A Hot Girl’s Guide to LA
By Natalie McCarty
You’ve likely seen it plastered all over our social media feeds by now: Gut Instinct has gone Hollywood!
That’s right, Gut Instinct had an LA takeover this past weekend, and let me tell you, the meetup was everything you’d imagine and more. Think photobooths, high heels, lipstick, museum visits, Kate Spade bags at the Getty, coffee shop hangouts, and “it girl” dinners…
We’ve curated all the trendiest spots in our very own “Hot Girl’s Guide to LA.”
AppleDoll
As a native of Los Angeles, I rarely find myself venturing out to Venice. But that’s all about to change after our recent excursion down Abbott Kinney Blvd. It instantly transported me back to the vibe of New York, with stores lined up one after the other, reminiscent of Soho (complete with a Cha Cha Matcha on the block).
As we strolled along this charming street (and happened to pass Jess’ mom’s house from Gilmore Girls — I’m still impressed by how quickly I recognized it), our original plan was to visit AppleDoll.
However, amidst a street-wide power outage, a detour to Erewhon, and a roundabout journey back, our experience at the store, thanks to manager Omar and the dedicated team, turned out to be the highlight of our trip.
Their AppleDoll branded photobooth, the oldest analog photobooth in the LA area, proved to be a unique and memorable experience. So, for those eager to give it a try, gather your friends, bring $5, and make your way down to Venice.
Not only is the store itself stunning, but their makeup collection is truly exquisite. With a wide range of merchandise, from hoodies to tanks, enamel pins to lighters, posters, and stickers, it’s effortless to find a few cute items and embrace the AppleDoll aesthetic yourself.
SUR Restaurant and Lounge
One spot that quickly became a favorite for us was the infamous SUR Restaurant. As avid fans of Vanderpump Rules, simply stepping foot into the restaurant was exciting, but the atmosphere took it to a whole new level.
The DJ they had hired that night was genuinely one of the best I’ve ever heard, seamlessly pulling hit after hit. We found ourselves drawn from the disco-covered bar into the restaurant, which not only exuded stunning aesthetics but also radiated warmth and coziness.
The six of us had an absolute blast — good music and a vibrant atmosphere can truly elevate any experience. We could have easily stayed there all night.
Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of gluten-free options on the menu. Despite my numerous allergies, I refrained from taking any risks, but our server was incredibly accommodating and understanding. So, hopefully, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Delilah
Funny enough, it was actually my Phoenix team who clued me in on Delilah, despite me being the one who lives in LA. Apparently, it’s a hotspot frequented by celebrities like Saltburn co-stars, Jacob Elordi, Barry Keoghan, and Sabrina Carpenter.
However, on that particular Friday night, Delilah played host to Gut Instinct. Dining there truly makes you feel like a celebrity; they’re so exclusive, they don’t even allow photos. Picture-perfect ambiance with only candlelight, accompanied by live jazz singers, Delilah’s signature matchboxes, and an extensive menu, our dinner on our first night out in West Hollywood was undeniably memorable.
Described on their website as “bring[ing] a modern approach to the vibes of the roaring ’20s with American cuisine and Art Deco characteristics. Eating, drinking, and dancing converge in this luxury space and are tastefully crafted so you can repeat all three without ever skipping a beat. Live performers & surprise acts with lounge-style bottle service following dinner hours.” It certainly sums it up exactly.
The experience is pricy, but certainly worth it for the treatment you get. Definitely would recommend to all LA natives or vistors to check Delilah out at some point. It just might be the closest to Old Hollywood as it gets these days.
The Getty Center
I’ve always been a huge admirer of the Getty Museum. While they also have the Getty Villa in Malibu, which is definitely on the agenda for our next Gut Instinct LA visit, the Getty Center offers the most breathtaking view of LA imaginable.
Their rotating special exhibits are consistently captivating — this current one is a bit avant-garde, focusing on all things blood-related and about drawing on blue — but it’s their collection of ancient Roman statues and marble carvings that truly leave you in awe. With significant pieces spanning every era, there’s simply nothing quite like it.
During my time at New York University, where I pursued a degree in Media, Culture, and Communications, I frequented all the NYC museums, with the MOMA being a favorite. While each museum has its own unique allure, what I’ve always appreciated about both Gettys is their ability to transport you not only through the beauty of art but also through architecture and their meticulously curated gardens.
The Getty Museum will forever hold a special place in my heart as one of my favorite spots in LA, and I’m thrilled we all had the opportunity to experience it together.
While there’s plenty more we experienced, the real essence of any city, be it LA or elsewhere, lies in its people. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have friends as fun, incredible, and creative as this bunch.
Our LA trip is undeniably one to remember!
Until our next adventure,
