Style: Casual, Comfortable, Cool Me and D

I first discovered Me & D at a small boutique in Southern California. Although, I couldn’t tell you the name of the store, I will never forget Me and D’s lovely designs. I fell in love with a simple, hooded sweatshirt-coat made out of the softest material I had ever felt. I bought it and then purchased another from them directly because I adored it so much. Me & D are a mother-daughter team based out of Northern California. They hand-make each item, which are made of soft, pre-washed cotton. Their designs are uncomplicated, hip, and meticulously sewn. You can feel the passion the duo has for their work in every garment. The mother-daughter team have recently launched a beautiful leather line that includes luscious handbags, wallets, and rock 'n' roll cuff bracelets. Details: http://www.meandd.net/

Adventure Long Beach: We Heart Retro Row

Usually tourists and locals pass through Long Beach, California because they’re on their way to San Diego or Los Angeles. Occasionally, they may stop for a few hours to take in the Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, or for a quick bite at a popular Belmont Shore eatery (which, by the way, is a whole article within itself.) However, Long Beach is more than a North-South passageway and extends beyond the fashionable Belmont Shore district. The heart of Long Beach lies in Retro Row—a four-block strip that specializes in vintage furniture, clothing, and hobbies (think roller derby and long boarding). Even the restaurants, coffee shops, and the local movie theatre have a retro aura about them. Located on East 4th Street between Ross and Wisconsin Avenues, the next time you’re passing through Long Beach, take an afternoon to stop, shop, and prowl the strip. Details: http://4thstreetlongbeach.com/

Art Theatre
This beautiful art-deco gem shows independent, classic, and fan-favorite films, including daily 11:00 matinees and midnight double features. A coffee and wine bar included! Details: http://www.arttheatrelongbeach.com/

Imonni
Imonni specializes in the most tasteful men and women’s vintage garments and accessories. Clothing can be custom-tailored or altered to fit your taste right on site. Details: http://www.arttheatrelongbeach.com/

Meow
Meow’s collection includes vintage clothing from the ‘40s through the ‘90s, most of which has never been worn. Highlights include blue and red-striped bowling shoes, rhinestone-embossed cat-eye glass frames, and colorfully silky smoking jackets. Details: http://www.meowvintage.com/

Songbird
Craft-Mafia inspired, Songbird houses a collection of funky and one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories, jewelry, and home wares made by local artists and crafters. Details: www.facebook.com/songbird.longbeach

Vintage Collective
Transform your home into the Mad Men set at this expansive Mid-Century Modern shop. Find everything from couches and coffee tables to bowling balls and the Mystery Date board game. Details: http://www.thevintagecollective.com/

Pike Bar & Grill
At the end of the strip sits the Pike, owned by Social Distortion’s former drummer, Chris Reece. Belly-up to this rehabbed diner’s bar for an ice-cold PBR accompanied by a grilled cheese with hand-cut fries or an order of fish ‘n’ chips. Enjoy the eclectic jukebox and the Social D posters that adorn the walls. Details: http://www.pikelongbeach.com/

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Adventure Los Angeles: Fabulous First Fridays

Abbot Kinney in Venice, California is a favorite LA jaunt any day of the year. It’s a perfect Mod City Mom marriage of quirky shopping, deliciously honest eats, and eclectic, architectural appeal. One day a month, this artists’ enclave has elevated its status even more by introducing First Friday. The first Friday of each month, Abbot Kinney boutiques stay open late, galleries offer cheese and wine, artists peddle their wares, and live music rings throughout the streets. As if all this isn’t enticing enough, the foodies favorite movable feasts, the gourmet food trucks, park up and down the strip. For one night a month, the culinary chase stops and families and singles alike soak in the predictably beautiful LA weather and whimsical Venice culture in the most spectacularly easy way.

