The best shops in North Hollywood

Badia Design Inc. brings the exotic and intricate interiors of Morocco to North Hollywood with everything from handmade mosaic tiles and majestic rugs to handcrafted furnishings and home décor. A treasure trove of imported finds both traditional and contemporary, this one-of-a-kind enclave has been a favorite of savvy decorators and lauded interior designers alike for more than 20 years (not to mention A-list clients like Mariah Carey and Will Smith). But this Vineland locale isn’t just for dressing up the home with a striking brass sconce or decorative pillow. Transform a wedding, movie set, party or private event with authentic Moroccan décor available for rent.

Helmed by co-owners Kathy Hill and Ernestine Richardson, this longtime, hole-in-the-wall boutique is practically a landmark among local vintage lovers. Find scores of vintage threads, shoes, bags, jewelry and more for both men and women dating back to the 1920s in a setting likened to grandma's closet. The neighborhood staple has cultivated a cult following since its opening back in 1988 and has drawn famous faces like Jada Pinkett Smith and Angela Bassett, as well as industry vets like Oscar-nominated costume designer Ruth Myers. Whether you're looking for a Gatsby-style embroidered clutch, statement jewelry piece or a '50s-style frock, this is your go-to spot.

If you're into midcentury style interiors, this is your designer playground. Stocked with midcentury furniture, lighting and decor imported from Denmark and Sweden, this one-of-a-kind shop packs more high-quality chairs, credenzas and sconces than you'll know what to do with. Think 12,000 square feet of pieces from renowned designers like Hans Wegner, Erik Buck, Arne Norell and Johannes Andersen. Whether you're looking for an accent wool rug or a full set of dining chairs, this is your go-to haven.

When it comes to scoring top-of-the-line cosmetics and hair products, beauty mavens, makeup artists and hairstylists head to Naimie's Beauty Center in North Hollywood. After all, the self-proclaimed "Hair and Makeup Pro Shop" is chock-full of classic and hard-to-find labels and products, from airbrush necessities to contouring essentials and pro brush sets. Plus, with an entire section dedicated to Character and FX (think adhesives, fake blood, prosthetics and bold color palettes), you can bet all of Tinseltown flocks to this two-story emporium to make their special effect dreams come true.

This luxury boutique is a tastemaker's dream closet, with an evolving roster of statement silhouettes and on-trend accessories from designer labels like A.L.C., Mother, Vince and Elizabeth & James. Thumb through the racks of this local favorite for mod leathers, billowy blouses, classic LBDs and more sophisticated-yet-edgy separates offered in a varied range of prices and styles. The curated selection—spanning luxe casual tees and fancy dresses—embodies an aesthetic similar to that of the boutique's chandelier-clad interiors: elegant, effortless and undeniably stylish.

On the hunt for a charming, indie book shop? Look no further than this beloved NoHo nook, which has won over local bookworms and out-of-towners for more than 20 years. Aptly named for The Iliad, an ancient Greek epic poem by Homer (Note: Odyssey Video was originally located next to the Iliad's first locale, hence the literary word play), the neighborhood bookstore stocks more than 100,000 used titles and specializes in literary fiction and the arts. Drop in to browse rare and under-the-radar finds or sell a few books of your own.

For those who want to cruise the streets of L.A. in style, Metropolis Bikes is your go-to cycling one-stop-shop. The NoHo locale plays host to scores of eclectic beach cruisers and mountain bikes that cater to both cycling fanatics and casual riders, with its radical style and high performance build. The shop's brilliant design and craftsmanship have even caught the eye of industry power players for on-set props and use, including clients like Modern Family, Ellen, The Biggest Loser and Scrubs. Stop by this specialty retailer for top notch service, bike rentals and striking, top of the line two-wheelers.

With platforms like Netflix and OnDemand providing films at the click of a button, neighborhood video stores seem like a thing of the very distant past—something you'd probably categorize as so '80s. But on a Vineland corner lot, long-standing shop Eddie Brandt's Saturday Matinee still stands in all its glory, brimming with roughly 80,000 titles. It's a film buff's paradise, and a hiddem gem frequented by industry movers and shakers searching for inspiration. The mom-and-pop shop has as much character as one of its pictures thanks to a charmingly gritty facade (a comic book-like mural covers the exterior), aisles rich with cassettes (millenials, look that up), an impressive, collector's-worthy inventory of celebrity portraits and movie stills, and shelves stocked with archival treasures. Head to the indie shop to rent a vintage classic or buy your favorite film still, or just check out the joint for its rich history and novelty. It's practically a landmark.