Los Angeles Neighborhood Guide: Downtown LA (Arts District + The Row)
With its eclectic neighborhoods, downtown Los Angeles can be confusing to navigate. This guide focuses on two sections of DTLA that house newer creative, independent, design-driven brands. No chain stores here!
For the first half of your DTLA stop, check out the Arts District.
Stop 1: Alchemy Works/Apolis (826 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles CA 90013)
Alchemy Works is a California-inspired retail, event, and gallery space that carries cult womenswear brands including Freda Salvador, Ozma, and Clare Vivier. The store also has some beautiful eclectic home decor pieces (handmade ceramics, artwork). Good for: design inspiration, unique shoes/handbags/clothing.
Apolis is a menswear and accessories brand that shares space with Alchemy Works. The company employs artisans all over the globe in helping create its products, providing them with Fair Trade wages, annual profit dividends, and a retirement fund. They carry quality basics including organic cotton tees, chinos, and button down shirts. Good for: unique gifts (customizable totes!), men's clothing.
Stop 2: The Pie Hole (714 Traction Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90013)
Image via Yelp
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The Pie Hole is the ultimate pie mecca where you can choose from sweet or savory pies by the slice. Savory options include Sun Dried Tomato Mozzarella Quiche, Chorizo Breakfast Hand Pie, or Mac n' Cheese Pot Pie. Sweet options include Chocolate Brownie Pie, Strawberry Lavender Hand Pie, or Cereal Killer Cheesecake.
Stop 3: The House of Woo (209 S. Garey Street, Los Angeles CA 90012)
Founded by Los Angelenos Stacy Woo, The House of Woo features California inspired mens, kids and womenswear all designed and made in downtown Los Angeles. They have the softest hoodies you can customize with patches of your choice. The back section of the store houses their design studio where you may see pieces being designed and sewn.
Stop 4: dRA at The Row (1320 E 7th St #122, Los Angeles, CA 90021)
The Row is a quick drive from the Arts District and has garage parking. This outdoor retail space is still being developed (roughly 20 shops have moved in so far), and is typically slow during the week given that it's not the easiest place to walk to. Once you're there though, you'll see its potential. This part of downtown Los Angeles is in the midst of an exciting rejuvenation and in one more year, The Row will become a destination for shopping, eating and hanging out. Modern, design-inspired stores are starting to move in, and dRA clothing is where you'll find modern yet feminine women's clothing.
Stop 5: Myrtle at The Row (1318 E. 7th St #146, Los Angeles CA 90021)
Myrtle is another independently owned women's boutique that recently relocated to The Row from Echo Park. The store carries cult indie designers Samantha Pleet, Rachel Antonoff, and Loup to name a few. Here you'll find feminine, refined, modern and versatile pieces to wear. Good for: finding something to wear to a wedding or party, work wear, adding some pep into your wardrobe (especially if you shop only at chain stores).
