When I first discovered Melrose Place back in the 90's, it was just a quiet hidden street filled with antique shops. It felt like a little bit of Europe in this sprawling Los Angeles metropolis. The tree-lined street with varying store fronts had the air of the Parisian South Bank and I always thought it would be a great place to have a very chic and discreet styling office, tucked away in the hub of my fashion world. Well, a few years later the fashion world moved in and to my delight many of my favorite boutiques have come to Melrose place.

Marc Jacobs moved in first, followed by Marni and a succession of others: Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Monique L'Huillier, Chloe...

I love that there are not only an array of eccletic designer boutiques, but also beauty mecca's, perfumeries, cafes and restaurants. There's always something new to discover. Just when you think you know all the secret stores, another one pops up. Such is Los Angeles, always changing, always transient, with something new to discover at any moment.

Fall is upon us and its time to change up our wardrobes and discover the new trends and coveted pieces for this season. I took a stroll down Melrose Place to see what would catch my eye!

I started my day at NARS to find a natural beauty look for Fall. Make-up artist, Adrienne Trewolla at NARS created my look.

First stop was Marc Jacobs and the new Fall nude, buttery matt leather handbag definitely had my interest. I liked that it was a simpler version than the usual more ornate designs. Its unfussy lines and hardware made it stand out as an instant classic and a must-have for a Fall wardrobe with the plus of being a neutral color that can work year round.

Maria Cornejo went to the same Kingston, Fashion Schoolof Art, UK where I studied so I always get a little nostalgic when I go to her store, Zero + Maria Cornejo. My favorite piece was the black embroidered, lattice, strapless dress that was the perfect mid calf length and gives you a cinched waist and long lean line with texture which is so fun for fall. So you can wear a black dress but the texture is going to give some interest and edge! I was fascinated with the ocre pony-hair shoes with wooden heels and the black and white hair ankle boots. Maria Corejo always creates these unique shapes with clever pattern-cutting, sublime fabrics and colors which wake the senses and feel good to wear. 

No time for Kate Somerville today but she does an amazing facial. You come out looking relaxed and radiant. 

APC - I first discovered this French ready to wear brand when I lived in New York and love the simplicity of their downtown classic vibe. My first purchase was their timeless jeans which wear in to a perfect fit over time. I love their new bags at very affordable prices and lets not forget the perfect 3/4 length trench coat reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Look out for Vanessa Seward's collection inspired by her boarding school years and APC will be helping her launch her own collection for Fall 2015.

Chloé came to this charming street in 2009 and sits hidden in a colonial architectural structure mixed with modern glass with an airy pathway between the two stores. Here you will find quintessential, chic Parisian style with accessories, jewelry and beautiful clothes. I love the small size crossbody bags in matt scarlet, dusty lilac and porcelain blue / grey with gold hardware. One can get used to the refined simplicity and the luxurious way the clothes feel. The coveted graphic grey wool coat with angora border is such an easy fall piece and I am still dreaming of those pastel blanket capes! Or the shearling biker jacket. Very chic, very bohemian, very Chloe.

The Row - I love the architecture and that its filled with light which highlights the beautiful one of a kind mid-century furniture that is displayed like a modern living room. Asley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen have created an elusive, breathtaking flagship store displaying minimally beautiful products of exceptional luxury. They design for a client with a global lifestyle from home to work, from plane to travel destination, who is looking for great craftsmanship and something unique like the classic alligator back-pack. 

Violet Grey -I  popped my head in to Violet Grey to discover a world of best kept beauty secrets. A six foot tall glamazon representative of Violet Grey walked me through the store that used to be Temperly London. There's a room in the back with a white makeup chair that belonged to a by-gone star. Its where you can go to have your own private session with their makeup artist and you're surrounded by original sketches by renowned costume designer Edith Head. She explained to me the curation of beauty products from all the leading makeup artists. It is definitely a place to be pampered with a nod to Hollywood glamour for the modern woman. 

Isabel Marant - It's nonchalant, chic for the girl who looks like she doesn't care (but we know she does!). I love that its slightly whimsical. Right now there's a definite "grunge" trend with an abstract textural knit cape, next to a downtown plaid coat, next to a khaki army jacket, next to strappy eyelet ankle boots. These are clothes we love to wear! I'm a big fan of desert gardens in LA and its refreshing to see this store garden blossom over the last year. The journey to the destination can be equally as pleasing if one takes time to look around.

Kiki De Montparnasse - I walked in there and was nicely surprised to see a lovely selection of top hats, clothing and jewelry and of course the lingerie. Its like walking into a bourdoire.

Equipment -  A longtime classic from Paris, Equipment opened quietly and as ever there is a range of blouses and shirts from plaid to pinstripe, silk to knits. they have also ventured into some great jackets. The plaid really stands out this fall season in a fitted blazer or blouson. I absolutely adore the shoes by Me and Her, especially the metallic silver Oxfords. They also have a range of Oliver Peebles sunglasses and gorgeous gemstone jewelry by Tom Binns.

Bottega Veneta - This store is has an air of sophistication and Bohemia all at the same time. The clothes are very modern this season with great textures using suede and leather, an over-sized tweed coat and I saw gorgeous metalics for evening cocktail dresses. The bags are always refined luxury with beautiful hand crafted details worth checking out in new colors like pale grey and chartreuse. I stopped to try an interesting textured pant as an alternative to your classic plain black. The detail is very cool with the ombre diamonds in a raised detail and could be dressed up or down for day or night. The orange toe-cap shoes come in bright pink and bright blue in two heights: 4" and 2" heels. They are perfect to add color to a look. The black suede flame boots are also on my list!

Book Marc - It's like a jewelry box but with books. Its full of fashion and art books and vintage magazines. I sat down in one of the very comfortable leather chairs to peruse the shelves and spoke with the wonderful ladies who worked there about the subjects of the collection. I found myself reminiscing about the Buffalo Boys and Ray Petri as we looked at the stylish pages. We went on to look at Ara Gallant's photographs and Antonio Lopez's fashion illustrations. I really could stay here all day and be endlessly inspired but must dash...I'll be back soon to show you a new shopping area very soon!