The official Coachella 2012 lineup has been announced and it is pretty spectacular. Headliners for this year’s event are The Black Keys, Radiohead and a double whammy of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. Other acts include, Swedish House Mafia, Avicii, Florence + the Machines, Childish Gambino, Girl Talk and At The Drive In. For the first time, the festival will have the exact same lineup on two weekends, April 13-15 and April 20-22. Three-day passes will be available beginning this Friday January 13 at 10 a.m. PST, and the costs range from $285 for general passes to $665 for VIP tickets (plus surcharges, oye). We fully plan on being there with gin and juice in hand.

We’ll admit, we don’t get down to Venice as much as we should — we’re East Siders, after all. But this Friday evening we’ll be partying at Venice’s Urbanic Paper Boutique to fete ethical on-line shop Future:Standard and their Eco-Wonderland holiday party.

From 7 to 10 p.m., you’re invited to sip specialty cocktails cooked up by fashion editor and stylist Hellin Kay of Champagne and Heels and make recycled T-shirt necklaces at our very own SSLA DIY station (or you can simply watch our non-artistic selves looking like an ass while trying to create necklaces that look better than dog food).

And of course when you’re done drinking and creating, shop Future:Standard’s stylish offerings of vegan, fair trade, organic and just plain non-evil clothes and accessories. The e-commerce retailer’s crop of feel-good gear isn’t your standard brand of “ethical” (you won’t believe that some of the silk accordion maxi gowns, oversized saddle bags and high-waist bell bottoms came from anywhere other than a child-manned sweat shop, which we assure you they didn’t). And as an added bonus, everything is ten percent off during the soiree. Those who Tweet the below will secure another ten percent discount. Score.

TWEET: Join @FutureStandard, @StyleSectionLA & @ChampagneNYLA for Eco-Wonderland at @urbanic this Friday. RT for an additional 10% off!

(and if you aren’t already, follow us on Twitter to redeem a hug or a handshake at the party. Kind of kidding, kind of not.)

So join us, if only to celebrate us travelling west of La Cienega. Did we mention the free alcohol?

Friday, December 9. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Urbanic Paper Boutique. 1644 Abbott Kinney Blvd., Venice. 

Photo: Sustainable silk chateau maxi by Yana K., $298. shopfuturestandard.com 

You may have already heard of Dress for Success, the killer, 14 year-old non-profit that helps disadvantaged women properly dress for job interviews. They do really great work, offering women from domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters and job training programs a personal stylist who helps pick out a suit for their interview. And once they snag the job, the ladies are invited to come back so their Dress for Success stylist can help them build a career wardrobe.

This weekend, you can help Dress for Success continue their mission by stopping by their Shop for Success pop up shop in Westwood, which will feature new designer and vintage goods at a steep retail discount.

Find well-priced merch from the likes of J Brand, Tory Burch, Rebecca Taylor, Corey Lynn Calter and Robert Rodriguez, who each donated clothing for the sale. There will also be a rack of vintage, and 100 percent of the weekend’s proceeds go back to Dress for Success.

Those who want to do even more to help the cause are invited to an exclusive VIP reception on Friday evening, where you can enjoy wine, munchies from Kate Mantilini, hand massages and product samples from Jo Malone and live entertainment. Of course you’ll also get first crack at the goods. Tickets are $50 each and the event is limited to fifty guests.

VIP reception Friday, December 2. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets $50. General hours Saturday, December 3 through Sunday, December 4. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. 1038 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. dressforsuccess.org

The other evening, someone asked me what makes me giddy. Since I’ve become quite jaded in my five years as an Angeleno, I hastily grumbled something about paychecks arriving in my mailbox on time and quickly went back to drinking my wine. But later, while thinking about my answer, I realized that my response was wrong. There are plenty of things — both rare and everyday — that consistently make my stomach turn flips of glee (long weekends in San Francisco and Olive Garden breadsticks, included).

Despite the fact that I officially “work in fashion” and am supposed to act “whatever” about any and all interview subjects, party invites and pieces of wearable art that come my way, one guaranteed means to get my giddiness going on the job is when the Costume Council of LACMA hosts an event.

And last week, the Council kicked off their season with a lecture given by Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Council curator Andrew Bolton, who arrived from New York to offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Alexander McQueen exhibit he produced last summer.

