OK – Mid-City West – Los Angeles, CA
address:
8303 W 3rd St
Los Angeles Stainless Steel Necklaces, CA 90048
Neighborhood: Mid-City West
TEL: (323) 653-3501
Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am – 6:30 pm
Sun 12 pm – 6 pm
About This Business:
Specialties
Unique, educated service from a friendly, eccentric staff.
Wedding Registries
History
Established in 1990
On 3rd Street for nearly 10 years.
Meet the Business Owner: Larry S.
Larry Schaffer is considered by many to be the go-to guy for an obscure art book, something new and interesting from Japan, Akari lamps, fabulous glass, and the perfect gift for any occasion. Keep up with him on his blog at oklosangeles@blogspot.com.
Reviews
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David L.
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Anastasia K.
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Marco d.
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harmony a.
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Brad V.
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Speaking as a professional who travels the world in search of gifts for my retail clientele, OK is as fine an eclectic mix of products as you’ll find in any one store. I happened upon the store yesterday while scoping out LA. Be sure to introduce yourself to the owner, Larry. His knowledge of the gift trade spans Europe and Asia. He certainly knows the market and he knows his customers. Not only that, he generously directed me to competing stores whose assortments he admires. I cannot recall ever meeting a small gift store owner with that much (deserved) confidence. LA is a better place with OK around to elevate its gift giving.
Great store for middle-aged yuppies that think they are hipsters. Buy your photography book at a premium price, adjust your Barry Goldwater specs and say things like, “yeah yeah yeah” a lot- then drive your Prius or Vintage piece of shit you call cool, home to your rad gentrified pad in Echo Park or Silverlake. You will never be acknowledged at this store by the unimpressive staff with inflated esteem unless you a) are famous b) look like you’re loaded c) are a yipster (that’s a word I created for yuppies that think they are hipsters)They get 2 stars, because you really can find cool gifts, but why would I want to pay top dollar to receive bad service?
I’ve been to this store two times. Both times, I came out of the store with their merchandise in hand. So what’s the problem, right? I must’ve liked the items at this store to buy something on two separate occasions.My problem with this place isn’t so much what they sell. Although a lot of their items are really, really overpriced, they have interesting gifts for those people in your life who seem to have everything. For those who have money to burn, this place is a nice alternative to the other stores you’ll see around L.A. Even their gift wrapping is neat and cute.With that said, I’d like to make mention of their customer service. This is the part I have a problem with because basically, unless you look like you have some money, you’re not even looked at. The first time I was there, I didn’t take long to find what I needed so I didn’t pay any mind to their service. Although there weren’t too many customers in the store at the time, I wasn’t talked to until I went up to the register. The second time I was there, there were quite a few customers there considering Christmas Day was nearing. I shopped for about an hour, and other than the time I asked one of the employees about a product, no one bothered to ask me if I needed any help. There was a younger guy with brown hair and torn sweater who was lounging around the store, and although he asked others if they were finding everything okay, he didn’t even bother looking in my direction. I must have passed him a few times — not a word.I even called on Christmas Eve to find out what time they closed that day. I don’t know if it was the same guy who answered the phone, but thanks for the curt, rude response to my simple question.Although what they sell may be cute, I cannot look past rude or nonexistent customer service to buy overly expensive items. I’ve found a few more stores around L.A. that sell unique items so I’ll be going there from now on. It’s quite a shame, really, as I would’ve given them more sales than their customer service is worth.
Ok, pronounced “okay” (I thought it was pronounced “ok” which means jade in Korean), is a wonderful little shop carrying culinary and design paraphernalia that would make fabulous gifts for those people you know who have everything. ?I have those impossible-to-shop-for friends and when occasions come around, I can count on Ok for some interesting wine items, stemware, Venetian glass vases, and there is always something sneaking in the corners that I discover with each visit.I now know the owner and he is an interesting chap. ?He personally buys everything and, is there any tying motif, you ask? ?Nope, just whatever strikes his fancy. ?He obviously has an affinity with Asia (which is why I thought Ok was pronounced “ok”) and appreciates the Japanese aesthetic (welcome to my–scratch that–everyone’s world) in particular, thus there are a lot of fascinating books about Japan. ?I purchased a beautiful Japanese tea ceremony book (different from the ones I’ve spied here and there), so that I can learn it and impress my grandfather who lives in Kyoto.There are also fantastic coffee table reads. ?Great books on photography, art, food and wine, cooking, James Dean and Steve McQueen, and the French New Wave. ?Pretty cool as school selection.There is also this unique collaboration of art/design pieces that he showed me that reminds me of those pop-up books I used to flip through as a kid (I remember making a few, too). ?Visionaire is the company that releases them three times a year. ?They work with artists, designers, and image-makers to create an eye-catching, playful collection built around a theme in varying formats. ?This is not highbrow or what I would call serious/fine art, but just something fun yet creative, though I will be the first to concede it is more about image than art. ?This all said, color me happy, I am not much of a collector, but I want some of these! ?I’ll start with Dreams, Magic, Woman, Chic, Paris, and true to my MO, Scent. ?The one currently out is called Surprise. ?More info here: ?http://www.visionairew…So, yeah, I like this store. ?Not much I wouldn’t buy here down to the jewelry, cards, and stationery.
