Ramona Saviss

Call us old-fashioned, but we like our haunted places in L.A. authentic. We’re not talking about manufactured scares at haunted houses; we searched the spookiest nabes for horror hot spots—and consulted our friends over at Ghost Hunters of Urban Los Angeles (GHOULA). Founder Richard Carradine has been collecting tales of L.A. haunted spots for years, and used to host monthly Spirits with Spirits mixers (at some of the city’s spookiest venues and on ghost tours) that’ve since morphed into a podcast. Ready to scare yourself silly? Here’s your handy guide to the 13 most haunted places in L.A., including a Hollywood theater, a notorious Downtown hotel and a Long Beach oceanliner where ghosts of the past still rattle a few chains. 

Sure, liquor’s been legal since Prohibition’s end, and there’s no practical use for smuggling hooch in basement bars post-1933, but there’s still something sleek about a speakeasy—especially in an age where everything is on full display across social media, removing all the mystery. Fortunately, L.A. keeps a bit of the playful, adventurous, seek-and-ye-shall-find spirit going thanks to the city’s oldest bars and modern-day spots tucked into corners as video stores, hotels, barber shops and anything else you need to explore to find the door. What defines a speakeasy? Some of L.A.’s top examples are shifting and adapting: Even K-town’s beloved pirate-themed speakeasy, R Bar, ditched its passwords a few years ago, and now it’s just a bar—nothing wrong with that, though, let’s be clear. So for the purposes of this list, we whittled the criteria. Every bar on this list has an entrance that’s physically hidden or unmarked, whether it’s a door within a restaurant or in a basement, or the door is actually a bed that flips around to reveal a secret staircase. You’ve got to be in the know to find these top-notch cocktail dens. Once you’ve unlocked these great bars, you’ll usually find burlesque, live jazz, vinyl nights and other secrets waiting to be discovered. Hit the town like it’s 1922 for our city’s top new, old and everything-in-between speakeasies.

The most socially acceptable way to drink before noon, bottomless brunch wasn’t invented in L.A., but we’ve certainly perfected the sport of pairing our bacon and eggs with a side of sugary, great-tasting booze. For the weekends when you’re not headed to the hiking trails or getting away from the city, these restaurants are ready to fill your cup with sparkling white wine and orange juice, plus Aperol Spritzes, Bloody Marys, margaritas, sangria and rosé. They may not all offer the best brunch (we’ve got a separate list for that) or brunch with a side of drag, but these eateries faithfully serve the best drink deals for those hoping to day drink on special occasions—even if the occasion is just the weekend. Find yourself a designated driver, remember to stay hydrated and party on at these weekend brunch spots from the Westside to the Valley.

The women in your life should be celebrated every day, and so too should these women-owned businesses. Whether you want to join in on International Women’s Day festivities or simply shop local, consider supporting these L.A. spots—including a Westside workout, a HiFi bar and a budding taco empire. Just a reminder: If you’re able to head out in person, please make sure to check out each store beforehand as times and opening status may vary given the current state and city health guidelines. Otherwise, get out there and shop these local spots to help support and celebrate the women who back them.

Hollywood may seem like a tourist trap for tourists and natives alike. It’s one of those Los Angeles attractions like Disneyland (except it’s not), that is on everyone’s must-see list. The shopping options at the mega complex are your typical chain stores: Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, Hot Topic—need we say more? Stop in to these Hollywood stores for unique shopping experiences and finds. They’re close enough to Hollywood and Highland so that you could potentially walk—but then again, don’t walk, you’re in L.A.

Not quite in a relationship and not quite single? We understand. You’ve met someone and just when you’re still getting used to writing 2016 as the year, all of a sudden it’s Valentine’s Day. What do you do when you just want to be friends? Or when you want a lot more? Or if you just met and have no idea where it’s going? Instead of heading to the best lingerie stores (too intimate), sex shops (too soon) or chocolate shops (too predictable), choose one of these Valentine’s Day gifts for that “it’s complicated” person in your life. RECOMMENDED: Find more Valentine’s Day ideas // var vglnk = { key: 'b1dd7a2b35c8ab61d18b653f5d33bbe2' };    (function(d, t) {     var s = d.createElement(t); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true;     s.src = '//cdn.viglink.com/api/vglnk.js';     var r = d.getElementsByTagName(t)[0]; r.parentNode.insertBefore(s, r);    }(document, 'script')); //

Born and raised in L.A.? You’re a special (read: native) breed, one who culls awe and respect not only from transplants who just moved here, but also folks who identify as “true-blue Angelenos,” but were really born in Ohio. You, on the other hand, have L.A. pride in your blood. You ventured to Hollywood with fake IDs; you remember when Downtown was less hip, more scary; you’ve seen the City of Angels grow, change and stay the same. Here’s our list of things only true Angeleno natives can relate to.