In front of a packed auditorium, Bolton described the Savage Beauty exhibit that had been in the works since before McQueen’s shocking suicide in February, 2010. Extensive photos of the exhibit itself was a welcome sight for those of us who missed the real thing. While video clips and anecdotes of McQueen’s most theatrical runway shows — including the 1999 Islam-inspired collection whose runway morphed into an “oil slick” — brought the designer’s creativity to life. Hearing Bolton talk about the fallen genius really, truly drilled into the minds of everyone there that this man was so much more than just clothes.

Most haunting was a clip of McQueen’s spring 2004 show, which was held in a 19th century Parisian dance hall and featured models twirling about in satin evening gowns, glamorous can can skirts with intricately beaded bodices and silver lamé fishtail dresses. As the show went on, the movements went from jubilent to tired. And the finale featured a flame-haired Karen Elson, as Bolton put it, “being hauled off the stage in utter exhaustion.” The curator’s words proved, to me at least, to be an eery metaphor for a brilliant fashion designer who, too, was completely drained and ready to be hauled off his own stage.

Having the opportunity to learn about actual fashion without the fluff and noise currently crowding the industry — in my own backyard, no less — makes me giddy. As does the promise of the Costume Council’s next major exhibit, “Reigning Men: From the Macaroni to the Metrosexual,” which will showcase menswear from the 1700s and beyond and debuts in 2014. And, of course, the rest of their current programming season makes me quite excited, too.

Sure, it’s no bottomless basket of garlic-soaked breadsticks. But it’ll do.

This Friday night, Feal Mor boutique on La Brea is hosting an All-American themed soiree to celebrate the 1000 Mile collection by 125 year-old U.S. boot maker Wolverine.

The handmade, dual sex line features the same old-world boot details that perfectly pair with modern ironic mustaches — think stacked wood heels, sturdy Horween leather and wingtip stitching that screams both “prohibition!” and “Silver Lake!” at the very same time. As they should: the boots, which start at $325, are modeled off Wolverine patterns from the 1930s.

In addition to checking out the way cool collection of Michigan-made boots, guests will be treated to beer, rum and sausage sandwiches that are sure to warm bellies, turn of the last century-style.

Break out the Tums.

Friday, November 11. 6 to 9 p.m. 165 S. La Brea Ave., L.A. 323-939-6600. fealmor.com

Photo: Wolvering 1000 Mile Original boot, $325. fealmor.com

Whenever the group of slightly askew events that collectively make up “L.A. Fashion Week” come to town, it’s a chance to see some clothes, yes. But it’s also a chance for us to expand our social calendar past the Bravo reality shows that usually comprise a standard weeknight in the Weinger house.

But with multiple runway shows, cocktail gatherings and dinners throughout the city each night, one must be choosy when deciding where to spend their Fashion Week evenings.

Luckily, the current lineup of fashiony fetes has made it quite easy with a slew of fun, highbrow events that couldn’t feel farther away from the implant-and-booze-fueled Smashbox tents of yore.

Here’s what we’ve hit up, thus far.

What: Directives West First L.A. runway show

Where: The California Market Center

The guest list: Fashion bloggers Lauren Shane (elshane.com), Kristen Turner (GlitterNGlue.com) and Kelly Lee (BussBuss.com).

Why we had a good time: Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that the apparel business is just that, a business. And trend forecasting firm Directives West never fails to show L.A. Market buyers what they should stock in their stores for the season ahead. This time around, the showcase featured looks from contemporary brands including Sanctuary, Language and Whitney Port’s Whitney Eve, all broken down by “seasonal messages” such as “social heritage” (Feminine Americana) and “Rapture” (vivid, mis-matched prints). And the entire display acted as a nice primer of what spring should look like, for both showroom buyers and bystanders alike.

Photo: A look from the “Sophisticated” spring trend. Jacket by Walter Baker, metallic pants by Whitney Eve. 

What: Designer Kimberly Ovitz hosts a benefit for the ASPCA

Where: The awe-inspiring, 28,000 square foot Ovitz residence in Beverly Hills.

The guest list: Musicians Moby and Pete Yorn, actress Bonnie Somerville and Vogue editors Lawren Howell and Meredith Melling Burke.

