martin + osa

Last week we had the opportunity to check out a new store opening at Century City Mall to benefit Step Up Women. Who wouldn't love to shop with a cocktail (or two) and some passed hors d'oeuvres in the name of charitable giving?

Martin + Osa is an offshoot of the American Eagle brand and the latest upscale sportswear line geared at the Banana buyer, whose name comes from an American adventurer couple who spent most of their lives on safari. The clothes were, well, very Bananaesque, but more casual and with the addition of khaki. A whole lotta khaki. Particularly in the men's. If you know a man who loves khaki, this will be his new favorite store.

Aside from a couple of lovely knits (I did my part for the cause purchasing a thin, cream colored wool sweater with a faux turtleneck and the prettiest border pattern to layer for $88), a beautiful bordeaux velvet peplum jacket ($128), and some very cool shiny textured leather zip pouches ($48), much of the selection - menswear, in particular - was unremarkable, at best. I'm hoping that once they find their niche in the market, that'll improve.

Far more impressive - the stores design. All of the Martin + Osa shops are marked with a striking wood paneled entry, well laid out without feeling empty or sparse, and have an absolutely gorgeous fitting room area that's a low-lit long hall, floor to high ceiling, seemingly endless panel of polished grainy wenge. I was tempted to try a few things on just for the sake of admiring the space!

Also of note - the little things that matter. My sweater purchase was popped into a recycled (and recyclable) white pull string pouch that could be used to wash, store, or travel with. The gift bags we left with included his and hers travel sets with soft, supple leather passport holders and matching luggage tags - chocolate brown for him and a striking shade of pale aqua for me. They're getting plenty of use already!

10250 Santa Monica Blvd #185
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 785-7924

a taste of wales. at costco?

No, sillies, this isn't a tale of eating a whale!

It's true. Most Angeleno's don't know where Wales is, and they sure as hell don't know that one of their national foods is the cockle. Wales is one of the four countries (yes, it's its own country), that comprises the United Kingdom - that land across the pond we often assume falls under the blanket "England" that most certainly does not. A country rich in history and tradition, bordered primarily by the Irish Sea with lush hills and valleys, craggy cliffs, and patches of desolate coal-like terrain, it's no surprise many of the local foods come from the sea.

So, what on earth is a cockle? It's a lot like a small clam. Brits eat them as snack food, served outside of their pale orange and green hued shells in paper cones with a bit of vinegar. You can even get jars of them pickled at local groceries. The Welsh do the same, but it's more common to see them served as you would other bi-valves for dinner, and more often, on a breakfast plate with another local staple called laverbread (pronounced lavahbread), which is a made from a type of seaweed - Porphyra - native to the cold and rocky north Atlantic shores west of Swansea.

Imagine my surprise when I saw none other than a big ol' five pound net bag of live, fresh cockles staring back at me from a bed of a ice in the live seafood stall at my local CostCo - in Marina del Rey! Naturally, the first thing I did was pick up the phone to call my Welsh boyfriend! I had to repeat myself a few times before he realized I was, in fact, saying cockles. I promptly bought the bag - while a couple of onlookers asked me what they were and what I was going to do with them - and he promptly called his mother for cooking instructions. The bit about boiling them for a couple of minutes sounded like crazy talk, but after getting my way to throw in some herbs, garlic and a hefty bit of white wine, and agreeing to hold the salt (it comes from the shells), we did just that.

They smelled so good, we had a few fresh out of their shells as soon as they'd cooled just enough to handle, and they were absolutely delicious. The pink-orange flesh was so sweet, tender and fragrant it was like no clam I'd had before. To be blunt about it, I'm not much a fan of clams, but I could have easily sat down and polished off the lot.

We saved the remainder to chill and snack on with a bit of vinegar and crackers, and those were quite tasty too. Now I'm looking forward to having some with laverbread when we're in the UK for the holidays!

No guarantee they'll regularly carry them, but if you don't want to hop on the next flight to London, head to your local CostCo and give some a try.

CostCo Store #49
13463 Washington Blvd
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 754-2020

long lashes at sephora

There are so many things to love about the grown up girl's candy store that is Sephora. They carry virtually every cosmetic, fragrance and skin care line you can imagine. They've always got the latest products in before they hit most shelves. With the addition of their (ahem, big brother) frequent shopper program, you can count on a free gift or two with virtually every purchase. (This month, it's a yummy new Pomegranate-Tangerine shower gel.) They've always got beautiful complimentary gift wrap on hand. There are numerous locations all over town. Hell, you can even shop online.

And the generous samples. How could you not love the unlimited samples they're always happy to offer of just about everything? This is the ultimate go-to for stocking up on airline friendly travel goodies.

When the familiar black and white stripes beckon, one of my favorite things to check out is the mascara bar. The last couple of years I've been happy with Paul & Joe's chocolate mascara duo for day and Dior Show for something more dramatic, but eventually, we all need a change, and mine came tonight when I realized they were all out of my color. After staring endlessly at the myriad options, I decided to give the Fresh Supernova a try. It was only available in black, but a friendly salesgirl assured me it was "less dramatic" than Show. The real lure is that this stuff promises to be a three in one - it thickens, lengthens and curls your lashes in one coat. Sure enough, it did exactly what it promised. Better yet, two coats and it went from everyday perfect to hot enough for a night out. For a mere $25 bucks, I managed to replace two favorite products with one. Woo hoo! Just imagine what they could do for you ;)

Sephora
8500 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 854-0071

willie bird time!

In the blink of an eye, another year has nearly flown by again. Just a few days till Thanksgiving which always feels like the gun sounding at the start of the Marathon that is Xmas.

My pre-race ritual every year begins with one thing - buying the Thanksgiving turkey. I think I'd tried just about every frozen and fresh I could get my hands on over the years, from CostCo and Bristol Farms to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, but the year I discovered the Willie Bird I knew I needed to look no further.

Run by owner Willie Benedetti out of Sonoma County, all Willie Birds are free range, fresh and the majority of the birds are organic as well. Aside from the peace of mind you get from knowing the turkey on your table had a good turkey life before he got there, free of processed foods, antibiotics and hormones, they just plain taste better. Another interesting note, because the birds are free of all that junk, they tend to cook a little faster than your average bird. I've had them fried, brined, and plain ol' baked, and any way, they've been moist and flavorful. You haven't really had turkey until you've had a Willie Bird.

Thanks to the wonders of the internet and FedEx overnight, you can order one of these babies online (they range from 12lb hens shipped for about $90 all the way up to 35lb for some of the toms which will run closer to $200) and have them delivered to your doorstep. If you live in LA, I've found the best place to get your hands on a Willie Bird is at Puritan Poultry at the Farmers Market.

Located in stall #226, these poulterers know their stuff and you can reserve your bird (selecting size and gender) up to almost a month in advance and pick it up on the date of your choice. This is much more reasonable than having them shipped (averaging $40-$60 a bird) and they usually have a few on reserve if you want to head in this week with a last minute order. I can't wait to see my bird Wednesday morning!

Should you find yourself in Santa Rosa, Willie Bird has a retail shop open to the public where you can pick up very reasonably priced birds and just about everything else turkey you could think of, including some amazing smoked turkey sausage. If you'd rather not cook it up yourself, they've got a Willie Bird Restaurant, too!

that yarn store

Having promised a childhood friend we'd learn to knit together as my bday gift to her, (that's right - we're 30 going on 70!), I went on a hunt to find the perfect yarn shop for our hot hooking adventure. It turns out there are plenty of shops all around town, and they each offer classes and sell yarn of some sort or another, but when I stumbled across the website for That Yarn Store on Eagle Rock Blvd., I knew I'd found the spot.

This is a mom and pop shop - recently relocated from a store front around the corner on Colorado - staffed and run entirely by family. Everything about this place is comfy and homey, from the handwritten notes on the door describing new groups and events, the decor (it's set up like a cozy living room with rocking chairs, sofas and an ample coffee table covered with snacks), the music (it was some indy electro jazz while we were there), and most especially, the people.

A couple of months ago I thought it would be relaxing for me to take up knitting, but after a futile attempt at learning, all I wanted to do was stab someone with my knitting needles. When we arrived, a very friendly barefooted guy welcomed us to the shop and let us know his wife, Frannie, would be back soon to teach us to knit (evidently, he was more of the crocheting type). That was when I knew we'd found the right spot :)

Frannie was the sweetest thing and had the patience of a saint. She sat us down and handed us each a pair of shiny #9 bamboo needles and a little ball of tan yarn. Before we knew it, we'd mastered the art of casting on and were slowly, but surely, knitting rows. We hung out chatteing and practicing our stitches, and before we knew it, three hours had passed, and what do you know, we were knitting!

For those of you who know your stuff, they have an ample collection of books and lending library, plenty of yarns (like fine wool, alpaca and yak - none of that acrylic junk) and needles for just about any knit or crochet project as well as a laundry list of different classes, groups and special events. For everyone else, there are classes for beginners on Saturdays at 2p and Tuesdays at 7p, but we discovered they're happy to start you a little early (or, in our case) a little late if need be. Our impromptu class was just $15 plus $5 for our needles and starter yarn. All they ask is that you buy your supplies there, which is perfectly reasonable given the beautiful and colorful selection. Now I'm hoping the skein of wine hued wool I picked up will mystically turn itself into a scarf!

lily simone

What a gift it was to happen upon this beautiful boutique! Former stylist Simone Porter opened the mid-century modern shop dedicated to small labels on Eagle Rock Blvd. almost 4 years ago. More recently, the space has been divided into both a clothing and home accessories shop.

In the clothing section you'll find labels such as Grey Ant, Ella Moss, Splendid, Kush Cush and Kenneth Lane jewelry. There's also a lovely selection of shoes, wallets and everything else a girl could ask for - including pretty glass jars of old fashioned candy sold for a buck a scoop. You may also spy Simone's lil pup Lily curled up on one of the chairs. This time of year, there were beautiful knits, wraps, and a couple of stunning party dresses in worsted wool - all at reasonable price points. My resistance worn down by the soothing tunes playing and the cotton candy pink walls, I picked up a dainty gold bamboo inspired bangle I want to wear with everything.


In the home accessories area we found all sorts of holiday baubles and ornaments, stylish textiles, vintage furnishings (including a fabulous chandelier), divine candles, and some very cool miniaturized stag's heads I had to pry myself away from.

Better than just a beautiful place with beautiful things, everyone who works here makes it a pleasure to visit. No pushy Westside salesgirls and no too cool for school Eastside hipsters. Hell, I almost forgot I was in LA!

Everything about Lily Simone is a grown up gal's candy shop, and no matter what your style or taste, there's something here for everyone.

Do yourself a favor and add this one to your holiday shopping list, even if it's just to sneak away and pick a couple of things up for the most important person on it - you.

Tip: Stop by on Tax Free Tuesday or flash your Oxy student id for a nice discount.

for love 21

Just when you thought cheapie cheapie couldn't possibly outdo themselves, they have. On the 7th floor of the Beverly Center is the Fashion 21 empire's latest venture - an accessories store. I still can't imagine what would possess you to name a chic looking shop just across from Bloomies "For Love 21" but that unfortunate bit aside, this place is a grown up girl's candy store.

The green space designed by Lexington is so pretty, you'd think it was anything but. Pristine white displays along walls and in rounds fill every inch of the bright chandelier lit room with shoes, jewelry, handbags, panties, sunglasses, hats, hair doo dads and just about every other accessory you can think of. Prices start at $2.80 (panties and boy shorts are $3.80!) and run all the way up to a whopping $20 bucks.

