Sundays prix fixe supper showcasing the herbaceous crop from the neighboring Cook’s Garden. The menu will include vegan items with a taste of the South in dishes like: Okra Tempura; Vegan “Crab Cake”; Wild Rice Risotto; Cauliflower Couscous; Espresso Date Cake with a bourbon glaze and vanilla bean “ice cream”; and Peanut butter banana “ice cream.” For you meat lovers (myself included) new seasonal additions include Hanger Steak; Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop; and Willie Jane Burger with charred onions, braised turnip greens, and pimento cheese on a toasted pretzel bun. In addition, Sundays means an extended happy hour from 2:30-9 pm, with $5 “garden to glass” cocktails and bar bites ($2-13) to accompany the NFL’s afternoon and evening games. Meatless Sundays: $26; 1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice; 310.392.2425
A Current Affair
This vintage pop up, sponsored by Peroni Nastro Azzurro, brings together over 50 of the best vintage retailers/private dealers for a semi-annual show. Each A Current Affair event presents an opportunity to shop rare and one of a kind items. There’s also an open bar and music by KCRW DJ Marion Hodges. Saturday, early admission (noon): $20, 1-7 $10; 860 S Los Angeles St., 11th Fl, Los Angeles
#LALovesPI
Chefs and mixologists from several of Los Angeles’ most notable restaurants will come together for this food and cocktail event in support of the Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts. 100% of sales are going to Gawad Kalinga, a Philippine-based grassroots organization and non-profit who is currently assisting relief efforts on the front lines of Typhoon Haiyan disaster sites. $100/General (include an all-inclusive dinner, cocktail reception and silent auction), $150/VIP includes a private champagne reception from 5-6 pm, exclusive dish tastings and a gift bag of treats courtesy of Sherry Yard (Helms Bakery); Sunday, 5-9 pm; The Church Key, 8730 Sunset Blvd.
Crossroads Sunday Suppers
Executive Chef Scot Jones is kicking off this series with his own Italian-themed menu inspired by his family roots and culinary ties to Italian cooking. The series will also feature visiting chefs from around the country as well as local chefs, each showcasing a distinctly themed Sunday dining experience. On December 15th, celebrity chef Art Smith (Top Chef Masters, Iron Chef America), will drop-in to cook with Chef/Co-Owner Tal Ronnen, crafting a four to five course prix-fixe vegan interpretation of classic soul food flavors and dishes. Featured chefs scheduled to participate include, Theo Schoenegger on February 16; Adam Fleischman on February 23; and Ricardo Zarate on March 2. $80 (plus $30 for wine pairings); Launching Sunday, December 8, Sundays 5-10 pm; 8284 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 90046; 323.782.9245
Gilt City Warehouse Sale
This sale means you will find racks and racks stocked with shoes, clothes, jewelry, and home accessories. And, while you shop, can catch a glimpse of one-of-a-kind Infiniti Q50s tailored by Thom Browne and Zac Posen in their special concept rooms, enjoy refreshments by HINT Water, snack on treats from Special K, and indulge in mini-spa treatments from Exhale. December 7, 9 am-9 pm; Siren Studios Hollywood, 6063 West Sunset Blvd.
Georgetown Cupcake Decorating Workshops
Cupcake connoisseurs join in a holiday decorating workshop and learn the ins-and-outs of proper frosting application. (Who whew there was a proper way?) You will get the chance to frost, decorate, and gift-wrap your own dozen cupcakes to take home. Flavors include Gingerbread, White Chocolate, Peppermint, Chocolate Peppermint, Rudolph Red Velvet, Santa’s Chocolate Chip, and more! Plus, while you slave away, get your fix of mini holiday cupcakes and beverages. RSVPs are a must! December 8 & December 15, 2-4 pm; 143 S Robertson Blvd.
Holidays at the Getty
The Getty Center is of my favorite places in Los Angeles. During the holidays, the Getty Center as it stays open late on Friday and Saturday nights through December. The museum will also provide complimentary apple cider, and, in honor of the exhibit Canterbury and St. Albans: Treasures from Church and Cloister, the restaurant will offer a holiday, Canterbury-themed menu with steak, Yorkshire pudding, and a warm apple crumble served with a glass of Ruby Port. Fridays & Saturdays until December 28, 10 am-9 pm; The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr.
