Packing for LA

So as you know I am going to LA this weekend. I was supposed to leave with my husband but he went two days earlier for "work". Had I known I wouldn't have booked a 7 am flight but whatever. I just hope that I am not going to fall asleep at 6 pm on Friday and sleep through my first evening there (it happened before).
We are staying at the Standard Hollywood; honestly I was ready for something more grown-up but my husband thinks he is 25 (especially when he is in LA) and it's his birthday so at the Standard we stay (not to self: remember to pack earplugs to keep out of ear noisy neighbors who ARE 25 and less).
I have been to LA many times but I have my own pre-conceived idea of LA as a place where everybody wears cutoff shorts and a tank. So I am going to take cutoff shorts and a lot of tanks lol. No, really I love LA because of its casual vibe. We have planned this weekend a long time ago so I bought a few things along the way with this trip in mind including the above mentioned cutoff shorts.
One would think that it isn't worth it to spend a lot on shorts, especially cutoffs but I actually never found a pair that fit really well before. These are the Current/Elliott "boyfriend" and the only white shorts that don't make me feel like I have passed the age for cutoff shorts (they fit VERY big, this is a 25 and I could actually wear a 24):





The top is a cheap H&M. And when I say cheap I mean REALLY cheap. I was looking for something fun that wouldn't necessarily stay in my closet forever and when I saw this for $4.95 (no, it isn't a typo) I thought it was perfect (it also fits better than other more expensive things I tried).
I also like the idea of "going out shorts"; in fact I bought the JCrew pleated cotton in black at the beginning of spring to wear them out in the evening but they weren't what I was looking for. JCrew "going out" stuff has always a dressy side that screams "occasion" to me (in this case the fabric). I found what I was looking for at Zara, in a pair of high-waisted, faux-leather black shorts (here with my cheap top):



With the exception of the Hawaiian print shorts, my whole suitcase is going to be black/white/ivory with some pop of color. You might remember my Zoe Karssen tee fiasco; I ended up ordering another tee that is still oversized but I like a lot, also because I am not ashamed of the message, which is the problem with most of the message tees, especially if you have kids around. I can't really buy a tee that says "Girls like boys who don't like girls" or, even worst "Live fast because it won't last" and the likes. Although I was tempted to buy the Wildfox "I'd rather be shopping" sweatshirt to wear to a boring event). This one simply says "Madame" (which is true and I can be proud of) in a "varsity" font and I like the simplicity of the design and the message. It is understated and cool but looooooooooooong (wearing a size S) so that on me it looks better tucked in:





For the pop of color I am bringing this silk top by Joe Fresh. I couldn't resist this color, also because it pairs perfectly with my Juice Couture "palm trees" clutch that has a piping and inside in the exact same color:





I am also taking my Rebecca Taylor orange dress in case not everybody is wearing track pants and cutoff jeans ;-). Plus, stuff to lounge around the pool.

Even if every other movie is shot in LA and has LA and Hollywood as a backdrop (think of "Shortcuts", "Crash", "Pulp Fiction", "Get Shorty" etc.), I watched "Somewhere" by Sophia Coppola yesterday to put myself into the mood (even if I am not staying at the Chateau). But my favorite "LA vibe" movie is probably "Laurel Canyon" with Christian Bale, Kate Backinsale and Francis McDormand (I don't think it is a very well-known movie so I recommend it if you haven't seen it). I am ready!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend, talk to you next week.