Drew Barrymore on the cover of Elle.

Hi Friends: One of my favorite celebrity personalities is Drew Barrymore. She just has a down to earth attitude and doesn't believe she's the greatest thing in the world like so many celeberity types do. Most celebrities just kind of annoy me and if you live in LA you would know what I mean. Here's a portion of the interview she gave Elle.

On taking stock of where she is now: “For three years straight, I’ve been burning the candle at both ends, and as of last December, I just didn’t have anything left. I’ve been so aggressive about living life to the fullest and being plugged into everything, but now I’ve ripped the plug out of the wall and put it on the floor for a while. I’m thinking about the same things as when I was 15, about spirituality and who I am, who I want to be. It’s cocoon, pupa, larva, and fuck, I’m reborn!”

On the media’s misconceptions of her: “I make movies. I have a passion. Puppies and daisies don’t accomplish anything. That’s not me at all.”

On being single: “If you’re 35 and single and it’s a choice, it feels fine. So I didn’t settle with the wrong person yet. Big deal!”

On her upcoming role in Going the Distance: “I like that it’s not a traditional romantic comedy, with the story line of, ‘Oh, I slept with this guy, but when I woke up, I found out he’s the CEO of my company, and we’re going to live happily ever after once we go through all these crazy perils. I talk shit with my girlfriends. And it can get dirty.”

On why she’s not afraid to get older: “I don’t want to be vain or fearful, and I don’t think I’ll do anything [in terms of plastic surgery], but if I want to do something, I will. From my perspective, there’s no reason to be afraid of aging, because if you age, you’re lucky! The alternative is death.”

On child stardom: “I was raised in unique and trying environments, but they were also amazing platforms for me to have an extraordinary life. Going through hell as a kid made me sensitive to what others in this world go through too.”

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

Summer Swimwear . . . !

Hi Jennifer & Friends:

I've been running for more than a year now and have toned and shaped my figure like never before. I'm now shopping for swimwear which is something I haven't done in years. More like 15 years!

The only difference between then and now is that I don't actually go into the water and I never go into the ocean. I live in LA and our condo has a small but very nice pool. My swimwear is really for getting some sun so I should call it 'sun wear' even though I'm getting older now and sitting in the sun isn't something I do very often either. Maybe I should just forget the whole thing.

However, I'm going to a huge pool party and I want to look fantastic. There, I said it! I basically want to show off all my hard work.

I haven't bought a swimsuit in so long I have no idea what's in style, especially for someone in their 30's. The swimsuit I have pictured is a little skimpy but I like it. My fiance' is coming with me and his suit is so simple to buy but my suit challenge is real and important.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this suit or any suggestion?

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

The Velvet Trend. . . !

Hi Jennifer & Gang! I've been seeing a lot of velvet worn on the runways and in the fashion magazines and from what I can tell there's a new trend on the horizon. And, I have to add, that I'm not that big a fan of this look and material. I think it ages women and can look a little like you were rummaging through your grandma's closet.

If you take a look at the history of this fabric you can find yourself going all the way back to the 13th century when it was worn by Kings and Queens of England and France. Every time I think of velvet I think of movies of that period with Judi Dench wearing long flowing robes and giant cuffs and collars all made of velvet.

But circa 2010 brings us a new velvet as Giorgio Armani had an entire runway show with jackets and pants made of velvet and even furniture and accessories adorn the look. The interesting thing about velvet is that it seems they only use it when making dark clothing; blue's, black, burgundy, etc. I've never seen a light colored velvet anything, or at least I can honestly say I don't remember seeing it.

Velvet of a more current past reminds me of burned out rock stars like Freddie Mercury from Queen or even Mick Jaeger. How about a dramatic over exaggeration of a pimp. LOL! Can you picture this look? It's so vivid in my head.

Needless to say, I'm not going to pick up any velvet pieces anytime soon unless of course I try it on and look fantastic in it.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

Pretty little Things. . . !

Hi Jennifer! I know it's been a few weeks but I'm back writing and having a great time. I just thumbed through the lookbook and the what's new and saw the new arrivals from Yoana Baraschi and I love them!

This little pink dot dress is adorable and so feminine. I can picture myself wearing this dress to so many functions here in LA. The weather has already been warm and this little dress is perfect.

