Check It. The Shop at The Standard [Guest Post].

If you can tear yourself away from the magic of the Quiksilver vending machines at The Standard Downtown’s rooftop pool for a moment, you will notice the recently made over The Shop around the corner in the lobby. The psychedelic life-size jewelry box of a store shares space with Rudy’s Barber Shop and is now carrying a slew of designer goods for your getaway and/or staycation needs.

A toasting party was held the other night with mini trunk shows displaying limited edition Clare Vivier handbags (designed specifically for The Shop), Paul Frank sunglasses, paint-it-yourself TOMS Shoes and Livity hats to brave the UV in LA. Guests noshed on tasty nibbles, like hempseed brownies with salty caramel and sipped Milton Gladlys (apple honey infused vodka with sparkling water) while DJ Valida made some jams.

Labor Day staycation, anyone?

The Shop at The Standard is located at 550 S. Flower St. in downtown.

-- Nairi Najarian

Photo credit: Melissa Manning/The Look Partnership

Do It. Pool parties at the Standard.

While getting my haircut at Rudy's Barbershop in the Standard Hotel downtown this weekend, I noticed quite a few people in their bathing suits heading to the Standard's rooftop pool.

On various Saturday's this summer, the Standard is hosting pool parties with DJs, champagne, Jello shots, water gun battles, and a photo booth.

This past weekend's Swimming with Sharks event just passed, but keep an eye on their Twitter for upcoming rooftop events. RSVP in time and the $10 entrance fee is waived!

-- Lauren Williams

Do It. A new do.

If a few of your New Year's Resolutions were to both save money and get a new look, then you're in luck. Rudy's Barbershops located in the Silverlake, Melrose, and Downtown areas of LA as well as Santa Monica and Hollywood, are quick, stylish, and affordable.

Men's buzz cuts are $15, styling $24 (for men), and for women, a wash, cut, and styling is usually about $35. Another bonus is that they only use quality products: Bumble & Bumble.

I've never had a bad cut here and never waited more than five minutes. The one downside: Sometimes the stylists and the clientele have a too-cool-for-you attitude, and some of the cuts are a bit too modern/stylish/cool.

But all of the hairdressers are very knowledgeable. Because of my curly hair, I've had so many people that don't understand that one inch while it's wet, means three when it's dry for the curly haired person. The stylists at Rudy's know exactly how to treat hair of all types, and have great recommendations.

Other locations around the Pacific Northwest are in Portland, Ore., and Seattle, if you're traveling.

Pictured above is the Rudy's off Melrose, but I usually go to the one Downtown inside the Standard hotel, off 5th and Flower.

-- Lauren Williams

Photo credit: Flickr.