Founded in 2009, the collection was born when Noa Sade and Vanessa Lee came together as best friends and business partners to curate an accessory line fit for an empress.  With the name Lionette, inspiration came from the fierceness of the lioness to create a jewelry collection designed for a woman who is empowered and unafraid to stand out in the urban jungle. Born and raised in NYC, Vanessa knows that jungle all too well and she gives us the inside scoop on where she is shopping…

Tell us your favorite boutique in New York City…

Otte (NYC), packed with great lines such as Kenzo, 3:1 Phillip Lim, Isabel Marant, Sjobeck.  The assortment pushes the envelope mixing funky printed pants, luxurious knits, studded leather jackets and to die for accessories! The stores are impressively merchandised.

Outside of New York, what is your favorite city to shop and your go to boutique…

Outside of NYC, my favorite city to shop is London- Liberty. It is a palace full of pretty things & cool collections, from tea cups, soaps, home furnishings, designer apparel and accessories. You can have delicious scones too, can’t beat that.

What is your shopping weakness? Bags? Shoes?

Shoes. Some to wear, some just to admire.

Out of all the gorgeous pieces in the Lionette collection, tell us your favorite…

This is the hardest question because there are so many. Gizele, Sinead, Byron Bay – I narrowed it down to three.

xx…btq girl

rory beca

Tell us your favorite boutique in Los Angeles…

rory: I am not a big shopper. I love more then anything shopping vintage. I think you can find such unique styles and great jewelry and accessories by rummaging through the past. There is a little hidden treasure called Marie Monsod. Marie is this cool girl with a passion for vintage. You step in her store and you immediately want to try on gowns and sip champagne. Email her if you want to stop by… mmonsod@hotmail.com

love a good vintage shop

sea of beauties

Outside of Los Angeles, what is your favorite city to shop and your go to boutique?

rory: I was in Berlin a few years back and there is an area called Hackescher Market that is full of small shops overflowing with energy and creativity. There are also some cafes and bars. I think there are incredibly talented designers in Berlin and the designs are so different from what you see everywhere else. And of course, I love shopping at Le Bon Marche in Paris.  It sucks you in and you want to buy everything there.

hackescher market in berlin

le bon marche

For amazing vintage pieces, what are your go to shops? 

rory: There is a vintage show at the Civic Center in Santa Monica which is four times a year. There are many vendors who I know well and they have such special vintage pieces. Plus you can get  fun costume jewelry for great prices.  Some of my favorite vendors also have stores – Tavin (in Echo park) and Lysa Rose (LA Vintage Bodoir on Melrose).

vintage boutique tavin

After a long day of shopping, where do you like to grab a bite?

rory: My husband and I love walking up to Father’s Office for a burger and beer.  It is a cozy place also in the middle of the day when it is raining outside. It does get crowded, but it’s a great place to hang out.

father’s office in santa monica

After six years of designing, tell us one of your all time favorite Rory Beca pieces…

rory: It is always changing with each new collection, but I mostly wear a plaid shirt we did for resort 2009. It is worn in and still so cute. But this summer, I will be living in the Orissa Running short in every print and color.

orissa running short – a must have!

Ummm…that short is a MUST!! Make sure to check out the Rory Beca website for amazing exclusives you don’t want to miss!

xx…btq girl

rory beca: store locater here

*images 2,4,5,6

mia gruenberg

Tell us your favorite boutique in Los Angeles…

mia: hip’tique, of course! We have a little bit of everything–beautiful clothing, fun accessories and a lot of whimsy. hip’tique is definitely a way of life—easy, colorful and fabulous. We don’t like to take ourselves too seriously and have a lot of fun with our customers. The staff is pretty awesome too!

hip'tique

inside hip'tique

Outside of Los Angeles, what is your favorite city to shop and your go to boutique?

mia: I used to live in San Francisco and that city has some amazing stores—the Belljar and Candystore Collective in the Mission are definitely my favorites. They both have so much character and you can really find some treasures.

the barjar sf

candystore collective

For amazing vintage pieces, what are your go to shops? 

mia: My grandmother’s closet! I’ve scored some amazing pieces from her over the years: a silk Pucci bathrobe, a few YSL blouses and pretty much the bulk of my jewelry collection. As far as real vintage stores go, the Warehouse in Echo park is pretty fabulous. It’s very well curated which is hard to come by in vintage shopping. The space is absolutely beautiful, as well.

inside the warehouse

After a long day of shopping, where do you like to grab a bite?

mia: I’d have to say the Venice Ale House—I’m biased because it’s a block from my house so it’s just incredibly easy, but their food is delicious and you really can’t go wrong watching the sun go down over the ocean while enjoying a good beer.

time to relax...

