by Tracey Paleo, Gia On The Move

.One lovely day in April (long before the official opening and ribbon cutting on Monday, May 6th), I got a little email to ask if I might want to take a private gander at some very luxurious extensions, illusion falls and clip-ins at an ultra modern, 1,800-square-foot space, complete with a styling salon and a private room for the ultimate VIP experience on the second floor, (aka hush hush celebrity hangout!) all conceived and designed by the masterful artistry of Flora Shepelsky, craftswoman behind the exclusive brand Design by Flora. 

As the fantasy of vibrant, perfectly coiffed, frizz-less, hair haze loomed in my mind’s eye, the “I’ll never be bristly again” prospect willed me to quickly type back, “YES! I will attend!”

So off I was on the yellow brick road over the rainbow to see the Wizardess of Wigs.  I landed at 300 South La Brea Avenue (@ West 3^rd Street), where the corner shop, which will now be the West Coast Flagship, beamed style right out to the street in all directions like a beacon, calling to it lovers of luscious beauty.

Like Dorothy permitted entry into the Emerald City, I was ushered in for the royal make-over treatment starting with a grand tour of an enormous  store house of hundred’s of fully customizable pieces in every length, color and style and luxury clip-in hair extensions.  I simply couldn’t wait to try a few on and the lovely Flora obliged by applying style after style on my head.

Known by women worldwide for its use of the highest quality of all natural, virgin European hair, Flora’s patented wigs, falls and toppers are worn by celebrities, socialites and fashion-forward women of all ages.  Flora also lovingly and respectfully caters to women with thinning hair, hair loss and also ladies who want cover ups for religious reasons.  Everyone receives not only as much time and attention they need for choosing the right tresses and tufts but also a perfectly fitted, lightweight, virgin hair “art piece” that is seamless enough to pin back and ponytail.  And that’s a rare experience.

In addition, I was wowed by a confetti-like array of fabric bolts, ribbons and straw ready to be formed into customizable hats by Sherel’s Hats & Accessories Sherel’s is a favorite stop of Katy Perry, Hilary Duff, Blake Lively, Betsey Johnson, Mischa Barton and the cast of The Carrie Diaries.

Creating the best of both worlds, these two New York fashion houses have joined forces to create an upscale hat and wig boutique catering to women with discerning tastes.

For more information, please visit www.designbyflora.com. You can also follow Flora on her Facebook page.

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Find out more about Flora’s partner Sherel’s Hats & Accessores at www.sherels.com