Travel & Guides

It takes a lot to stand out from the crowd of boutiques on Melrose Avenue. But this modern space lets the clothes do the talking with a sizeable assortment of contemporary looks from European, Japanese, New York and L.A. designers all under one roof. Owner Jade created a clean, minimalist décor here with concrete floors, white walls, and blonde wood furniture, all punctuated with bright yellow accents. "I studied architecture, and I've always been a minimalist, so I designed the space to be very clean with pops of color," she says.

Competition from neighboring Melrose boutiques and nearby W. 3rd Street prompted Jade to search for emerging and independent designers to set her shop apart. She smartly compiled an assortment of up-and-comers and notable names: Labels like VPL, Rachel Comey, United Bamboo, Isabel Marant, Vena Cava, and Alexandre Herchcovitch are among the more recognizable, while Mary Ping, Zucca, Burfitt, Sunshine and Shadow, Eley Kishimoto, and Carson Potter provide lesser-known but equally impressive offerings.

The clothing and accessories selection mostly embodies organic and architectural shapes, each piece accented and made unique with thoughtful details. Heavily stocked with casual-chic standbys, the store also carries basic T-shirts from Under, as well as denim from Habitual, Imitation of Christ, and local hero Grey Ant. Shoes are displayed at the foot of the clothing racks and on wooden sheets on the floor. For special occasions, choose from a selection of unique dresses that are feminine without tipping the girly scale.