(APPEARS IN FALL 2013 PUBLICATION OF FGM MAGAZINE)
While the majority of the country is bundled up and hunkered down in hibernation through the winter months, Los Angeles will drop to long sleeves and heat lamp weather. Nonetheless, winter should be embraced for all its scarf wearing and hot chocolate drinking glory. And this is how:
In my mind, nothing beats a New England snowy wonderland, but the holidays in Southern California can still be magical if you do your research. Nearly every night from Thanksgiving to the New Year marks a different public celebration. My holiday activity checklist includes at least one tree lighting, a stroll down Rodeo Drive at night, The Marina del Rey boat parade, ice skating and maybe even a trip to one of the theme parks. For tree lightings, The Grove and The Americana both put on impressive shows with 100 foot trees, special guest performances and even snow! Rodeo has snow as well, and the most beautiful sparkling window displays, lit up palm trees and decorated fountains. For the Marina del Rey boat parade, bring a blanket, bottle of wine and some snacks for this dazzling annual show. Trade the wine for hot cocoa and lace up your skates at one of the pop up ice rinks around the city. If you still need a dose of holiday festivity, the amusement parks go all out in December – with a Christmas wonderland at Disney, Grinchmas at Universal Studios and a very Charlie Brown Christmas at Knotts Berry Farms. And if all this yuletide cheer still doesn’t do it for you – pack up and head to Mammoth for a long weekend of freezing cold temps and fresh powdered trails.
Holiday cheer aside, this winter I encourage you to embrace the shortened hours of sunlight as an extended nightlife. Explore all the posh wine bars and martini lounges nestled throughout the city. Try out the new club venue Hooray Henrys or head to Trip on the West Side if you need to dance off the work week. But make sure to leave time to enjoy having a guilt-free Sunday-Funday watching football at one of the new Sunset Bars: Pearls Liquor Bar or State Room.
Sure we are spending a lot more time in our Patriots (ok fine maybe you might affiliate with a different team) jerseys and yes the temperature doesn’t drastically drop, but that is no reason why we can’t embrace the fashion trends of NY fashion week whole heartedly! This season is all about the boot for me. I need a really masculine combat boot with plaid inside. I also need a new pair of knee high boots and a more feminine mule colored combat boot. Knit sweaterdresses, printed scarves, a high shine fabric skirt, and of course – more animal print everything, are also on my radar this season.
So there you have it. Zip up your boots, soak up the holiday cheer, root on your favorite football team, and enjoy the perks of a 65 and sunny long winter. Perhaps we’ll bump into each-other over eggnog and Christmas shopping at The Grove.
Peace, Love and Fashion,
Chelsea Gilson
Follow me on twitter! @chelseagilson
