Those of you within walking distance of Atwater Village Farm, I’m seriously jealous. The newly opened shop offers affordable, organic farm-to-table produce, meat and bread from local and regional farms. They also carry specialty items from local vendors, such as mustard, pickles, jam, honey, olive oil, nuts and more.

The shop just opened on Friday, but it’s been generating buzz since early last summer–thanks in part to owner Piper Goldstein, who’s been known to farm in a gold lamé dress. Goldstein, a former rock tour chef for Beastie Boys and The Black Eyed Peas, transformed her own Atwater Village backyard into a farm while recovering from a major shoulder injury. What started out as a personal evolution, ultimately grew into a business idea and community project. Goldstein wanted the people of Atwater Village directly involved in the business’ start up, so the shop was partially funded through Kickstarter.com–a fundraising platform for creative projects. (If you missed the fundraising video, it’s still worth a look.) Ultimately, 191 community supporters donated $22,365.

After the new year, the store will continue to evolve into a community meeting place with educational programs, cookbook signings from farm-to-table chefs, cooking classes, happy hours and produce basket subscriptions.

Atwater Village Farm is open seven days a week from 11am to 8pm. They will be closed Christmas Day and New Years Day, but they’re open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 11am to 4pm so you can grab last minute items.

Atwater Village Farm
3224 Glendale Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90039
(323) 660-8888

Have you been to Atwater Village Farm yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section!

This year, make life easier and shop your neighborhood instead. And (note to self) maybe try to do it before the bitter end. Check out some of Take Sunset’s favorite spots in Silver Lake for gift giving…

HOME DECOR:

Lawson Fenning – There are tons of great gifts at my all-time favorite Silver Lake furniture store, from glassware to hanging terrariums, slate cheese boards, rugs, books and a tons of other tasteful and stylish gifts. 1618 Silver Lake Blvd.

Hemingway And Pickett – This shop offers off-beat housewares like Realax Stools by Cloud that have axe handle legs (perfect for subtly passive aggressive gift giving!) and Rorschach inkblot pillows and tea towels. They also carry art, accessories ornaments and cards. 3208 W Sunset Blvd.

OK – A one-stop-shop for specialty housewares, including dinnerware from Heath and an assortment of ceramics, glass, sculpture, books, jewelry and even kid’s stuff. 1724 1/2 Silverlake Blvd.

Kellygreen Home – The perfect spot to grab eco-friendly items for the home that are still incredibly stylish. 4008 Santa Monica Blvd.

FASHION:

Mohawk General Store – They have scarves and (swoon) shoes from Rachel Comey, A.P.C. and Comme Des Garcons leather bags, jewelry by Samma and so much other brilliant stuff you’ll have a hard time not shopping for yourself. 4011 W Sunset Blvd.

Vivier and Bentley – If you’re shopping for a stylish woman, all you have to do is walk in this handbag and jewelry shop and grab the first thing that catches your eye. Trust me, she’ll love it. 1404 Micheltorena St.

After the break, best places in Silver Lake for gifts in Food + Wine, Health + Beauty and Kids!

FOOD + WINE:

Broome Street General Store – This is the perfect place to pick up a last minute housewarming gift. They carry treats and pastries from Valerie Confections and Cake Monkey as well as an unexpected mixture of housewares, apothecary, letterpress cards and jewelery. Plus, coffee. 2912 Rowena Ave.

Silverlake Wine – My go-to, super-easy spot for gifts the neighborhood is Silverlake Wine. They’ll help you pick out a fantastic bottle or put together a tantalizing gift box. 2395 Glendale Blvd.

Spice Station – For the gourmet in your life, the Spice Station has packaged gift sets with individual tins filled with various spices, salts or teas. Options include a Chile Set, French Spice & Herb Set, Gourmet Finishing Salt Set and many more. 3819 W. Sunset Blvd.

HEALTH + BEAUTY:

The Pilates Bodyshop – For the fitness buff (or anyone who’s stuck in front of a computer all day!) give the gift of movement, focus and flexibility. 2894 Rowena Ave.

The Establishment – What’s better than a stocking full of Aveda products? Or a gift certificate for a brand new ‘do? Not a whole lot. 2894 Rowena Ave.

KIDS:

Yolk – They have lots of stuff for the home too, but I always end up at Yolk when I’m looking for a baby or kids gift. 1626 Silver Lake Blvd.

These are only an assortment of the terrific shops here in Silver Lake. Did I miss one of your favorites? Let me know in the comments!

