MY GUIDE TO LA

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 browse spend all my money at...

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.

---

I'll be heading to LA again this winter, so let me know where else you guys recommend!

SIMPLE THINGS: LOW BUN + NAVY SUIT

Photo via: The Fashion Sight

Sometimes, it's all about the simple things. Major love for Angela's low bun and navy suit.

Get the look:
+ Céline Sunglasses
+ Reiss Cyan Relaxed Tuxedo Blazer
+ Reiss Gillian Pleated Cropped Trousers

LEOPARD FRINGE • CHICO'S FALL COLLECTIONS

I was recently approached by Chico's to check out their fall collections, and was pleasantly surprised. When asked to pick out some of my favorites, one of the first pieces that came to mind was this leopard print fringe skirt. It has so many styling possibilities!

1. Chico's Subtle Details Crystal II Top
2. Ray-Ban Foldable Clubmaster Sunglasses
3. Chico's Black Label Gold Open Cuff
4. Proenza Schouler PS1 Suede Pouch in Poppy
5. Chico's Fancy Fringe Animal Skirt
6. BCBGMAXAZRIA Jase Boot

This outfit collage was created as part of my collaboration with Chico's. The opinions, as always, are my own.

MODEL-OFF-DUTY: CANDICE SWANEPOEL | OVERSIZED CARDIGAN

Photos via: Vogue | CS Fanpage | ELLE

Loving this model-off-duty look on Candice Swanepoel from New York Fashion Week.

Get the look:
+ Ray-Ban Polarized Aviator Sunglasses
+ T by Alexander Wang Leather Cross-Back Leather Top
+ Free People Cloudy Day Cardigan (also here)
+ Alexander Wang Chastity Large Satchel
+ Stuart Weitzman Reserve Stretch Suede Boots

SHOE CRUSH: ANINE BING STUDDED BOOTS

Photo via: Anine Bing Pinterest

I've had my eyes on these studded Anine Bing boots for some time now. Love the design. Question is... go with the gold studs or the silver studs?

NYFW STREET STYLE: LEILA YAVARI | SIMPLE CLASSICS

Photos: Harper's Bazaar | Elle | Nylon

Leila Yavari kept it simple during New York Fashion Week. There's nothing like a classic white button-down shirt worn with a statement bag, boyfriend jeans and heels.

Get the look:
+ Stella McCartney Flat Top Oversized Sunglasses
+ Madewell Oversized Button-Down Shirt
+ Fendi Peekaboo Large Leather Tote (also here)
+ Mother The Loosey Jean in Always Look Twice
+ Gianvito Rossi Camnero Suede Pumps

3 STUNNING KNOTTED PONYTAILS

Photos via: Once Wed | Refinery29 | Hanneli

How stunning are these knotted ponytails? I love the simplicity and classic feel of the style.
Find all the how-to details and instructions for getting this look here and here.

MY CURRENT JEWELRY FAVORITES

I jumped at the chance to create my own stack of Monica Vinader rings. It wasn't easy since all of her pieces are stunning, but ultimately I fell for these two beauties.
---

Obsessed with my new double piercings done by J. Colby Smith at NY Adorned. Pictured here with my favorite Rebecca Minkoff curved bar earring (similar).
---

The Stella and Bow team was kind enough to gift me their whimsical Zuma Cuff, and I haven't taken it off since. I pair it often with my dainty Ginette NY bracelet.
---

For more of my personal favorites, follow me on Instagram - @lefashion.

STREET STYLE: DISTRESSED DENIM + FUR MIX

Photo via: Elen

Great street style shot captured by Elen Kristvik back during London Fashion Week S/S 2014.

Get the look:
+ Joe's Jeans Oversized Dolman Jacket
+ ASOS Denim Jacket With Raw Edge
+ Paige Denim Heidi Destroyed Oversize Denim Jacket
+ Theory Daithi Cotton-Poplin Shirt
+ Hat Attack Faux Fur Clutch
+ DVF Sutra Foxy Muff Clutch

FALL GO-TO

Easy, classic and comfy... This pretty much sums ups my current go-to look for fall.

