Each year, Los Angeles magazine’s team of writers and editors compiles the city’s most unforgettable experiences. Below, discover where to shop across Los Angeles, from new arrivals making a splash to steadfast favorites.
Beaded Bracelets
Credit: Courtesy of Sydney Evan
Twenty-five years ago, Rosanne Karmes founded SYDNEY EVAN (named after her two children) in Los Angeles to celebrate love, joy and personality, resulting in jewelry both playful and chic. The beaded bracelets feature various materials, colors and styles. In addition to choosing from existing designs, shoppers can create customized pieces and mix preferred charms and stones. Part of its California Love collection, the 14-karat yellow gold California turquoise and diamond L.A. charm stretch bracelet brings the sunshine and waves with its bright turquoise beads and a diamond-encrusted “L.A.” sydneyevan.com
Bike Shop
Credit: Jussi Oksanen
The flagship SOLÉ BICYCLES in Venice is one of those local gems where bike repairs aren’t a rip-off and their selection of bikes are state of the art. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the shop offers standard and electric Solé Bicycles for sale, alongside daily rentals for just $35. Each rental comes fully equipped with a lock, basket and helmet. Whether you’re a local needing a quick tune-up or a tourist wanting to explore the boardwalk, this is your go-to hub. 1330 Main St., Venice, 844-336-7653, solebicycles.com
Dermatologist
If you can get an appointment with Dr. Vicki Rapaport, your skin will thank you. The board-certified dermatologist raised in L.A. leads RAPAPORT DERMATOLOGY and founded SKN Beverly Hills, a medical-grade skincare line developed with top labs to treat issues from the comfort of your home. An expert in both medical and cosmetic services — not to mention skin cancer screenings — Dr. Rapaport brings over 20 years of experience to her patients. 436 N. Bedford Drive, Suite 306, Beverly Hills, 310-274-4401, rapdermbh.com
Dorm Shopping
Credit: Courtesy Real Life Co.
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When students are first starting college, nothing is more exciting and nerve-wracking — for both the young adults and their parents — than preparing a dorm room. Actress Sasha Alexander realized this when she dropped her daughter off at college and founded REAL LIFE CO. The lifestyle brand, marketplace and media platform helps young adults transition smoothly into this next life stage. In addition to offering furniture and stylish décor (from blankets and hand towels to sofas and lamps), Real Life Co. advises on life skills, products and trends. reallifeco.com
Dry Cleaner
A Burbank institution for generations, MILT & EDIE’S DRYCLEANERS & TAILORING CENTER is as recognizable for its late hours and exceptional service as it is for the witty, ever-changing quotes displayed on its iconic roadside sign. Family-owned and operated, the longtime local favorite has built a loyal following through quality craftsmanship, community involvement and a touch of humor that keeps Angelenos looking forward to what’s written on the sign next. 4021 W. Alameda Ave., Burbank, 818-846-4734, miltandediesdrycleaners.com
Facial Balancing Spot
Facial balancing is exploding in popularity because it prioritizes hyper-customized injectables over artificial perfection. Instead of mindlessly overfilling isolated features, practitioners take a strategic, full-face approach to improve symmetry and natural proportions. The subtle enhancements leave clients with a refreshed, rather than mummified, look. Christina Wagner at SKINSPIRIT in the South Bay is the master of using a highly-tailored map of the face to celebrate individual anatomy rather than following cosmetic trends. 3113 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Unit C, Manhattan Beach, skinspirit.com
Hidden Celebrity Salon
Flore Salon’s Paul Perez and Nicolas FloresCredit: Courtesy of Cater Photography
Tucked away from West Hollywood’s paparazzi-heavy corridors, FLORE SALON has quietly become the entertainment industry’s worst-kept secret. The couple behind this botanical oasis, Nicolas Flores and Paul Perez, provide their elite clientele with an essential luxury: complete and total anonymity. High-profile actors, musicians and executives flock here for world-class color and precision cuts, shielded by a highly private layout and ironclad staff discretion. Far from flashy, pretentious mega-salons, Flore relies entirely on word-of-mouth recommendations, cementing its status as the city’s ultimate low-profile hair sanctuary for Hollywood’s elite. 8373 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 323-591-0050, flore-losangeles.com
