New York designer Rachel Comey’s boutique is a Melrose Place destination PHOTO: BY LAURE JOLIET
A day of shopping requires the three essential Rs: retail, refuel, refresh. It’s something Los Angeles knows all too well because no matter what part of town you’re in, you’re never more than a stone’s throw from a great retail lineup accompanied by just as wonderful eateries and beauty and wellness outposts. Read on for the best shopping streets in Los Angeles.
ABBOT KINNEY
The Venice enclave is renowned for its shopping and food, which makes it the ultimate destination for a day of retail therapy. You can discover curated boutique finds at Heist, Bazar and Burning Torch; the perfect fragrance at D.S. & Durga and artisanal eyewear at Ahlem. Continue the self-care day by going skin deep at The Things We Do with a facial or head to Den Mother to indulge in a natural beauty ritual. Finally, a day in Abbott Kinney isn’t complete without a hyper-local meal at Gjelina or shared rounds of pizza and pasta at Felix.
Louis Vuitton opened its Mens Store on Rodeo Drive last year COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON
LARCHMONT BOULEVARD
From apparel to food to beauty, Larchmont Boulevard is a treasure trove. There’s plenty of eateries fit for any time of day, but you’ll find the neighborhood at its best during breakfast and lunch, so consider kicking off the day with a latte and pastry from Clark Street Bakery, avocado toast from Great White and a cookie from the newly opened Levain Bakery. Then, head to Wittmore and Buck Mason for menswear needs and Flannel for luxe, breezy womenswear. And if you’re in need of a beauty supply refresh, set your sight on Thirteen Lune, a newcomer to the neighborhood that offers Black and brown-owned beauty brands.
Flannel on Larchmont Boulevard BY MADELINE TOLLE
MELROSE AVENUE
One of Los Angeles’ most well-known shopping districts, you could shop from morning to night along the entirety of Melrose Avenue. But we say keep your fashion hunt simple and dedicate the day to the shops around Melrose and La Cienega Boulevard. There will be a bounty of discoveries at L.A.-based The Great.; luxury reseller The Real Real; eyewear purveyor Cutler and Gross and shoe shops Hoka and Amanu. Take a break for a Spanish latte and hearty salad at Urth Caffé or toast to your day of shopping with French fare at Zinqué. And if you’re on the hunt for home goods, RH West Hollywood is a muststop. Here, you’ll revel in the variety of gorgeous decor and furnishings, and you’ll be particularly delighted by its secret rooftop park.
Sunset Boulevard in Silver Lake shines with stores like Mohawk General Store. COURTESY OF FLANNEL
MELROSE PLACE
A touch more tranquil than its longer sister street around the corner, Melrose Place offers some of the city’s finest luxury shopping. Keep chic boutiques Rachel Comey and Isabel Marant on your radar, along with beauty destination Violet Grey and jewelry boutique Irene Neuwirth. For a bespoke spa experience, check into the gorgeous new Biologique Recherche flagship for full-body renewal. And if you’re in need of a caffeine pick-up, sip an iced vanilla latte at Alfred (Pro tip: order ahead on the app to save time). Alternatively, unwind after a long day of shopping over a decadent meal at Catch Steak or Paris export Caviar Kaspia.
Parisian import Caviar Kaspia recently opened on Melrose Place. BY BROOKE OLSEN
MONTANA AVENUE
The Third Street Promenade is bustling with more well-known brands, but Montana Avenue is Santa Monica’s true shopping gem. There’s a warm energy that runs through the environment and apparel at Femelle, a family-run women’s boutique, as there is at Pink Chicken, which offers looks for both mom and kid. If you’re on the hunt for fun trinkets and home goods, check out Brentwood General Store, Casa Cu and Poketo, while the newly opened Face Gym is a must for skincare treatments. Continue to embrace the coastal breeze and sun with a coffee, snack and selfie at the ultra-trendy, but welcoming La La Land Kind Cafe.
Just One Eye was a pioneer on now-bustling Sycamore Avenue PHOTO: COURTESY OF JUST ONE EYE
RODEO DRIVE
Equated with designer labels, there’s hardly a place more famous (or better) for high-end shopping than Rodeo Drive. Name your favorite French maison or Italian label and you’ll likely find it here: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, Balenciaga, Gucci, Versace, Tiffany & Co. Even better, your shopping is complemented by excellent eats whether you’re looking for an L.A. classic like Nate ‘n Al’s a block over, or a memorable dining experience at The Hideaway, Crustacean Beverly Hills, Spago, Ocean Prime or Gucci Osteria.
SUNSET BOULEVARD IN SILVER LAKE
Snaking just over 20 miles across the city, there’s a lot to do along Sunset Boulevard, but we advise aiming for the Silver Lake stretch for an exciting day of shops and eats. The ever-trending neighborhood has standouts like bag-centric accessories shop Clare V., luxury and independent seller Mohawk General Store and stylist-favorite Golden Age Hollywood. Finish the day with a massage at The Now, a crystal-enlivened oasis in the city.
SYCAMORE AVENUE
This budding Hollywood hotspot offers a day’s worth of shopping indulgence. An entire afternoon can be spent exploring Just One Eye’s curation of luxury fashion, jewelry, art and home decor. Round out the day with a visit to Supervinyl to expand your record collection; Jacques Marie Mage for designer eyewear and fine jewelry from Lizzie Mandler. Make time to recharge by booking a facial treatment at Formula Fig or go all in on R&R with a flotation therapy session or cold plunge at Pause Studio. In addition, stay fueled with a stop for coffee and a bite to eat at Tartine or Sightglass Coffee or, for an extended dining experience, enjoy Californian-French cuisine at Gigi’s.
Santa Monica recently welcomed Face Gym on Montana Avenue COURTESY OF FACE GYM
WEST THIRD STREET
Lunch at Joan’s on Third is always a good reason to make your way to Beverly Grove, but be sure to add some time to your schedule for shopping. You won’t want to miss the eccentricities found at Ok the Store, the gorgeous porcelain housewares at Mud Australia or the array of clean cosmetics at Credo. You can also find luxury loungewear at Andine and California-cool looks at Raquel Allegra.
Photography by:
