LUXE was lucky to snag a few minutes with Tash Sefton, Australian fashion maven and one half of online style sensation TheyAllHateUs, which she created with best friend Elle Ferguson.
Now 11 years strong, TAHU is the go-to for its tight edit of covetable threads (including their own designer line), must-have ‘It’ items and interiors – Tash and Elle are also hosts of Aussie TV show Style Squad. Globetrotting Tash visits Los Angeles so frequently, she counts it as her ‘home away from home’. Here she shares her personal tips on the top spots to eat, sleep, shop, and people watch, but natch.
What’s your connection with Los Angeles?
Being a [fashion] buyer for most of my career I would spend 3 months a year travelling all over the world sourcing new brands and researching trends. LA was the city I would spend the most time and has become one of my favourite places. The climate and vibe is very similar to Sydney except it’s much more glamourous. And there is something about the beach vs the hills I became addicted to. It’s possibly the worst place to go on a holiday or be a tourist due to the spread-out nature of the location – the best thing to do there is shop, eat and hang out. I have learnt to love it and all its LA-ness.
How does LA compare with Sydney?
I find the trends and the brands from LA are very in sync with Australia except when True Religion was a thing – it’s a little too bling for Aussie girls. We love showing skin, are health obsessed and there are similarities with the laid-back vibe.
What’s the first thing you do on arrival?
Pick up a hire car from Avis – you can’t do LA without a car.
Where do you like to stay?
My favourite is The Beverly Hills Hotel – it’s everything you can image and more. Rock-n- roll-meets-rapper-meets-Hollywood-glam. The Peninsula Beverly Hills is the best if you want to stay somewhere elegant and expensive. Mr C Hotel I really like as it’s simple and lovely. The rooms are really light and I love how you can get Cipriani’s as room service.
What’s your typical LA uniform?
Denim shorts, as it’s always warm in LA, even in winter. You have to have a designer handbag or you’ll be the only person walking the streets without one – the bigger the better! Angelenos are obsessed with our style here in Sydney and love our casual approach to dressing, so I wear Australian brands.
Favourite eateries?
Craigs if you want to see a Kardashian – head here, it’s actually very cool. Freds on the top floor of Barneys, The Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel does the best cobb salad, martinis and is amazing people watching. I was going to Urth Caffé on Melrose before it became famous in Entourage, and I still love it.
Where’s the place to mingle with the LA crowd?
Cafe Midi is next to a fave store American Rag. The cafe looks a little touristy but they make the best salads and crab cakes. I have seen so many major celebrities there – though kind of undercover as if you wouldn’t notice them (ie no make up, local vibe). A few weeks ago I sat next to Jane Fonda and asked her to pass me the salt.
What are the Los Angeles must-buys?
Mickey Mouse ears from DisneyLand (or just go into the huge Disney store in Santa Monica if you need to pretend), a Star Map, denim (most of the best American denim brands come out of LA) – try Fred Segal on Melrose as they have a great range; luggage as you will need it for all the shopping you will do!
Favourite spots to shop?
It’s impossible to name just one shop, so here’s my list…
Indigo Seas: I really have to hold back at this store, there are such amazing unique pieces
Barneys. Make sure you eat upstairs at Freds and valet your car as watching the scene unfold while you wait for you car is the best! barneys.com
I love the Lumber Yard shopping mall in Malibu as it’s really private and has a great local vibe. The Grove is also easy and has everything in one place.
Maxfield has so much inspiration from things you can afford, to things you really can’t afford. maxfieldla.com
Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice is a nice street for shopping – kind of hippy meets cool vibe. abbotkinneyblvd.com
What Goes Around Comes Around in Beverly Hills for wonderful vintage! Ask to see the private shopping area out the back – this is where the VIP treasures are! whatgoesaroundnyc.com
The Rose Bowl markets in Pasadena. Not really LA but worth a visit! And the people watching is the best part. rosebowlstadium.com
Jetting off to La-La-Land? Don’t forget to nab a copy of the the LUXE Guide to Los Angeles…
