ELEVATE YOUR WORKOUT GAME Ballerina body? Count us in.

August 20, 2017

Who would have thunk it? One studio with my two favorite things: Pilates/Reformers and Spinning? Welp, Studio Elevate, that’s who!

We’ve heard the hype about all the juicy classes Studio Elevate has to offer and finally got our booties there.

Walking into this sanctuary you soon realize that this is no ordinary workout place. The chill vibe -meets packed house is totally relaxing and invigorating at the same time. And the amazing playlist grooving in the background only magnifies the utmost relaxing experience. Elevate is truly the stress free place to work your body and chillax your mind.

Their team of inspired instructors rocks classes like, Reform Sculpt – the class we took that works to develop long, lean muscles. They also Reform Strength, Reform & Ride, Strength & Stretch, and Pre/Post Natal Reform and Le Reform Sculpt. The perfect challenge stretch from beginners to advanced students.

Millennial mama, founder Leah Kitching is the definition of living her dream and doing it all. Fitness guru and instructor herself she  got her start teaching pilates and spin at various studios in Los Angeles over the past 10 years before opening her very own.Her mission was simple, to create  a community that could connect mind and body.  Residing in Venice with her husband and adorable two kids, she has been able to find the balance between work and family. Leah opened her studio in 2015 and has been watching her business and clients break barriers ever since.  

Leah believes that, “There is nothing better than when someone comes to class and becomes stronger mentally and physically. I am so grateful to be able to facilitate that change and see my students change both inside and out. “

Studio Elevate opened their doors to create a pop up shop recently by, MiLa Style which has a great selection of outfits to choose from when you get out of class. They also carry some of her favorites including a divine product, Coco La Vie. It is a multi-use product that can be used for skin moisturizer, intimacy oil, makeup remover, hair mask and pregnancy belly oil.

Can’t forget to mention that Elevate also offers daycare options so that their customers can enjoy a workout while their little ones play. Definitely a memorable experience that makes you want to keep coming back for more. Located in Culver City West it is easily accessible from the west side. On the way out stop in next door for a refreshing pineapple, Goji Berry juice, one word- YUM!

Classes available on Class Pass or drop in your first time for only $10

Studio Elevate

12462 West Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90066

424-289-8788

https://www.studioelevatela.com/

 

The Only Colorist Who Got It Right: Barbara Farnworth

I am literally worried about writing this piece on my hair color by Barbara Farnworth of Martinez-Samuel Salon because I think I discovered the best colorist in town and I am feeling guilty about all my close friend colorists whom I have worshipped for so many years. So, not to discount any of their work, but Barbara got it right. And by right, I mean NAILED IT. Perfectly. Beyond my wildest blonde, sun kissed dreams. The color I imagine in my head but have never gotten. Ok, yes, I have had my loving Dani Hernandez get it this good. However, Barbara got this without me saying more than a few words. SHE. JUST. GOT. IT. And I am done for life. I will no longer personally review any colorists and only send my amazing assistant editors, because Babs in my woman from now on. Period.

She dealt with my horrible grey roots and overall orange color in one swoop. Shampooed. Highlighted – painted – no foils – some sexy chunks of blonde around the front (EXACTLY HOW I IMAGINED IT – natural, sun kissed, not perfectly woven foils which I hate)  – threw a gloss on it – washed – and behold. Smitten.

Hailing originally from the UK, Barbara brings almost 20 years of experience in the world of hair color. Prior to working at Jeffrey-Kara Salon, Barbara’s bespoke approach to hair coloring caught the eye of Chris McMillian, hairstylist to Jennifer Aniston, Sarah-Jessica Parker, Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams, where her popular and original approach to hair coloring created an impressive demand for service. Later, Barbara enjoyed a tenure as the head colorist at Jonathan Antin’s Salon in Beverly Hills, famous for its Bravo TV show Blow Out and celebrity clientele roster including Madonna, Kate Bosworth and Alicia Silverstone. Barbara established herself as the go-to colorist for network television, working abundantly with MTV and Bravo.

 

Over the years Barbara has perfected the French technique Balyage, and an elite capability of crafting beautiful and flattering hair color for all hair types, blonde transformations being her most popular request. Barbara is the perfect colorist for southern California sun kissed hair.

Find “Babs” at the Martinez-Samuel Salon

Sunset Plaza, 8590 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: (310) 659-5150

Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00am – 9:00pm

BACK TO SCHOOL KERATIN TREATMENT AT BRAMBILA SALON

August 19, 2017

My teenage daughter, Margot, has frizzy, brittle, impossible-to-tame hair. She spends every morning battling with anti-frizz serums and flat irons, only to eventually admit defeat and pull her unruly hair back into a pony tail. Last week, for the first time in her life, I decided to do something about it. After all, every year I shower her with back-to-school clothing and supplies.Why not add silky, swingy, shiny hair to the list?

After researching the best salons in Santa Monica, I surprised Margot with a trip to Brambila Salon — and her life is forever changed (or at least for the next six months). After doing a little research or hair smoothing options, I decided to go with the Keratin Treatment. After seeing the smile on Margot’s face, I am so happy I did!

 

First of all, Brambila Salon is super cute. One of the best kept secrets in Santa Monica, Brambila is located in a beachside bungalow off Ocean Ave., right around the corner from The Fairmont Hotel. Sitting in my chair I had views of palm trees and sand, and lunch delivered next door from Blue Plate Oysterette — not a bad way to spend an hour and a half! Plus Brambila is stocked with all my favorite Oribe products — and even offers delicious coffee and fresh baked goods.