A great place for gifts and furnishings. Great Japanese ceramics, potteries, lamps, vases and other things you don’t actually need but will want to own. Absolutely love their coffeetable book selection and one item I adore, that particular vanity mirror etched with “You are beautiful, your eyes are fabulous, you have full kissable lips…blah…blah…blah.”
Hip and intelligent gifts.OK has a very tasteful collection of artistic crafts, jewelry, coffee table books, etc. Great store to add flair to your home. If you need to shop for a unique gift and don’t exactly know what to buy, then OK will be indispensable. All of my friends and family have absolutely loved every gift that I have ever bought from OK. The prices are on the high end. There are plenty of items that are reasonably priced–still making perfectly suitable gifts. Some of their cooler items include:Complete Penguin Book CollectionOld school phones with the circular dialJewelry engraved with quotes from famous poets, writers, and philosophersShark skin grater for wasabiShadow boxes with preserved rare butterfliesThe store is a few blocks from Toast. Check it out the next time you grab brunch with friends.
This is my favorite store in LA! It’s a small, cute place that has tons of awesome things. ?Cool things:Art books (there is a really cool one by this guy who makes art from nature, like a huge square of yellow oak leaves that he hung from a tree branch and then the sun light sparkled through)Jewelry- unique pieces you won’t see anywhere else- very simple and modern. ?I got one of my favorite bracelets here that looks like a silver ID bracelet but is engraved with poetry.Dishes- a few mod pieces, very coolRandom stuff- boxes, stuffed animals, wallets, chopsticks, etc etc.Fun to look around if nothing else! The store is a bit pricey but it is LA and the items are well-made and awesome.
“Woohoo! As good as it gets!”and its right. They carry various types of items from books and wallets to ?some other gifts.If you like to shop, this store cannot be missed.
A modernist dream…Beautiful hand picked pieces. ?An array of finely crafted jewelry, ceramics, books and journals. ?I’ve bought exquisite gifts to, just plain necessities. A stainless steel pressurized diamond ring to mighty magnets, ?Comme De Garcon passport wallet to stationary. ?I spend no less than 2 hours here, going through all the books like a kid in a candy store. An intelligent, playful store for the picky one.After all these years…. You still excite me.Thank you, Larry…
This is a great shop. I bought my girlfriend a ring here, beautiful drinking glasses Body Jewelry, some art books. I will be going back for aclock soon. The sales staff are helpful and let you browse withoutbreathing all over you; once you have a question, they come andassist. They are not desperate like some salespeople. Stop in andsee what they have.
Best gift shop in LA? Very helpful staff and very nice gift wrapping!
I adore OK. ?It’s a bit like the MOMA store in NYC, but smaller and cozier and more personal. ?Perfect for finding a gift for your design-obsessed friend.They carry the most lovely jewelry (the poetry-engraved bracelets, rings and necklaces by Jeanine Payer are my favorite), quirky and beautiful coffee table books (many on art and photography and fashion), elegant and interesting housewares (like wooden digital clocks or a bamboo wine bottle holder), and cute accessories (bright, colorful Comme des Garcons wallets).I dunno why it’s named OK cuz it’s more like AWESOME. ?yeah.
Beautiful items, but at the end of the day, the store just feels a little flat. The interior isn’t exceedingly welcoming, and nothing about it pulls you in or makes you want to stay. The sales people are friendly enough, though the three of them sat behind the desk the entire time without getting up to engage me at all. Isn’t that what good design is supposed to inspire? Conversation?This being said, though, I would definitely go back to peruse the interesting objects.
