LA - I got ever so carried away, as is usually the case in a novel place, and this was my first time visiting. Surely it can’t be the last - I never really thought myself to be an LA girl, mostly as a result of friends (and ongoing inability to just chill) telling me that I was such an east coaster. However, I’m quick to rebut that I barely made it two months in New York back in 2021. Twenty-three, insecure, and alone - it’s a bit of a recipe for disaster. LA refreshingly contrasted that.
In 2021, much to my dismay, I learned very quickly that I wasn’t quite suited to New York’s constant pulse. At least - I wasn’t quite suited to being alone here. For a place with such a high population density, it’s easy to be consumed by feelings of isolation. And as much as I once romanticized the place, there was a part of me that felt insufficient living there, as though I would never be enough or have enough, no matter how hard I tried. I didn’t feel this in LA, and I didn’t (oddly enough) feel this in Paris. Nevertheless, in short spurts I find the city invigorating, and I’m excited to be back for a little visit.
New York under the radar is so sneaky and fun - I have my meetings and appointments with people I really want to see, and I plan to do as little shopping as possible. I have a few homeware stores that I hope to stop by, but it’s very liberating to come to the conclusion that I really don’t need anything.
Ironically, this little LA guide is full of shopping.
DAY ONE
This was the day I made the mistake of walking in LA, from my hotel in Thai Town (the temptation to type Thai Thown!) to Franklin Hills, to Hillhurst and Sunset, where I quickly learned that no one does that here (as indicated by mostly empty sidewalks and confused stares).
Nutrifaye Aesthetic: I guess I technically did this on day zero, but I love a lymphatic drainage post flight. I learned so much from Faye, and my muscles felt so good the next day. She operates by referral only, so send a message to me if you’re looking for a connect.
Gift of Garb: an absolute gem. In a world of unnecessarily skyrocketing resale prices, I believe this store is rather fair. I scored a beautiful bordeaux red vintage Pleats Please maxi skirt, which I plan to bring with me to Paris as the weather is (hopefully) warmer.
Counter Space: neighbouring Gift of Garb, this store has beautiful MCM furniture and decor. Though I didn’t buy anything, I was particularly tempted by a set of Yves Klein blue cutlery
Courage Bagels: let me just say that the line even at 1pm was outrageous. I waited an hour in line (the first and last line I would have the patience for, though I’ve learned that it’s just a thing here) and I hate that it was worth it. I got 1/2 classic smoked salmon bagel, and 1/2 of the special (which featured almond butter and jam from neighbouring Squirl, so I felt I was killing two birds with one stone).
DAY TWO
Maru Coffee: Another place with a crazy line, but this was worth it. Get the everything bagel croissant - the kouign amann was a little experimental for me (the idea of a misu caramel is intriguing, though in execution it was really difficult to bite into). The coffee was, as anticipated, delightful.
I hiked 22km from the base of Griffith Park, all the way to the top of the Hollywood sign and back, with a detour to Griffith Observatory. 1000% worth it. Packed a lunch I picked up from Lazy Acres and had the best solo day.
DAY THREE
Heated Room: took an early AM pilates class and thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved the studio design - a note to self not to be at the front of the class; the studio is tiered and the front doesn’t have a ton of space lengthwise. I’m 5’6 and justttt fit.
Kreation juice: a great post-Heated Room spot, just a few blocks down. Had an acai bowl and felt very LA.
Seventh House: by appointment only, this was my gateway LA architecture/interior gallery experience. Lots of Le Corbusier in this space. There are also so many beautiful furniture galleries and warehouses along this strip - sometimes they’ll let you walk around if anyone is actually in the store. The Bode store is also right next door…
Stir Crazy: just a really good vibe, really good people, really good food, really good wine!!! I love a short menu, lots of small plates, and a good lambrusco. Note: it’s only open Monday - Friday.
DAY FOUR
Chateau Marmont: because I simply had to. Get the crème brulée - it’s a recent addition to the menu and is one of the best I’ve ever had. I think an ideal situation would be drinks and dessert at the Chateau - a touristy thing to do, but at least the touristy things in LA are kind of iconic.
Maimoun Store: one of my favourite online stores has an LA popup - I’ve been ordering from Maimoun for years. The perfect amalgamation of clothing for the MNZ-Paloma Wool-Helena Manzano fanbase, the store was such a beautiful place to visit and catch a glimpse in to the wonderful mind of Mina Alyeshmerni.
RLT: another incredible spot in LA. If I had to pick one store to represent my capsule wardrobe, this would be it. An incredible selection of vintage 501 denim, other vintage pieces (I picked up a darling chocolate silk armani skirt), as well as perfectly designed basics emblematic of every cool LA girl you want to be (I picked up two tank tops - they’re bra friendly, and so flattering). Another noteworthy mention are their vintage belts - Rachel, the founder, has a knack for sourcing ones with sculptural buckles.
DAY FIVE
At this point I’ve out-shopped myself.
Cookbook: the final place on my little LA guide, Cookbook is a sweet little market and cafe with incredible food and coffee. The back patio is absolutely lovely! Such a gem in Larchmont.
This past trip I stayed at Cara Hotel, a hidden gem with sage green lobby tiles, ornate Spanish design mixed with laid-back Californian ease, and spacious rooms. I loved this place. I could climb out of my window onto my balcony and drink my morning coffee, I could call the front desk for anything and they knew my name, and I could walk directly to the base of Griffith Park. The only things I will note are a) I had to sleep with earplugs, particularly on the weekend, as music would continue late into the night, and b) the surrounding area is not the nicest, but that hardly matters since you can’t walk around LA anyway!