Heading to L.A.’s Chinatown? Use this as your go-to guide for shopping—from unique art-inspired boutiques to old-school neighborhood shops—because no matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. Unlike nearby neighborhoods such as Highland Park, Echo Park and Los Feliz, Chinatown is an L.A. hub that you may need help discovering. Walk through the historic streets and see it like a local with this guide to the best shops—so you don’t miss on the great stores hidden in and out of the arcades. RECOMMENDED: Things to do in Chinatown

A candy store is one of those whimsical, colorful shops in Los Angeles that we wish were on every street corner. Sure, we've got ice cream, pie and macarons to satisfy our everyday sugar cravings, but sometimes they just don't cut it—sometimes even a stop in a chocolatier won't do. To find festive candy and nostaglic-retro sweets like Abba-Zaba, Big Cherry and Good News bars, and even Scandinavian treats, head to these top candy shops.

A trip to Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without a little celebrity spotting. Stars in L.A. are practically everywhere, all the time, and for the most part, they’re used to being gawked at. But if you want to avoid looking like a tourist (we’re talking to you, Star Tours bus riders!), we suggest you eat, shop, drink and play among the stars in their natural habitats—a mix of attractions and restaurants and bars (make your reservations now). We give you: L.A.’s top celebrity hangouts. Now... just act natural.

You've probably visited a Persian restaurant before and had no idea whether the food you were eating was authentic Iranian fare or just an Americanized version. Problem solved: We've found the best Persian food in L.A. at these top restaurants serving kabob, stews and rice dishes. Persian food is one of the best cuisines to pick if you're dining with a large group: whether you're an adventurous foodie who searches out Armenian pastries, a vegetarian or a vegan, there's something for everyone on an extensive Persian restaurant menu. Once you've tried the real deal at these top spots around L.A.—many, of course, located in and around Persian Square in Westwood—we're sure you'll be coming back for more.  

It doesn't have to be Hannukah for you to enjoy the best latkes in Los Angeles. You can find these potato pancakes at some of the expected Jewish spots plus a few surprising restaurants, from Fairfax Village to Downtown and everywhere in between. The crispy latkes come in a variety of flavors (sweet potato, zucchini and more) and many are available to go. RECOMMENDED: L.A.'s best kosher restaurants

In the small alleyway behind Paty’s Diner and next to Michael’s on Riverside, there’s a tiny red door (get it?) that leads to one of the Valley’s best-kept secrets. With dark red booths and silent movies playing on the wall, the vibe at the Red Door is more subdued than rowdy, and that’s exactly why we like it. There is a food menu, but it’s pricey, so eat beforehand, and come ready to drink some excellently-made cocktails.

Before the rise of fitness studios on every corner and Pelotons in every living room, Nonna Gleyzer established her independent studio in a nondescript building on Sunset Boulevard. The pilates trainer to stars from Samuel L. Jackson to Gisele Bündchen, Gleyzer has since been named by “The World’s Best Pilates Instructor” by Forbes. She uniquely uses her background in gymnastics to train her clients and transform bodies but also heals with therapeutic bodywork to make sure her patrons are healthy above all else.

L.A. photographer and prop stylist Danae Horst took her passion for plants and started Folia Collective. The botanical Eagle Rock shop focuses on leafy indoor evergreens and items for plant lovers including home and garden accessories plus interior design services.

Getting to Coachella is one thing. Packing for Coachella is another. Whether you’re flying into LAX and driving a car or traveling like a pop star with no time to waste via a private jet, knowing what to pack (TSA-friendly or not) remains top priority. Prep for the weekend with desert-friendly products from all over the world including a French mineral mist to a Korean foundation that doubles up as sunscreen with SPF 50+. Hydrating Facial Mist Revive your skin against the dry heat with Avene Thermal Spring Water spray ($9) because dry skin is not a good look. Pack it in your backpack for the fest and use all day to rehydrate, calm and neutralize your skin’s pH for an Instagram-ready visage 24/7. A must have for French girl skin.  SPF 50 sunscreen spray Instead of lathering on sunscreen, try an easy-to-apply sunscreen such as Coola’s travel-sized sport SPF 50 ($36). It's an unscented spray that goes on easily without getting your hands greasy. The brand uses anti-aging antioxidants and organic ingredients to protect against the sun and the travel size won’t take up too much space, but will last you all weekend. Blow-dry in a bottle Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk ($10) may just be the answer to our festival-going prayers. Perfect for travel, this small-but-mighty dry shampoo cleanses the hair, while not leaving it sticky or stiff. For those with lighter hair color, it even comes in a natural tint that won’t leave your hair with white residue. Aburatorigami Japanese beauty p

