Patch Picks: Top 5 Boutiques

Looking good in Echo Park has never been easier thanks to the hood’s ever-increasing slew of boutiques. In the market for a vintage party frock? Check. How about a funky, one-of-a-kind clutch made by an up-and-coming local designer? Done.

Beyond the unique merch, many of these five boutiques serve as a center for culture and community. Whether it’s poetry readings or a place to sip scotch and discuss old school accessories, Echo Park’s best boutiques are favorite neighborhood gathering places.

1712 W. Sunset Blvd.; 213-483-0260

Who needs New York? This fashion-forward shop (aka E.P.I.C.) is all about building community support for up-and-coming local indie designers and artists—and providing the resources they need to use environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices. What does that mean for you? You get to feel good about looking great. Expect to find distinct, edgy duds and accessories for guys and girls made by more than 30 local designers from right here in L.A.

1825 Echo Park Ave.; 323-665-8551

Give your living space a splash of style with decorative accessories from this charming little boutique. In addition to vintage glassware, servers and decorative items, you’ll find vintage-inspired clothing, screen-printed Tees and handmade jewelry. Stylish tots are well taken care of too, with organic baby clothes, wee Vans and crocheted baby blankets. Bonus: The selection changes constantly, and the prices are down to earth.

Gentlemen’s Breakfast
1101 Mohawk St.; 323-306-6766

More than just a vintage eyewear boutique, Van de la Plante’s tiny but refined shop offers dapper dudes a friendly place to sip a scotch, smoke a pipe (leave yours on the pipe stand with your initials, if you wish) and discuss style. Ladies are welcome too, of course, and many of the chunky frames suit a feminine face. Beyond the stylish specs from Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and the like, you’ll find a dandy selection of vintage cuff links, pens, pocket watches—and oh yes, even an ascot or two.

Spitfire Girl
2203 Sunset Blvd.; 213-989-1977

Every neighborhood needs a go-to gift boutique where you can find the perfect thing for even your most hard-to-buy-for friend. Spitfire Girl fits the bill for Echo Park, with quirky gadgets, cool jewelry and fun stationary galore. And if your friend wouldn’t love getting a gnome juicer, golden grenade coin bank or Burt Reynolds thank you card, maybe you just need a new friend.


1543 Echo Park Ave.; 213-482-5832

Every nook and cranny of this cozy, rustic-chic space is packed with a meticulously curated selection of vintage and indie-designer clothing and accessories with a romantic, bohemian bent. You’ll also find books, crafts,  home goods and all manner of object d’art. The boutique’s “Little Birds” reading series features local women from various backgrounds reading from their published poetry, memoirs and novels—plus wine, chocolate and other goodies.