TRAVEL TO || Los Angeles, CA

“Travel often, meet beautiful souls, and have great friends in every city.”

This May I got the opportunity to return to one of my favourite cities and be at the wedding of one of my closest friends back home in Ecuador. Unfortunately, my husband couldn’t accompany me on this adventure but I am lucky enough to count with great friends. So when I asked my friend, whose name is also Maria, if she was up to come with me to LA for 4 days and be my date for the wedding, I did not have to wait long enough to get a very loud and excited “YES!”.

And so we came to the city of angels. Two girls named Maria willing to have the best time! And we did! Below you will find the highlights of what we did, where we stayed, and what we ate.

But, first things first…

\ Kelly Wearstler \

~ a.k.a The mothership

One of my musts in the trip was to visit the Kelly Wearstler’s shop in Melrose Avenue. Kelly has been my interior design idol since I was studying Interior Design in Ecuador and back then it seemed like one of those places that you wished you could go to, but had no idea how or when you would do it. Therefore this trip was the one that made that wish a reality. I was able to visit her store + buy an item designed by her. Dreams can come true, right? And one of mine did. It is safe to say that it was my heaven on earth! ~ A separate post just about her store is coming soon, so stay tuned!

\ THE GRAND LA HOTEL DOWNTOWN \

Prices in hotels downtown LA can be crazy expensive, but we were lucky enough to find an amazingly good deal through Hotwire and hit the jackpot with our hotel; the interior design was fantastic, we got a great room + an incredible view. But the best part was, how nice and friendly their staff were. I would totally recommend this place if you are going to LA anytime soon.

\ The Perch \

Image source: http://perchla.com/

By far, the best place in LA to have your “first, and second breakfast” (Please tell me you get my “The Office” reference?) Anyway, the view. The decor. The food. The everything! Absolutely in love with this place. A definite must if you get to spend a morning or night in LA. Look at the pictures, I don’t think I need to say more.

\ Griffith Observatory \

One of the best views in LA for sure. If you are a picture lover like me, well this place should be definitely on your list! And besides all of that, here is a tip, I know it should be obvious… but check the schedule before you go! My friends and I decided last minute to go there and just when we arrived, we realized it opens at 10 am on the weekends. And because I am the kind of person who can’t sleep in when visiting a different city, I left the hotel by 7 am and arrived at the observatory by let’s say 7.30? So we couldn’t visit its insides. But hey, now I have another reason to go there again, maybe next time with my hubby.

\ LA Murals \

OK, can you even say you have been in LA if you did not take a picture by one of LA’s multiple angel wings murals by artist Colette Miller? Melrose Avenue is full of murals so be prepared. Take comfortable shoes, a good camera, and a very patient friend, I was lucky enough to have two amazing friends with me that day, otherwise, the other Maria would have died. {Maria, if you are reading this, I love you and you are the best lol}

\ Galerie Michael \

Rembrandt – Renoir – Picasso – Chagall – Miró – Dalí – Barbizon – & More

Walking through Rodeo Drive with our multiple Chanel and Dior shopping bags {Yeah right, I wish! On one future day, but not on that day, lol } we found this art gallery that caught my attention. The sign on the door showed so many names that asthe true artist that I am, I totally recognized right away.

Heaven on earth. I loved it so much. And the best part? It was free admission + I could take all the pictures and videos I want!. And so I did.

So many wonderful Paintings and designer furniture. We even got someone at the Galerie to explain to us how Dalí presented their paintings to his clients.

The whole experience was too much. So grateful to have been able to be there, in that moment and at that time.

OTHER MUSTS in LA \\ Chanel Store in Rodeo Drive + Hollywood Sign + Venice Beach + Bar Clacson + Mel’s Drive-In Hollywood

Are there any other places you know that I should check out next time I’m in LA? Please share! And Thanks for stopping by!