Memorial Day 2015 is just around the corner. Whether you're planning to spend your three-day weekend at the beach, park, or watching an outdoor movie, end the weekend with a new wardrobe thanks to these epic sales. Shop for wallet-friendly discounts at some of our favorite local stores hosting Memorial Day sales—many held throughout the entire weekend. AG Jeans: Use discount code FF2015 when shopping online or at any full-price store for 25 percent off retail. When shopping at an AG Jeans outlet store, buy two of any item and save 20 percent, or buy three and save 30 percent off. (Thursday-Monday) Aldo: Take 25 percent off ladies sandals and men's casual shoes, plus handbags and accessories in-store. (Thursday-Sunday) Current/Elliott, Joie and Equipment: Score an additional 20 percent off sale items both in-store and online using the code: MD2015. (Thursday-Monday) Joseph: Shop for deep discounts with 50 percent off all sale merchandise in store. (Saturday) Junk Food Clothing Co.: Stock up on men's, women's, and kids vintage style tees for up to 30 percent off retail price, both in store and online. (Thursday-Monday) Lorna Jane: Take 30 percent off sale prices in store. (Friday-Monday) Mr. Kate: Shop for 30 percent off site-wide plus free shipping on all US orders. (Saturday-Monday) Myrtle: Score 25 percent off the entire store (and online with code SUMMERFLING). (Thursday-Monday) Ted Baker: Take 30 percent off in store and online. (Friday-Monday)   Looking for more things to

LA is filled with a plethora of sample sales, but rarely do three major shopping events fall on one weekend. There's no need to wait for the Memorial Day sales next week—head to these events for a weekend filled with finding bargains and scoring a new spring wardrobe. 1. Gilt City Warehouse Sale: What: Shop this legendary sale at Siren Studios in Hollywood for up to 80% off designer apparel and accessories. We're talking high-fashion brands such as Zac Posen, Helmut Lang, Carolina Herrera, Missoni, Vera Wang and more. Where: Siren Studios, 6063 W Sunset Blvd When: Friday-Sunday, Times vary   2. OCRF's Super Saturday: What: Shop 'til you drop alongside celebs at this day-long designer charity sale that started in the Hamptons. The sale offers luxe fashion, beauty and home items for a fraction of the suggested retail price; all proceeds from the event will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). Where: The Barker Hangar When: Saturday, 11am-5pm   3. Artists & Fleas One Year Anniversary: What: Celebrating their first anniversary in LA, this flea market-meets-craft fair based in the Downtown Arts District is putting on a spectacle to honor the occasion. Shop a hand-selected roster of local designers, vintage collectors, crafty artisans and food trucks, alongside more than 2,500 Angelenos looking for a fun thing to do this weekend. Where: Mateo St between 6th and 7th Sts in the Downtown Arts District When: Saturday and Sunday, 11am-5pm  

Mother's Day is just days away and you're stuck without a gift? We won't give you any more grief for being a procrastinator, because your mom probably already knows all about that. Get back on her good side by gifting her one of these Mother's Day spa specials—many from the best spas in LA—perfect for a last minute gift. Moms are not be the easiest people to shop for, but if there is one thing that pretty much all moms love, it's a spa day. After a nice Mother's Day brunch, these treatments are sure to please (and pamper) your mom on her special day. Exhale Mind Body Spa: Spend time with Mom and join in on the pampering with 25% off spa services when you both book treatments together. Plus, bring your mom to a Core Fusion class for free when you take the class together. Both deals are available now through Mother's Day. Spa del Rey: Treat Mom to the special "Mother Glows Best" facial for $175, or buy her a gift certificate for 20% off of $200 or more in services at the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey's beachy in-house spa. Kinara: Moms will not only leave Kinara with glowing skin—she'll also walk out with a Red Carpet Facial Kit (a $145 value) for at-home treatmentswith any spa package over $300. Treat yo self. And by "yo self," we mean your mom. Ole Henriksen Face + Body Spa: Choose from three specials for Mother's Day, all of which include a glass of bubbly. The "Motherly Love" package ($295) includes a 25 soak, a 50 minute Oxygen Facial, plus three face creams to take home. Th

