Best of 2013: Go shopping in LA at these best new stores

Aesthetes have gone gaga this year waiting for Acne’s much-ballyhooed debut of its largest studio (ever)—a whopping 5,000 square feet of the Swedish designer’s denim, knitwear, leather goods and accessories. The just-opened retail spot in the lobby of the turquoise Eastern Columbia Building anchors the emerging shopping district of 9th and Broadway (where the Ace Hotel will be opening in early 2014, Aussie skincare importer Aesop launched earlier this year, and Urban Outfitters will soon reveal a megastore in the converted Rialto Theater just up the street). The in-store café—a first for the brand—is a welcome respite for the shopping weary, while the VIP room is reserved for those wanting a little more privacy when picking out the perfect pair of signature Skin 5 pants ($230-$280) or a printed tee ($85-$115).

The just-opened MUJI store in Hollywood is an exciting edition to the shopping pantheon of the city as this US flagship offers a number of firsts, including Found MUJI, items sourced globally and updated by the beloved Japanese brand; MUJI Labo, a new line of clothing inspired by the practicality of MUJI’s stationery; and also, this is the first outpost to sell food (white chocolate-covered strawberries, anyone?). Expect the usual staples MUJI is known for—like double-sided pens ($1.50), shrink-wrapped scarves ($9.95) and tees ($12.95) as well as extensive kitchenware offerings and a number of other minimalist goods. The first LA store, located in the heart of tourist-packed Hollywood, is a perfect place to pick up a gift and actually useful souvenirs.

It’s hard to get more opulent than Elisabeth Weinstock’s snake- and exotic skin-covered accessories. Try a painted anaconda flask ($225), a beautiful card case available in a range of shades and skins ($130-$170) or a stealthy looking condom box ($912) on your nightstand (she even sells the nightstand ($5,000-$10,000)). Although these accessories aren’t for everyone, celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Shakira and even Jennifer Lopez have picked up pieces for themselves—there’s no shame in window-shopping.

Now the male-focused other half of Silver Lake’s to-go boutique Mohawk General Store is elevating the Eastside dude’s shopping experience one Dries van Noten sweater at a time. Just two doors down from the original, the men’s-only Mohawk Man stocks Engineered Garments (chambray shirts for $215), Our Legacy, Arpenteur and nonnative (pants for $310) along with accessories like sunglasses and wallets as well as artwork by the likes of Nicholas Cope. It’s a one-stop shop for the fashion-forward male.

This super-hip outpost of home goods, art, skincare, clothing and accessories from husband-wife team Raan and Lindsay Parton (he’s the creative director of the highly curated neighboring men’s emporium Apolis: Common Gallery) is a welcome addition to Downtown’s Arts District. The bustling neighborhood is a bastion of wares for the aesthetically minded, including the shop’s own navy blue 1959 Fiat Abarth Spyder—the only of its kind in the US. Be on the lookout for Rodin’s much-loved Olio Lusso ($150) as well as items from brands like The Hill-Side and Gitman Vintage.

Angelenos had to wait ‘til this past summer to get their hands on Aussie grooming fave, Aesop, which finally opened its first LA standalone on Abbot Kinney after its standout shop-in-shop last year at Opening Ceremony. Beloved for its plant-based formulas—pick up the best-selling Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion ($49) or a serum from the Parsley Seed line—Aesop also looks great on your shelves with its minimalist packaging. Slathering yourself in the Melbourne must-have has been such a hit; the brand is opening a second location Downtown in January 2014.

In this paparazzi-saturated town, it’s easy to forget the art of great photography. And for those shutterbugs who want more lens than their cell phone can offer, they turn to Leica, the legendary German camera maker. With the full line of Leica offerings available in the new Beverly Boulevard flagship, the store is a veritable playpen for pros and amateur enthusiasts alike. Geek out on the newest Leica M and stock up on an extensive assortment of all the essential accoutrements to put your Instagram feed to shame—or just drop by to check out the rotating art installations.

Jewelry designer Gabriela Artigas epitomizes the Angeleno vibe with her simple and clean-lined pieces that she keeps well stocked in her new (and first!) storefront. You may have previously caught her at pop-ups like the Echo Park Craft Fair, but now Artigas and sister Teresita have debuted their equally intimate but statement-making store on La Cienega near Beverly Boulevard (just a block from their house). It’s appointment only, but feel free to knock if you see them working in there so you can pick up an Infinite Tusk Ring ($375) or nouveau punk safety pin-inspired earrings ($120).

Fashionable four-eyes and sunglass fiends alike can now pick up their Warby Parkers in person on the Sunset Strip at the brand’s first LA store located inside The Standard, Hollywood. Artist Geoff McFetridge hooked the space up with a frames-inspired mural while a selection of curated books lie waiting for customers to peruse. An optician is on-site to assist with any prescription lenses, while shoppers can sort through the retro-focused frames, which come available as sunglasses or optical lenses (both $95-$150).

What started as a pop-up in May 2013 turned into a permanent storefront in just 30 days of opening allowing Guerilla Atelier to easily cement the high-end market in Downtown. Located in a former warehouse, Guerilla Atelier (owner Carl Louisville was previously with Prada for 15 years) specializes in the hard-to-find: Suits from Cesare Attolini ($3,000), Saint Crispin’s handmade leather shoes, grooming products from Paris-based Costes along with women’s wear from designers like local Melissa Akkaway (Beckley by Melissa) dot the 4,000-square-foot store.