The back of the dress is so pretty that I had I add the picture to show everyone. Anyway, it's nice to be back and love the fashions and the lookbook.

Lynn
Los Angeles, Ca

Wow! What great dresses!

Hi Jennifer and gang! I just saw the new arrivals and these two dresses by Susana Monaco really caught my eye. Both of them are so beautiful! The colors and the style are the perfect combination for me. Actually, all the Susana Monaco dresses and tops are fantastic.

Nice job you guys.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

Earthquake! No Big Deal! (sort of)

Hi Jennifer and congratulations Sarah on dropping the weight and feeling great. That's fantastic! If you ever get to LA look me up and we'll go for a run along the ocean where the scenery is just beautiful!

On a side note, I love living in Los Angeles. I really do, but the earthquakes are starting to annoy me. This is about the 5th earthquake I've been through since living here and, although some are stronger than others, they're scary and you never know if the one your going through will be gigantic and destroy everything.

It's an eerie feeling to be awakened with the windows rattling and your building shaking as they build in strength. You never know how long they're going to last and a million things go through your mind when you begin to feel them.

Anyway, it's St Patrick's Day and we have no plans to do anything. I'm looking for something green to wear, just for fun!

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

P.S. I love the fashion news reports. They really crack me up and some of them get me thinking if they're true or not. Very funny!

Megan Fox. . . Most Desirable!

Hi Friends! My new "W" magazine arrived in the mail not to long ago and if you have any eyesight whatsoever you can't help notice that Megan Fox is on the cover in all her stunning gorgeousness. Even her name is written so big and bold in a bright orange font that you can't miss it! It's almost as if her written name is fighting for attention with her picture.

The reason for this post is that my fiance' has a not-so-secret crush on her. I mean seriously, if Megan Fox were to walk into our house I'm not sure what he would do. When I bring this up to him all he does is chuckle and says he's just teasing me but I don't think he is. I think he's serious but I try to play along and not be so serious but I casually look at him out of the corner of my eye to see if he's drooling over the pictures.

I asked him; outside of the obvious of course, what it is that makes Megan Fox so desirable to men? If you dig deeper than her looks she's not someone you bring home to your parents. Fox is covered in tattoo's, she's a bisexual crazed deviant, she's rough and tough, uses bad language and is a high school drop out. She can't act to save her life and the only thing she has going for her is she is drop dead sexy with a perfect figure. Is that all men are interested in? No response for several seconds and I felt him mocking me without saying a word. What bothers me is that I work hard everyday, I'm educated, I have to run my butt off to stay in shape, I like to think I'm reserved and lady like and I'm not bisexual. I am everything that Fox is not. Also, I think that if she walked into our house I'm afraid she would beat me up and throw me out the front door.

My fiance' started to laugh at my rant and said he didn't want to marry Fox but that she's the new hot sex symbol that everyone is talking about. She's taken the place of Angelina Jolie except Jolie can act. He said that I had nothing to worry about and continued to tease me about the fact that I new more about Fox than he did. Well that was probably true. I like to know the enemy! :)
I have no other problems with any other beautiful woman but there is something about Megan Fox that bugs me.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

Hollywood is a Buzz!

Hi Jennifer & Friends! It's Oscar weekend and it's one of my favorite times of the year, next to going home for Christmas. Los Angeles is a buzz of celebrities and fun as the parties kick off on Thursday night and go into the wee hours of Monday morning.

I'm going to an Oscar Party Saturday night and on Sunday night, my fiance and I are going to our 'condo' party room where around 100 people are getting together to party and grill out and watch the festivities on the big screen. Movies will be playing all day long and you can come early and watch them or just show up for the Oscar's.

This kind of party will be a lot of fun because cost is an issue right now and I really like my neighbors. None of them know we're trying to save money and buy a house. Plus, we can just walk to the party room and walk home when we want to go. The cost was $25 a couple and that was just to chip in for food and wine. Sweet!

LA is so expensive as some of the parties can cost thousands of dollars by the time you're done. It's obnoxious and I'm just not that into the scene of being seen, like everyone else in LA.

I recently saw the movie Avatar in 3D. OMG! Amazing! I'm not a Sci-Fi girl but this is one spectacular movie.

Lynn,

Los Angeles, CA

Cozy layers & cool looks . . !

Hi Jennifer, friends & all the new bloggers! I love all the activity!

