After the wildly successful launch of The Factory, it’s only proper that Minx Society allures you even more with a bigger, better, more fabulous installment this Friday (February 3, 2012).

The striking platinum-bobbed knockout Becka Diamond, dubbed New York City’s modern-day Edie Sedwick & “It Girl” by Nylon Magazine, will be spinning nostalgic, danceable jams at Room 86 until very, very late.

Simultaneously, we’ll have The Dance Party hailing all the way from D.C. & Angeleno natives Das Tapes performing live on the main stage in Dim Mak Studios. Perhaps our specific goal for this Factory night is to get all you stylish partygoers letting loose & moving your hips (and, as always, we’ll do what we do best & promise you plenty of babes & booze)!

Lab Art’s very own artist Gregory Siff, whose work is Pop Art meets Abstract-expressionism meets Street Art, will be decking The Factory out! Siff’s work has also appeared in Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine, Paper Mag, The LA Times, Complex and Glamour.

We hope you can join us in celebrating the very best in fashion, art, & music at The Factory – rsvp@minxsociety.com for exclusive inclusion on the guest list.

What season ARE we in, Angelenos? Well, who knows & who cares! It’s 80 degrees for the fifth day in a row & we’re loving it. To bridge this new season between winter & spring, maxi dresses are the ultimate stylishly efficient solution. If the wind picks up, throw on a maxi dress with some combat boots & a chunky sweater. If the sun is shining ever-so-brightly, bare those shoulders & slip into some 70′s-esque platforms. What’s even better about maxi dresses is you can transfer them from day to night, with ease; pair any of the dresses below with head-turning jewelry and 4-inch+ heels & you’re set.

Check out our minx-approved picks in order via our Style Gallery: Otis & Maclain High/Low Dress ($182), Dolce Vita Jane Striped Jersey Maxi Dress ($125), Reverse Cut Out Dress ($89), byCORPUS Open Back Maxi Dress ($59), Samantha Sleeper Wrap Dress ($280), Rory Beca Jones Gown ($220),  Blu Moon Leopard Maxi ($198), Free People Gialos Knitted Maxi Dress ($128), Cut Out Dress ($28), LNA Wilde Dress ($187), Rory Beca V-Neck Slit Dress ($198), Heather Zip Back Maxi Dress ($142), Monaco Maxi Dress ($68),  Bosworth Dress ($180), & Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Ombre Dress ($396). Remember! If you’re shopping Rad & Refined, use code: MINXSOCIETY for 15% off!

Up & coming artist  Lola Blanc’s biggest fear is mediocrity, even though she’s everything but!  With ravenous long-flowing hair, striking features, and a sexy-meets-avant-garde style, perhaps her first prevailing quality is that she’s a looker. Born in Germany, raised in Michigan, and now residing in Hollywood, vivacious Lola has grabbed our attention in a very big way as the pop star to watch out for in 2012.

“It was always my dream to come to Los Angeles and be a pop singer. Really long story short, I was able to move here, and I started exploring, trying out different styles. About a year ago I made the transition to full-on dance music and it was the best decision I’ve ever made,” Lola said.

Lola’s sound is whimsical with twinkling synth-pop beats & dubstep drops.  Her single You Like Me was produced by the highly-respected German production team, Famties, and co-written by Lola Blanc and singer/actress/minx CC Sheffield. Unlike other pop stars, Lola’s the real deal; she stays true to her own life experiences and her lyrics reflect that. “You Like Me is special to me because, though I’m all for professing your swag, I wanted to write a song that also touched on my own personal flaws…being selfish, spacey, and kind of a bitch at times,” Lola admitted.

While Lola has been busy launching her singing career, she’s managed to land appearances in videos of other artists, including LMFAO‘s “Sexy And I Know It” and Interpol‘s “Lights,” as well as land a blogging deal with It-Girl chasing Buzznet.

Follow Lola on Twitter & Tumblr, and make sure to get inspired by her blog. Check out some of Minx Society’s favorite shots of her including some from her most recent Marie Antoinette-inspired photo shoot by Mario Pena with her wardrobe provided by Esther Jean Designs and Angeleno designer Camille Rousseau. Her music career may be just beginning, but describing Lola Blanc as a natural for the spotlight is an understatement.

If Joan Baez and James Dean had ever fallen in love and had a love child, that love child would wear UNIF clothing. UNIF represents the ultimate harmony between the hippie-chick and the don’t-mess-with-me biker. This translates to clothing that has soft lines mixed with raw accents, that’s at once peaceful and at once calling to a revolution.

Their trademark shoe is perhaps the hellraiser. Made for both men and women, it’s a black or pink leather loafer covered (and we mean absolutely covered) in pointy metal spikes. And this shoe truly summarizes the brand’s aesthetic. It’s the traditional mixed with a raw, dangerous edginess.

