The Top 3 Pilates Studios in City West

Living in Downtown LA can feel like a workout in itself some days. But, in the big picture, it’s really important in our day and age to stay active, think of our posture (raise your hand if you sit at a desk on the computer more time than not!) and get out and move. If you are looking to build up your core, build a better posture and have people noticing how toned you are looking, consider Pilates. Pilates was discovered by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, and was designed to strengthen one’s self with proper alignment and breathing techniques.

While it can feel like a challenge as you enter these intense workouts, most begin to see results after 6 sessions. Whether you are brand new or a pro, we decided to round up some of the best Pilates studios here and around City West. Read on and get going on your hundred!

If you are looking to start a bit on the slower side, the classes at Club Pilates tend to be on the slower-paced side, except for their cardio sculpt class. While the cardio sculpt class BURNS and is basically a level 2 class, several other classes like their Foundation class will be ideal.

Club Pilates studios are some of the most well-equipped studios around, our Hope Street location included. Each class will utilize different equipment depending on the instructor and class level!

If you want a studio that is hip, fresh and classy, with killer views of Downtown LA to boot, check out The Main Barre on Main Street. They’ve got an incredible and very knowledgeable staff of skilled instructors who encourage and motivate while pushing everyone to do their best.  They are also said to be great with first time students so newbies should feel very welcome and comfortable.

Ever tried Aerial Yoga, or how about a post-massage after Pilates? Well, then, check out The Bridge Mind Body Movement here in City West. Another Pilates studio with a fantastic staff, The Movement is a beautiful studio with such good energy and has everything you could want in classes but also popular sessions like myofascial release therapy and reike. Everybody raves that they always leave their Pilates classes feeling strong and flexible.
And, this is just a few to get you started. Downtown LA and our City West is bursting with terrific Pilates studios and, what a great time to get in shape with the holidays practically here! Tell us about your progress on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Top 4 Boutiques in Downtown LA

When you live in Downtown LA, there is really no reason to do your retail therapy or shopping ventures to the common chain stores. One walk down any of our streets quickly shows you that there is such a wide array of shops awaiting for you to get that next pair of sunglasses or your wok outfit at. We thought it was time we share with you some of our favorite boutiques to hit up here in Downtown LA.  Enjoy, and get ready to shop til you drop!

Please Do Not Enter

Don’t let their cryptic store name fool you, one walk into Please Do Not Enter and be prepared to be hooked from this day forward. From their one-of-a-kind progressive men’s luxury retail to their exquisite jewelry for both men and women, this is a gorgeous boutique in Downtown LA. Please Do Not Enter took up shop in an exhibition space in the heart of Downtown back in 2014 and  is waiting for you to discover their eclectic array of exclusive, carefully selected and timeless contemporary goods. From design to art and fashion, each piece has a unique story behind it that the founders, Nicolas Libert and Emmanuel Renoird, are longing to tell you.

From their website:

“Please Do Not Enter is the promise of a destination that exceeds today’s luxury consumers’ expectations. Step away from frantic shopping for brands and hype trends. Rather, sneak in “Please do not enter” ‘s private space, discover a genuinely subjective collection, an ode to modern life, where pleasing the eye goes hand in hand with timeless quality and functionality.”

Vertigo

Another incredible Downtown LA boutique is Vertigo, which was founded in 1984 and has made its way from Paris to our own City of Angels. An ideal boutique for casual work clothes, they also have several fashion options on hand for a night out on the town or for glamming up a bit for post-work drinks with your buddies!

Six Hundred

Six Hundred Boutique on Spring Street may not be the largest shop you have ever visited, but, trust us: they fit a mighty fine collection within their small quarters! Known for posh female apparel, another reason Six Hundred is a favorite for Downtown LA is their children’s collection. In a pinch for a birthday gift or baby shower? Definitely stop by Six Hundred!

Acne Studios

It doesn’t get more modern than Acne Studios on Broadway in LA. With a bustling coffee house, grab a latte in between buying such modern-chic items like skinny black jeans, or, make a throwback statement with their 80’s collections. Known for some of the best denim in the world, this Danish based boutique is a staple of Downtown LA and loved by many. Step into their world and see why.
So, tell us, where will your next shopping spree be to? Give us the skinny (jeans?) on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

The 4 Best Brunch Spots in The Financial District

Who does not await a weekend brunch? Something may be wrong with you if you do not. We know we do. Luckily for us, living in Downtown LA and being whistling distance from our infamous Financial District, we thought it was time to share with you our top picks for brunch in our Financial District. We have had our faves for a while, but, we were keeping them a secret. We trust you. Enjoy!

