Only 2 weeks before our move to Los Angeles.
Two weeks of wrapping up my affairs, saying goodbye to all my friends (who for some reason insist on acting like I’m moving to Antarctica…), and packing, packing, packing.
The decision to move to the West Coast came about a few months ago almost spontaneously, after we decided we no longer enjoyed living in New York. The idea is to be bi-coastal, travel back and forth, with a home base in Southern California.
I believe that living in a place you love is essential to one’s happiness. I often joke that to love NYC, you have to not be from NYC. With so many people all over the world yearning to be here, it feels almost criminal to question NY; yet it tells me a different story. The amazing pool of talent can quickly turn into a swamp; people flood in to find fame & fortune but many never do, so they linger forever. There is a certain aura of bitterness & despair in New York that can get rather depressing and make you cynical. I didn’t want this to happen to me. No, I refuse to stay in a place that makes me miserable just because everyone else thinks it’s great.
After 12 (almost 13) years, I felt trapped in New York. No amount of apartment re-decoration could change the fact that I was stuck in the clothes I didn’t want to wear for 5 months out of the year (no pretty shoes in this cold!). My car, which I enjoy driving so much, became a liability and a parking ticket magnet due to street-cleaning rules. I rode the subway every day fearing confrontation for the way I dress — you can’t chose the people you ride with…
In stark contrast, LA is such a happy, relaxed place. I loved visiting and will love living there even more. People are friendly, airports less crowded, and my car will sleep safely in an underground garage without ever risking another overnight ticket again. My new apartment is a dream — a 2 bedroom in the Miracle Mile district on a tree-lined block, and comes with amenities a New Yorker could never even dream of: a separate dining room, central heat/AC, washer & dryer, dish-washing machine, and — are you ready for this!? – my own bathroom!!!! (No more fighting with Mark over shower/blow-dryer!) Work-wise, it’s a huge advantage as well — our main lab is in L.A. and having direct access will expedite our production process dramatically. I knocked out half a dozen color submissions in 1 work day last week, which would take weeks, months by mail.
While Los Angeles provides for general better living, there are aspects of NYC that I will miss: the mom & pop shops, access to quirky boutiques in the East Village & Soho, getting the most amazing croissant for $1 at a local bakery. I’m going to miss the fashion challenge of New York — we don’t really leave the house without makeup & our Sunday Best, where as L.A. can be a bit of a sweat pant territory. (Ok, they’re pink and Juicy Couture, but still sweat pants.)
I’m hoping to take my NY edge and use it in a productive way on the West Coast. I will get up earlier to catch East Coast business hours; ride the bike & get in shape (without worrying about having my bike stolen), use the luxury to wear things I like every day to push myself more creatively. (Did I mention I get to wear my favorite shoes 365 days a year?!)
To all my NY friends who will miss me and whom I will miss so much — I will see you again before long! Until then, there’s Facebook and Gmail video chat!!!
NYC just got a little bit less colorful. ;) You will be dearly missed! <3
I’m sure you’ll love living over here on the best coast. ;) I’m excited for the potential of you doing local events! There are mom and pop shops and quirky boutiques, you just have to find them. :P
Doe Deere Reply:
February 15, 2011 at 3:49 pm
I’m always looking for recommendations! ;)
Katja Reply:
February 15, 2011 at 4:17 pm
This truly is the best coast. Your going to get lost in L.A.’s wonder! :)
“I often joke that to love NYC, you have to not be from NYC”
I actually think it’s the exact opposite! To love NYC you have to be born and raised in that environment. Almost get use to the competitive, fast pace, no-time-to-deal-with-anything attitude and start to enjoy it. I personally find it invigorating but I can see how it can be really suffocating for some people. Honestly, it can occasionally be seriously depressing for me too but I would rather have it like this than constant relaxation (in know it sounds crazy >.<). I also happen to love riding the subways because of all the weird things/people you see (despite the smell of urine)
My sister jokes that people that move to the LA go crazy from "sunshine poisoning" because of the year round lovely weather and the fact that everyone we know that moves out to the west coast becomes such a different person compared to when they lived in NY. They take on new hobbies and become so much more open and laid-back. I hope you enjoy your new life in LA!
