Between the childhood-memory-shattering Elmo drama and the latest round of heavy disappointment served up by LiLo, we're looking forward to checking out of "reality" (surreality?) for the weekend. We've decided to bury our heads in the sand -- and forget "real world troubles" -- by diving right into the holiday season.
There are sample sales to pillage, books to be signed, and a gaping hole in our highbrow culture world that needs filling. This weekend, we're living it up... with nary a puppet nor biopic in sight.
Keep reading for the address of every sample sale you're going to want to attend this weekend, and much, much more...
Friday
Halloween might be long gone, but L.A.'s subtly creepy noir vibe is forever. Catch up on the city's shadowy (and decidedly fancy) true stories at a reading and signing of the new book, Beverly Hills Confidential: A Century of Stars, Scandals and Murders tonight at Book Soup.
Sadly, we've been priced out of our own nostalgia and won't be attending the Nas and Lauryn Hill concert tonight at the Wiltern, but no matter! Instead, we suggest you check out opening night of Cinefamily's Beats on Film series (which culminates with an exclusive preview of On The Road on Sunday). Before settling in, stop by Urban Garden for a lamb shawarma fix. Later, head to the Fonda for a rare live performance by DJ legends Simian Mobile Disco. Then, call it a night -- Saturday is a real marathon.
Saturday
It's December 1, which means that it's time to hit the ground running on the shopping front. So, fortify yourself with an extra-strong cup of coffee at Handsome Coffee for the big day of money-hemorrhaging that lies ahead.
After you're suitably amped up, hit the sample sales. Start at Rachel Pally's warehouse down the street, where items are up to 85% off retail. After, stop by the LD Tuttle and Unearthen sale at 544 Matteo Street before diving head first into the California Market Center. Stop by the Ella Moss and Splendid men's and kids' clothing sale to start checking special somebodies off your gift list, then head up to the penthouse for the 5th Annual UNIQUE LA holiday show. They'll have over 350 vendors hawking their especially wonderful wares, in addition to free cocktails from Art in the Age, DIY workshops, and a photobooth. Grab lunch from one of the many local food vendors that will set up shop, then pack it in and make your way to the Cooper Building. There, stock up on gauzy, comfy tees from Kain Label, who's offering considerable discounts. Then, starting at 3 p.m., BGG favorite A Current Affair Vintage Marketplace will open the doors to its special holiday pop-up shop.
Afterwards, decompress by slurping down dinner at Viet Noodle Bar in Atwater, then infuse your weekend with a little culture by catching the Nutcracker by the Los Angeles Ballet. Grab a drink after the show at The Glendale Tap or head back downtown to the Standard for Moustache Bash, where Movember participants will be shaving and then celebrating their newly smooth faces. And then, collapse... though we recommend getting home first.
Sunday
Start Sunday by paying some respect to (arguably) the coolest Westwood regular ever, the composer, writer, and artist John Cage. All day, The Hammer will be playing musical pieces, organizing symposia, and doing anything else they can to celebrate what would have been the former UCLA professor's 100th birthday. At some point, take a break to get yourself some authentic Neapolitan pizza at 800 Degrees.
Later, stop by The Sartorialist book signing at Arcana in Culver City (don't forget to dress the part!) before heading west to Gladstones for An Evening with Anchor Brewing, a five-course prix-fixe tasting menu which pairs each dish with a different Anchor brew, all for just $29.95. Next on the agenda? Our advice is to savor the flavor of coastal cuisine and the stunnning ocean view -- and relax! You know that the upcoming week (and every week until January) is going to be at least as packed as the last three days!
