Now Wearing...

photo via Trés Awesome

Every piece in this photo has been in heavy rotation for me.  I picked up this varsity jacket from Topshop a couple months ago after DJing their prom shopping event, and I've worn the hell out of this thing!  It's so comfortable and makes every outfit instantly brighter and more playful.

The bag is a Botkier Valentina, which is on super sale at Amazon.  I'd be upset that I paid more except that I've had the bag for four months, and I've used it literally everyday.  For work, I'll occasionally carry an additional canvas tote bag, but for the most part, the size of this bag is perfect for me. There are just enough compartments for me to keep my things straight, but not so many that I forget where I've stashed things.  And the keychain is the best thing ever!

This photo was snapped by Chicago street style blog Trés Awesome (Emma Arnold).  I've heard quite a bit about Emma and her blog since starting at Leo Burnett last May because she's a Burnetter too!  Check out this video that our agency made featuring Emma and her life outside the agency.

And because I'm a very lucky lady, the agency recently featured me as well.  The video was filmed at The Bedford where I DJ monthly.  I'm spinning there again in a couple weeks on Saturday, June 1st.  If you're in town (and you should be because Chicago summers are the best), come say hi!

Valentine's Day Mix: You've Got Friends

Valentine's Day is traditionally speaking a celebration of love (and sometimes referred to as Singles Awareness Day), but what about our sometimes more meaningful and lasting relationships with our friends?



It is with much excitement that I share my latest mixtape created in partnership with DJ Major Taylor.  This mix is a celebration of the people who are always there for us - FRIENDS!  Happy early Valentine's Day, and I hope you enjoy!

 

Falling for Orange and Red

I'm DJing at The Bedford Chicago again this Saturday, November 10th. I'll be spinning 80s classics, indie favorites, and as always, a little disco! Come warm up with a drink and maybe some dancing!

The poster for this Saturday is another work of art by Austin Eustice.  I usually gravitate towards cooler colors like blues, greens and purples, but since spring I've been having a love affair with oranges.  And this fall I've added reds into the mix, so in collaborating on this flier, I asked Austin to look use a palette of oranges and reds.  The poster is great isn't it?

Poster by Austin Eustice

Oranges and reds have been making their way into my closet.  Most recently, I was gifted a pair of faded cherry red jeans.  I never thought I could get into anything resembling pink, but these jeans have changed my mind.  I've worn these skinny jeans almost every other week.

Hudson Nico Skinny Jeans, $100 (retail $154)
Worn with old Theory flats (similar) on left. Right. Worn with vegan leather peplum last time I was at The Bedford on right.

Lani Love at The Bedford Chicago 10/6

poster by Austin Eustice

I'm at The Bedford Chicago again this Saturday, October 6th.  I'll be spinning a mix of indie, disco and 80s favorites!  Here's a link to the Facebook invite.

I love spinning at The Bedford because it's such a beautiful space.  Inspired by the vault and bronze deposit boxes, here's a mini shopping roundup of my current favorite metallics finds.

House of Harlow sunburst button earrings, $30

Awear gold sequin peplum top, €50

Botkier Valentina gold snake shoulder bag, $350.00

End of Summer Mixtape: A Sunset Story

Artwork by Austin Eustice

For the end of summer, I recorded a collection of my favorite disco songs - some old, some new.  As I put them together I thought about my favorite summer nights and how some were long enough to become summer mornings.

This mix is a perfect reflection of how I've been feeling lately.  I've been doing a lot of day dreaming and reflecting, especially as I approach my one year anniversary in Chicago.

My year hasn't been without adversities and challenges, but in the grand scheme I couldn't be happier.  My closet is full of beautiful florals, cosmic prints, and statement heels, and I'm now DJing every weekend!  My residencies include Paris Club and The Bedford, and I had a few in-stores at Topshop on Michigan Ave.

