It's days like today that make me forget that there is anything of any interest, anywhere outside of LA. November 14th, 82 degrees, not a cloud in the sky. It's part of the reason LA is not a "dressy" town--partly, it's because it just doesn't feel right. It's like being at the beach--but with no sand. This is what I've been thinking about lately--the truly unique things about Los Angeles. This gilded desert town--where you can't buy happiness--but no matter who you are, everyone's allowed a piece of the luscious, saturated splendor that is the City of Angels. Ha. Angels, my ass.

Today, I understand what it means when people describe a place as "vulgar." This place is almost too much--too much beauty, colors that are too bright, and the blinding sunshine on top of it all that brings everyone out of hiding--until they learn not to come out 'till nightfall. It's the way the pollution layer settles in front of the setting Western sun, just in time to produce some of the most unique sunsets on the planet. It's the only city I've been to, so far, that successfully manages to turn bright orange into deep blue--skillfully, sultrily, with a signature all its own. Those specific colors intensely remind me of my childhood--full of unnaturally mild summer nights when the temperature of the air matched the exact temperature of one's blood, turning the air into something to touch, hold in your hands and release...if only for a few moments.

To this day, when the breeze brushes my cheek in that certain way, I stop and take it in--breathe deeply knowing that my breath, the trees, and sky are one. When there is no distinction between the air and my skin, the world is full of magic...

I'm watching An Affair To Remember for the first time. The cold clouds outside make me even warmer inside in my comfy clothes. This movie is visually beautiful, filled with warm peaches and cool blues. My thoughts drift toward memories of Europe and the Southern coasts of France and Spain with their brightly colored umbrellas reflecting off of the Mediterranean. So far on this cruise, Deborah Kerr has worn: 3 ball gowns, a very fancy daytime dress, 1 formal sun dress, a wool trench, a full length, kimono style satin bathrobe/dressing gown, various furs and a swim suit--all in warm skin tone peaches, chocolate browns or shades of iridescent blue, accented with contrast colors and polka dots. The way her chiffon sleeves tie at the sides inspired me to write this down. And that hat! Exquisite.

I always wonder what it would have been like when people dressed so formally and beautifully. Were there more hours in the day? Or simply no other options? The era of I Love Lucy--of curves and big swingy dresses cinched in with tiny belts--of Grace Kelly and Brigette Bardot--of perfectly coiffed hair that never moved and long, gracefully arched eyebrows pointing down towards chunky pearl and diamond earrings.

New outfit: a white, elbow length coat over white knit separates with a strange tulle hooded thing over her hair and wrist length white gloves with gold bracelets. Perfection!

Ok, time to watch now :)

Mandalay Bay Hotel | Las Vegas, NV | HALLOWEEN

The "Molly World Tour" continues! I really am so lucky with all of this traveling that I get to do. This month alone I've been to Palm Springs, Chicago, San Francisco and Las Vegas. In two weeks, I'm headed to New York, Miami (never been!), and Washington DC (also never been!). And all I want is more, more, more!
Anyway, since I was moving out of my place in West Hollywood on the 31st, I decided to get Halloween out of my system with a quick trip to Vegas with Melanie. We spent most of our time at the "bikini top optional" pool which was great because there were no kids running around and who doesn't like to look at topless chicks? The first night we went to Tao and practically stumbled upon the new part of the nightclub on the very top floor called Tao Beach. After the hot, crowded scene downstairs in the cavernous dance floor, it was a very welcome relief. All open air next to a pool, there was room to breathe and move around--even dance! We amused ourselves to no end taking pictures with anyone in a great costume. Our favorites were: "Dick In A Box", "Cougar Bait", "Chick Magnet", and "Hung Like a Horse." Hilarious. We were dressed as catholic schoolgirls, and we wasted no time finding all of the priests, nuns and popes to take pictures with, while at the same time lamenting that we weren't catholic school BOYS. Now THAT would have been a great pic. :)

The next night, I was a french maid (or a Swiss Miss girl depending on who you asked) and Melanie was a sailor girl. We went to Body English at the Hard Rock and saw some amazing costumes! The Terminator was probably the best I've ever seen. They don't mess around in Vegas.