You know we are HUGE fans of hip’tique! Tell us some of your favorite pieces in the store right now…

mia: Pretty much anything Rory Beca— her clothes are just so easy, but fabulous at the same time. I’m obsessed with the Waiverly dress in the Aussie print. I’m really into shorts and sequins right now. We have some great sequined Parker pieces and lots of fun shorts for summer—my favorites are from Waverly Grey.

rory beca waverly dress

hip’tique: 2727 main st.santa monica.ca.90405. 310-399-6106. www.hiptique.com

*images 4, 5,6,7,8

abigail klein

Tell us your favorite boutique in Los Angeles…

abigail: Hardwear on Larchmont is my favorite! I love their selection of funky tops, flowy, fun dresses and classic pieces like blazers. They also have unique jewelry. Anytime I have friends in town to visit, we go straight there.

hardwear on larchmont

hardwear on larchmont

Outside of Los Angeles, what is your favorite city to shop and your go to boutique?

abigail: My best friends sister owns a boutique in Hobbs, New Mexico called Cotton Castle. Every time I visit I leave with several bags! The store always has the cutest stuff – clothes, jewelry, and accessories galore! It’s such a fun shopping experience because you walk into a burst of color. Every wall. counter top, and shelf is painted a crazy bright color. Just the atmosphere itself makes me happy. The fabulous clothes contribute to the happiness as well!

cotton castle in new mexio

cotton castle in new mexico

For online shopping, what sites do you frequent?

abigail: I always check out Nordstrom.com! It’s my go to online site since you can check out such a wide selection of each category – shoes, clothes, accessories, and handbags. It’s easy to lose track of time when I’m on that site! I also look at Free People’s site constantly. I love their laid back style and they update their site all the time, so there is always an awesome new piece to look at..and possibly order!

nordstrom.com

freepeople.com

After a long day of shopping, where do you like to grab a bite?

abigail: Grabbing a bite after some serious shopping is the best part! I enjoy stopping by Village Pizzeria, which is also on Larchmont in Los Angeles. After doing damage at Hardwear, I walk across the street and grab a slice. Their thick crust pepperoni slice absolutely hits the spot! Oh, and down the street is Crumbs Cupcakes – beyond delicious!

village pizzeria on larchmont

crumbs cupcakes

Tell us celeb fashion icon!

abigail: Jennifer Lopez. For events she always nails it! Her red carpet style is elegant, ethereal, classy, and glamorous. I also admire that she chooses dresses that accentuate her body in the most flattering way. Her figure is insane!

vogue april 2012

See Abigail in That’s My Boy opening today in theaters nationwide!

xx…btq girl

*images 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Kathryn Lebowitz is co-founder and one half of the amazing fashion and beauty blog, The Blonde & The Brunette! An LA native, Kathryn keeps us up to date on all the latest trends whether it’s a must have for our closet or our makeup bag. (Step by step beauty how to’s included!) In addition to her blog, Kathryn has a passion for art and is the co-founder of WLM advisers, specializing in art consultation.  With her knowedge of fashion, beauty, and art, (talk about a trifecta!) we caught up with Kathryn to get the inside scoop on where she’s shopping…

the beautiful blonde

Tell us your favorite boutique in Los Angeles…

kathryn: I love Elaine Kim on Third Street in West Hollywood. Elaine is almost always there with her tailor working in the back of the boutique. She has amazing pieces that remind me of a cross between Helmet Lang and The Row.  She will make custom pieces in any color and she will bring out fabric and her tailor right on the spot!

customize your wardrobe

Outside of Los Angeles, what is your favorite city to shop and your go to boutique?