Doe Deere Reply:
February 15, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Hehe, I see what you’re saying. In my experience though, everyone I know who’s all “GO NYC GO!” is not from here. :) I’ll forever be New Yorker in my heart.
I work in NYC (about 5 months now) and I’ve already been noticing the mood here. I was in southern California for a week in November and it was great. I’m so tied to the northeast though, not sure what to do, but I’m definitely not going to move into NYC like I originally thought I was – just going to stay in NJ a while longer.
You’ll do great in LA!
Doe Deere Reply:
February 15, 2011 at 7:07 pm
It’s amazing that you go to “try out” the city before fully committing. Most people spontaneously decide to move and then they’re stuck!!
Congratulations!
I believe the most important thing is your lifestyle match the city where you live.
Then good luck in the new city! :D
I love curitiba, the city where I live, but somedays it rains, makes sun, and gets cold all in one day! So you have to walk with a umbrella, a sweater and dark glasses in the purse!
I think LA definitely sounds like a better fit for you. Personally I don’t think I would enjoy living in NY. I’m from a small, rural town in northern CA and now live in SF, which I really enjoy, though it does have some drawbacks. The parking, traffic, driving in general is extremely horrible/annoying in many parts of the city. It also has legions of some of the craziest homeless folks you’ll ever encounter. However, the city is incredibly beautiful, has nice weather about 3/4 of the time, never gets snow/extremely cold, and there are so many cool people and a lot of fun things going on.
I’m not sure I could live in LA either, though this post does make it sound nice. Good luck with the move!
Doe Deere Reply:
February 15, 2011 at 7:04 pm
I’ve visited San Francisco many times in my life and it is a beautiful city! You’re lucky to be living there. P.S. Mark is from Sacramento originally. :)
jela Reply:
February 15, 2011 at 8:16 pm
So funny, I am from the SF Bay Area and now I live in Paradise, CA ( a small rural town )…While I love it here… I still miss the big city and hope to move back soon!
Good luck to Doe as well!
Good luck with the move! I hope you love your new home in LA. Hope to see lots of pictures! :)
- Principessa Gabriella
I plan to try and buy at least one bit of your clothing, its just so hard to find cute things here that aren’t really expensive, and
whoops, didn’t get to finish that last post. Anyway…
I love all of your outfits.
I live in South Dakota and have never been to either coast, in fact the farthest away I’ve ever been is Minnesota. The weather is really unpredictable so most of my outfits consist of easily removable layers :( Its about sixty degrees here today though, it feels like summer compared to the negative thirteen we had about a week ago. I would love to visit California and see the ocean, its kind of my goal in life at this point :)
I hope you love it in L.A.!!
I’m so glad you’re moving over here to join us West-Coasters! The sunny beaches, laid back lifestyle and friendly locals are well worth it! Welcome to West Coast Living!
~Sarah Bosserman
Doe Deere Reply:
February 15, 2011 at 7:05 pm
Thanks Sarah! I’m happy to be joining ya’ll. :)
I wish you the best in your new location!
I hope you can make a stop in Sacramento eventually!
