Keep Yourself Warm

          Refreshing coats to get comfy in

Nothing says it's getting cold outside like wearing a classic black pea coat. This look is something you can wear year after year and looks great with boots and fingerless gloves. This year detachable hoods are popular for this common coat and it's great for either guys or girls. 

Huge collars are in this season. Go for a chunky coat that stands out and rests just below your jawline. You can wear this with skinny jeans and flats. Try not to wear anything extreme or big with it, as it'll make your outfit appear like it's wearing you, instead of you wearing it.  

Blazers work great for the fall because they're trendy, yet still keep you warm until Winter comes. There are many different styles for both men and women, and the range of fabrics are broad (try tweed). 

Sleeveless coats are great because they easily rest over any outfit you feel like wearing, dressy or casual. They might not keep you warm, but they will keep some of chill off your shoulders and make you look comfy. 

Fur is back, for both men and women. You can find it on the insides of coats and on collars. Try to avoid cheap fur that looks thin. Also, don't go overboard by getting an all-fur coat unless you're planning on pairing it with a dress and some tights. 

Motorcycle jackets aren't reserved for leather. This look goes great on men and looks fitted with the tight sleeves. Avoid zipping it up and wear something that's longer underneath. Pairing it with boots also works. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Must See Concerts of the Season

A Fine Frenzy

El Rey Theatre- Los Angeles, CA

Tuesday, Nov. 17

Atticus Metal Tour

Glass House- Pomona, CA

Wednesday, Nov.18

Chris Brown with New Boyz

Avalon Hollywood- Hollywood, CA

Wednesday, Nov. 18

A Fine Frenzy

House of Blues- Anaheim, CA

Wednesday, Nov. 18

Onerepublic

Troubadour- West Hollywood, CA

Wednesday, Nov. 18

Snoop Dogg

Grove of Anaheim- Anaheim, CA

Wednesday, Nov. 18

The Fray

Galen Center- Los Angeles, CA

Thursday, Nov. 19

Deftones

Avalon Hollywood- Hollywood, CA

Friday, Nov. 20

Ray Lamontagne

Orpheum Theatre- Los Angeles, CA

Friday, Nov. 20


The Misfits

Galaxy Concert Theatre- Santa Ana, CA
Friday, Nov. 20

Hollywood Undead & Atreyu

Wiltern Theatre- Los Angeles, CA

Saturday, Nov. 21

The Misfits

Keys Club- West Hollywood, CA

Saturday, Nov. 21

Say Anything

Troubadour- West Hollywood, CA

Sunday, Nov. 22

Papa Roach & Jet

Club Nokia- Los Angeles, CA

Monday, Nov. 23

Thrice

Avalon Hollywood- Hollywood, CA

Monday, Nov. 23

Switchfoot

House of Blues- Anaheim, CA

Friday, Nov. 27

Rockaliforniafest

Los Angeles Sports Arena- Los Angeles, CA

Sunday, Nov. 29

DJ Quik 

Key Club- West Hollywood, CA

Sunday, Nov. 29

Dashboard Confessional

Troubadour- West Hollywood, CA

Monday, Nov. 30

Less than Jake

House of Blues Hollywood- Hollywood, CA

Friday, Dec. 4

KIIS FM's Jingle Ball w/ Taylor Swift 

Nokia Theatre LA Live- Los Angeles, CA

Saturday, Dec. 5

A Rockapella Holiday

Smothers Theatre- Malibu, CA

Sunday, Dec. 6

Morrissey 

Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal City Walk- Universal City, CA

Thursday, Dec. 10

Metallica

Honda Center- Anaheim, CA

Thursday, Dec. 10

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Fresh Hairstyles for Fall

Pixie haircuts are all the rave for the fall. Let go of your locks by going for a razored, "in your eyes" sort of look. Rhianna does it best by having a heavily layered look that makes her still look sweet, with a little edge. Make sure your face has either an oval, triangular, or pear shape so that it compliments you instead of making your face more round or square.

Side-swept bangs for men are the most popular this season. They should be layered and styled to look a little messy, but still clean-cut. Make sure the bangs don't hang in the eyes and go with a razored cut for an edgier look.