Sure, some of it looks as cheap as it is (you'd probably be hard pressed to find a fabulous pair of shoes here you could actually walk in), but there's plenty worth looking at. Cute vintage flower rings, fun beaded necklaces, stylish velvet flocked bags, knit caps and gloves, colorful crocheted scarves, cotton boy shorts in every color, print and trim you can imagine, bangles galore, and plenty of other steals just waiting to be had. Just when you're wondering how to carry all of your finds, a salesgirl will appear with a silver tray for you to tote your wares up to sales counter with.

You're not likely going to find a replacement for your Coach bag or Louis wallet here, but when you're in the mood to try on a new look or pick up something you know you'll only wear once or twice without guilt, this is the place. Next time you're looking for a splurge with that ten spot you found in your back pocket, you'll know just where to go ;)

Word to the wise. Make sure you love it before you buy it. This cheapie store has the same no return/limited exchange policy all of the others do.

Beverly Center
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 855-9511

joan's on third

If you like Dean & Deluca, you'll love Joan's on Third. The space is small (but in the process of expanding!) and jam packed with delectable goodies to delight the palate.

The charcuterie selection is amazing, particularly if you're a fan of cheese. The selection packed into the cold cases will make your head (and your wallet) spin. The sandwiches, salads, sides and condiments are all a little taste of heaven and the cupcakes are not be missed. The peanut butter filled chocolate and the coconut are a couple of my faves and they beat the pants off of Sprinkles any day. The cake is perfectly moist and the icing is never piled too high or sickly sweet - unless you like it that way, in which case you should try the clouds.


Despite the inviting and always busy street side seating, I've never felt compelled to sit and have a meal here, but I can't seem to leave without less than two calorie packed bags, including at least one of their amazing sandwiches.


To state the obvious, yes, the street is crowded, yes, the place is often overrun by beautiful people and their beautiful pets, and yes, parking's guaranteed to be a bitch. So, what? If you can't deal with that, why are you living in LA in the first place? Pack up your purse pup, get off your beautiful duff and head to Joan's!


8346 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 655-2285


Photo courtesy of Joan S.

govinda international imports

This little gem of a store is hidden upstairs in the Hari Krishna Temple (yes, I said Temple) off of Venice in Mar Vista. If you happen to be in the market for a great tunic, sari, pashmina, stacks and stacks of bangle bracelets or that hard to find Krishna prayer candle and incense burner - cheap - this is the one-stop-shop for you. The smell of incense burning will herald you upstairs where they sell clothing and accessories, mostly imported from India, for men, women and children. The quality of the embroidery and the variety of sizes and colors is amazing.

This store really is a find. The jewelry alone makes it worth the trip. All proceeds benefit the Temple. Expect to rub elbows with an interesting mix of devout Hari Krishnas, celebrities, stylists, hipsters and yoga Mommy's.

Tip: Grab some yummy Indian veggie hippy grub at Govinda's, the cafeteria downstairs attached to the Temple. Good stuff even for a flesh loving carnivore, like myself. There's a buffet and a salad bar, and you can pay by the pound or opt for the all you can eat. Wrap it all up with a piece of the surprisingly tasty Buckwheat Codicy Cake.

Hours can be sketchy, so when in doubt, call ahead.

3764 Watseka Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 204-3263

larchmont hardware

I love this place! I suppose I should add that I love Larchmont - it reminds me that there's a city within the city, and without the trek up to Montrose for my other favorite "small town" vibe main street.

Anytime I'm in the area, I stop by to see what's new. This place carries the basics we all need - cleaning supplies, pest control, basic tools, housewares (including random brik-a-brack like tea cups and sink strainers), batteries, glues and the like. My personal favorite - the huge selection of Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products displayed right next to the door in all three scents - Lavender, Geranium and Lemon Verbena. Pick up some of the dish soap or the scrubbing powder, which gives Comet a run for the money without the harsh chemicals. You'll be glad you did.

