STRAPLESS: Melrose Street Style

By: Vera Gushansky

Today, I took a stroll down a couple of blocks on Melrose Ave, Los Angeles. My outing was filled with inspiring new trends that caused me to rethink my purpose as solely an observer. If you are looking for an area abundant in stores with unique shops that sell one-of-a-kind pieces, Melrose Avenue is the street to hit. On the west side of Melrose, you can find high-end designer stores such as Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Miss Sixty and much more. Driving farther east, past Fairfax, you come across shops that are more economically friendly. Stores on Melrose Avenue range from grade A designers, to well known vintage stores, to humble boutiques, to stores that sell bondage. The beauty of Melrose Avenue lies in it's immense diversity. From fashionista's to punk-rock wankers, Melrose attracts anyone and everyone. Even if you do not have any spending money, your trip to Melrose can still be worth while because of all the amusing clothing you see people sporting. Below, are a few images of cats who pulled off their personal style very well.

(click on the images to enlarge)

This lovely hipster wears a skin tight black leotard, with a high waisted red and white, box patterned, skirt held by black suspenders. Her punk boots mixed with her strawberry-red hair, give her look great depth.

Fashion forward friends stick together, and what a fantastically dressed gang these three are. A vintage shirt can ironically bring any look up-to-date and a creative hair-style can pull an entire look together.

Here stands yours truly wearing a light-pink skin tight American Apparel dress underneath a thin, middle-grey Alternative Apperel hoodie. I wrapped an ebony black American Apparel scarf around my neck and paired it with solid black wedge booties from Urban Outfitters.

Although this is not a human being, a creative mind put together this inventive ensemble. A washed-out, black vintage shirt is stuffed into solid, high waisted, black jeans that are cuffed at the bottom. The mannequin wears cotton, maroon socks with 1930's style work shoes. On the mannequin's right side you can see a mock of a raccoon tail, which was an accessory that was placed on various mannequins around the store, SLOW.

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A great surprise that Melrose Avenue holds is it's bountiful supply of well-priced, one-of-a-kind shoes. Below, is an assortment of footwear ranging from $50-$160.

SLOW is a great store for both men and women to find any style of the perfect vintage shoe.

Wasteland is a great store if you are looking for vintage designer shoes. Inside Wasteland you can find vintage VSL stilettos, Gucci pumps, Chloe boots and the list goes on...

I am absolutely in love with these cream, patent leather, 1920's mens style shoes. Earlier in the year, I came across a very similar, rose pink, shoe in a Barney's catalogue. To my dismay, the shoes cost $800. However, these cream ones above, found at Wasteland, were only $98! A must have for this winter, and forever!