Update 3/19 5:30 p.m.: Per the Safer at Home emergency order announced by Mayor Eric Garcetti, all L.A. residents should "stay inside their homes and limit non-essential movement." All non-essential businesses, indoor malls, playgrounds, and shopping centers are among those that must close.
On top of not hoarding precious toilet paper and supplies (not cool!), by now we all know that the best way to #flattenthecurve of coronavirus' spread is to stay at home, practice social distancing, and (if we're really at peak cabin fever) order food and groceries for pick-up, among other preventative measures. As the Daily News reports, there are 94 lab-confirmed coronavirus cases in Los Angeles as of March 16, and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has also ordered the closure of bars, nightclubs, dine-in restaurants, gyms, venues, and other public spaces.
Since there's nothing like a little retail therapy to lull us into a soothing false sense of existential security and control during uncertain times boost local businesses and charitable organizations that are in dire need of support right now, we're suggesting some of our favorite ways to stay comfortable as we all do our part to keep COVID-19 at bay. One immediate way to ensure that our favorite boutiques and businesses can stay afloat is by buying gift cards. This will also help shopkeeps send their employees home with a paycheck.
These are the emergency steps we are taking to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 & protect people across LA, effective at midnight tonight. This isn't easy & I don't make this decision lightly. We will do everything we can to help businesses & workers impacted during this time. pic.twitter.com/FAAOcRBDn7
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) March 16, 2020
Whether you're looking for local and national nonprofits that can really use your dollars, #StaytheF*ckHome-friendly essentials by L.A.-based brands and makers, or friendly neighborhood businesses that are making it easier to self-isolate (from offering free virtual workouts to gratis shipping), keep reading below for ways to keep calm and carry on.
It's also worth noting that as the situation changes by the minute, we'll be updating this story as often as we can with new details. We also suggest checking each brand or boutique's websites or social media accounts for the latest info on curbside and in-store pick-up availability.
Known of a local charity or business that's worth adding to the list? Drop us a line here.
Nonprofits Supporting Those in Need During the Coronavirus Outbreak
American Red Cross: Blood donations are in dire need as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, and those who are eligible to give are encouraged to make an appointment; get more details or make a financial donation here.
CDC Foundation: Lysol is currently matching the next $2 million in donations to the Center for Disease Control's nonprofit organization, which will help cover prevention, detection, emergency response, education, infrastructure building, and other measures not covered with federal funds.
DoLA Staff Support: If you, like us, value DoLA as a resource for L.A.'s coolest events, please consider donating to support its staff during this challenging time. Once it's safe for us all to get back outside, we'll be relying on them to continue curating the best happenings around town.
Feeding America: The nonprofit organization is continuing to serve communities in need of food in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
L.A. Emergency COVID-19 Fund: Mayor Eric Garcetti has set up a fund to help support families, small businesses, healthcare workers, homeless citizens, and other Angelenos being affected by the coronavirus and prevention measures.
Meals on Wheels: Seniors are the most vulnerable to COVID-19, and Meals on Wheels' local programs will continue to deliver healthy food to them. Donate to the national nonprofit to keep their operations running smoothly.
National Domestic Workers Alliance: The national nonprofit organization is collecting donations on behalf of nannies, house cleaners, in-come care workers, and other domestic workers across the U.S. who are without health care, paid sick leave, and other employment safety nets.
No Kid Hungry: LAUSD students and millions of other children across the U.S. are being affected by the school closures and losing access to healthy meals. (In L.A., the LAUSD's Family Resource Centers are providing food to those in need.) No Kid Hungry's efforts will help urge Congress to pass emergency funding for low-income families, provide grants to food banks and community groups, and provide other resources to underserved Americans.
Roaming Hunger's Emergency Food Service Fundraiser: The food truck finder platform aims to raise $6,000 to help provide hot meals to vulnerable members in L.A.'s communities while supporting local nonprofits and small businesses.
