Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [173]
Aero & Co (Map; 323-651-1902; 8403 W 3rd St, Mid-City; ) Feminine Figmint, playful Ponderosa and arty Gabriella Artigas jewelry are among the edgy local designers getting a platform at Cynthia and Alisa’s ‘gallery of clothes.’ Gwen Stefani and Maggie Gyllenhaal have been spotted browsing the racks.
Sirens & Sailors (off Map; 213-483-5423; 1104 Mohawk St, Echo Park; noon-7pm Mon-Sat, noon-6pm Sun) The space is Lilliputian, but Jennifer Phillips’ selection of trailblazing LA labels (Grey Ant, Rojas and Project 44 among them) has landed her firmly on the radar of cutting-edge kids and studio stylists.
Matrushka (Map; 323-665-4513; 3822 W Sunset Blvd, Silver Lake; noon-7pm Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm Sat & Sun) Who says fashion has to be superficial? Not Lara Howe and Beth Ann Whitaker who infuse many of their handmade tees, dresses, pants and skirts with a lefty political touch. Everything’s made from eye-catching fabrics, no two pieces are alike, it’s OK to be size 12 and prices are comrade-friendly.
American Rag Cie (Map; 323-935-3154; 150 S La Brea, Mid-City; 10am-9pm Mon-Sat, noon-7pm Sun; ) This industrial-flavored warehouse-sized space has kept trend-hungry stylistas looking good since 1985. Join them in their hunt for updated European vintage threads, deluxe tees, saucy shoes and top-tier denim by the Warhol Factory, J Brand and Levi’s coveted Capital E line. You can even have your own pair custom-made for $350.
Curve (Map; 310-360-8008; 154 N Robertson Blvd, West Hollywood; 11am-7pm Mon-Sat, noon-6pm Sun; ) Jennifer Aniston and Marisa Tomei are among the stars snapping up the sexy, sassy and sometimes even sensible international designer pieces at this edgy boutique with its neat glass ceiling. Don’t even think about shopping here if you’re size six or higher. Parking in back.
American Apparel Factory Store (Map; 213-488-0266; 747 Warehouse St, Downtown; 9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm Sat; ) It’s now an international chain, but deep in Downtown’s industrial zone is the belly of the beast, the very place where all those rainbow-colored tees, dresses and shorts are cobbled together. Some items have small flaws but prices are at least 30% off retail. Check www.americanapparel.net for regular store locations throughout LA.
Another stylista haven is Theodore (Map; 323-935-1636; 189 The Grove Dr, Grove Mall, Mid-City; 11am-7pm; ), which has far-out fashions from Ann Demeulemeester, Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavalli, Great China Wall and other hot designers.
There are several other cool stores on Sunset Blvd near Sirens & Sailors, including Kids are Alright (Map; 213-413-4014; 2201 Sunset Blvd) and Luxe de Ville (Map; 213-353-0135; 2151 Sunset Blvd).
LINGERIE & EROTICA
Move over Victoria’s Secret… Tacky to tasteful, in freewheeling LA there’s no shortage of stores to get your nocturnal niceties.
Under G’s (Map; 310-273-9333; 417 N Bedford Dr, Beverly Hills; 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, 11am-5pm Sun) This pretty store stocks tightly edited designer unmentionables – G-rated body slips to itsy-bitsy G-strings – from hot labels like La Perla, Eberjey, Cosabella and Ritratti. No matter whether you’re tiny or titanic, the winsome sales ladies will help you find a flattering fit.
Trashy Lingerie (Map; 310-652-4543; 402 N La Cienega Blvd, Mid-City; 10am-7pm Mon-Sat, noon-5pm Sun) Those who worship at the altar of hedonism should check into this cluttered store, stocked with burlesque-inspired corsets, cat masks, school-girl outfits and whatever else girls and boys with imagination might need for a night of naughtiness. To keep out lookyloos, you must pay $5 for an ‘annual membership’ at the door.
Frederick’s of Hollywood (Map; 323-957-5953; 6751 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood; 10am-9pm Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm Sun) This famous purveyor gave us the cleavage-enhancing push-up bra and the G-string but, in 2005, competition