It's a Wrap! 2nd Annual Accessories Extravaganza Begins Friday

One of my favorite places to shop in Burbank is It’s a Wrap! They acquire mostly unworn or gently used wardrobe leftovers from movie studios at serious bargain prices. Imagine a thrift store that carries couture! They always have tons of designer labels for both men and women in a variety of sizes (not just size 2). They also have jewelry and accessories. I recently picked up a Prada dress with the tags still intact for under $200, six pairs of luxury tights (unopened) for $3 each, a silk scarf for $5 and a Theory trench coat for $10.

With all of this in mind, I seriously had second thoughts about publicizing this sale so that I could keep all of the bargains to myself, but what the hell. Starting this Friday, November 27, It’s a Wrap! will be hosting their Second Annual Accessories Extravaganza. Also, the first 25 customers to spend $50 or more in the store that day will receive a gift certificate (contact store for specifics).

Recent arrivals include wardrobe from “Monk,” “Deal or No Deal,” “House,” “Law Abiding Citizens,” “Dexter”, “CSI:Las Vegas,” “CSI:Miami,” “Law and Order Criminal Intent,” “Hannah Montana,” “Angels and Demons,” Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox. Browse through racks of high end labels such as Chanel, Prada, Terijon, Elie Tahari, Theory, Rebecca Taylor, Burburry, Carmen Marc Valvo, Versace, Georgio Armani, Bagley Mishka, Naieem Khan, Marc Bouwer, Roberto Cavalli and more.

They have two locations, one in Burbank and one on the West side.

It’s A Wrap! Burbank:

It’s A Wrap! West Side:

Visit itsawrap.com for more information.

The Movie Wardrobe Sale Takes Place at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel - Second Home to Hot Stars Like Us

There is going to be another amazing sale this weekend, the Hollywood Studio Collection’s wardrobe sale. A portion of the proceeds from this sale will benefit Childhelp, one of the world’s largest organizations that aids victims of child abuse and neglect.

Thousands of wardrobe pieces from various movie sets will be sold during the three-day event that consists of both vintage and contemporary clothing, shoes, décor, accessories and props that have been used in some of today and yesterday’s most influential blockbuster films. The sample sale will offer rare and one-of-a-kind items that would normally be sold for thousands of dollars, for as little as $10.

The sale takes place at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel this Saturday, October 10 through Monday, October 12 in the Oscar Room on the second level of the hotel.

Admission is only $5. For more information, visit www.TheHollywoodStudioCollection.com or call (818) 812-6068.

Fantasma De La Opera

Pieces for sale will include everything ranging from complete “merry peasant” and “medieval courtier” costumes to individual pieces such as capes, hats, shoes and fans. Highlights of the collection include a number of “diva dresses,” stunning hand-crafted gowns worn by LA Opera’s leading ladies including Carol Vaness (La Traviata, Don Giovanni, The Merry Widow and La Rondine), Jennifer Larmore (L’Italiana in Algeri), Maria Ewing (Fedora), Verónica Villarroel (Idomeneo) and Karita Mattila (Jenufa), as well as costumes worn by superstar tenor Plácido Domingo (Un Ballo in Maschera and Idomeneo). From what I hear, there is only one latex Fly costume so get in line early if you want to nab that one!

Prices will range from $10 for accessories to $20 for hats and masks, complete costumes from $150 all the way up to $5,000 for couture pieces. Cash, check and credit cards are all accepted.

LA Opera is the fourth largest opera company in the United States. The Company’s Costume Shop is staffed by dozens of highly skilled employees, including master tailors, cutter/drapers, seamsters and craftspersons, who create hundreds of costumes by hand every year for principal artists, choristers, dancers and supernumeraries appearing in LA Opera productions at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Sturdily constructed to last and often highly detailed, the costumes are built to fit singers of every size, from robust Wagnerians to petite Mozartians.

The costume sale will be held in the parking lot of LA Opera’s Costume Shop at 330 South Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

Parking is available on the street, and there is secured pay parking in the Little Tokyo Galleria parking structure at 333 S. Alameda Street, directly across the street from the Costume Shop.

Happy hunting!

While Trojans and Bruins are mortified, for entirely different reasons (my devoted Trojan sister expounded her reaction with just 6 letters: “OMG WTF”), I personally think the more offensive shirt is the one after the jump:

Fugly.  Keep your hands off my shirt.

The Untidy Germaphobe

Today in LA fashion I bring you the “Untidy Germaphobe,” as spotted on the Metro Red Line to Union Station. Yeah, yeah, I know. Criticizing fashion on the Metro is too easy, but I go with what I know.

When I first saw the “Untidy Germaphobe” sitting across from me on the train, I only noticed his surgical mask.