Post-Dodger game yoga is the new seventh inning stretch. Instead of waiting around for Dodger game traffic to die down, take the field and practice your downward dog. Dodger Stadium is hosting the largest yoga class ever to be held at Dodger Stadium. Join 1,000 other yogis on the field for a special practice after the Dodgers play the Rockies on Sunday, May 17. All levels are welcome and the class will be led by YogaWorks instructor Mia Togo and 20 assistants. Tickets for the yoga package are limited and start at $50. That includes a ticket to the game and a Dodger yoga mat. The practice will begin 30 minutes after the 1:10pm game, which typically lasts about three hours. Plus, at 12:30pm a YogaWorks instructor will be showing the crowd various yoga poses. While there are many only-in-LA workouts, this one definitely tops our list. And when you're done with your practice, head to these places to eat and drink near Dodger Stadium. Namaste, Dodger fans.

All those shopping bags full of clothes just sitting at the back of your closet, waiting to be dropped off at Goodwill since, um, November? Those can be gone on Saturday in the time it takes you to request an Uber. This Saturday, Uber drivers will pick up your clothing donations and donate them to Goodwill for free! You can do this in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and many more cities around the world. We know how it goes—you go to a sample sale or shopping event and after waiting in a line that wraps around the block, you feel the pressure to purchase something, anything at all. Today, that "something" you bought is now sitting in your closet collecting dust. All you have to do is edit your closet and gather all the clothes that you haven't worn in ages—no, you should not save that top for Coachella next year—and put them in a bag. Next, open the Uber app and hit "GIVE" on Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and when your Uber driver arrives, just bring out the bags. The driver will drop them off at Goodwill. The following week, you will receive an email with your tax receipt information. Weren't you waiting for the right moment to start your spring cleaning? This just might be it. Pro-tip: you might want to skip your vintage shopping routine next week and head to Goodwill instead. After this Uber event, there might be some real finds to be found.

Calling all procrastinators! May has sneaked up on us and that means summer—and Mother's Day (hint, hint)—isn't far behind. If your weekend and wallet have any wiggle room, between this weekend's other sample sales, shop these pop-ups for unique gifts for yourself and others. 1. Mercado Sagrado: If you're an impassioned lover of the earth, peace, and nature, this two-day weekend festival in the mountains is your new home away from home. Shop artwork, artisanal foods and more earthly delights. 2. LA County Store Birthday Pop-Up: This Silver Lake shop, inspired by everything local, is celebrating their one year anniversary with a pop-up market on Saturday and Sunday. Fifteen local artisans will offer a selection of their exclusive items, never seen in the store. 3. Shop for Her Pop-Up: Look for wow-factor gifts for mom this Mother’s Day, like bold engraved pendants, floral scented candles and more at the Shop For Her pop-up. Enjoy a glass of champagne, bites from Bang Bang Brunch, cool tunes, and lovely lady vendors at this downright classy women's Sunday soiree. 4. EPCF x MOCA Store Pop-Up: Shop the last full weekend of this two-month pop-up shop, featuring works from local artists and hosted by Rachel Craven and Beatrice Valenzuela of the annual Echo Park Craft Fair (EPCF). EPCF has taken over MOCA's Downtown LA campus museum shop, now through next Saturday. 5. Sachin & Babi Pop-Up: Husband-and-wife designer duo Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia are taking their namesake contemporar

Attention, shoppers, this weekend is a big one. Whether you're looking for Mother's Day gift ideas, or just looking for a new spring wardrobe, these sample sales should definitely be on your perfect weekend to-do list. Starting on Friday, head to the one-day-only Junk Food clothing sale for cool vintage-looking tees. On Saturday, head downtown early for the very hush-hush Rodarte sale (be sure to RSVP, details in the link below!). Once you're done hunting for ready-to-wear pieces from Rodarte, head to the Arts District for ZooShoo's massive warehouse sale for crazy discounts on shoes from Steve Madden, Dolce Vita and Chinese Laundry (we're talking $5-$20)! Rachel Comey will also be around the corner, hosting the brand's first-ever West Coast sample sale. And while you're downtown, check out Amsterdam-based Scotch & Soda for perfect spring clothing and accessories for men and women. If you happen to be on the other side of town during this perfect beach weather weekend, drop by Calamigos Ranch for the Otte x Calamigos blowout sale that's on through Sunday. As always, wear easy-to-slip out of shoes and comfortable clothes as most of these sample sales won't have fitting rooms. Click the links for more detailed info, like addresses and hours. What: Junk Food Clothing Co.When: FridayWhere: Venice What: Scotch & SodaWhen: Friday and SaturdayWhere: Downtown What: Rachel ComeyWhen: Friday and SaturdayWhere: Downtown What: RodarteWhen: SaturdayWhere: Downtown What: ZooShoo When: S

