TOWIE star LYDIA BRIGHT tells FRANCINE ANKER why LA is a haven for partying, cocktails and bargain-hunting…

STRUTTING down Rodeo Drive in the California heat, Los Angeles was just how I'd pictured it.

Tall palm trees shook gently in the breeze and bikini-clad girls whizzed past on roller skates, against the backdrop of the dazzling white Hollywood letters.

My TOWIE mate Lauren Goodger and I had decided to get away for a girlie holiday before the hectic fourth season of the show hit the screens.

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So we packed our maxi-dresses, slapped on the fake tan and hopped on the plane.

I'd always had a hankering to visit the land of perfect smiles and perpetual sunshine - and the City of Angels didn't disappoint.

First up, we checked into our hotel, The Roosevelt on Hollywood Boulevard, home to the Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Our rooms were gorgeous, complete with plush bedding and vintage celebrity photos giving a glamorous Hollywood feel. The hotel has a great nightclub and a cool retro diner where we sampled the first of many generous-sized burgers.

Not great for the waistline but definitely the perfect way to begin our LA experience!

We were only staying for five days, so we wanted to pack in as much as possible.

We began with a trip to Universal Studios, a must for movie buffs, where there are film set tours, rollercoasters and numerous shops and restaurants to keep you occupied.

Among the sets to explore are War Of The Worlds, Jaws and even the creepy Bates Motel from Psycho.

The highlight, though, was a trip around the Desperate Housewives set - I loved pottering around Wisteria Lane pretending to be Eva Longoria! For thrill seekers there are plenty of rides and simulators to keep the adrenalin pumping.

Lauren, who's a bit of a wimp, even had a go on the new Simpsons ride, a virtual rollercoaster - and managed not to scream the place down.

Later we treated ourselves at the plush Ivy restaurant on Robertson Boulevard, a favourite hang-out of Paris Hilton and Christina Aguilera.

Unfortunately we didn't bump into any celebs but we did enjoy the most gorgeous lobster ravioli.

Then to round off our evening we downed a few cocktails back at the hotel nightclub.

The bar area was pure Hollywood luxury, with butter-soft leather sofas, seductive lighting and crystal chandeliers. I felt like a proper A-lister sipping my champagne.

Although it was tempting, we didn't have an all-nighter, since we wanted to make the most of the next day's activities - shopping!

I'm passionate about clothes and run my own vintage boutique, Bella Sorella, so I couldn't wait to see what treasures awaited us.

First stop was Rodeo Drive, perfect for shopaholics.

There's everything from swanky designer shops such as Gucci and Ralph Lauren to funky boutiques with quirky vintage dresses.

I treated myself to a D&G handbag and some gorgeous Victoria's Secret underwear, plus a pair of Lady Gaga-inspired black wedges.

Lauren bagged herself a longsleeved silver dress from a boutique called Intermix and cute white ankle boots from designer chain Madisons, a steal at £100.

Retail therapy lovers should also take a trip to the Melrose shopping district in West Hollywood.

The streets are heaving with designer stores as well as a three-storey mall which is home to favourites such as Bloomingdales and Macy's.

A trip to LA wouldn't be complete without checking out Venice Beach. This famous twoand-a-half-mile promenade is dotted with fortunetellers, street performers and artists.

For the full Hollywood experience, Lauren and I visited the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard, just down the road from our hotel.

It's an amazing feeling knowing you're standing on the spot where icons such as Walt Disney and Charlie Chaplin have been.

Having visited most of the tourist hotspots, we decided to chill by the pool. Temperatures topped 100 degrees last summer, so you'll be sure to get a TOWIE-style tan!

For clubbers, Sunset Strip is the place to be. This bustling street is packed with trendy bars and hot clubs, with scores of beautiful people queueing outside. But although we love big nights out, we decided to take it easy on holiday and chill out with a few cocktails.

The Sky Bar at the Mondrian Hotel boasts some of the most amazing views over the LA skyline. Sipping a Cosmo in the open-air, ivycovered pavilion is the perfect way to kick-start any girlie night out.

We also checked out Soho House, part of the chain that also has a bar in East London's Shoreditch.

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The Penthouse Bar and Lounge is often home to star-studded screening parties, so head here if you want a glimpse of the A-list.

We loved the drinking, bargainhunting and partying.

But although it's famed for its healthy salads and detox juices, we didn't come across many caf©s with low-fat options and tucked into chili dogs, burgers and fries every day. All that greasy food was a great hangover cure though!

As our LA adventure came to a close, I was sad to be leaving the sun-soaked streets behind.

Although I'm an Essex girl at heart, LA really makes you feel like a star.

FactFile

FOUR nights in LA with Virgin Holidays, including direct scheduled flights from London Heathrow, accommodation at the 4V Andaz West Hollywood or the 4V Hollywood Roosevelt on a room-only basis, with transfers, starts from £889.

Prices are per person, based on two adults travelling and sharing a standard room, with departures from March 1-22.

To book call 0844 557 3859, see virginholidays.co.uk or visit one of the 90 Virgin Holidays stores in Debenhams and House of Fraser shops nationwide.