Shop, or just gawk
THE BEST stores in the world aren’t just about shopping for stuff but also are about experiencing fashion. Which is why TenOverSix, opening Wednesday, is so extraordinary.
Carefully curated by accessories designer Kristen Lee, the multi-room store is dedicated to the extras, with a surprising array of goods, including vintage pieces, limited editions and creations by up-and-coming designers. There’s vintage Dior luggage mixed with brand-new Gryson bags, scarves by L.A. label Whitley Kros, shades by Raf Simons, jewelry by Subversive, swimwear by Zimmerman and decadent heels by under-the-radar French cobbler Laurence Decade.
A Parsons grad who started her own footwear line in 2004, Lee has assembled an impressive team, including stylist Gina Correll, who manages the rotating vintage stock, and Brady Cunningham, formerly of Resurrection vintage, who is overseeing a rotating exhibit of wearable art, including her own sculptural coats. Lee will be designing shoes under house label TenOverSix -- think utilitarian chic, chunky heels and strappy flats. Even if you don’t buy, this is the kind of place you need to see.
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TenOverSix, 7420 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 330-9355. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
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SALES
Showroom Seven Monday: Shop like the insiders do when this showroom, normally open to store buyers only, opens its doors to the public for 90% off past- and current-season goods. Among the offerings: Issa London’s printed wrap dresses (originally $545, now $237), goodies from jewelry maker Erickson Beamon, including a thick gold Helen of Troy cuff bracelet (originally $392, now $157), printed T-shirts by Tee Party and ballet slippers by Bloch London. Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., Mezzanine 3, Los Angeles. (213) 316-0112. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ends Saturday.
Bliss Spa Monday through Aug. 24: Bath and body products from the Bliss line at up to 70% off, including Lemon + Sage Body Scrub (originally $30, now $12), fatgirlslim (originally $29, now $11.60) and An Ounce of Prevention AM (originally $48, now $19.20). Alas, spa treatments aren’t included. But an at-home spa night is more fun anyway. Bliss Spa, W Los Angeles, 930 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 930-0330. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. www.blissworld.com.
OPENINGS
Ilori: In L.A., stylish shades are a year-round necessity. This luxury optical shop offers the works -- Champagne, chocolates, a concierge service, even a hand-written thank-you note post-sale. We’d laugh if the goods didn’t back up the perks. You’ll find high-end designer frames from names you know (Prada, Chanel, Balenciaga), names you don’t know (Gold & Wood, Blinde, Beausoleil) and names you can’t live without (Tom Ford, Phillip Lim, John Varvatos). There’s also a selection of classic tortoiseshell frames designed by famed art director Fabien Baron ($325 to $350). 140 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 247-8490. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday. www.iloristyle.com.
EVENTS
Girls Night Out at the Grove Thursday: Grab your BFFs and head to the mecca of mid-city retail for a night of trunk shows, shopping and most important, free wine. A wristband grants you access to discounts and promotions at participating mall retailers such as Michael Stars, where a $125 purchase includes a free tank top, and L’Occitane, where hand massages are on offer for those seeking relief from BlackBerry thumb. There’s even an outdoor DJ at Whisper Lounge, where guests can partake of food and drink specials. 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 900-8080. 6 to 9 p.m. www.thegrovela.com.
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