I've been following the images and videos of NY Fashion Week and this year it seems that all you saw were the big name designers and old stand-bys company's who have managed to weave their way through the down economy. Apparently the cost of showing your goods this year didn't go down and the cost of wearing designer names didn't go down either either. I have to say that I'm a little confused.

Some of the fashions I did like were the old comfy cozy styles that look fantastic and have some functionality. They may be expensive, but at least you can wear these looks year in and year out. This look by Wiliam Rast I thought was beautiful. The scarf combined with what looks like a military style jacket, was stunning.

On a more local note the Lauren Moshi top with the Black Orchid jeans shown on the upper right is an amazing look. I love how you styled this casual but chic top with a grey skinny jean. Cute!

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

Love the Black Orchid Jeans!

Good morning Jennifer & Friends: It's so early in LA right now and I can't sleep so what better way to relax then to write

I love all the new Black Orchid jeans you just got in but I can only afford one pair at this time so I have a tough choice between three really great style. So, . . . . !

I choose this pair! I love the dark smokey grey color and the stressed areas add a nice touch because they show up in a white colored thread and not so ripped that it looks like I need a new pair. The rips are just right.

I have solid black jeans and many pairs of light and dark jeans but I don't have this color. Super cute!

On a side note! The model pictured below is completely gorgeous! Seriously Jennifer, I live in Los Angeles where it seems that everyone is beautiful but they all look the same. But the women you find in Wisconsin seem real and unique and she doesn't look like anyone I've ever seen before. I would kill for that hair! Anyway, I thought you would like to know that.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

Trend Report!

Hi Jennifer & Friends! I've begun to notice a big trend in pendant necklaces that are hitting the runways and it seems that it doesn't matter if the pendant is on multiple chain necklaces or single chain. I like both styles equally but I think the size of the pendant should be proportionate to the thickness of the chain, or at least the strength of the chain.

In LA, the stores will show both styles merchandised in a casual way or even dressy which is very interesting as I would have never thought to do that but they made all of these looks really cute and fashionable. I've also seen big stones and charms on multiple chains mixed into bracelets and necklaces that are really cool and trendy.

I bring all of this up because, like most women, I love jewelry and sometimes I never know what to pair a trendy top or outfit with the latest trend in jewelry. I really like the simplicity of Jordan Alexander and the detailing of jenny designs that I see on jlamore.com and have many pieces but I wish I had a "trend report" like book to guide me along the way.

I have a lot of clothing and a very nice selection of jewelry but it still takes me forever to get dressed because the 'what-goes-with-what' can really stress me out. I use the friends blog to get advice and see the latest trends so, I have a question. (it's actually more of a thought) Does J. LaMore offer a written form of a trend report? That would be nice to have.

I'm sure you could probably find a trend report online some where but who has time to look for that and there is probably thousands of them and how do I know these trend report writters know what they're talking about. I've know Jennifer LaMore for many years and her credibility in the fashion biz is matched by very few people so I would believe what she told me.

I remember what Jennifer told me about the 'bubble pant' that was supposed to be a big trend in 2008. She laughed and told me to ". . . stay away from it. Nobody looks good in this pant. . . !" I did and she was right.

Go Saints!

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

My smart phone is making me stupid!

Hi Jennifer and Friends! And welcome Jade from Boston! Glad to have you on the friends blog and I look forward to reading about things that interest you.

I'm fed up with cell phones. Seriously people! Sick and tired of this addictive little gadget is just the beginning of how I feel but I can't put it down, and neither can anyone else. How this feeling came about was a revelation in the most unusual way. Here's what happened.

I have a group of girlfriends that I run with every Saturday and when we're done we go to a little coffee joint and sit and chat for about an hour. During our conversation on Saturday everyone's cellphone rang and beeped and vibrated so much I kind of lost it.

As I was jokingly critical of all my friends and their constant text interruptions, you know the kind; the kind when people stop what they're saying to you and look at their cell phone to see who the far more important message was from, we were looking at some pictures recently taken and all of them of me showed me looking down at my so-called smart phone. There were more than a couple pictures of me standing with a group of people staring down at my cell phone and it looked like I was sending a text message or returning an email. I remember the event and I remember that pictures were taken, but for the life of me I cannot remember what was so important that made me look like an idiot in all these pictures. I was embarressed and the laughter and teasing I was hearing was so deserved and it made me seriously rethink how connected I need to be.

