Need some socks? Need some pants? Bacon wrapped hot dogs? Remote control helicopter? A rabbit? Look no further than the Fashion District, L.A.'s version of a Turkish Bazaar. I keep my studio here, too.

If you love karaoke like I do, there's a ton of spots to check out in LA, but none quite as charming (or David Lynch-y) as Melody Lounge. Be forewarned, this spot is intermittently open. You'll know they're ready for business if they plant a sandwich board outside offering cold sandwiches and cheap beer. Hopefully, you'll get a chance to meet the owner Willie, whose (possibly embellished) life stories rival Hemingway. As for the song selection, the campy MIDI versions and painfully less than accurate lyric translations can suddenly turn your favorite tunes into high-wire acts (i.e. "Leaving On A Jet Plane" magically transforms into "Libyan on A Jet Plane"). Hell, they even have a song called "Schindler's List" on the menu! Even if you don't sing, Willie or his wife will gleefully take the stage. Special tip: for a true Chinatown boner, request Willie sing Enrique Iglesias' "Bailamos."

For buying.

My favorite place to brainstorm over breakfast. 

This is a great place to walk around. It really feels like a mini Lake Shasta or something tucked right up in the Hollywood Hills. Ornate statues on the bridge and sweet smelling trees. If you squint you almost feel like you're not in the middle of a massive city.