Much Ado About Nightstands
Hey There, Are you freaking out about the fact that your nightstand sucks and looks garbagey?Check out my post on Emily’s blog today about how I styled mine. You’ll be happy you did. Read Post Here. Love, Orando
Blog
Forgiving Those Who Take Forever To Come Out
Dear World, I came out of the closet when I was 15. At the time, I lived in a house right under this waterfall: I worked here: And I went to this gross high school: I’ve actually always hated that phrase, “coming out of the closet.” It implies you’ve been lying about something your whole life, when in reality you’re just a kid trying to figure out who you are. As much as I resented that term, however, I decided it was important to come out because I thought it would be beneficial for the kids at my isolated high…
How I Learned to Stop Hating The Grove
Dear Reader, In cities all over the world, there are shopping districts where urban dwellers flock to meet up with their friends, stare at beautiful things, and perhaps even buy something they want (or, GASP!, need). Paris has Les Champs-Élysées. Tokyo has the Ginza. And here in Los Angeles, we have The Grove. But what exactly is The Grove? Is it a shopping mall where we find the newest treasure? Is it a community space where you take your children to play? Is it a terrifying dystopia where every childhood fear I had about the future comes true, in vivid…
I Want To Crawl Inside This Music Video
Dear St. Vincent, I’m in love with your music video for “Cheerleader” directed by Hiro Murai. According to Yatzer, the video was inspired by the art of Ron Mueck, an artist who makes enormous sculptures of humans in awkward positions. Annie Clark (AKA St. Vincent) looks beautiful. Like a giant porcelain doll. The whole thing is amazing. Enjoy! [vimeo 36052867 w=657 h=318] Love, Orlando
Deliver Me To Hedi Land
Dear Hedi Slimane, You are my favorite photographer. Everyone knows that. You have a wonderful fashion diary I look at all the time. It brings me great joy. But lately every time I look at one of your photographs they make me want to be an active participant in the awesome world you document because everyone looks so cool and aloof and glamorous. Below is a list of things your photos make me want to do: 1. Sit on the ground and contemplate my feelings. 2. Play a guitar on a diving board whist wearing skinny jeans. 3. Stand with a…
Where’s My Wallet?
Dear Diary, I lost my wallet last weekend, which was totally annoying and devastating. Not really, but it did get me thinking about wallets. Because as much as I miss my California drivers license and the five different business/personal credit cards, I also miss my Salvatore Ferragamo wallet, a gift I got from a friend a few years ago. They don’t make the particular credit card sleeve I had anymore, so it’s time to move on. Wallets, like watches, eyewear, phones and other items you use every day are the one place I feel comfortable splurging. I believe that if…
Glamourtimez: The Vanity Fair & Baxter of California Party
Dear Baxter of California, I attended the Vanity Fair/Baxter of California Oscar party last night and had a great time acting like the weirdo from American Beauty who goes around taking video of everything. Do you ever go to a party where you don’t know anyone, thinking to yourself that it’s a great way to meet new people? And then you get there and you’re the only one alone and it makes you realize you should have brought someone? So then you just awkwardly wander around taking pictures whilst eating (delicious) mini-hamburgers? Yeah, that’s pretty much what I did. I’ve…
The Do’s And Don’ts Of The Gay Gym
Dear Gym Lovers, Did you know there is such thing as a “Gay Gym”? I did. A Gay Gym is like a regular gym except everyone is more attractive, there is a disproportionately male clientele, and there is 57% more body dysmorphia than at your traditional Straight Gym. Gay Gyms are normally located in homosexual neighborhoods in major cities. Two great examples include David Barton Gym in Chelsea in New York and Equinox on Sunset in Los Angeles. These gyms aren’t officially Gay, but the majority of the members are (some just don’t know it yet because I haven’t told…
What I Wish To Want To Buy
Hi There, Curious what sorts of ugly and/or disgusting stuff I’ve been looking at while shopping? Check out my shopping post on Emily’s Blog. The End, Orlando PS: Read Shopping Post Here.
Instagramtimez
Dear You, You should follow me on Instagram. It will be totally fun for the whole family. Here is what I have been looking at: This delightful Japanese panel, which now hangs in the bathroom. This amazing vase I saw on a home tour. This smarmy couples-themed cover article in LA Weekly. These überglamourous espresso cups from Rose Bowl Flea Market. Now if only I had an espresso machine… This gorgeous artichoke at Clementine Floral Works at Sunset Junction. This lovely bakery in kindagloomy Salt Lake City. The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, where I attended a conference…
Whut Glamour: Art by Andrew Salgado
Dear Andrew Salgado, A few months ago, I was waddling around a holiday party hosted by Ken Dolls when I stumbled upon one of your brilliant paintings (“It’s Not About Love”) in their living room. I spent the rest of the party scheming how I would fit the painting under my winter coat so I could take it home. Sadly, I left without it. But I was happy to discover your work because I find it completely inspiring. When I see something done in a new way, such as a figure rendered in a way never before seen, it reminds me…
15 Vintage Gay Couples You Need to See
Dear Gays, With Valentines Day upon us, many of us have couple-hatred on the mind. However, there is one type of couple it’s impossible to hate. Vintage Gay couples. Not only is their style totally unique and exciting, the fact that they were forced to love each other in secret makes these photographs all the more titillating. Sure, there’s no proof that any of these guys are actually couples, but what is the point of looking back on history if you can’t mold it to fit your modern-day agenda? Thus, for the purpose of this post I will be assuming…
Objects of My Affection
Dear Diary, Over the weekend, I spent a good amount of time doing my favorite thing in the world. Ogling. First, I ogled my boyfriend while he slept (Don’t worry it wasn’t creepy at all [Yes it was {No it wasn’t}]). Then, I ogled the view I have of downtown LA out my bedroom window. Then, I ogled the collection of garbage with which I’ve filled my home, trying desperately to convince myself that it’s all treasure. My man picked up these awesome side tables from Pepe’s. $250 for the pair. Emily bought this for me while we were shooting…
Vote For My Homie!