I read the blog about the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and I love technology and how it can improve your life but what they don't mention is how addictive all of this can be. For tech companies I'm sure they want you to be addicted but from now on, I'm going to learn to turn things off or leave the phone in the car and carry on a conversation and be respectful of an other person's time. The smart phone was making me stupid, or at least look stupid! From now on I'm going to just walk away when a person I'm talking to stops the conversation and looks at their phone. How rude!

At least I'm aware that I'm addicted. Isn't that the first step of a 12 step program; acknowledge that you have a problem.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

To wear or not to wear. . . !

Hi Jennifer & Friends!

I've seen younger women wear a french style hat even in warmer weather and I really like this look. At least on them.

My problem is there are so many styles to choose from but I really want to wear the little beret style hat. My other problem is that I don't think I look good in hats and the minute I put one on I feel awkward and I feel like I'm trying to hard to be fashionable.

When I went home to Colorado for the holidays it was cold and my family has a box full of stocking hats that we all just grabbed to wear outside and nobody cares how you look or if it matched. Just throw it on and out the door you go. But in LA that will not do. You wear a hat for a completely different reason.

This little beret is kind of sassy and the colors are fun. It will also cover up a bad hair day should you happen to have one. Is this look to young for a 30 something year old woman? I think it is.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

No Expensive Denim for Me!

Hi Jennifer & Everyone! My report last year on the "denim glut" needs no more proof than a mere glance outside and around town as evidence. You don't even need a a mission like I had to prove the denim glut existed however, for those of you who didn't read my post on the subject let me rephrase that just a little - an expensive denim glut is more like it.

I set out to prove that the real world isn't going to pay $300-$500 for denim anytime soon and when you look at fashionable people around Los Angeles these days they are just as comfortable wearing regular old jeans that look like they came from a garage sale! I love it!

Fashion isn't always label driven and we know style isn't either so if you dig around the bottom of your closet and you find an old pair of jeans don't be afraid to slip into them with a sexy t-shirt, a great bag and cool shoes. Rolling up the bottom cuff is a big trend right now and you wouldn't think of doing that to your 7's or your Citizens. I really like the boyfriend jeans and when I got my first pair I swear I instantly gave them a secret boys name and will reach for them on days when I'm happy and days when I'm not.

The denim of 70's, 80's and the 90's are different then todays denim. Todays denim is much softer and there are so many denim brands and trends it's hard to keep track of what to wear and who's wearing it. I like to find my own style in denim because it's easy and you really can't go wrong anymore. This is what "the glut" did for us fashion conscious women. The glut gave us so many choices no matter what you wear it looks great and the prices dropped by 50%! You have to love that!

Lynn
LosAngeles, CA

Gel vs Acrylic nails. . . !

Hi Jennifer: That is a fantastic question as I have struggled with this problem for years. I haven't tried gel nails yet but I'm going to this year. I complain abut nail polish every time I put it on because it chips and cracks and I always ask myself why it's not easier.

I've looked into both gel nails and acrylic nails and this is what I found out so far.

Pros of Acrylic Nails

-If you break an acrylic nail you can almost always fix it temporarily and rather easily yourself.
-The removal process is simple and straightforward if done by a professional. The nails can be soaked rather than filed off.
-Acrylics are very strong. When done correctly and good nail care is practiced, they can last a long time. They’re robust!

Pros of Gel Nails

-Gel nails often look more natural and glossy than other types of cosmetic nails.
-The curing time is faster than acrylics, sometimes clocking in at just two minutes when light-curing is done.
-Gel nail mixtures are odorless.
-There is less filing involved during the application process.

Cons of Acrylic Nails

-They can damage your real nails in a harsher manner than gel nails can.
-Acrylics can look fake instead of natural and they can look even worse when done incorrectly.
-It can be hard to grow out acrylic nails.

Cons of Gel Nails

-They don’t last as long and are less durable than acrylic, even though they tend to cost more.
-Gel nails are harder to do yourself if you like to do home manicures.
It’s been noted that nail polish won’t stick to the gel finish as well as it does to an acrylic finish.
-If a gel nail breaks, you may be in for some trouble. It can sometimes be more of a shatter effect than a clean break, so self-fixing a break is not usually an option. You’ll need to make an appointment right away with your manicurist. Sometimes they do break cleanly; basic nail glue could be used in that case.
-Gel nails almost always need to be filed off. You can’t just soak them away.

