Remember that scene from Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts asks her friend where she can buy clothes " the good stuff" in Beverly Hills? Her friend replies, " Rodeo Drive, Baby!"

Back in the 80s, Rodeo Drive was known for its chic and snobby stores filled with beautiful clothes and jewelry for those who could afford it. Times are changing, however, according to an article by Diamonds.net:

" While De Beers LV opened on Rodeo Drive in November to sell diamond jewelry, Frances Klein Estate Jewels was replaced with women's apparel 'bebe' store in December. Bebe's launch was criticized by some in local press as "too ordinary" for the luxury market on Rodeo Drive.

The Times reports, "When bebe joined the lineup, it marked the end of an era: Gone for good was the fabled time when a glamorous crowd lingered in shops unique in the world. Now Rodeo Drive is yet another place for all of us to pick up designer knockoffs and jeans."

However, Harry Winston is setting-up a new shop on Rodeo Drive. With less than 1,000 square feet at its present location, it plans to expand to 6,000 square feet (across the street) in 2006.

Whether or not locals agree that Rodeo Drive remains an exclusive luxury retail boulevard, its three-block stretch of real estate is still home to many (not already mentioned) luxury brand jewelers such as; Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., Judith Ripka, Gucci Jewelry Boutique, David Orgell, Chopard, Cartier, and Bulgari."


(Pictured: Jewelry reminiscent of necklace worn by " Vivian" to the opera.)

Read more: Rodeo Drive Sets Designs for Mainstream Shopping