California dreamin'
Ahh, summer. Although we're still feeling less than pleasant temperatures, summer really is right around the corner. To me, the season evokes sunshine, beaches, BBQs, bright nail polish, and, most importantly, working in California.
Every summer, I eagerly await the day until my flight to LA, but not before I struggle to fit my life into a suitcase that's not more than 50 pounds overweight, as the charges for that far exceed my paycheques. Regardless of how much or how little I pack, I always return home with at least one additional piece of luggage; the shopping in LA is just too good to pass up. From bargains to haute couture, LA has it all. Although there are far too many great places to name, here are a few of my favourite hot spots:
INTERMIX
The perfect mix (ha ha) of casual, cocktail and evening attire, Intermix boasts trendy gotta-have-it-right now everything. Get your hands on a hot little D & G dress and pair it with the nearly sold out Guiseppe Zanotti sandals that are only still available because of the impeccable trend forecasting Intermix is so famous for; they are sure to pre-order enough of the right merchandise as they know best what's going to sell. (Scratch that. They practically dictate what is going to sell well).
Always first to display the newest brand and latest styles, Intermix also carries the seen on every celebrity Current/Elliot jeans, Trash & Luxury tees, Chloe boyfriend blazers and every accessory you would ever need to compliment your new LA girl style. Bright, flashy, fun and young (much like LA itself), Intermix is the epitome of downtown LA chic.
KITSON
Heidi Montag: that annoying, overly fake looking, paparazzi-loving fame whore you love to hate. Kitson is the boutique equivalent of Ms. Montag. Selling attire designed by the celebs who shop there, Kitson is more of a “see and be seen” type place than a must shop at boutique. Frequent designers and visitors alike include Victoria Beckham, Lindsay Lohan, The Olsen Twins, Gwen Stefani and any other star who has ever collaborated with a designer. Although Kitson is overpriced and a bit tacky, what would a trip to LA be without being asked to leave a store so Paris Hilton can come in to shop in private?
MELROSE AVE.
Comparable to Queen Street West in Toronto, Melrose Ave. almost feels like it's in a whole other state. Giving off a San Francisco-cool vibe, Melrose Ave. is the place to find anything from drag costumes to touristy trinkets to everything (and often quite camp) vintage. Bargaining is a-ok and everything goes on Melrose.
Interior decorating shops also line the streets, as well as hookah bars and an endless amount of super famous (and often star studded) restaurants. My favourite place to grab a coffee (when shopping for hours on Melrose, you'll need it!) is Angeli Caffee, a busy, trendy Italian style cafe.
FRED SEGAL
Although Fred Segal is on Melrose Ave., it deserves its own category as it has completely changed the typical daily uniform and what is acceptable American fashion we are so familiar with today.
In 1960, Fred Segal was the first shop ever to open a jeans-only store and took denim from the farm to the streets. Creating a frenzy with their jean bar, this once small denim shop has greatly expanded and it's easy to see what all the fuss is still about. Fred Segal offers all the best designers and labels, but somehow (and quite refreshingly) without an air of arrogance you see far too much of in Los Angeles. Long live Fred Segal.
RODEO DR.
If Fred Segal is unpretentious, Rodeo Drive is everything Fred Segal is not. Home of the $17 lattes and $90 manicures, Rodeo Drive is la crème de la crème of LA.
All of the designer flagship boutiques from Tiffany's to Chanel to Cartier line this street and it holds more wealth than most small countries. Despite its ostentatious reputation, no trip to LA would be complete without a visit to Rodeo Drive. Just don't forget to call any store you plan to shop at six weeks prior to your visit; shopping is strictly by appointment only.
Every summer, I eagerly await the day until my flight to LA, but not before I struggle to fit my life into a suitcase that's not more than 50 pounds overweight, as the charges for that far exceed my paycheques. Regardless of how much or how little I pack, I always return home with at least one additional piece of luggage; the shopping in LA is just too good to pass up. From bargains to haute couture, LA has it all. Although there are far too many great places to name, here are a few of my favourite hot spots:
INTERMIX
The perfect mix (ha ha) of casual, cocktail and evening attire, Intermix boasts trendy gotta-have-it-right now everything. Get your hands on a hot little D & G dress and pair it with the nearly sold out Guiseppe Zanotti sandals that are only still available because of the impeccable trend forecasting Intermix is so famous for; they are sure to pre-order enough of the right merchandise as they know best what's going to sell. (Scratch that. They practically dictate what is going to sell well).
Always first to display the newest brand and latest styles, Intermix also carries the seen on every celebrity Current/Elliot jeans, Trash & Luxury tees, Chloe boyfriend blazers and every accessory you would ever need to compliment your new LA girl style. Bright, flashy, fun and young (much like LA itself), Intermix is the epitome of downtown LA chic.
KITSON
Heidi Montag: that annoying, overly fake looking, paparazzi-loving fame whore you love to hate. Kitson is the boutique equivalent of Ms. Montag. Selling attire designed by the celebs who shop there, Kitson is more of a “see and be seen” type place than a must shop at boutique. Frequent designers and visitors alike include Victoria Beckham, Lindsay Lohan, The Olsen Twins, Gwen Stefani and any other star who has ever collaborated with a designer. Although Kitson is overpriced and a bit tacky, what would a trip to LA be without being asked to leave a store so Paris Hilton can come in to shop in private?
MELROSE AVE.
Comparable to Queen Street West in Toronto, Melrose Ave. almost feels like it's in a whole other state. Giving off a San Francisco-cool vibe, Melrose Ave. is the place to find anything from drag costumes to touristy trinkets to everything (and often quite camp) vintage. Bargaining is a-ok and everything goes on Melrose.
Interior decorating shops also line the streets, as well as hookah bars and an endless amount of super famous (and often star studded) restaurants. My favourite place to grab a coffee (when shopping for hours on Melrose, you'll need it!) is Angeli Caffee, a busy, trendy Italian style cafe.
FRED SEGAL
Although Fred Segal is on Melrose Ave., it deserves its own category as it has completely changed the typical daily uniform and what is acceptable American fashion we are so familiar with today.
In 1960, Fred Segal was the first shop ever to open a jeans-only store and took denim from the farm to the streets. Creating a frenzy with their jean bar, this once small denim shop has greatly expanded and it's easy to see what all the fuss is still about. Fred Segal offers all the best designers and labels, but somehow (and quite refreshingly) without an air of arrogance you see far too much of in Los Angeles. Long live Fred Segal.
RODEO DR.
If Fred Segal is unpretentious, Rodeo Drive is everything Fred Segal is not. Home of the $17 lattes and $90 manicures, Rodeo Drive is la crème de la crème of LA.
All of the designer flagship boutiques from Tiffany's to Chanel to Cartier line this street and it holds more wealth than most small countries. Despite its ostentatious reputation, no trip to LA would be complete without a visit to Rodeo Drive. Just don't forget to call any store you plan to shop at six weeks prior to your visit; shopping is strictly by appointment only.
