Happy First of August everyone! Can you believe how fast time is flying? It’s so unreal! I mean, I’m just getting into the swing of summer (I didn’t wear all my cute summer dresses yet) and feel like fall is right around the corner! I thought I would do a Santa Monica trip recap today – including places we visited and restaurants we ate in! Hope you enjoy it!
During our trip in Santa Monica, we stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel. The location was PERFECT (30-40 minutes away from the LAX airport). It was right by the beach and in the center of all restaurants, stores, etc. There are different hotels along Ocean Avenue; the service at Shangri-La was great. We definitely enjoyed our stay here. 
On the first day, Alex and I went to Hollywood. It reminded us of Times Square in NYC! It was super crowded and hot. Although I enjoyed walking the streets along the Walk of Fame, by the Highland, Dolby Theater, etc. – I probably wouldn’t go again. We did get to see the Hollywood sign from the Highland (it was kind of far – but we saw it)! I was grateful for the experience. Everyone needs to go, at least once in their life! Oh and by the way – we took an UBER everywhere. Hollywood was about 30 minutes away from our hotel.
Bikini 
For dinner (and a few lunches), we went to Red O. KILLER Mexican food – it was so good. I could probably have guacamole everyday…for the rest of my life haha. Anyone else a guac lover?
Outfit details: Top (similar); mine is old from Forever 21 | Jeans (similar) | Sandals | Bag | Sunnies
What’s better than going to the pool and beach…all day everyday?! My perfect beach/pool outfit is either an easy top and shorts or a dress. What’s yours?
The weather was absolutely perfect in Santa Monica. It was chilly in the mornings and evenings (70-75 degrees) and was about 80 degrees in the afternoon. NO humidity and super breezy. I have migraines often but did not have one during our trip. I think that says something?! Haha.
We went to Rodeo Drive – and oh my gosh, it was so beautiful. If you saw my Snapchat, I was basically saying “wow” over and over again. It was SO clean, almost unreal. I felt like it was straight out of a movie set. It also brought back so many memories for me because of all the movies my sisters and I watched years ago (all those high school movies based in LA – like Bring it On or even the show 90210). I really miss those times! I highly suggest visiting Rodeo Drive if you’re ever in LA. Totally worth it.
Here’s another easy beach outfit (LOVE this dress and all the pretty walls in LA). We had breakfast at Blue Daisy almost everyday. We went to a few other places before that and we weren’t crazy about them. 
We also visited Malibu. We dedicated one day for it since it’s about a 40 minute drive (without traffic). There are several beaches in Malibu – we went to Paradise Cove. It’s a smaller beach compared to Zuma beach or other beaches in Malibu. But we did not want to go too far. It was absolutely stunning!
We were craving some Italian! We went to Via Veneto – SO delish. I actually haven’t had pasta in forever & thoroughly enjoyed it.
One of Alex’s favorite places to eat was Blue Plate Oysterette. The food was super fresh! If Alex likes it, you know it’s great (with his keen sense of high quality food).
I also loved the pool area by our hotel. The cabanas, seating area and black/white striped pool chairs with hot pink towels – I mean, totally up my alley!
This was my outfit for the last night! We went to a steakhouse B.O.A. – also amazingly delicious. The food (everywhere) was really tasty. I actually really want to go back…!
If you saw from my Snap and Instagram – you know that I managed to run into Nordstrom (it was a few blocks away)! Don’t forget, the NSALE is ending August 8th – check out my previous posts for my sale picks and sizing info. Thanks for stopping by!
Looks like you had a fun trip! Love your outfits, especially the one with the peach top you wore to Red O. So pretty!
xo, mikéla / simplydavelyn.com
There's so much to do in Santa Monica and LA in general! Love the first outfit you wore!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Loving all your outfits and photos! It looked liked such a fun trip from snap.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
This looks like such a fun trip! I went to UCLA so we used to go to Santa Monica all the time!
Chelsea
Chow Down USA
Instagram
Loved this round up Alina! Those cargo joggers are the cutest!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality