Recent

Top 5 Non-Traditional Nuptial Venues in SoCal - January 31st
Traditional Valentine's Day Gifts Are So Passe - January 26th
Look Like A Hollywood Star Without Having to Take Out a Second Mortgage - January 14th
Bring on the NYE Bling - December 29th
Contrary to Popular Belief, A Yardstick of Bubblegum Doesn't Go A Long Way - December 17th
Mr. Kate Collection Release Party at Altered Space Gallery - December 17th
Not Even Old Man Winter Can Slow You Down - December 4th
A New Dish of Brand Spanking New - November 23rd
ANYONE ELSE READY FOR TURKEY? - November 17th
Navigating The Daunting Blogosphere - October 15th
Top 5 Non-Traditional Nuptial Venues in SoCal
Thursday, January 31, 2013

We would like to introduce to a very special guest blogger this week, Akiko Senda. Akiko works as an event creator for Soiree Events LLC, an event planning company based out of Tucson, AZ that is now expanding to the Los Angeles area. She has compiled a list of her top 5 favorite non-traditional wedding venues in the Southern California area for those of you who are amidst of wedding planning. We hope you love these venues as much as we do!

It’s no doubt that in recent years there has been a shift in wedding styles. Gone are the days that brides have to book their special day at some fancy hotel and serve rubbery chicken to their guests. And although these types of weddings are still planned, there is much hope for those of us looking for non-traditional nuptials and amazingly cool venues to book a rockin’ wedding. So-Cal is no stranger to some of the most hip, urban spaces. Here are my current top five…

1. The Ace Hotel – Palm Springs

This place embodies all that is hip & cool right now. Set in the desert, this awesome renovated mid-century hotel makes the perfect setting for an out-of-the-norm wedding complete with pools, yurts, taco trucks & record players.

If that’s not enough to get you to the desert, check out this 3 day wedding via 100layercake put on by some of the best vendors Los Angeles has to offer… that’s what I call a party.

photos: 100layercake.com

 

2. Marvimon House/Smog Shoppe – Los Angeles

I’ve been obsessed with these two places for quite some time now. Currently one of the hot spots to get married in L.A., both the Marvimon house and the Smog Shoppe offer urban style venues for those searching for non-traditional style. I personally love the combo of succulents, brick wall and quirky décor they offer. The best part (or maybe worst for some people) is you can bring in all your own vendors to cater, DJ, do floral, etc. The possibilities are endless.

photos: marvimon.com, 100layercake.com

 

3. Cooper Design Space – Downtown Los Los Angeles

Those involved in the L.A. fashion and retail world know The Cooper Building well as it is home to many important fashion showrooms and buying offices. Set in the heart of the Los Angeles Fashion District, the Cooper building offers large industrial like spaces with towering ceilings and lofty windows…making it the perfect canvas for a chic and  creative wedding.

photos: cooperdesignspace.com, weddingchicks.com

 

4. The Huron Substation 

This historic building boasts exposed tall brick walls, arched windows, & wooden ceiling beams perfect for smaller weddings up to 100 people. The garden courtyard is ideal for hosting a quaint ceremony from where you can easily move your group to the main room for an intimate party. Historical buildings always add a little more character to any wedding!

photos: huronsubstation.com, Happy Confetti Weddings

 

5.  Korakia Pensione 

If  the words Bohemian, Mediterranean, Morrocan describe your wedding style, the Korakia retreat is the perfect venue for you. This desert oasis offers rooms for your guests in addition to an intimate outdoor space to host a killer party. Think lanterns, Moroccan beds, and tons of relaxation.

photos: korakia.com, weddingchicks.com

Whatever venue you may choose, make sure to make it special and a true representation of who you are. Make your own things, source thrift and vintage stores for recycled treasures and go as creative as you can be!

 

Traditional Valentine's Day Gifts Are So Passe
Saturday, January 26, 2013

It's true, grabbing a box of chocolates from the drug store may seem easier than shopping for a Valentine's Day gift for your loved one. However, if you plan on being with this person past February 15th, I suggest you take my advice. Put down the cliche gifts and get them something that will make them feel like the special creatures they truly are. I know you can do it!

 

1. Roses Are Red, Sunflowers Are POW

If you want to be like every other shmuck in the nation, you'll buy your lady two dozen red roses for Valentine's Day. If you want to prove to your lady that she is unique and that her smile lights up a room, you'll go with the less traditional (albeit more cheerful) sunflowers. 

 

2. Joan Jett vs. Disney Princess Round 1

Every little girl grows up dreaming of the day that her lover will get down on bended knee, profess his love, and ask for her hand in marriage. That glowing rock will be the deciding factor in whether or not he really "gets" her. For some, the tradional diamond ring will be just enough to accept his hand in marriage. For those of us who relate more to Joan Jett than a Disney Princess, a Todd Reed Black Diamond Ring will be a sure fire way to get an 'I do'.

3. Candy is Dandy but Liquor is Quicker

Gifting a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day is a nice way of saying "I'd like to increase your chances of having a heart attack in the future." Instead, give your loved one a fine scotch. Scotch may not be as good for you as a kale smoothie, but it's a lot more fun to take to a party.

