How to Look Like Money on the Social Scene in LA

Though I wasn’t ever one to get into the Lori Harvey hype, I will give it to the girl, whenever seeing her anywhere, she is well put together.

For the short period of time that she was a client I was assigned to assist, I found out her key to pulling off look after look successfully.

What is Lori Harvey’s secret to always looking good?

Whether it be an organic appeal, her adopted last name, or a strong publicist, little Ms. Lori began drawing major attention within recent years. (In all honesty, it’s majorly a combination of the latter two, but she still has to carry herself as a woman worthy of the buzz that’s drummed up for her.)

She said, "Oh, you rich rich?" ("You rich rich")
B*tch, I graduated, call me "Big Fish" (Marlin)
I got Lori Harvey on my wish list (That's Lori)
That's the only thing I want for Christmas (True story, uh)

- Meek Mill, Going Bad

Who is Lori Harvey?

Imagine typing that question into a search engine after hearing that lyric in a 2018 hit song and a sloppy mess of a girl appears in the images. You’d wonder if Meek Mill felt that Rick James quote on a personal level, or if he was paid handsomely to mention her. Even as each could still be true, most people could look at the image results and understand why a man would be attracted to her physical.

At a bare bones level, she isn’t a bad looking girl by far, but the way she fine tunes her look takes her to the next level. There is one major key to Lori Harvey’s look.

I’m good for holding you in other areas of this personal lifestyle blog, like when I get on my soapbox, but there’s no need to drag this simple suggestion out.

Thee one, easy step to make yourself look expensive is:

Alterations.

“I get everything tailored,” Lori told me one day as she tried on an Alexander Wang dress, standing all of two feet from my desk. I must’ve asked her if she wanted me to order her another size or something and she responded that this one was her size. “I make everything shorter, or tighter,” Steve Harvey’s stepdaughter continued with a smile and a giggle. And it made perfect sense. Everything she wears looks like it’s made just for her because it is.

Yep, that’s it. Now, it will cost you, but that’s all there is to it.

The likeliness of getting your entire wardrobe custom-tailored without being wealthy or famous is slim, unless you’re a seamstress or have less clothes than what can fit in Barbie’s miniature closet. It is expensive!

Alterations on this little black dress cost me $150, almost as much as the dress itself, but the end result will be worth it.

I said it was easy, not cheap.

I dropped off a dress at my local tailor today to wear to a dance theatre show tomorrow and my jaw dropped when they told me the price.

$150! Yes, one-hundred-fifty dollars to get a dress taken in. The clerk saw my expression and said, without me asking, “it’s lined, so it’s double the work, that’s why.” Baby, that price reminded me of my luxury retail days, bringing Lori’s pieces up to our in-house alterations department, where everything is skewed.

Expensive alterations may not be the best investment for trendy items.

There’s only a handful of items I’ve gotten altered.

And the aforementioned dress almost wasn’t one of ‘em! (I’m terribly accustomed to working in luxury retail, getting discounts, making it difficult for me to pay full price for anything.) But, I decided I’m willing to pay these luxury department store prices for this particular dress because I know it’s an item that will fit my body and my style for years and years to come. I’ve been wearing the same dress size since puberty, making it unlikely I’ll physically outgrow it anytime soon; and, it’s a classic piece that my style won’t outgrow either.

If you pay a couple hundred dollars to buy a dress, then another couple hundred to get a custom tailor fit to your body, that’s become a rather expensive dress, so you better look expensive!

I know it may sound too simple of a fix, and then expensive at that, but it does make a world of difference.

Lori Harvey can afford to have an entire wardrobe of custom-tailored clothing because she was legally adopted by a multimillionaire; and before her mom was involved with Steve Harvey, I ain’t saying she a gold digger, but she for damn sure wasn’t messing with no broke negro.

Also, Lori was one of the few clients we didn’t ever charge for alterations. It’s the funniest thing, rich people, that don’t need freebies, get the most freebies! Please take that into account before you go start trying to tailor everything. (Apply this concept to rocking this or that item, because a good amount of the items you see celebrities wearing are given to them. PR, child, PR! People will try to look/live like a celebrity not knowing that celebrity doesn’t even look/live like that celebrity. But that’s a blog post for another day.)

Getting clothes custom-tailored is nothing new to the wealthy. There some that often wouldn’t use the department store tailor because they have a personal tailor on their “team”.

Getting clothing custom-tailored is one of the most common, yet least talked about, way to make people look at you and think, “oh, you rich rich!”

You can start with one item, maybe a quality staple piece that can be worn for an array of occasions, such as a little black dress, how I was willing to splurge, or a navy blue suit.

Honey, after you pay what you paid for the dress all over again on alterations, you’ll have the right to tell them, “b*tch, I graduated; call me Big Fish!”

