The name says it all—Just Fabulous. This chic, Palm Springs-centric book and gift store is more than just a retail space—it’s an experience. Located at the gateway to Downtown Palm Springs and the Uptown Design District, Just Fabulous is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves style, nostalgia, and a touch of whimsy.
Step Inside and Say, “It’s Fabulous!”
From the moment you walk in, you’ll find yourself saying, “Look at this! It’s fabulous!” That’s because everywhere you look, something sparks joy—a stunning coffee table book on midcentury modern architecture, a collectible Barbie, a cheeky piece of pop culture memorabilia, or a beautifully curated Palm Springs souvenir.
Where else can you find:
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Playful gifts like Jeff Koons-inspired balloon dogs
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Pop Culture Gems like The Golden Girls Clue board game
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Unexpected treasures- like A Ruth Bader Ginsburg action figure—complete with robe, lace collar, gavel, and serious attitude
Whether you're shopping for a unique gift, indulging your inner design enthusiast, or just browsing for fun, Just Fabulous is truly a retail adventure.
Celebrity Book Signings & Fabulous Events
Just Fabulous isn’t just a store—it’s a cultural hub. Over the years, owner Stephen Monkarsh has hosted book signings and meet-and-greet events with literary legends and celebrities, including:
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Anne Rice (five appearances!)
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Barbara Sinatra
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Jackie Collins
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Lily Tomlin
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Iconic photographer Douglas Kirkland
Every event is a celebration, complete with complimentary bubbly, light bites, and fabulous company.
What Makes It So Fabulous?
Owner Stephen Monkarsh is the creative force behind Just Fabulous, and he’s curated every inch of the store with care and personality.
“My shop is a state of mind,” Stephen says. “It’s about celebrating life—and Palm Springs. If you aren’t feeling fabulous when you enter, you will when you leave.”
Why should you visit?
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Thoughtfully Curated Inventory: Stephen hand-selects every item, from coffee table books and greeting cards to George Nelson-style clocks you can custom order.
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Exclusive Merchandise: You’ll find products you can’t get anywhere else in the Coachella Valley, including Nest Fragrances, Sugarfina candies, Taschen art books, and Palm Springs-themed apparel and gifts.
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Art, Design & Pop Culture: Expect everything from children’s classics and LGBTQ+ pride gifts to cannabis cookbooks and retro pool floats by Sunnylife.
Looking for a Palm Springs souvenir, unique design gift, or a coffee table book to wow your guests? You’ll find it here.
The Man Behind the Fabulous
Stephen’s background is as colorful as his store. A Beverly Hills native, he studied at UC Irvine and UCLA and earned his law degree from the University of the Pacific. He also studied abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris and interned in Washington, D.C., for the Clinton administration and Senator Barbara Boxer.
Before opening Just Fabulous, Stephen worked at Cartier on Rodeo Drive, where he quickly rose to become one of their top 10 global salespeople. He later practiced law at the prestigious firm O'Melveny & Myers in Los Angeles. Today, he still volunteers as legal counsel for the Human Rights Campaign.
But Palm Springs had always held a special place in his heart. After visiting since childhood and buying his first home here in 1999, Stephen moved permanently in 2006.
From Dream to Reality
In early 2007, while sipping coffee at Koffi, Stephen saw a “Space Available” sign in a nearby storefront. He thought: “Wouldn’t it be fun to own a bookshop?” That whimsical idea became Just Fabulous, which opened just two months later, despite launching in the middle of a recession and before the Uptown Design District existed.
Fast-forward over a decade, and Just Fabulous is a Palm Springs institution, celebrating its place in the community with pride and passion.
“The shop was destined to be,” Stephen says. “I feel very blessed to know I’ve made a difference in the Palm Springs community.”
A Local Treasure You Can’t Miss
Whether you're a local or visiting Palm Springs for the first time, Just Fabulous is a can’t-miss destination. It’s perfect for:
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Gifts and Souvenirs that scream Palm Springs
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Coffee table books for design lovers and pop culture fans
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Greeting cards that are funny, fabulous, and totally unique
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Exclusive LGBTQ+ merchandise and Pride collectibles
And remember: if you’re not feeling fabulous when you walk in- you will when you leave.
Address: 515 North Palm Canyon Drive (on the corner)
Phone: 760-864-1300
Open: Mon - Fri., 10 am - 5 pm; Sat & Sun., 9:30 am - 5 pm.
🌈 Support Local. Shop Fabulous.