LBS in LA (Part 2): Lunch With Lianne La Havas

1:30PM I'm finally ready to hit the road! They picked myself and the other journalists up in a glossy red 2013 Lincoln MKX. I'm loving the newest Lincoln models.

They're really redefining what the Lincoln brand is all about, and it shows. Classy, sophisticated and stylish.

1:45PM We're off to lunch at fine Italian restaurant Ago. I love italian food, so I'm beside myself. Like I mentioned in my last post, I went with a casual yet tailored look for lunch with the Lincoln team.

2:00PM We're seated and drinks are served. The bartender whips me up a delicious concoction of lemonade and muddled strawberries. Like heaven in a glass.

The first course is a traditional italian specialty (and my guilty pleasure) - pizza! We had two selections, the traditional cheese pizza and arugula-topped.

2:30PM Just as we're digging into the first course, our surprise guest of honor shows up - Lianne La Havas! I had no idea we were going to have lunch with her. Such a pleasant surprise. I'm immediately enchanted by her cute British accent and her infectious smile.

Not only is Lianne absolutely stunning in person, but she's one of the sweetest and most humble artists I've ever met. She also has impeccable style. What a cute crop top! And I love her side-swept hairdo. Get this: I mouth to her from across the table "I like your top!" and she mouthes back to me "I like yours!" Instant besties.

I really loved her entire getup. The side-swept hair was edgy but tres chic and she was rocking a fierce cat-eye that I proceeded to go home and attempt on my own.

Head to toe stunner! She paired her geo-print crop top with satin high-waisted pants and black suede peeptoe heels for a trendy, hipster-meets-sophisticate look. At lunch, Lianne greeted us all and answered a few of our pressing questions. She expressed how humbled she was to be honored at the Essence Black Women in Music event sponsored by Lincoln. About her musical inspirations, she said "I'm inspired by so many people. Everyone from artists like Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott, to legends like Prince, to up & comers like my label mates Little Dragon." She's even opened for artists like Prince and Alicia Keys.

3:00PM We're on course two. A trio of Ago's finest pasta dishes. Yum.

Clockwise from left: Linguini Mare (Seafood linguine), Paccheri Al Ragu D’Agnello (Large tube pasta with a lamb ragu), Risotto alla Pescatora (Seafood risotto in a light tomato sauce).

 Clockwise from left: Agnello di Latte al Forno (Baby rack of lamb), Spinach, Rosemary potatoes, Pesce Bianco (Whitefish sautéed with spinach and artichokes), Pollo alla Toscana (Chicken roasted in herbs).

4:00PM By dessert time, I'm completely stuffed and officially in love with Lianne La Havas. She's such a gem and I can't wait to hear her perform tonight...

 Dessert Plate - Cheesecake, pies and tarts galore

...that's if I can fit into my dress for tonight. About that - it's almost time to PICK A DRESS! Stay tuned for my recap of the big night - my Essence Black Women in Music prep and the red carpet!

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