Okay, I said I wasn’t going to hold you all on this one, so let me let you go, but one last thing before I do.

It’s okay to be new to this. If you haven’t done it before, it’s okay to start now. And, it’s okay to start small.

I definitely wasn’t raised getting my items custom-tailored, nor seeing any adult figures in my personal life do such. Lori came from money, she had a head start. Some of us are just arriving at these expanded levels of life, and we fought tooth and nail to get here.

If nobody introduced you to a luxury lifestyle, if you didn’t grow up that way, it’s okay; you can introduce yourself. If you want it, and you worked hard for it, you should have it.

You’re here; that’s a start. You clicked on this article about looking more luxurious for a reason.

Where are you going? There’s no rush to do it all at once. Start implementing little luxuries into your life here and there. Enjoy the journey.


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International Women’s Day Celebration Hosted by Kelly Rowland in Los Angeles

I’ll go into detail about the social event itself on the next post, but while today is still technically International Women’s Day, I wanted to say cheers to us and cheers to y’all.

I love us. I love y’all.

As I playfully posted on an Instagram Reel the other day — “God could’ve made me anything in this world, and He chose to make me a Black woman — I’m thankful for my soul to have been born into this body.

Women are such beautiful creations and it’s lovely to see them on display, at work, during play, fulfilling a role, or simply being.

March being Women’s History Month gives us a moment to shift our focus to all of the greatness that is a natural-born woman.

The entire month, but especially today, International Women’s Day, brings us reason to come together as women and socialize as we celebrate and learn from one another.

I thoroughly enjoyed attending an event that gave space to 5 successful women in Hollywood, allowing them to share both dialogue and vibrations with those of us in the room.

ebonee davis at revolve women's day celebration in los angeles

speaking with supermodel Ebonee Davis after Revolve’s #RevolveSocialClub International Women’s Day Celebration hosted by Kelly Rowland in West Hollywood

The 4 panelists were Nazanin Mandi Pimentel, Francia Raisa, Ebonee Davis, and Jen Atkin. The ladies’ discussion was moderated by the ageless and charismatic beauty Kelly Rowland.

The event was hosted off the intersection of Los Angeles’ Melrose and La Cienega in a storefront space completely branded for Revolve as #RevolveSocialClub.

I took video clips and will post a TikTok in the morning, and also another blog post in this “socialize” section of my little corner of the Internet, if The Spirit so leads me.

Right now, it's approaching midnight, so I’ll go ahead and click “save and publish”.

If you love being a woman, or love your fellow woman, please follow the blog on Instagram @aroundLAwithTK. There, you’ll find all sorts of content catered to YOU, and you’ll be reminded when new blogs are posted.

I love you for being here. Thank you.

L.A., In a Few Weeks, We Outsiiiiiiiiiide!

Okay, some may say I never went inside, but California’s plan for a full reopening on June 15th is still exciting news for me.

A not-too-social social life

Even for those of us that have managed to safely gather with others and attend events during these Covid-19 restrictions, the way we’ve been socializing in Los Angeles is different.

Take the above photo for example. That’s me and my client-turned-friend, Jam, in the foyer area outside of the restrooms at Tao LA. As we waited for the other ladies to touch up in the mirror, we snapped it up on the cute little couch. As of right now, moments like those aren’t allowed to exist.

It’s weird.

First of all, restaurants in Los Angeles require guests to have on a face covering at all times while inside, unless you’re seated (and eating) at your table. Then, restaurants have also closed off, or heavily monitor, areas where guests would usually congregate. My homegirl from Louisiana, Ke, and I had to sneak outside of the elevator and take this picture at Catch LA (click); the ladies at the host stand kept telling us that we could take pictures, but we had to keep our masks on, and insinuated we’d better hurry before other people come up because guests from different parties couldn’t be around one another.

In addition to the shared spaces, like walkways and lobbies, it was even different at the individual tables. Covid-19 restrictions in Los Angeles County wouldn’t allow more than 6 guests per table… so what happens when somebody else decides to come? You have to rework and split up your entire party, seating some at the table you had reserved, then hope the restaurant will give you another table nearby for the remainder of the party.

The number of people per table wasn’t the only thing restricted. The number of people in the restaurant overall was restricted as well. As of now, restaurants in L.A. are still operating at 50% capacity. Imagine the crowd of a restaurant, you’re accustomed to seeing jumping, cut in half. It changes the whole vibe. It doesn’t feel right not to have to turn to the side, grab your girlfriend’s hand, and squeeze thru a sea of well-dressed folks at least once in Catch or Tao.

When is Los Angeles fully reopening?

I’m looking forward to mixing and mingling in the bar area until the maitre d’ calls me saying my table is ready. I’m looking forward to pulling up an extra chair for a friend without a problem. I’m almost even looking forward to someone stepping on my freshly-painted toes peeking out of my stilettos because it’s just that chaotic.

