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.
Located in the downtown Long Beach Harbor, Shoreline Village shopping center features some great shops and restaurants. From here you can also take boat tours of the Long Beach and Los Angeles harbors. Restaurants include The Yard House, Tequila Jack's, Tugboat Pete's and Parkers' Lighthouse. At sunset, an excursion along the Long Beach Harbor Marina is perfect and at night, both The Yard House and Tequila Jack's are hopping bars that serve several beers and tequilas.
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.
Located on a busy intersection in Venice, the Lone Wolfs Objets d’Surf is a quaint, little surf shop with not only surfboards on offer, but also fins, wetsuits and other surfing gear including Octopus Traction Pads and Octopus Comp Leash. The laid-back owners, the customer -friendly return policies and the modestly-priced items take away the need to look any further than Lone Wolfs if you want to buy a surfboard or other accoutrements. They also have a collection of books, postcards, clothes, hats and bags along with a recording studio in the back of the store.
Franc Milton is a bespoke menswear boutique that specializes in made-to-measure suits crafted from premium textiles. The studio is open by appointment only and promises a one on one style and image consultation so you can look your best. From designer formals to upscale casuals, there are a variety of fabrics that you can customize to develop your personal look. Geared towards an urban, cosmopolitan clientele, Franc Milton has your sartorial requirements covered.
The embodiment of current fashion trends, Rachel Comey offers a fascinating collection of clothing and accessories for women. Regardless of your requirement, this is where you are certain to find the perfect outfit. Its extensive selection includes a host of chic casual and formal attire, from shorts, shirts and tops, to dresses, trousers and suits. Each season features a different set of designs; which means each visit assures a new and fresh collection.
Established in 2014 and located in the popular neighborhood Hollywood, Memento Mori is a curated shop that made its way into the LA Weekly's, Best of 2019 list. The interior of this gothic structure is characterized by photographs, entomology boxes, jewelry, candles, skulls and other curious artifacts. Moreover, some of the store's objects can also be found at the Nomad Hotel's lobby restaurant.
A few minutes south of downtown Los Angeles stands this small and unique bookstore. The stock features all Spanish language books with a religious focus. In addition to the many hardcovers and paperbacks, the store also offers a wide variety of articles, pamphlets and even some old manuscripts. Although prices vary, the bulk of the selection easily fits into any budget. Call for open hours.