Lani Love at The Bedford

Chicago friends, I'm back at your favorite bank-vault-turned-bar this weekend.  Join me at The Bedford this Saturday, August 18th 10:30PM-2AM for dance rock and disco.  And have I mentioned the drinks are fantastic?  My personal favorites for summer are Cusco Mule and Jessica’s St. Germain Cocktail.

The Bedford is located at 1612 West Division Street (at Ashland).

Nail Artist: AstroWifey

Photo courtesy of AstroWifey

Last week I was in the Dominican Republic for a wedding.  The Sunday before my trip, I ventured to Jefferson Park to visit manicurist and nail artist AstroWifey for festive "no chip" manicure.

I came to AstroWifey with a few ideas in mind, and I could not be more pleased with how she brought the "his & her" theme to life.  It may be a bit hard to tell from these pictures, but she even drew different style eyeglasses.  Yes, she hand painted each of those designs!  Amazing right?

This manicure has been one of the best manicures of my life.  It's been 10 days and I literally have just one chip, and this is after a hell of a lot of activity - traveling, carrying DJ equipment, swimming, playing in sand, zip lining, horseback riding, and biking.  AstroWifey uses CND Shellac.  You may remember Erin's writeup about it awhile back.  The shine really does hold up!  And CND has some new powders, so your manicurist can custom make colors like this bright orange by AstroWifey.

I had such a great experience and her prices are very reasonable.  I highly recommend it!  It can be a bit of a trek from the east side, but if you live off the blue line, it's actually super easy to get there.  To view her price list and book an appointment, visit her page on StyleSeat.

Now Wearing...

Last week I was in Austin for SXSW Music Festival with team DDB.  We were there to check out emerging artists and attend panels.  DDB Chicago's own Eric Johnson (DJ Bunny Ears) actually hosted a panel entitled “Beyond Just Music Licensing In Advertising”, and I DJed an event at Pure Ultra Lounge as the 2nd place winner of PodOmatic's SXSW contest.  So my coworkers and I had a pretty action packed week, but that's the norm at SXSW.

(Left: Artizia blue dress, vintage belt. Right: polka dot dress found at Buffalo Exchange, vintage belt)

For my 6 days in Austin, I wore a dress and cardigan onto the plane and packed 3 dresses, 2 tops, a crop jacket and a pair of shorts.

Winter Mixtape: Warmth of Love

Artwork by Austin Eustice

I made this mixtape a few weeks ago inspired by my first months in Chicago. I included songs that have been on heavy rotation on my iPod as well as songs that capture how I feel about Chicago - a little nervous, but above all, jazzed and freaking excited. A lot of girly and dorky bedroom dancing happened in the production of this mixtape.



The people of Chicago are amazingly welcoming. There are nice people in New York too; there's a camaraderie that happens because almost everyone is a transplant.  But in Chicago it feels more basic than that. It's not about a need for friends, but rather a way of life.  The other thing that differentiates Chicago from New York is its modesty.  This windy city is full of quietly amazing talent and secrets.

Though mild this year, Chicago winters are long and cold. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. But the wonderful people of this city have kept my spirits high and made me fall in love. I feel so lucky to be here, and I'm so thankful for the new friends in my life.

Photos by Corey Lillard with Owen Black

Chicago Nightlife: The Ponzi at The Bedford

Since moving to Chicago, I've had the pleasure of DJing a couple parties at The Bedford in Wicker Park.  It's a beautiful space inside an old bank with fantastic sound, and the specialty cocktails are fantastic.  It's truly one of my favorite venues in the city.

This Wednesday will be the third edition of The Ponzi party at The Bedford.  This week I'll be spinning with DJ Moppy, filling in for DJ Castle, so you can expect to hear some great music.  And there will be giveaways and drink specials galore - half off bottles of wine, $6 cocktails with Svedka and Four Roses Bourbon, and $3 Schlitz drafts.

I know going out during the week might sound tough, but it makes the work week go by faster and who knows maybe you win something!  If you're in the windy city this Wednesday, I hope to see you at The Bedford.

Who: The Ponzi with DJ Lani Love & DJ Moppy

What: music, drink specials & giveaways

When: Wednesday 2/15 10PM-2AM

Where: The Bedford in Wicker Park, Chicago @ 1612 W. Division near Ashland. no cover, 21+

Crooked Disco: Sunglasses At Night

I'm going to be DJing Crooked Disco tomorrow night with DJ Morsy and friends. Crooked Disco is pulling a little inspiration from the summertime 80s and inviting you to wear your sunglasses at night. They're not mandatory, but highly encouraged. People sporting the best shades will get free drinks!

Who: Crooked Disco DJs Morsy & Kester, Lani Love, Mojo & live performance by Jaie
What: dance music & drink specials 10-11pm and $3 Rolling Rocks all night
When: Friday, August 5th, 10pm - 4am
Where: The Gallery at Le Poisson Rouge
158 Bleecker St bet Thompson and Sullivan St
21+, no cover and no line if you say "Crooked Disco" at the door

And while we're on the topic of sunglasses, here are a few of my current favorites, starting at just $20!

AJ Morgan "Feline", $20


Taupe sunglasses, $21


Warby Parker "Tenley", $95


Ray-Ban "RB4163 55", $129.95


Super "Lucia", $161

Lani Love DJs: The Cove & Union Hall

I'm DJing a couple events this week - a dance party Thursday night and a concert with live bands Friday.
I always look forward to DJing with Kester of Crooked Disco. His song library is incredible; he's constantly introducing me to new music. If you like dance music, you should swing by The Cove.

Who: DJ Kester and Lani Love
What: dance party - indie, nu-disco, funk, classics
When: Thursday 7/14 10PM
Where: The Cove @ 106 North 6th in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
no cover, 21+ - Facebook invite

I'm very excited about spinning Friday with Extra Arms. I love spinning with live bands because it's a chance for me to spin some indie rock tracks that I don't usually get to spin in a club setting, and as a concert junkie, it's a chance to see more live music!
Race To Sleep - Single by Extra Arms

I was introduced to Extra Arms a few months ago by a friend. They've been picking up a bit of buzz, so it'll be fun to do a show with them at a Brooklyn staple like Union Hall. If you enjoy live music and indie rock, this would be a great show to check out.

Who: Extra Arms with guests Libel, Metal Feathers & DJ Lani Love
What: live music & DJ sets
When: Friday 7/15 8PM
Where: Union Hall @ 702 Union St in Park Slope, Brooklyn
$8 door (advance tickets available), 21+

OC Events: Lani Love DJ Sets

While I'm home in southern California, I'm going to be spinning at a couple events.
The first is a chill party at The Crosby in downtown Santa Ana. MasculineFeminine is a monthly party that my friend Christine and her friends put on. There's going to be some face paint involved.

Who: resident DJs Rage, Jerry, NVG and guest DJ Lani Love
When: tonight June 14th 9pm-2am
Where: The Crosby at 400 N Broadway in downtown Santa Ana
No cover, 18+

And Friday I'm going to be spinning with three live bands at La Cave in Costa Mesa. I haven't seen any pg these bands before, but have heard great things from friends so I'm really excited to party with them!

Who: Studiofix, Bella Novela, Fierce Creatures and DJs Oldboy and Lani Love
When: Friday June 17th 9:30pm-1:30am
Where: La Cave at 1695 Irvine, Costa Mesa
Free, 21+

If you're around, please come out and say hi!

Music: Lani Love's Fine Wine Mix

Earlier this week I entered Gen Art and Brancott Estate Wines's The DJ Generation Competition. I put together a mix inspired by good company and good wine. The winners of the competition will get to spin at Gen Art's after parties this summer. That would be so fun! Fingers crossed!

Here's my mix. Please give it a listen and let me know what you think! If you'd like to download it onto your computer for your iTunes, iPod, etc, just click on the small down arrow on the right side. I hope you enjoy!
Enjoy with Mighty Fine Wine (live mix) by Lani Love

Tracklist
1. Dragonette, Easy (Fabian remix)
2. Fred Everything Feat. N'dea Davenport, Don't Nobody (Hot Toddy remix)
3. Kraak & Smaak feat. Sebastian, Dynamite (Smaak's Boogie Funk version)
4. Le Tigre, Deceptacon (DFA Remix)
5. Death from Above 1979, Romantic Rights (Marczech Makuziak Remix)
6. Mike Posner, Please Don't Go
7. Snoop Dogg, Sexual Eruption (feat. Robyn)
8. Classixx, I'll Get You (Cassian's I'll Get Yeww! Remix)
9. Louis LaRoche, Missing You (feat. Ad-Apt)

Weekend Patio Party!

Last weekend finally felt more like Spring - and what better way to celebrate that having a BBQ patio party! It was sort of a housewarming thing - even though I've been living at my place now for 8 months...better late than never! And thanks to DJ Lani Love I got to test drive a mini turntable!

I've decided that I love my patio. Not more than my shoes - but it's a close call. It helps me escape from the concrete jungle and forget that I'm here in NY. As much as I love this city - there are times where I just need to get away from all of it. It's funny how a little bit of space and air can transport you somewhere else - even if it's just for a few hours.

While the daytime was warm - it definitely cooled down at night - and we all ended up layering up while chilling out on the roof.

On Jeff:

Stitched striped T - Richard Chai
Black V-neck undershirt - Uniqlo silk dry (it's like the equivalent of heat tech but for the summer!)
Drawstring cotton shorts with zip pockets - Richard Chai
Hoodie - Alternative Apparel
Hex nut bracelet - DIY in the style of Giles & Brother
Flip Flops - Havaianas

On Erin:

Printed Jersey Dress - Vena Cava for Uniqlo

Denim Jacket - Alexander McQueen

Buckle Boots - Palladium, courtesy of SoleStruck.com

Safety Pin/Pearl Necklace - DIY in the style of Tom Binns

Have a great Memorial day weekend!

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Now Wearing...

Tonight I'm DJing with Crooked Disco's Kestar, which reminded me of some outfit photos I've been meaning to post. These were taken at a Crooked Disco a few weeks back.
Black & white print dress - Gestuz
Long sleeve & tights - Uniqlo
Boots - Kelsi Dagger
Belt - Forever 21
Mini crossbody - Kooba
I can't believe it's almost April and still cold, though by now I should know that New York isn't ever completely in the clear until May. I think Uniqlo Heattech saved me this winter. I layered it under almost every outfit to make dresses from other seasons more winter-friendly. Note to self, stock up again next winter. A few of my leggings and shirts are starting to lose their stretch from being worn and washed so much.
If you're around tonight, stop by The Cove in Williamsburg. Kestar and I will be spinning indie dance, nu-disco, electro, funk and classics starting at 10PM. Well priced drinks, 20+ beers to choose from, no cover, and some of the best music on a Thursday night in Brooklyn! For Facebook invite, click here.

Now Wearing...

A couple weeks ago friend K!O and I guest DJed at Crooked Disco - Crooked Disco boys vs. Dirty Diamond girls. For the special occasion, Kristen and I wore lipstick and bling.
Glitter top & pleated leather skirt - vintage
Modern facets bold crystal bib necklace & Chain edge oversized crystal ring - courtesy of Sorreli
This glitter shirt is a little ridiculous; it reminds me of Crayola glitter glue pens. It's not really appropriate for everyday, but it's fun for nights out!


I've been travelling a lot for work, so it's been tough to blog. But I'll be home this weekend and staying put for a few weeks. I am so excited to sleep in my own bed! Yay, home! Yay, weekend! Cue party music!
Dirty Diamonds mixtape by Lani Love