Southern CA in Black & White

 I came home from last week’s trip to the desert and basically hugged my guy, did a horrible job repacking, and took off again. This time, en route for LA. Now, I’ll admit, I’m very quick to argue the pros of Northern California vs Southern (and San Francisco > LA), but after the past few days I’ve decided I need to make LA a regular thing in my life… as in maybe every couple months if I can swing it. If only, just to visit friends–although vintage shopping at the Rose Bowl and a visit to Santa Monica is ranking high on my to-do list at the moment as well.

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While in LA I stayed with my friend Sam at the Ace Hotel in downtown. Sam knows the city, and the downtown area better than I do so I was more than happy to let her play tour guide. Among our agenda: dinner at Bar Amá (so yum–be sure to order the guac and mom’s green enchiladas!), a little shopping for ourselves at: Oak & Anine Bing (Sam and I walked out in matching tanks) and for our guys at: Apolis.

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I actually didn’t realize the Ace LA was brand new when I booked it but am glad we were able to experience the cool downtown location. Between the checkered dining room flooring, lively bar, awesome brass fixtures, and the fact that you can play records while lounging in your room, we definitely enjoyed our stay.

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Another high from the trip: getting to meet Robert Rodriguez (he talked me into taking these home), and Heidi Merrick who introduced me to perhaps the most perfect slouchy striped tee.

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** AND, I’d like to announce the Nordstrom Rack giveaway winners (please leave your emails in the comment section below so I can contact you… yay!): krryebuckly, mjsista, rzkaron, fyeahblog, instashleigh

Photography by Michelle Drewes & Alicia Lund


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