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Los Angeles has more stores than anyone could physically tackle, but somehow we always keep returning to the usual suspects. To break out of the rut, we've asked some local shopping and fashion gurus to provide their hidden retail gems—those unique stores around LA that we might not all know about. Cue the Beatles: We're about to get a little help from our friends.
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Piper Gore was jogging by the Santa Monica Pier when she came up with the concept for her LA line of beachy men's clothes, Oliver Rayn, which launched in 2009. The collection, which is refined yet ultra-comfortable, resonates with the city in which she lives. And while it all may have started at the Pier, one of her other favorite spots is Monkie Boutique, located right near where the idea for Oliver Rayn was born.
"Monkie Boutique is a great shop on Main Street in southern Santa Monica. They carry a very creative and well-thought-out collection of brands. The store is totally stylish and pulled together with a bit of that laid-back boho Santa Monica vibe thrown in. I feel like I can always find really special pieces when visit. The store is merchandised in a very unique but accessible way and it's very welcoming to people passing by. What makes this place special to me as a designer is that they carry local labels like Deborah Viereck and unique brands like Skunk Funk, a really great Spanish sportswear line."· Monkie Boutique [Official Site]
· Oliver Rayn [Official Site]
· All Shopping Confidential Posts [Racked LA]