Miss Sophisticate Luxury Living At Its Simplest.
THE L.A. EDITION
Dining with celebrities and catching the best city views Landscaping Heaven
at the Getty Villa in Malibu
August 2014
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EMERSON FRY NEW YORK
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Miss Sophisticate MAY 2014
BONJOUR pg. 8 Editor’s Note pg. 10 InstaMoments Lookback pg. 11 Film & Print pg. 12 Blogger Spotlight: Heidi Radmanesh
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Miss Sophisticate fashion pg. 14 Inspired By: L.A. Fashion
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pg. 16 Get the Look: Summer-to-Fall Favorites
Food pg. 18 Local Spot: Nekter Juice Bar pg. 20 Dining in L.A. The Larder Cafe 5
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Miss Sophisticate Design pg. 24 Landscaping Heaven at the Getty Villa pg. 28 House Hunting: Spanish Estate
Travel pg. 30 Sight-Seeing at the Griffith Observatory
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Editor’s Note
Editor’s Note
I can’t believe that it’s already August! It feels like it was just yesterday that I
was swimsuit shopping and creating a collection of beach reads. As cliché as the saying is, I have to admit that time does fly when you’re having fun. It’s a good thing that we still have a month of summer left, leaving us just enough time to enjoy the blue skies and warm sun. In fact, the skies are so clear and beautiful this time of the year that I always plan a trip to the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles to take advantage of the gorgeous, unobstructed city views. I’ve highlighted the popular sight-seeing spot in this month’s travel section. This entire month’s issue is devoted to Los Angeles because I think that L.A. is one of those cities that is best enjoyed during the summer. While cities like New York or Dallas can get to sky-high temperatures this time of the year, L.A. tends to maintain temperatures around 80 degrees. This allows for some good times spent outdoors shopping, dining, hanging at the beaches, and of course, sight-seeing. There are plenty of “Top 10” lists floating around the web for L.A., so instead, I’ve shared my favorite places to eat and frequent. You’re bound to spot a celebrity at some point, but I like to think it’s the city that’ll leave you star-struck. Hope you guys enjoy the rest of your summer!
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The Brentwood Country Mart Intermix. Sugar Paper. Edelweiss Chocolates.James Perse. Space NK. Barney’s Burgers. Farmshop. Frida Taqueria.... and more. 225 26th St, Los Angeles, CA 90402 - (310) 451-9877
july InstaMoments A lookback at last month’s Instagram snapshots.
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Film & Print
Miss Sophisticate is
reading... “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn Gone Girl reads very much like a thrill-
ing TV series, with a riveting plot and endless cliffhangers that’ll leave you sitting on the edge of your seat. The story revolves around Nick and Amy, a married couple about to celebrate their 5th anniversary until Amy suddenly disappears. The story reveals what really goes on in a marriage behind closed doors, but that’s about all that’s revealed. Just when you think you’ve got the story all figured out, this psychological thriller will surprise you in a way you couldn’t have imagined.
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watching... If I Stay Mia Hall thought the hardest decision
she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam. But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future but her ultimate fate. Written by Warner Bros.
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Blogger Spotlight
Blogger spotlight a look at the Health Savvy Blogger Behind Healthy Habits by Heids
Heidi Radmanesh All photos, unless noted otherwise, were taken by and courtesy of Heidi Radmanesh.
in a day and age where scientists and nutritionists are changing
their stances on health and nutrition almost everyday, it can be difficult to distinguish what advice really works and what doesn’t. Chatting with health blogger, Heidi Radmanesh, it becomes immediately obvious how passionate she is about getting the right information out to people when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. Her blog, Healthy Habits by Heids, offers sound tips and advice based not just off her personal experience, but research that has been tested and proven by many across the globe. Radmanesh advocates that a healthy life is really a composition of healthy habits and lifestyle choices that are based on what’s tried and true, such as the classic combination of a good diet and consistent exercise. Further conversation with her revealed just where her stance on healthy living has come from and her passion for educating her readers. Q: How long have you been blogging about healthy living? A: [It’s been] about six months. Q: What made you decide to create a health blog? A: Being a health major and really wanting to pursue health education, it seemed like it was the first step in being able to research and share knowledge with my friends and family. 12
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Blogger Spotlight
Q: Do you have any professional training/education/experience in the health industry? A: I have a bachelor’s of science in Health Sciences and I am three months shy of finishing my Master’s in Public Health. I have been an athlete my whole life, so I was always training to exercise properly and eat the right diet ever since I could remember too. Q: Who/what inspires you to be active in the industry and share your health interests? A: I was at a point in my life where I had to pick between going through a Medical Doctor program or obtaining a Master’s in Public Health. I had read Margaret Mead’s books before in my Anthropology classes and decided to pick one up again. She studied human behaviors while in New Guinea and Samoa, [so] she really helped me pick the right path for me just from [reading about] her experiences in her books. Q: How do you incorporate healthy living into your own life? A: Every thing I blog about, I do myself. I make sure I am in the gym lifting weights and doing cardio at least four times a week (I live a very busy life; sometimes this is a struggle). I also make sure my diet is clean and has variety. I do, however, just like any one, cheat here and there. Indulging in a chocolate bar sometimes needs to happen to keep yourself on track. Q: Do you think living in the L.A. region has influenced your perspective on leading a healthy lifestyle? A: Living in the L.A. region, I see a lot of people trying really hard to get skinny quick, and it has really helped me want to be healthy and stay healthy in order to live a better life for myself and help others live a better life too. Q: What is your advice for people who are trying to get onto a healthier life track? A: Take it day by day! At times, it is not easy getting on a routine, but it is very possible. Just remember to not go too hard right when you’re trying to get onto that healthier life track, [or else] you may crash and burn and go back to old bad habits.
