My First Blog!

Well first I'll start out with a hello to all of you who have no idea who I am. Hi, my name is Jesse I am a Wardrobe Stylist/Model/Travelista/Food Extraordinaire from Orlando, FL. This weekend my adventures led me to the land of the beautiful- Los Angeles. I arrived at the airport at 5:30am in time for my 6:55am flight to be told it was delayed due to fog. After waiting in line for an hour I called the airline and they informed me I missed the flight they planned on re-routing me on because I sat in this going nowhere for an hour line instead of checking my voice mail for the instructions to my new flight. Great way to start a trip let me tell you. I finally got on a flight at around 2:10 non-stop to LAX and arrived to my hotel 5PM California time. After looking at all the hotels in the area I had decided to stay at the London in West Hollywood. The hotel boasts a rooftop pool and sundeck with panoramic views of LA, and one of the best restaurants in town Gordon Ramsay at the London West Hollywood.

My first night in town my sister and I decided just to relax in the hotel, have some dinner and get ready for the big shopping day ahead. I think eating airport food and a 5 hour flight ruins any chance of wanting to do anything. I woke up the next morning excited to be somewhere new, although in LA it was 7am! I went downstairs to get some information on renting a car when suddenly I spotted a familiar face. After a phone call to my 12 year old brother confirmed my suspicions as WWE wrestler John Cena walked right past me. I must admit the weather in LA is PERFECT. It was 79 with a breeze to die for, yet warm enough to offer me a suntan after two hours of laying out. Later in the day I hit Melrose, shopping heaven. Fred Segal was first on my list. This two story shopping haven is the most amazing place in the world. I went in and wanted to buy EVERYTHING. They carry everything from Topshop, Elizabeth and James, Cynthia Vincent, and American Vintage. I also hit Madison an upscale boutique with a low key vibe, where I checked out the seasons newest pieces from from top designers such as Chloe, Alexander Wang, Current/Elliot, Stella McCartney, and Derek Lam. They also had some amazing accessories and shoes on sale, and who doesn't love a sale?

For dinner I jumped over to The Beverley Center and ate at the 'Grand Lux' which is the sister restaurant to 'The Cheesecake Factory.' I sat down ordered my food and was half asleep when the table next to me was seated. I am usually not the nosey person checking out the tables around me (Just the food!) but you'll never guess who sits next to me- Chanel Iman. I thought about passing out, but I went against my better judgement. Of course I didn't bring my camera in the restaurant the one day I see a supermodel! My luck is so fabulous. So after dinner and my supermodel encounter I headed back to my hotel and prepared for the day ahead. The next afternoon we went to the Beverley Hills Farmers Market at the Grove. If you want to see a real farmers market this is it! They had food from all over the globe being cooked right there in front of you, and if you're a food lover like me it doesn't get any better. I decided on Greek although the crepes looked splendid, then splurged on a banana split! A full tummy didn't stop me from hitting the Grove afterward where you'll find just about every amazing shop on the planet including Antropologie, Banana Republic, Barneys Co Op, and J. Crew. I was headed straight for, what the locals call, the style mecca and celebrity hang of all stores- Barney's! The Alexander Wang shoes I wanted were sold out nationwide in my size, but the Vena Cava was in full stock! Last stop was H&M, which is sadly not available in Florida but is an awesome place to find some cheap finds! The one in LA is pretty awesome, not as big as some of the ones I have been to but I walked out with a few good buys. For dinner we headed over to Grace where the owner was the first chef from LA to ever win Iron Chef America. If you are looking for a low key dinner, impeccable service, and a possible celebrity sighting this is the place. I started with Mozzarella Stuffed Squash Blossoms and for my entree I ordered Grilled Filet of Beef with farro, haricots verts, morcilla, Ossau-Iraty cheese, in a red wine sauce and it was simply amazing. Sitting next to us was actress Kerry Washington who you might know from Ray, Last King of Scotland, Little Man or Fantastic Four. By the end of Sunday I was exhausted and full so we headed back to the hotel and went to sleep. Monday morning came to quick which meant it was time to get ready to go to the airport. My trip was finally over, I was ready to get home but I would miss all the amazing shopping & food LA has to offer. It's nice to get away, but it's better to come home!