When Zoë Battles fell into celeb styling over 12 years ago while working as a production assistant in the film industry, she had no idea she’d end up dressing the biggest names in the hip-hop and entertainment worlds. Unlike some sad Tinseltown stories, Zoë’s dreams fell into her lap only a month after “working wardrobe,” when she got the call to style her first gig with some punk-rock legends.

“My first big job was working with The Ramones,” she says gleefully. “It was for that song ‘Substitute,’ and I remember we had to dress them in those gingerman costumes. I was like ‘Oh my god!’ I mean, they’re rock stars!”

Since then, Zoe has worked with the likes of TLC, Master P, 311, Avenged Sevenfold, Cher, P. Diddy, Mary J. Blige and Steven Tyler. Some might think Battles decided to open her own boutique, Ruby Jean, to market her fashion know-how. But, really, the reason is funnier than you’d think.

“The thing is, I got burnt lugging stuff around everywhere,” Zoë belts out with a laugh. “Now everything comes from the store! It’s so easy because now the artist just comes to the store, and picks everything here that I used to run around to get.”

Still, there are times when even she needs to scour the city for certain must-haves that the celebs demand. Here, Zoë shares some of her special spots and A-list items:

To score Master P’s do-rags, Zoë heads to the Slawson Swapmeet, a South Central L.A. landmark that’s also big with Dr. Dre.

There are always mad dashes to Maxfield for Dr. Romanelli customized blazers ($1200) for Steven Tyler. (“Cher loves Maxfield too,” Zoe says.)

TLC can’t live without H. Lorenzo tank tops, which cost $450 each—“They’d say, ‘We want like six of them,’ and I’d laugh and tell them the budget covers one!”

All the rappers need their kicks from Conveyer at Fred Segal Santa Monica.

And we can’t overlook the goods found at Ruby Jean: One-of-a-kind sweaters with threads and special treatments by Josh and He Yang ($250); Lyn and Luz copper and brass cuffs engraved and embellished with python ($110); Ettie sweater dresses with hoodies and handmade patchwork motifs ($900).

And, Zoë says, a girl can’t live without a good pair of jeans. Her favorites? “I like J & Company. They’re so cute, with rhinestones on the pockets, and they’re reasonably priced at $139.” She also raves about Oligo Tissew Pussy Willow jeans ($189), and boots by C Label. “It’s all about that Frye boot style. I love that.” And her “Thea” bag by Junior Drake.

~Mandana Towhidy

Go There:

Ruby Jean, 15000 Ventura Blvd. #101, Sherman Oaks; 818-990-2200, rubyjeanclothing.com. Or email her at rubyjeanclothing@aol.com

Maxfield, 8825 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles; 310-274-8800

H Lorenzo, 8660 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles; 310-659-1432, hlorenzo.com

Conveyer @ Fred Segal Santa Monica, 420 Broadway, Santa Monica; 310-394-4787, fredsegalbeauty.com

For good global music, Battles suggests heading to one of her favorite spots, Zanzibar, an Indian/African-themed lounge with a line-up of soulful DJ’s playing bossa nova and afro-funk. 1301 5th St., Santa Monica, (310) 451-2221

And for good funk and hip-hop, Battles loves Temple Bar, an Asian-inspired music mecca with a roster of international DJs. 1026 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 393-6611. “You can see Prince a lot at Zanzibar,” says Battles. “And Stevie Wonder goes to Temple Bar a lot.”

For more info on Zoe Battles, zoebattles.com