Today I stumbled upon Vamp Shoe’s blog and it has so much great shoe inspiration! (Shoespiration?) I’m already a fan of Vamp and own a number of shoes from the Los Feliz shop. Even when I’m “just looking”, I usually end up finding a pair that I have to own. Their inventory is not huge, but it’s quality with brands like French Sole FS/NY, Frye, Minnetonka, Swedish Hasbeens, Kork-Ease, Jeffrey Campbell and one of my favorites, Rachel Comey.

Vamp is conveniently located on Hillhurst Avenue right by the Steve Alan Outpost, so after you buy yourself some new shoes, you can empty rest of you bank account on slightly reduced button-down shirts!

I’m trying to ignore the fact that Vamp now has an online shop, too. Danger zone.

Vamp Shoes
1951 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 11am-6pm

You know when you walk into a store and it’s just totally right and you immediately start dreaming about where each piece will go in your home? That’s what happens when you step into Garde, the newly-opened home furnishings and personal accessories store on Beverly Blvd, owned by Scotti Sitz.

Sitz is both impeccably stylish and incredibly sweet. She’s had an impressive career–working first for Calvin Klein and later as the director of retail development for Giorgio Armani. The classic, minimal style of those major brands finds its way into Garde’s retail space, which use to be an old electronics repair shop–untouched for over 30 years. “It was a boring space with no character,” Sitz tells Take Sunset. “I thought, how do I create an inviting environment out of nothing?” She completely overhauled the space. “You name it, we gutted it,” she says. “There was an old drop ceiling with 1950′s tiles, the skylight was boarded up, linoleum on the floors, bad windows, partitions.”

The end result is light, open, modern and minimal without being austere. “The space was long and narrow, so I needed to divide it without walls or partitions,” Sitz explains. “We painted the big grey stripe through the middle, added shelving and display surfaces so you have a subtle feeling of different spaces, but still open and gallery-like.” When asked about her design influences, Sitz says she has many–gathering her likes and dislikes over the years in order to fine tune her own style. But for this project, one particular inspiration stands out. “In the past couple of years, my go-to design influence has been the Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen,” Sitz states. “Mr. Van Duysen represents the minimalist, which is in my nature, but without being severe. He puts the warmth and tactile elements back in spaces and manages to keep all the rooms flowing in a natural direction.”

As for picking Garde’s location on Beverly Boulevard, Sitz explains that she use to live right around the corner and has watched the neighborhood change into the perfect location for her retail store. “It’s become the neighborhood of higher-end vintage furniture and design, without being over the top,” she says. ”It is kind of the anti La Cienega and PDC [Pacific Design Center] area. It’s less commercial, which I like.” And so far, so good. Sitz says she loves her shop’s new neighborhood. “I love contributing to the cool vibe that’s now known as ‘the Beverly Corridor’.”

Contributing to that vibe is Garde’s unique mix of housewares and accessories, including silk textiles by artist Stevie Howell, jewelry by designer Satomi Kawakita, brass ornaments by Anna Karlin, pottery by Sara Paloma, and ceramic and hemp wall hangings by Michele Quan, which I immediately fell in love with. Sitz says the most important aspect in choosing the collections she carries–aside from being beautiful or interesting–is her personal connection with the designers. “I love the stories behind each artists’ journey and the process to create their designs,” she says. “And I curating collections from artists in the U.S. and abroad. The world has truly gotten that small, thankfully.”

Garde
7418 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.424.4667

After browsing their online showroom, there are some items that I’d like to own, like the pair of Joseph-Andre Motte bridge chairs.

Or this desk lamp by Lightolier.

There’s also plenty of stuff in their sold items that I’d love to own as well, so I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on Deja Vu.

Deja Vu
2238 E 4t St
Long Beach, CA 90814
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 12pm – 6pm, Sunday 12pm – 5pm, or by appointment

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)