Ponytails are back and in big demand. Celebrities at the 2009 CMA awards were already sporting this style and looking fresh. Try teasing your hair before tying it back and make sure plenty of strands are loose to shape your face. Don't be afraid to have your hair in waves, but avoid curls that are too tight.

Thick bangs are definitely different and retro, especially when paired with a cute bob that cuts at the chin, or just above. Avoid layering here and go for a clean cut and bangs that cover your eyebrows. Try having a bit of an angle to the cut below your chin.

Schoolboy haircuts are sleek and sophisticated for men, adding a bit of style to any outfit and look. This look compliments any face shape and will work with hair that doesn't need to be too long. Try styling it with a gentle gel and making sure it has a bit of shine, but not too much gunk.

Waves aren't just for the summer, but they're inviting themselves over for the fall. Natural looks that are lightly styled, but not straightened or tampered with are best. Try putting a little product in your hair to take out any frizz and to hold the waves in place. Straighten the top part of your hair to take out some of the volume and kink to your curls.

Dark dyes have arrived. Dying your hair to a darker shade of brown or red is most flattering for the colder season and will give a warmer look. Try putting a few highlights in that look natural throughout the hair to compliment the layers and to make the hair look fuller.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Taco Shops in SoCal

There's nothing better than going surfing or shopping all day in Southern California, exhausted and ready for a mouthful of Mexican food. Southern California has some of the best Mexican food in the country, and here are some favorites that are not to be missed.

Orange County

Pena's

1221 E 1st St.

Ste. C

Santa Ana, CA 92701

(714) 571-0415

Pena's makes their own tortillas and specializes in spices that put a little "pop" to all of their dishes. They have Mexican Coke, goat stew, and pork in their tacos that customers rave about (it's tender and slowly cooked in banana leaves). And you can eat all this while sitting in a saddle barstool while watching dishes be made.

Taco Adobe

121 N Lemon St.

Orange, CA

(714) 628-0633

This place is a hole in the wall, but then again some of the best places to eat are small, humble spots. They have a secret sauce they put in many of their dishes with soft, fresh tortillas. Their sauces aren't the spiciest, but everything has a lot of flavor and won't leave you with a heavy feeling because everything has very little grease.

Long Beach

Taco Surf

115 Main St.

Seal Beach, CA 90740

(562) 594-0600

My family has been frequenting Taco Surf for over ten years now, and it's safe to say the taste has only gotten better. Everything from their tacos to their enchiladas tastes authentic and it always seems to "hit the spot." The owner is a humble older man who serves colorful green and red chips, but will never admit to owning the place. Although you may feel stuffed to the brim after leaving since the ingredients aren't exactly the healthiest, it's a good place to visit occasionally.

El Burrito Jr.

909 Ocean Ave.

Seal Beach, CA 90740

(562) 431-8483

El Burrito Jr. isn't shy with their portions of chips and salsa (it could be it's own meal) and is across the street from the beach--a perfect place to stop after surfing or laying out. Their salsa is pretty basic, but the food is authentic with a lot of frying and flavor. The tacos are stuffed with tons of ingredients and good in price. It's not gourmet, but it's relaxed and chill enough to hang out at after being in the sun all day.

Los Angeles

El Atacor Restaurant

3520 N. Figueroa St. Ste 4

Los Angeles, CA 90065

(323) 342-0180

El Atacor Restaurant specializes in potato tacos and a super burrito that is bigger than the West Coast. They have homemade horchata, but they 76 the syrups and powders. There's not many places that you can buy a few tacos and a drink for less than five dollars, but you do have to spend at least ten bucks to use your credit card. If you're having a midnight craving, this is probably the best place you could visit that's still open at two in the morning.

