Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
While every day is a good day to support local businesses, tomorrow is extra awesome because it's Small Business Saturday, a movement that encourages shoppers to spend at mom and pops across the country. To help you get involved, we introduce our latest installment of Indie 38, a map to LA's very best independent shops.
Thanks to your feedback, we've added Silver Lake gent's shop Modern Nature and home décor go-toGarde. We've also included menswear hauntMRKT and EllefavoriteClare Vivier, who will be offeringfree monogramming with purchase from 1 to 4pm tomorrow. (Monograms are normally $50, so this is a pretty sweet deal!)
To make way for these additions, we've removed Spitfire Girl, Helen Ficalora, Beige and Gather. We've tried our best to cover all bases, but do let us know if we skipped your faves and we'll be sure to consider them in the next round.
Added November 29, 2013: Modern Nature, Garde, MRKT, Clare Vivier
Added May 20, 2013: Poketo, Dream Collective, The Well, Ooga Booga, Weekend Lovers, Buttons & Bows
Home to colorful bags and stylish carry-ons, this Silver Lake gem is the must-stop of many LA tastemakers. Getting your bag or clutch monogrammed on-site is encouraged.
As menswear blogger Tommy Lei explains, "What makes MRKT so special is owner Steve Villal's unique eye for the street-sophisticated menswear labels that are hard to find anywhere else." 'Nuff said. [Photo: MRKT]
Recently relocated to Melrose, this shop features impeccably selected vintage and an edgy house line of destroyed tees, cropped sweatshirts. Don't miss the jewelry selection, which includes architectural finds and chunky handmade necklaces.
This home furnishings and personal accessories haven is filled with items from stateside and global design stars. Merch highlights include LA's Building Block bags and Mr. Brainwash plates. (Did you know he does tableware now?) [Photo: Garde]
Comfort is key at this Silver Lake menswear must. In addition to offering super-soft T-shirts and nylon athletic trunks with convenient pockets, the shop also carries THVM denim and Malin + Goetz skincare. [Photo: Modern Nature]
Buttons & Bows is part consignment shop, part vintage boutique. This means you'll find up-to-date pieces from brands like Tory Burch and 3.1 Phillip Lim as well as older designer items with a contemporary flair.
Alongside Gimme! coffee and pastries, this cafe/boutique sells everything from Saint James striped shirts to Josie Maran face creams along with spices and hard-to-source condiments. Sounds strange, but somehow it all comes together beautifully.
When your dude needs frames and LensCrafters won’t cut it, send him to the Echo Park spot that specializes in vintage eyeglasses, sunglasses, repairs and “various gentlemanly accessories.” He’ll see (get it?) what we mean.
A perfectly-curated collection of interesting and quirky gifts, accessories and home goods as unique as they are adorable. Careful though, you might find more than a few things you don't need but really, really want.
Wallets by Comme de Garcons, duds by A.P.C. and shoes by Rachel Comey are just a few reasons why this Eastside favorite continually makes "best of LA" shopping lists. Also available are mid-century furniture, records and totally unique jewelry.
The totally adorable Yolk is owned by a Scandinavian transplant who curates a colorful collection of gifts and tchkokes. With a tagline of “Free Range Design,” the tiny space is bursting with interesting international finds.
Ron and Carol Herman still run this expanding chain; the flagship takes up the majority of Fred Segal on Melrose (Carol is related to the original Fred Segal). L’Agence, Alexander Wang, J Brand and Maison Martin Margiela are stocked.
The Echo Park Independent Co-Op’s mantra is simple: They support local, up-and-coming designers who live and work in Los Angeles. This translates to a selection of men’s and women’s clothes, shoes and accessories not really found elsewhere.
One of the trailblazers of the DTLA shopping scene, Brigade carries lines not normally seen downtown including Alice + Olivia, Elizabeth and James, Haute Hippie and Current/Elliott.
This popular celebrity-owned store has an impressive selection of men’s RTW and is the home of Rebecca Minkoff's womenswear and accessories. Note: It's also a great source for perfectly faded, super-soft vintage men's tees.
So high-end that it almost resembles a gallery, Maxfield is frequented by tastemakers and big spenders alike (the Olsen twins are regulars). Shop a new and vintage selection of goods from Chanel, Rick Owens, plus plenty of intimidatingly-expensive Balmain. It's indie in the most luxurious way.
Three different outposts of this vintage eyewear shop—Westside, Eastside and Beverly Blvd—serve each community with collectible vintage glasses, contemporary European imports and custom styles.
Family owned and operated since 1981, It's A Wrap is where studios liquidate wardrobe and props, which are then turned over to the public, who can buy these near-new goods at a fraction of their retail price. There's an additional location in Beverly Hills.
While this is a pop-up, not a brick-and-mortar store, it's still as indie as it gets. As the name would suggest, Unique L.A. features goods from local artists and designers— 90% of goods come from right here in California. Learn more about the next event here, which is taking place December 7th and 8th at California Market Center.
The concept of this pink-walled boutique is simple: stock pretty clothes and accessories from lesser-known female designers. Shopkeep Whitney Bickers favors lines like Dusen Dusen, A Peace Treaty, Gretchen Jones and Gilda Grey. There's also a rack of carefully-edited vintage.
