The Rise of The Corner, Silver Lake's Coolest Shopping Stretch

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Back in 2007, the addition of Intelligentsia Coffee's Sunset Junction outpost brought the posh coffee-clutch crowd and beyond to then-burgeoning Silver Lake. Now another sector of this rapidly gentrifying neighborhood is poised to continue the trend of bringing over LA's lovers of luxe. With a new crop of high-end retailers in place—and even more on the way (Hello, Aesop and A.P.C.!)—the area near the 3500 block of Sunset Boulevard, which was recently dubbed "The Corner" (specifically the corner of Maltman and Sunset), offers neighborhoodies and visitors alike some exclusive shopping destinations without the sometimes-snobbish vibe that can come with a Beverly Hills zip code. Here, we've compiled a list of some can't-miss Corner spots for optimum indulgence.

Clare V.
3339 West Sunset Boulevard; 323-665-2476
Francophiles beeline to Clare Vivier's flagship store for sumptuous, oversized leather clutches and accessories emblazoned with expressions en francais. The made-in-LA brand is equal parts California Cool and Goddard-era French Nouveau, which makes shopping here the ideal experience for any gal looking to add a little je ne sais quoi to their ensemble.

Mission Workshop
3118 Sunset Boulevard; 323-775-9371
This exclusive outdoor recreation apparel and accessories brand initially grabbed their new (and only) Los Angeles location to act as an office and showroom, but lucky for adventure enthusiasts, the space has become a full-fledged storefront offering messenger bags, rucksacks, and outerwear that is as considerate of being highly functional as it is of being sleek and contemporary in its aesthetic. Weatherproof materials are the utmost in technological innovation, so consider this the Angelean spot to get gear that will step up your game in more ways than one.

Shinola Detroit
3515 Sunset Boulevard; 323-473-5250
It may no longer be the American industrial hub it was mid-century, but Detroit still boasts brands doing it the old fashioned way: by hand. Cue Shinola, a watch and custom-bicycle company that recently opened their Silver Lake location in a space as perfectly elegant and edited as its merchandise. Inside you'll find their American-made products with American-made materials with a style that is at once old school and totally timeless. The shop also includes cool paper goods, apparel, and gifts guaranteed to impress.

Sweet William
1406 Micheltorena Street; 323-741-8161
Just around the corner from lavish bakeshop Lark and chic waxing studio Stark (both of which started the trend of lush locations at The Corner) is the first Californian address for this Brooklyn-based children's clothing and accessories boutique. Sticking with the theme set forth by the space's former tenant, Tomboy, Sweet William brings exceptionally high quality product courtesy of independent designers. Your kids's cool factor is likely to skyrocket in their selection of adorable tees and sweatshirts by Bobo Choses or quirky Hansel from Basel socks.

Dream Collective
1404 Micheltorena Street; 323-660-2000
Sweet William's next-door neighbor, Dream Collective, has occupied ots spot in this on-the-rise area for over two years now, but feels as fresh as ever. Owner Kathryn Bentley keeps the focus on her...well, dreamy precious and semi-precious jewelry but blisses out the boutique with the addition of specialty apothecary brands, earthenware vessels, and handmade Moroccan rugs to name just a few other items to peruse.

En Soie
3333 Sunset Boulevard; 323-662-0985
The crux of this Switzerland-originated brand is in its textiles: seductive silk tops and wild, hand-drawn patterns that decorate scarves, envelope bags, linens (among other things!). That this is a family-owned affair only exaggerates the feeling that making a purchase in this spirited space means you're getting something that is not only distinctive but practically personalized. Oh, and did we mention their incredible sales section? It's a welcomed gateway drug.