 

 

Look Like A Hollywood Star Without Having to Take Out a Second Mortgage
Monday, January 14, 2013

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, unless of course your name is Zooey Deschanel. In that case pearls are your BFF. Here is a list of our top three favorite adornments from last night's Golden Globes. Next to each lovely leading lady, you will find an Altered Space alternative to the ridiculously unaffordable Hollywood counterpart. 

1. Keep it simple with pearls: Instead of leaving the house dripping with diamonds,  girl-next-door Zooey Deschanel opted for more demure adornments such as this beautiful string of pearls. Although pearls are an obvious way of keeping up with her squeaky clean image, Zooey would have made more of a statement with this beautiful Gray and Silver Fresh Water Pearl Necklace by Dear Swallow for only $275. 

 

2. Jessica Chastain, a gingerly ginger actress you might have seen in films such as Lawless, The Tree of Life or most recently Zero Dark Thirty, didn't get the same modest memo that Zooey did. Not only did she leave the house dripping with diamonds, but she left the house dripping with three million dollars worth of Harry Winston diamond jewelry. A better (and less stressful) alternative would have been to pair her aqua frock with a pair of simple Faceted Sapphire Earrings by Margaret Solow for only $265.

 

 

3. Jessica Alba was an actress that took accessorizing a step further last night. Her Harry Winston necklace is valued at $5.8million. The hefty price tag is almost as jaw dropping as the melon Oscar de le Renta gown Alba wears so flawlessly. Almost. You could afford to buy one of these 18k Gold and Raw Diamond Necklaces by Todd Reed for 1500 friends with the amount that one of Alba's costs. 

 

 

Bring on the NYE Bling
Saturday, December 29, 2012

In your experience "home for the holidays" usually takes a toll on your waistline. Your family members can't stop commenting on how gaunt you look. There is no point in discussing the power of juicing with your cousin from Omaha. Intead, you shut him up by having yet another serving of sweet potato pie. Before you know it, you have gained a dress size.

Because there is no way you are staying holed up in your apartment for NYE, the only way to truly feel fabulous is to bring on the bling. Accessorizing your LBD with the following will distract your fellow gym rats from noticing your rounder edges. 

1.  

Ecote Growler Suede Ankle Boots from Urban Outfitters, $69

2. 

Sterling Silver Forme Bracelets by Vanessa Gade, $164

3. 

 Oasis Korea Rose Gold Box Clutch by Asos, $52.77

4. 

14k Gold and Sterling Silver Square Button Necklace by Carla Caruso, $230 

Contrary to Popular Belief, A Yardstick of Bubblegum Doesn't Go A Long Way
Monday, December 17, 2012

 

You haven’t always been the best gift giver. You once had the gumption to give your mom a yardstick of bubble gum for her birthday because they were buy one get one free at the local Quikmart. In your defense, she swore that she didn’t want anything for weeks leading up to her special day. You have not believed a word she has said since.

Regardless of the fact that Christmas comes the same time every year, you never seem to have enough time to shop for meaningful gifts for all the wonderful people in your life. Let Altered Space Gallery help you out. We have something for everyone on your holiday shopping list, including a little something for mom that won't make her jaws ache. 

 

1.     Your  Lovely Mother who let you live after you gave her a yardstick of bubblegum for her birthday. You owe her. 

 

18k Gold Five Strand Chain Necklace With Oxidized Silver Chain by Carla Caruso, $430

 

2.     Your Soon-To-Be Fiancé who not only "gets" you but also gets more beautiful every day.

 

Palladium Ring with Yellow Rose Solitaire by Todd Reed, $3150

 

3.    Your History Buff Dad who would much rather read a biography about Lincoln on Monday night than watch football.

 

Metal Wristwatch With Hand Painted Round Face by Watchcraft, $325

 

4.     Your Best Friend From College and reigning beer pong champion.

 

"Do Not Enter" Street Sign Table by Boris Bally, $725

5.     Your Williamsburg Residing Artistic Younger Sister

  

 

Graphite "Right Hand" Drawing Instrument by Agelio Batle, $68.50

 

Bronze Patina Atlas Beetle by Dear Swallow, $85

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Kate Collection Release Party at Altered Space Gallery
Monday, December 17, 2012


Thanks to everyone that came out to the Mr. Kate Spring/Summer 2013 Collection Release Party on Friday, December 7, 2012 at Altered Space Gallery. The event coincided with Abbot Kinney First Fridays and was one heck of a shindig if I don’t say so myself.

 

If you didn’t make it out, here is a recap of the evening:

Pink champagne, cupcakes from Babycakes, and vegan goodies from Native Foods were just a few of the shining stars of the night. DJ Salinger was in charge of the party vibes and he sure did not disappoint. He played dance worthy track after dance worthy track all night long. In addition to the pink bubbly and yummy noshes, there was also a DIY station where any one and every one was allowed to make their own Mr. Kate piece. Not to mention the multitude of shiny baubles that are all part of the new Mr. Kate Collection. One of each, please?