Beachy Dresses
Xirena’s white Anita dressCredit: Courtesy of Xirena
Designed in Los Angeles and reflecting the California lifestyle, XIRENA items are ideal for any beach gathering on account of their easy and effortless styles. The summer collection captures elegance with lightweight fabrics, breezy silhouettes and warm hues. From airy and flowing maxis to casual shirt dresses, the pieces are designed to move seamlessly from sandy shores to sunset dinners. The soft textures and simple cutting provide comfort while leaving room for your own personal styling. Highlights include the Pink Sunrise Desa, Red Sky Cassidy and White Anita. Its first standalone flagship opens this month at Palisades Village. xirena.com
Host Gifts
Credit: Irvin Rivera
Founded in 1930, GEARYS BEVERLY HILLS stands the test of time with its unique luxury goods from top global brands in the dining, entertainment, home décor and jewelry spaces. Heading to a summer soiree or to stay at someone’s home and need a gift for your host or hostess? Gearys has a selection of stunning pieces sure to score you a return invite, from the Baccarat Lucky Butterfly to the Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano Aurum Ming Vase and Lappas crystal caviar server. 351 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-273-4741, gearys.com
Korean Beauty Newcomer
Credit: Courtesy of Olive Young
The viral K-beauty brand OLIVE YOUNG is making its mark on Los Angeles with its first retail locations in the U.S. opening in the city. The inaugural brick-and-mortar store debuted in May in Pasadena and was recently joined by a second location at Westfield Century City. Both online and in-person shoppers can enjoy one of Korea’s leading beauty and lifestyle retailers, offering a wide range of sciencebacked serums, beauty tools, toners, cleansers and wellness products. Multiple locations, us.oliveyoung.com
Accessories
Single Stone’s mina annex chain with the rosemary with rose cut diamonds pendant and the cobblestone naya pendantCredit: Trevor Pikhart
Founded by husband-andwife duo Ari and Corina Madilian, SINGLE STONE positions its fine jewelry as modern heirlooms to be passed down through generations. The Los Angeles-born brand focuses on reimagining vintage gemstones as contemporary treasures. Each jewelry item features a center stone made from repurposed diamonds and is crafted entirely by hand. With elevated touches woven into every custom design, the pieces transform meaningful moments into timeless keepsakes. 2527 Mission St., San Marino, 626-799-3109, singlestone.com
L.A. T-shirts
Credit: Courtesy of Annie Bing
Since launching in 2012, ANINE BING has evolved from a one-stop shop operating out of a garage in Silver Lake into a global brand. Founded by husbandand-wife duo Anine and Nicolai Bing, the brand is grounded in Scandinavian simplicity with California energy, offering modern women an easier lifestyle with its lasting fabrics and timeless designs. With its roots in Los Angeles, the brand showcases its love via T-shirts monogrammed with SoCal symbols such as palm trees and neighborhood names, like Malibu Beach. 8211 Melrose Ave., Beverly Grove, 213-651-1444, aninebing.com
Manicure That Won’t Break the Bank
Sure, this walk-in and appointment-based salon in West Hollywood can do more complicated designs as well as waxing, massages and elaborate spa pedicures. But if you’re after a simple regular or gel manicure or pedicure that’s fast, efficient and consistently good, INSTYLE NAILS & SPA is a reliable option that’s served customers on Santa Monica Boulevard for nearly two decades. 8619 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-657-2566, @instylenails8619
Modern Heirloom Jewels
Credit: Brookklyn Huberty
