Zimmermann Hits L.A.

Sunny days are here again, Angelenos! Not only is summer about to kick off into full swing any day now, but fabulous Australian line, Zimmermann, known for its fashionable swim and beachy glam apparel (that I am personally obsessed with), has officially opened its doors on Robertson Boulevard.

As the first permanent U.S. retail store, the sun-drenched all-white boutique exudes a tranquil, luxurious energy the moment you step inside. First you'll be greeted by adorable Aussie salesgirls and then you'll magically get swept away by racks brimming full of incredibly cute swimwear, cover-ups, sexy dresses, sweet rompers and so. much. more!

The drool-worthy pieces are everything you've ever wanted in resort wear and the whole line boasts stunningly beautiful feminine prints and patterns designed by Nicky Zimmermann herself. Price points are steep, but with swimwear this gorgeous, sometimes it's worth a splurge, right?

I stopped in this week, mere days after opening, to tour the store and meet Nicky in person. After a glorious walk-through with the genuinely charming and talented designer, I'm more smitten than ever; and can safely conclude that Zimmermann is exactly what L.A. needs.

Take a look:

Alternative Apparel: New Kid on the Block

I've been a long-time fan of Alternative Apparel (their racer back tanks are cozy, perfect and last forever), so when I heard they were opening their first flagship store in Venice, I was intrigued. Don't get me wrong, the online shop is enticing as ever, but getting to try on all of the ultra-soft, wearable basics (not to mention tons of impressive fashion-y shapes and cool styles) is an incredibly appealing notion.

The store officially opened last week on Abbot Kinney, and I lucked out to be one of the first to tour the store (a resurrected old home from the 1920s) and enjoy a savory and delicious lunch catered by Venice Ale House. I was impressed beyond belief with the quirky cute store displays, awe-inspiring finishings and details--and not to mention the vast selection of super covetable clothes that(literally) everyone can wear.

See for yourself:

South Beach Gets Juicy

Proof that Juicy Couture is still hanging in there...expansion to South Beach with the always radiant Camilla Belle to charm the retail crowd, too! Love the first photo of her perusing the store--and FYI her sequined dress is from the BIRD Fall 2011 collection.

The Miami location offers typical cute kitschy day and night pieces from the Juicy Couture collection, but also debuts lifestyle options including art and literature, a first for the brand.

About Town: Armani Exchange on Robertson

The recession continues to have a major impact on retailers, which may explain why upscale Armani Casa on trendy Robertson Blvd. has recently (as in this past Wednesday) morphed into reasonably-priced Armani Exchange. I, personally, haven't stepped foot into an AX since high school (remember when logo tees were all the rage?), but I took a peek this time around, and was somewhat pleasantly surprised. The space has a very clean urban vibe, and the clothes are overall wearable, and of course, affordable. This location even has a few capsule limited-edition pieces (think: vintage-worn utilitarian jackets, skinny cargo pants, etc. in washed-out neutral tones) for both men and women, that were pretty cute (not my style, personally, but cute.)

My pick of the day? A black leather bow clutch with chic yet subtle gold hardware (no one will even notice that the nameplate says 'Armani Exchange' unless they're squinting) for a mere $68. Large enough to tote your nighttime essentials, and not too floppy that it gets ridiculous (hello, Valentino.)

Phillip Lim Lands in L.A.

I cruised over to the launch party of 3.1 Phillip Lim on Robertson tonight and had a truly fabulous time! With all of these fashion parties, I have to say everything is starting to blur together, but tonight was actually enjoyable, all in all.

For starters, the store was impeccable. Really futuristic and modern, airy, all white and quite gallery-like. Fantastic fashion crowd per usual, and the designer himself flew in from New York to toast the west coast. Stars that popped up included Kate Walsh, Jennifer Morrison, Camilla Belle and Emmy Rossum.

Afterwards, I headed over to the after-party at the super-swank Bar Marmont in Hollywood and had a phenomenal time lounging outside, chatting with other fashionistas and taking in the stylish soiree. Becki Newton was there,looking totally chic, and told me that she's moving back to New York next week for Ugly Betty. Luckily for her, she held on to her Upper West Side apartment from years past, so the thought of relocating wasn't wearing her out.

See my party pics below!