Hardwear on N. Larchmont Boulevard
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Checking in on LA’s Larchmont Boulevard
Tucked away in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Larchmont Boulevard is a friendly street with a small-town feel. The area serves as a Main Street retail district to the Hancock Park and Windsor Square neighborhoods (including nearby Paramount Studios) and is located between First Street and Beverly Boulevard.
Although the community is quaint in comparison with its surroundings, the block-long stretch of Larchmont Boulevard houses a variety of boutiques—many longtime tenants on the thoroughfare. Corporate retailers are virtually non-existent, and locals keep the boulevard bustling year-round.
Hardwear
152 N. Larchmont Blvd.
For Hardwear owner Renee Mizrahi, the emphasis of her 3-year-old boutique is on the feel and fit of the clothing. She focuses on eco-friendly elements, such as organic-cotton tees and vegan-leather jackets, and likes to showcase local designers when possible.
“At Hardwear, we are all about quality basics and fresh merchandise,” said Mizrahi, who restocks her store weekly. “Our customers are community based. They will buy a top, fall in love with how soft and comfortable it is, and come back later that week to purchase the same item in every other color.”
Free People and Genetic Denim are two of the bestsellers at Hardwear, where the denim retails for $68 and $200, respectively. Vegan-leather jackets retail for under $100, and leggings are under $60.
Library
121½ N. Larchmont Blvd.
Around the same time Renee Mizrahi opened Hardwear, her son, Michael Mizrahi, opened Library across the street. Library offers all the latest styles from some of the most coveted labels in retail today and counts locals, actresses and movie executives in its stable of customers.
“J Brand and Rag & Bone are definitely our top-selling brands,” said Hillary Schwartz, store manager. “Our customers also love IRO jackets.”
Other brands that can be found at Library include Helmut Lang, ALC, LnA and Pendleton, to name a few.
Most denim retails for around $200. The best-selling J Brand navy leather moto jacket retails for $1,052 (pictured on the left mannequin below).
Picket Fences
214 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Established in 1994, Picket Fences has been a Larchmont staple for nearly two decades. Appealing to locals, it offers a wide selection of contemporary fashion, lingerie, loungewear and gifts for all occasions.
“Denim, candles and pajamas are our top three–selling categories,” said Sol Kojababian, store manager. “Our customers are casual and chic, and our merchandise reflects that.”
“AG Jeans and Eberjay sleepwear are extremely popular among our customers, as are PJ Salvage separates.”
Beyond the extensive selection of loungewear and denim, other brands carried by Picket Fences include Vince, Velvet by Graham & Spencer, Milly, Toms, Ella Moss, Equipment, Clare Vivier, Maison Scotch and Michael Stars, plus many more.
LF Store and More
LF Store,a women’s retailer known for its unique style, is having its semiannual, storewide sale for the next month and can be found at 120 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Other retailers to visit on Larchmont Boulevard include Alternative, Nicole, Goorin Bros. Hat Co., Diptyque Paris and CH Boutique.
