Less than 24 hours in downtown Los Angeles–flying from SFO to LAX with an almost 8 month old–yep, still totally worth it.
Before having Rex I was most worried I would feel bored stuck at home, needing my bigger city fix. I’ve managed to keep enough of an on-the-go lifestyle to curb those city urges and heading to LA on a super last minute work trip was, if anything, just good for the soul. Step one, talk your sister into coming with you to help get you on the plane. Coerce her with the promise of evening face masks and wine. Always wine! (How any single parents fly solo… I just don’t know how you do it. So much stuff!) Step two, make very few plans because you know any firm plans will most likely be thrown out the window with a baby. (Case in point, brunch with a girlfriend fell through and all of my high hopes of heading to a few other neighborhoods just never happened.) Step three, make sure your hotel is within walking distance to everything you want to do, or at least your main meetings / appointments. Check, check, check.
Upon arriving at our hotel, the Hotel Indigo Downtown Los Angeles, we threw down our bags and quickly made our way to the lobby bar for happy hour and $5 light bites. A glass of chardonnay, a couple of deviled eggs, and a roof top hang later, and we were completely settled into the contemporary vibe of the sleek downtown location and it sure felt good to be back in LA. The room itself gets my vote of design approval (black and white tiled bathroom floor and rad brass chair in the sitting area). After many stays at the ACE which is way cool, I will say this room is definitely comfier and is a great boutique hotel alternative for those staying downtown.
The Look | Doen Top. Re/Done Jeans. Freda Salvador Slides. Isabel Marant Denim Jacket. Raen Sunglasses.
Hotel Indigo is conveniently located right off the freeway and within walking distance to the main hub of DTLA. There was a two year period where I was spending lots of time downtown on buying trips for Syllabus, but it had been over a year since I had been back in that area so I was looking forward to checking out what was new (finally got to see Heidi Merrick’s store in person–it did not disappoint!) while hitting up some old faves (the ACE rooftop for a spicy margarita). We spent Wednesday morning grabbing brunch at Bottega Louie (love that spot so much) and then Rex and I just cruised around at a leisurely pace before having to head to the airport. Downtown near the Orpheum Theater has an energy about it that I just love.
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Only have 24 hours in Downtown LA too? Here’s where to grab a bite and what shops aren’t to be missed…
Coffee / Juice fix | Verve.
Healthy Eats | Woodspoon. Bottega Louie (I love this classic spot for breakfast and try to go every time I’m downtown).
Grab and Go Bites (healthy snacks and smoothies) | OMNom. (I popped in to grab snacks for the flight home.)
Shops not to be missed | Acne. Heidi Merrick.
It was a whirlwind of a trip but with little on the schedule and Rex’s early bedtime my sister and I were able to sneak in some girl chat and face masks.
The Look | AOTC Tank. Rachel Comey Pants. Sarah Flint Sandals.
Thank you to Hotel Indigo for partnering on this post!
Photography | Alexandra Gibbs