If you're in the market for some lumber or a new toilet, you'll still need to make your way over to the Home Despot to line up with the rest of the plumber crack crowd, but for everything else, give this little mom and pop shop a try.

Tip - If there's no street parking, don't waste your time driving around the block. You can park for free in the structure located off the Rite Aid lot just a couple of doors down.


152 N. Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 463-5783


Photo courtesy of Joan S.

attention target shoppers

As thrilled as I was to see the new Tarzhay (can you hear me dragging that one out?), open up on La Brea, the parking nightmare and lack of stock has driven me back to the og location on La Cienega time, and time again.

Of course I prefer having a shiny, clean, safe, more luxury experience at the newer store, but if they don't have what I'm looking for and I still have to pay for parking - talk about adding insult to injury - what's the point?

This location feels a lot like Target's red-headed step sister, but let me tell ya, she delivers. Time and time again, I've been able to find exactly what I was in the store for (including advertised specials and sales items) when they've been sold out all over town at the other locations. Another plus is the ample garden shop area - something you won't find at the "other" location either. And of course, there's parking. Easy, free, ample parking. Just as it was meant to be.

A point off to the ghetto factor that seems to pervade virtually every element of your experience here. Once you're prepared for it and over it (which, you generally will be after getting screwed some way or another at that "other" location), it's smooth sailin'.

Oh, and there's a Micky D's at the far corner of the parking lot. What better way to wrap up a g-h-e-t-t-o afternoon than with a Big Mac, fries and a shake?

3535 S La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90016

(310) 895-1131

nike women at the grove

Update 10/07 - Sadly, this is no longer exclusively a women's shop. They've redesigned the location to be a mini Nike carrying all of their wares. From the look on the sales associate's face, I was only one of many disappointed customers.
...



Time to train for another marathon means time to start burning money at the Nike Women's store!

Right off the bat, I love this location because I can easily walk (or run) to it, and what better way to justify spending more money on workout gear than a good workout!? Even though I can get many of the same items at the mega NikeTown down the road in BH, the intimate 'all women, for women' vibe at this shop makes it well worth a visit.

Aside from all of the great fitness wear - from running apparel to dance clothes and lifestyle sportswear, and an entire floor of shoes and socks upstairs - they've literally got you covered. Surprisingly most of the clothes are not only fashionable, but flattering (even on a curvy girl like myself) and they perform even better.

Though you may come here for workout wear, you'd be surprised with what you leave with. Aside from their sport watches (which I own and love), they've got some great ones for everyday you could even wear with a suit to work. And don't miss the sportswear. I've found some great everyday skirts and pants here too.

Being that they're a major store, there's ALWAYS something on sale, both on the side racks and in the back near the dressing rooms. Another plus is the 10% discount they'll generally offer to anyone doing Team in Training.

And if that wasn't enough ... they also do Nike Club Run here every Wednesday night. All you have to do is show up ready to run at 6:30 to meet up with a great group. Everyone splits up based on pace and distance (they offer both a 3k and a 5k every week), and then set off to run from The Grove into Pan Pacific Park. Can't really think of a better way to meet your neighbors.

All that AND the staff are great. Super friendly and helpful, which, sadly, isn't all that easy to come by these days.

Tip: Nike Women doesn't validate, but the Barnes & Noble across the way does. No purchase necessary, and no questions asked.

189 The Grove Drive, Ste G-60
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 954-0450

mcmanus & morgan

Next door to the Aardvark Printers in the Pico-Union district, is this amazing specialty paper shop that's been around since it was founded by two UCLA students in 1923.

They have a divine selection of rare and hard to find art, stationary and writing papers around. If you're a fan of antiques and things still made by hand, you'll especially enjoy poking around the shelves here. There's so much to find at this unassuming little shop, you'll want to buy everything. I like to go just to look at some of the beautiful handmade papers, especially their collection from Japan.

