Desert fashion is all about easy, effortless style. It combines the best of resort and gala-worthy evening wear with lived-in vintage and one-of-a-kind artisan adornments. There’s a dash of midcentury modern cool and a tendency toward breezy, natural materials. All of that — and more — awaits shoppers on El Paseo.
“I love El Paseo for its uniquely curated collection of luxury brands, local makers, designers, and artists,” says Laurie Moulton, owner of the apparel and home décor boutique HOUSE OF LOLO and LUXBOX AGENCY. “[They] infuse a true sense of creativity and inspiration into our small urban community.”
/ LUNA Blonde Clothing Boutique Michael Stars dress. Chrissy's on El Paseo earrings. / SARIA 120% Lino dress.
/ SARIA 120% Lino dress and belt. Gucci sandals. / LUNA Blonde Clothing Boutique Michael Stars dress. Chrissy's on El Paseo earrings. Photography by Fab Vernandez; Styling by Neil Cohen; Beauty by Jen Plus Colour.
/ RYAN 120% Lino T-shirt and hat. Photography by Fab Vernandez; Styling by Neil Cohen; Beauty by Jen Plus Colour.
Men will find dapper apparel options at 120% LINO, MARES MENSWEAR, and TONY’S MEN’S CLOTHING — the latter offers in-store tailoring — as well as the national chains BROOKS BROTHERS and J.MCLAUGHLIN.
And the littlest ones will fit right in after a visit to THE LUMPY BUNNY or JANIE AND JACK. (Go for the clothing, and you’ll likely leave with a few toys, too.)
But the El Paseo retail scene cultivates more than stylish ensembles. Here, it’s as much about the shopping experience as it is about pulling together a smart outfit. A store visit may include a glass of champagne with your fitting, a meet-and-greet with a designer, or a pop-up event with complimentary gift bags and hors d’oeuvres.
“We’ve always believed in the tactile experience,” says GRAYSE co-owner and designer Kelly Gray, who regularly dresses clients for special events. “We do everything to make the customer feel as though the store is their home away from home.”
NOW OPEN
Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers
The luxury jeweler celebrates its 75th with a major store remodel.
In 1947, a handsome young couple from Pittsburgh set down roots in the Coachella Valley when they opened a boutique for jewelry in downtown Indio. They named the store Leeds Jewelers — Leeds being a portmanteau of the first two letters of each of their names, Eleanore (a model and former buyer for Gimbels department store) and Edward (an engineer).
Leeds & Son marks its diamond anniversary under the leadership of two of their children, son Terry Weiner and daughter Riki Stein. The level of craftsmanship and love of community that Leeds & Son has long been known for lives on today at their flagship luxury jewelry store on El Paseo, the largest of its kind in the desert.
“At Leeds & Son, our focus will always be quality and fashion,” Weiner says. “Since most of our jewelry is manufactured in Italy, we are able to find designs that are rare to typical American jewelers.” To that end, Leeds & Son is the only official Rolex and Patek Philippe jeweler in Riverside County.
To celebrate three-quarters of a century in business, Leeds & Son conducted a major remodel of the store and unveiled a brand-new look, inside and out, in late fall 2021. Step inside and be dazzled.
Patek Philippe 4947G-010 Ladies Annual Calendar watch.
ASK A LOCAL
How To Create A Capsule Wardrobe.
Storeowners and retail managers share their tips for overhauling your closet.
MICHELLE WHITTAKER OWNER: Blonde Clothing Boutique “The key to creating a capsule wardrobe is establishing a good foundation of essential pieces. This can include your basic neutral colors, a hint of pattern or texture, and a staple set of accessories that complement everything.”
ELYSSA GOLDBERG OWNER: BG’s El Paseo “Begin with a comfortable pant. At BG’s, our palazzo and harem pants are so, so comfortable — we carry them in bold colors and unique prints that make you smile.”
PATRICK PARKEY STORE MANAGER: 120% Lino “For desert living, a lightweight cashmere sweater is a must.”
KELLY GRAY CO-OWNER/DESIGNER: Grayse “The Grayse tracksuit is my go-to. It’s something that I can wear to any event, which is hard when you’re first coming out of the gate and reinventing your wardrobe.”
LAURIE MOULTON OWNER/CURATOR: House of Lolo “Invest in cashmere, silk, denim, and a few great understated layering jewelry pieces that will take you from one season to the next seamlessly. You can continue to build upon this year after year.”
TERRY WEINER PRESIDENT/CEO: Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers “Quality endures the test of time. If a piece of jewelry or a watch is to be passed down, then the quality may appreciate in value over time and grow rarer and more important.”