Why we had a good time: Sure, the cause was extremely noble — Ovitz partnered with the ASPCA to wage war against the atrocities of puppy mills after finding out that her own dogs came from one. But the reason why we personally got our jollies at the swanky affair was because of the Ovitz family art collection, one of the top 200 private collections in the world that is comprised of pieces by Jasper Johns, Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning. Not to mention countless other fantastic pieces that our art-world ignorance couldn’t identify. We wished we could have taken part in the silent auction, where among the pieces of CC Skye baubles and Kimberly Ovitz collection goods was a private tour of the art. But the bidding began at $1,000. And while we abhor animal cruelty, we abhor the thought of not being able to pay our rent more. Luckily, those in attendance took care of the bidding for us, and raised enough to raid and shut down two puppy mills. See, fashion does mean something after all.

Photo: Kimberly Ovitz in a dress and blazer of her own design (Photo courtesy of WireImage). 

What: British Fashion Council London Show Rooms L.A. closing cocktail party

Where: Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel

The guest list: Anna Wintour and daughter Bee Schaffer, Hailee Steinfeld, Josh Hartnett and more fashion world darlings than we can pronounce.

Why we had a good time: Though we only stopped by for a bit (we spent quite a bit of time at the actual London Show Rooms earlier in the week), the crowded, lively cocktail party was the perfect atmosphere for connecting with new friends and old and enjoying the glittering lights of the city below.

Photo: Bee Schaffer and Anna Wintour (photo courtesy of WireImage). 

What: Beckley by Melissa launch party

Where: Eveleigh

The guest list: Selma Blair, Emmy Rosum, Busy Phillips and Jenna Dewan.

Why we had a good time: We got there late and missed all the food. But we got to see the  sumptuous leather goods and covetable chiffon blouses that make up Beckley Boutique owner Melissa Akkaway’s brand new house brand, all while enjoying the sounds of DJ Ana Calderon, good wine and impeccable conversation. And Chick-Fil-A was still open when we left. Genius.

Photo: Selma Blair, Busy Phillips, Beckley Boutique Melissa Akkaway, Jenna Dewan and Emmy Rossum (Photo courtesy of WireImage). 

Art met glitz last night as famed jeweler David Yurman and his wife Sybil hosted the P.S. Arts 20th anniversary bash inside the Sunset Towers Hotel. As we ogled Yurman’s decadent Fall 2011 collection of bracelets, necklaces and larger than life cocktail rings all encased behind glass, actresses such as Lisa Kudrow, Mena Suvari, Perrey Reeves and Julie Bowen wore the luxe jewelers creations as they came out in support of the non-profit organization’s milestone celebration.

P.S. Arts, of which Kudrow is a board director, recruits, hires and trains professional artists to develop curriculum and teach classes in public schools across the country. The organization also works with teachers through workshops geared towards introducing and keeping arts in the educational system.

Images Courtesy of Stefanie Keenan

Yesterday afternoon at Miracle Mile’s Ace Gallery, art came alive. But not in the space’s standard, sculpture and wall hanging sense. Bur rather with the spring 2012 collections from 14 of Britain’s most important avant-garde fashion designers, who were each brought to L.A. by the British Fashion Council as part of their London Show Rooms trade initiative.

The likes of Marios Schwab, Peter Pilotto and Roksanda Ilincic each showed their full spring 2012 lines in a three-day program designed to pair the under-the-radar labels with the stylists, press and VIP clients who call L.A. home. And most of the designers — many of whom are already established fashion world darlings — have never before shown their entire collections on our fair coast.

“I come to L.A. about once a year,” said designer Peter Pilotto, whose expertly cut, abstract-stamped silhouettes are favored by Michelle Obama and Rihanna. “But we’ve never had the whole collection here. So this is great, they’re perfect for L.A.!” To say that Pilotto’s colorful skirts, laser-cut multi-tonal dresses and kaleidoscopic party frocks are perfect for L.A.’s vibe is an understatement. Especially with the wet suit-esque zippers that Pilotto and partner Christopher De Vos utilized in many pieces for spring.

On the other side of the vast main showroom, Mary Katrantzou’s colorful fish-printed sheath dresses looked right at home, too. The 28 year-old Greek designer may not yet be a household name. But with fans including Kiera Knightly, countless Vogue mentions and a Topshop collaboration under her belt, that’s likely about to change. Especially with the opportunity to come to Los Angeles this week and reach even more of the A-listers that ultimately make or break a line’s commercial success.

“This is a wonderful opportunity,” Katrantzou said as she proudly showed off her bold, mixed-use prints that, this season, hinted at nature in a most unexpected way. “To be able to come here and meet stylists and members of the press who maybe didn’t make it to London for Fashion Week is really incredible.” But Kantrantzou, who has never before been to L.A., isn’t planning a week of all work. “I was told I have to go to Abbot Kinney and eat at Gjelina,” she said. “So I absolutely plan on doing that.”