Social Distancing Essentials by L.A. Brands
Turn to female-founded, L.A.-based multi-tasking brand Alleyoop's Grateful Journal to help you reflect on the things you appreciate most. The company is also offering a 30-day version of the journal to download; visit meetalleyoop.com and look for the pop-up sign-up form at the top of the page.
This cruelty-free sanitizing perfume by L.A.-based clean fragrance brand Orris will keep your home and body germ-free without that hospital-like sterile scent. Available in citrus rose and citrus lavender, this fragrance can be spritzed onto your hands, electronic devices, countertops, and other surfaces. Plus, get free shipping on orders of $20 and up with code FREESHIP.
For when all of your favorite grocery staples are sold out, Everytable's healthy and affordable grab-and-go meals ($5 to $8) might help save your day — as well as help feed someone else in need of a nutritious bite. The L.A.-based company is offering free delivery on subscriptions or one-time orders of $25 or more (use code ETDELIVERY). Plus, you can opt to pay it forward and buy a nutritious meal for someone in an underserved community. Learn more and shop online here.
Trying to keep calm and carry on? L.A. dispensary chain Sweet Flower is here to be your best bud with its cannabis delivery services. Our favorites include L.A.-based luxury wellness brand Beboe's Downtime indica vaporizer ($58) for those anxiety-ridden nights when you just want to get some deep shut-eye, or the 20:1 CBD tincture by Cali-based Cosmic View to reduce stress. The cannabis shop has locations in Studio City, Beverly Grove, and Downtown that offer delivery and in-store pick-up.
L.A. designer Christy Dawn may be best known for her sustainable floral dresses, and her first-ever loungewear line ($98 to $108) will keep you looking equally comfy and chic without harming Mother Earth. The Sonny sweater and sweatpants are available in sizes XS to XL and are made of organic cotton using a low-waste process and non-toxic dyes.
Once you've wrapped up work for the day, shoot a text message to canned vino brand Bev and they'll deliver sugar-free California wine directly to your door within two hours. Wine lovers located in L.A. county can text their order to (323) 289-6964 and use code STAYIN for 20% off; choose from an 8-pack or 24-pack ($49 to $99) of rosé, sauvignon blanc, the grapefruit-infused pinot grigio, or a variety of the trio. Plus, the locally-based brand is donating 5% of online, text-to-order, and in-store sales to support Venice service industry workers whose employment has been affected by COVID-19. (Note: GoFundMe link coming soon).
According to pyschologists, optimism can help you live longer and healther — so why not use your at-home time to set a sunnier state of mind? L.A.-based Optimism Doctor Deepika Chopra (who holds a doctorate in clinical health psychology, so yes, she's a real MD) created these All Things Are Looking Up cards ($52) to help boost happiness and positivity, especially during times when we all need it the most.
Another study among older adults showed that in some cases, planning ahead can result in better mental and physical health. This whimsical planner by new L.A.-based stationery label Adelfi — which was founded by sisters Freya and Phoebe Tillem — will certainly bring some rainbow-powered inspiration to your day.
Need some new reading material? Family-run skate mag Stoke Much's latest issue (which is 100% ad-free, by the way) is filled with inspiring interviews with creatives, photography, and more content inspired by the skateboarding community. Plus, it might just inspire you to hop on your board and find your nearest skate-friendly spot (or appreciate everyone else's moves) via its founders' new Skate Bud app.
N95 masks may be a hot commodity, but those joining the #StaytheFHome movement can at the very least indulge in these skincare masks by L.A.-based holistic wellness brand Rael. These concentrated serum sheet masks ($45) are packed with botanical ingredients and come in a variety pack of 20, so there's something to suit your skin's every self-care mood.
There's nothing like escaping reality with a good book — especially one with a steamy plot twist to take your mind off the 24-hour news cycle. To keep your reading material titillating, romance-only bookstore The Ripped Bodice is offering custom care packages to gift to yourself or your favorite daydreaming bookworm.
