We don’t usually travel to Westwood Village from our lovely Los Feliz abode— there’s traffic there. And sorority girls who wear Lululemon pants to do non-yoga activities. But the other day we found ourselves on that side of town for a meeting and, while lost and looking for our car, stumbled upon Profeta, a charming Italian-style coffee shop that had nary a hint of the chain store feeling becoming increasingly common in caffeine purveyors these days.

Embarrassingly, we asked the barista how long they’d been open and it seems Profeta has been serving perfect strength Americanos for seven years. Whoops. But he added that we aren’t the only ones who have never before noticed the tiny shop and its cozy courtyard — he gets asked that same question multiple times each day. Assuming he wasn’t just saying that to make us feel better for being dumb, here’s hoping we’ve just shined a light on a wonderful new espresso place in Westwood for you, too.

7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. 1129 Glendon Ave., L.A. 310-208-3375. espressoprofetala.com

It’s not that I desire to walk around Los Angeles smelling like patchouli or cardamom or cedar oil. But on a recent visit to Kauai, a hypnotherapist turned me on to the wonders of aromatherapy for stress reduction in the workplace. So I bought a small vial from her, and I’ve been breathing it in (not wearing it) ever since. When the phone won’t stop ringing, when I’ve missed a deadline, or when my head is about to explode, Floracopeia’s oils are truly transcendent — even if my gay friends tease me because it looks like a bottle of New Age amyl nitrate on my work desk. (Thanks, guys.)

Prices vary depending, perhaps, on just how essential that oil is to your sanity. The lavender is worth an $18 price tag. I can’t think of a better gift for the habitually stressed-out amongst us.  —Krista Jennings

The maxi skirt: It’s not the easiest garment to pull off. But once you’re comfortable rocking them, you’re set for life on the slimming front — even if you think your body type isn’t the perfect match. Maxi skirts are all about attitude and confidence, and far more modern than the now-ubiquitous mini skirt.

For this season, think casual: A jersey knit maxi skirt paired with a T-shirt and motorcycle boots is perfect for fall days in Los Angeles.

First Row. Rachel Pally classic long full skirt, $190 | Opening Ceremony long skirt with slit, $298 | Forever 21 knit maxi skirt, $24 |

Second Row. Rick Owens full length skirt, $805 | Free People lace maxi slip, $148 | By Malene Birger Acier sequin maxi skirt, $580

We adore California for obvious reasons, but it’s always gratifying to hear from designers who love it just as much as we do.

Case in point: Frank Ford, half of the German-born design duo of loyandford, who tells us, “The whole energy of what we like and how we work is always related to California. It’s our thing—it’s what we do.”

Along with business partner Stefan Loy, Ford is gearing up for the stateside relaunch of their brand, which has been worn by the likes of Angelina, Scarlett and Drew, to name a few.

Founded in 1999, loyandford quickly grew out of their Chinatown design studio and found its way into luxury retailers like Barneys New York and Neiman Marcus. Ford has shifted focus onto one-of-a-kind and limited-edition items through their latest collection, Wicked Gardens. The label will offer a range of dazzling beaded and sequined pieces retailing from $85 to $5,000.

L.A. stylist Barbra Horowitz recently tipped us off to a fashion shopping spree sponsored by Starbucks that features her expertise. Click here to enter the  “I Looove! Fall Sweepstakes” (no, the “O” key on our keyboard wasn’t just momentarily stuck, this is truly a contest for an autumnal fashion devotee). The lucky winner receives:

-Round-trip airfare for two to Los Angeles (Granted you already live here; but there has to be someone on your list dying to visit/shop.)

-Two-night hotel stay

-Style consultation with Barbra and $1,000 to spend on said sartorial advice

(Oh, and you can enter as many times as you want.)

While preparing for the fall and winter months, I have been on a mission to find a pair of knee-high, brown leather boots. A tall order? I didn’t think so.

But for some reason, I am never able to snag a pair to call my own. The heel is too short or too high, the toe is too round or too pointy, they’re far too expensive, or they’re downright hideous. Let’s face it, finding the perfect boot can be a full-time job.

Just when I’m at my wit’s end, I finally stumble upon the boot I’ve been searching for. It’s the ultimate must-have for this fall: the Crossgate by Bakers. The boot ($99.95) features a slouchy shaft that you can leave up or scrunch down, and a cuff that also has the option of leaving be or folding down at your discretion. Who doesn’t love a 4-in-1 deal?  -Nicole Hayden

The latest collection of Band of Outsiders for Sperry Top-Sider has been in stores for a few weeks I assume, though I hadn’t run into a pair from the collab until a visit yesterday to American Rag.

Band continues to be one of the most reliably fawned-upon American men’s lines, but after years of watching Scott Sternberg’s collections, I’m convinced it’s not pure sychophancy. He refines ordinary American classics with such precision that going back to the original artifact can lead to boredom: Try, for instance, returning to  regular top-siders after wearing Band of Outsider’s take on them.

Granted you’ll pay $175 for them at Am Rag. Then again you’ll take pleasure in aging them for seasons to come.

Yes, Labor Day weekend has come and gone. Yes, that means summer (did we have one, aside from the last two weeks’ searing heat?) is officially over.

But there is joy on the horizon, in the form of retail therapy that we recently discovered at the CLASS Trade Show in Santa Monica.

Here are two little lines brand-new to Los Angeles that can shore up your post-summer blues. We’re here to help, after all.

myPetsQuare

Odd name, fabulous line.

This Australian contemporary women’s collection – founded by a former model and a lawyer duo – is new to U.S. retailers, with a bold and edgy yet utterly feminine aesthetic – dresses of silk and leather, mesh and cotton pieces with cutouts, chiffon skirts, leather tunic tops and wraps and easy, relaxed jumpsuits. The Sadie and Flyaway dresses and Parker Heart jacket are easy aces for a warm California fall. The line will be carried at Fred Segal and Number A in Little Tokyo.

The looks are relatively pocketbook friendly, too: the collection ranges from $80 to $300.

Pierrepont Hicks

Gentlemen, this is your answer to autumn malaise. We mentioned the uber-cool, refined neckwear line back in March but were bummed that it wasn’t being carried by local boutiques. Well guess what? It’s just been picked up by Craft on La Cienega Boulevard and is now launching a luxury tie collection called Hatchery, featuring upmarket, East Coast-inspired designs. The line specializes in handsewn limited edition fabrics, like worsted wool blends with silk backing

With names like Westbrook, Grassfire, Conrad and Skeet Shooter, they’re perfect for a day of yachting, your trip to the Hamptons, or just impressing your hipster buddies around town. Price points from $65 to $140. — Anne Riley-Katz

With fall right around the corner, it’s hard not to lust after something other than sandals in the footwear department. And booties have skyrocketed to the top of my list. It’s a trend that may have surpassed its expected shelf life, but, hey, booties are cute, so I’m all the more grateful for it.

For fall think suede, leather and animal prints. That pretty much covers it. Here are a few picks. – Nicole Hayden

Maison Martin Margiela hidden-platform ankle boots ($865), available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Giuseppe Zanotti for Thakoon ruffle suede booties ($795) available at shopbop.com

Miss Dior lizard-printed leather ankle boots ($880), available at Saks Fifth Avenue

I avoid online shopping for clothes whenever possible, though Gilt Man has made strides in recent months with its slashed-price men’s offerings that caught my eye this morning. Shirley Lee’s great NY line Eubiq has a sale coming up at 6pm this evening, and the featured designers on the page range from Yohji Yamamoto to Gilded Age and Jack Spade—both clothing and accessories. Click here for current selections. —Paul Dexter