kathryn: Printemps in Paris is a must to get that one stop shop experience. I love the fashion in Paris; who doesn’t! To be in the home of such brilliant fashion designers is an inspiring experience.

a historical monument offering French culture and Parisian retail therapy

For online shopping, what sites do you frequent?

kathryn: Shopbop.com is also an amazing one-stop shop! They carry high-end designers and the basics. They deliver orders quickly and make returning free and easy!

online addiction

After a long day of shopping, where do you like to grab a bite?

kathryn: I prefer to eat vegetarian with a little bit of fish in my diet, so I like healthy restaurants the best. A Votre Sante in Brentwood is my favorite place for lunch because their egg dishes and salads are so healthy with no oil or butter. For dinner, I love Soho House for the lighter menu items and the best ambiance. I crave the Kale salad and Quinoa salad with a glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc at least once a week. And sitting on the patio and enjoying the view of LA never gets old!

refuel at a votre sante

soho house - best view in la

Being the co-founder of Waldorf+Lebowitz+Minor advisors, we know you have the in when it comes to art! Tell us your favorite gallery in LA…

kathryn: M+B on Melrose to see cutting edge photography such as Alex Prager’s work and Gagosian in Beverly Hills to see my dream pieces.

m+b gallery

gagosian

Be sure to follow Kathryn on her blog, The Blonde & The Brunette, for your quick daily dose of style and beauty!

images 2,3,4,5,6,7,8

…it’s no secret we are HUGE fans of Paige Denim over here at TheBoutique411 – the fit, the colors, the prints – it’s a serious problem! We also majorly heart PR Director, Allie Geller, who always looks effortlessly chic whether she is in the office, traveling to press meetings, shooting the latest look book, or flying across the country for an event! Allie is always put together from head to toe and we want the inside scoop on where she is shopping…

keepin it cool at coachella

Tell us your favorite boutique in Los Angeles…

allie: I love the edited selection at Satine – while I am a jeans and t-shirt girl at heart I also love to get dressed up and the boutique has a great range of flirty dresses, great accessories, and of course my favorite tees and tanks. I also love Zimmermann – the Robertson boutique features their amazing swimsuits, coverups and summer dresses.

love this store

stock up on swim

Outside of Los Angeles, what is your favorite city to shop and what boutique do you frequent?

allie: Outside of Los Angeles I love shopping in Florence. I have traveled there a lot with my family and I eagerly await my trips so that I can head to Pineider – an Italian paper goods store that is filled with amazing note cards, leather goods and fun accessories. They offer the most charming thank you notes, wallets, organizers and of course…handbags.

florence

pineider - italian stationary and leather goods

For online shopping, what sites do you frequent?

allie: I have made a daily habit of checking Shopbop.com – they really have done a great job of offering an amazing selection of brands while also showcasing fun new trends, styling ideas and more.

online addiction!

After a long day of shopping, where do you like to grab a bite?

allie: I live right off Melrose Place (dangerous area considering Isabel Marant’s first LA store is on its way!) so I love going to Sweet Lady Jane for coffee after wandering the area. The pastries and coffee are so fantastic…I grew up going there with my grandmother after our shopping excursions so it’s really special.

refuel with sweet treats

Paige is hands down our favorite denim line out there!! Tell us what Paige style your wearing for Spring…

allie: My favorite style for Spring has to be the Keighley wash from our new collaboration with Liberty. Paige sifted through hundreds of prints from their archives and this floral pattern is so fresh and flirty yet the cream background of the print manages to be a great neutral at the same time.

paige x liberty london silverlake short in keighley

*image 2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Missouri transplant turned LA resident, Dena Hanks, is the Director of Sales for West Coast multi line showroom Community Service. She is one of my favorite people not only because she is hands down the most energetic girl I know (love her!), but she makes sure the stores we shop are chalked full of all the brands we love – Rory Beca, Blue Life, Blue Moon, Leyendecker, For Love and Lemons, and many more! For a girl who’s job is to know every boutique out there, we get the inside scoop on where our darling Dena is shopping…

