Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild (Alfred A. Knopf), is an overnight success who has actually been a hard-working writer praised in literary circles for years. She first won anonymous fame as the writer of the “Dear Sugar” column on The Rumpus; “Sugar” revealed her identity shortly before Wild‘s release. It was a masterful plan—her book [...]
Tough times demand flinty thriftiness, so with that in mind, I set out to find the best thrift and vintage stores in our realm. With a large offering of gently used clothing and accessories—some in the most current of styles—as well as home furnishings and collectibles, these places prove that it pays, both monetarily and [...]
Now that the holidays have passed and all the cheese, wine and peppermint bark have been consumed, it’s time to get in shape. We’re not talking about losing weight (although that might be a side effect), but getting healthy and strong. Yep, it’s time to commit to a workout program. Because it’s a new year, [...]
We’ve been doing some shopping again—not for ourselves, you understand, but strictly to spare you the trouble in your mad holiday dash for gifts. We’ve scoured the shelves of indie stores and chains alike (yes, a little break with tradition) to find you the newest, coolest and most sought-after gifts of the season, organized by [...]
This elegant boutique showcases more exclusive designers than any other shop in town: Hugo Boss for women, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney, Blumarine and more. The shoes and accessories are great as well. It’s a little bit of Vogue magazine in unlikely Old Pasadena. Most importantly, the service is renowned — a saleswoman once insisted on running to the store’s nearby warehouse [...]
Larayne Brannon says, “We make sure women have fun here – after all, shopping is a recreational sport.” And you will indeed have fun exploring this high-end collection of gently worn goods. The best way to negotiate the crowded store is to follow the signs. “Extra Snazzy,” for instance, marks suits and dresses from such elite designers as Armani, Chanel and Escada. They’re [...]
Known as Camille’s, this boutique carries everything you need for an impeccably detailed outfit: dresses, shoes, shawls, jackets and jewelry. DePedrini is best known for her gorgeous wedding dresses (from the classic to the artsy), mother-of-the-bride dresses and her creations for the fanciest of occasions, including the Oscars. Besides her own designs, her lines include Yoana Baraschi, Marianne Kooimans, Chan Luu and Spirithouse. Staples: [...]
It’s safe to say there’s no other store in town all of L.A. like Gold Bug, an always-intriguing, sometimes-macabre collection of art, artifacts, jewelry, decorative objects, clothing and more, all with a natural-history or Victoriana bent. Besides the regular collection, which is fascinating enough, the store also serves as an art gallery with rotating shows [...]
Looking for all the world like a wine bar, this place turns out to be not about drinking at all. Beyond the Olive (tagline: Celebrating Food and Living Well) is an olive oil and balsamic vinegar store that also stocks some other foods (olives, dips, tapenades, crackers) and gift items, such as bowls (for olive [...]
Upscale home furnishings, furniture and unique gifts fill this newish Old Town store, which owner Carrie Davich says has a “westside/Santa Barbara vibe without the westside prices.” Light and airy, full of vibrant colors, it feels like a French country house with all the trimmings. Davich, who used to be a clothing designer, named the [...]
