Last week--before all the crazy Golden Globe Awards madness---I was invited to my beautiful friend Amara Wilson's Birthday Bash at her chic little Vintage Boutique in Echo Park, Haute Olive.
Birthday Kisses: Nick Verreos and Amara Wilson, Haute OliveSo of course, I had to show up--gift in tow (Olive-based beauty products) of course (never come empty handed!). Amara was working a strapless bubblegum pink bustier and the most Olivia Newton-John "Grease" stretch skinny pants I have ever seen. They fit her PERFECTLY, by the way. Lucky her!
The party was in full swing once I got there (finding easy parking is not like it used to be in Echo Park!) with all of Amara's and Haute Olive's friends sipping Champagne, doing some shopping and even dancing to the DJ's Retro disco-soul tunes.
Party Scene: Amara Wilson's Birthday at Haute Olive, Echo ParkI have known Miss Amara for over 8 years, ever since I picked her at a runway show casting. She had just arrived back from Paris and was on her way to making a name for herself here on the West Coast. Ever since then, she has "stuck with me" for life! Not only did she become my fit model--or as I called her "My House Model/Muse", she opened and/or closed a lot of my shows--including my first Smashbox Los Angeles Fashion Week show back in 2003.
Miss Amara was also my "Good Luck Charm". I brought Amara to the LA casting of Season 2 of Project Runway one fateful weekend A LONG TIME AGO! She wore the printed silk "butterfly winged" gown shown above as I stood in front of Tim Gunn to await their decision. Needless to say, I was "In"--Thanks Amara!
Haute Olive Chic: A pouf-sleeve iridescent satin bolero at Haute Olive BoutiqueAmara now runs a fabulous little vintage store in Echo Park (Los Angeles), where she collects and sells the best 70's jersey wrap dresses, printed caftans that would make Mrs. Roper blush; as well as Lacroix-worthy cropped bolero jackets. Haute Olive, by the way, also carries Menswear, ranging from Member's Only jackets, Vintage Tees to Western Shirts that both a Silverlake hipster or a Oil Can Harry's line dancin' boy would love.
You're The One That I Want: Birthday Girl Amara Wilson, Haute Olive BoutiqueJust when you think that you've been to every vintage store this side of the Mississippi, think again: You must check out Haute Olive! Happy Birthday Miss Amara! And keep working those Olivia Newton-John skinny pants! Love ya!