Shop L.A.: Leyendecker

We know where we love to shop (everywhere from the Salvation Army to Barneys), but we're always dying to know where local fashion arbiters like to drop their cash. So we posed the question to Jessica Moss and Lisa Guajardo, the designers behind the super-stylish L.A. contemporary line Leyendecker — and tagged along with them on a recent Saturday shopping spree.

During our day-long adventure, the gals tried on at least a dozen pairs of strappy sandals, unearthed an inked James Dean swim suit and weighed in on the realities of rocking those first-generation slim-fit cargo pants that are so hot for spring.

Though Moss and Guajardo have varying personal styles — Moss confessed she’s a “layeraholic” who regularly dabbles in eclectic boho-chic while Guajardo is more inclined to sport fashion-forward silhouettes that jibe with her favorite denim — the duo nailed down four stores that speak to their “schizophrenic fashion behaviors.”

Stop 1: Opening Ceremony

BOOT STRAPPED: The Leyendecker gals check out the paper mache Doc Martens at Opening Ceremony.

“Opening Ceremony is like a fashion playground,” stated Moss. “We’ve been coming here since it opened, not only for amazing clothes, but also for the displays.” The main boutique encompasses two full floors of nooks and crannies flaunting clothing that is bold, quirky and exactly what all the cool kids are wearing (think Rodarte, Acne, Erin Wasson x RVCA and a whole room dedicated to Alexander Wang mini-duffels and leather wares).

“I’m looking for a great spring sandal,” said Guajardo as she wandered the store. “I’m also in desperate need of an itty bitty bikini, but a unique version!” The partners oogled over the “delicious” spring tie-dyes from Proenza Schouler, admired a ruffled Hussein Chalayan frock (what Moss dubbed “Issey Miyake on crack”) and stopped to take in the oversized Dr. Martens piñata in the stairwell.

“Each room is an exploration,” said Moss. “It’s like a gathering of great designs and creative retail space.” Next door, in the cozy shoe/accessories department, Guajardo fell in love with Alexander Wang’s Jac T-Strap sandals while Moss weighed the pros and cons of wearing F Troup jellies in the summer. “I also love the jewelry here,” Guajardo said, peering into nearby cases stocked with heavy gold charms and Aztec-inspired cuffs. “Pieces by Delfina Delettrez especially pull my heart strings. I really enjoy literal references in fashion — her surrealist hands are my favorite.”

451 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, 310-652-1120.

Stop 2: American Rag Cie

ACCESSORY ADDICT: Guajardo contemplates a Western belt.

According to both designers, American Rag boasts the best shoe selection in L.A. “We used to come here together to shop years before we started Leyendecker,” said Moss, who prowled the shelves for what she calls the "super luxe huarache": a sandal in a nice medium brown that balances delicate with comfortable and cool. “I want things I can wear for at least two years,” she said, examining a pair of strappy Matt Bernson sandals before declaring the braided white leather and chain detail too much for one shoe.

Meanwhile Guajardo tried her footing in a pair of blue wood-soled bootie clogs by Swedish Hasbeens. Though the ABBA-esque clogs looked cute, and the silver option was fun for a glance, the collective vote eventually swayed to a no.

Empty handed, Guajardo and Moss left the shoes and headed towards the main attraction: denim. “Their denim store [called World Denim Bar] is really great because they have everything in one spot, “ said Guajardo. “It's perfect when you’re on a mission because you can try on every pair of jeans in the category you need until you find the perfect pair.”

And a mission they were on. Guajardo for her favorite J Brand skinnies and Moss for a pair of slim-fit cargo pants. An hour, two knee-high piles of jeans and a fierce debate over the return of the cargo pocket later, and Guajardo and Moss were at the check-out counter. Guajardo stuck to her guns with the J Brands, and Moss surprised us all by leaving the store with a pair of army green Current Elliott chinos instead of her much-sought after cargos. “We’re going to see a lot of the slim cargo phenomenon, so maybe buying the J Brands would be like buying the first generation of iPads,” she explained. “I think that if I wait patiently I will have loads of slim cargos to choose from by the time summer is over.”

150 S. Labrea Ave., Los Angeles. 323-935-3154.

Stop 3: OOU

LEATHER LIKE: Guajardo snags a bag at OOU.