Amsterdam Modern is having a huge warehouse sale to get ready for their newest shipment arriving soon from Amsterdam. There are deals to be found on lots of great pieces, including stacking chairs, chandeliers, desks, tables, lamps, pottery, credenzas, lounge & office chairs, wall units and more! Get a jump on your holiday shopping, or even better–treat yourself to something! The sale preview is Friday, November 18 from 11am-4pm. Sale day is Saturday, November 19 from 10am-4pm.

Amsterdam Modern – Warehouse Location
14123 Bessemer Street
Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 590-9100

I’m not a crafty, do-it-yourself type person. The thought of sewing something by hand makes me feel itchy, but I do admire other people who can put together a handmade outfit that doesn’t resemble the Theo Huxtable shirt. For those of you who are crafty or who are interesting in becoming a little more adept in that area, check out Sew L.A. in Silver Lake.

The second floor storefront on Silver Lake Boulevard (right across from LAMILL Coffee) can be easy to overlook. (I’d walked past it countless times assuming it was a tailor, but like I said, I repel craft.) Sew L.A. is actually a woman-owned, family-run fabric shop and sewing classroom. They have beginner to advanced classes, available for both private and group, where you can learn to sew home decor items, accessories, handbags, and apparel like skirts, dresses, basic tees, coats, kids items and more. Sew L.A. also carries gorgeous fabrics–mainly sourced from small companies and independent designers–both online and in the shop. They have really great online reviews, too!

Sew L.A.
1637 1/2 Silver Lake Boulevard, 2nd floor
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Open everyday, 11am-6pm
(323) 665-7097

(Image Source: Sew L.A. Flickr)

I love it when new stores open in the neighborhood, especially places where I can shop without maxing out my credit card! Back in April, Husband and wife team Nate Archer and Sunny Walker open Painted Bird in Silver Lake, just a few blocks from Sunset Junction. This is the shop’s second location. The original Painted Bird in San Francisco has been around since 2005.

Painted Bird carries a mix of vintage fashions for men and women, including layering basics, printed sundresses, denim, knits, silk pieces, handbags and jewelry. There are also new pieces from brands like Them Jeans and Alternative Apparel. Everything in the shop is marked at an affordable level, with most price tags under $80.

You can also find Painted Bird’s own line of handmade shoes, including oxfords, lace ups, buckle boots and sandals, all priced under $90! They sell out quickly when in stock, but they’re definitely worth checking out. Plus, you can buy, sell or trade your unwanted clothes for 35% in cash or 55% in trade for new (to you) merchandise. With all the affordability, Painted Bird doesn’t have that disorganized everything must go! Urban Outfitters sale section vibe. Rather, it feels like the ultra-cool closet of a vintage shopping pro. And lucky us–we get to raid it.

Painted Bird
4208 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
Open 7 days a week, 12pm – 7pm
(323) 522-3368

Handbag designer Clare Vivier and jewelry designer Kathryn Bentley teamed up to launch a storefront and shared design studio in Silver Lake this spring, aptly named Vivier and Bentley. This place is seriously dangerous shopping territory for me. It’s as if someone has been watching my dreams and created a shop based from my fashion fantasies.

Before I checked out Vivier and Bentley in person, I scoped out Bentley’s jewelry and Vivier’s handbags online, but seeing their work in person was truly exceptional.

The storefront is actually tiny, but only a small part of the overall square footage is used for customers. The rest functions as a studio/workshop space. You can peek around the corner and see gorgeous, brightly colored leather stacked high, ready to be transformed into chic handbags.

Bentley’s jewelry is divided into two lines–the refined but still slightly tough Kathryn Bentley line, which uses precious stones and even diamonds, and the more accessible and organic Dream Collective. Prices range from around $50 to $2,500 for more serious pieces.

Both of Bentley’s lines pair gorgeously together and also work really well with Vivier’s understated leather bags and wallets, which range from $79 to $460, which if you know handbags, really isn’t that bad. (This is also the line I used on Rob.)

Of course, I had to get a bag. It was hard to pick between all the gorgeous options, but I ended up with the CV Messenger in black. A practical choice since I needed an everday black bag, but this puppy is pretty fantastic, too. It’s made of super soft nubuck leather, extremely lightweight, with beautiful gold hardware. It even comes with a little wallet too.

Vivier and Bentley also carries a small selection of local brands, including ceramics and wall hangings from Heather Levine, pottery from Victoria Morris, and handmade leather shoes from Eastside designer Beatrice Valenzuela. I’m hoping this selection will continue to grow, or at least rotates, because I’d love to see what else Vivier and Bentley are into.

