Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills’ shopping mecca has recently seen record real estate prices and several debuts. Tomas Maier’s newly designed Bottega Veneta (320 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-858-6533; bottegaveneta.com) is a paean to Southern California living. Its intrecciato Beverly shoulder bag is only sold here.
Salvatore Ferragamo (357 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-273-9990; ferragamo.com) created shoes for Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. The house’s limited-edition Creations collection reissues wedges and sandals made for its silver-screen clients.
Ralph Lauren’s redesigned three-story flagship (444 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-281-7200; ralphlauren.com) includes a one-of-a-kind handbag salon offering a 3-D interactive experience that allows you to customize your Ricky bag. Locals swear by the long-serving personal shoppers’ sage advice—and the best cappuccino in the neighborhood. (Ask for the caramel corn too.)
Nobody does American glamour better than Michael Kors (360 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-777-8862; michaelkors.com). He offers West Coast–tinged gowns—think striped sequins. For VIP clients, three private salons stand out: Chanel’s fourth floor (400 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-278-5500; chanel.com); Louis Vuitton’s private roof terrace (295 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-859-0457; louisvuitton.com); and Cartier’s (370 N. Rodeo Dr., 310-275-4272; cartier.com), where you can shop the home, watch, jewelry, and accessories collection from a private room.
Nick Wooster on Menswear's Best Block
Wooster, a designer and street-style icon, has been shopping the one-block retail gold mine on S. La Brea Ave. between 1st and 2nd St. for menswear for nearly 30 years.
UNION
“This store appeals not just to a designer guy but a street guy too— Thom Browne, WTAPS from Japan, Marni, Visvim.” 110 S. La Brea Ave., 323-549-6950; unionlosangeles.com.
UNDEFEATED
“You’ll find the most classic old-school sneakers—like checked slip-on Vans or Adidas Superstars—as well as the latest drop from Nike.” 111 S. La Brea Ave., 323-937-6077; undefeated.com.
AMERICAN RAG
“This is one of the best denim stores in the country. Everything from Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe, RRL, and Engineered Garments.” 150 S. La Brea Ave., 323-935-3154; americanrag.com.
GARRETT LEIGHT
“My favorite sunglass styles here are Harding, Van Buren, and Wilson. And my own collaboration with Garrett, of course.” 165 S. La Brea Ave., 323-931-4018; garrettleight.com.
Melrose Place
THE ROW
Browse poolside at the Olsens’ calming, residential store. Try to nab a popular satin wristlet clutch— it holds everything you need for a night out in L.A. And ask to see what’s new in their antique jewelry collection. therow.com.
THE APARTMENT BY THE LINE
Combination home and fashion boutique, with Khaite jeans, Alumnae sandals, Common Projects sneakers, and an incredible Fritz Hansen leather daybed. theline.com.
BON BON
The Paris-based children’s wear line arrived in L.A. last year. Its signature cardigans and printed sweatshirts make an ideal gift; the starry canvas tote is a toddler status symbol. bonbon-paris.com.
MARC JACOBS
Inside Jacobs’s ivy-covered corner store, there’s always a covetable Mary Jane pump, oversize cashmere sweater, or Victorian lace blouse—and the best people-watching in the neighborhood. marcjacobs.com.
