Stepping out: Third Street Promenade

Aldo - Third Street Promenade

Ahhh, Aldo. After a hard day’s work of looking for just the right pair of shoes, spying an Aldo is enough to make you jump up and down and weep for joy. With so many different styles and so many different colors, you will surely find what you’re looking for here. And if you don’t, no worries: wait a few weeks, and you will see that they probably now have what you’re looking for. Walk out of the store with five pairs of shoes, and you know not only did you find cute styles, but that you got them all at reasonable prices.

American Eagle Outfitters - Third Street Promenade

Romping through a meadow, running by the beach, hanging out with friends in the back of a car—all done in moderately priced, comfortable and stylish clothing. That is the American Eagle Outfitters ideal. This store will definitely outfit you perfectly for any weather, whether it’s a wonderful lazy sunny summer day, or a cold, gray rainy day—regardless of the temperature, you’ll be stylish and comfortable in anything you buy from here.

Anthropologie - Third Street Promenade

Sister store to Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie trades in neons for pastels and dorm gear for shabby chic and is more than happy to take on the role of successful big sister who enjoys florals. With a bohemian aesthetic and vintage inspired sensibility, Anthropologie is a shoe-in when it comes to brunch, wedding, business-casual or preppy-picnic attire.

Arcana: Books on the Arts - Third Street Promende

Think baseball cards and dvd collections are the only things people still collect these days? Think again my friend because believe it or not, people value a good read, too—and this is where Arcana comes in. The shop specializes in rare and out-of-print books on 20th century architecture, photography, art and design. These hard-to-come-by reads are protected in plastic covers so you know just how special they are. The added kick? A few chairs and desks will put you in library mode so you can study hardy.

Art One Gallery - Third Street Promenade

Don't think art "is your thing"? Even if it's not, you can still find something at Art One Gallery. Here they have options such as artwork of famed Cali cities like Santa Monica and Venice, nostalgic pieces of Disney characters and photography of city skyscrapers. In this space that also houses Sea of Silver, you'll discover artwork from expensive sculptures to cheap posters. They even do custom framing. Even if you failed art in high school, don't trip—just buy it from someone who's better at it.

A|X Armani Exchange - Third Street Promenade

Not only related to Giorgio Armani in name but also in style, Armani Exchange specializes in affordable and fashionable clothes for young adults, or those who just feel like they are.

Banana Republic - Third Street Promenade

"I pledge allegiance to polished, sophisticated looks, and to Banana Republic, for which it stands." Here you'll find a slightly older yet still mod crowd of peeps. With choices of classy wrap dresses, full-pleated skirts, trousers and pearl-esque necklaces, petite and tall femmes can pass for both cleaned-up housewives or independent business women. Guys can carry out the young-dad look in v-neck sweaters, chinos and blazers. Once reaching full maturity, follow suit.

Bebe - Third Street Promenade

Jeans, jumpsuits, jackets—so much to try on in so little time! At Bebe, which is not meant to be confused with the French word for “baby,” cute styles are made only better by un-outrageous prices. A girl can find a prom dress here, or a great new outfit for work. The best part is, you don’t have to go far to find that perfect matching bag for your brand new ensemble: this brand has a great accessories selection.

Borders

Brookstone - Third Street Promenade

What do a Tempur-Pedic pillow, a massage chair, a small egg-shaped travel alarm clock with five different settings and a hammock all have in common? They can all be found at Brookstone! With such a wide range of items to buy, any gift bought here will surely please.

Champs Sports - Third Street Promenade

Not a store for losers—this is a store for champions. Well, at least for those who want to dress like the real sports champions anyway. Find any athletic-related item, whether it’s basketballs or the hottest new Nike shoes, at this store. Die-hard sports fans could not clash with each other in this store: they have something for any loyal fan for any team.

Clarks Shoes - Third Street Promenade

Your grandma or old dorky high school teacher probably shop here. But if you look really hard, you might— repeat, might—find something for yourself. It's one of those shoe stores where everything is super comfortable but you wouldn't be caught dead in most of the styles. Find those strappy, outdoorsy sandals, mules, clogs, leather flats, boots and a few things you could possibly—again, possibly—wear once you grow up. Prices are a bit high, so save up your piggy bank just in case.

