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July 06, 2016
While leaving part of her heart in Philly, Jordyn is enjoying exploring her new home in Tinseltown.
As a self-proclaimed Philadelphia girl, it’s been an exhilarating eight months acclimating to my new home: Los Angeles. There are many cultural differences between Tinseltown — spread out, glamorous and gluten-free — and Philadelphia — artsy, edgy and carb-loaded. Amid all of the wide-sweeping stereotypes respective to each city, ranging from the weather to workforce, it came naturally for me to compare and contrast my current and former home through what I know best: fashion, beauty and lifestyle.
Peace Signs always pair well with a Cali Gram.
Naturally, the climates of Philly and LA will affect how women present themselves. With LA’s drier air and perpetual limelight shining on the rich and famous, there’s no such thing as too much makeup and too many highlights. In a sense, we all have to be Instagram ready. During a hike on Runyon Canyon you’ll see a crew clad in cat-eyes, Lululemon and barely there sports bras. It’s not just Kardashians who rock bronzer at their favorite boutique fitness of choice. While most associate relaxed Giselle-inspired beach waves and tans to the West Coast, it looks like everyone is riding the more-is-more look made famous by our favorite reality TV family.
The author adjusting to the Los Angeles lifestyle.
Keeping it casual and cool on a bike ride in Laguna Beach. Note: The Eagles hat.
The juxtaposition between the Hollywood elite and east side dwelling hipsters is startling. Philadelphians, meanwhile, are not as easy to categorize. Sure, there are Maine Line moms and No-Libs hipsters roaming about town; yet, there seems to be an air of east coast edge that is embedded throughout all of our personal style. Or, maybe, we just wear all black and blend in? Avant-garde, neutral outfits from local atelier NINObrand and lines fit for a global goddess at Joan Shepp make high power statements that would fair well in France, Milan and yes, New York City.
The author pictured in Silver Lake, CA still asks for 'jimmies' when ordering ice cream even though everyone says 'sprinkles'.Courtesy of Jordyn Shaffer/for PhillyVoice
Fear not bicoastally confused dressers — we can really have it all. Want to bring some West Coast whimsy to your next shore weekend? Hit up my favorite downtown boutiques like The Geisha House and Moon & Arrow, which carry quintessential LA lines such as Wildfox, For Love & Lemons and Flynn Skye. Finally, bridge both coasts with a statement that always works in both regions: the leather jacket. James Dean wore it well and so does Bradley Cooper. And now you can too, dude.