Weekend in Review: Exploring Los Angeles

{Urban Light Installation, Los Angeles County Museum of Art}

Skirt (H&M; selling on Poshmark) | Boots (Vintage eBay Purchase) | Shirt (Old; JCpenney)

I've lived in Southern California for four years now, and each time I travel into the city I find more and more things to love. This weekend an old friend came to visit and we were prepared to explore the great food, shopping, and sites that Los Angeles and West LA had to offer. (I live 30 minutes outside LA in little ol' San Gabriel Valley.) Thankful for an extra day off from work, to honor Dr. King, Vivian and I were able to enjoy some quality girl time together. We had a jam packed itinerary and were able to accomplish most of what we had planned. See some snapshots of our weekend below! 

Top Left: Mouth-watering macaroons (strawberry passion & vanilla bean) from Sweetsalt Food Shop in Toluca Lake, just outside Universal Studios. This is my new favorite spot for a sweet bite and unique sandwiches, like their honey and lavender duck on a french baguette.

Top Right: Salad art (pictured: curry chicken salad) from Marmalade Cafe at LA's Original Farmer's Market in the Grove. Their service and food was great along with the restaurant's rustic Parisian decor. A great spot to relax and eat if you find yourself needing a break between the fabulous shopping at the Grove.

Bottom Left: The beautiful lamp posts of the Urban Light Installation outside of LACMA. It's an LA must-see, including a popular engagement photo and couple's spot. (Anyone ever see the adorable scene in No Strings Attached?) Vivian and I modeled for each other and had a blast, see Viv's model moment below! 

Bottom Right: The prettiest tea canisters there ever was, spotted at the Farmer's Market in the Grove. I found the tea brand online, here. I'm tempted to buy one simply for the packaging.

{Work it, Viv.}

Above: My mouthwatering Croque Monsieur at the Alcove Bakery in Los Feliz, right by Griffith Park. I recommend this place on a weekday for brunch, they serve breakfast all day and have the coziest outdoor patio seating. However, it's a super popular spot, so be prepared for a bit of a crowd. (Can you tell we LOVE food?)

Vivian got to walk around Rodeo Drive for the first time! Only window shopping for now....

Beautiful, Chanel on Rodeo ... sigh....

Viv also got us tickets (free online) to a taping of the Chelsea Lately show at Universal Studios. We aren't her biggest fans, but were excited to watch the process, which was incredibly efficient! We waited to be seated for about an hour and the actual recording of the show lasted only 40 minutes! We weren't allowed to use phones or cameras in the studio, but I rebelled and took a quick shot of the set's logo. 

This is a fun picture to cap off this weekend in review post. I purchased this dress for $5.00 at a Goodwill. Can you tell from the picture that I'm having a "red carpet" moment, a girl can dream. One day, I'll find an occasion to bust out this glamorous little number!

I am so thankful for a fun-filled weekend with a dear friend. Now, back to the grind!

xo,
Elissa