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Photograph: Jakob N. Layman

The best shops in Silver Lake

Silver Lake is home to some of the best shopping on the Eastside—here are the neighborhood's top boutiques

Written by
Kate Wertheimer
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It may not be as renowned as Rodeo Drive or Abbot Kinney, but Silver Lake has some serious shopping chops, and more than enough stores to keep you busy for an afternoon, no matter what it is you're looking to buy. From vintage threads to custom bikes, there's tons to peruse in this 'hood—and, luckily, a number of coffee shops where you can refuel during your spree. We've listed our top shops for clothing and accessories as well as home goods, records, booze and more, but the boutiques go on and on, so use this as a starting point and shop 'til you drop (or until the stores close).

RECOMMENDED: See more in our neighborhood guide to Silver Lake.

Reform School
  • Shopping
  • Gifts and stationery
  • Silver Lake
  • price 3 of 4

Check out this gift shop for that one-of-a-kind find—from kitschy cameras to vintage goods and everything in-between. Shop a selection of handmade local items, which include fun trinkets for the home or school, jewelry, vintage dresses, printed sweatshirts and more. Also check out the art (think: original prints and posters) from local and traveling makers.

Mohawk General Store
  • Shopping
  • Boutiques
  • Silver Lake
  • price 3 of 4

This beautifully curated shop offers high-end clothing, shoes, accessories and home wares for the discerning buyer. For the ladies, we suggest checking out the delicate jewelry by LA brands Hortense and Gabriela Artigas; candles by 370-year-old brand Cire Trudon; polygonal terrariums by Score + Solder; and printed stationary by Postalco. Also worth noting: the shop’s impressive collection of modernist furniture and lighting.

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  • Shopping
  • Menswear
  • Silver Lake
  • price 3 of 4

The male-focused other half of Silver Lake’s go-to boutique, Mohawk Man 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.

  • Shopping
  • Womenswear
  • Silver Lake
  • price 2 of 4

This clean, sparse shop on the outskirts of Sunset Junction is Lacausa's first flagship store, carrying a small selection of leather goods, perfumes, ceramics and denim in addition to their classic, understated threads. Everything by the brand is designed and made in Downtown Los Angeles, and the entire line will be available in the shop.

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  • Shopping
  • Womenswear
  • Silver Lake
  • price 2 of 4

You may know Mixed Business from its pop-ups at markets like Mercado Sagrado, and if you do, you'll be very pleased to know they've opened a brick and mortar in Silver Lake. The spot offers a well-curated, color-coded selection of vintage pieces in addition to its own line (linen smock dresses, striped overalls). You won't find many crazy prints here—the front room is dedicated to mostly black-and-white pieces, while a smaller room in back houses a rainbow rack for everything else (muted pinks, sage greens). You can also find a small selection of jewelry, shoes and home goods, or head to the back for a flower arrangement.

Clare Vivier
  • Shopping
  • Boutiques
  • Silver Lake
  • price 2 of 4

The flagship namesake store of the French-born, Los Angeles–dwelling designer features Clare Vivier's wide array of leather totes, duffels, clutches and pouches in a rainbow of hues, and even offers monogramming. Other finds like scented candles, jewelry and seasonal accessories from other brands ensure you'll be making a good haul.

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Dream Collective
  • Shopping
  • Boutiques
  • Silver Lake
  • price 2 of 4

Jewelry designer Kathryn Bentley has created a sun-dappled escape from the buzz of Silver Lake’s Sunset Junction—one that feels a little bit like a forest cabin, with its stained glass windows and teepee fitting room. Bentley’s brass-and-enamel costume jewelry line, Dream Collective, is just as striking as her namesake fine jewelry collection—but she’s also pulled in some supporting talent from her local designer pals. Our favorites: Jesse Kamm tote bags and woven leather moccasins from Bea Valenzuela, not to mention a rotating clothing selection of comfy, classic basics.

Bucks & Does
  • Shopping
  • Boutiques
  • Silver Lake
  • price 3 of 4

This blue-hued boutique in Sunset Junction offers clothing and accessories for both men and women. The goods are expensive, but the quality is high and local designers are well-represented. Ladies, there are swimwear options in spring and summer, and shades and hats for both men and women year-round. The staff is friendly and helpful, sometimes going as far as picking out options for reticent (read: usually male) shoppers.

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  • Shopping
  • Boutiques
  • Silver Lake
  • price 2 of 4

In a storefront just east of Sunset Junction, this San Francisco import hopes to get Venice Beach-bound wave riders stoked. Surf aficionados and pros alike can drool over the custom boards, artist-designed tees, hard-to-find wet suits and other beach gear like handmade backpacks and sandals. Looking for a few pointers? Grab a copy of one of the many surf mags or films for sale.

