Los Angeles – as seen by a Francophile

I’m just back from a few days in Los Angeles.  LA is considered laid back — in LA, I am a fish out of water — it’s too laid-back for me — I like to dress up. Cowboy boots and leggings are not my style.  All the same, elegance can be found, and I managed to find some great boutiques and restaurants.

Boutiques

Les Habitudes – The French name caught my eye and while one might think it’s a bridal store, they actually carry amazing gowns, cocktail dresses and some vintage. Perfect…since I was in LA, I was thinking about RED CARPET for a television stint where I commented on red carpet fashion (see more below)… Les Habitudes carries dresses you won’t find anywhere else. April, my salesperson, told me women come from all over the world to shop here.
Les Habitudes – 101-109 North Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.  Tel. +1.310.273.2883

Decades Two – Cameron Silver, known for his vintage collection just opened his new boutique on Melrose.  You can find Lanvin, Hermès, Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton – all designer labels from past seasons – but not too past – for much less than retail. Cameron has a great eye – if you are in the neighborhood, it’s a must visit.
Decades Two – 8214 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. Tel. +1 323.655.1960

As far as the famed LA shopping everyone buzzes about… Kitson is great if you are a teenager and Fred Segal was uninspiring.

Restaurant

Ago Restaurant – owned by Robert DeNiro – very happening good Italian. Try the seafood salad, it was light and fresh – 8478 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA. Tel. +1.323.655.6333

Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel is divine – so old world California. Excellent service, a wonderful spa, and a fabulous swimming pool. I really enjoyed the massage – ask for CJ.

Chanel Resort

Chanel brought style to LA while I was there with Karl Lagerfeld’s fabulous resort collection. I saw him in the lobby of The Beverly Hills Hotel wearing a white jacket and jeans, a departure from his all-black signature look.

Some of my favorites from the collection are here.

The white shirt – how many times can you reinvent it? – Karl does it again- he shows it with a jean – but if you want to “dress” it up,  I see it with a skirt or even evening pants.

The bathing suit is classic – it’s the accessories that make it so chic.

For evening – not just another black dress – very sophisticated.

The black and white striped dress – I would wear it for a cool summer cocktail party in St. Tropez.

Bright Lights in California

In addition to my Chic in Paris book event at the W Hotel in San Diego, I also appeared on Inside San Diego, the local morning show.  We talked about my book and some of the unique things I find in Paris.  I showed my favorite Jamin Puech evening bag, minaPoe shawl, and Alexis Mabille custom bowties.

In LA, I was invited to tape several segments with David Evangelista and Daphne Brogdon on TV Guide’s The Fashion Team show.   I commented on the fashions of various red carpet events, including the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Shopping

Speaking of which, I will be in Paris in July.  If you are in Paris in July, look me up – that’s when they have the sales!!!