Top 10, once again

10. Melrose – Although it may be kind of cliché to hang out on this stretch of trendy shops and eateries, it is undeniably cool. Vinyl record stores, vintage for the masses, a rockabilly barbershop—it’s where hip hop and rock and roll congregate.

9. Raquel Zimmermann – She is the newest face of Chanel eyewear. I’ve always loved her on runways, but she has just recently started catching my eye in ad campaigns and editorials. Plus I’m in love with her billboard that stands over Sunset Plaza.

8. Port wine – It makes me feel like I’m a character in “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie”.

7. Hyperion Tavern – Aside from having guitar-hero Wednesdays and shelves of encyclopedias as walls, this place is just a kickass hangout. They serve 4 kinds of beer and nothing else—and only take cash. It’s a total dive, hidden to the side of a sleepy street in Silver Lake, so it’s not too ‘scene’.

6. French Connection Spring Collection – The colors! The shapes! Oh, the femininity!

5. Trader Joe’s – Puts all other grocery stores to shame.

4. Philip Lim – He is my favourite designer of the moment. His clothes are for the quirky girly girl. The Spring 2007 collection has already put me in debt, but his Fall 2007 collection, which debuted last February, looks even more delectable.

3. Instead of Hearts – Solo project of my very good friend Meg. Her voice is chilling. Check her out at www.myspace.com/insteadofhearts. She’s also got a rough demo of a song she’s working on with illgill.

2. Barneys Co-Op – This boutique version of the ritzy department store has found a new home at The Grove, and my eyes couldn't possibly be happier. While the pickings are slightly less opulent than the famed Barneys (think Chanel, Balenciaga, YSL), the Co-Op's racks full of See by Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Graham & Spencer are nothing short of dreamy and ogle-worthy. Not to mention easier on my credit card (but not really).

1. Griddle Café – Most diners are open 24/7, right? Not the Griddle. It closes at 4pm which means this place is a mob scene all day, and getting a table can be harder than not making fun of the LA club dudes and chicks that come here in their best shoes and shades. But the good eats and hunky waiters are totally worth the wait. Cheesecake french toast anyone?