LA Life is always surprising and entertaining. Sometimes, it can be quite silly, too. We are one of the most diverse cities in the world, but there are some experiences that we share… which can best be expressed… in gifs.

SNEAKING INTO MOVIES AT THE OLD AMC CENTURY CITY

WHEN SOMEONE SAYS NEW YORK IS BETTER

EVERY FACEBOOK STATUS AT SUNSET

WHAT THE GO GO DANCERS IN WEHO WANT TO DO TO DRUNK GIRLS

Got one to share? Send it here.

by Daniela Hummel

Fashion has always been a fast-paced industry. As Heidi Klum says, “either you’re in or you’re out.” That has never been
more true than today. Over the last few years, blogs and social media have kicked the accessibility of the fashion world into high gear. But none have had such a widespread impact quite like Instagram.

Getting to know fashion insiders

Instagram has become the go-to app for fashion’s VIPs. Indeed, many of these Instagram account owners purposely photograph the most beautiful and luxurious aspects of their lives, rather than the hustle and bustle of reality. Rarely do you see a photo of exhausted models or interns afterfashion week. That is part of the appeal, however. On the users’ end, we get transported to fashion shows, a lingerie photo shoot in the Bahamas, get inspiration from what @oscarprgirl is wearing today or see a tour of Rachel Zoe’s office in a few clicks or scrolls. When it comes to our favorite fashion bloggers, posts aren’t enough. We get to see them getting their makeup done, see who their friends are, what they are eating…or even a photo of them sleeping in first class a la @chiaraferragni of The Blonde Salad. For up-and-coming companies, showcasing on Instagram is a great way to generate a buzz and familiarize followers with what a brand offers. The most notable feature on the app is its speed and the fact that the images come to you whether you are in class, at work, or waiting for someone to meet you. No need to seek out several websites on iPhone’s Safari browser. Within a few seconds, you are transported into the world of fashion’s elite.

Exploding Trends

Instagram is a fashion democracy. What the people love explodes and becomes trend. Users can easily tap to like or “heart” their favorite images and the word catches on. Take nail art. When YSL debuted their multicolored French manicure, it was all over Pinterest with perfect lighting, perfect nail shapes, and airbrushing. What about the real girls? The Leonardo DaVinci’s of nail art with little-to-no budgets? They took to Instagram to show off. A quick search for #nailart is an endless feed of inspiration.

On the streets

Speaking of “real people,” the Internet has become over-saturated with street style websites and blogs. Between photographers who show the same people over and over, those who choose to only photograph fashion royalty or models at fashion week, something is off kilter. On the other hand, Instagram is truly for the masses. You can see what people are actually wearing in front of their mirrors. It may not be sophisticated, but does it have to be? Maybe not. Some of the best dressed women you’ve ever seen may not be models or stylists. If you love traditional street style without the frou frou, accounts like @facehunter are bringing the focus of street style photography back to the people it was originally intended to represent.

High fashion or low fashion, Instagram is the place for it all. You can get a peek into the world of fashion’s insiders or find another person out there who inspires you to express yourself through style.

Let’s follow Santa Monica’s lead and do away with plastic bags.

We should all be taking reusable shopping bags to the market. But we have all said it: It is so easy to forget to put them in your car. What if they were so cute, you couldn’t forget?

Did you know that less than 5% of 19 billion plastic bags used annually in CA get recycled? As an eco-alternative to plastic and paper bags, we are doing a giveaway to promote the use of reusable shopping bags. We’re giving away three of these Via Los Angeles totes as part of a Twitter contest. The best part is, you can also use these totes as an alternative to your purse.

The entry rules are easy. Just tweet the following phrase to @vialosangeles:

@vialosangeles Enter the Via LA giveaway to win a reusable tote! http://bit.ly/W3zqou  #EcoViaLA

Each tweet will be counted as an entry and the three winners will be selected at random.

Giveaway ends Saturday, March 16th. Winners will be announced on Monday, March 18th. Add @vialosangeles so we can send you a PM!

Giveaway is only open to US residents. Winners must reply with shipping address within 24 hours of being contacted or another winner will be selected.

GIVEAWAY IS OVER!

Winners: @fangirljen @k_to_the_t & @lainebrake!