We believe in Buy Local here, at DIGGS. We even run a group on Facebook designed to help independent business people communicate and connect with the locals! It’s called Buy Local and we would love to include you in the conversation. Just click the link and ask to be added to the group. Below are some of our favorites around town.
Glendale
Cat in the Lotus – This quirky boutique carries an eclectic global collection of giftware, home decor, jewelry and women’s clothing. Treasures from places like India, Nepal and Mexico jumble happily together in an artsy, creative mix inviting you to browse and become inspired.
Glendale, CA 9120 Cat in the Lotus on Yelp
Swains – One of the best art supply stores in the area. There are endless pens, brushes, colors, tools and mysterious and very cool tools of the artist’s trade. Check the racks in the far back and to the far right corner for amazing handmade papers. The front of the house holds toys, plushies and gift items as well as a very nicely curated collection of greeting cards.
Glendale, CA 91206 swainsart.com
Virgil’s – One of the last independent hardware stores out there. Virgil’s understands the older home. They stock hardware, window and door parts, window screens and electrical parts that are uniquely useful for our character homes in Glendale. Try THAT at your basic big box chain outfit! Virgil’s also carried a nice line of home goods and gift items. Seasonal items include fireplace trimmings, Christmas decor and trees and, occasionally, they have fresh, farm raised eggs.
Glendale, CA 91206 Vigil’s on Yelp
Montrose
Boulevard 34 – A carefully selected mix of handmade jewelry and crafts along with gift items with just the right amount of “hip”- Boulevard has become one of my “go to” shops whenever I need a little something something. Anna, the owner is my personal gift goddess and she always knows the right thing for me to buy. And then she wraps it for me. Her equally awesome mother, Erika, is wickedly funny and absolutely irreverent. I love them both.
Montrose, CA 91020 boulevard34.com
It Takes a Village Kids – Gigi Ramirez has pulled together the most adorable collection of kids clothing known to mankind. These are not the clothes of miniature adults- no, her style is adorable, hip and entirely kid-worthy. Gigi takes the time to get to know your kid and suggests outfits that truly bring out the best in each kids personality.
Montrose, CA 91020 ittakesavillagekids.com
J Bee – This brand new women’s clothing boutique is an interesting mix of very young and hip with some stuff appropriate for us *ahem* older types. I saw styles that are very current on Polyvore and Pinterest… but alas, I am about twice as wide through the waist as their clothing would fit. The owner, Jade, has some serious fashion chops and I am hopeful that, by next week, she’ll outfit those of us who still eat cookies.
Glendale, CA 91208 J Bee on Yelp
Tom’s Toys – this old fashion village toy store serves the 8 and under set really, really well. Long long rows hold all of the classics you remember plus a few of the more contemporary items. There is a strong emphasis on creative play, like Legos or the super awesome Goldi Blox.
Montrose, CA 91020 Tom’s Toys on Yelp
Critters – Every kid in the Foothills area loves to shop at Critters. Part novelty store, toy store and gift store, Critters is the perfect “shopping as entertainment” store for the whole family.
Montrose, CA 91020 crittersmontrose.com
Walk This Way – There is something undefinable about a place that is less interested in “making a sale” than making sure your feet are happy. The knowledgeable folks at Walk This Way can do what Zappos will never be able to do- make sure you leave the store with a pair that is stylish and comfortable. No extra carbon footprint necessary.
Montrose, CA 91020 walkthiswayshoesca.com
La Crescenta
Veruca Salt – If a super hip Silver Lake gal got married, had a kid and moved to La Crescenta and then opened a boutique- it would look like Veruca Salt. Think urban funk with a grown up and refined edge. Caroline has a background designing for fashion label Guess and still designs and makes a seriously cool line of leather bags. Her shop has something interesting to look at in every corner. I can barely hold a conversation with her as I am constantly breaking off in the middle of a sentence saying, “oh- look at that!”