Cools

Believe the hype: A store that actually lives up to its name, Little Tokyo's thrifty gem marries truly cool (read: nice) attitudes with affordably cutting-edge designs.

by Cadien Clark at Citysearch

In Short
Auto mechanic Masato Miura and company have run this mellow operation in one of downtown's busiest ethnic shopping areas since 2004. The hood of a classic car emerging into the pedestrian square in front is an eye-catching ode to the decade-mixing-blur of wares popping up on mannequins and hanging on racks inside. Along with the thrift store-mandated Pac Man trucker hats and goggles, there are sweet finds like sheer Nesley '80s-flaired jackets in pale gold and gray silver for $34, fun black shift dresses, Three Dots tees and work by Black Market Art Company all hovering around $28. Vented sunglasses, RUN DMC-emblazoned business card holders and other assorted kitsch make for affordable, and yes, cool, gifts.

Hits: The staff is friendly, and the prices are beyond fair.

Misses: There are some overly trendy items that veer slightly into cheese, like trucker hats.