And it looks like, I won’t be looking for too long.

Come June 15, Californians will wake up to a world that looks nothing like the past year-plus — one where businesses can open their doors without COVID-19 constraints on capacity or requirements for physical distancing, and where people who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks in most situations.

source: LA Times

I’m ready for a fully reopened California.

What about you? Do you mind a little pandamonium? Will you miss venues being halfway-empty? Send me a tweet telling me your thoughts.

Find out what’s going on aroundLA in this Guide to L.A. And, check out more about your favorite figures in L.A. by checking out the aroundLA interview series on YouTube! Be sure to subscribe to the channel while you’re there!

6 Restaurants aroundLA to Get Cute and Eat "Out"

Literally, “out”.. outside.

“I feel like getting cute.” You’ve felt that sentiment, haven’t you?

During the ongoing public health crisis, with Los Angeles still being partially closed, reasons to get cute are few and far between. There aren’t any major events happening anytime soon, and who knows how long it’ll be before bars and nightclubs are allowed to reopen their doors in L.A. County?! People host small gatherings, but we talked about what to wear to private mansion parties, and bandage dresses are not it.

So, what is a girl to do?!

When can I wear my body-hugging regalia? What’s an occasion to curl my hair to voluminous perfection and do a full-face beat? Where’s the best place to go strut in my Louboutin stilettos and pretend they don’t hurt my feet?

Eat!

Or, nibble.. to keep your tummy tucked in that little get-up, and bring the rest of your food home. Restaurants have had to make all sorts of structural changes in order to welcome back guests. From implementing new procedures, to adding actual physical structures, eateries have transformed their spaces to help everyone feel safe while on the premises. Change isn’t easy, but some fine dining establishments have made it look seamless, as they’ve brought the extravagance of their indoors, outdoors. Here are six high-end restaurants in Los Angeles that I’ve visited recently.

Yamashiro

1999 N Sycamore Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90068

beautifully placed and adorned tables now line what was once a valet area photo: Yamashiro website

beautifully placed and adorned tables now line what was once a valet area
photo: Yamashiro website

Mr. Chow

344 N Camden Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

The rolling greenery seen behind me was actually on its way inside because our group had stayed past closing. During restaurant hours, the establishment turns the sidewalk into an immaculate dining space, with the faux leaves as dividers, white tablecloths, fire towers, and all.

Crustacean

468 N Bedford Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

upscale table adornment on new outdoor seating photo: Crustacean website

upscale table adornment on new outdoor seating
photo: Crustacean website

Katana

8439 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Notice the plexiglass and wooden dividers; that’s an example of physical structures high-end restaurants have implemented. (My hair was entirely too frizzy, so enjoy this photo I took of one of my girlfriends from Louisiana while she was in L.A. visiting.)

Boa Steakhouse

9200 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

BOA Steakhouse has really leaned into it’s preexisting open-air dining space, and added plexiglass dividers between tables.

Catch LA

8715 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Catch is a given, as it’s always been an open-air rooftop restaurant. Changes they’ve made include very limited reservations, no congregating in the picturesque walkway leading from the elevator to the dining area, and no bar for patrons.

Go get cute!

If it tickles your fancy, you can get all dolled up to go check your mail, or be the only one at your friend’s kickback with heels on. But if you rather pull out your finest garb for somewhere it’ll be more appreciated, carve out some room in your schedule (and more importantly, your wallet), and make a reservation at one of these fine dining establishments in Los Angeles that are delivering the luxury experience outdoors.

What to Wear to Party in the Hollywood Hills

Lounges and nightclubs are out of the picture, and more private parties are continuing to happen than ever, because Los Angeles county is still partially closed. It seems that money once spent on buying ridiculous sections at clubs have been replaced with renting a house, hiring a private chef and buying bottles of booze by the boatload.

What to wear?!

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Before wondering what to wear to a house party up in the Hollywood hills, you may wonder how you’re going to get invited to one in the first place.. Easy. Walk down the street looking cute and be nice when a guy greets you. Well, this isn’t a for sure way to get invited to an exclusive event, but it does happen. And it’s about being prepared when the time comes. So, let’s skip ahead.

You’re flinging clothes out of your closet, turning your boudoir into a barnyard.

“Ugh, not this!”

“This isn’t gonna work either.”

“I have absolutely nothing to wear!”

But.. you do.

Consider these characteristics when figuring out what to wear to your first, or next, party up in the hills.

Casual

Unfortunately, our itsy bitsy bandage dresses will have to wait for their moment. This is not it. Outfits great for nightclubs and 5-star restaurants aren’t exactly appropriate to come prancing into someone’s living room. The only exceptions would be if the host indicated the attire is dressy, or if you’re stopping by before/after going somewhere that requires dressy attire. That’s not the case here. We’re talking informal in-home gatherings. So, let’s talk casual.

