Photos: My Own
As some of you may know from my instagram feed, I spent the month of August exploring Los Angeles and other parts of California. I've been many times, but never this long, so it was great to finally be able to check out more of what I hadn't gotten to yet. Anyway, I thought it'd be cool to do a quick guide with some of my LA favorites. Enjoy!
BEST PLACE TO STAY:
Pretty much every time I come to LA I use Airbnb. It's cheaper than a hotel and you can find some AMAZING spots in all the different neighborhoods. This time around I found gems in Malibu and in West Hollywood. Both were in perfect locations, had great interior design and private pools. This made it real hard to leave!
BEST WAY TO GET AROUND:
Hands down, Silvercar. Ever since my first experience renting with them in Dallas, I was hooked. When I heard they opened in LA, I was super excited since the LAX rental car situation can be a serious pain. The process is seamless- you reserve and pick up your rental using their app. The best part is that all their cars are stunning silver Audis with GLORIOUS built-in wi-fi. I selfishly admit that this was perfect for catching up on emails/instagram/twitter/vine/facebook while my poor fiance drove us around in LA traffic.
Good news is that Silvercar has offered to give my readers a 20% discount off their next rental using the code: SILVERCARLEF. This is perfect if you plan on visiting Los Angeles, Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, Miami or Phoenix any time soon. Score!
BEST PLACES TO SHOP:
These are just some of the few I got to hit up while in town, but there are MANY more I am still dying to
Jenni Kayne - 614 N Almont Dr. West Hollywood, CA 90069 (310) 860-0123
I seriously lost my mind over the F/W 2014 collection (the shoes!), the Mansur Gavriel bags and the swoon-worthy selection of jewelry.
Isabel Marant - 8454 Melrose Pl. Los Angeles, CA 90069 (323) 651-1493
I already knew I'd love seeing the collections, so for me the best part was simply seeing the insanely cool design of both the inside and outside of the space. Can I move in please?
General Store - 1801 Lincoln Blvd. Venice, CA 90291 (310) 751-6393
I'm such a fan girl of Hannah Henderson, so this spot was high on my list. The place is filled with an eclectic selection of goodies. I'm head over heels for the jewelry, especially the earrings and ring selection. Can't wait to go back.
Click below to see my picks on where to eat and more...
BEST PLACES TO EAT:
I still have a long list of places to try, but these are my favorites from this trip...
Gracias Madre - 8905 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood, CA 90069 (323) 978-2170
Vegan Mexican food for the win. Try their green juice and the butternut quesadilla is bomb.
Son Of A Gun - 8370 W 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90048 (323) 782-9033
Best fried chicken sandwich ever. Also try the mini lobster rolls and smoked fish dip.
Cafe Gratitude - 639 N Larchmont Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 580-6383
(2nd location): 512 Rose Ave Venice, CA 90291 (424) 231-8000
Owned by the same people as Gracias Madre. LOVE the kale salad and their hot sauce.
Joan's On Third - 8350 W 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90048 (323) 655-2285
Great for celeb spotting. I always get the Tarragon Chicken Salad.
Real Food Daily - 414 N La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 (310) 289-9910
Another great vegan spot. I am obsessed with the Not-Chos and The Great Cardini salad.
Urth Caffe -8565 Melrose Ave West Hollywood, CA 90069 (310) 659-0628 (more locations)
I can't get enough of their Green Tea Boba and their blueberry cheesecake.
Republique - 624 South La Brea Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036 (310) 362-6115
Was introduced to this spot by Geri Hirsch. Great breakfast/brunch options.
BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR HAIR DID:
Andy Lecompte Salon - 616 N Almont Dr Los Angeles, CA 90069 (310) 273-4100
Beautiful space. Make sure to see Jen Atkin for a cut and George Papanikolas for color.
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I'll be heading to LA again this winter, so let me know where else you guys recommend!