The New 20s Are Upon Us: Los Angeles Is Ready

2020, closer than anyone seems to think, will mark 100 years since the beginning of the 1920s; a decade filled with Art Deco design, major cultural shifts, wild parties, and of course Prohibition (and disobeying it). Los Angeles is riddled with hidden gems from the time period, as well as stores honoring it as well. With us on the verge of a new 20s, here's where to prepare!

Join Art Deco Society of Los Angeles

instagram.com / Via adsla.org

The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and awareness of Art Deco within L.A. They host a variety of events, talks, and classes as well as advocating for the preservation of many unique buildings within L.A. Membership gets you into many exclusive 1920s-themed events, and discounts. Many members attend the annual Avalon Ball on Catalina Island.

Get gussied up with Bésame Cosmetics

instagram.com / Via besamecosmetics.com

Located in Burbank, this shop offers luxury vintage makeup. They research actual products that were made in the past and then recreate them for us to enjoy today. For the 20s, they carry lipstick, mascara, and rouge.

Dress to the nines at Unique Vintage

instagram.com / Via unique-vintage.com

Let's face it- Los Angeles is full of incredible vintage clothing stores and that could be an article on its own but in terms of selection and accessibility, Unique Vintage deserves a shoutout. On their Instagram, you can check out their #speakeasysundays to see some 1920s fashion inspo, and if you're outside of Los Angeles or don't want to face the traffic to Burbank, they have a full online storefront for you to peruse from home. And yes, they even have a Mens section.

Catch a flick at the Art Theatre

instagram.com / Via arttheatrelongbeach.org

Long Beach is full of Art Deco glory. Many buildings (and even their airport) still boast architecture from a bygone era. However, now that your face and flapper dress are on, why not catch a movie? The Art Theatre is the last independent movie theatre in the LBC. They play a mix of both popular and independent films, as well as Rocky Horror Picture Show every Saturday at Midnight.

Grab a bite at Phillipe The Original

instagram.com / Via philippes.com

Many upscale restaurants in Los Angeles boast a 1920s theme, but Phillippe The Original is a nice casual break. Located in Chinatown and built in 1908 it is one of the oldest restaurants in LA and serves the best French dip sandwich in town.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Galco's Soda Pop Stop

instagram.com / Via sodapopstop.com

Abba-Zabas, Baby Ruths, Charleston Chews, and Wax Lips were just some of the candies popular in the 1920s- and you can find them at Galco's Soda Pop Stop. While you're there, be sure to check out their unique selection of sodas.

Enjoy the scene at Union Station and Traxx Restaurant

instagram.com / Via traxxunionstation.com

If you've ever taken the Metro to transfer to a Greyhound or train there is a good chance you've gone through Union Station. This central hub boasts some beautiful Mission Moderne married with Art Deco architecture, and while it was built in the 30s, you'll still feel transported to a different time while dining at Traxx, an upscale-ish restaurant serving traditional American cuisine.

Experience history in The Exhibition Room

instagram.com / Via theexhibitionroom.com

The Exhibition Room in Long Beach was inspired by a speakeasy opened by a man named Dennis McCarthy during Prohibition. McCarthy is said to have had many wealthy patrons thanks to the oil boom in 1924. On Wednesdays, the bar has an open-door policy, but Thursday-Saturday you'll need to make a reservation and dress in "upscale attire".

Tour the Hollyhock House

instagram.com / Via barnsdall.org

Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most iconic architects ever, designed this house for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall from 1917-1921. It is one of the few houses designed by Wright that people can tour the interior of. Located in East Hollywood, it is part of the larger Barnsdall Art Park which offers classes and galleries for artists.

Unwind at The Rendition Room

instagram.com / Via therenditionroom.wildapricot.org

The Rendition Room is a true speakeasy in the sense that it is behind the Italian restaurant, Vitello's, and you'll usually need a password to enter. They have magic shows every Tuesday, with the magicians from L.A.'s famous Magic Castle. Reservations are highly encouraged.

Attend a 1920s/Gatsby Themed New Year's Party

instagram.com / Via roarin2020.com

If you're looking to make a big entrance into 2020, consider attending this 1920s themed New Year's Party in Woodland Hills, CA. There will be a Casino Night to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation, a pool, live music, and a costume contest for combining the best 1920s and modern fashion.

Move your feet at the Cicada Club

instagram.com / Via cicadaclub.com

If you're looking to stretch your dancing legs out before New Years- consider the Cicada Club, a DTLA Swing stable. Dinner, dance, and live music, what could be better? Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, but not necessary if you're just there to Lindy Hop around, and costumes encouraged.