Our stylist, Morgan Yee was amazing. Warm and down-to-earth, Morgan had zero of the attitude that can be found in Beverly Hills or Hollywood salons. She was super approachable and gave us some great tips about how to keep Margot’s hair healthy and how to keep the Keratin lasting longer.

After a quick shampoo and condition, Morgan applied the Keratin formula. To my surprise, there was no bad smell, no scalp irritation, and no discomfort whatsoever. Once Margot’s hair was completely saturated, she was given a blowdry, and then her strands were straightened. And voila — done!

One week later, Margot’s frizzy hair dries smooth, silky, and shiny in under ten minutes. She no longer plays tug-of-war with her hair in the morning, and, most importantly, her smile is brighter because she looks — and feels — beautiful. She still haves her beachy waves, only now they are silky and manageable. This was, in fact, life changing for her. Great way to start the school year! Thank you Brambila Salon!

xx, Natasha

 

Brambila Salon

1327 Ocean Avenue, Suite A

Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 458-3770

info@brambilasalon.com

https://www.brambilasalon.com/

Tuesday – Saturday: 9:30am – 6pm

Closed on Sunday & Monday

Modern Masculinity: Men’s Grooming Day 2017

August 18, 2017

For National Men’s Grooming Day, Groomed LA teamed up with Baxter of California to support their #LifeLivedTrue Campaign. Baxter of California, a brand born in LA from its founder’s independent spirit, sought to reimagine its position in men’s grooming through provoking, real stories and cultural observations that connect with evolving trends, preferences, and lifestyles.  The resulting brand campaign, “Life Lived True,” is an honest depiction that grounds the brand in a modern California culture through a lens that is inclusive of all expressions of masculinity—modern masculinity. “Life Lived True is about being honest with yourself, embracing your imperfections, and not being afraid to showcase who you are as you experience life. This campaign aims to show our consumers that we will never be a brand that wants to dictate who they should be or how they should live their lives. Baxter of California wants to be a partner on your journey, empowering you to make your unique mark on the world by living freely and authentically,” notes Baxter of California’s Global General Manager, Yann Joffredo.

The brand teamed up with agency of record Exposure America and photographer Ben Grieme to introduce “Life Lived True” in the city it has called home since 1965—Los Angeles. The series of portraits, accompanied by scenic imagery, shine a light on the diverse subjects, cast from the streets of LA—true to the spirit and culture of this city.  It was important for the brand that this honest, authentic spirit of California culture was captured not only by the subjects’ stories and their environments, but also through their unique styles and grooming habits. The brand enlisted the help of Baxter of California Lead Stylist, Whitney VerMeer, to get the job done.

“I work with a lot of career models, but my favorite projects are the ones where I cast people from Instagram or someone I pass on the street who has an interesting or intriguing look – most don’t have a modeling background in any capacity. There’s something really beautiful about watching a person transform behind camera and see their confidence blossom throughout the process. It was easy to appreciate the fresh approach and styling of this Baxter of California shoot since it’s very much in line with what I do,” Whitney VerMeer, Baxter of California Lead Stylist and NAHA 2017 Men’s Hairstylist of the Year.

xx Jonathan Stinson 

Bradford Watch Company Timeless Timepieces for all occasions

August 17, 2017

If you need a watch and don’t mind driving yourself crazy trying to pick between two elegant styles, then Bradford Watch Company is for you. Coming in at under $150, the two styles The Taylor and The Claypool are simple, chic and timeless timepieces for both men and women. I love the rose gold in both styles and black and brown straps. These are perfect accessories to wear as a bracelet as far as I’m concerned.

Bradford Watch Company is a new company founded on simplicity, excellence and durability. From the women’s collection, the Taylor, not only a quality watch, it’s also a piece that translates into any outfit and setting. It has a serene simplicity that encourages a spirit of style and adventure. The Claypool from the men’s collection is a classic shape with a lot of character. Its brushed steel case styled type, and the oil-tanned leather band truly speaks to the explorer within.

The “Taylor” is a quality made fashion accessory that translates into any outfit and setting. Bradford makes watches with you in mind. Everyone has a story and your wristwatch is a stylish extension of you; a true testament to time well spent. Launched in spring of 2017, this unisex style watch pairs a comfortable oil-tanned genuine leather, quick-release strap with a minimal yet classically designed face, in a 40mm stainless steel case, available in sleek polished steel or elegant rose gold finishes. In tribute to its namesake, each Taylor watch is a beautiful timepiece that offers the perfect balance of elegance and style. 

The “Claypool” watch is no exception. With a clean, classic shape unlike anything else on the market, the Claypool is made to go with you everywhere, and compliment every occasion. Its unique, classic design packs a lot of character, featuring a comfortable, genuine oil-tanned leather quick-release strap for easy customization, Japanese Quartz movement, and a large mineral glass face framed in a 44mm brushed stainless steel case. With 3ATM water resistance, three-year battery life, and a three-year warranty, this rugged timepiece is built to last. Available in clean polished steel or cool rose gold finishes, it is the perfect grab and the perfect companion to a life of adventure.

 

Bradford Watch Company was founded on simplicity, excellence, and durability. We believe that everyone has a story and that your wristwatch is a stylish companion and a true testament to time well spent. We’ve designed our watches with purpose, ensuring every element is crafted with care so that you receive a quality product that lasts. And follow @BradfordWatchCo for their latest adventures.