Swell Sip: Ginger Cheer

This, friends, is a very special SWELL SIP for a very special mister—the one and only Mr. Goicochea,of course. A fantastic fellow (and a perfect pop to the pups and cats), I am honored to call him the peas to my carrots and the pep in my step. In short, he makes life grand! And being so stylish and snappy, smart and sweet, this ginger-apple-vanilla concoction suits him perfectly. Ian, cheers to your day of birth and to many years to come! I love you, good sir. 

6. Gant Rugger Blazer 7. General Pants Expedition Boot 8. Swaine Adeney Brigg Flask Umbrella

9. Topshop Resin Segment Collar 10. Scoth & Soda Japanese Styled Scarf 11. Peter Jensen Pintuck Dress

Swell Sip: Sleepy Ghost

After a spooky and spectacular Halloweekend, there may be a chance that you'll want to  hole up in your house on Monday to watch frightening flicks and keep the spirit of All Hallows' Eve low key. Well, at least I might so any good recommendations for films welcome. So may I present to you the right libation for the occasion: the Sleepy Ghost, a SWELL SIP so stiff (pun intended) from vodka, Creme de Menthe Pastille and vanilla schnapps that you'll want to savor it slowly should you end up truly sleepy if you don't. Happy haunting friends!

6. Toast Cableknit Short Socks 7. CB2 Buckley Organic Blanket 8. Toast Storm Lantern 9. SALT Optics Martin Crystal Glasses 10.Vanessa Bruno Apron Shirtdress

Swell Sip: Jolly Pumpkin

Since I fancy autumn so much, I couldn't help but create an outfit for a casual seasonal fete—perhaps a pumpkin-carving party or jabbering around the hearth with plenty of blankets. With a bit of whipping cream, warm notes of spice and a rum base, this SWELL SIP is like pumpkin pie in a glass. Meaning, skip dessert and end the night with a Jolly Pumpkin. Here's to a very merry weekend!

6. Toast Colibri Shoes 7. Rag & Bone Montgomery Crop Sweater 8. ASOS Polished Bangle Watch 9.Topshop Pleated Chiffon Skirt 10. Pendleton Beach Boys Rust Motor Robe Blanket

Swell Sip: Morning, Autumn

Brisk autumn mornings in Los Angeles when the sun is out and the air is clear enough to realize how close we are both to the ocean and the mountains are simply perfection. It makes you wonder how you could ever live anywhere else, no? This SWELL SIP, a coffee and hazelnut concoction that is meant for sipping on any crisp day, is best had after an early Sunday spent munching on pain au chocolat while perusing flea markets and farmers markets. Come home, find the newspaper and enjoy while taking your sweet (and nutmeg-y time). Morning, autumn!

8. Boy by Band of Outsiders Easy Shirt 9. Hill-side Scarf 10. Apolis Market Bag 11.  Minnetonka Suede Ankle Boots 12. Toast Boy Jean

Swell Sip: Long Weekend

Whether you're escaping the city in this comfy weekend outfit or simply sitting on your porch for three days, may you find time to cool down with this subtly sweet SWELL SIP. A mix of Civilized Vodka, elderflower syrup, fresh pear, cucumber and a spot of fizz, it is refresher to end the summer properly. It went by quickly, but it was good while it lasted. Cheers folks!

8. J. Crew Slimfit Selvedge Jeans 9. Master-piece Blanket Rucksack 10. Warby Parker Winston Frames 11. Thorocraft The Williamson 12. Sunspel T Shirt

Swell Sip: August Dusk

Teal and orange like a evening sky, I swirled up this SWELL SIP (based on a recipe for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) to feel a bit dangerous and mysterious with its gin base, touch of la fée verte, and a puckery finish of orange bitters. Imbibed while on on the patio in this late summer ensemble and who knows where the wind will take the rest of your night?

