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Lisa Borgnes Giramonti: Artist + Blogger, A Bloomsbury Life

Celebrated Blogger and Embroiderer, Lisa Borgnes Giramonti Shares An Inspiring LA Footprint

ELAINE SAYS: In her own words, Lisa Borgnes Giramonti loves, "...to look at Los Angeles through an old world lens." And what a thoughtful and inspiring way to experience LA! So, next time you have a friend in town who appreciates a little, "Old School with New Spin," you've got yourself an itinerary. Here, Lisa shares her, "show a friend LA-List." But reader beware...your house guest may not want to leave! Try it yourself and neither will you! PS: Lisa is also a talented embroiderer as described here by lister, Maya Brenner

Posted on October 25th, 2011

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Morning Hike to the Hollywood Sign VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Hollywood Sign 3204 Canyon Lake Drive, Los Angeles [hollywood] Start your day with a Morning Hike up Beachwood Canyon to the Hollywood Sign, built in 1923. It’s a great hour-ish hike with views stretching from downtown all the way to the Pacific Ocean…and you’ll be hard-pressed to get any closer to this landmark piece of Hollywood history.
Breakfast at Little Doms VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Little Doms 2128 Hillhurst Avenue, Los Angeles [silverlake] Have breakfast at Little Dom’s on Hillhurst in Los Feliz. It’s well-known for its nighttime scene, but mornings there are still sleepy and casual. Sit outside, order their breakfast pizza and take in the neighborhood one sip of espresso at a time.
Check out an "Only In Hollywood" auction VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Bonnhams and Butterfields 7601 W Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles [West Hollywood] Stop by the venerated, Bonham’s and Butterfield auction house -- every month, they hold a Sunset Estate sale comprised of fabulous antiques from some of Hollywood’s most storied homes. I’m still kicking myself over the chandelier from Rudolph Valentino’s “Falcon Lair” that sold for $80. Yes, really.
Shop Some Unique and Memorable Showrooms Swoop in for some inspiration at my favorite designer showrooms which fuse classic style with bohemian nonchalance: Peter Dunham’s Hollywood at Home, Maison Naturale, George Smith, Nicky Kehoe, Empiric Studio, Nathan Turner and for rugs that will floor you, Rugs and Art on Robertson. Ask Sammy the owner to show you his "remnants" pile...perfect for small spaces like landings and bathrooms (and very affordable).
Discuss Your Lust List Over Lunch VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Cecconi's 8764 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood [weho]After all that home shopping, relax over lunch on the patio at Cecconi's. Formerly the site of Morton’s (and their fabled Oscar party), this chic boite looks like London by way of St. Tropez and yet feels thoroughly LA. Ask the bartender for a Dolce Vita cocktail (or go early Sunday morning and spread out with a complimentary copy of The London Times and a full English breakfast.).
Show Your Friends Some Style at South Willard VISIT WEBSITE| LOCATION: South Willard 8038 West Third Street, Los Angeles [3rd] Hit South Willard for a tight collection of clothing and accessories that embraces an ethos of “traditional-with-a-twist.” One of my favorite English designers, Margaret Howell, is carried here as well as the Penhaligon’s cologne that was Winston Churchill’s favorite: Blenheim Bouquet, a classic mix of citrus, musk, lavender and wood-panelled libraries. One whiff and you’ll want to curl up on a battered leather couch with a tumbler of port and reread “Howards End.”
Get a Literary Fix at Counterpoint Books VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Counterpoint Books 5911 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles [franklin village]Counterpoint Books on Franklin is the resting place for some of the most interesting private libraries of Old Hollywood. I can’t tell you the treasures I’ve picked up here: Cecil Beaton’s diaries, early Evelyn Waugh novels, eccentric biographies. And all at super reasonable prices.
A House Tour With History: Old Los Feliz VISIT WEBSITE| LOCATION: Los FelizTake a self-guided house tour of Old Hollywood (Cecil B. DeMille, Carole Lombard Charlie Chaplin, Basil Rathbone) and new (Gwen Stefani, Kirstie Alley, Michael Feinstein, Brad Pitt and more) have all been attracted to this 1920’s neighborhood whose architectural style ranges from Frank Lloyd Wright Aztec to Spanish villa to Tudor castle and more.
Laissez-Faire Glamour At It's Best VISIT WEBSITE| LOCATION: Chatteau Marmont 8221 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood [weho] Make a reservation for dinner on the patio at Chateau Marmont for laissez-faire glamour and great people-watching. There’s not many hotels outside of Europe that can nail that Old World charm – the Chateau makes it look effortless.
End The Night Under The Stars At The Griffith Park Observatory VISIT WEBSITE | LOCATION: Griffith Parth Observatory 2800 E Observatory Avenue, Los Angeles [los feliz] Wrap up the evening with a visit to the Griffith Park Observatory (open until 10pm). Built in 1935, renovated in 2006, it’s a stellar shrine to all that glitters in Hollywood. Stand on the viewing platform and gaze at the sea of lights both above and beneath you – and then pop that bottle of champagne.