Cactus Mexican Food

950 Vine St.

Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 464-5865

The tacos at Cactus Mexican Food are the best on the menu: overstuffed tiny corn tortillas with fresh avocado and an overload of carne asada. They also have shrimp and fish tacos, plus hard-shelled tacos with steak. It's not in the most upscale of locations so don't expect to be pampered, but most customers don't mind once they get fed.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

The Snow Season is Here

         Where to play (hard) in the snow in Southern California

Mammoth

www.mammothmountain.com 

Mammoth is great because it sits at an elevation of 11,000 feet and doesn't close just because winter ends. It's open six months out of the year and is the highest, and largest, ski resort in California. It's all around better than Bear Mountain and Mountain High. The only drawback is that it's pretty far from everything, about a five-hour trip from Orange County. There's something for everyone at Mammoth, and with triple black diamonds, the most experienced boarder or skier can have a challenge here.  

Mountain High

www.mthigh.com

For 13 years, Mountain High has always opened earlier than Bear Mountain. This year they only opened one day before, but they're still the first place boarders head each winter. It's smaller than Bear Mountain, but it has better rails and boxes. If you're looking for better and longer jumps, head to Bear Mountain instead. The distance to Mountain High is a lot closer than Bear Mountain, with only an hour and fifty minute drive. They also have a West Resort for more boarding, and an East Resort the beginners. If you want to take a break, go tubing here, as well. Although Mountain High isn't as extreme as Mammoth, they have double black diamonds and a half-pipe awaiting you. 

Snow Summit 

www.snowsummit.com

Snow Summit is more of a family park in Big Bear, not necessarily where you'll be finding the pros. Although it's a lot more relaxed here, they still have boxes, rails and jumps. The runs are a lot shorter and easier to work, since it's geared more towards families. It's about the same size as Bear Mountain and the best place for beginner and immediate slopes, but it still has a half-pipe, and even has night sessions. Summit has less boxes and rails than Bear Mountain, but is still better for riding. 

Snow Valley 

www.snow-valley.com

Snow Valley is on the way to Big Bear and another easier course. It's probably the most family-friendly course in SoCal, but is a good place to not get overrun by the pros. It has a lot of rails, but is limited in boxes. It's average for intermediates that want to practice, but has great trails that are for those who don't want to freestyle. Snow Valley is also not as crowded as other mountains in SoCal, and is closer to the resorts. 

Bear Mountain

www.bearmountain.com

Bear Mountain is the second place to hit the snow in Big Bear. Bear has a lot more boxes and rails than Snow Summit for tricks, but is for the intermediate skiers and boarders, with a double black mountain and easier courses than the other SoCal locations. There's more for those that want to snowboard, like a half-pipe and better jumps. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Coffee Shops

ORANGE COUNTY

Milk and Honey

2981 Bristol St. #B6

Costa Mesa, CA

(714) 708-0092

Milk and Honey is a quaint little coffee shop, just across from The Lab shops. Although it only holds a few customers, it has both an inside and outside seating area with creative coffees, teas, and sandwiches. Some of their specialties include their acai bowl and peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Outside you can hear the soothing sound of a fountain running and have shade from the OC sun.

The Gypsy Den

125 N. Broadway Ave.

Santa Ana, CA 92701

(714) 835-8840

www.gypsyden.com

The Gypsy Den calls itself "more than a just a coffee shop...part cafe, part venue, and all community." With plenty of room and artistic inspiration to study and think philosophically, this shop is also a great place to have a good time and enjoy some local music. They offer scrumptious breakfast options, like French Toast with berries and granola, or oatmeal creme brulee. For lunch or dinner, pick the Mediterranean Pasta and for dessert there's always the Coconut Layer Cake or Bread Pudding.

LONG BEACH

Portfolio Coffee House

2300 East 4th Street

Long Beach, CA 90814

(562) 434-2486

After twenty years, Portfolio Coffee House offers more than just freshly brewed coffee, with many knitting classes and swingin' jazz nights throughout each month. Local art hangs on their walls and this coffee shop was the first to hold poetry readings in Long Beach. This coffee house is larger than most with two big rooms and a spacious outside patio. 

Passport Coffee House

449 E. Broadway

Long Beach, CA 90802

(562) 495-4907

Passport Coffee Shop sits quite comfy on a corner in East Village of Long Beach. They serve gourmet coffees and it's common to find people sitting outside playing music and just strumming on their guitars. The employees are friendly and make their customers feel comfortable. Although Long Beach doesn't offer as many unique coffee shops as Los Angeles or Orange County, this one is a great pick if you want to feel at home. 