Looking around at mouthwatering Marios Schwab gowns that combined the perfect amount of dark glamour and playful shine and a table full of Nicholas Kirkwood heels that made this reporter briefly consider a life of crime, it was completely clear that Los Angeles has become a major player in the world of bona fied, tried and true fashion talent — regardless if said talent originates here or not.

“These designers just feel so “L.A.,” said Gemma Ebelis, a spokeswoman for the British Fashion Council, while standing in a back room that included polished offerings from heritage-brand-in-the-making  E. Tautz as well as smoothies and unlimited champagne. She also noted the similarities between London’s impressive art and design community with our own. And then she hit the nail on the head of why emerging British fashion is currently having its major moment despite world economic woes.

“While other designers played it safe, ours had nothing to lose.”

Photos: At top, a model poses with Marios Schwab and his spring 2012 collection. Middle, Peter Pilotto and a model clad in “his favorite” spring outfit. Bottom, Nicholas Kirkwood and his ridiculously amazing shoes. 

Six days later, we’re still recovering from Fashion’s Night Out (and the grilled cheese our lactose intolerant self housed afterward). We had an awesome evening at Madison on Melrose, where we drank delicious sparkling wine and mingled with friends among Rag & Bone leather trousers and YSL clutches worth sinning for.

And our FNO star of the night was Style Section L.A. stylist-in-residence Ronit Nabi, who put together killer looks and helped shoppers pick out the perfect pieces for fall.

Among her fall trend picks, Ronit included a sexy black and white tuxedo look, a 1940s-style number, a cute boho day dress and a glam, 1970s outfit fit for Pam Greer. But we couldn’t help but wonder how to wear each style without looking like we were dressing up for a Halloween party.

So to help with all the time machine-esque fashion flooding the streets for fall, we asked Ronit to explain how to translate her history-heavy picks into 2011.

We now owe her a grilled cheese.

The tuxedo dame

Ro’s Rules: “You have to make it sexy. Either cinch the waist or wear tight pants, but bring in a feminine element that shows off your body to off-set the androgyny of it all. Really show off your figure. And accessorize with gloves or a hat to make it even more unique.”

Rag & Bone cuffed blouse, $325; Elizabeth & James Margo pants, $365. madisonlosangeles.com

The ’70s starlet 

Ro’s Rules: “You have to modernize it, so incorporate new pieces with vintage ones — you don’t want every piece on your body to be from the same era. By bringing in one element that feels a bit more up to date — say a fitted jacket instead of something voluminous — you’ll create a sleeker overall look that works for right now.”

June fur cropped jacket, $595; Tom Ford Rhonda sunglasses, $390; Connect Agatha agate necklaces, $80. madisonlosangeles.com

The Post-War All-American

Ro’s Rules: “It’s easy to look super retro when you wear a 1940s/1950s below-the-knee style. Which is why I added a tribal-printed sweater around the shoulders that brings the look a bit more up to date with a refreshing, unexpected twist.”

Printed bohemian casual

Ro’s Rules: “Boho pieces tend to be extra loose, so I like to cinch the waist with a rugged-looking belt. And the feel of this look makes it super easy to mix and match different prints. My rule is that pretty much any prints go, as long as the colors go together in some way.”

Premium vintage belt, $166. madisonlosangeles.com

More photos of our Fashion’s Night Out celebration at Madison on Melrose, after the jump.

We were always told not to play with our food (which of course meant that we did anyway). But Come Tuesday, the Avenues West Hollywood art, fashion and design district is making it perfectly acceptable to clown around with our grub at Taste Fashion 2011.

The event pairs the work of Phillip Lim with an artistic genius of another genre, SLS Hotel chef José Andrés, whose Bazaar restaurant will create a multi-course dinner and cocktail pairing inspired by Lim’s fall collection. After dinner, guests will enjoy a live Phillip Lim fashion show led by our girl, L.A. Times fashion editor Melissa Magsaysay.

Tickets are $200, benefit art programs for West Hollywood school and include tax, tip, booze, food and whatever else may come your way.

Happy playtime.

West Hollywood Avenues Taste Fashion 2011 at the Bazaar by Jose Andres at the SLS Hotel, Tuesday September 6. 6:30 p.m. 465 S La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 246-5567. Tickets $200 each, available at avenueswh.com

Photo: A delicious look from Phillip Lim’s fall 2011 runway.