I think that it’s great that you are doing what makes you happy. So many people act like it’s weird to move. I’ve lived in a handful of different states in the last decade but none of them really fit. I’m planning on moving to Texas (probably later this year) because I too am tired of the frigid East Coast weather and have found a town there that seems amazing (& very me).
ah i love new york allthough i have only visited a couple of times i always had this little fantasy in my head that i would move there one day ! …i come from london and its funny how a lot of londoners feel the same about the city …even though people think it must be a great place to live ..i guess if you are looking at something with fresh eyes you dont notice all the things that natives see …
good luck in L.A that is definatley on my list of places to visit :)
The east coast will miss the sunlight you shine on it, especially in the dark dreariness of winter! I’m sure you’ll be ten times the Doe Deere you were before in a place where you can really spread your wings. I only wish I’d been able to make it to your Central Park birthday parties! Have fun wearing the shoes you love all the time, god knows I desperately miss mine right now D:
ahhhhhhhhhhhh so random that i happened to click on this post today. my best friend, who has been madly in love with new york since she’s a child and got the chance to move here 2 yrs ago, has decided to move back home to Texas. all of the things you described are the things that she & i both deal with all of the time, and because I am in the fashion industry I “put up with it”…but she was in fear of beginning to hate the city that she so loved. I keep thinking that L.A. is the place to be for girls who love cuteness and rainbows and sparkle….I often feel like a highlighter in a pack of black sharpies here. I was just at Fahsion Week on Sunday, and although my jewelry was on the runway of some uber famous designers….I couldn’t help but feel like on the streets of New York, I’m trying to sell Rainbow Brite’s jewels in Batman’s living room. I am so sad that NYC is losing two sunshiney girls this month, but I will keep trying to find my rose garden here….at least for now. Visiting L.A. in the spring may change my mind! Good luck, and keep us all posted on your journey!
As a person who grew up on the east coast but fell in love with the west coast, I’m slightly biased when I say I think you made the right choice! I love that I have an advantage because living in NY and Boston has taught me how to walk with purpose and get stuff done. There really are people living in LaLa land here – don’t be discouraged by flakiness. There are lots of warm, welcomiong people here among the casualties of the sometimes TOO laid back environment.
Also, most anywhere in LA you can get your bike stolen. Unfortunately, it happened to me. You also will actually havve the option of riding the subway again with crazy but friendly people, since you will be very close to the Purple Line. Don’t let the people who grew up in LA try to tell you you can’t take public transit here. While there are neighborhoods with bluffs overlooking the ocean that may be ill-fitted for transit, you can definitely access all that fun, quirky mom and pop stuff in Silver Lake, Echo Park and Koreatown. I often choose to leave my car at home because parking can be an absolute nightmare here as well. But with the warm sun, you won’t mind the extra walk :)
Good luck and we’re lucky to have another ex-patriate among our SoCal ranks!
Doe Deere Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 9:33 am
I’m so sorry to hear about your bike! Did they cut the chain/break the lock?
bridgetarlene Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 4:18 pm
They did! It was in Venice Beach. My bike was pastel blue, too (almost a No She Didn’t Color) and I miss it.
Congratulations on getting to go where you feel you belong, Doe!
As a side note: I don’t mean this in a negative way, but… I would really be amazed to find an airport anywhere in the world that is LESS crowded than LAX. I had to fly outbound from there once and it was an absolute crazyhouse in comparison to any other place I’ve ever been. So I hope you have better experiences there!
Doe Deere Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 9:32 am
JFK is an absolute nightmare! When I go to LA, I try to fly through Burbank whenever I can — it’s a lot smaller and feels more personal. You feel loved, not hated like in most airports haha.
I’m SOOOO excited you’re moving out to LA!! I hope you’ll have tons of events out here because I would love to be able to attend one! I think you’ll love living in LA as much as you like visiting. It is a pretty kick ass place, but traffic sucks, really really bad!! Also as a side note: If you need to travel use Burbank airport. It’s a lot nicer, less crowded, and just all around better!!
XO
I’m SOOOO excited you’re moving out to LA!! I hope you’ll have tons of events out here because I would love to be able to attend one! I think you’ll love living in LA as much as you like visiting. It is a pretty kick ass place, but traffic sucks, really really bad!! Also as a side note: If you need to travel use Burbank airport. It’s a lot nicer, less crowded, and just all around better!!
XO
=^_^= LA will be all the lovelier!!! I hope you will do some events out here where we could get to meet you!
