PrettyLittleThing, Dover Street Market, Glossier, & More: This Year's Top Stories

Just like that, we're swiping through to a new year on our iCal. Before we officially ring in 2019 (pssst, have you locked down your NYE party plans yet?), we're taking advantage of #flashbackfriday and looking back on the top stories from the past 360-odd days.

But first, allow us to get a little sentimental and drop the collective "we" reference for a minute. When I, the founder and editor of Uncover LA, launched this site back in September of 2016, I had no expectations or goals other than sharing everything that I love about Los Angeles beyond its shopping scene. Some may or may not know this, but I was associate editor of now-defunct retail news site Racked LA when it shuttered in the summer of that same year, and I won't deny that its closing was the inspiration for starting this website.

For the past two years, I've been covering LA's sample sales, store openings, new local designers, and more on my own time — and all without the backing of any major investors, corporate advertisers, or essentially any other funding beyond affiliate links and occasional sponsored posts. (That's probably why you might see my bylines elsewhere around the web — gotta keep the lights on somehow!) This year, I've been able to expand with the help of a few amazing contributors (shout out to my awesome events editor and my new intern!), but for the most part, Uncover LA runs on a very tiny but incredibly dedicated engine.

That's why I'd like to sincerely thank every single reader who has visited this site — whether you've been following since the beginning or Googled your way to one of my stories and decided to keep on coming back for more, your time and clicks are so incredibly appreciated. I don't plan on adding a paywall anytime soon, though an option to contribute may be in the works for those who do want to pitch in a few bucks (and help support the handful of writers who have helped me build this platform) — but do feel free to spread the word and tell your friends about this here website.

Ultimately, the goal is to grow the Uncover LA team and bring you much more LA- and SoCal-focused news and features beyond the style sphere, from local travel stories (like this Coachella Valley guide) to highlighting our city's coolest historical landmarks (LA history remains a topic near and dear to my heart, as my old blog shows).

Now that we've gotten all that mushiness out of the way, let's take a look at the top headlines from the past year. From the biggest traffic grabbers to the top store openings, read on for 2018's best retail stories below and stay tuned as we (ahem, I!) share more of Uncover LA's favorite features.

Uncover LA's 10 Most Popular Stories of 2018

1. Superfast Fashion Brand PrettyLittleThing Is Coming to LA
2. Update: More On PrettyLittleThing's Massive Pink Outpost on Melrose
3. This Is Why Dover Street Market's First LA Outpost Isn't Open in Downtown Yet
4. Inside Poppy, LA's Coolest New Concept Bar Where Every Thursday Night Is A Whimsical Wonderland
5. Kylie Jenner's Kylie Cosmetics Is Popping Up at Westfield Century City Starting Tomorrow
6. How LA Stylist Niki Schwan Created One of the Most Memorable Dresses at the Royal Wedding
7. Bucket Bags, Free Valet, More: What to Expect at Mansur Gavriel's First LA Sample Sale
8. Inside Élephante, A New Rooftop Resto Serving Up A Slice of the Mediterranean in Santa Monica
9. Photos: LA's Mermaid Museum Promises A Giant Oyster, An Underwater Playplace, and More
10. The Kardashians Are Shuttering Their DASH Boutiques

The 10 Coolest Store Openings of 2018

1. Dover Street Market, DTLA Arts District: Inside Dover Street Market's Luxury Fashion and Streetwear Wonderland in DTLA
2. Mansur Gavriel, West Hollywood: Inside Mansur Gavriel's Minimalist Bag Wonderland and Café on Melrose Place
3. Glossier, West Hollywood: Glossier's First-Ever LA Beauty Boutique Has A Semi-Secret Selfie Room (Of Course)
4. Bodega, DTLA Arts District: Inside Bodega, LA's Coolest New Streetwear Store That's Hiding In A DTLA Produce Market
5. The Real Real, West Hollywood: Take A Peek Inside The RealReal's Designer-Filled Mecca on Melrose
6. Rolling Greens, DTLA Arts District: Rolling Greens Took Over an Entire City Block For Its Newest Home & Garden Haven in DTLA
7. Palisades Village, Pacific Palisades: Photos: Inside Main Street-Happy Luxury Lifestyle Center Palisades Village
8. Visvim, Downtown: One of LA's Coolest Historic Gems Scores A Cult-Favorite Japanese Streetwear Label
9. West Elm, Santa Monica: West Elm's Largest Home Furnishings Haven in LA Has A Flower Bar, Rooftop Hangout, and More
10. Hoorsenbuhs, Santa Monica: Hoorsenbuhs' New Shop Is An Edgy Fine Jewelry Haven with A Rooftop Meditation Dome

The 5 Best Beauty Shop Openings of 2018

1. Glossier, West Hollywood: Glossier's First-Ever LA Beauty Boutique Has A Semi-Secret Selfie Room (Of Course)
2. Heyday, Beverly Grove: New York's Favorite Skincare Bar Is Now Serving Up Personalized Facials in LA
3. Facile Skin, Pasadena: You Can't Resist Taking A Bathroom Selfie at This Stylish Skincare Haven's New Pasadena Outpost
4. Mars Salon, West Hollywood: This Stylish Japanese Nail Spa Now Serves Up Cuts, Color, & Holistic 'Hair Facials'
5. Bite Beauty, Larchmont Village: BITE's First LA Lip Lab Will Whip Up A Customized Lipstick Right Before Your Eyes

The Top LA Pop-Ups of 2018

1. Chanel Beauty House, West Hollywood: Photos: Peek Inside Chanel's Lipstick-Happy Beauty House Before It Opens Thursday
2. Adidas Originals, West Hollywood: Adidas Originals Is Transforming An Old Gas Station Store Into A '90s-Inspired Pop-Up Shop
3. Kule, Brentwood: Kule's Colorful Striped Tees and Cheery Accessories Have Taken Over A Post Office In Brentwood
4. Atelier Cologne, West Hollywood: Atelier Cologne's Chic Scents Are Popping Up on Melrose Place
5. Spell & The Gypsy, Venice: Bohemian Aussie Label Spell & The Gypsy's Free-Spirited Style Is Popping Up on Abbot Kinney
6. LA Originals, DTLA: Support Cool and Creative Angelenos for A Cause at LA Original's Summer Pop-Up at MOCA
7. Sézane, Beverly Grove: Sézane's French Girl Staples Are Popping Up at The Grove Starting Tomorrow
8. Everlane, Beverly Grove: Everlane's Colorful Heels and Leather Accessories Are Popping Up at The Grove This Month
9. Brandless, West Hollywood: $3 Online Store Brandless Is Popping Up in LA Next Week, But It Won't Be Selling Any Merch
10. Evelyn & Bobbie, Venice: Innovative Bra Brand Evelyn & Bobbie's Venice Pop-Up Pays Homage to Boobs