Clothes Minded - Third Street Promenade

Think you can't get much for cheap these days? Don't be clothes minded! Excuse the pun and head on over to Clothes Minded, where everything in this small store costs just 15 buckaroos. Young women will discover tops, dresses, jeans, outerwear and skirts from label brands at a discounted price. There is also a small selection of shoes, belts and bags to accessorize your garb. The low prices may draw you, but whether you stay is up to you—the selection can be either hit or miss.

Club Monaco - Third Street Promenade

A couple walking down the street, dressed in Club Monaco, could probably be mistaken for a couple of models in a photo shoot. With its trademark black and white logo, this company is known for its classic designs and its good prices. Any classy lady—or at least, any lady who wants to look classy—can’t go wrong with anything from this store. Best of all, you can class up your outfit by pairing your ensemble with anything from this brand—and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Crocs - Third Street Promenade

Oh, Crocs. What's there to say about this footwear faux pas? People either love ‘em or hate ‘em. Despite your stance on the issue, the famed brand keeps poppin' out new styles with the same comfort it's known for—and the Crocs store is the hub for unabashed Croc-lovers. Women, men and kids can fortunately or unfortunately find all types of styles from the standard clogs to flats to sandals to maryjanes to heels to slip-ons. What a croc!

Diesel - Third Street Promenade

With its distinct styles of denim ranging from jeans and jackets, Diesel is a place where one-of-a-kind clothing styles and looks can be easily found.

Express - Third Street Promenade

Shopping here is quick and easy—much like the name of the store. Express has made a wide range of clothing: from comfortable and casual to sexy and sophisticated. They have expanded into a denim line, accessories, shoes—almost anything you can wear on your body, show off to your friends and declare fashionable, Express probably has a selection of at least three of those in their stores.

Famima!!

This Japanese export has multiplied like rabbits around the city in the last few years and it's easy to see why people are hooked. The trademark black-and-neon-green sign is pop-art chic and the store itself is modern and design-savvy—a real first for a convenience store. Like 7-11, the store sells shampoo and stationary; unlike 7-11, people actually want to eat here. The deli case offers pre-packaged bento boxes, rice balls wrapped in seaweed, pork buns, sushi and dim sum as well as American fare like spaghetti and meatballs and New York cheesecake—plus, there are counters and patios for eating your purchases. If snacking is the reason for your visit, Famima!! stocks munchies from Japan, which comes in the cutest packaging.

Foot Locker - Third Street Promenade

Just as your school locker contained all the books that you needed for your high school French class, Foot Locker contains all of the sporting goods that you need for any type of sport that strikes your fancy. A huge name in the sporting goods industry, Foot Locker has one of the largest selection of sneakers, sports goods, sports apparel, and just about anything else you would need to tackle mountain climbing or go fly fishing.

Forever 21 - Third Street Promenade

Forever 21: the motherland of fashion on a budget. For teens and young-ish women, the store offers trendy garb for a fraction of the cost you'd pay anywhere else. Here you'll find inexpensive cocktail dresses, blouses, jeans, tanks, loungewear and jewelry galore with options that are sometimes hit or miss. You'll discover both the both the thrill and frill of shopping, but with such cheap prices beware of (gasp!) frequently seeing other chicas donning the same outfit as you.

Fresh - Third Street Promenade

Yes, most beauty products are overpriced, but that's because most people want to feel overpriced. Here you might balk at the cost until you sample the wares. The store offers its own line of hair and skincare products, make-up, fragrances, candles and soaps. You'll find age-defying creams, perfumes, bronzers and body milks. After stocking up, make sure to stay for complimentary mini facials and makeup applications. As per Outkast, being fresh and clean is pretty dope. And thanks to Fresh, you can be dope too!

French Connection - Third Street Promenade

What the FCUK happened to UK part of this store's name? Maybe it's because this clothing label has taken off all over the world that it can no longer restrict itself to the good ol' UK. And lucky for us Americans, the line has made it across the world to this Santa Monica location. Inside the spacious, brick-walled store, sophisticated women and men can choose from classy clothes for the latest gala, charity auction or business meeting. Hellooo, Euro fashion!

