Kristina and I took a break from the Vancouver rain recently and turned a meeting in LA into an excuse for a full weekend in the sun, complete with other gal pals, shopping, chardonnay and pool time. Fun!

Of course we decided in advance which restaurants to hit and like many women who care about fashion, I put some thought into what to wear to the various hot spots, not to mention my shopping and pool outfits.  My wardrobe weaknesses are shoes and dresses and I spend more then I care to admit on both, so I don’t ever want to miss an opportunity to wear a favourite frock or sky high heels to a swish dinner.

After a day of serious shopping, we all raced back to our hotel to hit the showers.  There were blow dryers, flat, curling and clothing irons going all at once.  Eyelashes were groomed, outfits debated, make up applied and nails quickly painted before rushing out the door.  A serious effort was put in by all.  

And when seated at the five-star establishment where we were dining, I looked around at all the other women in the room who had clearly made a similar effort.  Nice work, ladies.  

And then my eyes wandered to the boys, I mean men, in the room.

There were sweatshirts everywhere.  Too-long pants sitting below the butt crack (really? are we still doing that?), scuffed sneakers, and yes, baseball caps.  Some even turned off-centre. (I have never understood this look.  To me it screams, “helloooo I’m a dumb dumb”.  Why would one want to advertise that?)  

Benicio del Toro was at the next table, big poofy hair sticking out from under a baseball cap.  He looked like an old man who really really doesn’t want to grow up.

And shopping along Robertson?  There’s a guy barking into his cell phone wearing a too-tight, soiled t-shirt and shuffling along in flip flops – no pedicure there – next to his perfectly put-together better half.  

Now, I know men’s fashion in LA is decidedly relaxed, but things have gone too far.  There is a difference between casually chic and sloth-like.  Buy a belt.  And an iron.  Wear clothes that fit.  Buy entire outfits at a time if thinking is too hard for you. Keep a collection of new white t-shirts.  

And take off that f-ing baseball hat!

If you plan on going shopping (and you should), remember that stripes and bold colours are in for spring, navy looks good on everyone, and you can never have too many nice socks.

We all want our fashion to look effortless.  But that takes a lot of work!  And if you insist on doing none, then you should pay for dinner; your honey probably spent all her money on shoes.  I know I did.

Tune in next week when K will fill you in on our California comings and goings.  We’ve got some hotel and restaurant recommendations you won’t want to miss!

Top photo: Lisa Kayaks/Flickr 

Seriously.

 Photo: Ray Sawhill/flickr