[UPDATE: This story was originally published on April 24, 2012.]

It takes guts galore to work it in front of a camera, particularly as a style news anchor on live TV. You've gotta know your shizz, think on your feet, and rock a ravishing face with grace while you're at it. That's why we give mad props to E! News correspondent Catt Sadler—she's always perfectly composed and the picture of well-versed perfection (you don't win an Emmy for phoning it in!).

And once we got to know the press star, one thing became clear: None of that camera quip is an act. Catt's brimming with down-to-earth Midwestern charm and has an unabashed personality that makes you want to instantly BFF her. She's truly the whole kit Catt and caboodle! We know you'll concur after glimpsing at her outstanding off-duty style, and reading about why there really are no airs about this on-air pro.

Photographed by Molly Cranna

Are you a programmer with a passion for fashion or a fashion guru with some tech-savvy mates? Well, clear your weekend calendar and take note: The CFDA, Condé Nast, and Decoded Fashion have just announced the world's first ever Fashion Hackathon. And, we're helping sponsor the techy-fest, too.

Here's the rundown: Engineers will have 24 hours to create a mobile fashion app, and the top three submissions will pitch on the runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, during the Decoded Fashion Forum. Plus, the competition awards $10,000 to the winning idea to help bring the app to life.

This hacking awesomeness will be judged by some of the biggest names in NYC style, including Zac Posen, Uri Minkoff of Rebecca Minkoff, Steven Kolb, Susan Lyne of GILT, and Dirk Standen of Style.com. If you aren't sold yet, get this: Refinery29 readers get an exclusive 10% discount for tickets to the finale. Just use the code R29 at checkout. The Fashion Hackathon goes down Saturday, February 2 through Sunday, February 3, while the Decoded Fashion forum and the Hackathon finale will take place on Thursday, February 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lincoln Center. Hack on.

Photo: via Decoded Fashion

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on February 22.]

In the Bay Area, it’s hard to tell which came first, the tattoo or the hairstylist. But hey, we’re not complaining. We like a girl with a little edge! Our colorful city is chock-full of interesting gals who are not only known for their amazing shear-wielding and dye-slathering skills, but also for what’s going on under their smocks. That's why we think it's high time that someone pointed the spotlight behind the chair and onto the ladies responsible for making our city so beautiful.

From a sultry siren to a California girl next door, these six hot local hairstylists have all the bases covered. And we got to know them all the same way every girl does, in their salon chairs — gabbing and gossiping, duh! Keep reading for some juicy dish on the most-requested celebrity hairstyles, insider tips and tricks, and the ladies' very own S.F. shopping secrets.

Photographed by Jasmine Gregory

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on April 18.]

Cat Deeley's one of those chicks with boundless energy, likeability in spades, and the right kind of risk-taking style. So, it seems only natural that so many peeps tune in to her show, So You Think You Can Dance, not just for the sweet moves, but to peep the British host's always-exciting costume changes.

When we met her at the construction site that is her new Benedict Canyon home, things were hectic (there's still no running water!), but she was all smiles and stellar attire. With contractors drilling away, the former model threw together luxe looks on the fly. Impressive, right? Take a gander at the on-air glamour-girl's foxy frocks and casual weekend wear, and find out how she manages to make all the madness seem like one wondrous walk in the park.

[UPDATE: This story was originally publish on April 20.]

Sometimes you've just gotta get your Glee on, whether in the privacy of a small room with friends or in front of a crowd at the dive-iest of watering holes. Lucky for us Angelenos, there's a karaoke bar for every kind of crooner in town: small and intimate, loud and rowdy, and even a few spots that serve up Soju and hand out tambourines, ensuring you can show off your mad singing skills, 27 Dresses-style, at any kind of joint.

And not to worry if the idea of performing in front of strangers gives you the willies, there's plenty of liquid courage to go around. From Santa Monica to K-Town and back, this list has you covered with all the best places to party down and sing your heart out. So, grab a brush, and practice your best Diana Ross impression in front of the ol' mirror — it's karaoke time!

