You didn't quite qualify for this year's Olympics, but we assume you threw the trials to stay in town for our Sip and Swap Summer Clothing Exchange on Saturday. Good call. Even if you won't be getting Gatorade sponsorships anytime soon, you can still go for the gold (or silver, or bronze... really whatever works best with your coloring) in terms of living your broke girl existence to the fullest this weekend. You can even fuel up like a champ at Rejuice, the new, reasonably-priced pressed juice joint opening on the westside, to prepare for the games ahead:
Friday
The Olympic opening ceremonies are considered to be a holiday, right? Or at least a half-day...? Convince your boss of this and then stop by the sure-to-be-mind-blowing Kelly Wearstler sample sale for clothing and accessories at 75 percent off. Once you've got your over-things covered, head up the street to snag some sexy under-things for up to 50 percent off at Agent Provocateur. Both sales run Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you're feeling inspired by the amazing displays of athletic prowess that are about to stream through your television this weekend, join your fellow cycling enthusiasts for a 30-mile community bike ride at 7:30 p.m. (starting and ending on Western) with LA Critical Mass. After, reward yourself for your hard work with a late-night snack and/or cocktail at The Parish, which opens today downtown. The prices aren't exactly broke-girl-friendly, but you deserve a little treat after your impressive dedication to athletics (and filling snacks like grilled corn are only $6).
Immune to Olympic fever? Ditch your bicycle shorts and catch an outdoor movie screening instead. Dreamgirls is playing in Hollywood as part of Oscars Outdoors, Vicky Cristina Barcelona will screen at the Old Pasadena Film Festival, and The Artist will be showing on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Wherever you end up, cash in on the last day of DineLA for a late dinner of cheap(er) eats; we recommend Vertical Wine Bistro in Pasadena, Cleo at the Redbury in Hollywood, or Hostaria del Piccolo in Santa Monica.
Saturday
As the games kick off in London on Saturday, we'll be busy busting a move in L.A. in celebration of National Dance Day! Learn some moves and catch a special performance from Cirque du Soleil at the opening of Downtown's Grand Park from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Just make sure to leave in time for mimosas and a little clothing exchange at our Sip and Swap in Santa Monica at 1 p.m. If your shopping itch still hasn't been scratched after the last trade has been made, head to Venice for the Tucker, Clare Vivier, and Ariel Gordon sample sale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the Nasty Gal Rummage Sale (8 Brooks Ave.) from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. -- don't forget to RSVP to rsvp@nastygal.com. Then, add a little music into the mix at the Getty with Saturdays off the 405, featuring a performance by Nick Waterhouse. Later, catch a screening of The Princess Bride in Brentwood as a part of Eat See Hear or...
...if you simply must stay east of the 405, sleep in and then meander over to Los Feliz for Giant Picnic LA, presented by The Awesome Foundation, which starts at noon. Then, hit up the Rachel Pally sample sale downtown and the Elkin sample sale in Echo Park. Later, catch Street Food Cinema's screening of Iron Man (complete with a food truck dinner), or go a little upscale at Alex Reznik's new restaurant and lounge, FigOly, which opens this weekend downtown. As long as you're in the area, you may also want to enjoy a little Shakespeare in the (Griffith) park, gorge yourself on bacon and wine at Vintage Enoteca, and/or screen The Big Lebowksi at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Sunday
Sunday morning ushers in the closing ceremonies -- to your weekend, at least -- and we think you should go out strong. Head to WeHo early for 10:30 a.m. Donation Yoga at the base of Runyon. Stick around for a long brunch at The Churchill ($15 bottomless mimosas!) and perhaps a post-brunch browse of the Shopaholic Sample Sales. Or, you could start out your Sunday morning on the dining deck at Santa Monica Place, where you'll be treated to a free workout with Equinox founder Amy Dixon from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. If you're feeling as ambitious as an Olympian, follow up that sweat session with by-donation yoga in nearby Mary Hotchkiss Park. After, grab a smoothie at Venice newbie Cafe Gratitude (or go for their by-donation "I Am Grateful" grain bowl) before hitting up the Shangrila Summer Series, a poolside live music and visual experience curated by KCRW's Aaron Byrd.
Later -- If you don't have tickets to Fiona Apple at the Palladium (perhaps you're boycotting 10+ word album titles?) -- hit up the screening of Beware of Young Girls at 7 p.m. in WeHo (with music by Tavi Gevinson) presented by TenOverSix. After, get yourself home to catch up on the Olympics footage that's filled up your DVR all weekend -- we can't have you getting shunned at the water cooler on Monday morning! If you feel like drowning your Sunday night sorrows in a little tequila as you watch these amazing athletes do their home countries proud, we won't judge you -- after all, it's not like you have to perform on Monday. High jumps, anyway.
Written by Caila Ball.
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