You make me wanna...LALA

W Los Angeles was once the quaint Westwood Marquee that my family would stay in every time they went to LA. This hotel is in a fabulous location, a block from UCLA and only a short walk to downtown Westwood, which is college central with tons of restaurants and shopping. Overnight it was bought by Starwood Hotels and turned into the very happening hotspot W.

The hotel was decked out in icy purples, greys, and warmer greens and candles, with loud techno and house music pumping in the lobby. The quaint bar area was turned into one of LA's hottest spots to catch a cocktail with white-leather banquets, green wheatgrass-style potted plants, and the same icy purples, greys, and mixed neutrals. The pool area, while small, was transformed into an oasis with the plush couches to lie on, tents to stay out of the sun in, and fabulous outdoor service and food. The rooms had complete overhauls, with state-of-the-art flat-screen TV's and stereo systems; chic, clean furniture; and big comfy beds. There are Aveda products stocking the bathrooms and everything you could need in the minibar, including four types of vodka. There is always a bowl full of apples or oranges in the lobby to snack on, and the staff is courteous, attentive, and friendly.

W is a favorite place of celebrities and can often be seen in movies and TV shows. Most recently it had cameos in Win a Date With Tad Hamilton and Curb Your Enthusiasm. It is not uncommon to see someone famous there. I have seen Don King, David Schwimmer, and Lara Flynn Boyle.

Rooms start at about $200 and go up from there. All the rooms are suite-esque, but they do cater to celebrities and have many suites ranging in comfort and price.

The Ivy in Los Angeles is the consummate celebrity institution. It is the first in the string of "celebrity restaurants," meaning the stars flock to the Ivy knowing all too well that paparazzi stalk the place with a vengeance.

It is hard to get a reservation if you are not Winona’s or Brad's agent, or you aren't actually them, but it's worth a shot. I had the pleasure of going for my 23rd birthday dinner with my boyfriend and family. We sorta felt like they stuck us in the back, but that was okay. We didn't mind too much.

The feel of The Ivy is best described as shabby-chic. There is a white picket fence missing some paint, antique French chairs on the patio, flowery tablecloths, and the menus covered in cloth. It's a perfect brunch spot, and it is not hard to see why it's so famous for luring the see and be-seen crowd.

We were told to order the fried chicken. Three of us did, while two of us ventured for other things. Among the other culinary adventures was fresh lobster pasta priced at a whopping $60. We didn't know that was the price until the meal was over, as the pasta was a special not on the menu. The fried chicken was overcooked, not all that, and priced at its somewhat respectable $35 dollars. The crab cakes were very good and the lobster pasta was excellent but not nearly worth its price. We ordered their take on a banana split, which was rich, gooey, and sort of strange. If I were to go again, I would not order the chicken or that dessert. The cocktails were about $14 each, and the service was okay.

Looking back, I would have been happier with my meal somewhere else. Although the place is worth a look, I don't know if it's worth the price it cost us. Our meal came close to $450 five people. The other thing is, I didn’t get to see one famous person, which, really, was the whole point.

Nate n'Al's deli is a small, retro Beverly Hills hole-in-the-wall right off Rodeo Drive with outstanding Jewish and American classics. This landmark is known for the famous people it attracts, the whitefish on rye, and their amazing bakery.

Almost every time I have been in LA I have visited Nate n' Al's. And almost every time I have visited I have run into someone famous. Most recently it was Jodi Foster, with her child buying things from the deli counter. But others have included the cast of the movie Clueless (this was years ago), Bill Mahr, and Jerry Seinfeld. While that is all exciting and reason enough to visit, I go for the delicious deli food. My personal favorite is the whitefish salad on a sesame-seed bagel. But they offer a plethora of deli favorites: Rueben sandwiches, corn beef hash, lox and bagels, hotdogs, grilled melts, benedicts, omelettes, and more.

Served up with a selection of dill, bread and butter, pickles, and pickled cabbage (served on the table as condiments,) everything is priced affordably.

Go for the stars, stay for the food!

Pinks is the quintessential LA spot. Everyone knows where and what it is, and everyone has been there to eat one of their famous dogs.

Because of its touristy status, lines can get VERY long. And when I say VERY long, I am not exaggerating. I have been there when the line stretched back 2 blocks. They are THAT good, but if you don't have an hour to kill, you may want to choose a less likely time than the lunch hour or from 5 to 7pm to grab a snack.

With over 30 types of hotdogs offered, including turkey and veggie dogs, you will have a hard time narrowing it down. But I say choose the wildest one. How often will you get to eat a fajita dog?

Try the Martha Stewart dog – a 10-inch stretch dog with mustard, relish, onions, chopped tomatoes, and sauerkraut topped with bacon and sour cream for $5. Or the Today Show dog - two hot dogs in one bun with mustard, onions, chili, cheese, and guacamole for $5.25.

Anyway you order it, you are sure to enjoy your California hotdog. And yes, we tend to put avocado on everything!

Following in the star-studded footsteps of Ashton Kutcher, Wilmer Valderrama, Bruce Willis, and J-Lo, Justin Timberlake has taken on a new venture in a new hot-spot. Chi serves Global Asian cuisine presented on small plates in a hip, sultry atmosphere.

The restaurant is within the Hyatt Hotel on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, next to the Chateau Marmont and near The Standard.

