Author Archives: Caroline @ Love & Loathing LA
5 REASONS WHY THE ANDAZ MAYAKOBA SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT TROPICAL VACATION DESINATION
If you’ve been following along on the ‘gram you’d know that I just got back from a few days down in beautiful Mexico! And if you thought from the looks of things that it was a bit similar to last years trip to Mexico, I would say excellent observation, because I did in fact go back to the same damn place. Well almost the same damn place, but hey, as the saying goes – why fix it if it aint broke. The Mayakoba in Playa Del Carmen makes me happy, the end. So yes, we went back to the Mayakoba, but this time we stayed at the Andaz Mayakoba instead of the Banyan Tree and I could not have better things to report back about this resort. If you’re looking for the perfect place to vacay in Mexico – that isn’t $$$$$ Tulum or a cheesy all inclusive – this would be why you need to consider The Andaz:
HOW TO HAVE A GREAT DAY IN BEVERLY HILLS – THAT DOESN’T INVOLVE RODEO DRIVE
What do you think of when you think of Beverly Hills? Most people who don’t actually live here – even those who do – probably think “Rodeo Drive” and all of life’s luxuries that comes along with it, palm tree lined streets, and that famous “Beverly Hills” fountain on SMB.
And truth be told Beverly Hills is all of that for sure – plus a little extra. But there is so much more to this part of town that is worth enlightening anyone weary of the Beverly Hills bubble or simply convinced it’s a one-note neighborhood. Here are my personal and perhaps “not so obvious” favorite things to do in Beverly Hills:
10 OF THE BEST POLKA DOT PIECES OUT THERE RN
Happy Friday HELLO sunshine!! I was a bit worried there for a minute my upcoming posts and outfits planned in florals, dresses, and yes – polka dots – would be irrelevant with the weather we’ve been having but alas, Spring has sprung again, and all is well in the LA fashion universe.
So. Can we all agree on polka dots for the most part? I feel like polka dots really do apply to all personal styles. I myself typically dress in a classic-meets-modern-meets-edge-meets-pop-of-color fashion, and there’s always a place in my wardrobe for polka dots! Always has been, always will be.
I have seen – and purchased – a TON of really great polka dot pieces recently, so in honor of one of my favorite patters I rounded up a few of my favorites!
5 FLORAL SETS YOU NEED FOR SPRING
Now we all know I have a serious thing for matching sets, especially suits. I don’t always do florals, but a floral SUIT – now that’s something I can get behind. I dont know why more brands aren’t on the floral suit bandwagon yet, but per usual, Zara seems to be ahead of the game!
I love this super casual, relaxed, yet classic look. The big floral print makes a fun statement for Spring, the color scheme is fun, and the cut of both the blazer and the pants just screams “casual cool”. I am obsessed with co-ords right now, and have avidly been on the hunt for big floral prints like this suit set I’ve got on. I haven’t had the best of luck finding a ton of matching trousers and blazers, but I will say I have fallen in love with plenty of other matching floral sets. Here are a few of my favorites!
THE 5 BEST – AND SLIGHTLY UNDERRATED – PLACES TO EAT IN MID CITY
SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY MID CITY PEOPLE!!! Woo Woo! Yeah. If you even know what or where Mid City is, good on you! It’s mostly a residential neighborhood I would say, but little do most people know there are some serious eats tucked in these quiet corners. I have been a Mid City resident myself for the past year, and coming from a bustling neighborhood like downtown Culver City to sleepy Mid City was a bit of an adjustment. I couldn’t just walk to Culver Blvd and have some of the best dining in LA at my fingertips anymore. In Mid City I definitely had to look a little harder, but when I did I was surprised to find some of the best most TRULY neighborhood type restaurants I’ve found in LA yet. And they’re all right here, in the middle of the city. If you’re ever passing through or just looking for a great local spot to stop in, these would be my 5 favorite places in Mid City:
A LIST OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION BRANDS TO LOVE – IN HONOR OF EARTH DAY
HAPPY EARTH DAY!! (I know, a Sunday post… whaaa?) But because today is such an incredibly important day, I wanted to share with you guys a list of sustainable micro-brands I’ve discovered on Instagram who offer goods that are all ethically produced in some shape or form.
Sometimes, when you think about everything in mass, it seems like it would be hard for one person, or even one brand to make a difference. But if everyone thought that way, nothing would ever change, amiright? Making conscious and continuous steps towards living a more sustainable lifestyle really does matter, and it can start with something as small (or as big) as your wardrobe. So on that note, see below for some sustainable brands I’m loving right now – AND – as always, let me know if I missed any of your favorites in the comments!
COACHELLA 2018: THE OUTFITS
I absolutely LOVE festival fashion, but I will never go too far out of the realm from what I’d wear on vacation or even on a day to day basis. Sure there’s something to be said about upping your accessory game or wearing a bolder than usual look, but you wont ever catch me in glitter, a mesh top, out of control fringe, or cheeky shorts. Ya just wont. I love to dress for festivals with color, fun textures or prints, and eccentric accessories in mind. The goal is to try to stand out without looking kitchy or costumey. I saw a lot of really epic outfits this year – was loving the cowboy boots and metallic tops/skirts/dresses/kimonos – but if you were curious what I rocked each day, well here you have it!
HOW TO HACK THE HOLLYWOOD FARMERS MARKET: A STEP BY STEP GUIDE
If you’re local to LA then you know that there are more than a fair amount of farmer’s markets here in the city. At this point, it’s safe to say there’s pretty much one in every neighborhood. Or at least one within 2 miles of every neighborhood. Which, still – a lot.
Sure you can find a market in LA on any given day, but that one magical market where you can stroll amongst never ending rows of colorful produce, take in the smell of those tacos cooking or that popcorn popping, and of course maybe even run into a celebrity while you’re at it, is the one you want to be at. You know you’re in the right place if you see chefs and celebs. And though there might be some debate over this, I would argue that the Hollywood Farmer’s Market is the best. You can find it on the cross street of Ivar and Selma Ave, every Sunday from 8am – 1pm. To fully master the market, consider the following:
THE 5 BEAUTY PRODUCTS YOU NEED TO TRY THIS SPRING
One thing I’ll never get tired of – trying new makeup or beauty products. I’ve been dabbling a lot lately looking for new moisturizers, trying a few of the trends my friends swear by, and discovering new cosmetic brands I now cant seem to live without. Because I’ve been such a busy little tester bee I thought I’d share with you the products I’ve recently discovered and am absolutely LOVING.
FESTIVAL MUST HAVES
The blessed event is almost upon us. Coachella is going on their 19th year, and so are most of the attendees. Kidding! Kind of! But truth be told I’ll always have a strange love/loathing relationship with music festivals – kind of like my sentiment towards Los Angeles (wink wink). It’s mostly love with just a tinge, a smidge of distain and annoyance. Just a smidge. Nonetheless one of my absolute FAVORITE parts about Coachella and other festivals is the fashion. You’ll never see me as giddy to shop than for a vacation or a festival. I’ve been doing quite a bit of shopping for next weekends festivities and if there’s a few things I’m not heading to the desert without, it’s these:
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