Where I Ate in London

I had the best time in London. As I’ve mentioned, I went to visit my brother who has lived there for over 15 years. It’s always special to spend time with him but this time was even more special because I went for a full week (normally my trips are so rushed)! While he worked every day I would wander the streets, visit the shops and take in all of the sights and incredible Christmas lights. We had some really delicious meals so I thought I would share. It’s always fun to see where the locals go rather than just the tourist hotspots.

Bella Vita- Homey and hearty Italian in a cute setting. This was my first meal in London and couldn’t be more perfect. The restaurant was packed but we got a nice table in the corner, enjoyed an amazing bottle of red and ate some classic Italien dishes with a modern twist.

Shoreditch House- Part of Soho House, Shoreditch House has a similar menu to all the others. Scene is always bustling and the menu is great for sharing.

The Ned- It’s a member’s club but you don’t need to be a member to dine there.  It's located in an exquisite old bank. When you walk in you feel like you're walking into a scene from Great Gatsby.  There are nine restaurants in the space all serving different kinds of food. We had a late reservation but were starving so we decided to have appetizers at Zobler’s (an upscale deli- champagne and latkas) and then we had dinner at Millie’s (cutest pink sofas!). I would go there every week if I lived in London. Make sure to reserve since it’s always packed.

Shackfuyu- Asian fusion, tapas style. Need I say more?

Duke of Cambridge- We went here for lunch one day and I loved my meal. The food is all organic and there are tons of healthy options (which, in comparison to LA, isn’t that easy to find).

Sketch- A few of you had messaged me on Instagram suggesting Sketch. I went for drinks and the atmosphere is amazing! But be ready to spend a lot on drinks (like 50 pounds for 2 martinis…yikes!) It's definitely a tourist hot spot but worth it to see! 

The Ivy- I had a work brunch here and loved the menu. I have to say I'm not a huge fan of traditional english breakfasts (particularly since I don't eat a lot of carbs and I don't eat meat). The Ivy had tons of healthy options, like eggs and avocado toast. 

Photography by Lydia Collins

My Favorite Places to Shop in London

Hi from London! I've been having the best time. Catching up with my brother, Casey, and his girlfriend, Tara. Good drinks, yummy food (despite my jetlag and therefore lunch at 4:00 pm), and the shopping...ohhh, the shopping. Let's just say I've bought 8 jackets over the past 3 days. No idea where I'm going to store them (let alone wear them in LA). I thought I would share with you my favorite shops in London. 

Shopping on a budget:

River Island- As you guys know, I have been a huge fan of River Island for a while. All my favorite sandals (which are so cheap!) are from here. Last year I was in London and picked up 5 pairs (which I’ve shared on Instagram and you guys have loved). So I reached out and I’ve been collaborating with them ever since. They have some real treasures and no one will believe the price.

Primark- if you want some trendy clothes on a budget this place is for you. The prices are so low, it’s hard to beat. And they have some really nice pieces. The jacket I'm wearing is from Primark and I got it for 25 pounds! (I bought it in navy as well). 

Topshop- okay, so it’s not so cheap. And they have it in the US. But the Topshop in Oxford Circus is so big and there is so much more stock to sort through. If you are a fan of the shop in the US, you will love this one. I won't lie, I tend to get a bit frustrated and walk out (it's so big!). But if you have patience you could find so many cute units. 

Zara- I know this isn’t London specific, but I just had to mention that the (four) Zaras in Oxford Circus are amazing! I find they tend to have different stuff in the Europe shops than in the US ones. I got a jacket and a sweater that I'm obsessed with. 

Pull and Bear - My London photographer, Lydia Collins, told me about this shop. They have the cutest pieces! During our photoshoot I was obsessed with her aviator jacket. She told me about Pull and Bear where she got it. Let's just say I ran there and got it and another one as well. Highly recommend!

Stradivius- Similar to Pull and Bear, they have great jackets and basics. I got two pairs of black boots (for 30 pounds each). Obsessed!

When money ain’t a thing (just kidding- but you want to browse the fancy stuff)

Selfridges- I mean! This department store is unlike any. I could spend all day roaming the floors. And I love the food court on the 4th floor. 

Harrods- This is an obvious one but it’s always fun to visit. Really makes you feel like you're in London. Not to mention the food court is also top notch.

Harvey Nichols- Just like Selfridges, it has all the major designer brands. I do really like the buying in the clothing department.

Okay, by for now. Back to the shops! J xoxo

Photography by Lydia Collins 

London Packing List

I'm off to London tonight for a week! I'm visiting my brother who lives there and I also have a few meetings and a shoot planned. I always start thinking about what I'm going to pack wayyy too early (cue the stickies on Mac with lists that get refined as the trip gets closer). I thought I would share with you what I decided to pack (personally, I think it would be way easier if I just followed someone else's list). This is perfect for a place thats cool (but not snowing) and a 7 day trip. In addition to the following I included this turtleneck and these jeans from yesterday's post, a few blouses for at night (like this one and this one), toiletries, makeup, hair brush and curling iron, electronics (and converter) and my carry on with all my goodies for the plane. 

1. Sweatpants // 2. Booties // 3. Dark jeans // 4. Purse // 5. Pajamas // 6. Camera // 7. Second pajama set // 8. Choker // 9. Black sweater // 10. White tee // 11. Leather jacket // 12. Grey sweater // 13. Boyfriend jeans // 14. Sparkly sneakers // 15. Puffer // 16. Pumps // 17. Black tee // 18. Grey tee // 19. Sunglasses // 20. White sneakers // 21. Black jeans

A London Recap

Hey guys! Sorry I  haven't posted in a few days. We got back from London on Monday night and I had a crazy busy week. London was so much fun! While there was a lot of travel, and severe jet lag (think waking up every day at 12pm and missing the ENTIRE morning to shop), we made the best of the time we had. We walked around, drank and ate a lot, did some sight seeing and some shopping (duh!). My brother lives there so we got to spend some quality time with him and his girlfriend and also spend some time with friends since we were there for a wedding. It was the perfect quick trip. I wish I could have stayed longer but it was impossible with work (why does work always manage to get in the way??)

Anyway, just wanted to catch you guys up and share with you this super cute dress from Bare Anthology. I won't lie when I got it in the mail I wasn't so sure about it. I thought it would definitely look unflattering in pics. When I got my edits from my photographer it was my favorite look we shot! So now I'm obsessed. I'm off to my facial with Shani Darden and then maybe to Home Goods if I could convince Ray (wish me luck). xoxox

Photography by Felicia Lasala

Dress by Bare Anthology