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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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Image via Joonbug
Everyone knows the name Merle Ginsberg. It's tough to even begin to trace her career. She's worked at publications like W, Harper's Bazaar and WWD, in broadcasting at E! and MTV, penned a book alongside Paris Hilton titled Confessions of an Heiress and has even acted as a judge for two seasons on Logo's "Rupaul's Drag Race." One of the world's most respected journalists, Ginsberg is known for her in-depth commentary on the global fashion scene. Now a senior writer at The Hollywood Reporter, Merle filled us in on her favorite LA vintage spot, Polkadots & Moonbeams.
"First of all, Polkadots & Moonbeams is in my neighborhood so I cruise by here all the time. I often pop in because they always have new things. Yes, there's a lot of vintage nightgowns and the like, but I find they often have very cool vintage eyewear that I turn into glasses by putting new lenses in—much cheaper than buying new "retro" looking glasses. These are the real deal. When Prada does the fifties, they always seem to have versions of the same looks in there. There's also always a dress or three that fits me perfectly and they are always around 60 bucks. They also have very cute plastic jewelry and costume pieces that are way less expensive than in department stores—and more fun. They also carry awesome hats! I got a couple of the best felt floppy hats in there recently whereas at other places, they're a fortune."
· Polkadots & Moonbeams [Official Site]
· Fash Track by Merle Ginsberg [The Hollywood Reporter]
· All Shopping Confidential Posts [Racked LA]