“He must be wearing that because of the poor air quality due to the Station Fire,” I thought to myself, smirking arrogantly at my own reflection in my iPod.

Then my eyes moved down to his hands, which were tautly sheathed in blue latex gloves, perfectly color coordinated to match his jaunty mask.

“Hmm. Germaphobe,” I nodded, feeling quite satisfied that I had him all figured out.

Glancing over one more time, I took in the rest of his ensemble, which continued to vex me for at least three more minutes, or however long it takes to get from Hollywood & Highland to Sunset & Vermont.  The gloves and the mask seemed to match a Mysophobic personality disorder sure, but what the hell was going on with the rest of his scene? First of all, his clothes and boots were visibly filthy. Not approved Germaphobe attire. Second, he smelled like he had not showered in quite some time. Definitely the type of violation that could get you kicked out of Germaphobe Camp.

Taking all of the above into consideration, I finally narrowed this guy down to one of three stereotypes, placing the most weight of course on his peculiar outfit (who wears a snow hat in LA during a heat wave?):

1. Recently discharged Vietnam War veteran

2. Construction worker from the 1950’s

3. Anti-government militia soldier

I can’t decide which one, so I’m leaving it up to you fine readers to decide. What’s this dude’s deal? Feel free to offer your own guess.

Jenette Bras has been open for four months and tonight they are celebrating with hot jazz, cool drinks and lots of lingerie models showing off the store’s wares. There will be one night only discounts and bra-fitting demonstrations. Oh, you men are welcome too. (Does anyone really need to twist your arm to see hot babes in gorgeous lingerie? I thought not.)

Hot August Night at Jenette Bras
Tonight, Tuesday August 25
6-9 pm
4308 Melrose Ave. (near Scoops!)
323-665-7490

During normal business hours, proprietress Jenette Goldstein offers personal fittings of a beautiful array of bras from size D through K.

As Jenette says, “Stand up straight and rock that hourglass, Honey!”

(hat tip to Thrillist Los Angeles.)

Fashion Train Wreck

Spotted this morning while waiting for the train, an Ed Hardy explosion. Here is a guy who is taking brand loyalty to the max. Wearing a baseball cap, t-shirt, flip flops and carrying a messenger bag – all Ed Hardy branded, he is clearly making a statement. And that statement must be, “Sure, I may not appear to be very cool , but look, every piece of clothing I own is Ed Hardy so how you like me now, bitch?”

Here’s a fashion tip for you brand whores:  If you just must wear an article of clothing that prominently displays the name of the designer, just wear one piece at a time, mmk?

The streets of Hollywood just turned up the wacky.

L. Ron Hubbard has reached from beyond the cosmos to release his new Fall line for local Scientologists and their brethren around the world. They are uniforms for the new Ideal Org churches, and Gawker takes a look:

These uniforms are manufactured by some sort of magical logistics pipeline called a “conveyor belt” for the “Ideal Org,” a purportedly superior new type of church, according to International Scientology News. The uniform is intended to unite staff on “six continents” and help them look the part of “emissaries of a new civilization.”

Red, white and black uniforms for a new civilization. I think I remember something similar from a history book.

Still, I have three very important questions about these new unis that I would like answered:

1. Is the men’s tie reversible, or is it a clip-on?
2. Does the cape have the Scientology “S” logo on the back?
3. Are other accessories available, like an engraved cigar case or alternate red pumps?

Way to go, Xenu. Only you can make us both tremble and giggle just by putting on a suit.

Pirates, Spielberg, the 80s, and Corey Feldman–it’s not hard to understand why The Goonies was one of Johnny Cupcakes’ favorite films when he was growing up. He’s presenting the movie at Fairfax Cinemas August 8 at midnight. Yes, there will be giveaways and limited edition tee-shirts. Seats are $10, but we have a pair of tickets for some lucky Metblogs reader. [When online sales are available I'll post a link in the comments below.] JC explains, “Every type of person collects, understands, and appreciates my brand: Fashionable people, college kids, artsy kids, thugs, indie rockers, skaters, young adults, sneaker heads, and more.” Just leave a note in the comments box below and tell us what type of person you are and why you love Johnny Cupcakes. The winner will be randomly selected Friday.

Johnny Cupcakes: 7959 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046, (323) 653-2253

Fairfax Cinemas: 7907 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. 90048, (323) 655-4010

My skates are cooler than yours

This Thursday night, while you’re reheating that tired macaroni and cheese and making love to your sofa, I’ll be painting on my lycra disco pants and tube top for Down and Derby.

For one night only, The Echoplex will be transformed into a 1970s roller disco featuring multiple DJs and tons of casual making out. Well, that last part I can’t guarantee, but *fingers crossed!*

You can bring your own skates (mine pictured here) or some will be available to rent for $5. For half-off the cover charge, RSVP at downandderby.org.