Photos Via (clockwise from top left): The Good Nite Bar, Feel Karaoke, Happy Ending Bar, and Backstage Karaoke.

Backstage
For happy hour well drinks and a rowdier crowd, head to Backstage in Culver City. The atmosphere is decidedly un-hipster, dive-y, and just the place to dig into a slider while watching someone go full-on Cindy Lauper. Make sure to get your name on the list early and often, as it can get pretty crowded.
The Backstage, 10400 Culver Boulevard (At Motor Avenue); 310-839-3892.

Max Karaoke
You will want to make a reservation for this Little Tokyo-adjacent karaoke club. A happening spot on the weekend, Max Karaoke provides the perfect atmosphere for let you tap into your inner ScarJo, circa Lost in Translation. Unfortunately, a pink wig and Bill Murray aren't included.
Max Karaoke, 333 South Alameda Street Suite 216 (At East 3rd Street); 213-620-1030.

Coreoke at The Happy Ending Bar
What is Coreoke you might ask? It's three guys named Corey who play live karaoke, featuring classic rock and your favorite tunes from the '80s. It's silly, it's fun, and you can find them in Hollywood at the Happy Ending Bar and Grill every Wednesday night from 9 p.m. until Thursday.
Coreoke at The Happy Ending Bar, 7038 Sunset Boulevard (Near North La Brea Avenue); 323-469-7038.

Vermont Karaoke And Billiards
Enjoy private rooms, soju, and a little bit of billiards if you're not in a singing mood, here. This K-Town spot is great for a divided group. Some can sing, some can play pool, and some can just be flies on the wall.
Vermont Karaoke And Billiards, 191 South Vermont Avenue (Near West 2nd Street); 213-385-3337.

Other Notables:
The Good Nite, 10721 Burbank Boulevard (Near Denny Avenue); 323-899-3366.
Feel Karaoke, 600 South Harvard Boulevard (At West 6th Street); 213-385-2221.
Boardwalk 11, 10433 National Boulevard Suite 5 (Near Mentone Avenue); 310-837-5245.

You may be able to recall every single Proenza Schouler collection since its first bustier-filled '03 line, but when it comes to its name, do you know where the "Proenza" in Proenza Schouler comes from? What about Band of Outsiders? Suno?

Unlike no-duh traditional designer labels like Louis Vuitton and Chanel, many modern-day designers (especially Americans) have names that are a little more inspired. Ahead, we've broken it down for you and revealed how the brands you love got their names, from one designer with an obsession with Godard films to others who — as most good things typically do — got it from their mamas.

While Cambridge Satchels might be the bag of choice for Anglophiles, students, and fashion fans across the globe, who knew that they'd make it into 10 Downing Street as well? The new "The Downing" bag from the Brit brand paired two of the season's most noteworthy (and complementary) colors — oxblood and navy — to liven up Cambridge's traditional, no-fuss shape.

It was inspired by the one that company founder Julie Deane carried when she was asked, along with her mother, Freda Thomas, to visit Samantha Cameron (yep, that's Mrs. David Cameron, and the former design pro behind Smythson) at 10 Downing. Tea with the wife of the Prime Minister? While that's not an activity we see on the horizon, on our iCals, it's nice to know that a Cambridge Satchel would be appropriate, should we need it. The satchels will be available starting next Monday, October 8, online, in three sizes, with prices starting at $208.

Photo: Courtesy of Cambridge Satchel Company

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on February 24.]

We're constantly trolling Venice Beach for a non-dilapidated pad that fits the budget (and has more than a rabbit den of closet space). But alas, not all of us are fortunate enough to wake up each morning in our Cali Craftsmen to the fresh beach air and artsy scene that permeates the happening 'hood.

