There was a time when LA’s coolest shopping and noshing neighbourhood was unremarkable. Its strip of nondescript shops and shabby beauty parlours were merely the buildings that blurred past while locals transferred between the Beverly Center and The Original Farmers Market.

West Third Street today is a different affair. The span between South Fairfax Avenue and North La Cienega Boulevard has evolved into a veritable open-air mall of independently owned boutiques, cheap-and-cheerful hair and nail salons and notable epicurean offerings, all of which exude an effortless, natural cool. In LA, where things are rarely as they seem, you can’t put a price on that kind of authenticity.

Of course, West Third is a star for many reasons, including its walkable strip that seduces Angelenos out of their cars. The street exudes enough class to attract hordes of celebs, but it maintains its laissez-faire vibe, a quality integral to any self-respecting, successful indie quarter. Most importantly, it feels a million miles from the nearby tourist-heavy thoroughfares of Hollywood Boulevard and the Sunset Strip, making it a microcosm that belongs, almost wholly, to LA’s permanent residents. But now that you’re in the know, make like a local and check out West Third for yourself.

Top 6 places to shop in LA

Polkadots & Moonbeams

Since 1982, thrift-store shoppers have hit this repository of well-edited vintage clothing and, yes, that includes professional stylists and costume designers. A never-ending treasure hunt for the sartorially savvy, it expanded in 1986 with a contemporary clothing shop a few doors down. (8367 W. Third St. and 8381 W. Third St.)

Pyrrha

Vancouverites Wade Papin and Danielle Wilmore, the design duo behind Pyrrha jewellery, swooped in after the financial crisis and secured their first U.S. boutique. Their signature wax seal pieces—made by casting 19th century seals into necklaces, rings and bracelets—are beautifully displayed amidst vintage trunks, textbooks and a really cool dollhouse. (8315 W. Third St.)

Traveler’s Bookcase

The hand-drawn maps found here come with key information and insider tips about exotic cities, and make the perfect gift for a friend heading off in search of adventure. Of course, there are equally perfect gifts in the beautiful guidebooks, travel accessories and the killer selection of globes found here. (8375 W. Third St.)

Milk

A cheeky catchall shop carrying an eclectic selection of designer threads and trinkets for both sexes, Milk is a flirt that just won’t quit. With strong celebrity cred, Milk won’t be going anywhere soon.

(8209 W. Third St.)

Satine Boutique

Devoting serious space to LA-based lines such as Seneca Rising, as well as the big boys (Balenciaga, Dries Van Noten), Satine also boasts a private label collection. The store’s show-stopping centrepiece is a blue staircase that leads to a second-floor gallery used for art installations and trunk shows. (8134 W. Third St.)

The Grove Shopping Resort

Just east of West Third’s bustling strip lies Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, Anthropologie, M.A.C., Splendid and many more familiar faces at The Grove. Shop, then drop at a fountain-side table at The Farm of Beverly Hills and refuel with a pear-and-brie sandwich. (189 The Grove Dr.)