Shopping in Los Angeles

No shopping guide to LA would be complete without a mention of Rodeo Drive – when it comes to ultra-high-end designer threads, this is probably the most famous shopping destination in the world. You’ll find all the big-name designer brands along these three blocks just north of Wilshire Boulevard, from Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Prada and Jimmy Choo. Indulge in a spot of window shopping and keep an eye out for the attention-grabbing sports cars that like to zip up and down this stretch.

Address: Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

You need to brace yourself for a trip to the Rose Bowl Flea Market – with over 2,500 vendors set out in a rabbit warren of stalls, it’s not for the faint-hearted. But those who can commit to a full day of trawling through the bric-a-brac will leave with untold treasures. Held on the second Sunday of every month in the vast Rose Bowl Stadium, you’ll find everything from vintage threads and second-hand furniture to quirky collectibles here.

Address: 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103

Housed in a vast former warehouse in the hip Arts District in Downtown LA, going to this trend-setting concept store can sometimes feel more like a visit to an art gallery than a fashion boutique, thanks to its industrial space and carefully curated collections. You can pick up pieces from established names like Balenciaga, Gucci and Jacquemus, as well as lesser-known talents like British designer Simone Rocha and offbeat Scandi brand Cecilie Bahnsen.

Address: 608 Imperial Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021

This pretty, tree-lined street in West Hollywood is known the world over thanks to the ‘90s TV show that bears its name, but now it’s more famous as a luxury shopping destination for Angelenos who’d rather avoid busy Rodeo Drive. Fashionistas flock here to shop at the likes of Balmain, Isabel Marant and The Row, while beauty aficionados come for Violet Grey, the cult beauty store that counts Kim Kardashian and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley among its fans.

Address: Melrose Place, Los Angeles, CA 90069

This popular weekly outdoor flea market is held on the campus of Fairfax High School every Sunday and is a firm favorite with fashionable locals and top Hollywood stylists alike, who come here to scour for everything from expertly curated vintage clothing to handmade jewelry and antiques. Lose yourself among the market’s 200+ stalls before taking a break to pick up a dish from one of the street vendors and listen to a local artist on the live music stage.

Address: 7850 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046

This beautifully manicured outdoor mall in West Hollywood may not be particularly cool – the brands represented here are decidedly mainstream rather than being edgy indie offerings – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a lovely place to spend a few hours. With its cutesy streetlamps, synchronized fountains and vintage 1950s trolley it has a distinct Disneyland vibe to it, which kids will love. You’ll find lots of household names here like Apple, Banana Republic and Michael Kors, as well as a range of cafés and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat and a movie theater where you can catch the latest releases.

Address: 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Chocolates from See’s Candies – While See’s Candies are now available in many US cities, the brand is an LA institution, having been founded in a post-Victorian bungalow in Pasadena in 1921. Don’t leave without sampling their almond truffles and butterscotch squares.

An LA Lakers jersey – A recent study has suggested that the LA Lakers are the most popular Major League sports team in the US, so going home with a piece of their merch is a must. My top pick would be their instantly recognizable yellow and purple jersey.

Something from the Venice Boardwalk – You can’t visit Venice Beach without picking up a knick-knack or two from the many hippie hawkers selling their wares. I’d recommend a couple of beaded bracelets or a one-off piece of art, which you can hang up at home to remind you of LA.

A Bottle of Pinot Noir from the San Antonio Winery – California is famous for its wines, but there aren’t many wineries in LA itself. The San Antonio Winery in Downtown LA is one of the few you’ll find in the City of Angels – stop by to pick up a bottle of their fruity Pinot Noir.

Hot Sauce from the Original Farmer’s Market – One of the most distinctive stalls in LA’s Original Farmer’s Market is Light My Fire, which sells hundreds of hot sauces from all around the world. Featuring eye-catching designs and varying levels of spice (be warned, some will knock your socks off!) pick up a bottle to liven up your dishes once you get home.