The West Coast BFF Tour // LA Guide
It seems like only yesterday that Paige and I were sifting through hundreds of photos from our trip to the West Coast together, but today we're finally posting our last round of photos from LA. As the days get colder here in Toronto and the holiday season gets underway, we can't help but miss the warm sunshine, palm trees and pastel buildings of LA, and we figured it was the perfect time to share a list of some of our favourite places in the city of angels in an LA guide. Some are old picks from Paige's numerous work trips, and some are spots that we discovered together this autumn, but every single one is absolutely worth seeing next time you're in town!
Lemonade // Paige and I fell in love with lemonade separately and then gushed over it together when we discovered our mutual obsession. A cafeteria-style haven of healthy snacks, sweet treats, and the best lemonade you've ever tasted (we recommend watermelon rosemary), there is nowhere better to lunch in LA.
Ilan Dei // A semi-outdoor housewares shop with all sorts of adorable surprises hiding behind every corner, this Venice Beach store is a must-see if you're into good design and bright colours. Think succulents and pops of neon.
Gracias Madre // An unbelievably beautiful restaurant with an all-vegan menu. It can be hard to get a seat, especially on the weekend, so we recommend sneaking in for lunch if at all possible to avoid crazy wait times. We also highly recommend you try the alcoholic snow cones with your meal (though we must warn you, they're stronger than they look!)
The Wildfox Store // When one of our favourite brands opened their flagship in LA, we knew we had to make a point of stopping by. Luxe and lovely, this shop is full of whimsical treasures and a whole lot of super soft pretty t-shirts.
Moon Juice // If you're looking for something healthy, inventive, and tasty, look no further than Moon Juice. With an incredible seasonal cold pressed juice menu and all sorts of intriguing elixirs and inventions available to take home, it'll have the health nut in you swooning. Plus, their branding is just so on point!
The Standard Hotel // We stopped into The Standard with the Ban.do girls for lunch and cocktails on the pool deck, and everything about it felt very quintessential LA. Make sure you try the coconut mojito or watermelon margarita (or both!)
Bottega Louie // We've already posted so much about BL, but it's worth mentioning again. No matter who you are or what you like, you just have to go!
Urbanic // Love pretty pens, fancy candles, and all things Rifle Paper Co? Urbanic will make all of your stationary dreams come true, and you might even find yourself lusting over new party supplies or Kate Spade desk accessories that you've never seen anywhere else before.
Treats Frozen Yogurt // Not only does this shop have the best frozen yogurt ever, but they also make incredible snow cones in all sorts of magical flavours like violet and rose. If you're feeling really adventurous (and hungry) try the "California Snow", a mountain of shave ice with a frozen yogurt center!
Some spots we were hoping to visit but never got a chance to:
The Piñata district and flower market // It's always fun to explore the hustle and bustle of downtown LA, and we love the idea of getting lost amongst flowers and piñatas for an afternoon!
Sugarfina // The Ban.do girls are big fans of this spot, and their Instagram is so incredible! Rumour has it they stock adorable sparkly champagne marshmallows (insert love eye emogi!)
The Sunny Spot // A Caribbean restaurant with a beautiful patio and an extremely tasty brunch menu.
Sugar Paper // We love Sugar Paper's cards, and we'll absolutely be stopping into their store next time we're in LA!
Photos: Paige