Los Angeles Neighborhood Guide: Beverly Grove

Beverly Grove is located between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. It's not as flashy as it's WeHo and Bev Hills counterparts, but the crowd is still quintessential LA (BMW's, sunglasses, designer denim, on-trend sneakers).  Most tourists flock to The Grove, but there are some great independently owned shops that you can find on all along 3rd Street.  

Stop 1: OK Store (8308 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048)

OK Store is a modernism-inspired store that has everything from architectural coffee books, to fabulous barware, to hand blown glass vases. Even if you're not looking for something specific, it's the type of store you still enjoy browsing for design inspiration. Everything in the store is well-designed and a reminder to try to have fewer things, but better. Good for: window shopping, housewarming gifts, gift for your boss.

Stop 2: Sockerbit (7922 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048)

Sockerbit (which means "sugarcane" in Swedish) is a Scandinavian candy purveyor that sells its GMO free candy by weight. The shop reflects the minimalist aesthetic Stockholm is known for.  Aside from candy, the shop carries a small selection of colorful housewares and traditional Swedish snacks (crackers, cookies, juice). Good for: unique and inexpensive gifts

Stop 3: Wittmore (8236 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048)

It's rare to find a men's store that carries stylish, casual clothing. Wittmore has well-made basic cotton tees, tasteful but fun patterned button downs, and a great overall selection of pieces guys can wear to work or on the weekends. The shop does a great job of elevating Southern California laid-back style. Good for: (helping a guy in your life revamp their wardrobe, gifts)

Stop 4: Magnolia Bakery (8389 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048)

Started in New York City, Magnolia Bakery's 3rd Street location is where you'll find the perfect buttercream-topped cupcake. Their cupcakes have the perfect frosting to cake ratio, in my opinion. You can also opt for a slice of pie (banana cream, key lime, Snickers, etc. etc.) by the slice along with a cup of coffee.