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Abbot Kinney
A decade or so ago the area that was once an asylum and a paradise ghetto for so many artists despite it’s crime-scene has become a hip strip thanks to the urban renaissance with the opening of the mom-and-pop retailers. However after the demo graphical change, an impact on the community’s urban-lifestyle’s authenticity that once had a quaint hometown feel was clear with the opening of flagships of pre existing foreign brands.
Undeterred by the changes, the district that has always been an enclave for bohemians has managed to preserve its identity and adjust to the transition.
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A few unique stores that are worth mentioning are Kendall Conrad, a high-end local brands that offers handcrafted artisanal, leather hand-bags that are both luxurious and timeless. General Store as the name states has a little bit of everything,; incredible and whimsical collections of vintage and crafty clothing, jewelry and home accessories, anything from geodesic planters to dainty turquoise jewelry.
Alternatively, one can find stores such as Satine, which stocks international high-end designers such as Nina Ricci, Lanvin, Balenciaga, Isabel Marant and Azzedine Alaïa as well as unique indie labels like Rue du Mail and Tsumori Chisato, where you can shop for relaxed luxury pieces.
From premium linen towels made locally in Maine by Brahms Mount, gem-shaped soaps by Pelle to innovative summery espadrilles with palm-tree prints by Soludos, the newly-opened store, The Piece Collective, is a must-visit for every handcraft treasure hunter.
To quench the already existing sports lifestyle and preserve the roller-skater scene in the area, Aviator Nation, a local brand committed to manufacturing authentic vintage sports t-shirts that will give you a retro-sporty look.
Montana Avenue
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Once described as the more polished younger sister to artsy Abbot Kinney and located in Santa Monica, is a genuine fashion check-point not to be neglected. More than sixty vibrant and upscale stores are dotted along the tree-lined charming ten block shopping district that stretched between 6th – 17th street. Everything from retail to decor, beauty boutiques and jewelry galleries as well as eateries are chic and relaxed and visit to this district will offers both retail and spa therapy to replenish your wardrobe and energy.
Melrose Avenue
When you’re done with the beach, head to the world-famous Melrose Avenue for the ultimate shopping experience where you will find flagship boutiques of your favorite international brands rubbing shoulders with extremely trendy and edgy stores. Start at La Cienega and head east towards Melorse Avenue, where you will find RTH and RTH2, a cool native American brand with a twist. Also Tenoversix, one of the most thriving multi-brand boutiques with a Cali vibe. Opening Ceremony, oddly nestled in a secluded area, is truly a gem of a store.
As you get closer to the Melrose and Fairfax district, known for its street art, you can find several retailers stocking edgy designs. If you’re looking for something out-of-the-box yet with a fashionable and urban vibe, then Joyrich and Wild Style are can’t miss destinations. NK has a beautiful and thoughtful selection of accessories, like rope bracelets and Japanese waxed canvas tote bags.
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For the high-end shopping treat, Melrose Place, a hideaway stretch of shops and restaurants is the home to several lux stores such as Chloe, Isabel Marant, and Bottega Veneta, to name a few, all located in stucco buildings with beautiful exteriors covered with ivy. If you are looking for rare and inspiring collectable books or even school supplies, you shouldn’t miss Marc Jacobs’ first bookstore, Book Marc.
On Melrose Avenue, located between Doheny Dr and Robertson Blvd, are two of the most prominent vintage stores, Sielian’s vintage, LA’s best-kept secret, where the owners claim that Christian Dior’s Raf Simons is a frequent client, among other high-end design houses who visit the store regularly to see the only-by-appointment collections for inspiration. Not to be ignored, located only few blocks away is Maxfield, the iconic vintage multi-brand boutique that hosts names such as Rick Owens, Margiela, Balmain, and Libertine. This place is a temple of minimalist luxe with an atmosphere that radiates chic punk and poshness. It is no secret that LA’s most incredible collection of vintage clothing is at Decades, owned by the iconic trend-setter Cameron Silver. If you are looking for eco-friendly modern designs made with high-quality vintage fabrics then a visit to Reformation is unmissable.
A staple on Robertson Boulevard and only steps away from Melrose are some of the few LA-only stores such as multi-brand boutiques Curve, which has both chic and modern labels boasting the edgy-lux look and the local retailer, H.Lorenzo, that carries the finest avant-garde couture.
Los Feliz
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A walk down the laid-back East side neighborhood, Los Feliz, once home to the ex-artsy multi-brand boutique, Confederacy, and home to many local stores is definitely worth the stroll. It is home to Hotel de Ville eye wear, a one-of-its-kind vintage eye wear store. Nearby, you will also find the epitome handbag brand by the french designer, Clare Vivier, which could be described as “when casual LA meets glamorous French taste”. On the pedestrian of Vermont Avenue, New High (m) Art, a hidden offline retain gem lies which carries brands like Margiela. Skylight books is a book-store like-no-other besides having a great collection of fashion and art books — prepare to be eyed by Franny, the adorable cat who calls the bookstore home.
