Palm Springs Shops
Establishment
neighborhood
Thick as Thieves
183 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Baristo
Midwest natives Jeremy Smick and Samantha Caltagirone opened their lifestyle boutique in 2017 and stocked it with the store’s own line of delicate jewelry, floaty dresses and rompers (godsends in the desert heat), hand-painted dishes, Italian ceramics, and decorative trinkets from their travels around the world. There are also antique rugs and furniture, making it one of our favorite one-stop shops for the home.
The Shops at 1345
1345 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Old Las Palmas
We would trek from LA to Palm Springs for a visit to 1345 alone. Aside from everything you can buy there, the building—a modernist structure designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1955—is worth a visit all on its own. Step inside and you’ll find a treasure trove of rare mid-century-inspired home items. Our favorites include wares from Double M pottery: The pastel-patterned, lead-free glazes are all handmade in California, and the mugs, plates, and bowls are all dishwasher-safe.
The Frippery
1555 S. Palm Canyon Dr., South Palm Springs
The ideal Palm Springs wardrobe calls for airy caftans, loose, ’70s-style dresses, and wide-brimmed hats to ward off the unrelenting desert sun. The Frippery has all of the above in spades (that is to say, vintage clothes made for poolside lounging). Dig deep enough and you can find some real gems, like vintage Pierre Cardin and Pucci dresses.
Raymond Lawrence (Closed)
71800 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage
In a town where vintage is king, Raymond Lawrence (the moniker is a splicing of the owners’ names) is a breath of fresh air. Though still pretty heavy on kitsch and brightness—technicolor lucite is everywhere—the tiny shop-in-shops are a joy to peruse and a dream if you’re on a hunt for small giftables (silly-yet-functional kitchen accessories, home decor, apothecary items). Don’t leave before exploring the stationery section—it's packed with hilariously raunchy cards and pretty notebooks.
a La MOD INC
886 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Movie Colony
Owners James Claude and Miguel Linares have curated one of the best—and biggest— home decor showrooms in Palm Springs. While the majority of their neighbors peddle mid-century modern wares, you’ll also find pieces from the 80’s and 90’s here. It’s also a great resource for having vintage lighting refurbished or if you’re looking to have something authenticated.
ModShop (Closed)
1068 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Movie Colony
The Palm Springs outpost of ModShop (formerly custom furniture mecca, Room Service) is home to an abundance of design-y accessories and home decor. Those looking for something specific take comfort in knowing that everything on display is customizable, with pieces designed by owners John and Taryn Bernard serving as a great starting point.
Modernway
2500 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Chino Canyon
Come here for a great selection of gently loved furniture from decades past. As the name suggests, the bulk of the assortment is of the mid-century or modern variety so expect to see a healthy assortment of lucite seating, woven wall art, plush rugs, and retro patio furniture. The price points are steep, but a seasoned collector would know how to spot a hidden gem.
Desert Hills Premium Outlets
48400 Seminole Dr., Cabazon
Technically, the outlets are about 30 minutes outside city limits, but anyone who’s been will agree that the drive to or from Palm Springs isn't complete without a stop here. So massive is this shopping complex that it’s actually resembles a small town, with designer stores lining the recently revamped “streets” (though we think they’d benefit from the addition of a few more restaurants). Here, you’ll find off-price outposts for Barneys New York, Frette, Bottega Veneta, Prada, YSL, James Perse and so many more.
The Fine Art of Design
73717 Hwy. 111, Palm Desert
This freestanding boutique is a treasure trove of super well-preserved vintage, which we’re sure will be even more enticing once it reopens after a lengthy renovation. Everything from beaded gowns to silk separates to shoes to rare designer pieces is neatly organized, which is nice considering there’s usually tons to get through. If you’re looking to clean out your closet, they also accept pieces on a consignment basis.