By Christina Valhouli
If you want to have a celebrity sighting in L.A., there are a few guaranteed places to go, such as The Ivy, Hyde, and the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre, as well as the city’s best shops. L.A. is one of the best shopping destinations on the planet, and for a primer on some of the city’s best stores, you only have to look at where the celebrities (and their stylists) shop. Any L.A. shopping trip should start with Fred Segal, the quirky department store where everyone from Katie Holmes to Barry Diller and Gwyneth Paltrow has been spotted. To do it right, make sure to dress the part, arrive in a gorgeous car, and stay for lunch. If your style leans more towards vintage, follow in the footsteps of Kate Moss and Charlize Theron and head to Decades. Or if you want to declare your allegiance to Team Jolie or Team Aniston with the appropriate T-shirt, stop in at the wonderfully kitsch Kitson boutique. Happy shopping, and don’t forget to tip the valet parking attendant well.
Fred Segal
Instead of listing the celebrities who have shopped at Fred Segal, it’s probably easier to say who hasn’t (err, no one?) Fred Segal is an L.A. institution, and it seems nearly every day a celeb is spotted shopping in the vine- covered store. This mini department store has a rock ‘n’ roll feel, with music blaring and the staff running around in tight jeans and heels. The extensive beauty department is a must-see, as is a leisurely lunch at the restaurant (tip: get a table outside on the patio).
Fred Segal
500 Broadway
Santa Monica
Phone: 310-458-9940
fredsegalfun.com
Decades
Decades is arguably the best vintage store in Los Angeles, and where celebs including Kate Moss, Charlize Theron and Kate Beckinsale have all browsed the racks searching for a pristine Chanel, Pucci, Givenchy or Valentino dress. Check out the Web site for its daily arrival blog to get that first look at, say, an Ossie Clark dress or a Kenneth Lane necklace.
Decades
8214 1/2 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles
Phone: 323-655-0223
decadesinc.com
Kitson
This cute, kitschy boutique is the place to stock up on Team Aniston or Team Jolie T-shirts, as well as fun baby clothes with slogans such as “Drool and the Gang.” The shop is a favorite for Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie and Victoria Beckham, and Angelina Jolie has also been spotted here (but not browsing the T-shirt selection). Check out the small, but well-stocked cosmetics section, which includes Mario Badescu, T. Anthony and Fresh. Online shopping is available.
Kitson
116 N. Robertson Blvd. Suite C
Los Angeles
Phone: 310-289-4975
shopkitson.com
Neil Lane
Jeweler Neil Lane sells gorgeous vintage and vintage-style jewels from his unassuming store on Beverly Boulevard. His shop doesn’t look like much, as he works from a small space inside the Antiquarius Center — what is essentially a strip mall stuffed with other jewelers (think of it as a mini 47th Street in New York). Lane’s jewels are hugely popular on Oscar night, and his collection includes vintage Tiffany, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. His celebrity fans include Reese Witherspoon, Courteney Cox Arquette, Julia Roberts, Annette Bening and Naomi Campbell.
Neil Lane
8840 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles
Phone: 310-275-5015
neillanejewelry.com
Tracey Ross
This Sunset Plaza boutique is where you’ll find Kate Hudson, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and Reese Witherspoon browsing the racks for the latest pieces from Matthew Williamson, Derek Lam and Jennifer Meyer. The shop has been in business for nearly 15 years, and its staying power is due to its discreet service and chilled out atmosphere; shoppers can take a break and rest on a leopard print ottoman or a velvet chaise longue. The shop also sells designer baby clothes from Lucy Sykes, and there’s an in-house manicurist. Can’t make it to the store? Shop online.
Tracey Ross
8595 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles
Phone: 310-854-1996
traceyross.com
Belle Gray
It’s no surprise that Belle Gray has a big celebrity following, including Cindy Crawford, Jessica Simpson and Denise Richards; it’s owned by actress Lisa Rinna and her husband Harry Hamlin. The store is a one-stop shop for all things cute and girlie, from Juicy Couture track suits to necklaces, lingerie and shoes. Designers stocked include Melissa Odabash, Rebecca Taylor, Tory Burch and Citizens of Humanity. Little touches like complimentary cookies and wine make the shopping in Belle Gray the perfect girls’ day out. If you can’t make it to the store, shop online or even by phone.
Belle Gray
Sherman Oaks
Phone: 818-789-4021
bellegray.com
Jennifer Kaufman
This tiny boutique in the Beverly Center is stuffed to the gills with jewelry from some of today’s hottest designers, including Tarina Tarantino and Me & Ro, so it’s not uncommon to see celebrities like Drew Barrymore browsing, as well as celebrity stylists. Other designers stocked in the store include Dara Dax, Jessica Thomas and Karen Astrachan. The displays can be a bit chaotic, and crowded, so ask for some help, or shop online.
Jennifer Kaufman
Beverly Center
131 N. La Cienega Blvd., Suite 650
Los Angeles
Phone: 310-854-1058
jenniferkaufman.com
Kaviar and Kind
This appointment-only boutique is owned by Katherine Azarmi-Rose and Sunrise Ruffalo, who’s married to actor Mark Ruffalo.
Kaviar and Kind sells an eclectic mix of jewelry and furniture. Katherine designs some of the jewelry while Sunrise lends her artistic hand to painted wrought-iron chairs and lamps. Other designers carried in the store include Jennifer Meyer (she designed the gold leaf necklace worn by Jennifer Aniston in “The Break-Up”), Fedderica Rettore and Angus. Cameron Diaz, Mischa Barton and Demi Moore have all been spotted here. Online shopping is also available.
Kaviar & Kind
8533 W. Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood
Phone: 310-659-8857
kaviarkind.com
This article originally appeared on itravelishop.com.
