Archive for the ‘Local Businesses’ Category
Interview with Grace Ellay Owner
Since we moved around the corner from Grace Ellay in Silver Lake, I’d been warily eyeing the boutique. I knew if I ventured inside, I’d wind up buying something. Grace Ellay had that look. The look that said: money is going to disappear from your wallet the minute you walk in because you’re going to see things you can’t live without. And when I visited Grace Ellay, I did purchased something, but it didn’t put as much of a dent in my wallet as I expected! The prices are remarkably lower than comparable boutiques, but the quality is super high. The owner, Ramey Arnold, has a great eye for unique clothing, jewelry and art. Ramey was super helpful and friendly, and even agreed to answer some questions about Grace Ellay and her experience owning a boutique in Silver Lake. Check it out!
Take Sunset: When did you open Grace Ellay?
Ramey Arnold: Grace Ellay opened in September 2007, and I have loved every single moment since.
Take Sunset: Why did you want to open your own boutique?
Ramey: I dreamed of opening my own business for almost ten years. I let the dream change and evolve until it took the right shape. Fundamentally, I knew I wanted to open a place that would attract like-minded people. I wanted all of the right elements to be involved, everything that I love: fashion, art, accessories, people, good conversation, wine…
Take Sunset: How would you describe Grace Ellay?
Ramey: I would describe it as a friendly and fashionable neighborhood gem. It’s a place to stop by and chat, pick out clothes that you look and feel good in, fall in love with a piece of art or an accessory, grab a gift for a friend, or just a treat for yourself. I love boutique shopping. So, I really wanted to give people a more affordable boutique option than they are used to. You know, go ahead, treat yourself and don’t feel guilty!
A Runner’s Circle
I feel too busy for everything these days–getting the dog groomed, going to the dentists, buying a new pair of running shoes. It all gets filled under: Stuff I seriously need to do but…
My New Balance shoes were starting to feel like a 7 layer dip with all the store-bought inserts and arch supports I used to keep them trucking along for a few more miles. And then my ankle started bugging me, and then my knees and lower back started to ache. So before I got a real injury, I knew it was time for new shoes!
Today, I finally headed into A Runner’s Circle in Atwater Village, and I am so glad I did. It’s hands-down the best running shoe store I’ve ever experienced. It’s not huge inside, but they have a good selection of running gear, a lot of which was on sale. I was immediately greeted by Joe, the owner, who was super friendly. He asked me how frequently and long I run, where I run, and then asked me to walk for him and to stand on one foot, so he could check my balance and find out if I overpronate or underpronate. He then measured my feet, and I realized my old running shoes were a half size too small. That’s why I was having pain in my toes! Oops.
Once Joe had thoroughly analyzed everything, he brought out four pairs of shoes. I tried them on, walked around the store, and even took my two favorites out for a spin down Los Feliz Blvd. I ended up with a great pair of Brooks, a brand I wasn’t very familiar with and probably wouldn’t have even tried on, if it hadn’t been for A Runner’s Circle.
Overall, this shopping experience was A+. The customer service was awesome. Joe was so knowledgeable and helpful and really took his time explaining everything to me. I learned a lot about running shoes and even got some great running tips!
A Runner’s Circle is also very active in the running community, and they have a ARC Run Club, which meets on Thursdays at 6 PM at the store. To be updated about A Runner’s Circle’s sales and events, you can connect with them on Facebook at A-Runners-Circle.
A Runner’s Circle
3216 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 661-8971
Forage in Silver Lake
There has been quite a lot of chatter about Forage since it opened in Silver Lake. But for those just driving by its Sunset Junction location—as I do daily–it managed to open relatively quietly, nabbing the space previously occupied by Town & Country.
Forage’s menu is right up my alley–super fresh ingredients that rotate with whatever is in season. There are lots of fresh options, like the raved about Pork Belly Sandwich or their daily quiche offering. Particularly tempting are the combo plates where you can order a protein, like Jidori Rotisserie Chicken, and an option of sides–Market Vegetables, Beets with Citrus-Ginger Slaw, Creamy Scalloped Potatoes and more.
Forage also holds a harvest call every Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can drop by with your homegrown produce, and members of Forage’s culinary team will figure out how they can use it on their upcoming menu. They also post forage calls on their site of the produce they’re actively foraging.
Urban Pet In Silver Lake
The newest addition to the local pet store scene is Urban Pet. Located in the quiet (and somewhat empty) stretch to Santa Monica between Virgil and Hoover, Urban Pet is looking to appeal to local Silver Lake and Los Feliz residents with its healthy and green pet supplies.
Now the largest pet store in the neighborhood, the 4,000 square foot store is home to over 5,000 innovative pet supplies for dogs, cats, fish and reptiles. Aside from a broad selection of premium foods including brands like Evo, California Natural, Karma, Halo, and Wellness, the store stocks organic and environmentally-friendly products including popular items like eco naps made from soda pop bottles, hemp leashes and bio-degradable waste bags.
There will be a launch party this Saturday, March 6th from 6 – 9PM. Food, wine and free valet!
Urban Pet is located at 4475 Santa Monica Boulevard at Virgil. Parking and entrance is behind the store. Open M-F, 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 7pm and Sunday, 9am to 6pm. Learn more at www.theurbanpet.net.
Echo Park Art Walk
I’ve been looking for new art to decorate my new apartment. This weekend’s Echo Park PDA (public displays of ART) is the perfect event to check out some up and coming artists’ wares.
