Where to stay, shop and star-spot in LA, according to a fashion editor
image via @sarahnoonan_/instagram
words by sarah noonan
California dreaming.
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in cities that only the locals and seasoned travellers know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits: the underrated date spots, treasure trove op shops and the most awe-inspiring places you’ll want to go back to.
This month, we’re learning how to explore LA like a fashion editor. While Australian writer Sarah Noonan hasn’t made the move to California just yet, she spends large chunks of her summer hanging out in Loz Feliz, ahead of September’s fashion season each year.
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“I’ve made it a bit of a habit to break up the long-haul trips to New York and Paris with a pit stop in LA. And by pit stop, I mean a weeks-long stay,” she tells us. “It’s my excuse to visit all my creative friends who now call LA home and to indulge in my vintage shopping addiction.”
According to Sarah, LA doesn’t really feel like one city; it’s more like a bunch of little towns with their own distinct vibe. “There’s this constant sense of creative projects being tested, tweaked and thrown around, which makes you want to go home and start a new hobby, or five.” From people-watching at farmers markets to eating proper Mexican food, find Sarah’s best LA recommendations below.
Where to stay in LA
My favourite neighbourhood is Los Feliz. A lot of the time you’ll be wandering the streets and end up stumbling upon a gallery opening or a live gig — there’s always something happening in Los Feliz. And having Griffith Park as your backyard doesn’t hurt either.
The Valorian
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The Valorian on Sunset Strip is perfect for a short stay, or if you want to hit as many shops and sites as possible in just a few days. The rooms are super luxe, and the rooftop Skybar pool is peak people-watching – perfect for sundowners before heading out for dinner. Being in the thick of West Hollywood means everything from Melrose Avenue to The Grove and the best of celeb nightlife is right outside your door.
8440 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood
The Silver Lake Guesthouse
If you’re planning a longer stay, this Airbnb is the one. It’s a sunlit, loft-style guesthouse with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a shaded deck that’s truly the perfect space to unwind after a big day. You’re minutes from Silver Lake’s best cafés, shops and evening hangouts, but tucked away in its own quiet oasis.
Blue Venice Cottage
If you’re looking for something on the west side of the city, this Venice cottage Airbnb is my favourite. The interiors have that sun-washed vibe Venice is known for, and the whole neighbourhood – from coastal coffee stops (try Flō) and artsy boutiques – feels very LA. Plus, you’re minutes from the beach.
Where to star-spot in LA
The Studio City Farmers Market
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Remember that picture of Jeremy Allen White carrying an outrageously large bunch of flowers? That was at the Studio City Farmers Market. Dakota Johnson and Jacob Elordi have been known to stop by too, but even if you don’t spot anyone famous, it’s still worth swinging by — the locals are stylish, and it’s an easy place to see what true laid-back LA style looks like.
2052 Ventura Place, Studio City
Where to shop
Gift of Garb
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I somehow lose all sense of financial responsibility every time I walk into Gift of Garb. Located in Silver Lake, it’s a perfectly curated consignment store, with a mix of contemporary and high-end designers from recent seasons including Chanel, Bottega, Issey Miyake and Margiela. If you’re in the mood for a serious wardrobe upgrade, this is dangerous territory.
1835 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles
RLT
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RLT in Fairfax is my go-to for really good basics. Its cotton and cashmere is ridiculously soft, and the vintage section is always worth digging through – great denim, T-shirts and the odd evening gem.
7607 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles
Just One Eye
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If you’re shopping in Hollywood, this one’s great for finding standout luxury pieces you won’t see everywhere else. It have the most insane selection of tailoring and accessories.
915 North Sycamore Avenue, Los Angeles
Mohawk General Store
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Mohawk is another great spot in Silverlake for wardrobe inspiration. It stocks everything from Dries Van Noten to Bode and The Row, and they often have sales running, which means you can snag a pretty decent deal.
4011 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles*
*Temporary space located at 4041 Sunset Boulevard at date of publication
Where to vintage shop in LA
The Way We Wore
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By appointment only, TWWW feels like getting the keys to someone’s personal fashion archive. Owner Doris Raymond has spent decades collecting incredible vintage from across the 20th century, so you can stumble on everything from rare couture, one-off pieces and truly unique vintage items.
8057 Beverly Boulevard Suite 200, Los Angeles
The Kit Vintage
The Kit Vintage in Fairfax is where I find my most unique, true vintage designer pieces spanning decades. It specialises in dresses and occasion wear, so if you’re shopping for a special event, this is the place.
7427 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles
Shop 925
Based in Downtown LA, Shop 925 is where I go when I want to get my hands on vintage that’s a little more worn-in. Its rotation ranges from leather jackets and faux fur to standout denim and cult-brand pieces that are perfect for everyday wear.
Shop 135, 305 East 9th Street, Los Angeles
Aralda Vintage
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Another appointment-only spot, tucked away in Hollywood Hills. The racks are filled with truly jaw-dropping designer pieces from the ’70s through the ’90s – think Lacroix, Valentino and McQueen. If you dig long enough, chances are you’ll find something originally worn on the runway by Kate Moss or Christy Turlington.
2691 Beachwood Drive, Los Angeles
Where to eat in LA
El Carmen
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A trip to LA isn’t complete without a proper Mexican feed. There are incredible taco trucks all over the city for a quick fix (Leo’s and Brother’s Cousin are my go-tos), but for a dine-in option, El Carmen never misses. It’s always buzzing, the tacos hit the spot, and the weekday happy hour is genuinely dangerous. Who can say no to $9 margaritas?
8138 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles
Jones
Jones is one of those forever-iconic LA spots with a true old Hollywood vibe inside. It’s open late, the Italian comfort food always delivers (be sure to leave room for the apple pie), and the atmosphere is reliably buzzy no matter what night of the week it is. You can turn up at 11pm on a random Tuesday and it will be packed.
7205 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood
Fred 62
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For a classic diner breakfast, Fred 62 is the answer. It’s got that classic old-school vibe with vinyl booths, oversized menus, and an all-day breakfast offering. Ideal for hangovers, jet lag, or whenever you have a late-night pancake craving.
1850 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles
Where to drink in LA
Bar Seco
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Seco is my current favourite. They always have a great selection of natural and low-intervention wines by the glass, so it’s easy to try something new each time. It’s small, busy most nights, and perfect for a couple of drinks and a snack, before or after dinner.
3820 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles
The Woods
The Woods is a proper neighbourhood dive and usually full of regulars if you’re looking for a local vibe. Drinks are strong, music is good, and the happy hour runs until close.
1533 North La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles
Lolo
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This is the perfect spot for a post-beach or pre-dinner drink. The courtyard is really cute on a sunny day, and their seasonal cocktails are some of the best in LA.
5140 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles
Where to go for a dance in LA
Silverlake Lounge
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If you’re after a proper LA dance night, Silverlake Lounge is where I always end up. It’s not a huge nightclub, but it’s got all the hallmarks of a good venue: sticky floors, neon lights, and really good DJs. Harmony Tividad is a regular on the decks here, and whenever she’s playing, you know it’s going to be a good night.
2906 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles
Where to find a hangover cure
Wake And Late for the breakfast burrito. They also do this frozen espresso that I’m convinced can pull anyone out of the world’s worst hangover.
For more Los Angeles recommendations, try this.
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