I hope this helps you and the readers of the friends blog and if you try them and you think they work good, please post a note here and I'll try them too. You're the Guinea Pig! :)

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

PS
Clare: No way would I forgive her. Move and and kick her out of your friendship circle.

Love the new mini, . . !

Hi Jennifer & friends! Just so you know, we're not going to the New Years Eve Party at the big fancy bar! Thank God! I told the truth and feel fantastic about it. I did not want to go and come to find out neither did my boyfriend. He thought I wanted to go! Too funny!

Anyway, I was checking out the the site and saw this little Bailey 44 skirt and had to write about it. That look is so LA! Way to go Jennifer! Super cute!

Got to go for now.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

New Years Eve Parties in LA

Hi Jennifer & Friends: I have a chance to go to the hottest New Years Eve Party in Los Angeles and I'm torn about what to do.

The party is called New York Night's: The Black & White Ball and it's at the Playhouse Hollywood here in LA. The problem is the price even if you have a FREE ticket. It's obnoxious. Tickets for First Batch at the bar is $125.00! Final Batch is $250.00!

Silver up to Ultimate Package prices start at $1500.00 and run up to $5,000, which does not include tip or gratuity! Seriously, are you kidding me? Bottles of Kettle one Vodka go for $500 if you reserve one of the tables and you have to buy one. Just so you know, Our company did not give out any bonuses this year so I will not be getting a table. I've been to this place before and it's very cool!

How I have the opportunity to go this year is my boyfriends boss was given two first batch tickets to get in and he took the tickets thinking I wanted to go and it would be a surprise. I love the thoughtfulness but I wanted to spend the night at a house party some friends are having which will be a lot more fun. I already have my outfit picked out. The second problem is the other people we would be going with I don't like very much and we have little if anything in common. Even with free tickets it would still cost $500+ to go to this party.

I don't want to go but how to I get out of this?

Anyone?

Lynn
Los Angeles, LA

We're back to denim. . . !

Hi Jennifer & friends! I've been following the fashion mag's and forecasters out here in Los Angeles and what I found is a lot of the the top designers are going back into denim in a deep way. It seems everything is going to be made from denim from ruffle skirts to suit jackets to just about every style you can think of in jeans.

I thought the denim glut had killed the desire for expensive denim wear but the top designers like D&G, Stella McCartney and others seem to have given CPR to the old trend. I don't understand, every expensive denim brand I looked up has their Fall 09' stock down to have price and has been there for some time. There is no way I'm buying $300 jeans anymore. I just can't do it and none of my co-workers are doing that either.

Some of the denim for 2010 is neon blue and there's even denim shoes, handbags and even distressed denim pillows coming for spring. Really! Denim pillows? Ralph Lauren is even designing a line of denim inspired furniture using a mix of materials and washes.

So Jennifer, is this a trend that will be strong for J. LaMore or is it just a runway fashion show thing that never makes it to the stores?

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

P.S. I hope you guys had a great party!

Socks . . . !

Hi Jennifer & Friends! I noticed in your recent lookbooks that you have strong influence in socks as part of the styled and choreographed looks. Socks with boots and heels paired along with stockings and a mini dress. Knee high socks and ankle socks seem to be everywhere and I have to say that I love the look. I also love the over the knee look too. Very cute!

I now see that socks are making it on all the runway shows and how the models and stylist put the look together is wonderful. I would have never thought to wear this look but I am very interested in it now.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

P.S.

On a personal note, I am back from five days in Colorado now but I go back to work on Tuesday. I have a day to regroup. It was really nice going home for Thanksgiving since I've been gone for a couple of years. Traveling on a holiday weekend was pure hell! I consider myself one of the lucky ones to actually get home. I hate to say it but I may reconsider going home for Christmas if this is how it is. I don't know how people do it year after year.

Whoa. . . !

Hi Jennifer! I see you guys just keep improving! Your new holiday lookbook story is so cheerful and festive and the model is stunning!

You make me want to go Christmas shopping!

As you know, I'm going home for Thanksgiving and I'm leaving Sunday. I haven't been home for a couple of years so I'm excited!

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA