​​Transforming your life is no easy feet and you cannot do it on tired feet. When I started my fitness journey one year ago, I had no idea of the importance of investing in good active wear. I recently purchased my first pair of Athletic Propulsion Lab Shoes, for those in the know it’s just APL shoes. These training shoes could be considered luxury but for those serious about upping their athletic performance these shoes are essentials. After testing my APLs in several legendary leg workouts, I can say with full confidence that my performance has greatly improved since using these training shoes.

Some background on my athletic prowess, I am not a professional athlete or certified trainer. However, I have found that certain workout programs and styles do overall work well in attaining certain goals. In this post I’ll talk about my leg/booty/lower body routine that I’ve seen real results in. Whether you want to strengthen or tone your lower body, this is my routine and my review of my brand-new APL Men’s TechLoom Wave shoes (for reference, I am a size 9 US and have the color Pristine/Silver Travertine/Marble).

For those unfamiliar with APL, here’s a brief summary of the brand taken from their website. “Based in Los Angeles, APL (Athletic Propulsion Labs®) was founded in March 2009, by then 22 year-old identical twins Adam and Ryan Goldston. As former two sport collegiate athletes, playing both basketball and football at the University of Southern California, Adam and Ryan created APL; a company that makes revolutionary products symbolizing the intersection of luxury and performance” (APL website). I first discovered this brand the same way many others have – via fitness and lifestyle influencers on Instagram.

​I bought my pair in person at company’s boutique at The Grove and I received a great discount. (APL often has good discounts so it’s always worth asking in-person.) If you’re interested in investing in a pair, I recommend go with your true size. The shoes will run a little tight. But because of it’s innovative weaving it won’t be uncomfortable when training. The style I bought is the TechLoom Wave. This APL shoe style is technically one of their running shoes. However, in my experience it offered me great support in both HIIT workouts and in strength training. Whether I’m jumping into a burpee or kneeing into a squat, this shoe has absorbed impact and lessened the strain on my body.
 
After a car accident I suffered back in February 2019 my athletic performance suffered. I started at 0 when I returned back to fitness. Where my lower body used to my strongest muscle group, it became my weakest. But since training with my APL’s, I genuinely have felt comfortable in working out with weights again. While APL shoes have a hefty price, I think that you’re investing in quality. And after the workouts my trainers have put me through, I guarantee that these shoes can endure it all. In case your curious, below is the legendary lower body workout that I cannot swear enough by:

Equipment needed: Mat, band (medium-hard resistance), light-medium dumbbells
Time required: 30-40 minutes approx.
Warm-Up:

• Simple squats 3 x 10
• Squats with band over knees 3 x 10
• Jump squats 3 x 10

Exercise:

• Block 1
  • Bulgarian Splits with medium weight (10 on each leg, then 10 pulses) 3 x 10
  • Hold a simple squat 30 seconds
• Block 2
  • Deadlifts with dumbbells medium weight 3 x 10
  • Hip thrusts with band 3 x 10
• Block 3
  • Lunges with dumbbells (or body weight) back and forth 3 times in total
  • Static squat 30 seconds
• Block 4
  • Lean against a wall, sitting position, and do in-and-outs with band for 30 seconds
  • Stay in static chair, pulse one leg out for 10 rounds (once done go onto the other leg)
• Burn Out (2 rounds)
  • 30 seconds of jump squats with bands
  • Hip thrust and hold for 30 seconds
  • Fire hydrants each leg for 30 seconds

Done!

​If there’s one thing Millennials aren’t shy about its self-care. For me self-care and skin care are intertwined. During this time, I’ve been excited to see content creators of all generations and influencer sizes embrace the practice of developing skincare routines. I’m excited writing this post because I recently discovered a perfect skincare brand for those who want to know how to build a skincare routine.
 
In this post, I’ll share the essentials in any skincare routine and introduce you to Versed skincare, a non-toxic, cruelty-free, and vegan skincare brand that delivers high quality products that affordable prices. I’m enthusiastic to discover a brand like Versed that breaks the mold and makes skincare accessible to everyday people.
 
I work in public relations in entertainment, and for far too long I broke my bank trying to purchase the products I saw on-set used on my celebrity and influencer clients. A little-known secret, your favorite stars all have skincare routines that don’t cost thousands of dollars. The beauty of Versed skincare is that whether you want to add a new skincare product or develop a full routine, you can find these products at your favorite retailer like Target.

​Double cleanses are an important step for everyone because we all build up dirt, grim, and oil throughout the day. Many of us have a new skincare concern and that is irritation from face masks and maskne. Double cleanses are vital in breaking down the pollution that our skin produces and is exposed to. I used the Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm and loved how it was gentle and not stripping on my skin. I started carrying this balm with me when I went to my local gym open near me. Not only have I noticed my recent breakouts go down, but I also saw my skin’s texture start to smooth where my face mask acne had started.
 
As for gel-based cleansers, the beauty of Versed and your skincare routine is that you have options in this step. If you go onto the Versed website, you can see brand’s legend on picking products based off your skin care concerns or skin type.

Treat your skin with serums after you cleanse, and before you moisturize. Like your cleanse, you should pick serums that treat specific skincare concerns you have. Personally, I use retinol serums and clarifying serums. In a gift from Versed, I received the Nix It Complexion Solution treatment and I’ve used it as a spot treatment. As someone who spends all day in front of a camera, this stuff has been a lifesaver! I have combination oily skin, and occasionally I have sensitive moments. One thing I learned in my skincare routine and clear skin journey is that it’s important to have options and rotate through products.
 
Most people are unaware, but your skincare routine has to change because your skin changes as well. The serums you pick will be specific to whatever skin type you are at this moment. And skincare can get expensive, but again shoutout to Versed for offering serums and treatments that you can buy at a great price.

​In building a skincare routine, a moisturizer is that penultimate step where you can splurge. Moisturizers in skincare routines help lock in the treatments and serums that you’ve placed on your skin. Whether you want a thinner one or a thicker one, there’s nothing like a good moisturizer sitting on your face. That feeling of hydration soaking in – so good!
 
When I discovered skincare, I thought that treating my acne would require stripping my face bone-dry. The key to combatting oily and problem skin is proper hydration. When your skin is properly hydrated, it’s less likely to produce sebum and oils. Again, Versed has got you covered here.

​We need to talk about the importance of wearing sunscreen! SPFs are probably the most important part of any skincare routine. Besides protecting your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays that cause dark spots and sun burn, SPF helps protect you from more serious issues like skin cancer. Since my days working on sets, like America’s Got Talent, I’ve learned of the importance of wearing sunscreen under the most unlikely of lights.
 
Yes, you should still wear sunscreen indoors because whether you’re looking at a screen or sitting by a window, that light can still be damaging to your skin’s health and complexion. When building my skincare routine, I discovered that I loved mineral based sunscreens. Mineral based SPFs, like Guards Up from Versed, are often better for people with sensitive skin. I recently used Guards Up for an on-camera interview, ring light and all, and wow I was glowing on screen! Again, I can’t stress enough finding a good SPF for everyday wear and for your skincare routine.

​As a skincare addict, I’m enthusiastic seeing Gen Y and Z invest in building their skin care beauty routines. An important thing to note is that skincare routines and products take time to show their impact. Any product that seems to have a magical relief, is probably doing more harm than good in the long run. Whether you’re looking for an everyday skincare routine or dealing with newer skincare concerns like face mask acne, aka maskne, a proper regimen takes time and testing.
 
Versed Skincare was kind enough to send me some gifts that I mentioned to test a month ago (this post is just going up as I wanted ample time to test the products). And after testing these products, I’ve just been so impressed by how much I’ve loved my Versed skincare products that I had to share this amazing brand. These vegan and clean skincare products have had a positive impact on my skin’s health and glow. I hope this review of Versed skincare and guide on how to build a skincare routine helps you build a regimen to treat yourself and your skin. 

One reason I started this blog was because of my passion for storytelling and sharing products I love. If you know me then you know I enjoy the experience of investing and shopping luxury fashion. As an L.A. native, I visit Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, CA whenever I need a pick me up. But like many of us, I've limited my outings to do my part to flatten the curve. That being said, as shopping in California has begun to slowly open I recently decided to visit Beverly Hills to have an  in-store luxury shopping experience. In case you are curious about the coronavirus safety procedures in places like luxury fashion boutiques, then this blog is perfect for you. 
 
Since quarantine started in Los Angeles, I have not visited the iconic luxury fashion strip that i  Rodeo Drive . Instead of doing in-person shopping I pivoted to online luxury shopping. I admit, this shift to digital shopping for luxury fashion has had its blips. Doing my designer shopping online not only resulted in some sizing and style mistakes. While I was excited when my online luxury order arrived, it couldn’t compare to that in-person experience of knowing what I got and knowing how it looked on me.
 
Unboxing luxury online shopping items like my Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Accessoires, which I wrote about in another post here, lacked that excitement of touring and testing items within a boutique. (I’m also not complaining about how many of us have had to pivot to online luxury shopping. I understand these are first world problems.) Because I felt comfortable, and I know that my recent COVID-19 test provided me a negative result, I thought I thought to take a quick visit to this part of Los Angeles.

​On a sunny Monday, I called the Prada boutique in Rodeo Drive and boldly asked, “Do you have the Prada combat boots?” I was unsure if this local Prada would have these trendy boots. Not only did this Beverly Hills Prada have the trendy chunky combat boots, but they had multiple sizes. I grabbed a face mask, threw on my Louis Vuitton crossbody bag, and I made my first luxury shopping trip to Beverly Hills during quarantine.

For those familiar with shopping in Rodeo Drive, you won’t be surprised that even during quarantine the fashion on sight is on-point. In Beverly Hills, like many parts of L.A., face masks are required in almost all public settings. And face masks are also required when entering any of the stores located on Rodeo Drive. I highly recommend making an appointment or showing up early when planning luxury shopping in general. Most, if not all boutiques, only allow a small number of patrons in at any given time.
 
I arrived in Beverly Hills for my shopping appointment in the afternoon. Luckily, I avoided any morning or pre-evening rush. I was greeted into the store with a quick temperature check and a squirt of hand sanitizer for good measure. The Prada boutique in Beverly Hills was not only gorgeous but it had great measures for maintaining social distancing. Guests were hosted at least six feet apart from other shoppers. For example, I was trying on the Prada brushed leather nylon boots while two other people were also trying shoes. We were sat a good distance apart inside the boutique’s luxury shoe section.

When I asked if I could try on the boots, to ensure the sizing was right, my sales associate said, “Of course!” She shared with me how all products handled by clients were disinfected and set aside for several days before returning to the inventory. It’s also worth noting that all of the sales associates in the boutiques wear gloves and change them after each visit.
 
While some muffling happened because of the masks, I still was able to have a rich conversation and luxury shopping experience with my sales associate. I tried on multiple pairs of the Prada combat boots before I found my right size. Being able to try on different styles and sizes until I found the perfect pair is something I’ve missed in my shopping experience. For me, it’s not just about buying designer. For me, shopping luxury fashion is about the atmosphere of treating yourself to a gift. From the warm demeanor of the staff to the gorgeous edifices, shopping luxury fashion in-person cannot be compared.

​Thanks for reading my come shopping with me in Beverly Hills blog! Let me know in the comments below if you’ve recently visited a boutique for in-person luxury shopping or if you’ve done any online luxury shopping recently.

​While it wasn’t a typical Hollywood Blvd red carpet opening this summer I worked a special movie premiere. My first outdoor drive-in theater experience during the pandemic was also my only Los Angeles movie premiere this summer. For anyone just finding my blog, my name is William and I’m an entertainment publicist working in Los Angeles, CA. I work at a boutique PR agency that represents film and TV for awards and film festivals. This post is inspired by my recent experience working a film that had its west coast premiere at an outdoor drive-in theater as part of the 2020 Outfest Film Festival. 

Before the world shut down, film premieres were a staple in my work routine. It feels like a lifetime ago when I was darting and skidding on black ice in Park City, UT racing to reach a movie theater. My last traditional theater premieres were during my last work trip of 2020. Yes, I got to grace the crowds of the star-studded Sundance Film Festival. I share this to let you know that I’ve experienced theaters and movie openings of all shapes and sizes.
 
Attending and working this outdoor drive-in movie stands out in my moviegoing experience. A sobering reminder of drive-in movie reality was when I wanted to sh my friend, but I remembered that her voice only reached the walls inside my SUV. (I’ll talk more about this later but trust me big cars for the drive-in movie win.) For all the comforts that came with sitting in your own car, there are elements that were clearly missed from an in-theater movie premiere experience.

​Where going to a theater for a movie made the space work to immerse you, drive-in movies put this task on the individual. This drive-in movie premiere was hosted at the Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, CA. I'd never been to this Malibu scenery and wow was it a glorious scene. The space reserved for the cars was an open dusty lot giving each car ample room. I had no issues parking my SUV, big cars for the win. No cars had any issues in the drive-in theater when it came to finding room to leave and ensure that others could see too. While seeing the screen wasn’t an issue, it was up to me to suspend my disbelief as a viewer. Instead of relying on surround system a pitch-black room I had to shut out outside factors to focus on the film.
 
