Getting Artsy
If you’re in an artsy mood, then a trip to Robertson Boulevard should be on your agenda. A gem is the Koplin del Rio Gallery, which focuses on contemporary painting, drawing, and sculpture of established internationally known artists, as well as emerging California artists. The gallery’s main emphasis is representational, figurative, landscape, and still-life works. If you haven’t had your artistic fill, stop in at Gallery 825/Los Angeles Art Association (LAAA). It’s one of the oldest surviving visual arts organizations in town and supports Southern California artists with an emphasis on emerging talent.
A Very Beverly Hills Bookstore
If you’re a connoisseur of small bookstores, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to the Taschen bookstore. It’s the German-based publishing house’s first American store and a fitting monument to the company’s beautiful, high-quality books. French designer célèbre Philippe Starck was commissioned to create the long, narrow store’s dramatic interiors — glossy walnut woods, shimmering bronze bookshelves, purple mirrors, and handmade glass walls. Befitting the world’s leading art publisher, the artwork alone is worth the trip: Artist Albert Oehlen created 20 computer-generated collages for the walls and ceiling, inspired by the wide selection of Taschen’s art, design, and erotic books. Prices range from a few dollars to several thousand for Helmut Newton’s SUMO, the biggest and most expensive book produced in the 20th century. Truly, Taschen is unlike any other bookstore you’ve browsed.
All American Girls
Filled to the brim with all the things young girls love, the American Girl Place at the Grove shopping mall features the flagship line of historical dolls and books. Find the contemporary Just Like You dolls, accessories, and girl-size clothing. For a real treat, girls can take in a performance at the American Girl Theater, dine with their dollies at the American Girl Café, and treat their doll to a new coif at the Doll Hair Salon.
L.A. Souvenirs on the Cheap
Ocean Front Walk in Venice Beach is one of the best places in L.A. to shop for inexpensive souvenirs.
Fashion
Lingerie Insider — Panty Raid, a very charming boutique, carries brands for the serious lingerie collector such as Cosabella, Mary Green, and Felina, as well as Hanky Panky (cute lace tank tops and boy-short sets), Betsey Johnson, T and C California, Eberjey, and Only Hearts. A selection of hosiery, socks, yoga outfits, loungewear, and gift items — including bath and body products and candles — is also available.
Celebrity Cloned Clothing — If your dream is to dress like your favorite celebrity who may have stepped right off the red carpet at one of Hollywood’s numerous award shows, then a visit to A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz should be on your to-do list. As soon as one of these high-profile events is over (think Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Oscars), A.B.S. has already produced a knockoff version that is every bit as lovely, but much more affordable.
Where to Find Hollywood’s Hand-Me-Downs — Admit it: You’ve dreamed of being a glamorous movie or TV star — everyone has. Well, don’t expect to be “discovered” during your L.A. vacation, but you can live out your fantasy by dressing the part. Costumes from famous movies, TV show wardrobes, cast-offs from celebrity closets — they’re easier to find (and more affordable to own) than you might think.
For sheer volume, you can’t beat It’s A Wrap. Every item here is marked with its place of origin, and the list is staggering: Beverly Hills, 90210; House; Eat, Pray, Love; General Hospital; True Blood; As the World Turns; Dexter; Hannah Montana; and so on. Many of these wardrobes (which include shoes and accessories) aren’t outstanding except for their Hollywood origins: Jerry Seinfeld’s trademark Polo shirts, for instance, are standard mall-issue. Some collectible pieces, like Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky stars-and-stripes boxers, are framed and on display.
A Mecca for High-End Vintage — If your style is more Hepburn than Hilton, you won’t want to miss the treasure-trove of high-end vintage shopping L.A. has to offer. Doris Raymond’s the Way We Wore, is a favorite among celebs and stylists for vintage Chanel, Balenciaga, and Fortuny. Cameron Silver’s Decades, is an L.A. institution, where you’ll find frocks from Halston, Gucci, Lilly Pulitzer, and Missoni. Lily et Cie, supplies many of the glamour gowns you see on the red carpet. Owner and vintage maven Rita Watnick has an impeccable collection of pieces from important designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Trigere.
For Bored Non-Shoppers: A Lamborghini Test-Drive
Since you’re in L.A. — where everyone is judged by the car they drive — this is the perfect time to call Shawn Williams, a very down-to-earth car enthusiast who co-owns an exotic car dealership called Exclusive Motorcars. Even if you have no intention of buying or leasing a Ferrari or Lamborghini, he’ll be happy to talk cars, take you on a tour of his showroom, and perhaps test-drive a new or slightly used Bentley Continental GT, Mercedes SL600, or Porsche Carrera GT.
