Janessa Leone’s Insider Guide to Los Angeles
When Sheryl Crow sang, “All I wanna do is have some fun,” you better believe that she was talking about Los Angeles. The southern California city is home to a lot of things: the Hollywood Sign, Runyon Canyon, the Kardashians, the list goes on, and it keeps getting better and better. Turns out, there’s even a fashion week endorsed by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, which kicks off today and runs through Sunday, October 22. With that in mind, we tapped Janessa Leone, designer CEO of the eponymous accessories label Janessa Leoné based in L.A., for her favorite places to eat, stay, and play.
TRAVEL
o Bike — Through Venice and Santa Monica—it really does make you see the city differently.
o Drive — Down the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu. Roll down the windows and hear the waves crash, and stop by the Reel Inn along the way for a fish sandwich.
o Hike — Through the Santa Monica Mountains in the morning. Everyone in L.A. really does lean into a hike, so it can get busy. The views are stunning and it is such a fun way to get a workout in.
STAY
o Santa Monica Proper Hotel — Designed by Kelly Wearstler, each corner of this hotel feels like an oasis. The rooftop pool and bar is a special treat for guests to relax and have amazing 360-degree views of the city.
o Nobu Ryokan Malibu — This intimate hotel is right on one of my favorite beaches in Malibu. The design is minimal and serene and the doors open right up to the ocean breeze. You feel like you are in a private retreat.
o Hotel Bel-Air — This historic hotel is tucked away into the mountains in Bel Air and is such a quiet oasis from the city. It’s one of my favorite places to check in for the night and spend the day unwinding by the pool.
EAT
o Bicyclette — Get an entire stick of butter. Word is they ship it in from Normandie, where the cows graze on grass salted from the ocean air. It’s worth a trip.
o Musso & Frank Grill — Get dressed up and sit at the bar in front of the big fire grill. Order the filet and a dirty martini and be a part of L.A.’s history at this classic spot.
o Destroyer — Stop for a coffee here and have any of the baked goods.
SHOP
o The Edit — Our first flagship in the Culver City Arts District. I designed this store to elicit a deep breath. The minimal décor and clean lines are a perfect backdrop for our timeless essentials.
o Just One Eye — Even for a browse, Just One Eye really has an inspiring selection of incredible vintage treasures, eclectic art and décor, and current designer styles.
o Capitol — Dig into the dress section in the back—it’s the best edit in town.
EXPERIENCE
o The Salt Water — Pack a bathing suit in your bag and one of our raffia rollup hats and take a dip in the best thing Los Angeles has to offer.
o Arcana — It’s one of my favorite bookstores in the world, full of books on the arts— fashion, photography, film, architecture, you name it. Give yourself a few hours here, you’ll want the time.
o Venice Farmers’ Market — I recommend any of the farmers’ markets—they’re all over the city, every single day. I go to Venice on Friday mornings, it’s a standing meeting in my calendar.
Digital Director
Claire Stern is the Digital Director of ELLE.com. Previously, she was Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to admit it.