For some, the mention of Melrose Ave. drums up visions of high-fashion names like Carolina Herrera, Paul Smith and Fred Segal. While this is true for Melrose Heights, west of Fairfax, the proper Melrose Ave. shopping district is worlds away. East of Fairfax, Melrose transforms into a series of low-ceiling, industrial, open storefronts. Here, shoppers will find no shortage of “vintage” items, cross-patched denim pockets, hardcore boots, embellished belts, blazers and button-ups, stylish pole-dancing shoes and leather to cover any body part. Sales associates in neighboring stores play Cold War games with their souped-up sound systems. While many of the stores offer the same exact lines, styles and clothing, there are a few gems to be found. Here is a list of the must-see of Melrose.
Can’t miss it. This flagship store beckons passersby with the company’s signature fang-bearing tiger head above the entrance. The store features three rooms of luxury casualwear from this famous collection of couture biker gear. Embellished skulls, offbeat cartoon characters, dying roses and anti-love sentiments make for sexy V-necks, sheer tees and rockin’ yoga pants. Guys will enjoy painted canvas sneakers, oversize comfy hoodies in intricate patterns, and metallic silkscreened T-shirts.
This Los Angeles location is the only Dita Legends storefront outside of Asia. It carries the entire Dita eyewear collection, as well as optical wear from designers such as Porsche, Carrera, Alpina and Cazal. As if the sexy shades weren’t enough, this store was designed by L.A.–based architecture firm TagFront. The club-like atmosphere boasts a solid concrete counter, stacked wood walls, a laser-cut metal room divider, and backlit glass cases featuring legendary punk rock images.
Ladies, if you're looking for sexy, one-of-a-kind boots, you’re in luck. This is where you go if you want luxurious handbags, stilettos and boots from Italian designers Gianmarco Lorenzi and Massimo Dogana, Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B., Maria Pino and Sacco, to name a few. And the sales associates are nice and knowledgeable about style (not that you would need any help, of course).
A shopping strip wouldn’t be complete these days without a boutique for your most prized accessory—your dog. Dress up your pooch in designer doggie labels from Juicy Couture to Coach, and pamper your pup with couture accessories like a Poochie of Beverly Hills mini chaise lounge. If you’re in the market for a best friend, you can choose from over 80 breeds of dogs. The company specializes in designer breeds, with the cutest teacup and toy puppies in town for sale. They even offer monthly financing if you see a Yorkie you just have to have with a price tag to break the bank.
This store welcomes shoppers with a DJ spinning hip-hop so loud the walls jump. Once inside, you're drawn to a wall peppered with brightly colored athletic shoes. Puffy vests, hoodies, jeans, tees and women’s gear featured mid-floor complete the outfit. Most items are from Nike and the store’s own designers, and are perfect for the beat girl or boy. And if you’re into that scene, it seems like the sales associates/DJs know where the party’s at.
Decorate your home in culturally rich fabrics, home accessories, and antique furniture from India and China. Smaller finds include raw silk curtains and pillowcases, brass accents and aromatic hand-poured candles. There are two locations on Melrose, and this listing also sells women’s fashions, Indian jewelry and bindi.
Affordable and stylish? Be a slave to H&M no more, and head over to Slow for plenty of shockingly low prices on amazingly cute clothes. And don’t forget the accessories! This store has devoted the entire second floor to everything from Lucite shoes, scarves and fedoras to animal-print headbands. You can find everything you need here, whether your look is funky, classic, trendy, or a hip combination.
This self-proclaimed line of “urban luxury” originated over two decades ago in NYC but peaked in the early ’90s. When actor Nick Cannon took a personal interest in the company, PNB made a comeback after a 10-year hiatus. The Melrose showroom is as flashy as the clothes themselves, with white lacquered floors, glass cases housing diamond bling, and mirrored walls. Turntables sit next to the register, spinning hits that will make you want to shake your moneymaker.
A new addition to Melrose, this store just opened in October. Which means that it’s still relatively unknown. Which means no embarrassing moments when someone else shows up to the party wearing your necklace. And with so many unique, original items from the many designers they carry, you will have plenty to choose from. Whether you need to dress up an LBD (little black dress), or you need a signature piece loud enough to be its own outfit, Glow is the place.
The designer label of this bunch, Voom by Joy Han, is featured weekly in fashion rags and mags such as Life & Style, OK! and InStyle. Voom celebrates the female form with a sexy line of vintage-inspired dresses, blouses and trousers. You can also find sheer cotton tees, purses, and jeans to complement your wardrobe. There is something here for everyone, from the free spirit to the socialite to the (fashionable) girl next door.
The tagline reads “Vintage+Modern+Designer,” and that’s exactly what you can expect form this large and busy store. Drop off your box of last year’s trends at the side door (hey, it’s a tax write-off) and make your way around the counter to racks of slightly used vintage items including denim, tees and accessories. In another section, new labels dangle from hangers. The best finds are the designer items buried between vintage and new alike. Someone else’s trash might be your treasure.
Cute, flirty, and fun, this store stocks some of the best of Los Angeles–based women’s collections. Inside you’ll find jersey knitwear from Tart, tanks by Pump, an entire wall of Juicy Couture, and witty Adiqshun tanks that declare such things as “Relax Bitch/He’s Not My Type,” “I’ll Call You/No I Won’t,” and “I Promise It’s a Real ID/Just Not My ID.” Behold the shelves in the front corner full of Havaianas in every color imaginable, and even pairs adorned with bows and jewels.
Best described as the baby sister to Chrome Hearts (no affiliation, just similar styles), this original line offers hats, athletic gear, ribbed tanks, soft tees, cashmere sweaters and hoodies. Fashionable athletic gear for women includes stretch hoodies and rollover-waist flared pants with embroidered cross-and-bone detailing in soft blue, slate gray, rose and sage—perfect for looking good while working out. Similar rock ‘n’ roll details are knitted into the men’s white, black and gray cashmere crew neck sweaters. Men’s long-sleeve cotton tee shirts showcase a fleur-de-lis insignia and the company’s logo.
