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

Eat Out. Sunset Strip's Mass Happy Hour.

As if the Sunset Strip wasn't enough of a party as it is, it seems they're kicking off summer in style with a Mass Happy Hour every Wednesday with more than 20 participating locations. In addition to regular happy hours, these locations will be offering their special prices from 5pm-8pm, as well as the exclusive "Sunset Strip" cocktail for $4.

So yes, this means you can get two drinks for the price of one at Borracho Cantina for the extended happy hours of 3pm-8pm and 10pm-midnight, or half-priced drinks and small food plates at the Den from noon-8pm. My picks? There's the ever-popular Saddle Ranch, where you can get half-priced drinks and appetizers from 4:30pm-8pm, or the same offer from 5pm-8pm at The Standard. But for the ultimate, so-Hollywood party, hit up the RH Bar at the Andaz Hotel. It regularly boasts an awesome view of the city, and for happy hour offers free valet parking until 8pm, a DJ set and $6 bar bites, including triple-fried French fries with truffle oil. Oh, and the happy hour goes until midnight on Wednesdays.

Happy hour, indeed. And remember this is only on Wednesdays in the summer, so take advantage--the season will fly by!

-- Chau Tu

Do It. World Pillow Fight Day and Tweetcrawl.

Besides being able to follow us, I guess there are some other advantages to being on Twitter; one of them being able to be an active participant in this Saturday's Sunset Strip Tweetcrawl. Head down to the famously rambunctious boulevard for an all-out bar hop, complete with specials and prizes only available to those clued-in by timely tweets. For starters, though, look forward to a ping-pong tournament at the Standard, an egg hunt at LIVE! on Sunset, and cheap cocktails at the Viper Room and the Roxy, all with an Easter twist, of course (bunny attire highly encouraged).

Before taking part in that Eggstravaganza (really, we're not even being punny--it's the name of the event) though, you'll want to make sure you're in downtown at 3 pm. for yes, World Pillow Fight Day. But shh.. we didn't tell you. Just bring your soft pillow (preferably feathered, and kept hidden until the signal), head to Pershing Square and wait for the blowhorn. You'll know what to do next.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: L.A. Times