The blogging community as well as local Venetians stopped by for an evening of shopping, shimmying, and stuffing of one’s face. Thanks to the Holly Jones team and Weltenbuerger for staying open late to accommodate the shenanigans. You can see more photos from the evening here and here.

Altered Space Gallery is planning to host more exciting events like this in the near future.  Stay tuned for more fun filled nights on Abbot Kinney!

Not Even Old Man Winter Can Slow You Down
Tuesday, December 4, 2012

The winter blues spare no one. If you can’t fall asleep without swaddling your tootsies and your Happy Hour doesn't start until after it gets dark, then chances are you have already been bludgeoned by that ornery Old Man Winter. Cheer up. Winter isn’t all THAT bad. Here are a few ways to turn that freezing frown upside down.

1. Is Rudolph your doppelganger? Big earrings are a great way to draw attention away from your frost bitten nose. Wear a pair of these Sterling Silver "Demi-Selene" Earrings by Vanessa Gade and who knows, you might even get to join in some reindeer games, like Monopoly.

      

2. Are you and Lady Clairol on a break? Wearing a timeless winter hat like this one by Free People is a great excuse to go a few extra weeks before making your next salon appointment.  

     

3. Is your razor hibernating for the winter? Wearing a pair of thick tights such as these Gipsy tights from Asos is a dream come true for those of us who would rather drink a scalding cup of cocoa than shave our gams during the winter months.

 

 

A New Dish of Brand Spanking New
Friday, November 23, 2012

While you were busy figuring out what to do with those turkey leftovers, Altered Space Gallery has been cooking up a new dish of Brand Spanking New. 

For those of you who are new to the Brand Spanking New artist showcase, for the past 3 months, Altered Space Gallery has been featuring the latest and greatest jewelry designers in the industry. Because each artist's showcase only lasted two weeks at a time, (and because it is the season of giving) we want to give you another opportunity to buy pieces from these special designers.

Our panel is hand selecting the best of the best from each artist's showcase and will reveal the new showcase starting December 1, 2012. Altered Space Gallery wants you to avoid ridiculous checkout lines and crowded parking lots at all costs. Instead, snuggle up with a warm mug of hot cocoa, slip into your fuzzy slippers, and shop at www.alteredspacegallery.com from the comfort of your own home. 

Shop early in order to guarantee delivery before December 25th, 2012. The Brand Spanking New Artist series is available online only. 

ANYONE ELSE READY FOR TURKEY?
Saturday, November 17, 2012

 

**Hand goes immediately up in the air**

Thanksgiving is the only holiday that is devoted primarily to stuffing your face. Pull out your elastic pants and kiss your 5am Pilates class goodbye; it’s the holidays and gluttony is thankfully encouraged.

While you are busy gorging on decadent pies and sumptuous jams, the thought of Black Friday will precariously start looming over your head like an ominous rain cloud. Just because everyone and their mother will be fighting rowdy crowds, doesn’t mean you should have to leave your Tryptophan-induced coma to do so. This shopping season, Altered Space Gallery has you covered.

We have the Silver Lining to your Black Friday. Shop with us either online or in the store and experience an easy, stress free shopping experience. Let our employees’ help you pick out something silver for everyone on your shopping list (even the ones who claim to have everything.)

 

Navigating The Daunting Blogosphere
Monday, October 15, 2012

Unless you have been living under a rock, then you probably already know about the blog phenomena that continues to sweep over the entire interweb. Since any old joe schmo with a computer can start his own blog these days, trying to navigate your way around the Blogosphere can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Because I don't like to see you stressed out, I have hand picked three fashion/lifestyle blogs that I think you should be paying attention to, right now. You can thank me later. 

1. Lawering Fashion by Evangelina Fysa - We featured a guest post by the ultra hip, ultra sweet Evangelina last week. Though she is only 20 years old and her blog is less than a year old,  this girl is very dialed in to the fashion world. She is currently a law student in the UK and prides herself on providing style advice that one can actually apply to his or her real life. She hopes to help, inspire and encourage those who aren't natural born fashionistas. We look forward to more posts from this girl. 

 

2. Sugar Lips, Lifestyle Tips - Like Lawyering Fashion, this blog is committed to helping women look and feel better by providing simple everyday tips. By increasing a woman's confidence, you can inspire her to achieve her goals and have fun at the same time. It's a win-win. Check out this blog if you like reading about a variety of liefstyle topics such as travel, fashion, make-up tips, food and wine, etc. 

 

3. Mr. Kate - Mr. Kate.com is a one stop shop for the inner explorer within us all. Kate Albrecht's (aka Mr. Kate) bubbly personality will instantly fill you with excitement. It doesn't matter if she is showing you how to brew your own Kombucha or how to make tiny acorn ornaments, Mr. Kate manages to make everything look like a freaking blast. She updates her lifestyle blog frequently so make sure to check her site often. If you need more Mr. Kate in your life (we can't get enough of her either) you can regularly see her dishing out friendly DIY advice on The Nate Berkus Show as well as on her informative YouTube channel TheMrKate.