World famous for a reason. Whether you want to shop at the dozens of high-end designer boutiques that dot the ritzy avenue—from Chanel to Saint Laurent—or just see the setting for films like Pretty Women and Clueless, it’s always worth a visit. —Elise Taylor
Photo: Courtesy of Happy Isles
As a vintage-obsessed, few vintage stores go as far back with their objects as I would like them to. Call me old-fashioned but the Aughts don’t classify as vintage. Thankfully L.A. (and its old Hollywood roots) understands this and this city’s vintage shops, vintage means vintage! Top of my shopping list is Happy Isles. Location in Beverly Hills, it’s a well-curated spot where 1950s prom dresses intermingle with 1980s sharp-shouldered blazers and where I’m in heaven. — Lilah Ramzi
No L.A. trip is complete without a quick shopping stop at Wasteland, which has several locations across the city (including in Hollywood, Studio City, Highland Park, and more). Inside, you can find an array of secondhand designer goods—whether it’s a sleek Rick Owens jacket, or a fresh-off-the-runway Prada dress. The inventory is good and ever-rotating—the prices are even better. Come here to find high-fashion for a steal. —Christian Allaire
Looking for a Mugler mini dress from the 80s? A Halston gown from the 70s? A Christian Dior suit from the 60s? Look no further than The Way We Wore, one of the best vintage experiences in the United States. The incredible selection allows for sartorial time travel. —Ian Malone
Despite Emily Bode’s Brooklyn base, the brand feels right at home in California. The patterned, patchworked, and hand-embroidered pieces are perfect for the city of angels. The recently opened West Coast flagship offers the entire current collection, as well as exclusive pieces. Bode is a closet necessity for any cool boy (or girl). —Ian Malone
The department store elevates retail to experimental heights with its L.A. location. The 11,000-square-foot building, designed by Sir David Adjaye, is encased in signature pink concrete. The spectacular curation of clothes in the futuristic setting will satisfy the most discerning customer and inspire the most jaded sophisticate. —Ian Malone
Strolling Montana Avenue is the ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon, but the street’s pièce de résistance is the family-owned Brentwood General Store. The quaint space is lined with shelves perfectly curated with everything from vintage china to gourmet snacks. It truly is every hostess’s dream—they even sell bouquets of flowers that are freshly arranged by the owner each morning. —Florence O’Connor
Who hasn’t traveled to a sunny locale and realized upon arrival that they forgot their sunglasses? Fortunately, you can make a field trip out of fixing it and head to Zak Eyes in West Hollywood for custom frames (including prescription) or Jacques Marie Mage and Native Sons sunglasses, then head next door to Jon & Vinny’s for lunch or dinner. —Chloe Malle
Melrose Avenue
The West Hollywood stretch of Melrose Avenue is my favorite place to shop because of its contemporary offerings: Toteme, Redone, Vivienne Westwood,and Ulla Johnson are just some of the stores you’ll find on the street. (If we’re making New York comparisons, think about it as the Soho of Los Angeles whereas Rodeo Drive is the Fifth Avenue.) There are also a lot of great interior design stores, from a Soho Home to Ken Fulk’s first brick-and-mortar shop. —Elise Taylor
What to Do
LACMA
Photo: Getty Images
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