The Centre: Masters of Color Event

Spending an afternoon surrounded by luxury, beautiful colors, interactive experiences, inventive cocktails and delicious bites is my idea of a good time. What's even better is when the event is FREE!

Wish I had a better manicure for this photo

The Centre in Escondido is quite the space. Its three levels houses a Lexus dealer, a clothing boutique (Lux Ave), art space (Stephen Fishwick's Fine Art Collection) and a Cohn restaurant (Vintana) just to name a few. 

fab palettes from SF art space

#albie

I was impressed with the flow of the event especially since there were so many people in attendance. Everywhere you turned there was someone to help guide you to the next exhibit, stamp your "passport" so you could enter the grand prize or just offer a 'thanks for coming' smile. 

Every person I encountered at the event from check-in to Lexus reps on the third floor were friendly and approachable. The event began on level one with an impressive lineup of Lexus vehicles and a beautiful setup (courtesy of Third Bloom) embracing the colors theme. 

My guy and I looking pretty comfortable next to this white-hot Lexus

The third floor was a great atmosphere with several stations of tasty bites and color-themed vodka cocktails. Flamenco dancers and a cooking demonstration were among the entertainment for guests. Due to the large space, the stations were set up so that no one line ever got too long. Fortunately, for me, I was able to try everything despite the man in front of me who took six skewers each for his plate! -- and let me say, it was delicious. 

Yes, I matched my cocktail to my dress. #noshame

If you missed out on this fantastic event, you'll get another chance as The Centre is hosting a Meet the Masters Summer Series to appease the art/fashion/wine lover in you!

RSVP for their next stylish event here!

L.A. Day

I have to space out how often I visit L.A. because as my boyfriend's brother put it the "soul crushing traffic" gets to you. Even if you cruise up the 5 at a good pace, don't think you're getting past the Citadel shopping outlet without some traffic to stop you in your tracks. 

When I decide to head to L.A. it's for a specific purpose. This particular day trip was to see the Diane Von Furstenberg exhibit next door to the LACMA. 

DVF celebrates 40 years of the wrap dress, which is still such an iconic piece of clothing, and an iconic time in fashion. The moment I walked into the gallery of dresses, I'm pretty sure I stopped breathing for a few seconds. The dresses were all lined up, with dates, and some special anniversary pieces and they were all incredible. 

Timeless. Fabulous. Better yet, this exhibit was free!

Top right center dress was my favorite! 

I also had the chance to visit FIDM's Art of Motion Picture

Costume Design exhibit. It had costumes from Anna Karenina (exquisite!), Superman (awesome!) and other of this year's Oscar-nominated movies for costuming.

This special gallery was also free and gave me a chance to also head over to the FIDM Scholarship Store. All proceeds from this boutique go to the FIDM scholarship fund and there are pieces directly from warehouses, some starting as low as $5. There are mostly one of each design and some of the pieces did have some odd stitching, other assorted flaws, but the selection is incredible. I just wish I had more time to try some things on.

Beautiful display in downtown L.A. 

After my museum time, my boyfriend and I met up with his brother to check out some spots for a few drinks in West Hollywood. You can read my reviews on The Hudson (short rib tacos, anyone?) and Laurel Hardware (a speakeasy of sorts with strong drinks and fun atmosphere) at mscourtneybeth.yelp.com. 

My day in L.A. was fun, but just enough time for me to be ready to head back down the 5 to good ol' San Diego. About a month will pass before my next trip to L.A. for the Festival of Books and that should be long enough for me to forget how much the traffic gets to me every time I cross into Los Angeles County.