I’m just hoping that now that you’re in California, you will do some events further south, say San Diego? ;)
Good luck! The east coast will miss you dearly, but I’m sure the west coast will welcome you and your amazing style!
Good luck!
I was contemplating on whether or not to move to NYC and room with a friend after college who has still one more year left. I was also considering sedona arizona because of the spiritual community there, as spirituality is big in my life. I always thought New York City was for the serious business workers/owners and L.A was the place where you really wanna get noticed.
We’ll see what happens. I’m in the graphic design industry and there are more jobs in NYC than I think L.A in that industry, NYC was listed as one of the top five for graphic designers.
Doe Deere Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 9:30 am
New York is great for that! Good luck Kristi! xo
I have lived in NYC and all over the East Coast, and while I am undoubtedly an East Coast girl, California does beckon me! I spent two weeks in Laguna Beach and I was so blissed out the entire time. It’s an amazing atmosphere and I wrote more in those two weeks than I knew I was capable of; it’s incredibly inspiring, don’t worry about that! Especially for someone like you, all bright colors and blinding shine. If I could afford it I’d so be there. Some day soon!
Doe Deere Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 9:29 am
Perhaps you could take more ‘writing vacations’! :D
I´m so excited for your moving to LA!! you will love it and hate it, i do know by ur move here the makeup line will launch even bigger!
I was born and raised in La and will never get tired of living here. The weather is always right although we get rain in the most random times ever for example it was nice and sunny yesterday and it just began to rain today it honestly hasnt felt like winter at all this year we did have a couple of cold days but not really. The people here are cool, its really depending on the area u move to. I mean theres South Central and East La where u will get ur bike and money jacked! so stay away. Theres also beautiful Venice beach that is full of peace lovers who make u feel so at home. Hollywood is where the night life happens! We have Beverly center for the shopping but, i prefer the santa monica promenade just cause i like it more. well, i can go and on but, i will stop here. cant wait for u to come!!!
Oh dear, you’ve worried me now! I’ve been in London for two years and I’ll be relocating to NYC before the end of the year. I’m awfully intimidated by that city!
Doe Deere Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 9:28 am
Shabby,
You might love it! Like I said, if you’re not from here, it’s an extremely exciting place to be!
LA is more depressing than NYC.
LA is also alot more shallow.
Flip Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 5:37 am
Though it is laid back in LA.
Perhaps I had a horrid experience out there, but I didn’t like it.
NYC born and raised, and NYC I will die~
Doe Deere Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 9:28 am
Maybe it’s the whole “new in town” thing, but I actually find LA very exciting! So much to explore, so many new people to meet. Can you give an example of shallowness? I’m not sure what is meant by that.
Flip Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 8:30 pm
I don’t think its the new in town thing. Honestly its the fact that more people head out to LA looking to ‘make it big’ and follow their dreams. You gave the description of NY for LA in your writing.
Shallowness, well I didn’t meet any new person out there. And Im considered highly social.
They only people I really met were the people I knew already, and some of their friends.
Shallow in general is defined as: “Judging a person based strictly on looks, not factoring in their personality whatsoever.”
Thats what LA does. You’re going there to escape the looks and stares, which I never experienced in NYC and I wear clothing like zebra print pea coats, and bright turquoise leggings, hell I’ve walked around the city with Lolita’s and never got a judging stare. However in LA, I was glared at, and had someone make a face that suggested disgust. I was wearing black boots, grey stockings, a black pencil skirt, and a grey shirt under a jacket I picked up in Tokyo [Bright pink with some black, asymmetrical, high collar].
Everyone there wears the same clothing.
But then again I only went to North Hollywood, The strip, beverly hills, little tokyo, santa monica and etc.
I have no idea if I went to your area.
I just did not like it. I wouldn’t mind visiting, don’t get me wrong, but I could never live there.