Items from Vivier and Bentley’s individual lines are carried at area stores, like Mohawk General Store (Vivier’s bags are also at Steve Allen and Theory) but Vivier and Bentley’s Micheltorena boutique will feature limited edition pieces from both designers. Yet another reason to make frequent trips to the shop! Be sure to stop by, but don’t say I didn’t warn you–or your pocketbook.

Vivier and Bentley
1404 Micheltorena Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 665-2476
Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm

(Image Source: Clare Vivier, jeana_sohn, L.A. In Bloom, Heather Levine)

Shopping at a giant supermarket chain can be pretty bleak. Navigating the parking lot alone can be a crazy-making experience! Heading to the corner store means you can walk, but it might also mean dinner is a 711 hot dog, which is probably not organic…

Green grocer Cookbook in Echo Park is the perfect answer. Owned by Marta Teegan (trained chef, master gardener, and author of Homegrown: A Growing Guide for Creating a Cook’s Garden) and Robert Stelzner, Cookbook sells local, responsibly grown vegetables, meat, cheese, bread, fruit, herbs, coffee, chocolate, and other goodies. Even though the shop is small, they have everything you need to put together a perfect meal, plus some decadent extras.

And for lazy people (me included), there’s fresh pasta, sauce and sandwiches from Heirloom LA, and a daily selection of prepared foods from featured cookbooks, hence the name!

Have you been to Cookbook in Echo Park? If so, let me know your thoughts in the comments section!

Cookbook
1549 Echo Park Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 250-1900
Open daily: 8am – 8pm

(Image Source: The Eastsider, At Home At Home, Eat Drink & Be Merry)

Owner and teacher Kerri Campbell sat down with Take Sunset to answer some questions about Pilates, how she decided to open a studio in Silver Lake, and where she goes once she takes off the “black unitard”. Plus, don’t miss a special Pilates Bodyshop discount just for Take Sunset readers!

Take Sunset: How did you get started in Pilates?

Kerri Campbell: I first experienced mat Pilates on a bare linoleum floor in college. The class was made up of professional dancers and me, the lone writing student who couldn’t touch her toes. It was more then a little disheartening, but I loved the work. During my junior year I was hit by a car and had multiple injuries to rehab, so I sought out a teacher who could train me one-on-one. After three or four lessons, I was moving better then I had since my accident.

TS: How did you start teaching Pilates?

Kerri: When I moved to Los Angeles, I couldn’t find a teacher with the depth of knowledge I was seeking, so I enrolled in my first teaching program with the goal of teaching myself. But after my student teaching was complete, I realized I wanted to pursue Pilates as a career.

TS: For the uninitiated, can you give us some Pilates basics?

Kerri: Pilates is close to a hundred years old and is based on the work and teachings of Joseph H. Pilates. It’s a movement practice where you use your mind to move your body, thereby creating deep and meaningful changes. Pilates can be done on both specially designed equipment and without, as in Pilates Mat. As Fletcher would say, “Movement is like life. You get out of it what you put into it.”

TS: Speaking of which, at The Pilates Bodyshop, you teach Fletcher Pilates. What makes this style of Pilates unique?

Kerri: Fletcher Pilates® is a trademarked lineage of Pilates that was created by our teacher Ron Fletcher who brought Pilates to LA in 1972. It not only encompasses the original Pilates repertoire, but also has many innovations and additional elements, such as Fletcher Towelwork™, Fletcher Floorwork™, Fletcher Barrework™, and Percussive breath. We look at Pilates as a movement practice, an art, and a science. This isn’t just “working out” or trying to beat the body down–we’re trying to teach the body to move better and thereby look better.

TS: Who can benefit from Pilates?

Kerri: Anyone who has an interest in exploring their body’s full potential. This work is open to all–the young, the old, the hip, the injured, those in great shape, and those with no shape. It’s our job to help you develop a practice that works for you.

TS: I love your attitude. I can speak to the fact that you create a very welcoming and laid-back atmosphere while also being very serious about Pilates. Can you talk about why you wanted to open your own studio?

Kerri: I wanted to be instrumental in creating a positive and open space for people to explore this work. Having worked for some great business people–and some not so ethical people–in the past, I wanted to take all I had learned and try something a little out of the ordinary. My first studio is in Atwater Village inside The Paddock Riding Club and is a private studio for riders. Once we had a few more teachers complete the Pilates Program of Study, I wanted to expand so we could offer this work to a wider group of people. The goal was to have a large, fully equipped studio where we taught as a team and all of the teachers had the same education, so our clients had a seamless experience and progress with each lesson.