LA Chapter

Once you walk  through The Financial District’s  Ace Hotel’s lobby, you’ll fall in love with the checkered marble floors and elegant half booths lining the windows at their decadent restaurant, LA Chapter, before you even taste their fantastic cocktails and delicious food. Often said to be the best brunch in the Financial District (or anywhere in Downtown LA, for that matter), LA Chapter got their start with weekend brunch and have been serving satisfied diners with their coffee’s, mimosas and dishes ever since.

Other must-try’s is their Moroccan scramble, avocado toast and Bloody Mary’s. Writes one Yelp review, “One of the best brunch experiences I’ve had by far! The ricotta pancakes are simply amazing. Pair with a black coffee and you’re over the moon

Overall vibe and atmosphere is very casual. The staff is mega friendly, and had a great dining experience.

If you’re like me and get pancake cravings, make sure you come here because these pancakes are definitely worth it!” we second those ricotta pancakes. Just sayin’.

Blu Jam Café

A local favorite throughout Los Angeles, Blu Jam’s Spring Street location is always jammed (see what we did there?) but, well worth the often long weekend wait. Whether you want to go griddle crazy on their crunchy French toast and pancakes, or select a more healthy approach with their protein and egg white scrambles, Blu Jam truly has something for a brunch in the Financial District for everyone; keeping it allergen friendly with gluten free and vegan symbols.

Otium

Oh, Otium. Where do we begin? From their Cold Brew Martini to beers on tap and the traditional Bloody Mary’s and mimosas, we haven’t even mentioned their brunch! We adore their Hoe Cake and pork loin, as well as the more traditional eats like scrambles and crispy potatoes. Often, their special of the week is bacon French toast; that is a sure way to get your Sunday Fun Day off to a grand beginning!

Poppy and Rose

“Seasonally Inspired, Classic American Fare” is the motto at Poppy and Rose. Another beloved brunch spot in the Financial District, Our favorites at Poppy and Roses have got to be their rib tips breakfast burrito and their buttermilk fried chicken with waffles. “Pulled Pork hash was delicious topped with a fried egg.” Writes one reviewer, “The hash was thick and cooked perfectly. The pulled pork was the most delicious part & the egg yolk completed the awesomeness!

While another boasts, “Fried Chicken and waffles…best in the world! Next level from Roscoe’s. The fried chicken is what edges Roscoe’s out. Great service and people too!”
When the weekend rolls around, keep these brunch spots in mind to venture over to the Financial District, and let us know what you’re enjoying on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

3 of the Best Craft Beer Spots in South Park

We think it’s safe to say that Downtown LA and Los Angeles in general has made their mark on the map for some of the best craft beers and breweries around. The South Park district of DTLA is thriving with must-see (and drink) breweries. We are also loving this movement of spend the day at a brewery; start your day with terrific coffee and pastries, then check out the evening craft menus and apps! Read on to discover a few of our picks for when the feeling strikes for a cold one (which has been a lot lately, given our weather). Enjoy and drink responsibly!

Mega Bodega

“Come Early, Stay Late” is the motto at Mega Bodega. As it becomes a fast trend in Downtown LA to be half a coffee shop, half a brewery, Mega Bodega is one of the pioneers within this fun niche. After you stop by in the morning for coffee and donuts, return after work with your boo’s to have  12 crafts are always on tap, and, just in-case you want to mix it up, they have their day menu available all day, too!

Mikkeller

Mikkeller is one of the newest (and fantastic) craft beer gems located in the South Park area of Downtown LA. With a slew of beers on tap starting at 45 degrees and going down from there, Mikkleller understands the importance of “A Cold One”.

“Very cool bar located in Downtown LA.” Writes a happy Yelp-er, “I visited on a Monday night after a group run. Mondays and Tuesdays are flight night. Pick any 4 drinks for only $15. I recommend you try the fries…they add a very delicious red wine seasoning. Plenty of seating at both the bar and tables.” While parking can be difficult (where is it not difficult in Downtown LA?!), if snag a golden ticket, parking is free after 8pm.

Bonaventure Brewing Co.

We love the Bonaventure for the ambiance while we eat and drink among the LA skyline. Their outdoor patio is one of the best while enjoying your craft beer overlooking South Park and Downtown LA.  Their staff rocks and keeps the beer flowing and is extremely knowledgeable. Psst, their strawberry blonde is the bomb. So is their calamari and juicy steaks.
And, this is just a start. If we missed a spot you love to head to for some craft beer in South Park, let us know on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!