Best Palm Springs Shopping

North Palm Canyon Drive will put mid-century modern fans in heaven with its abundance of antique and art galleries and some very of-the-moment boutiques. Fashionistas with money to burn will thrill to designer Trina Turk’s retro resort and beach wear and home furnishings, which she displays inside a landmark 1960s Albert Frey-designed building. The M Modern Gallery features an avant-garde collection of top names in mid-century-influenced art, from pop to surreal; and don’t miss Shag (the store). Just Fabulous Galleries is just that, with the hottest coffee table books on Palm Springs’ celebrity past, plus retro-inspired cards, stationery, artwork and home décor. Dazzles is a wonderful find for precious and quirky mid-century collectibles, from re-strung Eames patio furniture to costume jewelry and all the mid-century ceramic poodles and panthers you could ever want. If you’re in the mood for fine furnishings, less is more at a la Mod, a small mid-century consignment furniture and accessories store, with owners who prefer top quality over quantity.

You’ll find touristy T-shirts along with fake and real jewels, the latest in doggie fashions, and some really cool gift and fashion boutiques among the more than 200 shops here, all within easy walking distance. For eye-catching tropical-style apparel and bling, The Collection is a steal--really. One look at the price tags and you’ll wonder, “How can they do it?” The fun and flirty fashions for women, kids and poodles at the Ooh La La, Baby La La and Shoe La La boutiques are a must-look and a probable buy. Need a hat? The Desert Hatter is filled floor-to-ceiling with chapeaux for every occasion, from Halloween witch hats and Aussie sunbonnets to Greek caps and rhinestone visors. When the locals need a beautiful gift, they come to the Music Box & Clock Shoppe. For 20 years, it’s been the center for hard-to-find Lladro and Disney figurines, Faberge collectibles and Swarovski crystal.

You haven’t shopped Palm Springs until you’ve shopped here. It’s the locals’ favorite resale shop. And if you find a treasure—and chances are you will--you’ll be helping developmentally disabled infants, toddlers, children and young adults. There are 11 Angel View thrift marts throughout the desert, all raising funds for the Angel View Crippled Children’s Foundation Inc. But this location is the favorite. Look for exceptional men’s and women’s clothing and accessories in the street-front boutique, then check out the barn-size shop in the back for house wares, furniture, books, toys and more clothing.