Get the look:
+ ASOS Longline Duster Jacket
+ J.Crew Endless Shirt
+ ASOS Whitby Skinny Jeans with Ripped Knees
+ Birkenstock Arizona Sandals (also here)

A FASHIONABLE HOME: JESSICA DE RUITER | MID-CENTURY IN SILVER LAKE

Photos via: C Home

Ever since posting about Jessica De Ruiter and her perfect jeans, I have been stalking her instagram hoping to catch more of a glance of her home/decor. Lucky for me, the interior design gods have blessed me with a full spread dedicated to her stunning mid-century modern oasis in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles. As predicted, it's totally swoon-worthy!

Click below to see the rest...

SHOE CRUSH: LOEFFLER RANDALL REEVE LACE-UP BOOTIES

Hello, Loeffler Randall Reeve Lace-Up Booties! These black beauties are perfect for fall. I'd wear them with culottes, denim and cute midi skirts or dresses. Is it weird that I picture styling them with sheer black socks? -- Shop them here and here.

NYFW STREET STYLE: MARINA LARROUDÉ | FRESH STRIPES

Photos via: Racked NY | Collage Vintage

This striped street style look on Marina Larroudé is one of my favorites from New York Fashion Week. I love her fresh and casual take on this classic shirt with the top buttons left unbuttoned and the ends tied. I also have my eyes on her personalized Nina Ricci bag.

Get the look:
+ PLAY by Comme des Garçons Striped Shirt (also here)
+ Cartier Juste un Clou Bracelet (alternative)
+ Nina Ricci Marche Tote

MODEL CRUSH: DELILAH PARILLO

Photos via: Nylon | Erin Lee Smith

Crushing on model Delilah Parillo's ethereal California-cool look. Her wavy bleach blonde hair looks amazing with her complexion. Now if only I had those lips!

Get the look:
+ Drybar Mai Tai Spritzer Sea Salt Spray
+ Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner in Blossom Lady
+ Marc by Marc Jacobs Carmen Short Sleeve Tee
+ ASOS Farleigh High Waist Slim Mom Jeans

5 FALL WARDROBE STAPLES

With chilly weather on the way, it's that time of year where we start shopping for and start digging out sweaters, jackets, leather...etc. To help with the process, I put together a guide with my top five staples for a stylish fall wardrobe over on eBay.

Also, make sure to check out my Fall Favorites collection for more inspiration.

My eBay Guides and Collections were created as part of my collaboration with eBay. The opinions, as always, are my own.

EMMANUELLE ALT GOES BRIGHT IN A PINK SWEATSHIRT + LEATHER

Photos via: Style | Collage Vintage | FabSugar

I have to admit I was surprised to see Emmanuelle Alt wear a bright pink sweatshirt during New York Fashion Week. I'm so used to seeing her in black, grey, white and muted greens and blues. She still managed to keep the pink grounded and edgy though, with a fresh face, black leather pants, a fringe bag and classic black d'orsay pumps.

Get the look:
+ Make + Model Crewneck Fleece Sweatshirt
+ Saint Laurent Small Fringe Bucket Bag (alternative)
+ Current/Elliott The Ankle Skinny Stretch Leather Pants (alternative)
+ Saint Laurent D'Orsay Paris Pumps (alternative)

CLÉMENCE POÉSY | MADAME FIGARO

Photos via: Thierry Lebraly for Madame Figaro

Clémence Poésy is my go-to when I'm looking for some Parisian style inspiration with a bit of an edge. Love this editorial, especially her messy bob and the sheer skirt and sneaker mix.

Get the look:
+ Mango Bow Neck Shirt
+ Bauble Bar Hermes Ear Cuff
+ Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry Yvette 3 Band Ring
+ Club Monaco Sheer Dot Veronique Midi Skirt
+ The Laden Showroom X Even Vintage Spot Organza Skirt
+ Truffle Flat Monk Buckle Shoes
+ Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers

CLASSIC + EASY COMBO | PART 12 | SUSAN CERNEK

Photo via: Garance Doré

Great classic and easy combo on Madewell's Susan Cernek. She looks ready for fall in an orange scarf, double-breasted oversized coat, distressed skinny jeans, and pumps. Hard to believe this street style shot was taken back in 2009!

Get the look:
+ Hobbs Weave Scarf
+ Hat Attack Textured Knit Long Scarf
+ Mango Double-Breasted Wool Coat
+ Whistles Dina Coat
+ ASOS Ridley Jeans With Ripped Knees
+ Topshop Glory Pump

Check out my other classic and easy combo posts for more inspiration.