Not in a place where people wear the same damn thing, have such egos and attitudes, and are so cut throat.
Honestly it just may be my personal experience, I didn’t head out for so much a vacation as I did for business.
It was too laid back for my tastes, nice to relax and get away, but not a business type atmosphere to me, I love fast paced and exciting, which only NYC, Chicago and Tokyo have ever been able to bring me.
Doe Deere Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Thanks for sharing your experience so candidly, Flip. I might have to report back in a couple of months on mine!
Flip Reply:
February 19, 2011 at 3:07 am
Hope you have a better experience than I did~
Looking forward to your experience!!!
-Flip.
Denise Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 10:19 am
This. So much!
Moved here a few months ago, hate it, glad it’s only temporary. Although, I’m not from NY, but from another patch of California
Fantastic! It sounds like you already love it. Isn’t Mark from the East Coast originally? Is he happy to be going back?
Doe Deere Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 9:37 am
Yep, Mark is from Sacramento. Just like me, he’s going through a love/hate stage with NY and excited to be moving our home base to the West Coast. We’re already planning trips back in our heads though hahaha. Once NY, always NY!
How exciting! I agree with you that loving where you live goes towards making you happier. Good luck with the move – I’m off to have a peek at your eBay goodies!
Deere Doe,
I know how you feel! I was born and raised in southern California, San Diego to be exact. When it came time to start applying for college, i thought that it would be fun to go somewhere with more dynamic weather for a change. Although i absolutely love being a student in NYC, nothing beats that laid back, soCal weather! I really dislike the winter in new york, snow looks pretty when its falling, but starts looking really nasty really fast! And of course i understand what its like not to be able to wear my favorite clothes!
I know you’ll love Los Angeles, I’ve been there so many times for shopping, vacations, and what not. Like new york, it has an incredibly unique signature, only much friendlier i think!
Have I mentioned I’m jealous? I think I have. I’M JEALOUS!!!
Doe Deere Reply:
February 16, 2011 at 10:52 am
Haha! :)
I do understand you!
But I have to mention one part:
“I rode the subway every day fearing confrontation for the way I dress — you can’t chose the people you ride with…”
Really? Does it happen?
Here in Brazil is very common, sometimes we can’t dress the way we want, only if you get a cab, which is very expensive!!!!
I loved the part of you having 2 bathroom, My father used to say that if you want to have a long marriage, you need to have a two bathroom’s house!!
Now I understand!!
kisses from Brasil
Congrats! Change is always good. “I believe that living in a place you love is essential to one’s happiness.” Same here. I desire to be nomadic right now, but eventually have a home base, but still be able to leave and comeback when I desire. “Best, where as L.A. can be a bit of a sweat pant territory. (Ok, they’re pink and Juicy Couture, but still sweat pants.)” Sweatpants are bad! I just don;t get the appeal. At all. Especially the ones that are gray and depressing.
im a kinda new reader, just came across your blog not too long ago. your lipsticks are what drew me in, in definitely going to be buying a few shades! but what i wanted to say is im from long island, still live there too. iv always lived close to the city my whole life, so i get what your saying about all fo it. iv lived there for a bit when i was in school, but i really would like to live there again before i move anywhere else. im looking at the west coast too. more san francisco though. it really is kinda better over there :)
Do you think maybe as a last hurrah you could do a post about some of your favorite spots in NYC? I’ll bea heading up there for college this fall and I’m not well-versed in the best places.
Shabby Reply:
February 17, 2011 at 2:30 am
I totally second this request! If you have time, Doe, I think a lot of us would love to read it.
Oh you are TOTALLY a West Coast kind of girl! Yay! I’m excited for you!
Don’t be fooled by LA’s appearance or weather. There is still plenty of crime here and the weather can get close to freezing. Heels are not a good idea in the winter (though your favorite cowboy boots will be with a great pair of socks or stockings). At least you shouldn’t have trouble with all the one-way streets and traffic, since you should be used to that already. I envy your ability to just pick up and move wherever you want without having to worry about a set job. I wish my business gave me that ability.