Max & Eli Sussman’s pop-up dinner at Huckleberry
The Brooklyn-based chef brothers celebrate their Best Cookbook Ever with pop-up dinner at Santa Monica’s Huckleberry. The menu features recipes from Best Cookbook Ever (of course), like Roasted Winter Squash with Chestnuts & Celery Vinaigrette; Roasted Carrots & Mint; and Lamb Shanks with Duck Fat Potatoes; and you will receive a copy of the cookbook, hand signed by the brothers. $70; Sunday, 7:30 pm; 1014 Wilshire Blvd.
Eastside Handmade
Is your style of shopping DIY and Indie-esque? This seasonal market is perfect for you. Expect amazing items from over 40 local talents, including jewelry by Sarah Beattie,apparel by Wolfie, textiles and furniture by Barrington Blue, basics and bags by Me+Arrow, and more. Check out the full roster of designers here. Saturday, 12-5 pm; 5215 York Blvd., Los Angeles
EightyTwo Sneak Peek at Independent Label Market
This weekend is your chance to check out this highly anticipated bar and classic arcade. EightyTwo will be providing the bar at this annual record fair with their signature cocktails, which include the Pinky (whiskey, lemon, agave, strawberry, sage); Power Up (vodka, gum syrup, Lamill cold brew, cream float), Multiball (tequila, lime, lemon verbena syrup, jalapeño, blackberry); and Lavender Lemonade (with or without vodka). They will also have some of their classic arcade games for free play and a Street Fighter II tournament that will be projected on the legendary studio’s walls during the market. Saturday; Mack Sennett Studios, 1215 Bates Ave., Los Angeles 90029
Three Day Rule and Vibrant Rioja‘s Sexy Saturday
Enjoying 20 generous pours of Rioja wines and tasty tapas, with gift bags for everyone, plus experience 20th Century art and original Hollywood photography curated by the Andrew Weiss Gallery. Wear something red to be entered into a drawing to win a hotel stay at The Standard, Hollywood or a Rioja All-Inclusive wine & food entertaining basket. While the official tasting ends at 9 pm, you can stay all evening to enjoy more discounted Rioja wines by the glass and a special poolside menu of bites from The Standard, Hollywood. You’ll also be able to order bottles for pick-up at K & L Wine Merchants down the street. $20 or $25 at the door; Saturday, 7-9 pm; The Standard, Hollywood, 8300 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
East Borough Pop Up
Chefs Chloe Tran and Jason Neroni are offering a sneak taste of the forthcoming Culver City restaurant East Borough, set to open in January 2014. On Sunday, 2-6 pm, stop by Bar & Garden to sample items that will be on the lunch menu like Grilled Pork Bahn Mi and Grapefruit Lemongrass Salad ($5 each), and French wines from Percy Selections. On December 11, check out the one-night pop-up dinner at Superba Snack Bar that will also showcase creations from Neroni and Tran’s collabo. Make resys to sample items a la carte or participate in a five-course tasting menu ($65). The items, which will be featured on East Borough’s dinner menu, include Fried Cauliflower and Long Beans; Head On Blue Shrimp; Phocatini; and more. You also have the option of adding wine pairings for $28. Sunday, 2-6 pm; Bar & Garden, 6412 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232; 310.876.0759. Wednesday, 6-10:30 pm; Superba Snack Bar, 533 Rose Ave., Venice, CA 90291; 310.399.6400
BevMo! Holiday Beer Fest
Sample over 200 seasonal hard ciders and craft beers. Then, head to Venice in your costume for the Venice Beach pub crawl featuring drink specials and karaoke dance parties. $45-60; Saturday, 1-5 pm; Golden Road Brewing, 5430 W. San Fernando Rd., Glendale; 213.373.4677
The Krampus Ball
Krampusfest is a costume party celebrating the menace of European holiday folklore. Enjoy a trio of hip-hop deejays led by Beat Junkies founder and Madlib collaborator, J.Rocc. $15 here, $18 at the door; Saturday, 8 pm-midnight; The Set Shop, 428 Colyton St., Downtown; 213.680.1668
MUJI Pop-Up
