october picks.

autumn is ushering in a fresh crop of shops, lounges, and events. so, go big time, set arts afire and just try not to be a closet case with this list of picks:

arts afire.
one hundred sixty video, film and media art pieces will be displayed on hollywood boulevard during hollywould, a five-day art extravaganza for LA fashion week. it's a must-see for the culturally astute. expect events hosted by orgs like the andy warhol foundation for the visual arts, the national endowment for the arts, and the getty grant program. october 9th-13th. at hollywood boulevard. between orange and wilcox. no phone. www.freewaves.org

gold rush.
the guys behind the newly opened 24k lounge don't need a government bailout. they can just scrape the gilded walls of their glam and intimate hollywood hangout if times get tough. (the paint is blended with real gold.) the club also boasts golden chandeliers, a backlit onyx bar and wood paneled walls that call to mind the dashboard of a bentley. they obviously splurged, and if you feel inclined to return the favor, a $100 martini (sprinkled with gold, maybe?) fits the bill. 7929 santa monica boulevard. between north fairfax and north hayworth. 323.822.0700.

big time.
you've been pacing outside this outfitting outpost on robertson. and now the expansive ralph lauren shop opens doors to a store to get lost in. the 11,000-square-foot space is divided into ten rooms, each dedicated to a single aspect of the collection. bring your black amex. and a GPS. 141 north robertson boulevard. near beverly. 310.274.0171. www.ralphlauren.com


closet case.
nothing like a new solution to an age-old problem. like, what to wear. closet couture, a social networking site for the sartorially obsessed, allows you to upload photos of your wardrobe and then create outfits with the help of top stylists or other fashionable friends. you can even create a visual packing list or shop luxe retailers like kirna zabete and vivre. starting october 8th. www.closetcouture.com


gouda go.
dean & deluca devotees need not hop a NY-bound flight to squash their cravings anymore. thanks to santa monica's new goudas and vines, charcuterie, sandwiches, boutique wines and cheeses are all within reach since their september opening. also indulge in bella gelato, high-end groceries, and weekend wine tastings at the cozy back bar. ciao, cheesehead. 2000 main street. at bay. santa monica. 310.450.6739.