To hit the reset button, a relaxing Saturday or wild First Friday spent strolling down Abbot Kinney could certainly suffice. It's a long jaunt down the boho Boulevard, though, and unless you've got serious stamina, you'll never be able to hit up every spot in sight. This is why we've kindly pounded the pavement for you, to take the guesswork and legwork out of your next weekend adventure. Grab the best bloody on the block, do some tipsy shopping at a dope design store, and buy a new bikini to rock on the Boardwalk afterward. And don't forget your pup — this street caters to canines more than any other! So...Westside Rentals, here you come?

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on March 15.]

If Don Draper could hop in a Delorean, he’d park it in front of TBWA\Chiat\Day’s eff-the-establishment office space in Playa Vista. Home to the whiz kids behind America’s most prolific ads (Apple’s splashy neon billboards, the Energizer Bunny, and Taco Bell’s chihuahua), the radically modern building designed by Clive Wilkinson Architects serves as fertile breeding ground for the quick-witted tone of the unconventional agency.

Within minutes of our arrival inside the technicolor structure, a surfer dude on a skateboard cruised by, four pooches were spotted, and our photographer immediately knew we’d max out our slated time to shoot. Between stylish ladies rocking edgy looks, a massive indoor basketball court, and whacked out tchotchkes everywhere we turned, it was an other-worldly spectacle for even the most eye-candy indifferent.

Once aesthetic equilibrium was restored, we got the lay of the land, and snapped as many pics of the trendy troops and dramatic environs as time would allow. But prepare yourself before you peep this amazing "Ad City"— it's enough to make anyone want to ditch their day job. Are you ready to send your resume to HR?

UPDATE: While you embark on fall shopping excursions, get a little inspo for what makes a lasting impression. This story was originally published on April 9.

There's nothing wrong with a little envy every now and then, right? Sometimes it's even inspiring. We put our closet envy to work, and found out what some of Chicago's most stylish ladies, the ones with truly killer wardrobes, thought of as their most prized fashion possession. We required photo evidence, of course, and we're showing off all the sartorial rarity and the wonder that lives inside Chicago's most coveted collections. We've got handmade treasures, luxe goodies bought for a steal, and one-of-a-kind wardrobe gold you can only dream about. What's your absolute favorite, can't-live-without-it fashion find? Share your envy-worthy merch in our comments section, and see if it stacks up against the loot we discovered!

[UPDATE: This story was originally published on April 6.]

We’ve got news for real raw-fish aficionados: The legit sushi snobs in L.A. aren’t dining at scenester spots like Izakaya, or even BH's high-falutin' Urasawa. They’re feasting on sashimi at strip malls and under-wraps Japanese joints. In fact, there’s a sea of stealth sushi spots around here that boast authentic-as-it-gets chefs and boat-to-table fare; you just have to know where to look (and it ain’t Yelp, friends).

That's why we cast our net wide and rounded up all of the go-to restos that insiders would only begrudgingly share. From a Bob Marley-themed place on Pico to a downtown local-loved teeny eatery, you’ll definitely want to take the bait, and nosh on our fave fresh fare. We’ll accept your "domo arigato" in advance!


Photos Via (Clockwise from left): Hirozen, Toshi, Hirozen, Kiriko

Zooma Sushi
If you whiz by too fast on PCH, you may not even see this sweet spot shrouded in Malibu jungle. Chef Toshi serves up some of the yummiest dishes, and you may even spot a celeb or two in their sweats. We live for the Ganja and Vegas rolls, and you absolutely must try the Fried Green Tea Ice Cream for dessert (it's dashed with cinnamon, and divine).
Zooma Sushi, 29350 Pacific Coast Highway (Near Zuma Beach); 310-457-4131.

Sushi House
You know you truly love a place when it's painful to share its addy! This is definitely not scenester-sushi — so don't bother getting gussied up. Two very different worlds meet here on Pico: a rad Rastafarian theme combines cheap Japanese that's our absolute jam. So go ahead and rock out to Bob Marley tunes while you eat amazing albacore and dragon rolls with the stoney chefs.
Sushi House, 12013 West Pico Boulevard (Near South Westgate Avenue); 310-479-1507.

