A Peek Inside Heidi Merrick's Brand New Boutique

Designer Heidi Merrick is the kind of woman who calls you "dude" while she's talking to you in a floaty, feminine dress and bare feet. In essence, she's the epitome of a cool California girl — one who also happens to be a wife, mother, and creator of clothes women dream of wearing. 

Raised in Carpinteria, she's a bona fide beach bum and the ocean and sand are elements of her being that could never be separated. That should explain a lot about the breezy, salty vibe of her brand new — and first ever — storefront, located in downtown Los Angeles's budding Fashion District. In addition to finding her brilliant blend of soft and edgy gowns, blouses, outwear, and more here, visitors to the shop will be immersed in elements of the coast at every turn, including a sand and stone installation by Josephine Wister Faure sitting in the store's center, serene photographs of breaking waves (a collaboration between Heidi and Sharon Montrose), and a wall of custom surfboards created by Heidi's brother Britt Merrick of Channel Islands. 

The concept shop also features linens, rugs, pillows, and more home accessories — some which are displayed dreamily on an expertly decorated bed — and a mini atelier featuring an in-store sample maker and a massive inspiration wall, a reminder that Merrick's line is imagined, designed, and produced locally. 

While the store, located at 115 W 9th Street, is not yet open to the public, future shoppers can also look forward to rotating artwork, live music sets, and local succulent offerings — essentially getting to temporarily exist in Merrick's ideal California world.