Simply…
happy birthday to ME!
congrats to the Elevated Crew…5 Years..Hustle Hard, Eat Well, Live Elevated!
and lots of pics of lots of people from lots of parties in the gallery…

Literally “lets get dirty.”!  In a constant effort to stay healthy and fit, I could not back down, when a friend challenged me to complete the Camp Pendleton 10k Mud Run. Since I have completed in marathons (26.2 miles), one on foot and the other on bike, I figured how hard could a 10k (6.2 miles) race be.  As I sought information on this “Mud Run”, I learned that the course was equipped with tire obstacles, river crossings, tunnel crawls, slippery hill climbs, and the final 30-foot mud pit.  Needless to say, I think I have a found a fulfilling challenge.

The Mud Run is October 18th, which gives myself and those who dare to accept this challenge more than enough time to prepare. Registration is $55 and as this is a popular event spots fill up months in advance, so sign up early!  If you are content with the treadmill as your work out, be sure to check back later this year and see how team Elevated survived the Mud Run.

If you couldn’t answer the question faster than you read it, your timepiece may be suspect. Last night, the JL boys produced the NOOKA X DDCLAB event in Hollywood at the DDCLAB Los Angeles store. With ever-flowing drinks and rare grooves by Gomez Warren IV, the collaborative event gave invited guests a glimpse of the two brands.

NOOKA, a design company, shared their line of watches that fit as a normal watch with abstract digital displays that make them beyond typical. Having seen a couple of these watches up close, some practice is needed before wearing — as you don’t want to stumble through a response to my initial question. With many styles and colors to choose from, they have pieces for any outfit or occasion. The summer uniform of tees, sneakers and jeans have a new buddy to set a scene off right.

DDCLAB is a product of Roberto Crivello and Savania Davies-Keiller’s design studio DDC USA. This duo is committed to enhancing fashion through emerging technology but never “reinventing the wheel.” So, “The look is the same. It is simple. It is classic. But is now improved. It is fashion technology.” Although my sneakers may be fly, they can’t make me fly — but if it ever happens I know where it will happen first.

Check out the photos LAZO shot at the event and catch your own peek of NOOKA X DCCLAB.

The Mantra, the motto, the slogan, the theme…whichever way you choose to view “Hustle Hard, Eat Well, Live Elevated,” it is our offering not only to our readers, but to everybody we encounter. You may have seen it pop up in a few of the post, but now I think it’s time that is we provide a detailed explanation. Besides sounding really cool, we put some deep thought into these few words:

Hustle Hard means to do just that: work hard in all that you do, and success will always be a by-product of your hustle. Some may feel the word “Hustle” is played or worn out, but there is no better word to describe pure hard work. Now matter how many rap songs use the word, it will still hold the same weight. Hustle is a state of mind. As much as it is about working hard, it is about working smart. Each opportunity that is put in front of you is a gift. Your thanks for that gift is hustle.

Eat Well (pause), does not just mean to eat 5 fruits and veggies a day, or to hit up the place on Beverly Blvd with the good pancakes. Of course we encourage you to literally eat well, or we wouldn’t suggest so many spots with good eats, but in our mantra “eat well” is a reference to money. If you’re “eatin” that means you’re getting money. And as true wealth is our goal, you know it is achieved when you can have the best food on your table and the best people around it.

Live Elevated. How does one do that? Living up to your potential is living elevated. Strive to be, have, see, and experience the best there is in this world and the next. For the those who are temporarily “elevated”–or impaired–don’t even worry about it. Just stick to the script and follow along with us. We will map it out for you. Living elevated is something that is a constant struggle. You must constantly expect the best for yourself, as well as your surroundings and activities. Life is too short to be complacent and accept sub-par quality in any aspect of life. We strive to assist you in this way of life by provided you with elevated experiences and destinations.

Now that we are clear, there is 75% of the year left for you to “Hustle Hard, Eat Well, Live Elevated” in ‘08.

