The Girl from Z. Paneva: Z. Paneva Necklaces

Your nemesis, Muffy, has gotten away with a lot lately. She’s taken control of the tennis whites, the perky ponytails, and the monograms.
Well, she can troll the club for a politician hubby all she wants. She’s not getting your pearls.
Especially not the new ones from Z. Paneva. Made by Bulgarian ceramic tile designer Zlatka Pirin Paneva and her daughter Vera Neykov (a Parsons student), these are ivory strands with a twist.
Asymmetrical motifs include large resin ovals, leather ties, and Japanese freshwater pearls in unabashed color combinations from peach and black to fire engine red. Even nonpearl pieces — like simple, organically shaped resin pendants in conch shell and green tea shades with gold floral detailing — are edgy-pretty.
Just try and take that, Muffy.
And hands off the Arnold Palmers, too.

Available at Andana, 1045 Swarthmore Avenue, between Sunset Boulevard and Albright Street, Pacific Palisades (310-454-6515 or andanashoes.com).

Style Wins has five Z. Paneva necklaces to giveaway to five lucky readers. Email stylewins@yahoo.com by August 15, 2009 for your chance to win!

Elevated Status: Takami Sushi and Robata and Elevate Lounge

Love lift us up where we belong. Where the eagles cry, on a mountain high.
Or, at the very least, on the 21st floor.
Take the elevator to Takami Sushi and Robata and Elevate Lounge, where indoor/outdoor 360-degree views let you spy on The Standard, Pegasus Lofts, and the rest of Downtown.
The Takami side (taking reservations for Saturday and beyond) gives you kimono-covered walls, an orange leather sushi bar, a peek-a-boo wine and sake room, and Katsu-Ya and SHU vet chef Kenny Yamada’s innovative bites like Pop Art Crab and shishito peppers.
For Lotus Blossom and Lychee Mojito cocktails, cross the hall to Elevate Lounge (open now). If the mosaic bars are packed, duck into the VIP lounges (with individual mini dance floors) or hit the patio.
The sky-high duo is sure to stick in your memory for a long time to come.
Not unlike a certain Joe Cocker/Jennifer Warnes duet we know.

Takami Sushi and Robata and Elevate Lounge, 811 Wilshire Boulevard, between Flower and Figueroa Streets, 21st floor, Downtown (213-236-9600 or takamisushi.com).

Style Wins has one $200 Takami Sushi gift certificate to giveaway to one lucky reader. Email stylewins@yahoo.com by August 1, 2009 for your chance to win!

A Budding Operation: Juliet Flores Flowers

Everyone always knew little Suzy Needleman would grow up to be a doctor, just as David Payne’s future in pro wrestling seemed favorable from birth.
So guess what Juliet Flores is up to? Yep, the young designer’s bespoke floral business has just gotten off the ground.
After starting out as a teen selling flowers in a hut in Santa Monica, Flores spent years apprenticing for designers throughout L.A. — so when it comes to style, she has quite a range. Taking cues from the location, occasion, and, of course, clients’ preferences, she offers weekly deliveries to home or work, as well as intimate weddings and special events.
Pretty a dinner party with sweet and old-fashioned buds. Find a fresh conversation starter in something contemporary and architectural. Or request fragrant blooms to brighten your day.
Doesn’t it all sound good, Miss Adoresanicebouquet?

Juliet Flores (323-719-1835 or julietsflores@gmail.com).

Style Wins has one $100 to Juliet Flores to giveaway to one lucky reader. Email stylewins@yahoo.com before August 1, 2009 for your chance to win!