I also wish I could fit into some of the wardrobe you’re selling, but most items are too big in the waist and under-bust or not long enough. I’m pushing 5’10″ and the same size as Marissa Miller. Finding clothes that actually fit is a pain in the butt I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Even smalls are often too big! (I blame the resizing that companies have done whereas a current small is actually an old medium, augh!) Be happy that you’re petite!
Haha, I wish I was as tiny as you! Then I could get all your fabulous clothes!
I hope you love living in LA! It’s been my home for four years now. At the end of summer, though, I’ll be moving up to San Francisco to start my new teaching job!
HI!
just a quick question… what will u be doing with yorby?! gerbils are illegal in california :(
my boyfriend and i actually got two hamsters a few weeks ago… but we went with the intent of buying gerbils
Doe Deere Reply:
February 17, 2011 at 9:39 am
That deserves a separate post…
Alexandra Dare Reply:
February 17, 2011 at 6:42 pm
Why would gerbils be illegal in California?
Doe Deere Reply:
February 18, 2011 at 9:54 am
It’s a really stupid law, isn’t it? Especially since neither of the neighboring states have it!
Tara Reply:
February 18, 2011 at 1:21 pm
p.s. I hope i bump into you here! i would be so excited!
meri Reply:
February 19, 2011 at 10:12 pm
People still keep them as pets anyway!
Tara Reply:
February 18, 2011 at 1:20 pm
I don’t know the real reasoning behind it but gerbils and ferrets are illegal in California because they can ruin local agriculture? i’m pretty sure its something like that.
and my two dream pets, hedgehogs and sugar gliders are also illegal here.
Every state has its rules… It is a little stupid and frustrating but at the same time you have to remember that california’s natural life is pretty bad right now.. ive worked on alot of native plant restoration projects in the past…. so as much as id love to have these little buddies with me I understand how they could be damaging to our environment. :(
but im sure you could just drive over with yorby. hahaha
meri Reply:
February 19, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Yeah, it’s mostly because if certain species were to escape and thrive, it would ruin the crops. There’s tons of countries that also limit what kinds of pets you can bring in because their crops or native wildlife have suffered as a result.
But if you have just one gerbil I don’t see what the harm is!
Welcome to Los Angeles! I’ve been here about 11 years now and, although it took me about 8 years to completely embrace it, it now feels more like home than the East coast. The city is huge and it takes a long time to figure out where all of the best stuff is, but exploring is all part of the fun and–seriously– you can’t beat the weather. I’m sure you’re going to love it!
Good luck in LA – I hope you like it better than I do. I find it utterly depressing…plastic, insincere, shallow, narcissistic. Love SF and so many other areas of the state, but hate LA.
I wish you tremendous amounts of luck on your move. I’m glad you’ll be in a place you love!
I love being near the city, but I think both New York and LA would be TOO much city for me. I miss Orlando more than anything in the world, and maybe I’ll get to go back one day. :)
I just read Tara’s post, and that’s one more reason I couldn’t live in LA. I love Rodents and Exotics (I might get a fox, soon) and I just couldn’t BEAR to be without animals I love.
Well welcome to my neck of the woods!
LA is not for everybody, just as New York City isn’t. I grew up in Iowa and it didn’t take long for me to discover that Los Angeles is NOT my type of place. I much prefer Chicago, which leads me to believe I wouldn’t mind New York…
Anyway, LA seems much more your style. :) And no! Not everybody goes out for brunch in sweatpants here (thank goodness). Though I’m not LA’s biggest fan, I’m not it’s worst, either. You can dine outside at sooo many places here (try Clementine, Alcove, Larchmont Bungalow and Joan’s on Third, to name just a few), Griffith Park is LA’s Central Park and quite the sanctuary, and the Getty is breathtaking, And excuse my advice if you’re already familiar with the area!
