Elyse: Misty Blue

Basia: Sunny in Kensington

Bumbi: "A Perfect Fusion"

In Bumbi's own words, her style is a "perfect fusion of the 80's & 90's.  It's Pat Benatar & Joan Jett mixed with a little Neneh Cherry, Roxette & Wilson Phillips."  I can see that.

Lizzie: Factory Girl

The Factory Collective held another Pop-Up shop last weekend -- this time on the beautiful second floor of the Levack Block at 88 Ossington.  Here, Lizzie showcases a vintage number from the 70's, which a passerby aptly coined a "dark side of the moon suit".

TorontoVerve in Beverly Hills: Sartorial Elegance on Rodeo Drive

It would have been a shame to forget this Beverly Hills street style -- the very last from our trip.

The elegance of women and men's fashion on Rodeo Drive is inspiring. We were always a stone throw away from someone who exuded class and style and these three gentlemen are no exception.

TorontoVerve in Beverly Hills: Rodney & Little Luigi - "Acquired Style", Rodeo Drive

I saved my best California street style for last: Meet Rodney and Luigi

Rodney describes his style as "alternative with a twist".  He avoids following trends and shops anywhere and everywhere -- from Gucci to TJ Maxx.  "Style is acquired not purchased".  Now how can we argue with that.

TorontoVerve in Beverly Hills: Katey's Street Style, Rodeo Drive

Notice behind Katey's cool street style is Badgley & Mischka boutique -- the famous location where Julia Roberts was refused service in Pretty Woman.

TorontoVerve in Beverly Hills: Andres on the Cutting Edge

Andres is a successful hairstylist who not only specializes in editorials and commercials but has a long list of private clients -- including musicians, painters and sculptures.

His style is "street and edgy", which has earned him the moniker: Dapper Dreece.  You can follow his journey of life, art and hair either on Twitter or tumblr.  
  

TorontoVerve in Beverly Hills: Rachel's Classy Street Style, Rodeo Drive

TorontoVerve in Beverly Hills: Cathy & Mark, Rodeo Drive

TorontoVerve in Beverly Hills: Dmitry & Ana, Rodeo Drive

Dmitry Sennikov is a professional soccer player from Moscow.  Currently, he's considering moving to LA with his wife Ana and playing for a team in the MLS.

TorontoVerve in LA: Christopher & Rose Marie, After the Beauty & Culture Exhibit

Annenberg Space for Photography: The Beauty & Culture Exhibit

While in LA, Dorothy and I visited the Annenberg Space for Photography's exhibit, Beauty & Culture -- an insightful exploration of the question: "what is female beauty?"

Society is constantly inundated with media images of modelesque beauty (tall, thin, busty, hourglass figure, flowing hair and full lips), which is often unattainable to most.

Through photographs, the exhibit examines the fascination with Marilyn Monroe, race and beauty, the obsession with the female form and the painful lengths that women go to look young and beautiful (a graphic photo of an open stomach during a tummy tuck procedure was particularly horrific).  Moreover, we learn the harmful effects of beauty worship on women's self-esteem in an engaging documentary, starring notable celebrities; including Jamie Lee Curtis who admits, "I don't get the lip thing (referring to collagen lip enhancement)."

The event is a great reminder (or eye-opener) to not be easily influenced by the media's perception of beauty but be content with ourselves.

The Beauty & Culture exhibit will be running at the Annenberg Space for Photography in LA through to November 27th.

This lovely couple was just entering the exhibit as we were leaving and we just had to capture their happiness.

TorontoVerve in LA: Lynsey

We were having brunch at Fred 62 when we noticed Lynsey in a fabulous vintage dress, which she purchased the day before in Long Beach.  She also shared that her main influences come from the 40's and 50's: "I pretty much dress like this everyday."

TorontoVerve in West Hollywood: Cole, Maygen & Blu on Sunset Blvd

We were at the Griddle Cafe on Sunset when we saw this fashionable trio leaving.

Cole (left) is a guitarist for the glam-rock band Semi Precious Weapons, whose music he sarcastically describes as "kinda loud...kinda sucks sometimes."  He labels his unique style as "rural and urban evictions."  To see his visual artistic side, check out his site All the Kicks.

Maygen (centre) is a dancer and aspiring model who describes her style as "different -- I just do what I do."  For her daily Twitter thoughts, click here.

Blu (right) is an inspirational rap recording artist who has opened for such artists as Jay Z and Diddy.  To hear samples of her cool hip hop pop, be sure to visit her site.

TorontoVerve in LA: Evening with the Go-Go's

Not surprisingly, there was a lot of style at the Go-Go's concert at the Greek Theatre.

TorontoVerve in Santa Barbara: Lisa - Pretty in Pink

TorontoVerve in Santa Barbara: Kate's Cool Street Style

TorontoVerve in Santa Barbara: Kati - Preppy on Wheels

TorontoVerve in Santa Barbara: Emily - Free Spirit

We fell in love with Emily's Romana Fest sandals from Free People.

TorontoVerve in Santa Barbara: Christopher & Lara, A Perfect Match

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of Christopher and Lara's relationship.  The two met on Match.Com while they were in college and have been going strong ever since.

TorontoVerve in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Lilly at the Vintage Car Show

We loved the friendly hometown feel of Carmel-by-the-Sea (that's right, the same town where Clint Eastwood was mayor).  As we were leaving for Cannery Row the next day, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that Carmel was holding a huge vintage car show.

Incidentally, while admiring the extraordinary automobiles aligned on the street, we also admired Lilly's great street style.

Here are just a few of the cool vintage models showcased in the show:

         Jaguar

                                              Plymouth

 Porshe

                                                           BMW

TorontoVerve in San Francisco: Nicholas - Waiting for the Cable Car, Union Square

If I lived in San Francisco, I'd have a cable car in every other photo.  Like streetcars in Toronto, they add a special retro flavour -- especially in black & white.

TorontoVerve in San Francisco: Miranda's Secret, Powell Street

It's no secret that Miranda's ensemble is outstanding.

The Go-Go's: They Still Got the Beat, Greek Theatre LA Concert

Last night we not only caught the Go-Go's live in concert at the Greek Theatre in LA, we also had the great opportunity to meet the band personally before the show at their exclusive meet and greet.

             [Back: left to right -- Kathy, Gina & Charlotte; Front: left to right -- Belinda & Jane]

As a pre-teen in the 80's, I was obsessed with both Michael Jackson and Prince, but then The Go-Go's came along.  Their first international hit, Our Lips are Sealed was my first introduction to the punk scene, which completely diversified my music tastes.

Their subsequent hits, We Got the Beat, Vacation and Turn to You made me a devoted fan and for decades I've been wanting to see them perform in person, however, the moons never aligned to make that happen.

When I heard that their 30th anniversary tour would not bring them to Toronto, we purchased tickets to their LA show and planned our vacation around it (which would include a coastal drive).

Meeting them in person didn't disappoint.  They were very personable and accommodating with their fans -- a rarity for bands who have been in the business for 30 years.

And what did we think of the concert?  It was simply amazing.  The band treated fans to all their hits, including Belinda and Jane's solo outings, Mad About You and Cool Places respectively.

While I still love Michael Jackson and Prince, I'm also a fan of the B-52's, Joan Jett, Blondie and a host of other new wave and punk bands.

And I have the Go-Go's to thank for that.