Originally opening on Melrose, this Los Angeles gem relocated about a year and a half ago to 3rd Street, one of the cutest shopping destinations in the city. With a modern and eye catching store front, this boutique is just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.

Beckley has an open and airy feel with huge windows, concrete flooring and floating racks that hang from the ceiling.  The new space is a one-stop shop for clients and neighborhood friends selling everything from lingerie and evening gowns to skincare and mascara. Be prepared to find some of your favorite designers like Phillip Lim, Opening Ceremony and See by Chloe along with a few that you might not know, but will definitely fall in love with.  (Have you heard of O’2nd? It is gorgeous!). In addition, Beckley carries some of the best jewelry and accessories around including Eddie Borgo, Shy by Sydney Evan and Clare Vivier. Trust me, it’s hard to walk out of here empty handed!

And be sure to check out the house brand, Beckley By Melissa, designed by boutique owner, Melissa Akkaway. Created from luxe fabrics, this season includes rompers, leather leggings, jackets and one of my favorites, an off-the-shoulder neoprene sweatshirt.

xx…btq girl

Beckley Boutique: 8128 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles

Caudalie is known for its skincare products and treatments created from the grapes and stalk of French vineyards (think Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne), which is music to my ears!  The boutique was built with those elements in mind featuring a “Beauty Barrel” which is where clients can discover products along with creating a customized “Fresh Crushed Cabernet Scrub”. Caudalie also offers (by appointment) signature facials and mani’s/pedi’s using eco-natural nail lacquer, Kure Bazaar.

The Caudalie collection has a wide variety products focusing on anti-aging, firming, radiance, anti-dark spot, and moisturizing regimens that, as I tested at the store, feel good on the skin and smell amazing. (Try the Divine Oil – I am in love!) Needless to say, not only do I have another reason to drink a glass of Bordeaux tonight, but I will be adding Caudalie to my daily beauty regimen!

xx…btq girl

Caudalie: 1416 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice. CA

*images 3 and 5: getty

FYI – This is a wristband event, so if you want to make sure you don’t get left out, grab yours any time after 9am today at Barnes & Noble. For all the details, click here.

xx…btq girl

With holiday shopping officially upon us, it’s time to start thinking about all of those special people you need to buy for. And whether you are looking for a little hostess gift, a present for your BFF, stocking stuffers or something for the girls at the office, here is the perfect answer to the age ol’ question – what should I get her? Take a peek at Pretty Please, an online beauty boutique specializing in personalized nail polish. This takes the idea of a thoughtful, cute and budget friendly present to a whole new level.

With a color palette of 18 gorgeous shades, you can choose from deep reds, berry hues, dark plum, pinks, orange, even sparkle for the holidays. Just pick your color and then get creative by giving it a name — you have 24 characters to work with.

From experience (I bought Pretty Please polish for my wedding party earlier this year), this is seriously the cutest gift and might I add, very easy to shop for in the comforts of your own home. And just a note to anyone I know reading this (Mom) who will ask me “just because” which colors I like best, I’m obsessing over #4 and #18!

xx…btq girl

This book is the first of its kind for François as it is a compilation of his own photography and has been 10 years in the making (since he bought his private island, Motu Tané, in 2000). Staying focused on beauty, the subject is no longer cosmetics, but the enchanting French Polynesian Island and those who make it magical.  Truth be told, the 288 page coffee table read is a celebration of the inspiration behind many of the NARS products.

Since I recently spent 10 days in Bora Bora on my honeymoon, there was no doubt I had to have a copy of this book in my library. In talking with François about the islands, it brought me back to the memory of the day we arrived in Tahiti – I was wearing NARS lip lacquer (in Chelsea Girls) of course!

xx…btq girl

nars: 8412 melrose, west hollywood, ca, 90069

Inspired by Bourdin’s work in French Vogue, François Nars knew at an early age, makeup was his calling. Today, in tribute to his childhood inspiration, NARS has created an entire holiday collection in honor of Guy Bourdin! Come check it out and get all your makeup questions answered!

xx…btq girl

nars: 8412 melrose, west hollywood, ca, 90069

Now that last minute outfit comes with hair and makeup!

xx…btq girl

barneys b3 blow dry bar: 660 madison. nyc.

*images from here and here

xx…btq girl

The Boutique 411 has teamed up with The Fashion Spot for a weekly column called The Boutique of the Week!! Every Thursday you will find a special feature on one of our favorite shops and as always, a sneak peek inside! I couldn’t be more excited and honored to be working with them! I hope you will take a sec and read my VERY FIRST FEATURE…it’s a store I just know you are going to L-O-V-E!!!

xx…btq girl

Who knew there were so many options?!? Now that you know what you need, here are Melanee’s top picks to buy depending on your budget…

              $ – Hot Tools Curling Iron …..  $$ – Bio Ionic Style Winder …..  $$$ – T3 Single Pass Styling Wand

xx…btq girl