Hama Sushi
Sit at the bar at this teeny eatery for the most delish spicy tuna rolls served by the happiest chefs in town. This spot has grown more popular with the gentrification of downtown, but we promise, it's worth any wait you may face.
Hama Sushi, 347 East 2nd Street (Near South San Pedro Street); 213-680-3454.

Hirozen Gourmet
Hirozen's definitely a hole in the wall, but foodies flock to the handful of tables for mouthwatering nibbles. And we strongly recommend that you do too!
Hirozen Gourmet, 8385 Beverly Boulevard (Near North Orlando Avenue); 323-653-0470.

Sushi Zo
This resto will have your tastebuds screaming "spectacular" from the first course down to the last mini bite. It's Omakase only, which means you're at the whim of the pros behind the raw bar, but why can't your mouth get adventurous every now and then?
Sushi Zo, 9824 National Boulevard (At Castle Heights Avenue); 310-842-3977.

Kiriko
Satisfaction is guaranteed in the flavor department at Kiriko! And they get high marks for masterful service, too. This place is all the rage with L.A.'s expert seafood eaters.
Kiriko Sushi, 11301 West Olympic Boulevard (At Sawtelle Boulevard); 310-478-7769.

Other Notables:
Toshi Sushi, 359 East 1st Street (Near South Central Avenue); 213-680-4166.
Hamasaku, 11043 Santa Monica Boulevard (At Camden Avenue); 310-479 7636.
Crazy Fish, 9105 West Olympic Boulevard (At South Doheny Drive); 310-550-8547.
Sasabune, 12400 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 150 (Near South Carmelina Avenue); 310-820-3596.
Restaurant Komasa, 351 East 2nd Street (Near South Central Avenue); 213-680-1792.

[Update: This story was originally published on April 6, 2012. We've all fallen prey to a beauty disaster or two. See our quick fixes from experts on how to save face (and nail and hair and leg and….)]

Whether it’s your skin freaking out, your colorist giving you a brassy ‘do, or a run-in with some streaky self-tanner, beauty drama can seriously (and literally) mess with your head. We feel you: R29 editors have battled everything from vanishing eyebrows to being dumped by their colorist via text message (true story).

Since we don’t want you guys to suffer the same emotional distress we’ve battled through, we gathered our 10 worst horror stories, and set up a team of top-notch beauty pros to tell you how to fix them — and how to avoid the problems in the first place. As Mary J. Blige says, "no more drama."

Spill: What's your worst beauty horror story?

Illustration by Ammiel Mendoza

UPDATE: Summertime's almost over, so blast this playlist while you still can. This story was originally published on June 7.

We don't mess around when it comes to jams. So when we were looking for something new to listen to (on repeat) we knew we had to tap the very best. Enter: Miss Harley Viera Newton, who happily served up a new playlist of classic faves. HVN and track list partner, DJ Ross One titled their collaborative compilation "Homefriends" and enlisted the help of Alexa Chung, Sean Kinney, Josephine de la Baume, Stauds, and Derek Blasberg. The result is a laid-back, hour-long series of tunes that melt into each other as easily as you hope your home friends will mix with your new friends at your big summer BBQ. Feel us?

Harley does. "Homefriends is at times a coming of age mix — lots of songs make us super nostalgic for our teenage years. There's nothing like your friends from home and the soundtrack you shared. We wanted to make something a little different from the typical playlist you'd hear at a club. These are our favorite songs that we've been playing for years, and we wanted to put a few of our secret gems out there along with the classics," she told us. Classics, indeed — it's already a major hit here at R29 HQ and we'd hedge our bets its soon to get some serious stars on your Walkman iPod smart phone, too. Check out the complete list of tunage below, and listen on, dudes, listen on.