Get yourself downtown!

If you're lucky enough to live within driving distance of Los Angeles, here's a few ideas for a fun day trip. FIDM's Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibit is up until April 17th and this year's collection includes over 100 designs from 24 films including Oscar award winner "The Duchess." My personal favorite was a distressed corset and flowing chiffon dress from the movie "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus." Its interesting sleeve and cuff treatment really captured my attention. So into the Netlix queue goes Dr. Parnassus!



I had a lovely traveling companion, and after seeing the show we made a quick stop into the student store where I scavenged through a few bins of applique and trims and racks of less-than-perfect clothing. It's a fun place to pick up odds and ends that have been donated by the local manufacturers while feeling good about supporting the school's scholarship program.

Next stop- Tiara Cafe. What a pleasant surprise to discover this little jewel in the middle of the fashion district. The server's t-shirts describe the philosophy of chef Fred Eric "Eat healthier more often, diet less."



Final stop after lunch was a visit to the Clever Vintage showroom just a few doors down on 9th Street. Wow! Dave Temple's collection of vintage dresses far surpasses any other I've seen. My friend's perfect figure was just the right match for those fabulous '50s dresses and Dave and I were treated to a fashion show as she selected two lovely summer frocks, a long Chinoiserie-inspired jacket, and a beautifully detailed blouse. Clever Vintage is open Monday through Saturday by appointment.

We didn't even let Friday afternoon traffic get in the way of a perfect day.