Style Profile: Renowned L.A. Hostess Audrey Bernstein

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Audrey Bernstein is a mash-up of Martha Stewart, Holly Golightly and Peggy Guggenheim -- with a penchant for chic entertaining. For years, she attracted the most eclectic crowds to her weekly parties at the old Les Deux and the Tower Bar. Now, she’s launched a lifestyle empire known as ‘Oh Audrey’ and on her website, she’s recreated that feel of a soiree that you never want to end. There are recipes, entertaining tips, and great how-to videos for any aspiring hostess. Here, Bernstein shares her own recipe for being so unique and stylish:

My personal style: Earthy glamour.

I get my inspiration from: Nature. I constantly find things on walks that make it on to my mantle, like butterflies, beetles, seeds, pods, pieces of wood, feathers, and tiny egg shells. I also love flea markets and fancy food shops.

Work mantra: I always remember my old friend, Oberon Sinclair, saying to me in a cab one day about 10 years ago: “There is no such thing as good luck. Only good fortune.’ I believe you have to work hard and be ready for good fortune. Otherwise, the precious opportunities will be lost.

Must-have kitchen appliance: An 8-inch Wusthof Cooks knife. And, of course, a cutting board. Oh, I love my Kitchen Aid, and my rabbit Velvet is very good for composting.

‘It’ bag or trip to India? A vintage white Chanel bag and a weekend to Hope Springs in Palm Springs, soaking in mineral water, drinking wine, hanging out with their funny cat, looking at the stars, listening to the wind, and eating beautiful snacks on the patio. The best!

Flat Champagne can always be used as: Darling, at my parties, there is never any Champagne left over!

My hostess icon: Julia Child. Just read the book ‘Julia Child: My Life in France’ and it will make you want to cook, drink wine and entertain -- whether it’s a stew or an outlandish French fest. Also Diane and Tatiana von Furstenberg, (right). They both are so comfortable and relaxed. They make everyone feel so special.

The best guests bring: Champagne and flowers. And his name is Patrik Milani.

Go-to outfit: A $3 dress I got from a place downtown called Shareen Vintage. It looks like it’s from Turkey: a little rough around the edges, but it always gets the most compliments. I can wear it with boots, sandals or heels. (Bernstein is wearing the dress in the top portrait.)

My mother taught me: That I am a Phoenix. Although I really hope I don’t have to rise from the ashes many more times. Please. (That’s Bernstein as a kid, left.)

I wish my nickname was: I have had so many great nicknames: Aud, Audio, Audrienna. When I was on the World Cup Snow board tour, it was Andretti, as in Mario. My latest one is Audge, which I love. But I was thinking that Bunny Bernstein has a good ring to it.

My favorite shoes: Gold, strappy Manolos. They were the first pair of fancy shoes I bought at Barney’s in New York, 10 years ago, after I started my first party at E&O, called Mothra. They are still good as new and always in style.

Go Fish or Gin Rummy: Who has time for games? I’d rather throw a party! But if I did play cards, I have a beautiful set from Hermes in Paris. They just sit there and look pretty with the dried bugs and feathers.

Photo credits: Bernstein portrait, Todd Cole; butterfly and beetles, National Geographic; Julia Child, BBC.com