Winner of O'Neill teen design competition to be sold at PacSun

O'Neill's third annual "Generation Next" runway show is taking place on Oct 9 in LA. Generation Next is a six-month design competition that gives high school girls a chance to design a look from start to finish with the help of O'Neill's design and marketing team. Each of five finalists create a line including a dress or romper with handbag, and assemble a team of 15 peers to help with production, marketing and showing their look. The winning design - chosen by live/online audiences via txt voting - will be sold exclusively at PacSun stores as part of O’Neill’s Spring 2011 collection. The winner also receives a design scholarship, O'Neill wardrobe and feature in Teen Vogue. Sort of Idol meets Project Runway.

The Left Coast Guide to This Weekend.

Watch what you wish for. Here’s a list of ways to get your Left Coast on this weekend. Each provides a sideways experience that’s fun, a bit experimental, and has the potential for a great story. LA with a twist.

THURSDAY, SEPT 30th
1. Villains Tavern Opening

Awesome new steampunk-themed bar in the Downtown Arts District.

Soft-open 10PM, 1356 Palmetto St; Downtown

2. Go eat a bacon wrapped hotdog. I will if you will. Rumor has it, the best are in downtown and Hollywood. But also outside Bigfoot West (on Venice) if you want one closer.

3. Evening Farmers Market

Every Thursday in South Pasadena, "farmers string their stalls with lights as if it were Christmas." A downhome event to relax with chill company, good food, and ad hoc concerts.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1st

4. Neon Indian @the Music Box
"Chillwave" electronica band has been praised by Rolling Stone Magazine and Pitchfork media, alike. The band originated in Denton, TX but strongly represents LC values. The music is generally about drugs and teenage ennui.

$22.50, Music Box

5. Santa Monica Critical Mass

Critical Mass is a monthly bike mob to further cyclist awareness. It happens monthly in cities around the world.

Cannon by Santa Monica Pier, 6:30PM

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2nd

6. Eagle Rock Music Festival

Non-profit festival for emerging local music on Colorado Blvd. Awesome.

$5, 4-11PM, Eagle Rock

7. Venice Beach Drum Circle

Some people say the Saturday crowd is a little friendlier. If you're interested in making noise, dancing, and getting on a first-name basis with someone who would ask you for money, this is the place.

Venice: 1833 Ocean Front Walk

8. Point Break Live

At each interactive, loud and wet show, one member of the audience gets to play Keanu Reeves's character from the blockbuster hit POINT BREAK.

$20, 8PM, Hollywood: 6510 Santa Monica Blvd

9. LA Derby Dolls bout

This Saturday. Our very own LA Derby Dolls Flight Crew vs. the Sirens. This is a highly anticipated bout with a strong rivalry. And

women's contact athletes take their rivalries very seriously. Tickets here.

$18-$40, 6PM, Silverlake

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3rd

10. Sweaty Sundays
You dance. You sweat. Youdress up like Richard Simmons in an American Apparel ad.

$10, 12PM & 1:30PM, Silver Lake: 3327 SUNSET BLVD. LA 90026

11. Montana LA

Check out the beautiful and comprehensive spray paint shop that's already sparked a little controversy.

1528 1/2 W. Sunset Blvd.

12. 181 Bike Polo

FREE at the price of FUN. It looks like this.
3PM, North Hollywood: Magnolia & Tujunga

WEDNESDAY, OCT 6th

13. Coreyoke

Rock out with LA renowned live karaoke backed by 80's music band, the Coreys. "The best 80's Karaoke band ever."

(Every Wednesday) 10PM, The Happy Ending: 7038 Sunset Blvd.

WWD shines a light on PacSun's turnaround

Check out this must-read WWD article on Gary's vision for PacSun. I must say, this got me extremely excited for the year ahead. A few highlights:

• The turnaround blueprint includes pumping up the fashion quotient in juniors, reviving its shoe category and offering more exclusive items from vendors.
• Three key areas of focus: product, customer relevance and engaging shoppers in stores.
• Both Men's and Women's is targeting an older, more fashion-minded customer that has less to do with core action sports and more to do with a casual, culturally-aware lifestyle.
  
• The phrase “something special” came up a few times in terms of what they customer wants, and what PacSun will now deliver. Also a clear emphasis on speed and fashion.