Dear Reader, Most days of my life these days are spent working alongside Emily Henderson. We decorate houses. We talk about guys, shopping, and the mall. We write for her blog, stylebyemilyhenderson.com, which just underwent a totally glamorous makeover. We also do the following: 1. Laugh whilst drinking lattes. 2. Pose with our daughter, Bonnie Sue. 3. Stare out the window, looking for peeping Toms. All photos by Kimberly Genevieve for The Everygirl. (Yes, I was in a publication called The Everygirl. [I’m every woman/It’s all in me]). So what does this have to do with you, you ask? Everything. Emily’s blog is up…
The Best T-Shirt In The World
Dear LAEX, Yesterday I went to the flea market with my boyfriend and a couple friends. I wore a hoodie, jeans, and my favorite new shirt from LAEX. When it got warm and I took off my hoodie to reveal the t-shirt underneath, everyone looked at me in disgust and worry. “Didn’t you wear that shirt last night? And the night before?” Yes. Yes I did. I can’t seem to take off this white t-shirt. It’s everything I want to be. It’s soft and drapey and comfortable. My inspiration for wearing simple white shirts comes from my obsession with 1950s…
Whut Glamour: Art by John Monn
Dear John Monn, I love your beautiful art. It’s filled with texture, color, and an undercurrent of unease. Read your artist statement here: I am exploring the differences between the hunter and hunted, and ultimately, what is sacred and what is disposable in our society. In this latest series in my body of work I am attempting to navigate a path for viewers to look back to simpler times. Maybe some illumination of the present can be found along the way. Drawing has always been the immediate way I make art. Years of pointillism, with slow deliberate accumulation of detail,…
Why Everyone Hates Couples
Dear Couples, The other day I looked at my boyfriend and asked him what he wanted to do for Valentines Day. “Nothing, I’m not big into Valentines Day,” he replied. At which point I burst into tears and ran out of the room, slamming the door behind me. Just kidding. No I didn’t. Because I also hate Valentines Day. Because I have been single for my whole life, this holiday conjures up images of me sitting alone on my bed watching The Great Mouse Detective and drinking Diet Coke out of a liter container, thinking about the fact that if…
Do You Have A Staring Problem (I Do)
Leathertimez: Ten Jackets I Wish To Want
Dear Marlon Brando and James Dean, You two were the first dudes to successfully rock leather jackets. As hunky movie stars of the golden age of Hollywood, you knew the leather jacket was the must-have clothing article. Here is Marlon in what is perhaps the most adorable outfit a man ever wore: And nobody beats James in these luxe leather jackets: I know smoking is bad, but he makes it look so cool. Because it is kind of like the desert, Los Angeles gets chilly at night, even on sunny summer days. Thus, I have been fantasizing about buying a new…
Ten Things You Will See At A Gay Super Bowl Party
Dear People Who Grew Up Watching The Super Bowl, I didn’t. I’d actually never seen the Super Bowl until I moved to Los Angeles. Arguably, I still have never watched one because I never pay attention. The only thing I remember about last year’s Super Bowl is that Chevy commercial with “We Are Young” by Fun. Remember when that song was new last year? Before it had been played so much that every time it came on the radio you wanted to transport yourself into medieval times just so you could find a sword long enough to stick in your…
Top Ten Gay Houses To Live In Before You Die
Dear Boy Scouts of America, Remember that one time you banned gays from your organization, even though like half of everyone that was ever a Boy Scout is gay? Think about it, anyone who wants to run around in the woods, make crafts (pinewood derby anyone?), wear tiny navy blue shorts, and do role playing games where you pretend to be Paul Bunyon is probably a homosexual. As a former Scout myself, I was offended when you decided to make the ban on gays official. As a Boyscout, you learn to be resourceful, inventive, and to make a tent out…
Alt Summit: How I Survived A Conference For Girls
Check out my post on Emily’s Blog about Alt Summit, how I survived, and how it felt to be surrounded by 650 adorable hipster ladybloggers.
Be Still My Art
Dear Santa Monica, I resent you. Not because you’re not appealing and I don’t appreciate your pretty coastal views and your superior coffee shops. But mostly because you’re so far away. When someone moves West from the central part of Los Angeles (West Hollywood, Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silverlake, etc), we all pretty much say goodbye to them. People who live on the West Side are pretty much dead to everyone else. This is why I found it so hard to work up the motivation to drive all the way to Santa Monica on Sunday to enjoy the Art Los Angeles…
That One Time I Almost Single White Female’d My Client
Dear Diary, Remember that movie Single White Female? Where Bridget Fonda was all “Hay I’m Bridget Fonda I’m pretty and Jane Fonda is my auntie” and then Jennifer Jason Leigh is all “Hay Bridget Fonda I want to steal your boyfriend and stab you with a high heel.” I saw that movie when I was ten and it enriched my life forever. It’s just so good. Pretty girls running around an apartment trying to escape being murdered by high heels? It reminds me of a typical Saturday in West Hollywood. Anyway, I’ve been feeling pretty Single White Femaley recently, upon…