(A look at the new creamery)
The Neveux Artisan Creamery and Espresso Bar opened their doors just last week. Located at 7407 1/2 Melrose Avenue, the creamery is pretty straightforward: bistro style chairs and tables and a fancy espresso machine ready to brew. But its the unique ice cream flavors,made in-house, that will have me coming back. Some of the flavors were salted caramel, strawberry balsamic, roasted banana, and honey lavender. I took the kid as a treat and she proceeded to taste each one but settled on the roasted banana. I had the honey lavender. Owner Leo Neveux was really sweet and while the kid opted for a cone, I had a cup that was kept in the freezer for extra cool action. (A look at my honey lavender ice cream after the jump.) Read More
(Clockwise from right: Wako Wako furniture; obsessed with these Tabi Boots, only $64; the kid taking her own photos; Boucherourite rag rug from Morocco)
On Sunday, the kid and I went on a photographic walk around the neighborhood. (She was armed with a Nintendo DSI for her equipment.) But really, the purpose for the walk was for me to check out the new Iko Iko store on 931 North Fairfax Avenue. Owners Kristin Dickson (designer of the awesome line Rowena Sartin) and Shin Okuda of Waka Waka furiture relocated Iko Iko from Echo Park to this lovely space just south of Lola’s. You’ll find wonderfully curated artwork, Waka Waka furniture, jewelry by Hanna Keefe, and stoneware works by MerkelWare. (Check out some more items after the jump.) Read More
(A creation from JMary, image via jmary.com)
In our latest article for the JC Report, we zoom in on the luxe side of LA’s fashion landscape. Even though it’s a small community, this city is home to a few designers who have dedicated themselves to the top tier of the pyramid, with finest materials, superb tailoring, and designs that pushes the envelope. From the ever elusive JMary, to the dark vision of Michel Berandi and the relaxed dreams in cashmere from The Elder Statesman, read our guide here.
There is a shopping life after Thursday’s FNO. This weekend, Bauer Pottery will be opening their showroom for an end-of-summer sale. You’ll find current stock, samples, and more starting at 30% off. Helms Design District Vintage Boutique event will also be happening this weekend with many new vendors selling their vintage wares. (I’m loving the beautiful necklaces featured above.) And mark your calendar for A Current Affair‘s fourth edition on September 24-25. Designer Melissa Coker from Wren will be hosting the preview party. You know what to do. Jump to the Sales Calendar.
(Tasha hitting the Annenberg Pool last summer)
We cannot believe that the summer is almost over. How did that happen? Well, we will be drowning our sorrows starting tomorrow for the long weekend. Maybe we can meet at the Annenberg Pool? Save us a lounge chair! We’ll be back on Tuesday, September 6.
(A limited-edition piece by artist Albert Reyes)
Starting this Sunday, Fairfax High School’s Melrose Trading Post will be hosting local art gallery Mastodon Mesa with an art pop-up tent and performance space. Mastodon Mesa, curated and founded by Cinefamily’s own Mya Stark (we profiled her here), will enjoy a 12-month-long residency at the Trading Post, introducing a new artist each month. Local artist Albert Reyes will start off the residency, featuring his pop-cultured but politically charged pieces. (Take another look at his work after the jump.) Read More
(Clockwise from left: Stephanie Tillman’s embroidery; Brandon Bird’s paint-by-number kit)
It’s a been a while since we mentioned the Pygmy Hippo Shoppe located at 306 North Stanley Avenue. The smallest store ever is packed with great gift ideas. Although it’s not completely geared for kids, I always like bringing the kid in so that she can select one item for me to buy. Over the weekend, I couldn’t help but be drawn to this hilarious embroidered piece by Stephanie Tillman. Freaking hilarious! Pygmy has a few of them in the store and they are too funny and well done. I’m also loving the Brandon Bird’s strange paint-by-number kit, which I meant to pick up but so didn’t want to share the project with the kid. (Check out an adorable gift I did buy, after the jump.) Read More
(Designer Sonya Ooten, left, and a view of the store)
Sad to hear that the Sonya Ooten Gem Bar at 238 North Larchmont Boulevard is closing its doors for good on August 26. Sonya is a local jewelry designer known for her beautiful, signature crochet style jewelry and celebrity following. The store not only showcased her latest designs but also featured other jewelry lines, clothing by Tucker and Ulla Johnson, and bags by Justice Bordan. The Gem Bar has been in this location for more than five years, but now that the lease is up, Sonya’s no longer renewing. No word yet if there are plans to open in another location. Of course, they’re holding markdowns until August 26. Read More
(Summer beauties from Carmen Steffens)
Handbag and shoe label Carmen Steffens just added further markdowns on their site. I spotted some playful summer wedges as well as bejeweled flip-flops, but they’re going fast. A number of styles are sold out already. And still ongoing: two moving sales, Sunset Junction staple Kelly Green as well as West 3rd Street’s Inago are packing up to move quarters. To take advantage of Kelly Green’s sale, they’re trying to increase their facebook and twitter followers to 5,000. Last we checked, that number had not been hit. See the details on our Sales Calendar.
Occupation: Fashion designer
Address: www.gerenford.com
Why we like her: Geren has been a favorite of ours for years. She’s the queen of easy chic. With one of her pieces, you’re always well dressed, be it a tailored leather dress or a soft and sexy silk shirt. She has this wonderful ability to merge comfort and style, resulting in a look that perfectly exemplifies Los Angeles more sophisticated side. The same goes for her footwear, where Geren takes classic shapes such as ballerinas, pumps, or oxfords, and puts her own spin on them, resulting in understated must-haves with just enough edge to draw attention. (Our city according to Ford after the jump.) Read More
