my L.A. story (in short)

I had a flashback visit today with old, sweet friends that made me think a lot about my time in Los Angeles.  I had a brief professional life in L.A.  It started when I was working as a wardrobe stylist for print and television here in Boston. Wanting a little more action in the wardrobe field, I took advantage of the fact that a family friend knew the head costume designer, Catherine Wagner, over at Beverly Hills 90210. A swift call was made and off to the Peach Pit and final season of a show I grew up watching.  I got to see it in person! I would be shadowing her for a month- unpaid.  It was an exciting stint- Kelly Garth was the most sweet, Brian Austin Green the cutest and Luke Perry was a perfect gentleman.  He called me Cinderella.  A few weeks after I returned home, Catherine called me with a paid wardrobe opportunity on a movie- a three month shoot.  I considered for a moment, but my husband (at the time) and I had just married and purchased our first condo in Back Bay.  In the end, I chose home over Hollywood.

Little did I know that two years later I would open Holiday in Beacon Hill and two years after that I would open Holiday in L.A.  I had 3 locations in L.A. actually (not at the same time).  First was West Hollywood, next was in the Brentwood Country Mart in Brentwood, and finally Santa Monica.  Although I eventually realized being bi-coastal was too much (and man!  that is a hard town to make it in!) I have fond memories of the experience- even if I really don't love L.A.  The weather is grand and there is nothing like cruising around Malibu with the top down.  The celeb sightings were always entertaining, too.  It wasn't strange to have Kate Hudson in your shop changing Ryder's diaper on the new flokati rug, Paula Abdul attending a Holiday private sale and buying up loads of costume jewels, Reese leaving with a full, pink Holiday garment bag or hanging out with Eminem for a few hours. (I swear- he rapped to me).  All in all, I am happier with just one little Holiday.  But I do wish Boston had its own version of the legendary Chateau Marmont.  Hands down- my favorite haunt in L.A.

some photo musings...

the best outdoor patio

www.chateaumarmont.com

-jess