Aether Outpost

Founded by film producers/outdoor enthusiasts Palmer West and Jonah Smith in 2009, Aether creates performance apparel and accessories for people who need function but also appreciate style. What began with a limited collection of outerwear expanded to swimwear, activewear and accessories for both men and women. Simple, modern, sleek and well-made, each piece looks as good in the city as it performs in the wilderness.

A combination office/design lab/retail space, the company's Melrose outpost offers Angelenos the exclusive opportunity to see the entire collection in person, albeit only during regular business hours. Worth the mid-week trek, the outpost was originally built in 1953 as a warehouse, which the company completely overhauled in 2011, maintaining the original wooden bow-truss ceiling and concrete walls, but adding a white foam roof to reflect 80% of the sun's rays and solar panel banks that hang out of the front entrance. Can't make it to the store? The company's website offers the entire collection, in addition to a well-maintained blog about their favorite gear, art, architecture and travel destinations.