Not many L.A. specialty shops have expanded in the aftermath of the recession, but Burbank's Karabel is so expert at providing high-quality activewear to discerning yoga adherents, dancers, ballerinas, performing arts students and TV special effects people that it has thrived — enough to open another shop, this one in Sherman Oaks. At any given time there might be a gaggle of little girls ogling the puffy tulle tutus in one corner of the store, or a guy at the counter querying owner Lori Binkly about dance belts — hidden support that guys use during yoga classes or dancing to create a clean line. Binkly, who often can be found helping customers on the floor, invented her own item, the flesh-colored bit bag, which, she says laughing, is a “man sock” on a thong used in nude work. But most people simply want the basics: comfortable and long-wearing yoga pants, leotards, leggings, jazz pants and unitards in great colors, ranging from children's to men's sizes. 3901 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. (818) 955-8480; 4621 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 385-1635, karabel.com.

—N. Jenssen

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