One of LA's best men's shops, it offers classic, tailored clothing from interesting labels both European and American, such as Hartford, Falke and Universal Works. Take note: There's a corresponding shoe store, DF Feet, located directly across the street.
A go-to among fashionable Angelenos and young starlets, this 3rd Street mainstay boasts high-end brands like Balenciaga, Carven, Isabel Marant and Alexander Wang, not to mention a killer in-house line.
Bar none, Roseark offers the biggest and best selection of unique, edgy, extravagant baubles this city has to offer, including pieces from Jessica Winzelberg, Jennifer Meyer, Karma El Khalil, and their own Kathy Rose. The massive WeHo showroom features a fine art gallery in addition to precious jewels.
Where some of the most impeccably dressed guys we know shop. A friendly, accessible atmosphere; a staff of supremely knowledgeable and patient fashionistos; and a selection that includes Band of Outsiders, Margaret Howell, and Gitman Vintage. Truly a one-stop lifestyle store.
Playful and fashion-forward clothes, shoes and accessories in a setting that's as artful and well-designed as the wares themselves. Brands include Alexander Wang, Vena Cava, and the store's own.
This city-wide chain epitomizes California cool, with a wide variety of designers and merch from YSL shoes and jewelry to Elizabeth and James dresses and blouses to tees from Helmut Lang, Nation LTD, Three Dots and more. We're highlighting the Melrose location because of its sweet little bargain shopping annex where you can find crazy deals like shoes by YSL and Chloe for under $200.
Jisook Lee describes his shop as a lifestyle boutique, and it indeed offers everything from street wear to designer wear to jewelry to decor to toys to art.
Opened since 2012, the boutique showcases owner Kathryn Bentley's two jewelry lines including her fine gems and her Dream Collective costume line. For quality, handmade pieces, this Silver Lake shop is worth swinging by.
From bold accessories to funky air plants, this cult-cool La Brea boutique hosts a mix of trendy, kitschy and classic pieces. It's also the setting for weekly movie nights, art exhibits and late-night shopping events.
Tucked away in Downtown's Arts District, Poketo is the go-to destination for a variety of unique gifts. The husband-and-wife owned store features limited-edition vinyl artist wallets, adorable stationery and enchanting accessories.
One of the most unique concepts around, this cool shop is also a hair and nail salon and an event space. The clothing and accessories run local, with pieces from Clover Canyon, Tovar and Again clothing, much of which is produced nearby.
Part art shop, part bookshop, part clothing boutique, this teensy second floor Chinatown shop is stocked with super-hip (and sometimes odd) ephemera, 'zines, jewelry and clothes for men and women. For Boyle Heights folks, Ooga Booga recently open its second location at 356 S Mission Road.
Home to colorful bags and stylish carry-ons, this Silver Lake gem is the must-stop of many LA tastemakers. Getting your bag or clutch monogrammed on-site is encouraged.
As menswear blogger Tommy Lei explains, "What makes MRKT so special is owner Steve Villal's unique eye for the street-sophisticated menswear labels that are hard to find anywhere else." 'Nuff said. [Photo: MRKT]
Recently relocated to Melrose, this shop features impeccably selected vintage and an edgy house line of destroyed tees, cropped sweatshirts. Don't miss the jewelry selection, which includes architectural finds and chunky handmade necklaces.
This home furnishings and personal accessories haven is filled with items from stateside and global design stars. Merch highlights include LA's Building Block bags and Mr. Brainwash plates. (Did you know he does tableware now?) [Photo: Garde]
Comfort is key at this Silver Lake menswear must. In addition to offering super-soft T-shirts and nylon athletic trunks with convenient pockets, the shop also carries THVM denim and Malin + Goetz skincare. [Photo: Modern Nature]
Buttons & Bows is part consignment shop, part vintage boutique. This means you'll find up-to-date pieces from brands like Tory Burch and 3.1 Phillip Lim as well as older designer items with a contemporary flair.
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45304526/ScoutMelrose2_2013_11.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3002376/Indie38_2013_52.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446777/06_2012_CLARE_VIVIER-4.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446778/MRKT_2013_11-thumb.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446779/ScoutNewShopParty_2013_08-thumb.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446780/Garde.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446781/ModernNature.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446782/Buttons.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446783/BroomeSt_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446784/GentlemensBreakfast_2013_05.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446785/Newstone_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446786/MohawkGeneralStore_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446787/Yolk_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446788/RonHerman_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446789/EchoPark_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446790/Brigade_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446791/Confederacy_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446792/Maxfield_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446793/HoteldeVille_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446794/ItsAWrap_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446795/Lake_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446796/UniqueLA_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446797/PolkadotsMoonbeamsNew_2013_06-thumb.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446798/deKor_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446799/Posers_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446800/6437509629_7715d7b02c_o.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446801/DouglasFir_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446802/Satine_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446803/CreaturesofComfort_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446804/Roseark_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446805/SouthWillard_2013_05.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446806/5053502510_87e257683f_o.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446807/7110746919_a1dfafd0ac_b.0.0.jpeg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446808/BlackMarket_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446809/Guild_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446810/DreamCollective_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446811/WeekendLovers_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446812/Poketo_2013_05.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446813/ThewellDTLA.0.0.jpg)
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61797541/o.0.jpg)
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62446814/OogaBooga2013_05.0.0.jpg)
Loading comments...