Gap - Third Street Promenade

You'll find no shopping gaps to fill here. This large venue features the Gap's own clothing line plus babyGap and GapKids, so ladies, gents and tots can conveniently satisfy all their Gap cravings. The store brings clothing and accessories in styles both the young and middle-aged can appreciate. There are laid-back looks for your weekend rendezvous in the form of tees, jeans and sundresses, and more formal styles found in blazers, vests, trousers and pencil skirts. Talk about one-stop shopping.

Geox - Third Street Promenade

Have hot feet? Then you need a shoe that breathes, to air out that stuffy space between your foot and your sneaker. Geox has a stylish collection of shoes that breathe, to allow ventilation and support for your feet. From high heels to casual flats, Geox has styles that will suit any man, woman, or child in your family. Now, the Geox technology has gone beyond shoes and into clothing: a collection of coats and jackets are now available that also employs the same breathable and comfortable technology that the shoes are famous for.

Guess - Third Street Promenade

There’s no need to guess why people shop here. Yes, this twenty-seven year old company is particularly well known for their denim; however, Guess also has a wide range of apparel and accessories. This particular store also carries the exclusive Marciano line, a higher-end version of the Guess line. Any gal who wants to look like she walked right off the runway would shop here, without breaking a sweat, killing her bank account, or second-guessing her choices.

Hard Tail Forever - Third Street Promenade

Who says sportswear can't be cute? Forget oversized tees and baggy short and take a lesson from Hard Tail, known for its trendy workout clothes. The roll-down pant is the line's staple item, along with other yoga apparel. The store also carries the brand's collection of denim, dresses, tops, skirts, hoodies, tees and more. Also featuring a section for men, colors pop like candy at this location which was the very first retail store opened by Hard Tail in 2005. Time to hit the gym in style, folks!

Hear Music Coffeehouse

Despite its corporate ownership (ahem, Starbucks), Hear Music is a surprisingly cozy place to check out new CDs while you sip your vente half-decaf, low-fat mocha drink. The store has a well-curated selection of rock, jazz, blues, world and hip-hop music, and there are headphones situated throughout where you can listen to an album before purchasing it. One of the best things to do here is make your own CD compilation complete with cover art. KCRW subscribers receive a 15% discount on all purchases.

J. Crew - Third Street Promenade

Before Steven Alan blessed our shores with his preppy-chic looks, there was a bigger and more accessible Carlton-esque palace ruling the boaters and tennis players of L.A.. J. Crew began around the time when Heathers brought cable knit into style and has been dishing out prepster, yuppie wear and casual basics ever since.

Jewel Shop - Third Street Promenade

Jewel shop or watch shop? Tomayto, tomahto. With its large selection of watches, you'd think that timepieces were their specialty here at Jewel Shop, but the store also carries an assortment of—you guessed it—jewelry. Name brands for men and women's watches include TAG Heuer, Gucci, Omega and others. Bling bling comes in the form of heart necklaces, bracelets made from colored stones and stud earrings.

Journeys - Third Street Promenade

There's a quote that says destinations are not as important as the journeys we take. So why not kill two birds with one stone and make your destination Journeys? At this shoe store more for teens and youngsters, find all kids of kicks from sneakers to loafers to sandals to boots. With a skater vibe to the shop, you'll come across brands like Vans, Converse, Etnies, and DC Shoes. Once leaving, make way for happy feet.

Kira Plastinina - Third Street Promenade

What would you think of a 15-year-old girl who designed her own clothing line? Maybe that she's really talented-or that she's super spoiled. Kira Plastinina has been christened both, a rich teen hereiss described as Paris Hilton's clone. Her clothes, for other young lasses, come in the form of bright colored hoodies, fun graphic tees and babydoll dresses. Pink's the name of the game, with a bright pink pouf in the center of the store, along with big pink lollipops, some popcorn and gummy bears. Yum!

L'Occitane - Third Street Promenade

Since the birth of French fries and French kissing, we've known the French have some pretty high potential. L'Occitane is no exception. With its base in Provence, France, the brand has been going green since the 1970s. The store specializes in providing organic skincare and fragrance products made from natural ingredients and plant oils. Choose from face cleansers, shower gels, after-shave balms, sunscreens, deodorants, exfoliants and much, much more. Personal care has found its crème de la crème.