The electricity was out in my office building today. I waited for a bit, but when my manicure was over, I decided to shoot over to Melrose to get fresh. Rent is due soon though, so I couldn’t get too fresh. Just a new black fitted from Crooks & Castles to crown the champ. The 8021 Melrose Ave location, the brand’s flagship store, is modestly cool. Tony Montana-esque Black marble tile, dark wood and concrete provide the backdrop for an assortment of screen printed tees, fancifully embellished hoodies, and fitted hats. In the display case you will find vintage sunglasses, red crocodile wallets, ill gold rope chains, and a Warhol inspired 357 magnum. The brand name considered, I wasn’t suprised by the loaded revolver as much as I was by the music playing in the background. The voice of the smooth operator herself, Sade, floated across the high ceilings at 8121. Gangsta! When I was ready to purchase my fitted I walked over to the display counter where one would expect to see a cash register. Instead, Chris (the marketing director for Crooks) disappeared with my hat and in his place out walked a beautiful woman holding a silver tray. I dropped my Platinum Bank of America debit card (sorry no black card yet) on the tray and she brought it to him. A minute later Chris walked out, shook my hand and handed me my bag. I think their retail experience is a brilliant extension of their brand. Go and see for yourself why “You can’t stop the Crooks.”

Crooks & Castles
8121 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, 90046

Someone who’s taste I trust when it comes to luxury, posh living, and general popping off, said that I should check out the Edison downtown. This place is perfect for me. Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t really like going to the club; the pretentiousness, loud music, and counterfeit top shelf liquor (I’ve heard) aren’t my thing. The Edison is worlds away from that. It has the perfect combination of charm and decadence, with its copper gilded walls and and gorgeous antique pendant lamps. I like this place because it has history. It is actually LA’s first private power plant reclaimed as a novel, if not unique, watering hole for civilian and entertainment professionals alike. The crowd is grown up and diverse (although a little pale for me). With ample seating and softly lit nooks, The Edison is a perfect place to end a long work day with with friends, and a good place to post up with a pretty mouthed dame (or two). Go to enjoy drinks and conversation with your people. Be adventurous: try out one of their signature drinks. I recommend “The Hemingway,” a little champagne and absinthe concoction that will help you shed the stresses of the day.

Though I admittedly have a long-running history of being addicted to heels, I still recognize that there are few things flyer than a woman whose sneaker game is on point. For the female sneaker heads out there–or those looking to convert–you have a chance to make some additions to your collection this weekend at Kendo LA on Melrose. Tomorrow and Sunday (the 8th and 9th) you will find discounts from 50%-70% off at their March Madness Spring Cleaning Backyard Blowout Sale (lol). Can’t be mad at that.

Visit Kendo LA  for more details.

Kendo
7218 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90046
323 934.9450

“these bums will buy you cliche` flowers and candy and consider it as an investment with a sexual return.”

I know the ladies are ready to light me up with comments and emails, but bear with me. You are so deprived of romance and consideration for most of the year, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for romance by obligation. Valentine’s Day is a romantic paradox. The soul of romance lives in spontinaety, and by declaring a day for lovers to be romantic, spontaneity looses its edge. A champion lover is frequently thoughtful throughout the year. That is why I am declaring a new holiday: The Champion Lover (CL) holiday. Think of it like sick time at work. You can take it as you need it (nh). Everyone has 12 Champion Lover holidays per year. You can take one every month or you can spend like two weeks this summer cupcaking with your boy/girlfriend, wifey/hubby, life partner, f%#ck buddy, or what ever you kids call it these days. Every holiday has to have traditions or customs… We will keep it simple. There is only one rule. Be selfless. When a Champion Lover does things for someone he/she cares for, it is done for no other purpose than to make that person feel special. On Valentine’s Day, most of these bums will buy you cliche` flowers and candy and consider it as an investment with a sexual return. Lame! It has to be done just because you love to do it. Do it for the look on her face.
(more…)

While I don’t really participate in New Year’s Resolutions–because I strive to constantly pursue self-betterment–I am aware that many choose to add things like working out and being more healthy to their list of new year’s tasks. For some, this is a number-one priority and is accompanied by diets, gym memberships and new home workout equipment. Often, simply getting started is the hardest part; as we get older our responsibilities increase, free time lessens and–as a result–we get stuck with a little extra weight.

