Larchmont Boulevard blends old and new

Just south of Hollywood’s soundstages and editing houses sits L.A.’s answer to Main Street, U.S.A: Larchmont Boulevard, which is peppered with stylish boutiques and inviting restaurants that cater to hip moms, foodies and families. The mix of new and old is refreshing -- yes, there’s a Pinkberry, but Larchmont Barber Shop and Larchmont Hardware have been on the street since the 1920s and ‘30s, respectively -- and it draws regular crowds, who find the very strollable street a refreshing destination for one-stop shopping.

There’s no shortage of interesting gift options, especially for the stylish man in your life. Kicks Sole Provider, for instance, is a go-to spot for anyone who loves hard-to-find sneakers. The store also carries great men’s accessories, such as plaid scarves from Obey and foldable Ray-Ban Wayfarers that cleverly bend into a compact square that he can stuff into his pocket. Across the street, Larchmont Beauty is packed with enough beauty products, scented candles and hair accessories to satisfy most anyone who loves primping and smelling good. You can build a customized gift collection or grab an already-prepared gift box of Molton Brown shower gels in gem-like colors.

FOR THE RECORD:
Larchmont Hardware: In Sunday’s Image section, a shopping guide to the Larchmont neighborhood said Larchmont Hardware had been on the street since the 1920s. That business is closed. —

A quick and easy gift that’s good for anyone on your list -- and, best of all, affordable -- is a box of four truffles from Leonidas Famous Belgian Chocolates. For $10, you get a romantic green and purple box that’s beaded and painted to look like a tiny cage full of birds, and filled with chocolates of your choosing. Shopping making you hungry? Grab a slice of New York-style pizza at Village Pizzeria or load up on sugar to keep you going at Crumbs Bakery.

Larchmont’s one-of-a-kind shops are chock-full of unique finds, and the charm of the street makes the shopping experience cozy and perfectly holiday-esque -- even if it’s a sunny 75 degrees out.

Kicks Sole Provider, 141 N. Larchmont Blvd., (323) 468-9794; Larchmont Beauty, 208 N. Larchmont Blvd., (323) 461-0162; Leonidas Famous Belgian Chocolates, 201 N. Larchmont Blvd., (323) 860-7966; Village Pizzeria, 131 N. Larchmont Blvd., (323) 465-5566; Crumbs Bakery, 216 N. Larchmont Blvd., (323) 464-8400.

Magsaysay is a Times staff writer.

melissa.magsaysay@latimes.com