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Stepping out: Los Feliz shopping guide

Store hop till you drop

By Erin Magner

Special to Metromix
July 30, 2008

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(Credit: Michael Robinson Chavez - LA Times )

Sidewalk cafes, tree-lined streets, a peculiar number of pedestrians—for those who harbor fantasies of upping sticks to the East Village, Los Feliz is a pretty decent substitute. Despite its recent influx of scenesters, this neighborhood has been a gathering place for creative types since long before the trend spotters caught on, with many local boutiques going strong for a decade or more. Most of the action is concentrated on Vermont, Hillhurst and connecting Hollywood, making it easy to spend a day walking from shop to shop. And if your car dependence has you winded after a few blocks, there are plenty of places to stop for a soy latte on the way.

Cake

4649 Russell Ave. - Los Angeles

323-644-5699

Get some brains behind your bling: Every item in the Cake jewelry line is hand-forged and free of nickel and zinc, which often cause metal allergies. Everyone knows inflamed ear lobes will never be sexy, no matter how hot your earrings are. We love the huge owl charm necklaces and artisinal vibe.

Squaresville

1800 N. Vermont Ave - Los Angeles

323-669-8464

Sometimes you don't have the patience to sift through the racks at Goodwill to find the ever-elusive vintage sun dress, Western snap-down shirt, perfectly worn-in jeans, old pair of unused Nikes, or cashmere scarf you've been dreaming of. Squaresville has done all the sifting for you, and the only problem is how to leave the store without the use of a forklift.

Y-Que Trading Post

1770 N. Vermont Ave. - Los Angeles

323-664-0021

Socially deviant tees and educational toys for misfits. "Free Paris" and "Pluto: Never Forget" T-shirts are among the store's top sellers. P.S. Ask who the bunny man is.

oOu

1764 N. Vermont Ave. - Los Angeles

323-665-6263

oOu and its gorgeous frocks for ladies of the indie persuasion are why we love Vermont Ave.

Show

1722 N. Vermont Ave. - Los Angeles

323-644-1960

Where do they find this stuff? With antler jewelry, doggie night lamps and the most beautiful wrapping paper in the world, Show is simply a must if you're shopping for original gifts on the Eastside.

Atmosphere

1728 N Vermont Ave. - Los Angeles

323-666-8420

Owner Melissa Ritchie brings a little Westside flash to Los Feliz at this sportswear mainstay for men and women. Plenty of denim, hoodies, shoes and handbags by the likes of Mike & Chris, Converse, Dolce Vita and Modern Amusement.

Una Mae's

4651 Kingswell Ave. - Los Angeles

323-662-6137

This charming shop offers to-die-for dresses, skirts and pants, with a men's rail and separate vintage rail to boot. Non-shoppers can take a seat on the comfy couch and flip through a copy of Nylon magazine.

Fresh Pressed

4646 Hollywood Blvd. - Los Angeles

323-663-7374

Visitors to Fresh Pressed can create their own printed gear. Bring in a garment, choose your art and colors, and you're all set.

Soap Plant / Wacko

4633 Hollywood Blvd - Los Angeles

323-663-0122

You can't miss it from the street, with its facade tattooed in bright, outrageous designs. A first visit can be a bit overwhelming, if only because mostly because this curio shop has pretty much everything.

Jake Vintage

4644 Hollywood Blvd. - Los Feliz

323-662-5253

Do you love the look of vintage clothing but hate spending an entire day sifting through urine-scented bargain basements to get it? Jake Vintage to the rescue! Catering to the modern gentleman, this store features dapper British and American threads from the late ’40s through the early ’60s. Jonathan Kanarek, the store's proprietor, was named one of Esquire magazine’s “best dressed real men of 2007.” How's that for street cred?

Undesigned by Carol Young

1953 1/2 Hillhurst Ave. - Los Angeles

323-663-0088

Fashion-forward eco-chic with clothing made from soy, hemp, bamboo, and organic and recycled cotton. Perfect for urban green goddesses—and not a Birkenstock in sight.

Confederacy

4661 Hollywood Blvd. - Los Angeles

323-913-3040

Housing designers from Band of Outsiders to A.P.C., Confederacy is bringing some high-end indie fashion to the streets of Los Feliz. The owners, stylist Ilario Urbinati and actor Danny Masterson, have crafted the perfect boutique to grab a totally Eastside look, peruse vintage newsstand reads and sip a latte on a Sunday stroll—or on your daily walk with Fido. The boutique will also carry an exclusive line of suits from Albert Hammond Jr. of the Strokes. United under fashion, we stand—at Confederacy.