The event is on Saturday, February 6, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and begins at the corner of Echo Park Ave. and Delta St. You will receive a map of the impromptu local galleries, including chain link fence galleries, driveway theaters, hands-on crafting stations, performance art spaces, intersection musical performances, outdoor movie screenings, sculptures, parking lot mini concerts, and more. Before you head out to get your art on, stop fuel up at Chango (1559 Echo Park Ave) with their delicious coffee, bagels and scones.
McCall’s Meat & Fish In Los Feliz
Local foodies have been buzzing about the upcoming arrival of McCall’s Meat & Fish Co. in Los Feliz. Brought to you by husband and wife chefs Karen Yoo and Nathan McCall, this little shop on Hillhurst will offer high quality sausages, certified Angus beef, sushi-grade fish from the downtown L.A. fish markets, and dry-aged meat from Newport Meat Co.
The couple also plans to share tips on butchering and how to prepare and cook the foods. No prepared foods will be offered, but pre-seasoned and pre-tied roasts ready to be tossed into the oven will be available.
I emailed them yesterday to see when they might finally open to the public and Karen responded that they were aiming for Wednesday (1/27) of this week. She also sent me a few pics of the inside. Check them out:
Can’t wait for this awesome addition to the neighborhood!
McCall’s Meat & Fish
2117 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Sirens and Sailors in Echo Park
Sirens and Sailors is located in little Victorian bungalow right off Sunset in Echo Park. The boutique is owned by Jennifer Phillips and frequented by stylists looking to pick up pieces from both LA and international designers, like Grey Ant and Vivienne Westwood.
If you’re looking for unique, beautiful clothes, this is your spot. There are new and vintage items and a small selection of men’s clothing. Sirens and Sailors also carries shoes and amazing accessories. (I’m currently dying over a few of their necklaces.) Plus, they have little odds and ends like Crazylibellule Perfume Sticks and Cupcake Lipgloss.
Sirens and Sailors
1104 Mohawk St. (Sunset Blvd.)
(213) 483-5423
Interview with Bobbie Boutique Owner
Newly opened Echo Park boutique, Bobbie, carries cool, affordable lines like Mink Pink, Motel, BB Dakota, Jack by BB Dakota, and more. Bobbie’s owner Kate Moore was sweet enough to chat with Take Sunset about Bobbie, why she decided to open a boutique in Echo Park, and some of her favorite spots in the area.
Take Sunset: When did you open Bobbie?
Kate Moore: November 27, 2009.
TS: Why did you want to open your own boutique?
Kate: I had been a buyer/manager for four years at a store called Wolfgang in Florida. At 21, I decided to quit and move to Los Angeles alone to kind of do the whole get as far away from home as possible thing. After not working and living in downtown LA for about a year, I decided I missed the shop life, but I did not miss working under someone. So I decided to make my own shop, and here I am.
TS: How would you describe Bobbie?
Kate: Bobbie is affordable fashion forward clothing for everyone. Bobbie has something for everyone, and pieces that are versatile so you can wear them more than one way. I also try to get new stuff in frequently so that people have something new to look at every time they come in.
TS: Why did you want to open a boutique in the Echo Park/Silver Lake area? Read more…
Interview with Oou Owner Nina Galbert
While doing a little last minute holiday shopping, I popped into Oou in Los Feliz. I had been to the shop a couple times before, but honestly I try to keep my shopping to a minimum because I’m bad at browsing. When I shop, I like to shop. Oou has a fantastic mix of reasonably priced new items, vintage finds and higher-end pieces. It’s the perfect spot to find something special–a cute dress for a night out, an interesting piece of jewelry, or a vintage top. I ended up snagging a ridiculously cute Marc Jacobs lookalike handbag for $70 on my “holiday” shopping trip. The bag is gorgeous! And I hooked up an interview with Oou owner Nina Galbert.
Take Sunset: When did you open Oou?
Nina Galbert: I opened Oou with a former business partner August 8, 2000. So oou has been around for about 91/2 years! Hard to believe that it has been that long.
TS: Why did you want to open your own boutique?
Nina: I moved to Los Angeles from San Francisco and had dabbled a bit in retail. I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so I suppose I’ve always wanted to have my own business. I love clothing so my own clothing shop made perfect sense!
TS: How would you describe Oou?
Nina: Oou to me is really reflective of how I (and many of my friends) approach fashion. It’s an eclectic mix of contemporary clothing with vintage, masculine/feminine and high and low prices.
TS: Why did you want to open a boutique specifically in the neighborhood of Los Feliz? Read more…
Spice Station in Silver Lake
Tucked down an alley in Sunset Junction between Secret Headquarters comic shop and Town and Country Bakery & Cafe is the newly opened Spice Station. It carries over 100 spices, salts, spice blends and gift sets. Most of the spices come whole and are ground fresh by the ounce, so you can get as much or as little as you need. The walls are lined with spice jars, which you can sample. Prices at the Spice Station are surprisingly reasonable, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
This would be a great place to purchase a unique gift for the foodie in your life or to inject a dose of inspiration into your cooking. From artisanal salts to dried chiles, truffle salt, cardamon, rosemary, and saffron–Spice Station has all your spice needs covered.
Spice Station
3819 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 660-2565
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Copyright 2009 Take Sunset. Designed by Curt Ziegler.