For women – frayed, super short, high-waisted jean or black leather shorts flourish in their line, mixed with uber-feminine flowing, floral tops and cropped tees. Hand-crocheted long skirts in black or white give women a classic look yet with a naughty edge as the skirts possess a degree of see-through-ability. Even their website is sassy: “Nail a Frenchman like Jane did in this 100% cotton hand crocheted beauty.”

Sass, along with a tough, urban street vibe is what prevail the men’s line. Frayed jeans mixed with pithy slogans on t-shirts such as “God Hates FAQs” are the defining look. The men’s t-shirts have strategic cuts and are often arm-less, giving the wearer a ruffian appearance. Punk style short and long jackets with scattered zippers and calculated tatters here and there give me a look that’s half rock star, half get-away-driver.

Shop for UNIF pieces via their website or at Minx Society’s go-to’s Wasteland & Nasty Gal. Here are a couple of our favorites: the Birkin Dress ($130) – um, hello! perfect for Coachella, the Get It Skirt ($80), the It Shirt ($48), Grey Gardens Flutter Dress ($88), Hellraisers Slip-Ons ($165), & the Hail No Shirt ($60).

New York is not hurting for five star hotels, but it always has room for one more. Meet the Dream Hotel New York. No, it’s not just a name. The interior of the hotel works hard to give off a drowsy appearance, making each guest feel like they’re half awake and half-asleep and really enjoying the whole process.

Beds so comfortable you feel like you crawled between two clouds for a night’s rest. Strong accents of blue and white evoke the night’s sky. The sleek décor extends to the tech-savvy accoutrements, which offer each guest plasma mounted television sets, ergonomic work stations and Internet connections so fast, your webpages won’t load, they’ll fly. Make a night of it by sliding into a plush Dream Hotel bathrobe and you’ll wonder if you’ve suddenly started levitating.

The hotel boasts a rooftop bar with views of the city that will make you feel like you’re Jack abroad the Titanic, if of course, the hotel was actually a boat. The rooftop lounge is actually called the Ava Lounge, named exquisitely after Ava Gardner, with a stunning décor—a blend of American retro and French Riviera styles. Recline against an upholstered bench like a Hollywood starlet, without the bother of living in LA.

The Serafina Restaurant is a rosy, spirited Italian bistro suitable for before or after show drinks and eats. The rmfifty5 lounge is a chic and opulent space for kicking back with a urbanized martini, admiring the silver birch wall décor or the Murano chandeliers and feeling confident that you’re in the best night spot possible, and that you, dear friend, have the best taste.

If you want to get away to a hip, luxurious hotel in the middle of all the wild action of New York City and still manage to have an incredible night’s sleep, Dream has it all.

Dream New York – 210 West 55th Street  New York, NY 10019 – (212) 247-2000

If you’re one of the few who heard Big Deal’s debut 7″, Homework, you know why we Minxes are excited about this up-and-coming duo. With Homework, KC Underwood and Alice Costelloe brought out the best of boy/girl indie folk: heartfelt songs of longing and loss backed by interlocking acoustic guitar work. Listen to some of their other demos on their myspace, and you get a ’90s lo-fi vibe somewhere between Mazzy Star and Galaxie 500 with vocals as ethereal as The xx.

We were pretty sure that Homework wouldn’t be the last we’d hear of this illustrious pair. Sure enough, Big Deal recently signed to Mute Records. Underwood and Costelloe’s bittersweet ballads should be right at home at Mute, which has worked with such somber troubadours as Nick Cave and Alison Goldfrapp.

Big Deal’s debut full-length was released yesterday and we’re loving the single “Talk”, which takes the same minimalist approach as “Homework,” overlaying distorted guitars with clean ones for an effect not unlike The Jesus & Mary Chain’s Darklands, or Opal’s early work. The repetition of a simple dilemma that we can all relate to (“All I wanna do is talk, but seeing you fucks me up”) gains more urgency and intensity as the song progresses, before the song ends as unresolved as its narrators’ problems.

No less appealing is the b-side, “Locked Up,” which really brings the band’s lo-fi influences to the fore. In this cut, Costelloe and Underwood become Georgia Hubley and Ira Kaplan of Yo La Tengo, whisper-singing sad intimations to each other. The guitars are much heavier in this one, adding further texture to the skeleton of a song structure that Big Deal like to work with.

Big Deal’s debut album Lights Out is available for purchase at Amazon and on iTUNES. We’re stoked to catch them live @ the Echo Monday, March 19, 2012 at 7:00pm! Follow Big Deal on Twitter & like their Facebook page.

It’s that time again and DineLA has taken over most of the restaurants in this big city and we’re here to tell you the best ones to hit up. It’s an excuse to check out new spots (or oldies but goodies) at a reasonable price. DineLA will be running in Los Angeles for 2 more weeks, scoring you 3-course dinners running at $26, $34, and $44.