L.A. Stores & Brands Offering Deals
These local shops will help you indulge in e-retail therapy and treat your cabin fever with online order pick-up or curbside service at their brick-and-mortar locations. In addition, L.A. brands, designers, and online retailers are also offering discounts and free shipping.
Alter: Take 20% off of all online orders while the cool retailer's L.A. and Brooklyn stores are closed; use code ALTER20
Aquarius Cocktail: Take 20% off sitewide with code STAYSAFE
Barratt Riley Co.: Take 25% off candles, fragrances, and home goods from the brand's Botanical collection
Bella Dahl: The brand is temporarily closing its warehouse for the safety of its employees, but to make up for it, shoppers who place orders after March 19 can enjoy 15% online orders. Get more details here
Building Block: The minimalist-cool accessories brand is offering free domestic shipping and returns, and appointment-only shopping at the brand's Chinatown boutique. 970 North Broadway, Suite 104, L.A., 90012; (323) 803-3420
The Canyon: The Franklin Village boutique is offering personal shopping via Instagram DM, by-appointment shopping in-store, curbside pick-up from Tuesday to Saturday (12 to 4 pm.), and free shipping and returns
Clare V.: Though the L.A. designer has temporarily closed all of her shops to protect the health of her staff and community, she's offering free ground shipping on all orders in the contiguous U.S.
Cult Gaia: Now through March 31, take 20% off sitewide with code GIVEBACK
Dacha Interiors: Founded by Cali-born interior designer Lauren Gregory, the home decor boutique opened its first West Hollywood location this month — but for now, it's keeping the doors closed and offering appointment-only shopping. Consider giving your pad a chic Russia-meets-California makeover and shop Dacha online or via Instagram and enjoy free local delivery. Plus, for a limited time, Dacha is offering interior decorating and styling services at 50% off. 420 North Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, 90048; (424) 284-3099
Dame: The sustainable L.A. label is offering free shipping on online orders
Decades: Take 15% off online orders with code STAYCHIC15
The Dreslyn: For a limited time, take 30% off sitewide with code FLASH30
Elfin: The charming L.A.-based kids label is offering free local delivery and domestic shipping on online orders
Flynn Skye: Take up to 60% off sitewide
Forward by Elyse Walker: For a limited time, take 20% off sitewide (exclusions apply)
Galerie.LA: The Row DTLA boutique is offering 15% off online orders with code ROWDTLA, plus free two-day shipping or in-store pick-up by appointment only. On March 19 and 20, get 20% off your online order with code AFTERPAYDAY and when you use After Pay.
Hedley & Bennett: Now through March 31, take 15% off your online order with code #SHOPSMALL
Heidi Merrick: Take 25% off sitewide with code SHOP25
Italic: For every order placed until the end of March, the luxury label-free accessories brand is 10 meals to a child in need through No Kid Hungry in addition to offering free shipping
Jenni Kayne: The Cali-luxe designer has temporarily closed her brick-and-mortar stores, but shoppers can enjoy 20% off online orders with code THANKYOU
LCD: Through March 22, take 20% off all online orders over $150 and free shipping on orders of $100 with code GOONLINE
Maxfield: The luxury designer boutique is offering personalized shoppers via email and FaceTime, phone-in orders with curbside pick-up, or personalized home delivery (depending on availability). 8825 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 90069, (310) 275-8800; 3939 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu, 90265, (310) 270-9009
Mien: Take an extra 10% off final sale items with code HOPEFUL
Mixed Business: The minimalist-chic boutique is offering free in-store pick-up for online orders. 1820 Hyperion Ave., L.A., 90027, (714) 402-3314
Mt. Washington Pottery: Starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21 to Monday, March 23, take 20% off site-wide with code SAFERATHOME
Myrtle: The female designer-focused online boutique is offering 15% off site-wide and free shipping with code STAYHOMECLUB
The Odells: The Silver Lake-based brand and boutique is offering curbside pick-up for phone orders Monday through Friday (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily). 3906 Sunset Blvd., L.A., 90029; (323) 741-0039
