What should you do if you have 48 hours in LA?

Our newest writer Monica Otero, an LA socialite and fashion blogger gives us the inside scoop on what to do if you have 48 hours in "La La land".

Day1

Where to stay: Let's keep it simple and just check in at the SLS Hotel on La Cienega.  Perfectly located, it gives you access to all the cute areas near Melrose, 3rd, Sunset, and Wilshire.  This is the quad you want to stay in anyway, so whether you have a car, or hire a driver, everything (traffic willing), is only about 5 minutes away.

Once you have settled in, lunch will definitely be in order.  Barneys on Wilshire is a favorite of mine.  Green Grass cafe on the roof, has sweeping city views, and plenty of people watching eye candy. 

The clientele is very diverse, and anything but dull.  Older Jewish couples, (it is Kosher after all), young starlets in training, overweight stylists cloaked in black (go figure), athletes, young couples with unruly children (annoying), and pretty girls with great style (my category, ha!) No one goes to Green Grass necessarily for the food.  Really it's just a good place to leave your boyfriend or husband drinking at the bar.  After a few beers, he won't care that you disappeared to the shoe department, to do some serious damage on a magic card made of plastic! It is quite a competitive stage, so make sure to be armed in your best fashion fatigues, war could strike at any given moment.  I have witnessed a women rip the last size 7 peep toe studded Louboutin slingbacks out of forlorn shoe salesmen hands.  They are not ones to be reckoned with!

As exhausting as this experience can be, there's nothing like fitting in a workout to get the endorphins going and rejuvenate. You want to look you best before heading out for cocktails and dinner later that night. Grab your gym bag and head over to the Equinox gym in Sunset Plaza.

Everyone always goes on and on about Runyon Canyon, and don't get me wrong its beautiful and scenic, but the gym scene is like a daytime club! Caffe Primo is just next door, with great post workout protein shakes, wraps, coffee, and all the typical LA types sitting around you would expect to see.  Hot guys in cut off shirts, and girls fresh from the surgeons chair, pumped full of injectables and silicon!

Now that your workout is done, it's back to the SLS to get ready, and decide what to wear. For the ladies, I highly advise NOTwearing something cliche like an Herve Leger type bandage dress, a sequined one shoulder top, or anything recommended by "In Style" magazine.  Keep it sleek and understated, a backless top with skinny pants, silk jumpsuit or wide leg pants and fitted pants works for the bar, dinner or club.  Pair bold colors like cobalt blue with black or nude, and an amazing pair of shoes, hopefully the ones you scored at Barneys, and your set for the perfect night, and great photo opps I might add. Men, if there is even a hint of embroidery or patchwork on your shirt or jeans, you might as well stay in. Streamlined, crisp button ups, with vintage style denim, and worn in boots, (John Varvatos anyone), are the way to go. All you need is a statement watch, no "mannery", (men's jewelery), and please, have a clean shaven neck!

Cocktails in the lounge of the hotel are fabulous, and the perfect way to kick off the night before heading to dinner. The dinner options are long and endless. BOA, Cecconi's, STK, Katsuya.  You really have to narrow it down to a cuisine choice. Each is busy and scenery in it's own way.  For clubs, The Beverly, Trousdale, and recently re-opened Hyde are the spots to hit up.

Day 2
I highly recommend going to Joan's on 3rd for Sunday breakfast, just down the road from the SLS too. Of all the places to see celebrities in their off time, Joan's is the spot. We can't talk about brunch without mentioning Toast, also on 3rd, and always packed. The street itself is full of the cutest boutiques and furniture stores.  Polka Dots and Moonbeams is one of my favorites, for the vintage selection. In Beverly Hills I always go to Il Pastaio on Canon in the afternoon for lunch on the patio. The scene is truly fantastic, and being so close to Rodeo never hurt anyone! I love the YSL, Planet Blue, and Club Monaco stores there.

For dinner, "Il Sole" on Sunset is fabulous, and so is the Tower bar at the Sunset Tower hotel.  Asia de Cuba at the Mondrian has delicious food, and you can't beat the relaxed atmosphere of Skybar in the evening. A great DJ, drinks, and a sexy, relaxed vibe.

The Chateau Marmont, with it's beautiful patio dining, makes you feel like you are miles away from LA. Whether you dine, or simply drink at the adjacent bar, it's a must see.

If you aspire to venture into Hollywood, draw the line once you hit Katsuya for sushi. Most beyond it is not quite as pleasant, and too much of a tourist trap.  The area of WeHo has it all, and you really don't need to move much once you are in the circle! If you can squeeze in the time, check out The Grove and stroll through the Farmers Market.  Like LA itself, it is so diverse and lively, you will not be disappointed.  Have a fabulous weekend in the city!

Check out More of Monica on her blog www.espressoandstilettos.com  and (Facebook http://www.facebook.com/espressoandstilettos)

Check out More of Monica on her blog www.espressoandstilettos.com  and (Facebook http://www.facebook.com/espressoandstilettos)