My fab Cynthia Vincet find from Motif - Photo by Mar Yvette

Hot New Pick: Motif LA

Stories 15 Jan 2012 Mar Yvette

Although I do drop in from time to time, I’m not a big fan of the main drag along Robertson Boulevard. The parking, the people, the plethora of pricey, uber-trendy products … it’s all a bit much. (Although I kinda love the new Rebecca Taylor shop–such incredible sales!) But far from the madding crowd, south of the epicenter of Robertson, is where you’ll find Motif LA, a cool new space that is both a cute little cafe and a real retail find.

Owned by two gorgeous sisters–Sasha, who studied organic farming, is in charge of the cafe; Elishia, whose background is interior design and hospitality, does the boutique–Motif is more my kinda place because it’s easy, laidback and offers a place to hang out (free WiFi), shop (so many pretty things, many of which stay well within the two-digit price range) and enjoy a casual lunch date or even a business meeting.

The cafe is totally cute, bright and airy with its high ceilings, wood floors and white walls. The menu is approachable with nothing more than $13 and delicious edibles like sandwiches (try the caprese panini) and salads that are organic and locally/sustainably sourced from farmers they personally know. There are also coffees, teas, fresh squeezed juices, smoothies and vegan soups every day.

As for the store, it is completely OMG-worthy. You’re first hit with all the cool furnishings, bold art work and eclectic mix of consigned home goods that, depending on the day, could range from crystal goblets and luscious $18 candles to a Chanel lamp and old-school salon hairdryer chair. What you see is what you can get: Everything is for sale. There are also glass cases with some of the pricier fashion items, like say a vintage Lanvin dress, Hermes bags and fancy jewelry. But my favorite part is the little nook at the back of the shop, which is like its own mini boutique. There you’ll find a very well-edited selection of vintage and modern designer threads that you can tell were hand-picked and not just randomly thrown together.

The inventory changes all the time, but during my visit almost everything I loved and tried on was in the $40-$80 range, so this isn’t one of those places that prices everyone out. My own personal find was this green-gold metallic, buttery soft leather Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent jacket for $95!! There is also a lovely selection of wedding dresses and a cool vintage Chinese folding screen that makes for the perfect dressing room–that is, until someone decides he/she must have it and takes it home.