Image via Complex Original
The shopping experience in Los Angeles is different than anywhere else. Unlike Japan, London, or New York, it’s better to drive than to take public transportation. Stores are spread out and it’s not as easy as getting in and out of the subway or tube. But if you’re willing to make the trip, some of these shops offer some cool jawns you may never have seen before.
We’ve compiled a short list of stores that are not often mentioned as well as the shops that never disappoint, but most importantly, offer a variety of brands. So instead of sitting in traffic while figuring out the next spot to hit up, we’ve got a couple of suggestions for you. These are The 10 Best Shops in Los Angeles Right Now.
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Mollusk Surf Shop
Hours: Mon-Fri 10-7p.m. Sat-Sun 12-6p.m.
Website: mollusksurfshop.com
Address: 1600 Pacific Ave Venice, CA 90291
You can't really mention LA, or California for that matter, without talking about its surf culture. One of the hubs for the surf community is Mollusk Surf Shop. Located in the coastline community of Venice Beach, you may think they only sell surfboards and sex wax, but its selection of board shorts, T-shirts, and fleece is worth a look. Along with the in-house brand, the shop also stocks Norse Projects, Costalots, Patagonia, Topo Designs, and RVCA. Check out the selection of art, photos, and film while you're in there.
South Willard
Hours: Mon-Sat 12-6p.m. Sun 12-5p.m.
Website: southwillard.com
Address: 8038 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Think of a well-dressed dude with a serious case of A.D.D., because that's what this store's interior looks like. South Willard's stock is small and tightly edited that you can count all the brands it carries with just two hands. That doesn't mean the shop isn't worth a visit. As the saying goes: "quality over quantity", and each brand this store carries deserve a look.
Besides brands like Band of Outsiders and Gitman Vintage, it also carries lesser-known names like Frank Leder and Stephen Schneider. Also, its continuing collaboration with Crescent Down Works is not to be slept on. But if your pockets just can't cough up some dough, just wait for the bi-annual sale, but be quick about getting your size if it's still available.
Unionmade
Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6p.m. Sun 11-6p.m.
Website: unionmadegoods.com
Address: 225 26th Street Santa Monica, CA 90402
Unionmade is a store that finds its roots in the Bay Area, but has since expanded to open this location in Los Angeles. If you're looking for clothes that are made the way they were back in the "good old days" this is your spot. The walls and shelves are lined with heritage offerings from brands like vintage Levi's, Filson, Alden, and the likes. Don't worry about these clothes falling apart; they're picked with quality in mind.
General Quarters
Hours: Mon-Sat 12-7p.m. Sun 12-5p.m.
Website: generalquartersstore.com
Address: 153 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
General Quarters is an all-encompassing store that offers carefully picked brands that cater to the urban outdoorsman lifestyle. Besides stocking brands that include Tellason, Gant Rugger, and Schott NYC, the store stocks its expanded line of Americana-inspired goods. But that's not all; head to the back and you will find a full service barbershop. Visit this store looking disheveled, and you might leave with your hair perfectly coiffed, a tight hairline, and some quality clothes to keep you looking sharp for ages.
American Rag Cie
Hours: Mon-Sat 10-9p.m. Sun 12-7p.m.
Website: amrag.com
Address: 150 S La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036
Once you're out of General Quarters head across the street to this Los Angeles retail staple. You will notice all sorts of people shopping here from your trendy fashion-forward individuals to streetwear loyalists. That's because American Rag carries everything across the board from 10.Deep all the way up to Alexander McQueen. The also have a great vintage selection, and their denim bar is one of the city's best.
H. Lorenzo
Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7p.m. Sun 12-7p.m.
Website: shop.hlorenzo.com
Address: 8660 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069
This store is perfect for the goth ninja and street goth sets looking for avante-garde designers. H. Lorenzo stocks brands that offer off-the-wall drapey cuts and drop crotches for days. Stock includes fashion-forward brands like Kapital, Siki Im, Undercover, Anne Demeulemeester, and Junya Watanabe just to name a few. If you're looking to join the clothes-get-weirder movement this store is guaranteed to have what you seek.
Self Edge
Hours: Mon-Sat 12-7p.m. Sun 12-5p.m.
Website: selfedge.com
Address: 144 N La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036
Though its New York and San Francisco locations are always mentioned, there's not that much said about its Los Angeles outpost. It offers the same covetable brands denim geeks would bug out on in the same way car buffs would talk about engines. Are your jeans showing signs of a crotch blowout? The store offers a service for denim repair as well as the chance to get your jeans hemmed on vintage chainstitching machines. The staff will properly school you on the basics of all things jeans. They know way too much about denim than the average person should, and that's a good thing.
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Hours: Second Sunday of each month 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for shopping
Website: rgcshows.com
Address: 1001 Rose Bowl Dr Pasadena, CA 91103
Yes it's the site of the annual Rose Bowl game, and it's technically not a shop, but this flea market is California's largest and best one. Find all sorts of vintage items including clothes and accessories. With over 2500 vendors, there's something in there for everyone. If you love the feeling of digging up some gems and coming up on a pieces nobody would have this is your excavation site. Who knows you might bump into Dr. Romanelli thrifting for vintage pieces to cut up.
Mister Freedom
Hours: Mon-Sat 12-7p.m. Sun 12-7p.m.
Website: misterfreedom.com
Address: 7161 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Stepping into Mister Freedom feels like a trip back in time. Other than its in-house brand, which takes vintage-inspired to a whole new level, you won't find any "vintage-inspired" stuff in here. This is the real deal. Items can date as far back as the the 1850's, we're talking about not even in this century. That's why brands come here to get inspired, Hollywood comes in here to rent, and real enthusiasts with deep pockets come here to spend. People may complain about the prices, but these clothes are as close to museum-quality anyone can get. Proprietor Christophe Loiron hunts down hard to find items so you don't have to.
Union Los Angeles
Hours: Mon-Sat 11-7p.m. Sun 12-6p.m.
Website: unionlosangeles.com
Address: 110 S La Brea Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036
Originally a store that had a location in both coasts, Union now calls its sole Los Angeles outpost home. It stocks ogle-worthy high-street Japanese brands, but you will find other brands that won't burn a hole in your pockets too. And just like its New York location that broke out many OG streetwear brands, this location is doing the same with brands like U.S. Alteration and Tantum —who's contrasting pocket tees have been widely imitated. You can't deny owner Chris Gibbs' eye when it comes to seeing brands that will pop off, and putting you on to shit you never heard of before.