8. Uniform Wares 150 Series 9. Fleet Ilya Layered Loop Satchel 10. Gorman Woodgrain Ballet Skirt 11. Durbury Acute Cut Pumps 12. Monki Chelsea Singlet

Swell Sip: Boyes-enberry Bliss

I concocted this sparkly and sweet SWELL SIP in honor of one of my favorite duos, Justin and Monica, or as we will soon know them: Mr. and Mrs. Boyes. Simple pour a glass of sparkling white wine or your favorite bubbly, add a bit of muddled boysenberries, a splash of blackberry liqueur, top with a fun straw and serve. Cheers to many years of good fortune and good fun! See you Monday, my dears. 

5. Dolce & Gabbana Check Shirt  6. J. Crew Men's Socks 7. Allsaints Spitalfields Fuse Bowtie 8. Iacoli & McAllister Necklace No. 3 9. Dieppa Restrepo Shoes 10. Day Birger et Mikkelsen Dress

Swell Sip: The Outside Land

Happy Friday! Many of you may already be sipping your java and getting giddy for your next few days of throwing down your blanket, pulling out your camera and listening to the sounds of Ellie Goulding and Beirut under the eucalyptus trees at Outside Lands. To you I say, have a marvelous time! To the rest of us (oh you know, the ones trekking to SF who will be eating summer squash tacos at Tacolicious, but skipping Golden Gate or those who are staying in LA and keeping it mellow), here is a SWELL SIP to celebrate the festival anyway. With a smidgen of lime juice, a hint of tarragon and a lot of gingery fizz, it's an concoction best enjoyed in the fresh air—wherever you may be.

6. Cutler and Gross Sunglasses 7. Apolis American Bundle 8. Steven Alan Thermal Crew 9. Fisheye One Woodgrain Camera 10. Jack Purcell Shoes 11. Burberry Tote

Swell Sip: Trail Blazer

With Jenna away on vacation and my indoor camping birthday fete tomorrow (a bit early as I turn a year older on August 9), I got behind the bar to create a SWELL SIP fit for toasting with after a long hike. With a swizzle of Midnight Moon, Lemon Peel & Ginger Root Mash and a sprig of rosemary, this is sure to both refresh and relax your senses after a day exploring. I imagine sitting in a safari tent at El Capitan Canyon (the definition of glamping) with a few fellow hikers, a round of these and a vintage set of dice. A proper excursion for the end of summer, don't you think?




7. Urban Outfitters Sahara Wayfarers 8. Madewell Acorn Necklace 9. Steven Alan Erin Shorts 10. Madewell Sun Fade Sketch Tank 11. Thoro Craft Shop Hudson Boots 12. Herschel Supply Company Survey

Swell Sip: Summer Salty Dog

Being that we are well into the dog days of summer, Jenna has stirred up a deliciously refreshing SWELL SIP. With Fizzy Lizzy Grapefuit bubbles and a perfect rim of salt, it is sure to pucker you up and cool you down. And speaking of dogs, stay tuned for my must-have canine travel gear full of perfect ideas for your wayfaring pooch. We're taking the pups to Palm Springs for a little R&R and while we sip our Summer Salty Dogs, they'll be happily acting like lazy dogs in the breeze of the AC. Happy weekend!

5. Topshop Yellow Oversize Hexagon Sunglasses 6. Sparkle and Fade High/Low Tank 7. Coral Slouchy Bag 8. Sun-San Saltwater Sandals 9. Paige Denim Jimmy Jimmy Shorts

Swell Sip: L.A. Staycation

Thanks to dear Jenna (who sends her love and condolences to our freeway-dependent city), we can at least make the most of this silly weekend with a sunny SWELL SIP, a tart mix of lemon vodka, grenadine and sugar. A couple of these plus a viewing of Valley of the Dolls in your lady of leisure outfit, and you'll be sittin' pretty at home without a care in the world.

7. Chanel Aviators 8. Jane Norman Floppy Hat 9. Valley of the Dolls 10. Kimchi Blue Henley Romper 11. Aldo Rodda Womens' Flat Sandals 12. Kate Spade Bamboozled Graduated Necklace

Swell Sip: Happy Camper

Happy Friday you happy campers! I don't know if you're bound for the woods for a rugged getaway, but whether you're making a mess with s'mores under the stars, or just standing around your TV with the cracklin' fire video playing, this is a minty-fresh Mason jar SWELL SIP from Jenna that will get you back to nature. After her Rhode Island excursion, consider this authentic.

