LOS ANGELES Shop like a celebrity
They’re just like us—those people we see on the silver screen and on our home screens—winning awards or landing in the gossip pages and TMZ. Some shop at the same grocery stores, malls and boutiques, eat in the same restaurants, and even get their prescriptions filled at Cvs—just like us. But they also spend time shopping at stores that may just be above our paychecks. So in tribute to the more glamorous side of things—here are some shopping districts where you may see some of them— the celebrities while in Los Angeles.
WESTFIELD CENTURY CITY
With its $800 million dollar makeover, Westfield Century City is the shopping destination to watch. While the center is currently open with limited shops, dining, and the AMC 15, the renovation is expected to be complete in summer 2017. The result will be a glamorous shopping mecca spanning 1.3 million square feet, including 200 shops, a new three-story Nordstrom, a completely renovated three-story Bloomingdale’s, a new two-story Macy’s, a new state-ofthe-art Equinox fitness club and spa—and the West Coast’s first Eataly, an expansion of the giant food marketplace from New York. Celebrity designer Kelly Wearstler (who has her own store on Melrose) is creating a new environment with mid-century modern design, open space, shaded trellises and canopies of trees. Celebrities are sure to flock to new stores like Bonobos, Current Elliott, Equipment, Joie, Maje, Sandro, and Zadig & Voltaire, as well as Oprah’s favorite Compartes Chocolates and Sugarfina, coveted by Jessica Alba and Sharon Osbourne. And then of course, there’s California Pizza Kitchen’s partnership with Casamigos Tequila—owned by George Clooney and Rande Gerber, so there’s a little bit of ‘celebrity’ in your cocktail.
THE GROVE Located adjacent to The Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax, The Grove evokes a little walking village that is both historic and modern. It is practically an everyday occurrence to see celebrities stroll the street. Nordstrom is a big draw here, as is Dylan’s Candy Bar, a celebrity favorite. Justin Bieber took his little sister shopping at American Girl; Niall Horan from One Direction was spotted at Crate and Barrel; Julianne Hough and Brooks Laich picked up some casual clothes at J Crew; Selma Blair bought Nikes; Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor take breaks from their schedules with shopping and lunch; Chris Pratt and Anna Faris have been seen strolling the grounds and hopping on a trolley with their young son. LARCHMONT VILLAGE There’s a low-key vibe to this small town street adjacent to Windsor Square and Hancock Park. Part of the celebrity attraction is that many live in the area, but the street is also around the corner from Paramount Studios and a good place to take a break from filming. Café Gratitude is the “it” spot for plant-based eating and counts Mandy Moore, Jonathan Jackson, Megan Fox, Diane Argon, Ariana Grande, and Emma Roberts among its customers. Trina Turk and Mr. Turk just moved from its West Third Street location - Mindy Kaling, Taylor Swift, Viola Davis, and Lisa Rinna are among its fans. Christina Ricci, Emma Roberts and Lucy Hale have been known to pick up products from the Larchmont Beauty Center. And Go Get ‘Em Tiger is known as one of the best stops for coffee and a pastry - Joe Jonas seems to like it. Dress like a celebrity with finds from Ampersand, a consignment/resale store that could carry one of your favorite celeb’s gently worn Prada, Christian Louboutin or Chanel.
“THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE” - BEVERLY HILLS The world-famous shopping district in Beverly Hills known locally as “The Golden Triangle” attracts a mix of tourists, Angelenos, and of course celebrities. Chrissy Teigen and John Legend were recently seen shopping with daughter, Luna at Louis Vuitton. Sofia Vergara picked up shoes at Saks Fifth Avenue. Barneys New York is a favorite of Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux, as well as Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa when they are in town. Dakota Johnson has been seen looking through the racks at Ralph Lauren. Emily Blunt and Michael Buble shop Harry Harris Shoes for their tyke. Jill Roberts’ boutique attracts Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Garner, Jordana Brewster, and Lena Heady. And for a quick snack while shopping, Go Greek Yogurteria is often a ‘go-to’ for Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Whitney Port, Ellen Pompeo, Harry Styles, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher. STUDIO CITY The Sunday Studio City Farmers Market is a big draw with the likes of Julie Bowen, Ludo Lefebrve, Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, Gwen Stefani, J.K. Simmons, and Dave Grohl—most often with kids in tow. Justin Hartley recently purchased an engagement ring at Matthew’s Jewelers designed by Michael B. on Ventura Boulevard for his now wife, Chrishell Strause. Sasha Farber proposed to Emma Slater during “Dancing With The Stars” with a custom design from Matthew’s. And just down the street, Hilary Duff picks up pup treats at Maxwell Dog. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel favor shopping at Whole Foods, while Angelina Jolie has been seen shopping at Gelson’s with - and without - Brad Pitt. For a onestop-shop for men’s fashion, Sy Devore famously dressed the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr.,), Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole, and President John F. Kennedy. Modern stars are also customers, including George Clooney, Bryan Cranston, Matt Damon, and Andy Garcia.
SANTA MONICA PLACE & MORE This sleek open-air mall is located at the western end of the Metro Expo Line, just a few blocks from the beach, and is anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Barneys, and a 14-screen Arclight Theater. There is a mix of boutiques, but Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, All Saints, The Kooples, Hugo Boss, and DVF are among those that claim the star power and are the places most likely to spot a celeb. Take it to the rooftop dining deck to The Curious Palate or Sonoma Wine Garden to see if anyone famous is taking a shopping break—or take a walk to the newly redone Michael’s Restaurant where Gwyneth Paltrow is known to hold court.
Located south of Santa Monica, Abbot Kinney in Venice is also a hot spot, particularly Gjelina and nearby shops where Leonardo Dicaprio, Lana Del Rey, Jessica Alba, and Zoe Saldana have been seen perusing wares. MALIBU The main shopping attractions in this beach side community are the Malibu Country Mart and the adjacent Malibu Lumber Yard. Hot tip for celeb sightings: hang around stores like John Varvatos, Madison, Oliver Peoples, Planet Blue, Ron Herman, Paige Denim, James Perse, Alice + Olivia, or take a class at Five Point Yoga. Eat at Tra Di Noi, Mr. Chow, Malibu Kitchen, Taverna Tony, Howdy’s, or the Cindy Crawford-rande Gerber owned, Café Habana, and you’re sure to see a celebrity. It’s a favorite stomping ground of Miranda Kerr, Jason Statham, Tori Spelling, Simon Cowell, Pink, Justin Bieber, Leann Rimes, the Osbournes, Adam Sandler, the Beckhams, Suzanne Somers, Jane Seymour, Pierce Brosnan, Reese Witherspoon, Ray Liotta—and that’s just a start.