Inspired By
L.A. Fashion L.A. fashion has gotten a reputation for having its own style, a mix of 70s boho-chic and rocker glam, made popular by celebrities like Rachel Zoe and Nicole Richie. Here are some favorite pieces inspired by the L.A. cool girl.
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(1) Malene Birger Maxi Dress; (2) Vita Fede Titan Bracelet; (3) Saint Laurent Metallic Dress; (4) Rag & Bone Fedora; (5) Tom Ford Raquel Sunglasses
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(6) Rick Owens Draped Tank; (7) Clare Vivier Sahara Clutch; (8) The Row Stretch Moto Pants; (9) House of Harlow Ankle Bootie; (10) House of Harlow Necklace
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get the look
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by Lauren Golt & Sydney Sullivan of Social Stylate.
Local Restaurant
Photo Credit: Gilt City
Nekter Juice Bar in West Hollywood, CA Juicing is synonamous with L.A. livthat you shouldn’t be surprised if you run ing. If you looked up the L.A. Diet, you’d see juicing in the description. The juicing culture in L.A. is a result of many people in Southern California having a fascination with looking great and staying fit. The bonus of getting that juice from Nekter Juice Bar is getting a healthy drink that actually tastes good. Green drinks no longer have to mean cringe-worthy concoctions that’ll have you pinching your nose as you woefully down your juice. Instead, Nekter Juice Bar has come up with innovative blends that guarantee all the healthy antioxidants and immuneboosting ingredients you look for in a yummy blend. In fact, Nekter has become so popular
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into a celebrity or two while you’re picking up your favorite juice. In an era of competing juice businesses, Nekter has and continues to stand out as a go-to spot for a dose of good health or a routine cleanse. If you’re trying Nekter Juice Bar for the first time, know that favorites off the menu include the Toxin Flush, which includes parsley, spinach, apples, lemon and ginger, as well as the Date Nut, a creamy, not-too-sweet smoothie made with cashew nut milk, dates, banana, and nutmeg. So, next time you’re in the City of Angels, make sure you end your hike in the Hollywood Hills with a stop at Nekter Juice Bar. www.nekterjuicebar.com 8951 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA (800) 385-1650
Photo Credit: blogs.ocweekly.com
Photo Credit: Splash News
Photo Credit: ArizonaHillsMagazine.com
Dining in L.A.
Dining in L.A.
