Thanks to an impressive number of distinct shopping districts, West Hollywood is a very easy (and fun) place to spend some serious cash—or even just a little. Boutiques from the country’s most famous fashion designers can be found just a few blocks from an interior design mecca and bohemian-punk gift shops. Whether you’re in the market for $1,200 pumps or $12 t-shirts, there’s something in WeHo you simply must have.
Walk up and down Melrose Avenue for a mix of apparel, design, and unexpected gifts. East of Crescent Heights, you’ll find funky gems like Japan LA, featuring Tokyo–style stuffed animals, stationery, stickers, keychains, and the like, while Joyrich sells ’90s-inspired streetwear behind its plastic ivy-covered storefront. The closer to Melrose Place, the higher the price tags. Labels including Chloe, rag & bone, Alice and Olivia, and A.P.C. all have outposts here, and the area also boasts a Louis Vuitton pop-up and a location of the comfy-chic clothier Madhappy (check out Madhappy’s onsite café if you need to recharge). Just a bit farther west, on Robertson Boulevard, sit such household-name designers as Christian Louboutin and Helmut Lang.
On the corner of Melrose and San Vicente Boulevard you’ll find the Pacific Design Center, a massive three-building complex filled with furniture and homewares. Not all vendors in the center sell to the public, but in the surrounding blocks, you’ll find luxury establishments, including RH West Hollywood, Blu Dot, Dao, and Christopher Guy.
If you’re in the mood to people-watch, head to Sunset Plaza. This shopping area on the Sunset Strip dates back to the early 20th century and is full of both colorful shops and characters. Give your legs and wallet a rest at Le Petit Four, right in the plaza’s center, where you can enjoy California-meets-French cuisine alfresco.