If you're looking for paper for letterpress, watercolor or for simply divine writing paper and notecards, M&M is a retailer of exquisite Fabriano Roma hand made paper from Italy which is hands down my favorite for everything. Fabriano is the oldest paper mill in Europe, turning out paper like this since 1267. It's made from cotton, has a rich texture and weight, a pale rich cream color with deckled edges that give away its history. It comes in many sizes and weights and with unique matching envelopes.

Sure you can find many of these at other shops in the westside, but why pay twice the price?

2506 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213) 387-4433

aardvark letterpress

Little known, this is the oldest original letterpress in LA. I've had invites, thank you notes, and personalized stationary made here, all of which I've been thrilled with, but even if you're not in the market for custom printing, it's a cool place to check out just to see and watch them using the press. It's still a family business and everyone who works there is super friendly and helpful.

Letterpress is the oldest (and most expensive) method of printing around, but the look and feel of the finished product is unmistakable and second to none. There's no better way to create something unique and personal. Sure, there are other presses in town (for example, Soolip, which I also love), but they'll cost you a mint compared to Aardvark's.

Another bonus is the awesome paper shop next door where you can source, and even custom order, everything you need to have printed at a very reasonable price. If you're checking out printers or looking for letterpress, Aardvark's is an invaluable resource.

2500 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213) 388-2271

seaver

Sometimes we forget just how good we have it in LA with the plethora of neighborhood boutique shops right under our noses.

Seaver - which is right in the middle of the West Third shopping stretch, just a couple of doors down from Joan's - is a great reminder of that fact. It's one of those quaint shops which makes you sigh a breath of relief knowing options still exist to spy a gift or great find, without making another trip to a cookie cutter mall with the rest of the sheep.

Specializing in clothing (designed by the owner, Nathalie), gifts and little treasures, there's something here for just about everyone. We stumbled in after brunch and were amazed by the variety of unique offerings the shop is nearly overflowing with - designer rubber duckies (we left with "decorator duck"), vintage stripper cuff links, stenciled leatherette checkbook and ipod covers in yummy pastel colors for spring, magnets, soaps, custom aprons (that give Anthropologie a run for their money), some beautiful things for baby, and of course, clothes and accessories. Not all of Seaver's clothes fit my taste, but aside from the super fab aprons that actually make you want to cook, her brocade jackets are beautifully sewn and well worth the price of admission.

If you're trying to find a special gift for someone hard to buy for, this boutique is not to be missed - not that you could miss the beautifully painted black and white floral exterior. Nathalie is a super helpful sweetheart, there's something for just about every budget, and she'll even gift wrap it for you before you go. LA doesn't get much better than that.

beverly flower gardens

Stumbled onto this neighborhood florist in a strip mall next to my shoe repair one day when Moe's on Melrose was out of what I was looking for. Now, anytime I head to a dinner or birthday party, this is my first stop.

At first, I wasn't sure what to think of the little space, but ended up ecstatic with the beautiful, fresh flowers I left with and even happier with the amazing price. I've been there dozens of times since and they've never let me down. Even if you have only $20 to spend (I recommend $30-$50 for something impressive - on average, I spend $45), they'll make it work.

This is a family run business and the Korean lady there, while not always the warmest in town, is very helpful and kind. I've noticed they do a lot of weddings and funerals (as evidenced from the arrangements filling the little shop at times), but even on their busiest days, they have seasonal stock on hand for bouquets to go.

One of my favorite things here is that aside from the fresh and reasonable flowers, the presentation is always nice. If you're not doing an arrangement in a vase, urn, etc. (they have a good selection), they'll wrap your flowers in either brown paper (which is always chic) or this pretty fabric they have in lots of colors.

There's parking in the little strip mall lot - which even when it's swamped is usually workable. Just beware of the limited weekend hours. They close early at 3p on Saturdays and aren't always open Sundays. However, I recently learned they deliver locally for a nominal $5 charge.

