There’s a song on the Legally Blonde 2 soundtrack called “We’ve Got More Bounce in California,” and as card-carrying residents of the Golden State, we’d agree this sentiment is accurate. There’s something about California that speaks to people. We’ve got stunning beaches, gorgeous weather (hello, 70-degree winter days) and an enviable sense of laid-back glamour. This was the inspiration for our Spring 2018 Box of Style. To celebrate, we asked our editor in chief Rachel Zoe to share her absolute favorite spots in California. Here, find out where she loves to dine, vintage-shop and more.
Rachel's (Cali) Rundown
Restaurants
Craig's: A West Hollywood celeb hot spot serving up classic American fare.
The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel: Visit this iconic dining spot in the afternoon to see how Hollywood's elite do power lunching. (Spoiler alert: There's many a bougainvillea involved.)
Sunset Tower Bar: Dine on French-inspired Californian fare at this glamorous restaurant that's beloved by celebrities.
Soho House Malibu & Weho: It doesn't get more LA than dining at this members-only club. The food is all fresh and locally sourced.
Pizzana Brentwood: One of the best places in LA to grab pizza. The crust is light, and toppings are sourced seasonally.
Hotels
Chateau Marmont: This West Hollywood hotel is a celebrity hideaway and is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Los Angeles.
The Beverly Hills Hotel: An iconic hotel that caters to the who's who of Hollywood elite. It also boasts 12 acres of stunning tropical gardens and, of course, palm trees.
Hotel Bel Air: A serene getaway from the buzz of Los Angeles, this hotel oozes laid-back glamour.
Spas
Hotel Bel Air Spa: Tucked away inside the iconic Hotel Bel Air is one of California's best spas. It features three relaxation rooms (one for women, one for men and one coed), plus private marble rain showers and steam rooms in the locker rooms. An array of treatments are available, from soaks to massages to nail treatments.
Beaches
Carbon Beach: This Malibu beach is nicknamed "Billionaires' Beach" because of the lavish houses that line the shore. It used to be private but is now open to the public—and it's hardly ever crowded.
Point Dume: Located in Malibu, this beach is the definition of picture perfect. The scenery is stunning and, if you're lucky, you might see some wildlife (think birds and sea lions).
Shopping
Melrose Place: High-end stores like Balmain's newly opened West Coast flagship are interspersed with cool-girl restaurants and tea shops, making for the ideal shopping day.
Brentwood Country Mart: An assortment of boutiques are tucked inside this charming shopping center. Think: Christian Louboutin, Space NK, Intermix and goop. And, of course, no trip to Brentwood Country Mart is complete without stopping by Sweet Rose Creamery for a scoop of small-batch ice cream.
Resurrection: This elegant store specializes in a curated selection of designer vintage. Swoon-worthy finds from Alaïa, Chanel, Celine and more abound.
Decades: Coveted finds from the likes of Alexander McQueen, Hermès and Gucci can be found at this famous LA vintage shop.
Drinks
The Tower Bar: Stop by this intimate, glamorous institution for a specialty cocktail (or two).
Chateau Marmont: The Chateau is one of Los Angeles' most famed outposts. In addition to being an actual castle with unbeatable ambience, the drinks are creative and the wine is—as expected—French.
Coffee
Alfred: You know those "but first, coffee" cups you've seen all over Instagram? You get those at Alfred, arguably the buzziest coffee shop in Los Angeles. There are multiple locations around the city brewing up specialty coffee and tea.
Starbucks: Rachel's love for Starbucks is well-documented.
Retreat
Beverly Hills Hotel: Step inside the palm-tree-print-lined oasis (via the hotel's signature red carpet, naturally) and be whisked away from all your woes.
Hotel Bel Air: Escape the city and head to this secluded Bel Air hotel, nestled away in the hills. It manages to be both timeless and contemporary, drawing inspiration from Old Hollywood glamour and modern luxury.
Montage Laguna Beach: This seaside hotel is 30 acres of luxury escape from your real life.