  • Shopping
  • Consignment store
  • Silver Lake
  • price 2 of 4

Friendly shop owners Jeff and Fox have a knack for finding unique and perfectly worn denim. Their little store is chock full of vintage pieces, some redesigned by Fox and some fresh out of an estate sale or flea market (and we mean fresh—who knows what you'll find in the pockets). Bell bottoms, jorts, jackets and button downs, they have it all, in every hue and style. There are also soft cotton band tees and pins and patches for every taste. And if you want your new (old) purchase custom tailored, Fox is your gal.

Barkeeper
  • Shopping
  • Design and interiors
  • Silver Lake
  • price 2 of 4

Indulge your inner lush at Barkeeper, a shop fully dedicated to, well, keeping a well-stocked bar. In addition to top-shelf and rare liquors, you’ll find vintage glassware, libation accessories (think: themed swivel sticks, oversized ice cube trays, a colorful array of cocktail guides) and a massive offering of bitters—tasting encouraged. The goods here are solid, but the service is notoriously crotchety.

Spice Station
  • Shopping
  • Specialist food and drink
  • Silver Lake
  • price 1 of 4

Walk down a wooden pathway to a veritable secret garden: an outdoor courtyard with a babbling fountain, vine-covered trellis, hanging lanterns and wooden benches. Enter the intimate tea room, where Spice Station houses its signature blends and rare teas from across the globe, or head into the station proper—an aromatic room stocked floor to ceiling with colorful jars containing more than 250 different spices, plus an extensive array of dish-specific blends (such as Poseidon’s Catch, great on white fish). You could (and can) spend hours here, unscrewing jars, sniffing and tasting, or creating blends of your own.

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Secret Headquarters
  • Shopping
  • Bookstores
  • Atwater Village
  • price 2 of 4

This comic book and graphic novel shop has shelf upon shelf of illustrated stories as well as beautiful art books and local zines. If you're into on-page art and illustration, this is the place to go—the shopkeepers will geek out with you over the newest issue of Aquaman or the sophomore effort of a graphic novelist. They can also recommend great stuff for first-timers and gift suggestions for anyone on your list.

Vacation Vinyl
  • Shopping
  • Music and entertainment
  • Silver Lake
  • price 2 of 4

Vacation Vinyl offers the usual selection of records, plus an extensive array of cassette tapes. The shop specializes in punk, metal and experimental music, but don’t worry, they’ll also have that Hall & Oates album you’ve been searching for. Keep an ear open for live shows in the space and leave them a note if you're searching for a hard-to-find record—chances are, they can help.

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  • Shopping
  • Sports
  • Silver Lake
  • price 2 of 4

This shop boasts sleek frames, colorful components and a friendly, knowledgeable (and dreamy) staff. Buy a bike, a kit, a water bottle—they even sell small-batch cold brew and some pretty rockin' socks and patches. There's no bike snobbery here—come in for repairs, parts, or to get outfitted with a brand new ride. And speaking of rides, the shop organizes 'em regularly—inquire within for details.

  • Shopping
  • Accessories
  • Silver Lake
  • price 3 of 4

If you have a knack for classic American-made goods, this Detroit-based flagship store is your new one-stop shop. Nestled within Silver Lake’s ever-growing neighborhood of boutique-style stores and eateries, this polished spot offers classically designed bicycles, quality leather goods, fancy watches and other polished trinkets for the old soul.

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Old Style Guitar Shop
  • Shopping
  • Musical instruments
  • Silver Lake
  • price 2 of 4

Rickety porch steps lead into an old house-turned-shop, every inch of which is covered with beautiful refurbished guitars, ukes and banjos. Ask Reuben, the owner, to show you some rare antique string instruments or the latest banjo he’s made out of an end table. It's the perfect spot to go for repairs or to buy a new (or old) instrument.

  • Shopping
  • Jewelry
  • Silver Lake
  • price 3 of 4

This store sells beautifully crafted wares: sleek wooden radios, jewelry, glassware, tableware and Noguchi paper lamps as well as books on art, architecture and fashion. It's small, but there's a lot packed in, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable without being pushy.

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Stockroom
  • Sex and dating
  • Silver Lake
  • price 2 of 4

Stockroom sells a wide array of unique, ahem, intimate outfits. But if you're looking for lingerie, move along—this shop specializes in the rubber mask, ball-gag, leather whip and latex variety of intimate accessories. That's not to say the shop isn't high-end—the place is spotless, organized and has some of the most encyclopedic employees we've found in the industry. Stockroom also has a mezzanine floor with all sorts of sex toys, plugs, wands, lubes and other items to get you in the mood regardless of whether or not BDSM is your thing. Tip: Be sure to check out the shop's classy selection of erotic fiction.

  • Shopping
  • Kid's clothes
  • Silver Lake
  • price 3 of 4

This sweet shop carries an adorable selection of independent brands—everything from woodland creature stuffed animals to baby backpacks and bathing suits—tucked into a small, narrow shop that feels more suited for kid-sized humans than their parents. Peruse books, toys, hand-carved figurines and hand-lettered cards—everything here is small and whimsical, and you don't need a kid in your life to shop here.

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