T+L asked L.A.’s tastemakers to show us around town—here are our favorite spots to browse and bargain.
Jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer—whose delicate rings and necklaces are all handmade in the city—opens up her little black book.
For beauty: Violet Grey (8452 Melrose Place) is a gem of a store showcasing products picked by Hollywood’s top makeup artists. You walk out with a curated collection of essentials to use, start to finish.
The kids: I have a 7½-year-old and a 5-year-old, and Poppy (225 26th St.), in Brentwood Country Mart, is great for swimsuits, party dresses, Hunter Boots, and Salt Water shoes—my daughter lives in them.
Gourmet groceries: Next door to Poppy is Farmshop (225 26th St.), where I buy cheeses (I let the staff choose for me), meats, and wine. You can also grab sandwiches for a picnic, something we do all the time here.
Décor and gifts: Heath Ceramics (7525 Beverly Blvd.) sells bud vases and plates—the colors are out of this world. I have their pink vases in my house.
Prêt-à-porter: I love the new Saint Laurent (469 N. Rodeo Dr.) store. Hedi Slimane is brilliant, and there’s something to be said for shopping in a light, beautiful space like this one.
One-stop shop: Since L.A. is so spread out, I head to Barneys New York (189 The Grove Dr.) for bags, clothing, you name it. Some of my go-to brands: Raquel Allegra, Band of Outsiders, and Current/Elliott. They carry both classic and eclectic jewelry. I’ll mix my own collection, which is sold there, with bigger statement pieces from Céline.
A long-standing coastal rivalry is now playing out between L.A.’s top shopping districts. Here’s how two of-the-moment streets stack up.
As Abbot Kinney Boulevard hosts more designer brands, this two-block stretch keeps the funky spirit of Venice alive.
Design Showrooms: Big Red Sun An innovative landscape architecture firm that also sells garden furniture, planters, and succulent arrangements. 560 Rose Ave..
Concept Stores: Golden State Store You’ll find tops by Laguna Beach designer Kerry Cassill alongside decorative objects and gourmet snacks. 564 Rose Ave..
Clothing: ME & Blue Owner M. E. Ster-Molnar specializes in wear-anywhere bohemian tunics and hand-dyed vintage slips. 566 Rose Ave..
Clothing and furniture; speakeasies and cafés—York Boulevard is the edgy alternative to Silver Lake and Echo Park.
Design Showrooms: Matters of Space Founders P. J. Roden and Katerina Gabbro offer interior design services, plus custom furnishings and fine arts and crafts. 5005 York Blvd..
Concept Stores: Bughouse Art & Design A gallery, retail lab, and event space by artists Rebecca Johnson and Jeff Klarin (his rock-inspired canvases are legendary). 5050 York Blvd..
Clothing: Honeywood Vintage Nouveau hippies clamor for Vanessa Dingwell’s embroidered cotton dresses, serapes, and Mexican folk-art textiles. 5117 York Blvd.
These locally made treats, found at farmers’ markets and gourmet groceries, offer both sweet and savory tastes of L.A.
RX Tonic: Juicing fanatics down a blend of celery, yam, lemon, ginger, turmeric, and garlic to aid digestion. 317 S. Broadway; $5.
DTLA Idyllwild: Grate this aged, hard-pressed goat-milk cheese over everything, especially heirloom tomatoes. 317 S. Broadway; $18.
The Sweetness of Being Rose Goji Chocolate: Handmade bars with stone-ground cacao, raw honey, goji berries, Himalayan sea salt, rose oil, and a pinch of Mucuna pruriens. 564 Rose Ave., Venice; $5.
Saving the Season Lime Marmalade: Cookbook author Kevin West crafts long-soak English marmalades with local lime and a hint of ginger. 317 S. Broadway; $12.
Sqirl Seasonal Preserves: Reinvent breakfast toast with a range of artisanal spreads by jam maker and restaurateur Jessica Koslow. Our favorite flavor: blackberry lemon verbena. 720 N. Virgil Ave.; $12.
Malibu Honey: We’re hooked on this pure, aromatic nectar produced by bees that feed on wildflowers and sage from Santa Monica and the San Gabriel Mountains. 564 Rose Ave., Venice; $16.
Farmer Dave’s Roasted Hot Nuts: Almonds—the official snack of Hollywood—fire-blasted with habanero, vinegar, and tomato paste. 511 Rose Ave., Venice; $12.
Chili-Covered Pineapple: This dried-fruit treat delivers tiki taste with a Mexican kick—all in one bite. A&B Coffee, 317 S. Broadway; 626/716-0705; $2.50.
Little Dom’s Pickled Green Tomatoes: Bread-and-butter pickling and a jolt of crushed red pepper amp up a Southern specialty. 2128 Hillhurst Ave.; $8.
Related:
Shop Like a Local in Amsterdam
Shop Like a Local in Buenos Aires
Shop Like a Local in Marrakesh