Tell us your favorite boutique in Los Angeles…

dena: My favorite thing to do on a beautiful Saturday in sunny LA is hit up Curve on Robertson and see what’s new in Celine, Iro, Carven, or any of my other favorite designers! Then I like to pop across the street to the Ivy for a refreshing and delicious gimlet!!!

robertson bound

gimlets galore at the ivy

Outside of Los Angeles, what is your favorite city to shop and what boutique do you frequent?

dena: Outside of Los Angeles, I love shopping in San Francisco!  I just love that city and always stop by Carrots - they have the most gorgeous dresses ever!  You can’t go wrong by stopping in there and it even gets better…you have to stroll through the Financial district and check out all the men in suits!!  Win – Win for a single girl!!!!

san francisco

must stop shop

For amazing vintage pieces, what are your go to shops?  

dena: I mainly go to Decades Two on Melrose in Los Angeles. I rarely walk out of there empty handed. They have the best taste of shoes and bags!

don't deprive yourself - shop decades

After a long day of shopping, where do you like to grab a bite?

dena: I tend to shop mostly on Robertson and Melrose Place, so I love to pop down to Cecconi’s – my favorite restaurant in the city. They really know how to make a dirty martini for a girl that has tired feet and and a arm full of bags!!

cecconi's for cocktails and bites

We know you rep some of the most amazing brands in the Community Service Showroom! Tell us one of your favorites and the best boutique to find it…

dena: Rory Beca is by far one of my favorite brands… I love to go into the Dash Boutiques around the country and see her designs! Capulet is a close second runner up in the showroom. They are three amazingly talented guys that just launched this past Spring and it is amazing. Love seeing it in Arcade Boutique in LA!

rory beca spring 2012

dash nyc

shop capulet at arcade on melrose

*images 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Entrepreneurial journalist, Mary Firestone, has all the answers when is comes to living the fabulous life! Creating and writing the lifestyle blog, Firestone Sisters (with Lucy who we featured last week!), Mary knows all the answers to where we should be eating, drinking, vacationing, and more. Together, Mary and Lucy have contributed to many magazines including Travel+Leisure, The Huffington Post, and my personal favorite, the coveted Louis Vuitton City Guide.  This week, we get the inside scoop on where Mary is shopping…

the beautiful mary firestone

Tell us your favorite boutique in Los Angeles…

mary: Vivier+Bentley in Silverlake is an amazing combination of handbags and jewelry. I was just in and bought a ton of bracelets to stack for Spring! I also love American Rag and Post 26 in Brentwood. They have the perfect assortment of designers I love.

vivier+bentley

american rag on la brea

post 26 in the brentwood country mart

Outside of Los Angeles, what is your favorite city to shop and what boutique do you frequent?

mary: London is one of my favorite cities to shop! I frequent a few boutiques in Notting Hill - The Jacksons has great shoes along with amazing dresses and jewelry. Emma Hope is another favorite for footwear. And then I also love Maje for great feminine pieces that make a statement.

the jacksons - owned by twin sisters

emma hope in notting hill

a maje look from the s/s12

For amazing vintage pieces, what are your go to shops?

mary: My favorites are Decades in West Hollywood and Curate Couture in Brentwood. I have found amazing pieces at both!

decades in west hollywood

vintage at curate couture

After a long day of shopping, where do you like to grab a bite?

mary: Well, it depends where I am! If I’m in New York, I love Joseph Leonard in the West Village. In LA, I love Little Dom’s in Silverake and either the Chateau Marmont or Comme Ca (after Decades!) in West Hollywood. I am also a huge fan of Villetta in Brentwood – sooo good!

joseph leonard on waverly

grab a bite at little dom's

cocktailing on the patio at the chateau

villetta...southern italian cousine

You have traveled around the world to so many amazing places – tell us your favorite destination and hotel…

mary: Hotel Raya on Panarea (which is a small island off the Sicilian coast)! The owner has an amazing boutique with chic batik cover ups, dresses, and amazing straw Panama hats!

paradise

the boutique at hotel raya

For in the know travel details, amazing getaways, delicious spots for dinner and so much more, follow Mary and Lucy, on their exciting adventures at www.firestonesisters.com!

