members only
Founded in London more than two decades ago, Soho House is a members-only club catering to creatives. With houses and hotels all over the world, it was only a matter of time before Los Angeles welcomed its first location in West Hollywood, with a Malibu location popping up a few years later. Each house is meant to feel like a luxurious home away from home. Think rooftop pools, restaurants with 360-degree city views, and unparalleled service. While it may be a while before St. Louis has its own Soho House, members live all over the world and can access all locations (depending on membership) when traveling.
I.AM.GIA. may look like the quintessential L.A. hypebeast apparel line, but it’s rooted in Australia. Reminiscent of the No Doubt-era Gwen Stefani, I.AM.GIA. is bringing back oversized cargo pants, jumpsuits and tube tops. Think of the line as a mid-tolate ‘90s fashion revival. The look is heating up among the young Hollywood crowd (Kaia Gerber and Kylie Jenner are fans), which can only mean it’s a matter of time before this line from down under is all over.
Ariel Gordon is an L.A.-based jewelry designer who started her eponymous line in her Santa Monica apartment nearly a decade ago. Her collection of delicate 14-karat gold pieces are perfect for daily wear while still making a statement. I especially love her Candy Crush band that features stones in every color. On trend and made in the U.S., Gordon quickly is becoming one of the most sought-after jewelry designers thanks to a mass celebrity following that includes Olivia Wilde, Gigi Hadid and Karlie Kloss.
St. Louis may have the frozen custard game cornered, but it wasn’t until I moved to L.A. that I discovered Little Damage. Known for its black soft serve ice cream, Little Damage is located in the heart of downtown and is arguably one of the most Instagram-worthy foods in the city. It boasts decadent ice cream like Unicorn Tears, S’mores Taco and The Upside Down, all topped with ingredients like Fruity Pebbles, toasted marshmallows and chrome sprinkles. Black ice cream cones are the cherry on top to this gothic yet playful ice cream shop that’s redefining food art.
c’mon, get happy
L.A. is all about the selfie pop-ups. Happy Place is the latest to take the city by storm thanks to its spaces dedicated to all things happy. Visitors stroll from room to room, where they can climb a giant birthday cake, dance in the world’s largest confetti dome and jump off of a rainbow into a pot of gold. Of course, every inch is selfie-ready because if you don’t take a selfie, did you even go to Happy Place?