Last month we stopped over in Los Angeles on our way back from New Zealand, to catch some sun and to make the journey a little easier! I had visited LA for the first time the year before, but Jordan had never been to California before so I was keen for him to see it.
One of our first days there was spent wandering from Venice to Santa Monica and back, it was a warm day but we really needed some sun after winter in New Zealand and I was so keen for a big walk and some photo opportunities!
We started the day at Eggslut, a little brunch spot in Venice that specialises in quick eggy bites – think McDonalds breakfast muffins but one trillion times better. I had a scrambled egg, crispy bacon, cheese and chilli jam combo in the most delicious, warm bun with freshly squeezed OJ on the side. Oh my god it was unreal, you absolutely must find a way to go.
I was very keen for some exercise (because I was starting to feel a liiiiittle bit guilty after that brekkie), so we started to make our way to Santa Monica. I love this area because it reminds me of Lords of Dogtown, which is easily one of my favourite films!
Watching the skaters at Venice skate park is so much fun, there’s some seriously talented guys and girls doing their thang here.
The walk along to Santa Monica takes you along a palm tree-lined path, alongside cyclists and rollerbladers. There’s a lovely sea breeze that makes the trek a little more bearable too!
We stopped for photos here and there until we reached the pier. Oh it’s all so beautiful, I almost filled an entire SD card!
After wandering the pier and taking in the beachy scenes, we decided to wander back towards Venice so we could spent the afternoon on Abbot Kinney Drive. I think this is everyones favourite spot in LA because it has a little bit of everything – some of my favourite brands have stores here (Hourglass, Le Labo and Pixi, I’mma lookin’ at you), and there’s so many other little boutiques, bars and restaurants too.
I think I could have spent days here, wandering in and out of all the little shops! There’s one dedicated to all things plants – from pin badges to garden accessories and a wall of cacti.
My favourite was the stationery shop though, Urbanic Paper Boutique is packed full of the cutest cards, notebooks and desk accessories. I was in heaven!
We stopped in at The Butcher’s Daughter for a very healthy refreshment, was it a green juice or was it a cocktail? That’s a secret I’ll never tell xoxo (it was a cocktail).
It’s totally worth popping in here even if you’re just after a drink and a nosy at the incredible interiors. There’s a bath tub filled with bottles of rosé, cocktails served in copper pineapples, tiles that have me weak at the knees, and bar stools that I thought about smuggling out of there. I managed to contain myself, you’ll be pleased to know.
After all that walking, we were ready for dinner! I had booked a table at Rose Cafe which was a short walk away. I’d been recommended this place by an Instagram follower, who I am forever in debt too because we absolutely loved it in here!
Every dish was incredible, but we particularly loved the sweetcorn tortellini and the S’mores dessert. Well worth a visit – the interiors are gorgeous too.
I wore my favourite crocheted bardot top, this goes with everything so I pack it for every trip. I’m still loving the bardot trend, even though it did take me a little while to get in to.
Paired with a simple gold necklace, like my favourite Rock N Rose Joelle choker, and gold sunglasses (obviously my round Ray-Bans), it’s one easy piece to accessorise!
I bought this from Urban some time ago, and it’s served me well! It’s lovely and floaty and very easy to style.
My fave basket bag () is still getting a lot of wear, and I think it gives this outfit that effortless Cali finish!
The were a very good idea because we walked miles and miles! I don’t often wear these but they’re ideal for city breaks, especially with floaty floral dresses and midi skirts.
This day was so chilled and packed in everything I want from a visit – sun, sea, sand, cocktails and shopping! We absolutely loved the area and the super chilled vibe.
Have you been to Santa Monica and Venice?