This restaurant ambitiously combines Asian influence with a California twist. Fresh sashimi, thai salads, seared scallops and satay are all prominent menu items. The specials are always worth the extra few dollars. Smaller plates include thing like a Taste of the Sea - seared scallops, tuna tartare and tempura halibut are served artistically next to each other for $12. A lobster tempura roll is deep-fried and topped with a wasabi mayonnaise drizzle for $11. Chi does not skimp on the size of their entrees, which are split-able. The miso-glazed salmon is cooked to perfection and served with a wild-rice patty and a soy and shitake mushroom reduction for $22. The sesame-glazed asparagus is a nice side for $5.

The decor at Chi is romantic and sexy, with lowlit tables dressed in red. Fountains and fireplaces are scattered throughout the restaurant, even in an outdoor section.

The restaurant served dinner Monday through Sunday: 6:30pm-11:30pm, and the bar is available from 6:30pm-2am.

Dining with the stars is an experience everyone should partake in when in Los Angeles. Although not easily planned, there are ways to ensure you see SOMEONE famous. This does not include stalking their homes or driving on the 405 slowing down next to each BMW and Mercedes with tinted windows. Instead of that, make a reservation for a delicious breakfast (cheaper than a delicious dinner and equally as star-studded) at a Beverly Hills hotspot, like The Farm.

While the Farm is essentially on Rodeo Drive, it lacks that pretentious, snobby attitude of a Rodeo eatery. The staff is warm, and the food is fresh and innovative.

As soon as I walked in, I saw Carolyn Rhea, of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and The Biggest Loser fame. So, with my star sighting down, I was able to enjoy my breakfast in peace. We sat outside and watched the paparazzi buzz around in front of the restaurant. I ordered the huevos racheros, which was two friend eggs served over a crisp corn tortilla stacked on a potato, corn, and black-bean cake ($13). It was smothered in cheese and tomatillo salsa and could easily be the best thing on the menu. My brother ordered a savory BLT ($11), and my friend ordered a "farm fresh" Cobb salad ($15). Each item was delicious and promptly served.

Go to The Farm for the delicious food, stay for the plethora of star sightings!

What is it like, you ask? Well, it's this girl's idea of heaven. Shoes as far as the eye can see: small shoes, big shoes, short shoes, tall shoes. Everywhere.

Top Shoes was a discovery I made about 10 years ago, while visiting UCLA with my brother, who was hoping to go there for school. I stumbled upon it, and it was love at first sight. This chaotic, packed shoe store is LA's best-kept secret. Brand-name shoes at half the retail price--no joke. I have bought shoes there for WELL below retail value and then seen them for WELL above retail value in other shops.

I do not make a trip to LA without going to my favorite shoe store. I will not even buy shoes for awhile if I know I will be going to LA soon, because I usually buy three or four pairs while I am there. It's that good, people. I am not even kidding around here. It's a shoe lover's dream. While you will not find Manolos and Choos there, you will find brands like BCBG, Nine West, Kenneth Cole, Steve Madden, and many more great shoe makers!

Buy a pair for me!

The 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica is just a few blocks from the gorgeous Santa Monica Beach. A pedestrian-only area, the streets have been blocked off so that this really is a shopping-only sector. On either side are shops as far as the eye can see, and lining the middle of the streets are booths selling jewelry, scarves, incense, sunglasses, and lots of other fun things.

Throughout the area you’ll discover unique boutiques: Hanna Hartnell Studio, Hype, Mudra, One, and Pink Ice, with familiar favorites as well: A/X, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Benetton, Fossil, Levi’s, Old Navy, Puma, and Urban Outfitters. And no visit to LA is complete without a trip to Fred Segal’s multiple mini-boutiques.

The area is also used for an outdoor farmers’ market. Enjoy all that California has to offer each Wednesday from 8:30am to 1:30pm and Saturday between 8:30am and 1pm.

Bar Marmont is the epitome of a seen-and-be-seen place. Within the Chateau Marmont hotel, it is right off the strip. Disguised beyond a distressed white fence and two surly bouncers is a French-inspired bar, complete with an outdoor wood patio and fake butterflies and little monkeys in the drinks.

Inspired by our need to see famous people, our Los Angeles-native friend suggested the Marmont, as she has seen countless stars, including Lara Flynn Boyle, being carried out of here.

After our dinner at Chi, we walked to the Marmont and made our way into the bar with no trouble at all. It wasn't too early, but time was on our side, as there was no line.

The bar is reminiscent of European ambience and romance. Dark colors, low lighting, Tiffany lamps, and velvet are everywhere. Velvet benches and banquettes line the walls, and fake (I hope) butterflies canopy the ceiling. Our martinis and cosmos weren't very expensive, and there were plenty of places to sit or stand and look fabulous. Immediately we saw Evan Handler, who played Harry Goldenblatt on Sex and the City. That was awesome, because he is a truly memorable character on our favorite show!

You can tell that people are there to see and be seen because the crowd is constantly looking around to see who is looking at them. It can get old pretty quick. We finished our drinks, had a cigarette with the models on the patio, and left for more adventures on the Sunset Strip.

The experience of being somewhere you've seen on countless TV shows and in so many movies is weird. And that's how Los Angeles is to the average out-of-towner. It's weird. The way money is thrown around so carelessly in LA is unnerving to most people, and Rodeo Drive is the pinnacle and symbol of that frivolousness.

Rodeo Drive in its entirety is about 5 blocks. The shops that line the street range from Harry Winston to Versace to Gucci to Tommy Hilfiger. Most tourists don't go to Rodeo to shop, though. They go to people-watch. Everything is so expensive there, and the sales people are unbelievably snobby. I would guess that most people go just so they can say, "We went to Rodeo."

If you have the extra cash, I am sure one can do some good damage on that street. I have just never been quite that fortunate. But the experience of being there and walking the street in the sun, just like Julia Roberts did in Pretty Woman, make it worthwhile.