The joys of travel!

I recently packed my suitcases for a few sunny days in Los Angeles. Having interviewed movie stars, celebrities, and interesting people in the fashion business there on prior visits, it was great to again absorb the energy of this diverse and exciting city.

The 'creme-de-la-creme' of shopping is of course on Rodeo Drive, in Beverly Hills. Just three blocks long, it is brimming with international designers - like Giorgio, Armani, Valentino, Versace, Bijon, Fendi, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.

Most stores are by 'appointment only'. A steady stream of 'who's-who' patrons arrive in classy, chauffeured cars - like actress Joan Collins, who pulled up to the curb in her Rolls Royce as I was crossing the street.

Personalities can browse and try on clothes, not bothered by us mere mortals. If you ever get the chance to visit one of these high-end boutiques, you will find them exquisitely decorated - and yes, the staff a tad snooty!

This trip was a little melancholic for me. Fred Hayman, a dear friend of mine, retired a few years ago, and his renowned boutique at 273 Rodeo Drive had since changed hands (now Louis Vuitton). It was where many stars came to be outfitted, from head to toe.

Around Oscar time, he used to fly to Europe to select his gorgeous and stunning collection of clothing for nominees and presenters. Most were simply breathtaking! One year I actually got to try on a strapless magenta ball-gown - I felt like Cinderella!

If you are star-searching, you may find a celeb or two sipping a cappuccino in the outdoor restaurants just off Rodeo Drive. At Cafe Roma, I once had the pleasure of interviewing Zsa Zsa Gabor (another, earlier "Life Style" article).

As for trendy shops in L.A., the byword is still Melrose Avenue - for the hip and funky, and not cheap! The famous also shop on Melrose Avenue - evident by the scores of Harley Davidson motorcycles, antique cars and sporty Porsches parked on the street. (I expected to see Jay Leno, from the "Tonight Show", leaving an auto accessory store.)