Guide to L.A. – Part 2
August 26th, 2009
Besides having some of the best restaurants in the country (you can see my favorites in my first installment here), L.A. offers a diverse shopping experience that is unlike any other city. Whether you want to hit up Rodeo Drive for uber expensive designer goods or head down to Venice for cheap trinkets, there’s something for everyone (and every budget). Here are some of my favorite haunts and the reasons why they’re so great.
milk – This boutique on 3rd Street is always packed with easy-to-wear dresses, drapy tops and a great selection of pretty, flat sandals. Despite their impressive list of designer clothing (Derek Lam, Elizabeth & James, Loeffler Randall), you can always find affordable pieces mixed in throughout.
Opening Ceremony – Housed in what used to be Charlie Chaplin’s old dance studio, this massive (as in I got lost during my first visit) store stocks all the current “it” pieces that every girl dreams of owning (think Acne wedges, Topshop pants and Alexander Wang tissue thin tops). The wooden floors, creaky stairs and long hallways all add to its appeal and their legendary sales shouldn’t be missed.
Planet Blue – If you’re after that beachy, California-girl vibe, this place has you covered. Everything from their long, bohemian dresses and distressed jeans to their cult favorite fragrances and bikinis is impeccably chic and understated. Bonus: Depending on where you’re staying, you’re sure to be close to one of their seven locations.
Madison – This is one of those stores from which you’d be happy to buy all of your clothes and never worry about getting bored. Everything from their Minnie Rose sweaters and Marc Jacobs blouses to their LnA leggings and Sam Edelman sandals is stylish with that fabulous just-threw-it-together-as-I-ran-out-the-door feel.
Switch – I admittedly hadn’t heard of a majority of the designers in this Beverly Hills boutique, but managed to familiarize myself quite quickly. New favorites include Nanushka (could this top be any cooler?), Dallin Chase and Mabel for their intricate detailing and girly appeal.
awesome…thx for posting up an LA shopping guide…it can get overwhelming with so many boutiques there.
also, new spot in los feliz called confederacy, i think. loved the window displays. love the pieces. didn’t love the prices. it represents the further gentrification of my hood, but still a cool boutique to check out.
Now, I want to shop! But, I’m currently in Lithuania, and all I can really find is Zara. Ugh. Oh well, my wallet is happy
Great post very helpful – im going to LA in 2 weeks so ill be sure to check these places out xoxoxo
I so hope to get to your your guides in the near future!
I loved this post! I can’t wait to go shopping in LA!
Que bonito.
Saludos
Even the street signs are fancy!
http://champagneandmarshmallows.blogspot.com/
Shopping in L.A. with you as a guide would be heavenly.
I’m a huge fan of Madison’s higher end atelier called Madison Gallery at the Malibu Country Mart. They carry the creme of the crop – like Stella Mc Cartney, Missoni, Chloe etc…
The shop is stunning!
Awww, L.A. Thanks for making me dream. You know, for a Montreal girl, L.A. is totally “California Dreamin’”, it’s that exotic place we see on television
Nice round up… makes me want visit!
I miss LA so much… one day I will make a trip out there and you will be my guide!
Wow, Opening Cermony in Charlie Chaplin’s old studio? That’s so incredibly cool.
thanks for the tip! perfect timing as my sister and I will be there in a couple of weeks =)
Great shopping list! Will def. keep this in mind next time I visit LA!
xoxo
J
http://www.talkprettytome.blogspot.com
Great list! I will def. keep this in mind next time I’m in LA!
xoxo
J
http://www.talkprettytome.blogspot.com
Do you have any suggestions of good places to stay in LA? I still havent booked anywhere x
can’t wait to go to L.A….came close a few times, but no cigar ! Take care =) Added you on my blog roll.
I sent this to my boss in case we go for sample shopping. Thanks for the guides, I love that you do this.
Now that I live in the Midwest, I dress less beachy and more preppy, but I miss browsing through the racks of beautiful california-dreamin’ dresses at Planet Blue!
I haven’t been to Milk, but you should check out Wasteland on Melrose! I found a thrifted marc jacobs top for $26!
p.s. LOVE your blog, keep it up :]
Do you know of any places that carry the line, Sophomore? I once saw the designer talking about it on a commercial during Gossip Girl…. checked out the site and I love the casual basic style…
I thought you might appreciate this…I was on the website, “We Heart It” and typed in “hippie.” Your photo came up….a few below Janis Joplin…lol!
I think I need to make a trip back to LA for some shopping…I think I got the short end of the stick on my last trip!
I think a trip to LA is in my future!
Your L.A. ‘must-shop’ guide has me craving a little road trip to L.A. This little Utah-nian could be there and back in a flash … if only I wasn’t on such a strict-no-shopping-for me budget. *Sigh*
Visit my bargain-y blog some time?
http://www.bargainbex.blogspot.com
LA has so many great shops whether you want a bargain or splurge.
That’s it. Next time I go to LA, I’m going to spend all my time shopping!
Thank you for posting these! I’m going down to LA for Labor Day Weekend and my friend and I were looking for some good places to hit up!
Such a great resource for those of us who are lost trying to navigate LA’s twelve million boutiques!
What great tips! I am ready for a trip to the City of Angels!
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okay, first of all. your blog is amazing, and i follow it religiously
and second, i have a favor to ask. im going to LA in october, and i need a recommendation- a restaurant that has a killer atmosphere at night thats semi expensive and has a local crowd (with a bar). if you give me one, you’ll totally be my hero
xx
ahem, where is Faire Frou Frou?
i love your list – all of my favorites too, plus a boutique i haven’t been to (Switch). i love your restaurant list too – we have the same taste buds!
xox
Ahh, no wonder everyone is Cali has style!
Just discovered your blog through Refinery. I just love it!
I would have to say that those are my most favorite places as well but you have to add LF Stores on Robertson..Amazing! and they are having their 60%off sale!!!!
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I love reading this! I am going to Los Angeles in May and would love it if you would do another one of these blogs with more places that are must sees in the area!
thank you for your point.