The Secret Shopping Locale
Robertson... The Secret Shopping Locale
by: Matt Tucker
So your trip to Los Angeles includes plans to do some high-end shopping. You're thinking, Rodeo Drive, oh yeah! True, you can spend a mint on Rodeo and maybe even see a few aging stars. But you wanna know where the celebs of the moment shop? Of course you do!!! A little street called Robertson Blvd. Specifically the stretch between Beverly and 3rd Streets, just West of the Beverly Center. This hot spot is home to some great shops, both brand name and independent. Here you'll find big names like Kitson (with their offshoot Kitson Men and Kitson Kids), Lisa Kline (also with a separate men's location), the True Religion store, American Apparel, and others. It is also home to such eateries as The Ivy and Newsroom Café. I know what you are thinking... "I haven't heard of half of these places!" Okay, calm down. Grab your nearest grocery store tabloid, and it all becomes clear. Kitson is a favorite of Paris, Lindsay, Jessica, and other bobble-headed starlets you know on a first name basis. The Ivy is where all of Hollywood does their daily dance with the paparazzi. You have seen it in such fine publications as Star Magazine. Little white picket fence out front of a cute patio area. The food is pretty good, too. Grab a table if you can (lunchtimes are the busiest), and you might just be asking Demi Moore to pass the salt. If you are in the mood for the more subdued, check out the Newsroom, just across the street. You still get a great view of the goings on over at the Ivy, but without all the hassle. I will warn you, though, Newsroom's style is a little more Hollywood eclectic. Be ready for vegetarian this, vegan that, and organic everything. You won't get a steak there, that's for sure. Anyway, once you are properly fed, it is time to walk the street. Don't be surprised to see Fabio encircled by photogs (why, exactly?) while he puts gas into his ultra-incognito Lamborghini. (With pants that tight and a car like that, he's packing an extra pair of socks, methinks!) Maybe today its Kathy Griffin shooting a TV interview whilst shopping. Whomever you are lucky (or unlucky) enough to bump into, be sure that your trek down Robertson will be well remembered.
It has occurred to me that I have paid a bit too much attention to the celebrity factor and have failed to give due process to the actual shopping that Robertson has to offer. You got the big names above, but there are a bunch of independent stores that really make this street worthwhile. A past acquaintance of mine, Alison Muh, opened a little front called Surly Girl. They have hot little handbags, belts and even t-shirts stating, "Be Surly". Right next door is PPD (Paige Premium Denim), with...you guessed it...Denim. As jean vests and jackets are currently "out" (wait a year or two), Paige focuses mostly on pants, and she does it well. You can find her jeans at Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Saks all over the country, but this is her store, and it has EVERYTHING! If home styles are your thing, head to the corner of Robertson and Beverly and walk north towards Melrose. Here you'll find places like Armani Casa, Kartell and Alessi (the place that makes those cute/weird little creature utensils). All in all, Robertson is a great alternative to the usual Rodeo Drive excursion. Of course, you won't get to take pictures with the noticeably out-of-place, yet resident Rodeo Beefeater, but I guarantee you will enjoy yourself. More importantly, you won't be immediately recognizable as a tourist, unless of course you decide to sport your high-water acid wash jeans and your camera about your neck.
Until next time, my well-informed traveler.
