& the Winner is....

There is something to be said about the element of surprise.  The total shock of finding something unexpected gets your blood pumping, and when I ran across the vintage shop, Ampersand, on Larchmont Blvd in L.A. that's exactly what happened.  I have passed the place a million times, but not until this day did I venture in. The store is quaint, neat and organized.  Messy stores are repulsive, and I generally find my way out before I find anything worth withstanding the visual chaos. This store carried a good mix of high and low vintage treasures.  There were some star pieces including a black and white Burberry trench, a black silk Chanel blouse, a tomato-red Gucci canteen style bag and a pair of classic nude Manolo Blahnik mary janes....all in my size!...mixed with clean silhouette staples and unique works of fashion art.  Courtney was on hand, patiently addressing client questions and pointing out some less than obvious gems.  I left the shop without doing major damage, but I can't guarantee that the next visit will end the same.  Happy hunting!

&

Ampersand

658 N Larchmont Bl.

LA, CA 90004

www.ampersandboutique.com

Hello 2012!

Every year I say I am really going to blog this year....and once again, that task is on my list for 2012.  Content is king, and I have a new appreciation, a renewed interest, and a real commitment to providing stylish content that is congruent with my philosophy on living. Granny always said, "Life is too short to dance with an ugly man," and my team and I are taking every opportunity to live and work with purpose, efficiency and adding value to the visual landscape in mind.  Follow us on our crusade to expose items, issues and ideas of beauty.

Happy New Year!!!!!

XOXO
G
Fashion: www.GenelleBrooks.com
Interiors: www.BPCinteriordesign.com

2011 BET Awards with Estelle & Cymphonique

I had the opportunity to work with two artists for the 2011 BET Awards, Estelle and Cymphonique.  Estelle exudes elegance in a beaded Naeem Khan gown and David Yurman jewelry.  Cymphonique, pictured with her big brother, Romeo, and father, Percy "Master P" Miller, sparkles in a sequin and stud adorned Nicole Miller dress and Damiani jewels.

Totally Obsessed xoxo, Love: FashionBuzz: ZacPosen An American Boy In A Parisia...

Totally Obsessed xoxo, Love: FashionBuzz: ZacPosen An American Boy In A Parisia...: "Who: Zac Posen What: Chambre Syndicale de la Couture elects ZP Wear: The only American designer, based in America to show collection in Par..."

Genelle Brooks Speaking on Panel Thursday 6/9/11 with Fashion Group International in LA

Details below. Hope to see some familiar faces.

XOXO

G

www.genellebrooks.com/

http://www.fgila.org/2011/06/01/the-red-carpet-where-hollywood-and-runway-fashion-converge/redcarpetintro__1229450209_8606/

Please join Fashion Group International of Los Angeles, Inc (FGI LA) for our annual, fabulous comprehensive presentation of the ready-to-wear fashion trends from the Fall/Winter 2011/2012 designer runways of New York, London, Milan and Paris. The collections are interpreted by the Fashion Group RTW Committee headed by Mary Lou Luther and presented in a spectacular comprehensive audio-visual presentation. Preceding the presentation will be a panel discussion on how RTW trends are interpreted on the red carpet, in Hollywood and how you too can create a signature look and incorporate and be runway ready in your every day life.


6:00 - 6:30 pm: Networking Mixers

6:30 - 6:45 pm: Welcome, announcements and upcoming events

6:45 - 8:10 pm: The Red Carpet: Where Hollywood and Runway Fashion Converge

8:15 - 9:00 pm: Screening of Fashion Week 2011 RTW Runway Trends

Panelists:

Genelle Brooks, Celebrity Stylist
Phu Styles, Celebrity Fashion Stylist for the Oscars
Kim Vo, Master Hair Colorist and
Reality TV Star Eva Franco, Fashion Designer of Eva Franco Collection

Moderator:
Laurie Brucker, Fashion Stylist

Event Details

DATE: June 9, 2011 -- 6 to 9PM

LOCATION: 5250 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601

RSVP to: ellentsengfashion@gmail.com

Swamped...but never too busy for SWEETS!!!

I have been crazed with schoolwork (design education never stops) and prepping the costumes for an upcoming feature, Speed Dating. With every waking hour occupied by these major undertakings, family and traveling to the 1001 wedding or new baby festivities that I have had to attend this year (sigh) it is difficult to find new bits that excite me. However I am NEVER too swamped for SWEETS!!!!! Working with style consultant and designer behind the ultra-hip Street Chic accessory line (http://www.streetchicbyjesszaino.com/), Jess Zaino, I bumped into a little jewel of a bake shop. Vanilla is a haven of melt in your mouth cupcakes and other sweet treats. My favorites are the passion fruit mini cupcakes and french macaroons! I actually dream about these things! The light, flaky exterior houses an ooey, gooey, chewy center of vanilla, berry, coffee, chocolate or one of the other feature flavors! Doesn't it sound exciting??? Almost worth the extra thigh-meat that I am sure to grow as a result of my new found indulgence!!!!
Vanilla Bake Shop 512 Wilshire Bl Santa Monica, CA 90401 310. 458.6644

It's Hot in the Kitchen!

Hey,

I've been swamped with work and school....and neglecting my blog, but I did find time to get hooked on a new show, the Chef Jeff Project, on the Food Network. Chef Jeff has taken 6 at-risk youth to teach them the art of food! Yum!!! If they finish the kitchen bootcamp they will be awarded with a 2-year scholarship to a culinary institute. Now that's hot! So check it out on Sundays at 9/10 or in the middle of the night like I did;-)....check your local listings. http://www.foodnetwork.com/the-chef-jeff-project/index.html

xoxo

gb