Swell Sip: The LA Grey

Pardon my tardiness with your SWELL SIP, friends. I came down with something last night and have been sleeping the day away. Jenna Sais Quois and I must be on the same wavelength across the miles as she, too, had a rough go this week. But being the trooper she is, she's come through with a cloudy concoction in honor of Los Angeles' June Gloom. So while we're drinking to the weather, I've made her a gift guide of must-haves for when you're under the weather. Keep your eyes peeled for it and send your good thoughts to dear Jenna. Have a merry weekend!

6.  J. Crew Delphinium Dress 7. Topshop  3 Stone Wrap Knuckle Duster 8.  D&G Sunglasses 9. Nine West Geenah Sandals 10. Anthropologie Antilles Bucket Bag

Swell Sip: Darling Bud of May

May is a time for picnics and flowers. Or maybe in your case, soapbox races and listening to The Little Ones at the Silver Lake Jubilee. However you spend this dear weekend, here is a SWELL SIP from our friend Jenna Sais Quois that is a bit botanical, a bit tart, and a bit perfect for this fair month. Chin-chin!

 

Swell Sip: Unique L.A. Lumberjack

What is a Unique L.A. Lumberjack? It's SWELL SIP for the fan of Timber!, the adventurist packing their rucksack for a Joshua Tree getaway, or perhaps just the soul in need of serious swill to toast to the start of a weekend. Whatever your story, let's thank Jenna Sais Quois for giving us one hardy drink that will surely bring out the rugged in you. Down the hatch!

6. Men's Cashmere Sweater in "Warm Elm" from J.Crew 7. Non-iron Slim Fit Sport Shirt in "Rust" by Brooks Brothers 8. Jeans with Braces by Zara 9. Seil Marschall LW Climbers Pack in "Vintage US Khaki" from J.Crew 10. Red Wing 8 Inch Boots Style 877

Swell Sips: The Royal & The Commoner

Whether you're happily mingling inside the castle or waving your flag in the streets of London, one thing rings true for all: what a celebration it has been! So, toast in jubilation with TWO delightful SWELL SIPS by Jenna Sais Quois and enjoy the last of British week in dashing style. Come Monday, it's back to the States. See you then lovelies!

5. Olivia Red Silk Dress 6. Kate Spade Single Ball Earrings 7. Philip Treacy Hat8. Kate Spade Lemon Drop Handbag

 
5. School Boy Ponte Jacket from Topshop 6. Stone Hooded Metal Clasp Coat from Topshop 7. Multi Cruise Stripe Sleeveless Jersey 8. Genuine Red Hunter Wellies 9. Ray Ban Tortoise Shell Wayfarer Sunglasses

Swell Sip: Green G&T Gent

Happy Earth Day! Jenna Sais Quois has done it again with a very dapper ensemble from a variety of haberdashers, plus a perfect organic SWELL SIP in honor of La Terra. With some fresh lime and savory basil, this is a refresher that you can keep making well through the summer. And even should you shed the sweater come June, don't lose the Forage bow tie if you're going to toast with this G&T as it's made specifically for a modern eco-gent (because don't all proper gents wear bow ties?). Here, here!

*While you're visiting Jenna, make sure to check out the Eva Sais Quois gift guides including a roundup of Earth-friendly must-haves for that fellow greenie and today's garden party collection for your pastel weekend.

5. Nudie Slim Jim Skinny Jeans, 100% Organic Cotton 6. H&M Conscious Collection Shirt, Organic Cotton 7. Wewood watch, 100% natural Wood. When you buy a watch, they plant a tree! 8. Knowledge Cotton Apparel cardigan, 100% Organic cotton 9. Timberland Earthkeepers Canvas Shoe, made from 42% recycled Rubber and is 55% reusable/recyclable 10. Forage Bow Tie "Spring Fever collection," Made repurposing found fabrics

Swell Sip: Dark & Stormy

The clouds may have rolled in for a bit yesterday, but I'm pleased to announce a new feature/blog-swap that will give you reason to throw on your wellies and toast to the spring showers. Brought to us all the way from the very lovely Jenna Sais Quois, get your shakers and your glasses ready for this dizzying array of SWELL SIPS and fabulous frocks. Bottoms up!