The US flagship store of MUJI in Hollywood is officially opening on December 14. But first, the Japanese store full of minimalist home and lifestyle essentials will open as a temporary pop-up in front of the store so you can preview their products. The MUJI pop-up will be open through December 31 (it overlaps with the official opening) and will focus on travel and mobile accessories. The pop-up will be open Monday-Sunday, 11 am-5 pm. Plus, from December 7-December 15, snap an image at the store and tag #mujihollywood to receive a special gift. Saturday; 7021Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
AnthomLive L.A. Pop-Up Store
Visit the online shop’s temporary brick-and-mortar for carefully curated capsule collections from around the globe. There will be designers like Ksenia Schnaider, Saint Clair, and Uzi. Through December 12; Satine, 8134 W. Third St., upper-floor loft, West Hollywood; 323.655.2142
Shop for Success
This pop-up has designers like Catherine Malandrino, Mara Hoffman, and Cynthia Rowley at up to 70 % off. 100 % of the proceeds goes to Dress for Success Worldwide West. Friday, 10 am-8 pm; Saturday, 10 am-6 pm; Village Square, 1101 Westwood Blvd.; 323.461.1021
Tiny Bandit Pop Up Sale
Shop over 12 brands conveniently under one roof! Plus, join in free raffles, dj’s, and happy hour priced drinks. Lots of new brands will be there, like Nightcap Clothing, Wren, Drifter, Vaalbara bags, Stray Heart, and L.O.V. Project! Our charity drive is for the Los Angeles Mission. Please bring canned food and new toiletries to help the local people in need. Sunday, 12-5 pm; Palihouse Hotel lobby, 8465 Holloway Dr., West Hollywood, CA 90069; 323.656.4100
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Celebrate the holidays with this holiday classic when the LA Conservancy presents their annual holiday matinee at the Orpheum Theatre. Built in 1926 for vaudeville performances, the Orpheum features Paris Opera-inspired interiors, majestic crystal chandeliers, and a Mightly Wurlitzer organ. The event will also feature Dean Mora, one of LA’s premiere players of vintage-style music, on the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, along with a group of carolers, the Sound Stage Barbershop Quartet. $15; Sunday, 2 pm; The Orpheum Theatre, 842 Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
The Whiskey Sour Mistletoe Jams Hosted by Ed Helms
The Office alum plays this Christmas concerts that includes folk music and comedy. Start your weekend by catching him and acoustic duo Mandolin Orange jam out on stage. Friday, 8:30 pm; Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood
Vape Supply Co. Grand Opening The fellas at the Vape Supply Co. are finally opening a shop here in downtown Los Angeles, and are celebrating its grand opening with drinks, giveaways, raffles, a photobooth, free tacos, free dirty dogs, and sounds from DJ Babu and more. Sunday, 3 pm; 129 E. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90014
Sample Sales:
James Perse Sample Sale
This luxe men’s and women’s basics line has only one sale of the year. The sale will feature men’s and women’s samples and past-season pieces for up to 70% off. Items from the designer’s activewear brand, Yosemite, will be there, too. Both days, coffee and smoothies will be served in the morning, DTLA’s Guerrilla Tacos will hook up free tacos from 1-6 pm, and cocktails and beverages will be served from noon ’til closing. Whew! We thought we would be famished! There’s also complimentary valet parking. Saturday & Sunday; 1128 Highland Ave., Los Angeles, 90038
Line & Dot’s Fall 2013 Sample Sale
For one day only, Line & Dot will be offering discounts up to 70% on tops, bottoms, dresses, etc. Saturday, 10 am-4 pm; 2807 S. Santa Fe Ave. Vernon, 90058
Kain Label Sale
This label full of sleek daywear and travel-ready basics is having a massive three-day sample sale in DTLA’s Arts District. The event will feature looks from resort 2012, spring 2013 and summer 2013, all for 40-75% off. Expect long sleeve tees, short sleeve tees, tanks, jersey dresses, knit dresses, skirts, washed silk tops, silk chiffon tops, sweatshirts, sweatpants, lightweight sweaters, and select cashmere sweaters. Prices range from $20-100.Plus, complimentary coffee from Handsome Coffee Roasters will be served Saturday and Sunday from 9 am-12 pm! Friday-Sunday, 9 am-5 pm; 584 Mateo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Black Halo
