It is no small feat for an independent bookstore to stay in business during the times when even giant chains have caved in. It is a downright marvel when a brand-new bookstore emerges and proceeds to forge upstream against the general trend of brick-and-mortar decline. One such miracle occurred in the midst of the Downtown Arts District in 2011 when The Last Bookstore opened its doors, dazzling eager bibliophiles and inquisitive passers-by with its spacious, beautifully laid-out interior packed full of new and used editions of every genre. With its affordable prices, friendly staff and a massive, continuously changing collection, the bookstore quickly claimed for itself a permanent place among the most popular destination of Downtown LA.
The Fashion District sprawls over 100 blocks of Downtown Los Angeles, and is just the place to be if you are looking for bargains or wholesale material. This section of the city is crammed with stores selling designer clothing, shoes, accessories, textiles and even flowers at unbeatable rates. Other bric-a-brac on display includes toys, lingerie, CDs, prom gowns and kids wear. Over 1,000 such retailers show off their wares at a flea market, which always dons a festive appearance. Weekends are particularly busy, with great discounts.
Renowned for its eclectic mix of fashion, accessories, and unique finds, The Santee Alley offers a diverse shopping experience. Visitors can explore a maze of narrow alleyways lined with colorful stalls and small shops, showcasing an array of trendy clothing, footwear, accessories, and beauty products. This bustling marketplace caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets, making it a popular destination for fashion enthusiasts, especially for those on a budget. The lively atmosphere, vibrant street culture, and the opportunity to discover hidden gems make The Santee Alley a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the diverse shopping scene of downtown LA.
Rodeo Drive, nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, California, is an iconic and world-renowned shopping destination that epitomizes luxury and glamour. This palm-lined street is synonymous with high-end fashion, exquisite boutiques, and opulent designer stores. Renowned fashion houses, such as Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, line the sidewalks, showcasing the latest trends and timeless elegance. While shopping is the main attraction, Rodeo Drive also offers opportunities for celebrity spotting and enjoying fine dining at upscale restaurants. Be warned, however, that some of the stores are so exclusive, that shopping is by appointment only.
With harder-to-find upscale boutiques as well as the usual mall fare, the Beverly Center is one of the more popular shopping destinations in the city of Los Angeles. The structure itself is certainly unique for a mall, with two floors of shops and a third of food court and cinemas atop five-levels of parking, filling an entire city block. Among the more unique stores found here are Belgravia Collection, Betsey Johnson, Cabochon Fine Jewelry, Alexio, Club Monaco, Politix, Vertex, The Icing and Shauna Stein.
Some of the funkiest folks in town do all of their gift and holiday shopping at Wacko, also known as Soap Plant. One of the most notorious and eclectic shops in Los Angeles, it's a sure bet that you'll find things that you never knew existed. From Sumo wrestler lunch boxes to patchouli soaps and kiss "Psycho Circus" dolls, expect the unexpected. It's the perfect place if you want to take home a little bit of Hollywood hipster heaven.
Rosemarie McCaffrey Antiques sells unique antiques from the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries. Most of these pieces are handcrafted French Country items that you won't find anywhere else. The furniture here is elegant, timeless as well as eclectic and each exquisite piece is sure to add that alluring touch to your home. In addition to furniture, the shop sells paintings, pottery, collectibles and antique mirrors to further enhance your interiors. Whether you are looking to redecorate your home or just want a decorative piece to accentuate your current decor, you will find what you need.
Some of the funkiest folks in town do all of their gift and holiday shopping at Wacko, also known as Soap Plant. One of the most notorious and eclectic shops in Los Angeles, it's a sure bet that you'll find things that you never knew existed. From Sumo wrestler lunch boxes to patchouli soaps and kiss "Psycho Circus" dolls, expect the unexpected. It's the perfect place if you want to take home a little bit of Hollywood hipster heaven.
By entering the legendary Amoeba Music, you are entering a heavenly pantheon of all things entertainment. Vinyl aficionados pour in in droves for Amoeba's epic record selection. The CD collection is nothing short of gargantuan, boasting more titles than you are likely to see anywhere else, and representing more styles of music than most people know exist. DVDs are plentiful, as are posters, toys and other rock-n-roll related memorabilia. On select evenings, Amoeba hosts an ongoing concert series (with big-name touring acts slumming it on the tiny in-store stage). Don't leave without one of Amoeba's trademark t-shirts, now a must-have Hollywood souvenir.
Hyaena Boutique & Gallery has the slogan "odd things for eclectic tastes" and it lives up to that saying. The gallery features dark, whimsical and often creepy artwork where the pictures are often fantastical or very contemporary. You can find a lot of different items here, including comic books, original artwork, watches, as well as uniquely designed furniture. This gallery is not for the faint of heart, but it has some of the most original artwork.
If you're looking to join a spirited artsy crowd in a bustling and bantering wine-tasting, look no further. With reasonably priced and smartly grouped flights of three to five wines in generous pours, Silver Lake Wine hits the spot. Complementary bread-cheese-and-charcuterie baskets are passed around liberally. The warm wooden interior, washed in high-key lighting and lined with wines from every corner of the world, makes for a stimulating backdrop for the bohemian invasion taking place every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday night. Come and engage in unabashed libations and get your fill of Silver Lake people-watching and snippets of the latest scenester gossip. But note, Silverlake Wine is a well-stocked and personable wine store in and of its own right, open daily, albeit it shines brightest for its congenial weekly wine socials.
House of Secrets is a beloved Burbank comic book store. The store has comic books and graphic novels, as well as specialty items such as comic book toys and figurines. The store is rather small, but has a wide selection of current comics and will order any issue you want. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly.