Shopping Pockets: Los Angeles. Small Boutiques of Beverly.

Map of Beverly Surrounding Fairfax

Today I shine a light on an area of Los Angeles I know well, West Hollywood surrounding Fairfax. Referred to sometimes as “The Grove Adjacent”  or “Mid-City West,” this easily walkable neighborhood offers much more than what I list here. These spots are not only unique to LA but firmly rooted in the hand crafted scene.  I’ve designed a nice adventure for you with plenty of distractions along the way and some great suggestions for a bite.

Assorted metal pitchers from Inheritance.

A. Inheritance. 8055 Beverly Blvd.  On the north side of the street is this honey of a shop. Owner, Mike Andrews, is as nice as they come. After antiquing for many years, the pickers now come to him.  A haven for stylists, he has a great eye for the unusual and culls only what suits his fancy. From the odd to the pretty, I rarely leave Mike’s shop with empty hands or an empty camera.

B. Cook’s County. 8009 Beverly Blvd. Recently praised in Los Angeles Magazine as the top new restaurant in LA. It is all about farm to table here. I personally prefer this place for breakfast or lunch.

C. La Otra Taqueria Escula. 7615 Beverly Blvd. Be sure to check out both locales – this larger version on Beverly as well as its sister restaurant right around the corner on Stanley. Delicious, fresh, original tacos with none of the heavy weigh-you-down Mexican fare.

D. Heath Ceramics. 7525 Beverly Blvd. Simply said – RUN.

t. e. Flax Light from Garde

E. Garde. 7418 Beverly Blvd. The new darling of Beverly, Garde offers all that artisanal and handmade aspire to be. From delicious Tom Dixon candles, to t.e. Flax rope lighting and Grouppo de Installazione blankets and throws, the husband and wife team at Garde do it right. I love what I do – and keep on doing it because of places like Garde. Their impeccable taste and discerning eye leave me forever amazed and inspired.

Sandals by Calleen Cordero

F. Calleen Cordero. 7384 Beverly Blvd.  No matter how much home shopping I do, I find it incredibly difficult to pass up a good shoe store. And Calleen Cordero is probably my favorite. I live in her leather sandals from early summer through the fall. Her studded, metallic leathers with a one-of-a-kind edge are must stop shopping for me. Home accessories be damned, if just for a moment.

Calendar from Ige.

G. Ige. 7382 Beverly Blvd.  Right next door to Calleen’s is one of my favorite sources for the handmade. I can always find a gift (usually for myself) in here. Ige is mostly known for is their beautifully detailed wood cut mobiles, but owner Helene and her mother, Ige, work non-stop developing and producing pillows, calendars, stuffed toys and many other goodies to enhance your space.

An assortment of finds at Gibson.

H. Gary Gibson. 7350 Beverly Blvd. Gary Gibson is a well known interior designer and personal friend. His eclectic shop houses a menagerie of furniture and accessories from large to small, from the found to custom-made. If I am looking for the perfect patina-ed library cart or vintage painted portrait, I am sure to check out the inventory at Gibson. They also have a fine collection of custom furniture, so be sure to ask to see their book of designs.

I. Milk. 7290 Bevelry Blvd. A great selection of salads and sandwiches. I personally love the manchego salad, chock full of nutty grains, dates, fruit and arugula.  Be sure to save room for their spectacular homemade ice cream.

On my busiest days, I daydream of shopping at any one of these spots. So if you find yourself in the area, be sure to pop in, if only for a minute. What are some of your favorite neighborhood finds? Do you go out of your way to grab lunch at a particular spot or to find that perfect gift? Tell me about some of your discoveries in the comments.