Lids - Third Street Promenade

Even a New York Yankees fan and a Boston Red Sox fan have to agree that Lids is the place to go for caps. With a huge selection of hats and t-shirts for any major league sports team, Lids satisfies the crazy, face-painting die-hard devotee in all of us. Well, maybe not the sports devotee, but at least the sports team apparel-wearing devotee.

Lorin - Third Street Promenade

If the shoe fits, wear it. If you're lookin' for some new kicks that fit, head on over to Lorin. You'll come across all kinds of goodies, from flats to sandals to heels to boots to flip-flops to sneakers and then some. They carry brands like Converse, BC footwear, Birkenstock, Uggs, Crocs, Rainbow sandals and more. There's even an ATM inside the store in case you run out of moola while you're shoppin. If you're in the mood to hook up your feet, Lorin is definitely a shoe-in. Badum-tsh!

Lucky Brand Jeans - Third Street Promenade

They're notorious like Biggie, rockin' like the King himself. Lucky Brand Jeans stores are famous for the brand's own denim line, celebrated for its good fit and comfy feel. The line also takes inspiration from good ol' rock n' roll, boasting an eclectic collection of blouses, hoodies, shorts and graphic tees all in flashy prints and bold styles. This location also carries its own collection of Lucky Kid for tots up to age six. Come for denim, leave with an extra pep in your step.

Lush - Third Street Promenade

Basically one of the kewlest beauty and body-care stores e-v-e-r. This store sells only handmade soaps and natural cosmetics. Uber fun products include bath bombs, supersoft buttercreams and sticky but rad shower jellies. Hair products include scalp stimulants and goth juice. The best part? You'll get the best stuff on earth, since everything is au naturale. So pick any positive adjective—killer, phat, pimp, wicked, whatever—and you'll justifiably describe this place. If Lushies=Lush groupies, then why not become one of the baddest Lushies of them all?

MAC Cosmetics - Third Street Promenade

Viva glam! This L.A. flagship is an oasis for makeuphiles, offering limited-edition lines from the likes of Heatherette and Fafi alongside their MAC's pro products and basics. It's your one-stop shop on the way to glam-town.

Max Studio.com - Third Street Promenade

Still a little unsure about why the dot-com bit is in the title of the store, but that doesn’t make the clothing any less cute. Walk into Max Studio.com and you are guaranteed to spy at least two or three things—whether it’s a couple of dresses or some cute blouses—that you just have to try on. Add to that some cute shoes and some cute necklaces, and before you know it, you will walk out of the store a few new outfits better, but a few hundred dollars worse.

Miss Sixty - Third Street Promenade

Calling all women looking for a good-fitting pair of jeans. For years, Miss Sixty had prided itself on providing just that—denim specially designed for the female bod. Having mastered all styles of jeans, this Italian chain store provides other clothes that are also up-to-the-minute, new age and oh-so-mod. These include, flouncy tops, chic dresses and pencil skirts. There's also a lounge sofa in the middle of the store in case you need a break from all the fab shopping.

MNG by Mango - Third Street Promenade

When most celebs try to be fashion designers, they usually deserve a good rolling of the eyes. But this is so not the case with actress Penelope Cruz and her sis, Monica. The duo has been designing for the Spanish retail store, Mango, for the past two years and the styles reflect their starlet tastes. According to the tagline, the clothing is made for the "young, urban woman" and the chic blouses, skirts, dresses, pants and accessories are no doubt for a modern fashionista. Cheers!

Mudra - Third Street Promenade

If floor-length, casual dresses are what you're in the mood for, head over to Mudra—cause that's mostly what they carry. There's also a small selection of skirts, tops, necklaces, bags, scarves and earrings. There's no dressing room in this tiny space and the stuff here isn't cheap, although there is a $10 bin with not much to choose from. It's located in the middle of the strip, in the Market Pavilion next to a café, so you might even miss it—and that may not be a bad thing.

Old Navy - Third Street Promenade

Stock up on basics for the whole family—even Fido! With their extensive array of casual t-shirts, hoodies, dresses, pants, jeans, skirts, tanks, shoes and accessories for men, women (including femmes who are preggers) and children—Old Navy is a staple in comfy clothing that won't break the bank.