Score the LA-based brand’s dresses, tops, bottoms and more for under $100 each. Friday, noon-5 pm and Saturday 9 am-3 pm; 648 Mateo St., Los Angeles, 90021
Clare Vivier, Trink Turk, More: Ivanhoe Elementary Holiday Boutique
This weekend, score items from LA designers like Clare Vivier, Trina Turk, Dream Collective, Cynthia Vincent, Maya Brenner and tons more at the elementary school’s annual holiday benefit sample sale. Plus, there’s complimentary gift wrapping by students. 2828 Herkimer St., Los Angeles
CC Skye: Avalon Hotel
Saturday only from 10am to 7pm, enjoy deep discounts from the blogger-faved jewelry brand at their holiday sample sale at the Avalon Hotel’s Lifestyle suite (entrance is by the pool). 9400 W Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90210; 310.422.1927
CO: Cooper Design Space
Snap up the luxe LA-based, French designed brand’s cool merchandise at deep discounts during their two-day sample sale. Friday & Saturday, 10 am-6 pm; Cooper Design Space’s Mezzanine, 860 S Los Angeles, suite 4, Los Angeles, 90014; 217.627.3754
Cynthia Vincent: Cooper Design Space
Also going down at the Cooper Design Space is Cynthia Vincent’s three-day sample sale, where you can enjoy slashed prices on the LA designer’s boho cool items. 860 S Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90014; 217.627.3754
Elizabeth & James: Cooper Design Space
Get to Suite 415 for deep discounts on the Olsen twins’ luxe label. Boho cool brand PJK Patterson J Kincaid will also be on hand dishing deals. Friday, 10 am-3 pm; 860 S Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90014; 217.627.3754
For Love & Lemons, Rails, More
Enjoy up to 80% off apparel from For Love & Lemons and Rails, jewelry by Vanessa Mooney and bags by Cleobella during the one-day warehouse sale. Bring a toy donation for a chance to win $1,000 worth of merch from all four LA brands. Sunday , 10 am-5 pm; 2140 E 7th Pl., Los Angeles, 90021
James Jeans, Rory Beca, More: Cooper Design
Score denim for $60 or two for $100 at the LA label’s sample sale at Downtown’s Cooper Design Space. Also score on Nation LTD’s soft basics for $30 and under, $40 samples from LA designer Rory Beca and deep discounts on items from jeweler Jessica Elliot. Friday, 9 am-4 pm; 860 S Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90014; 217.627.3754
Karen Zambos: Apparel Mart Building
Head to Suite 1226 from 11am to 4pm to score the LA designer’s vintage-inspired frocks, tops, accessories and more for $10-40 (cash only). Friday & Saturday, 11 am-4 pm; 112 W 9th St., Los Angeles, 90015
Kim Sing Tarding Co.: Kim Sing Theatre
For the entire month of December, pick up stylish men’s apparel from Weekend Offender and SLVDR, tech accessories from Hex and Native Union, unique gifts from all over the world and more for up to 75% off at the pop-up at the Kim Sing Theatre in Chinatown. 712 N Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 90012; 213.620.9971
Michael Stars
Get yourself to Hawthorne to pick up this Cali brand’s sweaters, dresses, tees and more for up to 75% off. Friday, 10 am-6 pm; Saturday, 8 am-4 pm; 3201 W 13st St., Hawthorne, 90250
Rachel Pally
Enjoy 55 to 85% off the jersey-loving designer’s dresses, tops, bottoms and more, including merch from her plus-size White Label line. Friday, 10 am- 6 pm; Saturday, 10 am-5 pm; Sunday, 11 am-4 pm; 2301 E 7th St., Los Angeles, 90023
Riller & Fount
Score the celeb-faved basic brand’s luxe dresses, tees, bottoms and more for up to 80% off. Friday & Saturday; 308 E 9th St., Los Angeles, 90015
Solow
Stock up on the stylish activewear brand’s jackets, sweatshirts, tops, bottoms and more for under $20 each. (Cash only). Saturday, 9 am-3 pm; 2907 Glenview Ave., Los Angeles 90039
Cerre
This boutique’s massive holiday sale promises up to 75% off the avant-garde brand’s luxe leather jackets, silk tops and more from their fall/winter 2013 collection. 8920 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 90069; 310.385.9051