Attending a drive-in movie does offer some unique benefits in making it a comfortable viewing experience. When I arrived at this drive-in movie I was dressed up in a suit and tie. My typical uniform when working a movie premiere as part of the publicity team. Thanks to the luxury of sitting in my car I got to change into something comfortable after I did my publicist duties. I brought a friend with me to the event and we both go to enjoy the snacks and sandwiches we packed. Another win-win, saving money from movie theater snacks and seeing a movie in sweats. Unlike a traditional theater, within my car I had full control of my AC. When it got too cold in this outdoor Malibu theater, I had the power to make my own toasty screening room.

​During a typical premiere the publicity team would be wrangling our talent and prepping them for a carpet and photo. Part of my responsibilities included scheduling these pictures, and beforehand ensuring our team was tested and had negative results for COVID-19. The 2020 Outfest Film Festival team did its best to maintain a socially distant press line by having our filmmakers take photos in groups of no-more than 6. I could tell the filmmakers enjoyed their premiere experience and seeing the cars packed to see their film. However, I could tell that there was an emptiness in not being able to connect for an in-person reception or for a talk back to introduce the documentary’s subjects.

In our socially distant world virtual cinema and drive-in theaters are becoming vital in the business of film. Yet, as someone who works on film campaigns and works with press, I admit that I think drive-ins are still more of a novelty than a viable film distribution method. For those in organizations like the Film Academy aka the voters for the Oscars, drive-ins are not on their radar. For members of our press, drive-ins could be the substitute for premiere receptions, but again press screeners are often easier for them to access.
 
For the average moviegoer not in the entertainment industry, drive-in theaters are a quality distraction to socially distant routines. For professionals, it’s one of those extra things that could be fun, but by no means is a priority in shaping contenders or the race of chasing gold, an Oscar.

Prada’s new collection of chunky boots is the pinnacle of the phrase, “Boots the house down boots” (an exclamation from the drag community meaning that something is amazing) and are in this Los Angeles blogger’s opinion, a luxury fashion shoe worth every penny. After buying and wearing these new Prada boots for a few days, I thought it was time to write a new fashion post highlighting my brand-new favorite boots.

Welcome to my first impression and review of the Prada Brushed leather and nylon combat boots! In short, these Prada boots are not a toot, they are an absolute shoot! (Meaning these Prada boots are absolutely amazing.) However, for those interested in a longer review, just keep scrolling to read about my first impressions on these Prada combat boots, and why I think they’re a perfect addition for any 2020 fall fashion closet.

I’ve always been a lover of boots. While I live in always-sunny Los Angeles, CA, as a fashion enthusiast and blogger I’ve never been shy of wearing what I want, even if the climate doesn’t agree with my decision. Wearing boots and tracking the growing popularity of Prada’s chunky boots and the combat boot trend is just my style. Maybe it’s because fall fashion is on the horizon or it’s the specific allure of Prada Brushed leather and technical fabric booties (the boots with Prada’s signature nylon pouch aside the boot) but Prada’s boots have never seemed to be bigger. And after wearing these boots, I admit that these Prada boots are big in both their price tag and size!

At the time that I bought these boots, in-store at the Rodeo Drive Prada store, the Prada Brushed leather and nylon combat boots retail for $1,050. The boots are a standard combat boot style with Prada’ signature nylon inserts on both the inside and outside. Prada’s logo adorns the ankle of the combat boot in an enameled metal logo triangle that matches the metal eyelets and hook closures. The heel of these chunky Prada boots measures 40 mm and the boots come in EU sizing. While I measure a size 9 in US, my Prada size conversation was a 7.5. (Thanks to the SA who took the time to let me try on a few pairs to find my right size.)

One thing that I commend Prada for on these boots is the level of comfort. I was able to walk in my Prada combat boots comfortably. And like all boots, after too long thought it does start to strain your ankle and foot. While I never wore the influencer-and-fashionista-favorite Prada Monolith leather boots, I’m sure they would still be comfortable! The chunky boots I bought are absent of the now signature Prada nylon coin purse, but that did not deter me from how much I love these boots.

When you shop Prada, you are shopping for quality and classic pieces. The Prada Brushed leather and nylon combat boots, in my opinion are the best boots for those wanting a staple luxury fashion piece, but something that’s versatile with many outfits. When I visited the Rodeo Drive Prada store I went in distressed black jean-shorts, a plain white t shirt, and a distressed denim jacket.

As you’ve seen in some of my photos, the men’s Prada combat boots truly tie together any outfit. Whether you’re channeling a punk-rock moment, or you want to create a juxtaposition like a blazer and shorts, these Prada combat boots have earned their place in your influencers and stylists fall fashion hauls and fall fashion must-have lists.