Runyon Canyon is a good place to go to add a fun experience to an otherwise mundane exercise regimen. It can help to provide you peace of mind and add some enjoyment to your workout. In no way is running the Canyon an easy activity, but as you make your way up the trails you are presented with views that will allow you to visually inhale the beauty that is Los Angeles.

Nestled in the Hollywood Hills is the 25 years old, 130 acre park with multiple trails for walking, jogging or running. One of the trendiest workout spots, you will often see people walking dogs, practicing yoga or snapping photos of the scenery. There are two entrances: one at the bottom of the hill of Vista and Fuller Ave, and the other at the top entrance off Mulholland Dr. You can exercise for as little or as long as you want. So grab your iPod, a friend and a bottle of water, and tackle your resolutions with the natural beauty of Runyon Canyon.

Runyon Canyon
2000 North Fuller
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.666.5046

The time has come and gone. The moment at which–one way or another–we all counted down the last 10 seconds of 2007 in order to scream Happy New Year and spread hugs, kisses, and pounds to all those within a twenty foot radius. If you didn’t join us for our Last Call of Ohh Svn (07), where we partied with Fonzworth Bentley in our “Tastefully Tacky” threads, then you missed out. But you can still view the pictures from the event (as well as those from our party for the Buss Family and Season’s Best) in the photo Gallery.

On behalf of the entire elevatedla.com fam, we would like to wish you a Happy New Year! We hope that this year provides you with access to the opportunities you seek and success in the goals you wish to achieve. Though you may have heard it used by others, and it may be a little corny, we challenge you to “elevate in 08!” We have tons of things in store for this year, so stay tuned..

Hustle Hard, Eat Well, Live Elevated

Well he’s done it again; G. met with the penguin himself, Fonzworth Bentley, and cooked up something fresh for new year’s eve. Tastefully Tacky, an elevated event with a playful dress code. Have you ever looked at 3000 and thought to yourself, “his outfit is kinda fresh but I could never get away with that…?” Tastefully Tacky NYE is your chance to go completely off and wear that fit that you wouldn’t normally wear for fear of certain fashion faux pa. From what I understand there is a bit of a science to pulling it off though. You don’t want to show up looking like you rented your fit from a costume shop. Be fly but be careful. Be daring but be careful. This will certainly be a night to remember.

New Years Eve | Buy Tickets Online |

Element
1642 N. Las Palmas
Hollywood, CA, 90028

The holidays are rapidly approaching. Some are finishing up school and getting ready, others are enjoying casual Fridays, long lunches and office parties. Southern California has finally seen some rain and a few days with temperatures lower than 80 degrees. It is truly a great time of year that everyone should enjoy.

We have an enormous amount of events for the remaining part of the year and we are aware that there will be many house parties, office soriees, and special events you may partake in. We would like to take the time to remind everyone the importance of being smart while out partying this season. While you may have a glass of wine or celebratory cup of that special eggnog to compliment the festivities, please be sure to think before you drink.

Unfortunately, Los Angeles isn’t one of the major cities where the majority of the population lives in the city and uses public transportation. Many people travel to areas far from where they live in order to party, drink, and then drive home.

Drinking and Driving is a deadly combination, and we know this, and yet many of us have done it before. It is very dangerous and if caught is a very big inconvenience, which include jail, large fines and the loss of your driving privileges. We have uploaded a Blood Alcohol Content Chart for men and women to help you when planning your holiday party schedule. Everyone doesn’t drink, so you have the opportunity to reach out to friends that don’t drink to be designated drivers. Otherwise, flip a coin to figure out who wont get to drink for the night.

So before you head home from a night of partying, be sure that you are not under the influence. If there is any question, then you should wait. Life is a precious thing; don’t gamble with yours or anyone else’s. Don’t forget to be aware of other drivers on the road. Because even if you’re making the right choices, there’s someone out there who isn’t else isn’t.

We wish everyone a great and safe Holiday Season!