8250 W 3rd St Ste 104
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 657-3533

lupicia tea

This shop is such a gem for tea lovers, it almost redeems the Century City mall for me. We fell in over the holidays on the hunt for gifts and ended up taking care of a good part of our list in this store alone.

They have an amazing selection of teas and an incredibly knowledgeable staff. They carry everything from a line of more than 200 loose teas - many of which are hard to find or original blends - to beautiful tea pots and accoutrement, and great gift boxes and holiday sets. The prices aren't cheap, but are reasonable for the quality. And even if you're not in the market to buy, they're very generous with the samples.

Their specialty is Japanese tea (given that they have more than 80 locations in Japan, this shouldn't come as a surprise), so if you're a fan, this place needs to go on your favorites list. The Gyukoro Green is great, as is the selection of Genmai Cha. Other favorites include the Sweet Dreams blend (cut ginger, chamomile, dried apple, fennel, bluemallow), which is a must if you find yourself sick, and one of their top-sellers, the Champagne Rose (black tea). If you like spicy, the chai selection is fantastic.

To learn more, you can check out their website which has recently been translated to Engrish.

Westfield Century City Mall
Los Angeles, CA 90067

chic-a-boom

Specializing in 20's - 80's collectibles and memorabilia, if you like your pop history with a splash of kitsch, you'll love all the vintage treasures at Chic-a-Boom.

This hidden Melrose haunt, just east of La Brea and best known by the big sign shooting off the roof, carries everything from vintage postcards and posters to magazines, pins and toys. The architecturally pre-war space is like a giant grown up toy store overflowing with great finds stacked and piled in every nook and cranny.

The shop's been around nearly 30 years. The owner - who used to have a second store devoted purely to rock-n-roll goodies - is a trip, and after a few minutes of easy conversation with her, it's obvious she's passionate about everything she brings in - and equally passionate about who she allows to take home a few of the more rare finds.

Despite wanting to buy half the store - and refraining from walking out the door with a life-size David Cassidy (watch out Hoff!) - the Beer talked himself into an original, untouched, 60's NY subway Connery Bond poster that's become one of our prized possessions.

Whether you're in the market for a big vintage splurge or a few fun things to spruce up your decor, this is a fun spot everyone Angeleno should check out at least once.

6817 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038

(323) 931-7441

bohac

If Indian imports are your thing, look no further. Bohac on Melrose (which has recently trimmed down from two locations to one), is an Indian trader who carries everything from home furnishings to jewelry.

Come here for amazing textiles, pillows and cushions, a great selection of Indian jewelry (bangles, earrings, cuffs, toe rings, belts, decorative bindis, etc.), large scale furniture, carvings, doors/archways, candles, vases, art and other accessories, and one of the best selections of saris you'll find on this side of town.

If you're in the market for a beautiful sari skirt or wrap, they nearly always have a two for one special going on which makes the prices even better, especially if you're shopping with a friend. Plan to spend some time looking ... the myriad handcrafted textures, colors and designs will keep you occupied trying to decide what to take home.

If you're looking for something in particular - ask. Often they have specials - like tons of copper Indian serveware--that's in storage and needs to be sold.

7556 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 966-0096

turquoise

Are you stylistically challenged? Does your nest look like the work of an odd bird? Not sure about those paint colors or how to make your Ikea look chic, not cheap?

Look no further than Vanessa DeVargas's new showroom in Venice - Turquoise. The girl is oozing with style and has plenty to share. She offers interior design services for projects big and small and has a gorgeous showroom you'll want to call home, filled with all sorts of custom vintage furniture and revamped mid-cent modern pieces. It's a touch Jonathan Adler, classic yet still decidedly modern, and all with an unmistakably sexy (and sensual) Angelino woman's touch.

This girl is hot and gettin' more press than Paris, so get shmoozey with her now while she can still squeeze you in between clients (and while you can still afford her)!

Check her out at www.turquoise-la.com and you'll see what I mean ; )

1641 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 314-2010