4. Anthropologie Gull Wing Dress 5. Madewell Norfolk Cardigan 6. BayanHippo Tote 7. Hunter Wellington Boots 8. Bubble Umbrella

Weekday Food for All

Los Angeles is a town where the only issue for some is the cash burning a hole in their pockets. For the rest of us--the students, the PAs, the interns, the young professionals living on just enough to get by--there are specials. Drink specials. Taco specials. Let's-take-a-brief-vacation-to-Spain-via-wine specials. 

For a few dollars and a little bit of help, Angelenos from Downtown to Venice can all eat like heirs. Here is a list of a few of my favorites and some I have yet to try:

MONDAY

AOC 

Mediterranean Tapas & Wine 

8022 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles

Flights & Bites on Monday Nights

At Caroline Styne's West 3rd eatery, two flights of wine and a selection of small plates are perfectly paired at a petite price. With destinations changing weekly, Mondays can be an escape where to sample interesting French fromage and various vinos from Spain all without the usual big tab of AOC. Call 323.653.6359 for reservations. 

Citizen Smith

American Cajun 

1600 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood

50% of all food on Mondays

Xiomara

New Latin

6101 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles

Cubano Mondays: $25 per person family-style entrees, desserts & mojitos

TUESDAY

Marix

Tex-Mex 

1108 N. Flores Street, West Hollywood

Taco Tuesdays

With a permanent barrel of chips and $4 margaritas during weekly Happy Hour (4-7pm), this lively West Hollywood spot is making weekdays likable. Add all-you-can-eat $1.50 tacos and good company and Tuesday feels like the new Friday.  .  .except for the workday hangover.

WEDNESDAY

JiRaffe

California French 

502 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica

Ravioli Wednesdays

With a formal interior and an ever-changing menu, JiRaffe seems like a restaurant fit for special occasions. But on Wednesdays for just $29, Chef Lunetta serves up homemade ravioli, a salad with local ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmers Market, a dessert and two glasses of wine. 

THURSDAY

Ciudad

Latin American

445 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles

Ciudad After Dark

This downtown restaurant is a packed spot for lunch and on the weekends,but if you can trek downtown for Wednesday or Thursday nights, you can find a late-night happy hour serving $4.50 specialty drinks and small plates. 

FRIDAY

Edison

American Lounge

108 West 2nd Street, Los Angeles

Soup Kitchen Fridays

From 5-7pm, The Edison serves up free grilled cheese and tomato soup plus 35 cent concoctions with apropos names like the 401K and the Bailout. If you choose to stay longer, do your part and keep drinking--all proceeds on Fridays go to real local soup kitchens.

MONDAY-FRIDAY

Bar Pintxo

Spanish Tapas

109 Santa

 Monica Blvd., Santa Monica

Happy Hour 4-6pm: 6 for $6 tapas, $3 sangria/Stella

BondSt

Sushi

9360 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills

Happy Hour 5-7:30pm: $7 drinks and appetizers

Cha Cha Cha

Carribean/South American

656 N. Virgil Ave., Silver Lake

Happy Hour 5-7pm M-Th: $2-$6 small plates, $2 sangria, and $3 beer, wine, mojitos and margaritas

Chaya Brasserie

French-Japanese Fusion

110 Navy Street, Venice

8741 Alden Drive, Beverly Hills

525 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles

Happy Hour 5-7pm: $4-$5 sushi/appetizers, $6 specialty drinks

Katsuya

Sushi/Japanese

7300 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywod

11777 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood

702 Americana Way, Glendale

Happy Hour 5-7pm: $5-$7 specialty & well drinks, $5 appetizers

Lola's

New American/Martini Bar

945 N. Fairfax Ave., West Hollywood

Hard Times Happy Hour 5:30-7:30pm: $5 martinis and $5.50 appetizers

Whiskey Blue

Bar/Lounge

930 Hilgard Ave., Brentwood

Whiskey After Work: $7 appetizers, $9 specialty drinks