Fall Faves: Beckley
Not many recession-born fashion boutiques in L.A. are still around to tell their tale. But when Beckley — the trend-right WeHo shop launched by former Social Hollywood club co-owner Melissa Richardson Akkaway — opened in 2008, you sensed right away that it had staying power.
First off, the selection was (and is) stellar: a mix of accessibly priced designer goodies, cool contemporary looks and "best of the best" pieces from local designers.
And Beckley, unlike many of its contemporaries, has always been fun to shop. Impeccable customer service — in the form of staffers who double as smart, non-judgey stylists — is alive and well inside the boutique's undulating metal walls.
"I feel like you should get the same service whether you're buying $10 underwear or a $1,000 dress — you shouldn’t have to be carrying an Hermes Birkin bag to get attention," said Akkaway, 31, who grew up in Las Vegas and named the store after a men's shop her great grandfather ran there.
Though the Melrose Ave. shop carries a wide swath of apparel and accessory brands, Akkaway has a soft spot for L.A. fashion — and the designers who advance it. We asked the savvy shop owner to call out some of her favorite local brands, and a few items she's loving from their Fall collections.
CANDY COLORED: Looks from Rory Beca's Spring 2010 line. Courtesy of Rory Beca.
Designer: Rory Beca
What's to love?: "She does really easy blouses and flowy pieces. It’s usually pretty feminine, and she has really pretty prints. Also, the price is really good for all different customers, and it's great for people who are traveling around and want rompers and cute easy peices."
Hot for Fall: "Cute day dresses, some in florals. I love color, and I especially like to wear it in the summer."
BLING FACTOR: CC Skye double rings. Courtesy of CC Skye.
Brand: CC Skye
What's to love?: "She makes easy jewelry pieces that you can throw on everything. Costume jewelry sometimes looks really cheap, but her jewelry looks really great. Like, you can get a great ring or bracelet for $50. People want to buy stuff like that — they don’t always want to invest in major pieces."
Hot for Fall: Leather wrap bracelets, a cocktail ring festooned with black enamel and crystals.
GIRL POWER: Flirty looks from Wren's Spring 2010 collection. Courtesy of Wren.
Brand: Wren
What's to love?: "Wren's stuff is very femiine and whimsical. [Designer Melissa Coker] always has some fun t-shirts you can put into the mix with her little blazers and skirts, which she always does."
Hot for Fall: "Shrunken blazers — which I like more than the boyfriend [blazers] going on — and some really good knits."
WORN OUT: Looks from Nation Ltd.'s Spring 2010 collection. Courtesy of Nation Ltd.
Brand: Nation Ltd.
What's to love?: "They do a lot of one-sized oversized t-shirts, and every season it’s a different color and shape. Right now we have a great stripey shirt that's perfect over skinny jeans or jeans shorts."
Hot for Fall: More oversized tees in sumptuous cotton.
STRIPED: A sexy Kova & T look for Fall. Courtesy of Kova & T.
Brand: Kova & T
What's to love?: "They have amazing leggings that are always a little bit different than your regular black legging. They always have special details. They’re more expensive, but if you’re wearing them at night, it’s worth it. And the fit is generally really good. Some leggings you wear once and it's over."
Hot for Fall: Leggings – "some plain, some patterned" — and "great party dresses with sequins, some that are short with long-sleeves."
Beckley, 8620 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 310-652-3500. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.