Olive & June: Get free shipping sitewide and discounted expedited shipping with code BOOTCAMP
Poppin: Take 40% off select stationery, desk accessories, and office furniture with code WHFH
Prism Boutique: Now through March 22, use code FREESHIP for free shipping or enjoy free in-store pick-up/curbside service
Polkadots & Moonbeams: The West 3rd Street boutique is offering free same- or next-day local delivery, free U.S. shipping, and by-appointment private shopping
Prelude & Dawn: Free in-store pick-up with code PICKUP and free domestic shipping with FREESHIP. 5627 North Figueroa St., L.A., (323) 369-8782
Rachel Pally: Now through March 24, take 25% off sitewide with code LOVE25
Reverie: The cruelty-free botanical haircare brand (founded by Santa Clarita-based hairstylist Garrett Markenson of Coiffure salon) is offering free shipping
Ron Herman: For a limited time, take 50% off sale items
Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen: The L.A. label has temporarily closed its stores and is offering 20% off all online orders, plus free shipping and returns
Shaina Mote: The L.A. designer is offering 20% off sitewide
Staud: Now through March 31, take 25% off sitewide with code THANKYOU25; 10% off sales from purchases that use the code will also be donated to St. Vincent Meals on Wheels
Whimsy + Row: The Mar Vista boutique and eco-conscious label is offering free shipping on all U.S. orders with code FREESHIP
Wittmore: The cool menswear boutique is offering free curbside pick-up at all three of its L.A. locations. 3832 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu, 90265, (424) 644-0496; 300 South Santa Fe Ave., Suite X, L.A., 90013, (213) 626-0780; 8236 West 3rd St., L.A., 90048, (323) 782-9791
L.A. Fitness Studios to Sweat with at Home
Aarmy: The luxe gym and its pro trainers are offering free daily workouts via Instagram Live starting Monday, March 16. Head to @aarmy at 8 a.m. PT for the Daily Challenge, @angelamanueladavis at 9 a.m. PT and @akiniko at 12 p.m. PT for Aarmy Cycle, @akiniko at 10 a.m. PT for Aarmy Bootcamp, and @aarmy at 11 a.m. PT for a daily message from co-founder Angela Manuela Davis.
Barry's: The fitness studio chain is offering its strength and cardio training workouts twice daily for free on Instagram Stories; check @barrys every morning for the schedule (sessions will be saved to IGTV, too).
Lekfit: Enjoy a seven-day free trial on founder and celebrity fitness instructor Lauren Kleban's muscle-sculpting cardio classes; after that, it's $19.99 per month for four new weekly workouts and access to archive classes. Plus, shoppers can call or email the studio for curbside pick-up on online equipment orders.
People's Yoga: The East L.A. yoga studio is offering online classes for the first time. New members can enjoy unlimited classes for their first three weeks for just $30; get more details here.
Tone It Up: For the next 30 days, the fitness and lifestyle brand is offering free access for new members to its app's video-guided workouts, recipes, and more content (it's typically $15 per month).
Training Mate: The fitness brand recently launched a free streaming service for members; newcomers can join Training Mate to Go for $99 and get access to live workouts starting next week by signing up here. Even better: Training Mate founders Luke and Kerry Milton and forgoing their salaries and paying their trainers 75% of their usual paycheck for the next two weeks to help soften the blow of the effects of self-distancing.
WundaBar On Demand: L.A.-based Pilates studio chain WundaBar is offering a seven-day free trial for new clients of is on-demand workouts with code WUNDAFIRST (after that, it's $24.99 per month)
Schedule Self-Care (and Support a Local Beauty Pro)
Meli Batimana-Yuge: The Pasadena-based hairstylist is offering $100 online gift cards for just $80; use code THANKYOU20 at checkout.
Starring by Ted Gibson: For a limited time, the celebrity-beloved hair salon on La Brea is offering its mobile Starring Do & Go blowout or cut services for $200 (originally $350) for clients who live in Beverly Hills, Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Hancock Park; get more details and find out how to book here.