LOS ANGELES

Sunset Junction

4019 Sunset Blvd. 

Los Angeles, CA 90029

(323) 661-7771

With eclectic taste and crucifxes, masks, and statues hanging all around the store, Sunset Junction is set in the heart of Los Angeles and is a part of The Sunset Junction Neighborhood Alliance, which is a non-profit organization that looks to provide the community with counseling, have farmers' markets, and have annual street fairs. This coffee shop sells coffee from around the world and even has "Open Mike Wednesdays." Besides just selling coffee, there's also jewelry (and even bed sheets) for sale. 

Lost Souls Cafe

124 W. 4th Street 

Los Angeles, CA 90013

(213) 617-7006

Lost Souls Cafe is roomy with plenty of seats available-- sometimes it's quiet and solemn, other times busy and bustling. They offer live music throughout the week and provide free wireless Internet. They have Spoken Word shows on Friday nights and offer savory crepes and sun bread. To relax, meet new people, or just to sit quietly with a good latte and book, visit Lost Souls Cafe. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Indies & Documentaries Playing in Southern California

New York, I Love You
If you've ever seen Paris, J'Taime, then you understand the concept of taking many different love stories and combining them into one, big independent film, but this time in the heart of New York City. There's many different situations, some being of a bellboy falling for a guest at a hotel, another of a man who picks pockets and then follows an intriguing woman. There's also an elderly couple in love and a boy with his prom date. This film can be compared to Love Actually because of it's drama, humor, and soundtrack. Don't expect happily-ever-afters, but instead a film that's invigorating and encounters the different ethnic groups and personalities in The Big Apple.

Why you want to see this: Where else can you see a film packed with so many talented actors? This film is loaded with a whole lot of Shia LaBeouf, Ethan Hawke, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, Natalie Portman, Rachel Bilson, Hayden Christensen, Andy Garcia, and Robin Wright Penn.

Capitalism: A Love Story
Michael Moore is knocking on the door of D.C., once again, with this documentary about Wall Street and government bails. Of course, he adds sarcasm to the mixture with the political figures he encounters and is on a hunt to find where the country's money is. He analyzes why the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer in America, yet keeps the documentary lighthearted at times, like having M.I.A. play in the trailer with the sound of shotguns firing. He continues to hold people accountable and isn't afraid of embarrassing himself or his crew for the sake of saving America.

Why you want to see this: Moore continues to hold the government accountable in this film and ignores anyone trying to stop him. The film is highly informative, influential, and raw with it's real accounts of average Americans and how they've suffered from the state of the economy. At times Moore seems to know he's annoying, but he doesn't care for the sake of getting answers.

Coco Before Chanel
With Amelie and The Da Vinci Code under her belt, Audrey Tautou is perfect for the role of Coco Chanel. The film highlights the significant parts of Chanel's childhood, lovers, and rise to fame as an extroverted, fashion icon. The film is realistic and doesn't just show glitz and glamour for the designer, but instead takes you through the difficult parts of Chanel's life, like living at an orphanage and being deserted by her father. Coco Before Chanel shows Chanel's passion for fashion, which began with designing hats, and the story of her rise to fame.

Why you want to see this: Coco Before Chanel isn't just about fashion or design, it's interesting and dynamic. It's already won three awards and has an interesting take on the history of fashion. It's a movie that doesn't need to be classified as a "chick-flick", but something most people will be able to enjoy.


Bronson
This film is based on the story of Charles Bronson, a British criminal convicted of robbing a post office, who ends up spending 30 years in solitary confinement over a sentence that was only for seven years. It's lighthearted with cinematography that isn't typical for a dramatic/comedic film like this. Known as "Britain's most violent criminal," this film is based on a true story of a man who seemed to think that everything he did was completely rational, although he admitted to being crazy. Besides being a criminal, his character is an analytical artist who seems to think he controls everyone and everything around him.

Why you want to see this: Besides being humorous and quirky, this film is also a deep thinker that has more of an underlying story than just a man who was violent and insane. The character of Charles Bronson toys with the other individuals in this film, and at times it's hard to figure out if he's toying with you, as well.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com