Places to Visit »Shopping in LA

fred segal los angelesOn my recent Los Angeles trip for work, the shopping began the second we landed. Well, nearly. First we had to refuel on some pretty excellent grub at Kings Road Cafe. We sat in the sun and I enjoyed a plate of avocado and fish tacos. It was a prefect start to feeling a world away from bad weather and bad smells, the only two thing I really didn't missed about the city.

One of the things I did miss was good old public transportation. I felt that I spent 90 percent of my time in the passengers seat or our rented Subaru. First on the whirlwind tour we hit American Rag at 150 S LeBrea Ave., a ritzy oversized boutique shop with mostly designer duds and a small section of vintage. They had a great selection of wearable but interesting stuff.

We headed next to Fred Segal, 8100 Melrose Ave, a larger than expected complex of women's wear, children's wear, men's wear, home goods, and a caf? that attracts a very very LA scene. Breckin Meyer was there, eh. The store was out of my personal price range, though we found great stuff for work. For those without a company mission, it is fun to stop by just for the greenery encrusted building and a little people watching. Or you could just look at the photo I took and rent Garfield, up to you.

My favorite shopping spot the first day was Jet Rag. A huge, 1990s feeling vintage emporium where I managed to even grab a couple things for myself. With very little in way of afforadable vintage in NYC, Jet Rag reminded me of how fun the rack and stack hunt used to be in Colorado and Providence.

The next day was made for Silver Lake, an area not only good for running into ex boyfriends when you look jet lagged and haggard, but excellent boutique shopping. Start with Mexican inspired breakfast at Millies, then hit the lovely Una Mae's on 4651 Kingswell Ave. The Kids Are Alright on 2201 West Sunset Boulevard is next on the agenda and was full of quirky, hip paper goods, gifts and clothing. Right up the street you'll find the eccentric Sirens & Sailors, another pricey joint, but one that excels in unique pieces of jewelry.

Later that day we whisked off to Santa Monica, where we managed to get a glimpse of the ocean. And then more shopping. After a chai from the absurdly bustling Urth Caffe, we walked up and down the beachy town, hitting Pebbles, a great kids shop and a few more less memorable places.

After the Rose Bowl all day Sunday, and a fast, huge meal we couldn't manage to eat all of (but was super tasty) at Palms Thai – the restaurant famed for their Thai Elvis impersonator and my new buddy, the only places left to hit before we took off were Kitsons on Robertson Blvd. (where we ran into Catherine Willows) and Built By Wendy and Scout on 3rd st.


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Posted on February 25, 2008

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