Vintage and Alternative Shopping In West Hollywood...

Approximately five weeks ago I was roaming around on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles not really knowing what to expect at all. I thought perhaps I'd find handfuls of expensive boutiques and designer labels... I almost had visions of myself playing Julia Roberts' role in Pretty Woman as the snooty sales assistant on Rodeo Drive snubbed her, assuming that she wouldn't be able to afford anything in-store. Daunting.

So imagine my surprise when I found that Melrose Avenue is California's vintage and alternative fashion hub. As I strolled down the street, I spotted independent vintage stores selling everything from genuine military jackets through to a variety of novelty sunglasses that even Sir Elton John would be proud of.

Because this was in the first few days of my trip, I wasn't able to invest in any of the timeless fashion items on sale in the area. However, I took photos to remind myself that one day when I have a bunch of money, I absolutely have to go back and spend FAT dollar! Here are some of the pictures I snapped...

*Not a vintage shoe collection exactly, but I had to take a photo of them because they were so pretty!*

*So so many... desperately want some for autumn/winter 2012*

*I loved how this vintage shop was organized like a regular first-hand store rather than a jumble as most are*

*This colourful collection of tube tops and bodycon skirts really caught my eye*

*Some of the store's coolest leather jackets, each with so much character!*

*This store had EVERYTHING*

*Ok, so I have no idea what I would ever wear a dress like this for... However, I thought it was absolutely beautiful. I wanted to buy it because it reminded me ever-so-slightly of something Kate Middleton might wear to an Royal evening event. Anyone else seeing that?*

*I could have spent hours looking through all of these accessories...*

*I loved the loft-esque store design here.*

*How cute are these shorts? All vintage denim, dyed into a rainbow of bright colours.*

*I almost wanted to call this the Topshop aisle because everything on the rack looked like pieces you'd spot in Kate Moss's A/W collection a couple of years ago. Know what I mean?*

Who knew that Hollywood, somewhere so often assumed to be fixated with image perfection, would offer such an awesomely shabby array of vintage stores? This is definitely the place to be when you are ready for a rummage and have a few hundred dollars in your pocket for a spree. The best thing about Melrose in comparison to many UK vintage shops which I've been to was that on every rack there were about five things I wanted, whereas usually I find myself hunting through a pile of rubbish in order to find a gem. Also, there are a few chain stores on Melrose, but most of them aren't your normal North American stores such as Abercrombie and Fitch or Hollister, but alternative trend-concious locations like Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. 

Melrose Avenue is now my new favourite place to shop in the USA and I'll definitely be heading back there some day. Have you ever found such a surprising vintage shopping district before? Do you enjoy vintage shopping? Or have any tips for those who aren't used to scouring the racks for hidden staples?

Love and snuggles

gabriellasofia

x

Who's THAT Girl? - Amelia Buxton

So this is a new feature that I thought I'd try out on you guys... It's called 'Who's THAT Girl?' and basically the whole idea is that I'm going to scout out girls who I think are beautiful, strong, intelligent, full of personality, and most importantly, have a killer wardrobe!

As this is my first of this type of post, I've been lucky in that I haven't had to look far for my girl crush... incest-ually enough, it's my little sister Amelia Elsie. She is just 15 years old and yet her sense of style is way beyond her years. With a kind of hippy-grunge look she definitely breaks style barriers and meshes staple items from each season's collections into a messy, envy-inducing, killer cool outfit and I absolutely love it!

I had a quick interview with the chic chick herself and here's what she said!

gabriellasofia: How would you describe your style?

ameliaelsie: I don't know... perhaps high-street bohemian.

gabriellasofia: Nice! We love to hear about a girl rocking a cheap look :) So what are your top three favorite high

-street stores?

ameliaelsie: TOPSHOP! Definitely always Topshop. Then I love Urban Outfitters too, and probably American Eagle as it's super laid-back.

gabriellasofia: Mmm I love AE too. Now, how about style icons? Who inspires you?

ameliaelsie: I don't really have 'style icons'... Vanessa Hudgens looked good at the Coachella festival this year... She had on a pair of denim shorts, and cropped-crotchet top with face-paint on and lots of miss-matched jewelry, with beads, feathers and lots of colors. I like the style that Gillian Zinser (Ivy from 90210) is often working. Very boho and comfy-looking. Apart from that I usually get my outfit ideas from the fashion shoots in Nylon

magazine.

gabriellasofia: That's funny because I think you look a lot like Vanessa Hudgens! Moving on. What are your ultimate fashion pet hates?

ameliaelsie: I'm just going to say it: I hate Ugg boots. Big confession right? I've just never really liked them because once a chav tries to pull off an item, you know it probably wasn't that unique to begin with!

gabriellasofia: That's so true! I hate when people wear worn out Ugg boots so they're standing on the fabric as well as the sole... know what I mean?

ameliaelsie: *Nods manically*

gabriellasofia: So what sorts of shoes DO you like?

ameliaelsie: I'd go for kind of like, boyfriend style shoes. Like Reeboks and Doc Martens. They're really comfy, although I do like heels when the occasion demands them.

gabriellasofia: And what's your favorite piece you own?

ameliaelsie: My leather jacket! It goes with anything and pulls a look together.

ameliaelsie: Perhaps... My main make-up item is black eyeliner but I don't like to use it in a gothic way, more i gabriellasofia: Is your beauty style as 'rock chick' as your jacket?

n a smudgy, edgy way. It helps to define my eyes. Apart from that I don't really use much make-up at all!

gabriellasofia: Unlike your pretentious older sister... Finally, if you could design an outfit for Autumn/Winter this year, plus make-up, what would it be?

ameliaelsie: Well, it would be a night-out outfit. I'm thinking a cute bralet, a midi skirt, my leather jacket (I know it's not new but I really can't be without it!) a Marina Diamandis pink lip, Benefit Smokin' Eye, simple earrings and a pair of super-high, sky-scraping velvet heels!

gabriellasofia: Sounds lush! Well, I'm sure you'll be looking fit if your fashion-history so far is anything to go by! Keep up the good work, Meewps :)

ameliaelsie: Thanks!

She's a sweet in person as in pictures!

If you know a Who's THAT Girl? worthy chick, then let me know! Who knows... maybe next month, even you could be THAT girl :) Let me know what you think of Amelia Elsie, what's your favorite outfit she's rocking? Thanks for reading!

gabriellasofia