Pac Sun - Third Street Promenade

Where surfer brahs and skater punks meet for the ultimate showdown. Don't get your panties in a bunch just yet—it's all in the name of daredevil fashion. PacSun carries such brands as Billabong, O'Neill, Reef, Element, Hurley and Volcom. Chick and chaps can choose from a wide variety of graphic tees, jeans, swimsuits, boardshorts, caps, capris, flip-flops and print dresses. Before entering, make sure your street cred is in check.

Papyrus - Third Street Promenade

No longer made from the papyrus reed, paper has come a long way in time—and this paper store certainly is proof of that. With a wide selection of greeting cards, thank you cards, wedding invitations, stationery, and even wrapping paper, there is certainly a bevy of different paper products—they will even create personalized stationary that you can design yourself. The ancient Egyptians certainly would be proud to see how far we have come from using papyrus to creating the many different types of papers we have today.

Pink Ice - Third Street Promenade

Looking for another Forever 21-esque store? Well look no further than Pink Ice, a store with some pretty reasonable prices for young femmes. There are dresses, off-the shoulder blouses, skirts, pants and denim for any occasion, from club-partying to house-loungin' to mall-shopping to beach-strollin'. There's also a limited selection of bras, underwear, shoes, bags, hats, scarves, jewelry and hats. For trendy, affordable pieces, it's all about the Pink Ice, ice baby.

Pottery Barn - Third Street Promenade

Put some pottery in your barn or some barn in your pottery. Either way, get some Pottery Barn in your life! For almost 60 years, this store has been upgrading our homes in a tres chic way. There's home and outdoor furniture and home décor for every single space in your place. From big furniture pieces such as dining room sets to little necessities like rings for shower curtains, Pottery Barn is the ish when it comes to home furnishings.

The Puma Store - Third Street Promenade

Lookin' for some new kicks? You'll find a lot more clothes and active wear here than you'd expect, but Puma on Third Street has got plenty a shoe styles for you to rep the streets with cred. They have all the classic and modern looks fo' yo feet to don. You'll be stylin' whether you're too cool to go to school or loungin' on your day off. Either way, you'll leave the store G'd up from the feet up.

Puzzle Zoo - Third Street Promenade

Five bucks says you can't guess the contents of this store. Okay, you probably can. Puzzles? Sure, there are heaps of them in all different designs. A Zoo? Almost. The store has all your favorite animals in the form of stuffed toys and plastic figurines. Other goods include board games, Star Wars and action hero figurines, Barbies and a whole section of knickknacks devoted to Hello Kitty. The perks of this zoo? Free entrance and you can take home the fun.

Quiksilver - Third Street Promenade

Do you fancy flip-flops over shoes, boardshorts over jeans? Then you've probably met Quiksilver, a store for beachy types who can quote Blue Crush line for line. Dudes and dudettes can choose from tees, shorts, hoodies, sandals and sunglasses at this surfer-style clothing store. Wetsuits and snow gear are also available for any outdoor adventures the year may wash ashore. With surfboard in tow, riding the wave of laid-back style has never been so easy.

Rafinity - Third Street Promenade

They'll make you a celebrity overnight—if you can afford it. Rafinity jewelry specializes in upscale gemstones and diamonds but also carries platinum and gold. They house unique pieces and will custom create whatever your heart desires. Their jewels have donned Hollywood's hottest celebs for many red carpet events and they've also been voted the best jewel shop in the city by news stations and top magazines. If all that doesn't give them enough L.A. street cred, we don't know what does.

Restoration Hardware - Third Street Promenade

This is not like your neighborhood hardware store. Yes, yes, it has a nice selection of towels, sheets, and doorknobs, but it they also sell vintage-looking radios and special-edition board games. So not only will the potpourri-loving wife have fun shopping around, but the mall-hating husband will also love browsing the store as well.

Rip Curl - Third Street Promenade

California surfer boy gear from wet suits, to bathing suits, to flip flops, and of course, surf boards. Beach bunnies flock here weekly.

Sea of Silver - Third Street Promenade

Make like Ariel for a trip down under to the Sea of Silver. This small space is located within Art One Gallery and mainly consists of a glass casing filled with sterling silver necklaces, bracelets and earrings from across the world. There are designs for every fancy, from the simple and elegant to the bold and chunky. They do custom orders and repairs as well for all your specific needs. So get your fins ready for a silver splash.