The LarderCafe at the Tavern
There are no doubt a variety of places to eat in L.A., and there are several “Top
10” lists that have been made to prove it. But the Larder Cafe in Brentwood is a favorite. The joint cafe and restaurant (Tavern) reside in the posh, celebrity-laden neighborhood of Brentwood, home to the likes of Gwenyth Paltrow and Reese Witherspoon. Aside from its location, the cafe offers a casual, and yet sophisticated, place to grab a bite at. While the main restaurant offers an array of gourmet dishes to choose from, the freshly baked breads, pastries, and organic coffee will have you coming back to the cafe over and over again. If you go, you must try the pecan sticky bun and almond croissant. Both are sinfully good, especially with a warm latte, which will most likely feature some gorgeous latte art! Be sure to also purchase some bread on your way out, as they are all housebaked and offered in a variety of forms and flavors. Delectable foods, European charm, and the chance to spot a celebrity, it’s not difficult to understand why the Larder Cafe is a go-to for great dining in L.A. 20
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www.tavernla.com 11648 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood CA 90049 310.806.6460
outdoor design
Landscaping Heaven Lush gardens & beautiful ocean views at the Getty Villa in Malibu, CA
While most museums are (literally) a work of art, few have gorgeous outdoor
grounds and spectacular views like the Getty Villa does in Malibu, California. Not to discredit the actual sculptures and artifacts inside the museum, but the Getty Villa has become a special site to visit because of its gorgeous gardens and stunning ocean views. And the museum clearly prides itself on its landscaping as it’s very much designed to have an indoor-outdoor feel with wide, open entrances and exits positioned throughout the museum. In the center of the museum, you’ll find an outdoor courtyard enclosed with high columns, reminiscent of the Greek and Roman architecture that the museum highlights so aptly. No detail is left out, including gorgeous floral carvings in the outdoor hallway ceilings. Fountains are either presented in the form of mosaic tile edifices or stone sculptures that preside over serene lily ponds. The real magic, however, lies in the main garden, where you’ll find a large pool surrounded by rose bushes, palm trees, and plenty of alcoves for you to relax and enjoy some peace in. Famous ancient Greek and Roman figures are presented in the form of sculpture heads, stationed throughout the garden, ensuring that art is never absent on the museum grounds. Like a minature Versailles, the museum maintains beautifully cut hedges to line the pathways along the garden, as well as grapevine-covered pergolas to
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to seek shade under. Another special feature of the museum’s outdoor grounds is its extensive herb garden. It may seem like an unlikely thing to find on museum grounds, but like anything else that was created at the Getty, the garden serves historical meaning. It was actually designed off of the original garden at the Villa dei Papiri in Herculaneum. In ancient Rome, the wealthy had their own herb gardens, as herbs and plants served many purposes other than just culinary ones (i.e. medicinal or religious purposes). In modern day, the herb garden would be any chef’s dream to have. The garden contains more than just a wide range of herbs; you’ll find peaches, figs, and pomegranites among the many fruit trees that have been planted as well. The most surprising aspect, however, is perhaps the fact that entrance to the museum and its gardens are completely free. You simply pay a $15 parking fee, which if you drive around L.A. will appear completely ordinary to you, and then you’re free to wander the museum’s beautiful grounds all day. Just make sure you reserve a time to visit the museum by visiting the website beforehand, as this reservation will be your entrance ticket. www.getty.edu/visit/villa 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 26
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Spanish Estate Malibu, California, United States (Images courtesy of Hilton & Hyland)
what could be more quintessentially L.A.
than a Spanish-style beach house? While the Hamptons are all about traditional, shingle homes, L.A. is all about haciendas and orange tile roofs. This Spanish estate in Malibu combines Spanish architecture on the exterior, with California contemporary design inside. Not to mention, the house is oceanfront and sits right on the beach bluff, meaning jaw-dropping views and lots of surf and sand at the drop of a hat. The home is fully-furnished and features indoor/outdoor living at its finest with wide doorways and oversize windows. Finishes include limestone and oak flooring, as well as oak ceilings. The brand-new, contemporary style home also contains twin master suites, both with sunrise and sunset views. If outdoor living is more of your thing, then know that this home’s backyard provides an infinity edge pool with a separate spa, 2,500 sq.ft. of covered courtyard with outdoor furniture, a T.V., bathroom and a BBQ center. As a bonus, all items are warrantied for 5 years, as well as free maintenance service for the pool, grounds and surfaces for 5 years. This home is truly California living at it’s finest. For more information about this property, please visit: www.HiltonHyland.com
Sight-seeing at the
Griffith Observatory
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erhaps the most iconic site tourists seek out is the famous Hollywood sign, perched up in the Hollywood Hills. But as grand as these big block letters may be, they look miniature and are difficult to photograph from the main street (Hollywood Blvd.). To get a great shot of the sign, as well as some stunning L.A. skyline views, then you must make a trip up to the Griffith Observatory. The Griffith Observatory’s unique setting has made it one of the most visited sites in Southern California. Inside, the observatory offers live planetarium shows and astronomy exhibits. Outside, however, is where the magic occurs with expansive views of Los Angeles, stretching all the way to the Pacific 30
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Coast. There are free public telescopes available to use, but all you need is a clear day and your camera to capture some beautiful shots of the city. If you want a closer look of the Hollywood sign, the observatory sits next to gorgeous hiking trails that will not only provide you a better glimpse of the landmark sign, but amazing mountain views as well. There is also a small cafe at the observatory that will allow you to enjoy some sweeping views as you grab a bite to eat. Additionally, the cafe sells grabn-go items, in case you want to take them on one of the nearby trails with you. www.griffithobs.org 2800 E. Observatory Road, L.A.,CA 90027
Au Revoir, mes Amis For any advertising and/or partnership opportunities, please email: contact@MissSophisticate.com