This trip went by in a flash, we blinked and we were there, we blinked and we were gone. None-the-less there was no love lost, LA is still one of my favorite places to travel too (especially when I'm with my partner in crime and BFF, my sis)
This buying trip was slightly different given that I'm just about 7 months pregnant, after work patio drinks on one of my favorite patios (Laurel Hardware) turned into a hunt for a carrot cake muffin with cream cheese icing from Trader Joe's - seriously try one!!
Our hunt for cute clothes was successful and I'm so excited to open the doors of fashiontruck canada on May 6th at the LOL Charity Event (Ladies Out Laughing) in Oakville on May 6th, have your got your tickets? www.ladiesoutlaughing.ca - We're happy to be donating %10 of all sales from that evening to the charity.
Ok, back to LA - There's just something that's totally magical about this place, maybe it's the warm sun the palm trees and the ocean, maybe it's the buzz of people coming and going, maybe it's the thought of a Ryan Reynolds citing or sitting next Ellen while you enjoy your latte? Or maybe it's just the laid back way of life, everyone in West Hollywood is always buzzing about and there's no shortage of people that make you want to get out side and be active.
I've curated a list of some of my favorite things to see and do while in LA that will make you feel more like a local and less like a tourist.
Where to stay - My go-to is always West Hollywood, it's clean, vibrant, safe and surrounded by beautiful neighborhoods, great restaurants, and a lively nightlife.
LeMontrose Suite Hotel - http://www.lemontrose.com -
Cozy quite and nestled into the West Hollywood Hills you'll definitely feel like a resident here. The panoramic views from the roof top pool bar can't be beat (especially with a Margarita in hand) and your access to the beautiful surounding neighbourhoods are within walking or jogging distance if you up for it. Beverly Hills, Melrose and Hollywood all neighbor this trendy community known as WeHo by the locals...
Runyon Canyon - http://www.lamountains.com -
There is no lack of fitness inspiration in LA, everywhere you look people are buzzing about in there gym gear. Running, biking, spinning, hiking, climbing - you name it, they're doing it. Runyon Canyon is approximately a 15 minute drive from LeMontrose and totally worth the effort of getting there. Break your morning sweat and enjoy the sunshine while hiking the hills in Runyon Canyon (just don't forget your water)
Alfred Coffee - http://alfredcoffee.com/ -
Tucked into the back alley on the corner of La Cienaga and Melrose this trendy local hot spot is the perfect place to grab your morning coffee and a hand rolled bagel. Your chances of a celebrity siting here are also pretty good - we missed Julie Sariñana of @sincerelyjules by a day, seriously imagine the instagram pic!!!!
Laurel Harware - http://laurelhardware.com/
Don't be mistaken by it's old school "Hardware Store" exterior. A watering hole to the locals and somewhere to enjoy a meal made of only fresh, local and organic ingredients Laurel Hardware is anything but hardware-esque. The restaurant and lounge buzz and the patio is nothing-less than a tranquil, perfectly lit patio shaded by the over hang of large trees, mini white lights and candles. Seriously the best place to enjoy a cocktail after a long day of work.
Fig & Olive - Melrose - http://www.figandolive.com/
NOBU - West Hollywood - http://www.noburestaurants.com/
Blue Plate - Santa Monica - https://www.blueplatesantamonica.com/home
Hope you enjoyed the post!
XO Ashley