View the Gallery / 15 Photos »

You gotta love a store that’s open until midnight (who can forget the adorable Ethan Embry: “Empire Records, Open ’til Midnight.”)! That’s why, when I came across popKiller, located at 7503 W. Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, I knew I had come across something special. Located just up the street from the infamous El Compadre Restaurante and right next door to Toi Rockin Thai Food, popKiller is in the perfect spot to take advantage of tispy late-night spending. They boast “ONLY COOL” selections of men and women vintage, shoes, original T-shirts, and imported Japanese products. President of both popKiller on Sunset and popKiller Second in downtown Little Tokyo, Ricky C Takizawa also designs may of the store’s original T-shirts. The store is irrestibly Japanese in its collection of retro 80s collectibles.

I was on my way to Sunset’s DNA Clothing for a new pair of skinny Levi’s when popKiller caught my eye. DNA is a great spot for killer essentials, but I was craving something different, something new. It was the bling bling black and gold $$dolla-dolla$$ bill tote bag near the doorway that caught my eye at first glance and with the price of only $16, I was hooked. popKiller had sucked me in.

More on Kate’s late-night shopping indulgences at popKiller after the jump…

With the exception of the $100 vintage rock n’ roll T-shirts, featuring Prince, Rolling Stones, DuranDuran, and many others, most popKiller prodcuts are moderatly priced. Vintage boots in colors from bright blue to the most blackened brown ran from about $36 to $52. Original, high quality T-shirts with popKiller labels go for approx $20-60, with most of them in the $28 range, and shoes lean towards $60. Absolutely everything in the store has a unique and original vibe.

Open for about three and a half years, popKiller is already becoming a Hollywood staple. I picked up a pair of gold heart-shaped skull hoops complete with bling for $8.

popKiller Sunset is open 12noon to 12midnight 7 days/wk
popKiller Second is open 11am to 11pm & until midnight Fri & Sat

RATING$ (out of $$$$):
HOOKUP$: $$$
VIBE: $$$$
PRICE: $$$

kate s mcchesney
http://myspace.com/toatoaboutique