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Jeans or sweatpants combined with bodysuits or crop tops is a common go-to. That’s four different outfit options right there (1. jeans + bodysuit, 2. jeans + crop top, 3. sweats + bodysuit, 4. sweats + crop top). Whichever combination you choose, it’s too casual on its own. You’ll want to dress it up a bit to make it look like you’re going somewhere. When I say “dress it up,” I mean in ways that fit the look. For example, when wearing sweatpants, the fashion experts over at Who What Wear say to skip statement jewelry, and accessorize with items like cozy crew socks or a very on-trend cap.

Polished

Lori Harvey in an all-white sweatsuit, paired back to Chanel S/S ‘20 neon and white trainers

Lori Harvey in an all-white sweatsuit, paired back to Chanel S/S ‘20 neon and white trainers

Casual does not mean raggedy. Unless, of course, Raggedy Ann is your aesthetic. Do your thing. This is judgment-free zone ☺ (*upside down smiley face because if you believe that, you’re looney tunes).

Don’t be sloppy.

As carefree as baggy sweatpants paired back to sneakers is, it still can possess a formality of style. Notice the thickness and hemming when considering joggers. Thin, cheap fabric and bad thread choices will have you looking like you’re going to chill at ya mama’s house, not to a function at a multimillion dollar mansion. Also, this isn’t the time for beat up Nike’s that you go make groceries in. You don’t have to have luxury designer sneakers, though this is the perfect occasion for them; an exclusive pair of Jordans or something, that you don’t go play in, will fit the look just fine.

Makeup is a must.

Nothing contributes to a polished look more than a good face. I say good face, because it doesn’t need to be a beat face, but rather, a well-done face that’s not excessive. Depending on how you’re skin is behaving and the density of your natural eyebrows, this could simply mean mascara and lip gloss for you. Wearing absolutely nothing, however, isn’t an option. You’re already rather casual, elevate the look with a somewhat done-up face. As for me, and my pale pie face that likes to cut up, I’ll definitely have on full coverage foundation and some bronzer.

Alasia Shalai wearing sweats with a matching top, paired back to SBB Jordan 1s

Alasia Shalai wearing sweats with a matching top, paired back to SBB Jordan 1s

Los Angeles-based streetwear fashionista, Alasia Shalai, does a fantastic job of upstyling traditionally casual pieces, in her clothing line, Shalai World. Hair and makeup on point, this is what we call polished. Scroll thru her page for outfit inspiration, but don’t go to trying everything, because some of those looks, only she can pull off.

Sex Appeal

It’s still nightlife afterall.

Even though we’re not giving them all the goods in a Hot-Miami-Styles-looking dress, we still want to give them a little something. This can be achieved via an exposed midriff in a cropped hoodie, or bosom peeking thru a sheer shirt (under an open jacket, preferably, if it’s super sheer).

Baggy sweats or boyfriend jeans can easily go androgynous, so adding some femininity, with a top that’s strappy or lace, will turn up the sex appeal.

N.., n.., now, listen hea.. you know how when you sprinkle a little salt on a dish, it’s more appealing to your taste buds, but if you add too much it’s less appealing? Yeah, think about that when sprinkling sex appeal onto your outfit. I don’t care how many photos go viral of naked InstaThots, there’s nothing cute about when the only thing not showing is your vaginal canal (and if we look long enough, we’ll probably see that too). Scroll thru Lori Harvey’s Instagram to see lovely examples of sexiness sans slutiness.

Coordination

This is a bonus.

IMG_728E90A487E0-1.jpeg

Different elements of your outfit going well with one another is important, but this time, I’m referring to the coordination amongst your friend group. If all else fails, and you really and truly have no idea what to wear to a house party in the Hollywood hills, be on the same wavelength as your girls. Even if the 3 or 4 of you, that’ll be there together, are more dressed up than everyone, at least you’re overdressed together. No, seriously, and the same goes for dressed down. If you get there and all the other girls have on bodycon dresses, but you and your girls have on sweats, you won’t be the oddball out. Depending on how you and your girls’ presence command a room, the other girls may look out-of-place, if anything.

Okay, friend, you got it?

It’s a regular house party, in a not-so-regular house. You’re in the most affluent areas of greater Los Angeles. Entryways may be double your height, there’s probably a lavish in-ground pool in the backyard, and views are sure to be beautiful, whether it’s of the Los Angeles skyline or of other immaculate homes next door.

You don’t want to be too overdressed for the occasion, but you also don’t want to look like you rolled out of bed and straight into them people’s house. Make sure you’re polished, do a casual look with a dash of sex appeal, and BOOM! You’re ready to hit the hills, and snatch up a rich ninja, 8 figures, that’s yo’ type.

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