Heading to Coachella? Tuck into the Sephora Collection tent for free makeup, flash tattoos and more. The tent (which is located behind the beautiful temple-like gold art installation with the orange elephant) is luckily open to the public—not just VIP. Head in for an oasis of all things beauty (and AC). Unwind with fiber masks next to a faux fire pit, then reapply your makeup with an ombré lip, free contouring tutorial and a new use for eyeliner—they recommend it for body art. Pile on the trends with gold flash tattoos—popular with both men and women at this year's fest. Next, head to the hair station for bobby pin hair art with colorful pins.    Once you're done re-glamming, check out the two most popular freebies, which both may require a short wait. Grab your friends and go to the Mir Mir smile booth, featuring a filter that will make you #flawless. Before you head out, a must-stop is the beauty vending machine. Post a photo with #sephoracoachella on Instagram and the machine will dispense a Sephora Collection packet just for you containing free products like eyeliner and face masks. What's more? If you're trying to up your followers, Sephora will choose two accounts to regram each day. A vending machine that dispenses free products and possibly new followers? Count us in.  Sephora beauty vending machine at Coachella 2015           Looking for more Coachella style tips? Here's what to pack to the fest and where to wear your Coachella outfit after the festival.

Whether you just got home from Coachella, or if you're a newbie planning to go weekend two, or if this will be your sixth year in a row, here are useful tips for every festival-goer. After long days in the sun, eating stoner food, and getting lost in a sea of the same fashion trends on repeat, you learn a thing or two. After all, even festival veterans need a reminder—forgetting where you parked isn't just a rookie mistake. Here are some useful tips that will help you do Coachella right—next year or next weekend. 1. Security wants you to have fun and doesn't really care what you bring into the fest (for the most part). We speculate that they only check your bags for show. 2. Paying extra for VIP may not be worth it, but the biggest perks are the bathrooms. Oh, and the boozy ice pops from the Church Key.  3. Speaking of bathrooms, based on the porta potties we experienced and through process of elimination (see what we did there?) the majority of festival-goers were on Molly. Ladies, may we suggest packing a hot pink paper, courtesy of The Stand Up, that will help you pee standing up. It looks like this (not even kidding).       4. Saturdays are meant for pool parties during the day and heading to the festival at night. 5. If you want to go to Coachella weekend one next year, make any pop-up dinner reservations for Saturday or Sunday night because on Friday, the fest may still not have its shit together. 6. Head to the brand-sponsored tents for a little AC—and free stuff.  7.

Coachella never fails to draw in the stylish festival-goers, as seen in our street style photos from the fest. This year, there were many new trends that we spotted. And while there may never be an end to the sea of fringe, neon and crop tops, we did see flower crowns being replaced by stylish flower cat ears and flash tattoos being applied all over—including on many trendy (and bro-y) men. Here are the five trends on the rise at Coachella 2015.   1. The thigh body chain     2. Brow embellishments aka "brow-dazzle"               3. Bull nose rings   4. Flower cat ears   5. Men with flash tattoos   See more of our best photos from the fest (so far) with our Friday and Saturday recaps.

The bad news: Ludwig, one of the best shops for vintage clothing around, is closing its doors. The good news: the chic boutique (read: full of vintage designer finds) is hosting a massive everything-must-go sale, and it's serious: more than 90 percent of the store is just $20. Nope, we didn't leave off an extra zero there. A few higher-end vintage pieces will be in the back and marked mostly at $50-$100. These too-good-to-be-true prices are causing our hearts to palpitate and making us want to race over to Beverly Hills now, no matter what the traffic is like. Our top picks that are still available at Ludwig (as of this morning) include an Oscar de la Renta coat for only $20, THREE pairs of Chanel shoes for $100 each, YSL shoes for $100, a Prada purse for $100, a YSL sweater for $100 and this beautiful Christian Dior top for $100. The sale is on through Saturday, 11:30am-5:30pm, but we're sure that these items won't last. Time to cancel your afternoon meetings...