A shop with an original inventory chosen by someone with taste who cares.
Great place for art books, Noguchi lamps, APC and Comme des Garcons candles, Me & Ro jewelry, quirky cards and other little nic nacs. It’s hard for me to go in and not find something I like. The store has a very interesting selection of items and is a great place to check out for unique gifts.
If OK ever has a wedding registry, I might just have to get married. I’m in love with a set of exquisite Japanese glassware. And their art books. And the jewelry. And the ceramics.
hands down my favorite store in LA.everytime i swing by i want to pleasure myself
Best curated store in LA. There is nothing superfluous, everything is selected and presented with care, and Larry the owner is very friendly and helpful.
A very curious store. I mean, it engages your curiosity. Great design books on art, architecture, photography and prison tattoos. The selection feels curated, like your smarter older brother is introducing you to things you should learn to be into. The staff is very friendly and will gladly help you with shipping and special orders.
my fiance got the hint and bought me my engagement ring from here. ?so beautiful and so unique. ?very happy with the ring and he’s very happy that he found something that both he and i like. ? it’s unique, modern, and irregular – perfect!needed to get the ring resized and they were very gracious in sizing me and figuring out a way to get it expedited. ?they followed up with a nice call making sure everything was not just ok, but good. larry the owner told me a bit about my ring – telling me that it’s one of a kind – just like most of the fancier jewelry in the store. if you are looking for a unique modern non standard engagement ring or an awesome gift – you have found your store.
I love browsing this store. They have a good selection of books, things I haven’t seen in every other design or book store, and interesting jewelry, along with sometimes difficult to find Comme des Garcons wallets/personal accessories. Last time I was in they had a set of beautifully fragile shot glasses that made me want to cry and little string dolls that I think about fondly to this day.
I adore this store. ?It’s like a perfectly curated museum of awesome-ness, except you get to buy anything in it that you want! ?From the mid-century Danish flatware to the Heath ceramics to the great book collection, there’s tons of stuff in this lil shop that you know you’ll love and swear that you must have antique watches, even though you won’t need ANY of it whatsoever. ?Now THAT’S a well done store. ?The Yoshitomo prints are great, and well-framed. ?The 3D books are a great gift for your little nieces and nephews. ?The retro orange phone? ?Yep, I gotta have that. ?Ok store is one of my favorite places in this fine city. ?Wanna buy me a gift? ?Great. ?Anything they sell here will do just fine. ?:)Cheap Jewellery Shops
One of my favorite stores In LA, Great selection of books on design and architecture. Well presented selection of design from Scandinavia, Italy, US and Japan. Another great store further west is Fitzsu on Melrose, also worth checking out.
i love this store, and i pretty much want every single thing in it. OK is an innovative, creative, and progressive design shop. You can purchase everything from contemporary design wine holders to coffee table books to jewelry to kitchenware to office supplies to candles. larry, the owner, is a quirky riot, with an eye for the best.
OK is more than just OK…it’s my new favorite, eclectic objects store in LA. There’s something for everyone. ?Books, candles, scents, Japanese glassware, pottery and art glass vases and bowls, lighting, a great toys section, etc.. Prices range from inexpensive to pricey. ?Today I purchased a beautiful Japanese-made glass bud vase ($27) and Comme des Garcons cologne ($120). ?The staff (owners, I assume) are very nice and very nice gift wrapping if offered. ?Definitely worth checking out.
this is one of my very favorite stores in all of los angeles. ?it’s small so they have to have a well edited collection of objects, which they do. ?they have a fantastic array of design/architecture books. ?they also have really beautiful jewelry, gorgeous ceramics and glassware, and a variety of other home design objects. ?i’ve bought a variety of items here (a necklace, books, marimekko clutch, etc). ?there’s always something interesting and different here that i inevitably covet. ?my best friend actually lusted after a bracelet here for three years that she finally bought on her last trip out here – yes, she does not even live in los angeles and yes, we would ‘visit’ the bracelet on every trip out here. ?it’s pricey and parking is hell on third but it’s well worth stopping in even if just to appreciate the beauty of what they offer. ?the sales staff is nice – not pretentious at all – so they don’t make you feel like you shouldn’t be there if you don’t buy anything. ?a really great collection composed of a variety of types of objects. ?also great for gifts. ?i stop in on every trip to third!
Great store. ?Love the originality of the items. ?It is one of my favorite places to go and buy unique and different things for myself and for gifts
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