Shops We Love: Milk

A must-see on L.A.'s frenetic 3rd Avenue, this spacious boutique offers a profusion of fashionable wares in a welcoming, no-attitude setting. Cousins and co-owners Marni Flans and Bari Milken can best be described as fashion chameleons. They go from super femme to urban warrior with ease, which is why they stock the store with a little bit of everything. From super casual T-shirts and denim to more amped-up ensembles, they've brought together an assortment of hip designs from labels including Stretsis, McQ by Alexander McQueen, Manoush, Derek Lam, Daryl K., Erotokritos, and Sea, among others. In addition to women's clothes, there are shoes, handbags, jewelry, lingerie, swimwear, candles, kid's T-shirts, beauty products, books, even a small men's section. "It's a one-stop shop," Marni asserts. "We like to dress our customers from head-to-toe."

Hardwood floors, dark wood furniture, and an oversized antique map on the wall gives the shop an appealing den-like feel. Vintage luggage, books, and old milk bottles scattered throughout the store lend both a touch more décor as well as additional showcase space. The duo confirmed their vision with a stenciled quote on a large wall near the front of the shop, which was taken from a book about a fashionable girl, but that doesn't say it all about the shop's loyal clientele. “The Milk girl is a jet-setter,” says Marni. “But we want all kinds of people to feel welcome here. Our customers range from young hipsters to a more conservative, sophisticated woman—there really is something for everybody.”