Founded by the mother-daughter duo Samantha and Andi Robertson, SAMANTHA MICHAEL JEWELRY abides by the notion that fine jewelry is made to be worn and loved. The glitzy engagement series includes an oval hidden halo ring, emerald channel ring and cushion solitaire, while personalized services welcome shoppers to pick their favorite diamond and ring design. They’ll leave with a special memory attached to the forever jewelry. samanthamichael.com
Naturopathic Doctor
A one-of-a-kind Beverly Hills doctor is changing what it means to have A-list health. DR. NIGMA TALIB has treated everyone from Sofia Vergara to Chrissy Teigen with her science-based skincare and supplements, as well as an array of treatments including microneedling, cupping, skin peels and skin resurfacing. She founded Beverly Hills’ Naturopathic Longevity clinic with the ethos that aging starts in the gut and can be combated holistically with root-cause diagnostics, hormone optimization, peptides and a no-needle “facelift.” 414 N. Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills, 310-620-7944, healthydoc.com
Neighborhood Deals
A hyper-local membership platform, VENICE INSIDER PASS (VIP) unlocks the neighborhood as if you know someone everywhere. Members get exclusive, recurring perks, like discounts, line-skipping, gifts with purchase, and free dishes and drinks at restaurants, shops, wellness studios and experiences. VIP saves you money, introduces you to favorites and keeps dollars flowing to the places that give the community its soul. Discover more, spend less and support the neighborhood. Looking beyond Venice, Jennie Tucker and Alex Kissin, the perk company’s founders, are expanding Insider Pass to other areas soon. veniceinsiderpass.com
Old-Fashioned Show Store
Charming Downtown Monrovia is already a time machine before you step into CROWN SHOES, a classic men’s shoe store. You’ll be seated at a fitting stool, where an expert will whip out a Brannock device to measure your foot before they disappear into the back to find your size and color. Try it on, ask the clerk how it looks and leave with a spring in your step. 502 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, 626-358-8115
Pink Attire
Credit: Courtesy of LoveShackFancy
When LOVESHACKFANCY founder Rebecca Hessel Cohen needed a dress for her 2014 wedding, she did what most brides wouldn’t dare: she made her own. The handdyed dress sparked the brand’s launch, laying the groundwork for an aesthetic that marries vintage inspiration with a modern take on femininity and all things pink. If you have an upcoming garden party or just want to feel like a princess, look no further. 8473 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, 323-433-7733, loveshackfancy.com
Recovery Sanctuary
Credit: Courtesy of ARTHA
Named after the Sanskrit word for “the true meaning of life,” ARTHA is a wellness sanctuary with locations in Studio City and West L.A. that offer an array of recovery services. Designed for both fitness and wellness, members can work out and wind down with a variety of treatments, from infrared sauna and cryotherapy to electromagnetic body sculpting. The unique mix of movement, heat and cold therapy work together to create an all-inclusive wellness ecosystem. Multiple locations, artha.la
Summer Tote
MZ Wallace’s Feria Stripe Large Georgica ToteCredit: Courtesy of MZ Wallace
Nothing screams summer like MZ WALLACE’s Large Georgica Tote, available in camel and brown crochet or Feria Stripe. The colorful bag is made from woven ribbons, Italian leather trim and silver hardware, featuring bright blue, yellow, orange, pink and purple stripes. A magnetic closure secures the spacious interior while a key ring strap and detachable pouch keep the important things safe at the beach. It’s lightweight, roomy, loud and somehow still laid-back, ideal for outdoor adventures. Pick it up at the brand’s debut L.A. store at Westfield Century City. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 1867, Century City, 213-732-3256, mzwallace.com
Retro Eyeglasses
Vintage glasses in movies and TV can immediately ground the action in a time period or give you a sense of a character’s background. OLD FOCALS has provided eyewear for many projects, including Mad Men, Marty Supreme and Stranger Things. The shop is now making high-quality reproductions as part of their Collector’s Choice line. “The whole secret,” owner Russ Campbell says, “is that they can see them on the screen, but they can only get them from me.” 1110 Mission St., South Pasadena, 626-799-7073, oldfocals.com