Best of luck on your move.
P.S. I wear Cosmopop and everybody here gives a double take – I’d say that’s a good thing!
I’m moving to the other side of the country too. It feels weird, but I’m really happy. But the country I live in is a lot smaller than yours ;)
Oh wow! It’s going to be quite a change for you!
I’ve lived about a half hour north of Hollywood my entire life, so I’ve frequently escaped to LA and would love to give you some recommendations. Mom and Pop shops still exist all over the LA area, and they’re just as quirky and lovely as anywhere else. If you happen to go around Abbot Kinney in Venice you can find lots of privately owned clothing, art, shoe, makeup, etc shops as well as quaint restaurants and fun little bars and clubs. Or get your fortune told!
Santa Monica obviously has the Third Street Promenade, which has the usual array of shops. As well if you go down 2nd street you’ll find a couple adorable British import shops, and 4th street has some good vintage at Wasteland or Buffalo Exchange.
Hollywood Boulevard has a restaurant in particular that I enjoy, The Audrey Cafe. It’s a cafe that is dedicated to the spirit of Audrey Hepburn, decorated solely in black and white with gorgeous poppy reds. It’s a really fun place to come with a couple of friends and just sit with a cappuccino and a sandwich. I think they also have bands play there. Also I believe there’s a very nice retro dress shop on the Boulevard.
Los Feliz (Vermont Street) has a couple cute vintage shops, an adorable bookstore, and a great bakery called The Figaro. Also, if you get the chance, get pizza at Palermo’s, but be careful cause they close on Tuesdays!! Los Feliz is similar to Echo Park and Silverlake in that it’s a very indie-hipster part of town, but not at all in a bad way.
Speaking of Echo Park, it’s full of farmer’s markets (with lots of honey and hummus!) and yet more vintage shops as well as great record stores. The energy in Echo Park is lovely because it’s full of artists and musicians and you can just feel creative inspiration emanating from the walls.
Of course there’s Beverly Hills, but that’s all so expensive! Rodeo Drive is fun to just walk around (and try on super expensive clothes, hahaha!) but I love Santa Monica’s tiny off-shoot street, South Santa Monica. On it you’ll find the super super famous Sprinkles Cupcakes (yes, they are GREAT), a very good panini place, and a lot of expensive things. A little bit down the street on Charleville is a fab macaron shop called Paulette’s.
There’s much much more I can’t think of, but this much should keep you at least a little bit busy!
Chin Chin!
Charlie
Doe Deere Reply:
February 18, 2011 at 6:03 pm
My goodness Charlie, you’re a life-saver! Thanks so, so much — I will be sure to check out ALL of your recommendations!
CharlieBuckett Reply:
February 21, 2011 at 2:24 am
You’re so very welcome! :)
Doe, go buy a couple of celabration shoes when you move :) wearing your shoes 365 is gonna be hard on them ;)
Also, i’ll probably move to L.A. in a couple of years. When i grow up and graduate college in… 3 years from now? :)
i live in southern california & absolutely love it! there are still the mom & pop shops…you just might have to look a little harder for them ;) i hope you enjoy your move. when i’ve been to new york, i’ve felt the people a little more genuine and a little less fake (in the sense of hating you but pretending not to). but i do love it! sometime you should visit long beach (about 35 minute drive south, depending on traffic). there are some super fun vintage/thrift shops and lots of fun mom & pop shops down here! enjoy your move!
LA La LOVE..DOE, your moving :( awwwwww who would i play with in the gardens for your birthday? lol
Well congrats for you and mark, sorry i have not been around, been busy myself with projects and NYC fashion week, but hope all goes well with the move..You know we have to keep in touch..xoxooxoxoxoxoxoox
Hug hug hug! xoox
Doe Deere Reply:
February 23, 2011 at 6:03 pm
Thanks so much Jessie!! We’ll be back often, pinkie swear! xo