The best mega-steals of the bunch are few and far between but, we managed to sort through to find the best you can get for just $26. At hipster hangout, Luna Park, choose from warm goat cheese fondue, marinated Hawaiian Tuna Poke, or Grilled Artichoke for your first course; enjoy Breaded Pork Cutlet stuffed with mushrooms, gruyere, & white cheddar, or Steak Frites, or even a delicious Pan Seared Mahi Mahi for your entree & top it all off with our favorite “Make Your Own ‘Smores.”

Or, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, check out Hollywood’s new Asian-Peruvian hot spot Osaka. Their 3-course meal offers classic ceviche, a spicy crunch roll or Filet Mignon medallions, and a hot chocalte molten cake.

Last but not least, escape to LA’s own version of Paris at the Little Next Door for Arugula, blood orange, almond & goat cheese crostini with your choice of Wild Mushroom Chicken Breast or Steak Frites, and Chocolate Flour-less Cake.

For those who haven’t already checked out newbie Cleo in SBE’s Redbury Hotel, this is your chance to try a little bit of everything. The $34 dinner includes 2 appetizers such as hummus with homemade pita bread and wood burning oven items such as as artichoke or spicy potatoes, an entrée like a delicious Chicken Tagine or an assortment of kabobs, and a dessert (get the apple streusel with cinnamon cider caramel and spiced vanilla ice cream).

For those of you who a) love to go out and b) actually work – this one’s for you! Newbie product Drinkwel claims that they have created the first daily multivitamin for people who drink alcohol. So, instead of those “hangover pills” you have to continue to take while you’re out (and who are they kidding; who can remember to take one 4 cucumber martinis deep?!), Drinkwel is easy – you just have to pop one a day & your ever-so-socializing body we’ll automatically learn to fight those hangover reactions.

Created by two UC Berkeley graduates and formulated by two doctors, a PhD in Biomedical Science and a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Drinkwel’s unique combination of ingredients replenishes nutrients, supports healthy liver function, and helps your body process alcohol induced toxins.

Specifically, support mechanisms include: Milk Thistle, Artichoke Leaf and other botanicals to support liver health, Amino acids to help process alcohol induced toxins, Superfruits that help neutralize free radicals, Vitamin B-Complex to aid metabolism and maintain energy, and Vitamin C to support immune system function.

The best part about Drinkwel, is if you don’t feel better after trying out  a month’s supply – they’ll totally refund all your money back, including shipping. Buy it here. Done & done.

Here’s a secret: if you want a minx to fall in love with you, take her to Pace in Laurel Canyon. This romantic hot spot (pronounced “Pah-chay”) doubles as a warm sanctuary serving the most delicious sustainable, organic refined Italian cuisine.

Stone steps lead you down into this lovely underground hideaway, and once inside there is an overwhelming perfectly balanced ambiance of cool and cozy. Patrons are greeted with crayons at their paper–covered tables (perfect for date night!) and are immediately given toasted almonds with sublime Calabrese olives and the most delicious homemade bread with vodka sauce.

Head Chef and Owner Sandy Gendel masterfully created a sustainable-rustic menu featuring classic pasta dishes, original salads created with seasonal produce, innovative entrees, and inventive ciabatta-crust pizzas. When we say sustainable, we mean Gendel gets his fresh ingredients twice a week from local farms & believe us when we say you can taste the difference.

Menu musts include the Pappardelle con astice, porri e zucchini (homemade pappardelle with lobster, leeks & zucchini seasoned with garlic & oregano in white wine truffle oil cream sauce),  Tortellini di zucca e ricotta (homemade roasted butternut squash & ricotta cheese tortellini with julienne mustard greens in a sage white wine cream sauce), Grass-fed prime dry-aged Ribeye), and the Seared Hawaiian big eye tuna. The wine & beer list is extensive so it doesn’t matter that they don’t serve cocktails.

Make a reservation at Pace the moment you realize you’re ready to fall in love. Make sure to pull a hot date too! And, if you’re in the mood for some people watching – this is your spot; celebrity regulars include Ryan Seacrest, Zac Efron, Ashlee Simpson, & Britney Spears.

Pace – 2100 Laurel Canyon Blvd. – Los Angeles, CA 90046 – (323) 654-8583

The Golden Globes wasn’t the only star-studded event in L.A. over the weekend; celebs flocked to Union Station Saturday evening for the 2012 Art of Elysium Heaven Gala.

The organization, which “encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions” honored Elijah Wood as the Spirit of Elysium winner for his charity work and fundraising efforts.

In an effort to bring “heaven” to life, visionary Cameron Silver, founder and co-owner of the Decades vintage boutique, designed the entire event. From platters of French macaroons, to endless glasses of Beau Joie champagne, a Wolfgang Puck 5-course meal, and an after party complete with buff, metallic underwear wearing “go-go boys,” Silver fused old and new Hollywood to bring his idea of heaven to life.

Some of our fave minx celebs in attendance in included: Rachel Bilson, Kirsten Dunst, Chris Masterson, Sheperd Fairey (djing), Amber Heard, Kelly Osbourne, Camilla Belle, James King, Brittany Snow, & Kate Bosworth.