TS: What makes The Pilates Bodyshop different from other Pilates studios in the area?

Kerri: Aside from being the only Fletcher Pilates® studio in Los Angeles, we also offers Private Lessons, several Studio Classes per day, including Mat Classes at different levels, Fletcher Floorwork™, Barrework™, 4×4 Classes in our equipment space, and several other unique classes that only we teach. The studio is also a whopping 2,800 square feet so we have enough space to really move around, and we have a huge parking lot in the back. We also have Diane Severino, a true Master Teacher. She taught at Ron Fletcher’s original studio in Beverly Hills and was in his book Every Body is Beautiful. Diane teaches the Old School Class on Saturday mornings and is available for private lessons too. And beginning in July, we’ll start offering massage therapy from a variety of skilled therapists.

TS: Why did you decide to open The Pilates Bodyshop in Silver Lake in particular?

Kerri: I picked Silver Lake because it has a unique sense of community where progressive ideas and businesses are able to flourish. And since opening, I’ve come to have an even deeper appreciation for this neighborhood.

TS: Do you also live in Silver Lake?

Kerri: Atwater Village, baby! And I’m a huge fan. You’ll see me at the Atwater Village Farmer’s Market ever Sunday, but you might not recognize me without my black unitard on.

TS: What are some of your favorite shops and restaurants to go to when you’re not in the black unitard?

Kerri: I love to eat and I’m a big fan of Forage, Indochine, Cliff’s Edge, and Little Dom’s in the ‘hood. When I’m really going to let loose I love to indulge at Bazaar. I’m recently obsessed with the Broome Street General Store for coffee and every other fabulous thing they offer. I also can’t stay out of our new neighbor’s salon, The Establishment. They have so many yummy Aveda products to sample.

TS: We love those places too! Any advice for people thinking about taking their first Pilates lesson?

Kerri: My best advice is to just try it and give Fletcher Pilates® a chance. It probably won’t be what you thought, but that can be a good thing! We have so much to offer and there is something for almost everyone. It’s hard to walk through the door, we know that, but we want to teach you and we were once the ones taking our first lesson too. Oh, and please don’t wear shorts to your session.

TS: Yes, wear leggings! Any summer specials that Take Sunset readers should know about?

Kerri: For new clients we have a great Introductory Package The Fletcher 101, which is 4 Private Lessons and 2 Studio classes. But for your readers, we are offering 2 Free Studio Classes with any purchase. Just mention Take Sunset.

TS: Awesome, we love Take Sunset specials! Thanks so much, Kerri.

Kerri: Thanks. We’re so happy to be here and really appreciate everyone who has begun to make the studio such an amazing place to be.

The Pilates Bodyshop
2894 Rowena Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Monday – Friday: 7am-8pm, Saturday: 7am-1pm
(323) 522-6742

If you’re not careful, you could cruise right by Broome Street General Store in Silver Lake, but that would be a major mistake. This sweet little bungalow on Rowena (the former home of Freight and Zanzabelle) just opened at the beginning of the month and it’s drawing the neighborhood crowd to it’s 30-seat patio and store for a cup of coffee, treats, housewares, and more. It’s easily walkable from the Reservoir path and the surrounding neighborhood, making it the perfect spot to pick up a meal to-go or to unwind on the patio.

Owned by Peter Graham and Sophie Esteban, Broome Street General Store is a throwback to general stores of old, but offering the most sought after staples of modern day, like New York’s Gimme! Coffee, gourmet pantry items from Morris Kitchen, kitchenwares, sundries, and even furnishings, jewelry, and vintage finds.

Plus, there are prepared foods from Heirloom LA, Valerie Confections, and Cake Monkey, including salted caramel croissants, blueberry vanilla bean handpies, cheddar bacon scones, and lunch/dinner options like seared steak sandwiches, roasted veggie sandwiches, and roasted carrot salads, just to name a few. More food options are coming this summer, including Fried Chicken Fridays starting in July.

Gimme! Coffee is proving to be a major draw at Broome St. General Store. The New York-based company is known for their high-quality beans, artisan roasting, and dedication to sustainability. In NY, they have a half dozen shops, but Broome St. General Store is the only spot in California where you’ll find these beans. And from what we hear, New Yorkers marooned in LA are thrilled to finally find their beloved cup of Joe (and bag of beans) here on the West Coast.