Sephora - Third Street Promenade

Starting September 18th, Sephora will be relocated 1 block north on the Promenade next to the Apple store. Ground Zero for cosmetics and frangrances. All the big brand names (Chanel, Nars, Clinique, Calvin Klein) and more niche brands (Agent Provocateur, Stella McCartney) and of course, all the celeb perfume lines, from Britney's to Alan Cumming's to Danielle Steel's. A great selection of haircare, accessories and teeth whitening products also. Sephora-brand products are worth trying out also. You can sample everything at the end of each row. If you don't walk out of here beautiful, there's something wrong with you.

Shiva Imports - Third Street Promenade

Wanna feel like you just stepped into an international bazaar? Then step into the land of Shiva Imports, where you'll discover a world of foreign gifts and knickknacks. Find exotic books, journals, jewelry, lamps, incense, chimes, candles, indigenous-looking masks and even greeting cards. There are heaps of Buddha statues and traditional Indian clothing such as dresses, shoes and skirts. So you can ditch the passports and the long travel time but still bring home some global souvenirs. Suhweet.

Skechers - Third Street Promenade

Imagine a family of four—a dad, a mom, a daughter, and a son—shopping together for something to wear. How many stores can accommodate all of them? Not many—but Skechers certainly could. With a wide selection of shoes, from sneakers to sandals, the athlete or the prom queen could find something here to satisfy their footwear-needs. And that family of four? Well, they love their Skechers!

Steve Madden Shoes - Third Street Promenade

For comfortable footwear, Steve Madden is the man to turn to. With a wide selection of the trendiest shoes, from sandals to sexy platform heels to wool-lined boots, the collection itself is enough to draw you in; and if that isn’t enough, the great prices will certainly bring you in. So whether you’re looking for heels to match your prom dress, some comfortable pumps for work, or for some cute sandals for your beach date, you will definitely find something for any and every occasion at this shoe store.

Sunglass Hut - Third Street Promenade

A huge eyewear retailer all around the world, you have to wonder why they chose to continue with “hut” in the title: with the amount of sunglasses in their store, they should change it to mansion! Sunglass Hut carries everything from Chanel to Ray Ban to Kate Spade; so whether you are looking for a comfortable pair of glasses to be wearing around the house while you read a good book, or you want a sexy new pair of shades while out for vacation in Hawaii, you will certainly find what you’re looking for at this store.

United Colors of Benetton - Third Street Promenade

Add some color to your day and some dye to your attire. United Colors of Benetton has been making colors pop some life into our duds for years, with its rich take on everyday apparel. The clothes are chic yet fun, modern yet classic, for work or for play, casual yet sophisticated. Find clothes that are well-tailored like coats, blouses, suits and hats for guys and gals at pretty reasonable prices. Get your color fix, shop and spree at UCB.

Victoria's Secret - Third Street Promenade

You just can’t go wrong with this world-famous collection of bras and panties, lingerie, and loungewear. Choose from an array of collections including Body by Victoria, Very Sexy, Victoria’s Secret Pink, and VS Cotton signature sets, among others. Bright, fun colors and solid tailoring makes practicality sexy, giving every woman a boost. Find your favorite fit that hugs your body and brings out your best assets. Once you’ve found your Holy Grail bra and panty, stock up in multiple colors, prints, and fabrics.

Z Gallerie - Third Street Promenade

Looking for everything and anything to decorate your pad? Z Gallerie has got the whole shebang, the whole nine yards, the whole enchilada. It's the place to turn for home furnishings, especially if you want a little international flava at your crib. There's stuff inspired from countries all over the world, from zebra striped bedding to exotic-looking vases. There are also some elegant, simple pieces, but everything seems to carry spunk of its own. It's definitely worth a visit, fo sho.

Zara - Third Street Promenade

Ladies and Gentlemen, step right up! Another Spanish retail store to hit the U.S. market brings us modish clothing for dudes and dudettes at affordable prices. For you young, professional folk, Zara is the place to shop, offering suits, slacks, blouses, dress shirts, pencil skirts as well as other dresses and jeans for non-workdays. The Euro influence makes an appearance in many items, including bags, jewelry, belts and other accessories. Olé!