Some could argue there's no better place to spend the summer than in the sunny City of Angels. So to continue our summer journey across some of America's greatest cities, we've caught up with Los Angeles based fashion blogger, Stephanie Liu Hjelmseth, to discover some of her favorite places to spend the summer in Los Angeles.
What are your top three style essentials for summer in Los Angeles?
You can’t do summer in Los Angeles without a straw bag, a silk slip dress, and soft mules.
What makes summer in Los Angeles different to anywhere else in the world?
Summer in Los Angeles is the opportunity to drink rosé under the perfect sunshine that rarely gets too hot, to bear the traffic to the Palisades for an ocean dip, and to picnic on Mulholland Drive overlooking panoramic views of Hollywood and Downtown LA. You can explore all kinds of vistas in one day and the summertime sunshine makes it so carefree.
Which designer brands would you say win summer in LA?
I love shopping Protagonist, Rachel Comey, Ulla Johnson, and Maryam Nassir Zadeh for quintessential summer pieces. Protagonist is the go-to for anything silky and slinky, Rachel Comey for effortless day-wear, Ulla Johnson for romantic, summer frocks, and Maryam Nassir Zadeh for the best day-to-night mules and heels.
What are your top summer evening wear tips?
In the city of effortless casual style, it’s normal to go day-to-night with a breezy dress or a tailored jumpsuit and since summer evenings in LA are pleasantly cool, you just throw a denim or cropped jacket over the shoulders.
What is your favorite LA neighbourhood to visit in the summer?
My favorite is Silverlake on the East side. Silverlake is an eclectic neighborhood of French-inspired bars and cafes and well-curated boutiques and it’s one of the best walking experiences you can get in LA. I always leave Silverlake feeling a bit more inspired!
You’re going for a picnic, what would you pack and where would you go?
I’d pack a chilled bottle of rosé (it is summer water, after all), a basket of strawberries, frozen grapes, my famous avocado toasts, iced jasmine tea, and a soft round blanket for a picnic at El Matador Beach in Malibu. It’s so romantic if you find the cove to settle in and there’s nothing better than the sun and salty air for an afternoon picnic!
You have a day off, how would you spend the perfect summer’s day?
My perfect summer day starts with visiting the farmer’s market in the morning for fresh flowers and fruits. There’s always one happening somewhere in LA. My husband and I love to stroll our neighborhood street Larchmont Blvd and grab a coffee and tea while we’re at it. Then, I’d catch up with a friend over an al fresco lunch at Cafe Gratitude and go shopping together at Melrose Place. When dusk comes around, my husband and I love to drive through the hills of Mulholland Drive to catch LA’s stunning sunset. To end the perfect summer night, we’d stop by Heritage Fine Wines in Beverly Hills for a bottle of French wine, and bring that with some food for picnicking at a Hollywood Bowl show.
Quick fire city guide:
Favorite alfresco lunch spot?
Zinque in West Hollywood
Favorite brunch spot?
Republique on La Brea
Favorite coffee spot?
LAMILL Coffee in Silverlake
Rooftop cocktails?
Mama Shelter
Date night location?
Bar Stella in Silverlake