Shopping Rodeo Drive/The Golden Triangle

The stretch of shops and boutiques on Rodeo Drive is only three blocks long. It begins at Wilshire Boulevard on the south, and runs north to Santa Monica Boulevard, where the commercial section of the street gives way to an affluent residential neighborhood. The so-called Golden Triangle holds more wealth and fine stores than most small countries. At its center is the renowned Rodeo Drive. It is the street on which Julia Roberts had her shopping spree in "Pretty Woman." And, of course, the hotel she & Richard Gere stayed at in that movie was the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, at the south end of Rodeo. It is the street that houses designer stores such as Tiffany & Co., Valentino, Cartier, Chanel, Gucci and other well-heeled notables. The curving street is paved with Old World cobblestones, and features two & three story facades, with a unique blend of classic architectural styles. There are bubbling fountains, romantic archways, an Italianate piazza, and charming balconies. The faux street is lined with black, wrought-iron street lamps and polished brass fixtures; ornate planters are filled with colorful flowers & trees.

It is here that the rich & famous do their shopping and window-shopping includes trying to spot movie stars on the fabled street. Celebrity Stylist, Barbie Segal notes that people-watching is a main sport on Rodeo Drive. On nearby Wilshire Blvd., there is the Regent Beverly Wilshire, Barneys, and, yes, the "Winona" Saks Fifth Avenue. Rodeo Drive is home to the single most expensive store in the world: Bijan (at 420 Rodeo Drive). You must make an appointment in advance just to shop at Bijan (which was named after its Iranian owner). On a typical visit, Bijan's average customer spends in the neighborhood of $100,000 on men's fashions. To the east is Canon Drive, where you'll find the legendary Spago Beverly Hills, Mastro's Steakhouse, as well as Mulberry Street Pizza. When visiting Los Angeles, a limousine driven shopping tour by

Chic Shopping Los Angeles is a fabulous way to shop and see Rodeo Drive.