Thanks to Aaron Spelling’s wildly popular TV series the
word Melrose has taken root in our everyday
lexicon. The very mention of the place
invariably brings to mind dashing actors, beautiful settings and
Hollywood. Nevertheless, in reality Melrose Avenue has been a not-so-glamorous
shopping venue, characterized by minimalist store fronts and desolate
sidewalks-- that is until now.
Opening its doors with a “Technicolor
and fairy dust” themed party (a nod to colorful big screen
classics) the new Marc Jacobs boutique breathed
fresh life into Melrose Avenue. Drawing
in A-list names like Francis Ford Coppola, Winona Ryder (infamous
for stealing an MJ sweater from Saks Fifth Avenue) and Raquel Welch,
world renowned designer Marc Jacobs’ glamorous extravaganza
put the once neglected locale back on the map.
Today, the electrifyingly vibrant windows
of the store showcase Marc Jacobs’ beautiful creations
against the backdrop of bountiful roses. The inside
is an enchanted wonderland, filled with
candy colored circle skirts, charming cashmere cardigans, to-die-for
shoes and must-have bags. And, for those looking to get the inimitable
MJ style at a lower-price, the Marc by Marc Jacobs line is being
offered in an adorable location right across the street. In other
words, in one trip to Melrose, the self-proclaimed shophacolic
can get her entire Marc Jacobs fix and still make time for an
afternoon massage.
8409 Melrose Avenue,
Los Angeles 90069 T. (323) 866-8255
In the absence of boutiques like Chanel and Gucci, the high-end
retailer, Fred Segal, has been the heavy-weight
in luxury shopping on Melrose. Offering
a striking mélange
of clothes, beauty products and accessories, the famed store has
consistently attracted movie stars, renowned stylists, and every
day fashionistas. Though the ivy covered, box-like structure is
not much to look at; Fred Segal’s chic offerings make the
trip worthwhile. If you are willing to
spend premium on cutting edge panache, indeed this is the place
to shop.
8100 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles
90046 T.
(323) 655-3734
Who says expectant mothers need to compromise style? The era of
the couch bound pregnant woman sporting a mumu is over. Now is
the time for wheatgrass cocktails, prenatal yoga, meditation, Pilates
and chic maternity clothes. The amazing Cadeau Maternity
Boutique (French for gift) on Melrose Avenue offers motherly
goddesses a wide array of elegant creations
to choose from. The Cadeau collection is manufactured in Italy
from the finest stretch fabrics that afford the changing female
body comfort and flexibility during pregnancy. Furthermore, the
low-ride waist bands and button-out systems of Cadeau attire adjust
after birth to accommodate women, who need a little more time to
be able to fit into their skinny jeans. Finally, don’t forget Cadeau Petit for the little
ones. After all, what (other than a mother’s arms) can soothe
a baby better than a soft, warm, luxurious
blanket?
8111 Melrose Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90046 T. (323) 297-2000
Tired of shopping for yourself or your baby (even
though the concept seems somewhat inconceivable)?
Then the Santa
Maria Novella Pharmacia has exactly what the man in your
life needs. The skin potions, balms and
shaving creams made by the Santa Maria
Novella monks, who have been in the beauty business for the past
700 years, will transform every man’s face into
a smooth, sumptuous and madly kissable
delight. And for the ladies, there is an
endless variety of soaps, fragrances, potpourri sachets, perfumes,
bath oils, incenses and cream concoctions to choose from. Finally,
don’t hesitate
to grab these exclusive products, hand
made by the men of the robe, because if you don’t, the
next supermodel or mega-star that walks
through the door will.
8411 Melrose Avenue, Los
Angeles, CA 90069 T (323) 651-3754
Those who like to peruse through racks of handpicked
pieces by savvy designers will find Thesis to be the best kept
secret in LA. This mini boutique offers the latest styles in a
condensed format. Women who know exactly what they want can have
the perfect shopping experience going through the signature items
showcased in Thesis. Some crowd favorites like Carla Mancini, Nature
vs. Future and Renee Bardot tend to fly out the door, so make sure
to ask the incredibly personable sales associates when they will
be getting new shipments.
8119 Melrose Ave Los Angeles,
CA 90046 T. (323) 658-8481
Melrose Avenue is sprayed with great boutiques
and recently the hype around the shopping experience in this
neck of the woods is abuzz with excitement, thanks to the new
Marc Jacobs stores. If you don’t mind making your way through
long stretches of cement streets or perhaps driving from store
to store (assuming you are wearing impossibly high 6 inch stilettos),
you will have a fashion blast on Melrose. However, we believe
that with a little landscaping and remodeling, Melrose can evolve
to rival Rodeo Drive. Hopefully, the Marc Jacobs presence in
the area will help attract the kind of capital and clientele
to make this possibility a reality. Keep your fingers crossed.