Postcards from Los Angeles…

Los Angeles has been somewhere high on my ‘to visit’ list for a while.

Having only ever ticked off Disneyland in the city up until now (as well as pit stops en route to visiting family in San Diego), it certainly felt long overdue covering some ground here- especially being the avid La La Land fan I am too. Ahem…

So, when the words Superga and Alexa Chung were uttered to me in a series of exciting emails- you can guarantee that my ESTA was signed, sealed and delivered and my under 100ml travel minis lined up and ready to go before you could even browse the latest flights out of Heathrow on Sky Scanner. I mean, if any collaboration is going to get me excited- it’s this one, and nothing felt quite as timeless as compatible as this. Fast forward a couple of months, and those minis, sheet masks and boarding passes were printed (and Superga’s laced, naturally) and I was ready to go and hit the city of stars.

Now, L.A is absolutely somewhere that you could spend weeks delving into. In a way it feels like there’s no perfect area to stay as inevitably you’ll want to hot foot it everywhere- which is comfortably a forty minute ride away. However, cosying up on the seafront of an art deco hotel in Santa Monica, I instantly felt at home- and loved knowing the sea, sand and bustle of Venice was only a short stroll away.

Seeing & Shopping:

Beverly Hills Hotel: Although I wasn’t totally sold on visiting here, for it’s other worldly charm (and let’s face it, retro pink facade and palm lined walls) it’s hard to resist swinging by this Beverly Hills institution for some old time glamour on the rocks (even if it’s just for a cuppa or iced matcha LA style drinky thing.
Shangri La Santa Monica: The twenties inspired art-deco hideout that we stayed at for the duration of our stay, and somewhere I can highly recommend for not only it’s brilliant room service, bath size and ocean views- but for it’s brilliant location too (and glorious sunny staff)!
Griffith Observatory: Although this place gets pretty busy (understatement of the year), heading up a little after opening is truly worthwhile to experience the real Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone magic this place truly has to offer. If you’re feeling super L.A too you can also hike to the Hollywood sign from around here, and make sure to use the word hike too because it’s very different to long walk, FYI.
Abbott Kinney: For a strip showcasing everything from dreamy coffee (if you’re that way inclined), native L.A indie brands and a hella lot of great places to eat, pop this on your map for a one stop shop.
Melrose Place: Hit up Melrose Place over Avenue if you fancy some seriously cut-yer-card-up shopping- with Violet Grey and The Apartment by The Line (and Reformation Vintage just along on Melrose Avenue)- it takes a woman of serious strength to not do some serious damage here.

Eating:

The Tasting Kitchen: One quick way to my heart is good, fresh Italian food (and cheese, lots of cheese)- and this place does both exceptionally. On the buzzing Abbott Kinney, this place is perfect for a French toast brunch to fresh pasta dinner (and cocktails in-between too).
Rose Cafe: An iconic hang out in Venice, the Rose cafe encapsulates Los Angeles eating in a nutshell with farmers market salads, burritos, sandwiches, eggs and Italian influences throughout- just make sure you take someone who doesn’t mind sharing and get the naan…
The Butchers Daughter: Although we didn’t manage to properly eat here- heading here for the launch event and sampling everything from their fresh cookies, pizza and cocktails (as well as being a little familiar with their New York joint too), meant it’s already high up on my places to tick off properly on my next visit…
Fig: With everything from Mediterranean to Californian inspired wood fired dishes on this delicious menu, this hidden gem in Santa Monica is the proud owner of the ‘bread balloon’ a.k.a the best starter in the world. Fact.
Shutters: Even if you’re not staying here, this spot in Santa Monica is a heavenly spot for a pretty unforgettable breakfast, cocktail and not to mention place to watch the Los Angeles sun rise.