Broome Street General Store
2912 Rowena Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Monday – Saturday: 8am-8pm, Sunday: 9am-6pm

(Image Source: eatingla, fashionintel)

As those of you who live in Silver Lake know, the section of W Silver Lake Dr to Rowena has been closed due to construction for like ever forcing everyone to take the windy backroads. But the city of LA is finally done doing whatever it is they were doing, and getting to Trader Joe’s is now less headachey. Although, once you’re there–bring some Advil. Driving that stretch of Rowena has alerted me to two brand new businesses: The Pilates Bodyshop (which is awesome!) and The Establishment Salon, which officially opens tomorrow, June 15th.

The Establishment is a full service Aveda salon and spa and it will be open for business seven days a week–practically unheard of in the industry where Monday is a mandatory day off. Establishment owners/husband and wife Carly Flynn and Howie Goldklang have owned Establishment’s flagship location in Milwaukee since 2004, and they’re fulfilling a long-term dream by moving back to Los Angeles–their “adventureland”. Howie was cool enough to answer some of Take Sunset’s questions, and he even provided a 20% off code just for Take Sunset readers, so don’t miss that at the end!

Take Sunset: How long have you and Carly been in the hair business?

Howie Goldklang: Carly has been a stylist and makeup artist for 16 years. Before opening our flagship Establishment location in 2004, she was on the floor at Trio (Chicago), Bumble and bumble (NYC) and Rudy’s Barbershop (LA). My salon life starts a bit later–I worked primarily in film and production, but after about 3 years as a salon owner, I went to beauty school so I could get a better understanding of life behind the chair. 

TS: Why did you want to open a salon in LA? And specifically, in Silver Lake?

Goldklang: I’m a New Yorker and Carly is from Milwaukee, but we met in LA, so LA has always been our neutral adventureland. Opening Establishment LA stemmed from an idea Carly shared with her roommate from beauty school who is an LA-based stylist. As the new salon project grew, our friend decided to focus on her freelance career, which she is rocking! But the fire was lit for Carly and me to move back to LA and make the salon work. Silver Lake is a perfect fit–it’s unique to LA, everyone seems so multifaceted, fit, energetic, diverse, artistic, and vibrant. It has the street life and subtle energy of NYC and the laid back, neighborhood charm of the Midwest. We couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.         

TS: How does The Establishment standout from other salons in the area?

Goldklang: First of all, we’re open 7 days a week! Brunch and salon day on Sundays? Yes! Service Industry Mondays? Yes! Also, we were blown away by the cool, down-to-earth stylists we were able to hire. Their skills were so strong, clean, and creative. And I think our clients will be pleasantly surprised by the accessible, family oriented, laid back vibe of our salon–all while delivering high-end services. And lastly, we’re an Aveda concept salon, so the high quality salon experience will help us stand out, too.

TS: What services do you offer?

Goldklang: We will offer men’s and women’s haircuts and color, full service waxing from brows to Brazilian, Aveda spa facials, makeup application, extensions, product eduction, and rocking out good music.

More of TS’s interview with Howie Goldklang about The Establishment Salon and a 20% off code just for Take Sunset readers, after the break!

TS: Can you talk a bit about the design of the new salon?

Goldklang: You’ve just gotta see it! It’s a Milwaukee story actually–two of Carly’s best friends from high school are both living in LA and have amazing design/building/art careers. We were thrilled that both of them had the time to help us build our new salon home. Derek Kistner of Ink & Wood Inc. (build credits include: Craft Los Angeles, Babycakes NYC) did a custom blueprint that maximized every inch of our space. Stacie Jaye of SJM Fine Art, who did the fine art interior at The Edison, created a commissioned art work on the salon’s walls and did silver leafing at the front of the house. Pop in and check it out!

TS: How do you foresee your clientele?

Goldklang: We picture our clientele being a cross section of Silver Lake–moms with roots, rockers with asymmetrical awesomness, young professionals with expressive color, cool dads who want tight cuts.

TS: Any specials that Take Sunset readers should know about?

Goldklang: We’d like to offer 20% off to all Take Sunset readers all summer long! Just mention TAKE SUNSET when booking through September 1. Also, keep an eye on our social network outlets on Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare and Yelp for other specials.

TS: Great! Thanks, Howie!

The Establishment Salon
Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 10am-8pm, Thursday – Friday: 9am-7pm, Saturday – Sunday: 9am-6pm
2894 Rowena Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 230-6100