Scenic Spa
Credit: Courtesy of Terranea Resort
What could be more relaxing than a 50,000-square-foot oceanfront sanctuary? At TERRANEA RESORT in Rancho Palos Verdes, that is only the beginning. Situated on the Pacific’s glittering coastline, this spa captures the spirit of the sea with facials, salt scrubs, sound baths, massages and VIP suites for ocean, earth or fire treatments. Bring a partner or friend for special couples packages, or relish in the serenity and silence on your own. 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, 855-711-1282, terranea.com
Shoe Repair
Whether you need help with boots or red bottom soles, MIKE’S SHOE REPAIR delivers expertise and skill. This family-owned store offers a variety of services, including shoe shining, resoling, sole protection and boot repair. Continuing a legacy over 47 years in the making, Mike proves again and again that he knows his way around shoes. 5457 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, 310-391-2324
Shop for Wide-Ranging Gifts
Credit: Courtesy of Brooke Rodd
Santa Monica’s BROOKE RODD boutiques are the perfect one-stop shops for any and all gifts. Situated next to each other on the same street, the stores are broken up into one for kids, one for lifestyle and one offering jewelry and clothing. The selections are highly curated and eclectic across all three, featuring boho-chic clothing, footwear, candles, ceramics, perfume, coffee table books and more. Don’t skip the free gift wrapping before your friend’s next dinner party or baby shower. 1740 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, 310-664-1991, brookerodd.com
Shoulder Bag
Credit: Courtesy Hammitt
Luxury leather brand HAMMITT has perfected the art of the handbag, made clear by its latest summer collection launch featuring big totes for the beach and tiny clutches for city nights out. The shoulder bag line highlights cherry red leather, denim blues and sandy browns, as well as funkier hues like green stripes and bright pinks for the more adventurous accessorizer. Every handbag is complemented by elegant and intentional hardware, with adjustable straps that can take you from day to night in an instant. hammitt.com
Sunglasses
Credit: Courtesy RAEN
The summer collection from California-based eyewear brand RAEN truly has something for everyone. Inspired by vintage frames and West Coast aesthetics, the new handmade opticals come in all kinds of silhouettes, from the classic Wayfarer to aviators and chic cat-eyes. Part of what makes RAEN so special is its inventive colorways, on full display in the latest line with lens options ranging from rosy pink to seafoam green and terracotta. The shades evoke salty beach days and long drives with the top down. raen.com
Tailor
Family-owned and operated, GARY EXPERT TAILOR offers exceptional quality with fair prices. Founder Garnik Harutyunyan began his tailor training in 1974, going on to attend the 39th World Congress of Master Tailors in Biella, Italy. Whether you’re in need of the perfect fit for the big day or a polished look for the office, Harutyunyan is sure to deliver. 2905 Stanford Ave. Suite B, Marina del Rey, 310-331-0111, garyexperttailor.com
Used Furniture
Imagine a museum of chairs, except that each one of them was built to live behind a desk. RECYCLED OFFICE FURNISHINGS stocks a century’s worth of desks, bookshelves, tables and even entire cubicle systems. Its endless warehouse stock ranges from restored 1950s tanker chairs to every shade of ergonomic — from Aerons to Zodys. Wheel fall off? Handle missing? They might have it. Like your old stuff? These experts will restore and refinish it better than new. 9526 Ann St., Santa Fe Springs, 562-777-2399, recycledofficefurnishings.com
Vintage Clothing
After two months of renovations, PASTPORT VINTAGE L.A. became a new star on York Boulevard. Clothes, accessories, shoes, belts — the Highland Park shop is a vintage treasure trove to explore. Also, on every second Saturday, if it’s your zodiac month, you can win a $50 shopping spree by collecting stickers from nearby vendors. 5006 1/2 York Blvd., Highland Park, 323-350-1311, @pastportvintagela
WRITTEN BY:
HALEY BOSSELMAN, INDIA BROWN, LEO LI, MICHELE MCPHEE, CHRIS NICHOLS, YEVA OHANJANYAN, IRVIN RIVERA, JASMIN ROSEMBERG AND KIARA VELEZ