xx…btq girl

D.C. native turned Venice resident, Lucy Firestone, is an entrepreneur, producer, writer, and blogger with a solid focus on travel and leisure. Her lifestyle blog, Firestone Sisters, that she writes with Mary (who is her sister, but not her twin!) is an entertaining and informative account of where we all should be eating, drinking, vacationing, and more. They have contributed to many magazines including Travel+Leisure, The Huffington Post, and my personal favorite, the coveted Louis Vuitton City Guide.  I had dinner with the Firestone’s last week (after this event) and got the inside scoop on where Lucy is shopping…

lucy and mary firestone

Tell us your favorite boutique in Los Angeles…

lucy: Hillary Rush was definitely a favorite and I am so sad it has closed. On the Westside, Hip’tique on Main Street in Santa Monica is amazing! I love seeing Christine (the owner) and sipping Rosé while shopping.

hip'tique

Outside of Los Angeles, what is your favorite city to shop and what boutique do you frequent?

lucy: New York City – My first stop is always Poppy on Mott Street. Love this boutique!

poppy in nolita

For amazing vintage pieces, what are your go to shops?

lf: Decades! I’ve bought two of my favorite pieces there – a white Valentino evening jacket and an amazing YSL camel/gold belt.

decades

After a long day of shopping, where do you like to grab a bite?

lf: Jin on Abbot Kinney for tea and delicious pastries! Shopping can tire me out, so sometimes I change it up and get an ice coffee usually with a treat – especially if I’m with Mary.

venice stop for sweets

You have traveled around the world to so many amazing places – tell us your favorite destination and hotel…

lf: Harbour Island! Stay at the Dunmore and shop at the Sugar Mill!

welcome to the dunmore

steps to the beach

sugar mill btq - located in the heart of the bayside straw market

For in the know travel details, amazing getaways, delicious spots for dinner and so much more, follow Lucy and Mary, on their exciting adventures at www.firestonesisters.com!

…this week we catch up with Lexi Beermann, a friend who makes multitasking look as effortless as her chic wardrobe. Between designing jewelry for her luxury collection Neckisses and  holding post as a Natural Balance spokesperson with her adorable, skateboarding bulldog Wally, Lexi also travels the US as a dog trainer on the Animal Planet show “Who Let the Dogs Out.” And might we add, always looks amazing! She keeps her look cool whether riding bikes in Venice, meeting up for a girls dinner, traveling with the doggies or even helping Wally surf on the Rose Parade Float (yep that was her!). Lexi’s style has a downtown vibe with a touch of sass and now we find out the inside scoop on where she is shopping…

picnic-ing in style

Tell us your favorite boutique in Los Angeles…

lb: I love Vanity Room in Venice on Washington Blvd. I always find fun pieces and great accessories. It’s the perfect place to shop when I need to pick up a few new things before heading out of town.

vanity room

Outside of Los Angeles, what is your favorite city to shop and what boutique do you frequent?

lb: San Francisco is one of my favorite destinations. I shop a great home decor boutique on Fillmore called Nest. It’s a small store, but is jam packed with amazing pieces from furniture to home decor to accessories and even specialty items for the garden – it’s a great place to shop for gifts.

nest in san fran

unique finds and housewares

For amazing vintage pieces, what are your go to shops?

lb: Wasteland in Santa Monica has been a current obsession. I always find cute, hip fitted jackets with an “era” flare. I love to spice up skinnies and a tee with a great vintage jacket.

vintage shopping

After a long day of shopping, where do you like to grab a bite?

lb: Hal’s on Abbot Kinney in Venice. They have the best turkey burger hands down!

refuel at hal's bar and grill

turkey burger on a whole wheat bun with chipotle chili tarter sauce

Working with your bulldog Wally and the Natural Balance team, tell us your favorite doggie boutique!

lb: Abbott Kinney has a great boutique called Modern Dog. They have cute, chichi things for me to spoil Wally with. But, I also love Petco Unleashed on Washington Blvd. It is a specialty version of the nationwide chain and carry great products I can’t find at other stores.

love this little boutique

wally's fave - petco unleashed

Watch Lexi and Wally in their doggie adventures in Who Let the Dogs out on Animal Planet, Saturdays at 10am.

*images 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8