Back to L.A.: What I’m Wearing, Packing & Doing.
There are a handful of cities that feel familiar the second you land, and Los Angeles is one of them for me.
This summer, I'm heading back to L.A. for a few days of sunshine, good food, a little movie magic, and plenty of wandering. While New York will always be home, there’s something about Los Angeles that makes me slow down, take the long way, and spend an afternoon exploring without a set plan.
I’ve been getting questions about what I’m packing and what I’ll be doing while I’m there, so I thought I’d share a quick preview before the trip.
What I'm Wearing in Los Angeles:
If you’ve ever visited Southern California in the summer, you know the weather is no joke.
Coming from New York’s humidity, L.A.’s dry heat still surprises me, so I’m packing with one goal in mind: staying cool while still feeling put together.
You'll find plenty of:
Linen shorts and trousers
Lightweight cotton dresses
Oversized button-down shirts
Relaxed tank tops
Comfortable sandals
White sneakers for long walking days
A light sweater for cooler evenings
My goal is always the same when I travel: outfits that are comfortable enough for sightseeing, but still make me feel like myself in photos.
This trip’s style vibe is simple, effortless, and practical—think neutral colors, breathable fabrics, and pieces that can be mixed and matched throughout the week.
What's in My Suitcase:
I'm packing lighter than usual this time around.
Along with my clothes, my suitcase will include:
A wide-brim hat
Sunglasses
Plenty of sunscreen
A reusable water bottle
My camera gear
A small crossbody bag
A swimsuit for relaxing poolside
I also never travel without a good book and a notebook. Some of my favorite blog ideas have come from sitting in a coffee shop or people-watching for an hour while traveling.
My Los Angeles Itinerary:
One thing I love about Los Angeles is that every neighborhood feels completely different from the next. This trip is a mix of classic tourist stops and a few personal favorites.
Universal Studios Hollywood
I’m fully embracing my theme-park era with a day at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Between the rides, movie history, and the chance to walk through some of Hollywood’s most iconic attractions, it’s one of those places that stays fun no matter how many times you’ve visited.
I’m especially looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere and taking plenty of photos throughout the park.
Academy Museum
As someone who loves storytelling and creating content, the Academy Museum is high on my list.
The museum explores the art, history, and impact of filmmaking, with everything from costumes and props to exhibitions celebrating some of cinema’s most iconic moments. It’s become one of Los Angeles’ most popular cultural destinations for movie lovers.
Honestly, I could spend hours wandering exhibits like this.
Dinner at Girl & the Goat
One reservation I’m especially excited about is Girl & the Goat.
The restaurant is known for bold flavors, shareable plates, and chef Stephanie Izard’s creative approach to cooking. The Los Angeles location has become a favorite in the Arts District and is even Michelin-recommended.
As someone who plans entire trips around food, I feel this is a must.
The Grove & Original Farmers Market
No trip to L.A. feels complete without spending time at The Grove and the Original Farmers Market.
I love this area because it blends shopping, food, and classic Los Angeles energy in one place. Whether I’m grabbing lunch, browsing stores, or sitting outside with an iced coffee, it’s one of my favorite ways to spend a slower afternoon.
It’s also the perfect spot for people-watching.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Los Angeles
Every city has a personality.
New York pushes me to move faster, do more, and stay curious.
Los Angeles reminds me to slow down.
This trip isn’t packed with back-to-back plans. It’s about enjoying good weather, exploring neighborhoods, eating great food, and finding inspiration along the way.
Sometimes that’s exactly the kind of trip you need.
I’m excited to share everything once I get back—and if you have any Los Angeles recommendations I should add to my list, let me know.
I have a feeling this trip is going to be a good one.
check out my L.A. Gallery for previous photos of past trips.
Packing for a summer trip always sounds easy—until you're staring at an open suitcase, wondering how you'll fit seven outfits, three pairs of shoes, and all your skincare into one bag.
Over the years, I've learned that packing efficiently doesn't mean sacrificing style. In fact, some of my favorite travel outfits have come from carefully editing what I bring, rather than overpacking "just-in-case" pieces that never leave the suitcase.
Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring a new city, or planning a weekend getaway, here's how to pack smarter while still feeling like yourself throughout your trip.