Border Grill Truck: The mobile brainchild of chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger (Top Chef Masters, Season 2) brings elevated Latin street bites to the masses, including the “I’m still dreaming about” Peruvian ceviche and potato tacos. Details: twitter.com/bordergrill

World Fare: Watch all of the street action while eating from the second floor of this gourmet bus. Highlights include a freshly juiced strawberry and basil refresher accompanied with bunny chow, a Durban, South African staple of curried meats encased in a soft pillow of white, fluffy bread. Details: twitter.com/worldfare

Kogi Barbecue: The truck that started the Korean Barbecue craze marries the handheld taco with traditional Korean flavors. For only $2 each, choose from the inspired short-rib, chicken, pork, or tofu. Details: http://www.kogibbq.com/

Coolhaus: This chrome-rimmed ice cream truck delivers icy treats like no other. Choose from balsamic fig and mascarpone ice cream wedged between two homemade oatmeal cookies or perhaps a wild cherry and ricotta wrapped in chocolate! Whatever your pleasure, this ice cream truck is the cool choice. Details: http://www.eatcoolhaus.com/

India Jones: This gourmet food truck delivers Indian food with a twist, including samosa spring rolls, paneer frankies, and an abundance of succulent curries. Details: http://www.indiajoneschowtruck.com/

Surfing Cowboys: For shopping, it gets no better than Surfing Cowboys. The owners of this boutique collect vintage California surf culture and Mid-Century Modern furniture, art, jewelry, and home wares. Somewhere between a gallery and a store, this ever-changing mix of items is satisfying for viewing or for buying. Details: http://www.surfingcowboys.com/

A+R: If you're in the mood for creative gifting, check out the very fun and quirky A+R. Browse from a collection of animal tattoo hand puppets, paper gun kits, or glass animal shot glasses. Details: http://www.aplusrstore.com/


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Obsession: Peloton Cellars

We recently discovered that old, family friends have their fingers in a wine venture, Peloton Cellars. After my in-laws had a reunion with these friends, they brought back a rich bounty of Peloton Cellar beauties.

Peloton Cellars, located in California's Paso Robles region, creates high quality wines at an affordable price. We were able to enjoy their full bounty, including a crisp and invigorating Sauvignon Blanc, deep and intense Cabernet Sauvignon, and a full-bodied Zinfandel.

Join their wine club, order individual bottles, or take adventage of their newly announced "Economic Stimulus Package" to stretch your wine-purchasing power a little further. Either way, it's easy to raise a glass to our new-found Peloton-obsession! Cheers! Details: www.pelotoncellars.com.


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Style: Comfortable, Cool Fashion Found at C & C California

Since becoming a mother and quitting my corporate job, my wardrobe has changed immensely. I retired my sleek, black pants, stylish tops, and stilettos to trade them in for cotton tees, jeans, and my ratty Converse. Not that I have anything against jeans and t-shirts, but I also love interesting, eclectic pieces, as well. The problem is that the more "inspired" fashion styles are "dry clean only" and are made of fabric much too delicate for my newly acquired active lifestyle as a parent. Hence began my quest to find comfortable, washable clothing that is still stylish and hip. I can assure you, this is NOT an easy task. I have, however, found several brands that fit the bill—one of my favorites being C & C California.

C & C California was created by two women who grew up on the beaches of Southern California during the 1970s. The collection is a tribute to "California Chic” and designed specifically for women who are looking for comfortable, wearable fashion. C & C’s goal is to offer the perfect pieces that can be worn during the day to run errands and continue into an evening dinner.

The company makes terrific tees, turtlenecks, maxi dresses, leggings, and tunics. With the exception of sweaters, most items are washable, made from soft cotton, and manufactured in the U.S. They offer fun stripes and solid basics. Each piece has unique sleeves and interesting stitching—all with flattering shapes for all sizes. The C & C fabrics retain their color, shape, and texture even after countless washes. For terrific comfort, quality, and style, pick-up something from C & C. You and your wardrobe will not be disappointed. Details: www.candccalifornia.com.

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