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We've already shared our tips to having a Perfect Saturday on Los Feliz's bustling Vermont Avenue, but it's parallel-running neighbor Hillhurst Avenue is now poised to give street a run for its money in terms of retail. Already a destination to one of the city's best independent shoe stores, Vamp, Hillhurst's smattering of strong, anchoring boutiques has been steadily joined by storefronts with equal promise. And with great spots to nosh nearby, it's the perfect destination for spending a super-chill Saturday wandering and window shopping for everything from vinyl to lacy underthings. But after reading this list, we dare you to try to leave the area empty handed.
Jump start your Saturday at Stamp Proper Foods (4500 Los Feliz Blvd) with a wholesome stack of vegan/gluten free banana buckwheat pancakes, a green smoothie (we love the Stamp Proper Greens with spinach, banana, parsley, cucumber, lemon, and unfiltered apple juice), or really anything off the menu at this new-to-the-area spot specializing in healthful grub.
Don't let the natural goodness stop at what you're putting into your bodies! Head across the street to Lassen's (2080 Hillhurst Ave) to explore the bounty of beauty products this grocery store boasts. Old school organic brands like Mountain Ocean (their Coconut Skin Trip will change your life) mingle with newer, more scientifically advanced lines like Derma-e, and even cult hippie faves like Alvera Aloe & Almonds deodorant. The market's sharp staff is more than happy to help steer you toward the best bets to suit your skin. And because most items stocked here are plant-based and never tested on animals, you'll feel totally okay buying twice as much.
We wouldn't exactly describe record/audio equipment store Hi-Fidelity (1956 N Hillhurst Ave) as packed to the gills with inventory—and for good reason. Enter the clean, organized space and you'll find the selection of used jazz, soul, and a bit of modern indie rock (think Modest Mouse and Best Coast) is well edited by a true music lover. Since owner Michael Hobson does most of the dirty work for you, you won't have a tough time finding some great additions to your own collection. Don't have a record player yet? Chat up one of the informed employees about how to get your hi-fi game started.
Across the street, you'll find one of the area's longest standing boutiques, Carol Young Undesigned (1953 1/2 Hillhurst Ave). Carol designs her own collection of elegant yet un-fussy garments (created for the "modern nomad") in her studio behind the shop's retail space. Her clothing is perfectly off-set by cool accessories like Sydney Brown and Trippen footwear and 3D-printed jewelry from Nervous System.
We've been big fans of neighboring lingerie shop Panty Raid (1953 Hillhurst Ave) since its days on Glendale Blvd (and not just because of its cheeky name!). In addition to finding perfect basics like nude and black t-shirt bras and seamless thongs, you'll want to indulge in girlie showstoppers like sexy stockings, lacy Eberjey sets and vintage-inspired longline bras by Fortnight.
If the feline name (owner Mikie seriously loves cats) of boutique Meowdy (1939 Hillhurst Ave) isn't enough to get you in the door, the shop's literal rainbow assortment of vintage caftans, sandals, and Coach bags alongside contemporary jewelry and sunglasses ought to do the trick. It also doesn't hurt that Meowdy keeps the kitschy, fun factor high by offering quirky cat art and figurines, unicorn paraphernalia, and an abundance of other irresistible vintage treats and trinkets.