Los Angeles, CA

One of my favorite 80’s movies is Trading Places.  One of the best moments in the film is when the cocksure commodity broker, Louis Winthorpe III (played by Dan Akroyd) is ass-kissed by his co-worker who shouts in passing, “Lookin’ good, Louis!” to which Winthorpe fires back, “FEELIN’ GOOD, TODD!!” 

I don’t know what made me think of that movie today but this post is dedicated to helping Angelenos capture some of that self-loving arrogance of Louis Winthorpe III for dirt poor Billy Ray prices. 

 LOOKIN’ GOOD!!!:

I tend to think of Chantell (7309 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046) as the OG boutique of cheap, cute clothes.  Way before Sarah Jessica Parker’s Bitten (8487 West Third St., Los Angeles,CA), way before H&M hit the westside, even before Diane Von Fürstenberg sued Forever 21…there was Chantell.  My friends and I have always referred to Chantell as ‘that place by The Groundlings.’  It’s hidden away at the very end of the trendy shopping strip on Melrose, you may have to get in your car and drive a few blocks but it’s worth it.  I still have clothes in heavy rotation that I bought from Chantell three years ago. 

FEELIN’ GOOD!!!:

This is a no brainer — take a free yoga class at Runyon Canyon (10:30am to 11:30am) offered every day in the grassy area at the Fuller Ave. entrance.  Then take a hike up Runyon and have the socks charmed right off of you by the happiest dogs in LA running around hiking with their owners.  Seriously, this activity will eat up a month’s worth of endorphins. 

Pick up a bottle of Luna Di Luna at the Golden Rule Liquor Mart (7753 Santa Monica Blvd - Los Angeles, CA).  It’s an amazing bottle of wine priced less than $15.  I haven’t been able to find it anywhere else except at Golden Rule and often trek from Los Feliz to West Hollywood to pick it up….

pairing suggestions: Nicky D’s Pizza ( 2764 Rowena Ave., LA 90029, 323-664-3333)  and a good 80’s flick.