Archive for the ‘Los Feliz’ Category

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

3321 Wood Terrace
Los Angeles, CA 90027
2 BR, 1 BA
$539,000
Here’s an affordable little cottage for a buyer who really wants to live in the coveted Ivanhoe School District. In addition to the great neighborhood you get high ceilings, a formal dining room, patio, central air and heating, updated electrical and roofing, and most of the plumbing has been replaced to copper. It’s not the biggest house in the neighborh0od but with the Reservoir and Griffith Park so close by you have quite the playground at your disposal.


Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House
2607 Glendower
Los Angeles, CA 90027
4 BR, 4.5 BA
$15,000,000 $10,495,000
One of the most recognizable of Frank Lloyd Wright’s many famous homes, the Ennis House just had a dramatic price drop in the Ennis House Foundation’s quest to find a new owner. Warning! This house is not for everyone. Personally, I love looking at photos of the Ennis House but could never imagine living there. Could you?

It seems more like a museum to me than a house, but regardless, this is an important piece of work from one of the masters. This textile block home was built in 1924 and can be seen from many parts of Los Feliz and the Eastside of Los Angeles.


3765 Arbolada Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
3 units (3/2, 2/2, 2/2)
$1,249,000
I got a chance to see this new triplex income property in person a few weekends ago as it is being listed by my good friends Dan and Matt. They brought me there because they know how much I love a good mid-century and this certainly did not disappoint. I only got to see the three-bedroom owner’s unit, but what I saw had fantastic indoor/outdoor flow (with a giant yard seen below), a large updated kitchen, and nice-sized bedrooms with lots of natural light.

The eat-in kitchen has updated appliances and a great view from the corner windows:

Two of the three units will be delivered vacant with the third being rented for $2200 a month. This is a great opportunity to live in a beautiful location while generating income at the same time.
Email me for more info and to set up a showing. Click here for more photos.

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

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…

Have you been to New High (M)art’s new location in Los Feliz yet? Now might be a good time to check it out. New High (M)art is a welcome addition to Vermont’s row of unique shops and boutiques. Having just relocated here from Chinatown (that location is now closed), they look to showcase undiscovered fashion talent and present rotating “here-today-gone-tomorrow” shopping opportunities such as Wool And The Gang which is taking up residence in the rear of the shop.

Wool And The Gang is the DIY knitwear phenomenon of unconventional ready-to-knits, colorful Peruvian skeins of “Crazy Sexy Wool,” “Sugar Baby Alpaca” and “Shiny Happy Cotton,” plus a collection of pre-knitted, limited edition seasonal pieces for the needle-aversive.

Available styles include crop sweaters, snoods, slouch beanies, pocket scarves, shoulder wings, braided vests, headbands, fingerless gloves, leg/arm warmers, fringe bags and more. Definitely makes a great last minute gift for your knitting friend or yourself!
For more information check out the New High (M)art official site.
New High (M)art
1720 N. Vermont
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Open everyday 12pm – 10pm
Free parking in the rear lot

4524 Ambrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Price: $829,000 $997,000 $897,000 (back on the market 12/15)
2 BR, 2BA
Back in May I attended this open house and loved what I saw. Today I noticed this house is back on the market for almost $170,00 more than the original price. I contacted the listing agent for more info and he said the new owner put $40,000 in upgrades. I may have to go see that for myself this weekend, but for now check out my original review:
Located right in the heart of Los Feliz, this house definitely has location going for it as it’s right around the corner from all the shops and restaurants on Hillhurst.
I love the entrance – gives a slight sense of mystery and hints at the fun located behind the wall:

And I would have no problem hanging out with friends in the backyard by the pool.


There’s a great event going on this Sunday, December 6th that anyone interested in the environment and/or architecture should take note of: The Eastside Eco Tour is a self-driving tour of ten forward-thinking Silver Lake, Echo Park and Los Feliz homes that can teach us all practical ways to lessen our carbon footprint.
According to the Web site, each home demonstrates a commitment to a sustainable future for our community through water conservation, energy efficiency, alternative energy generation, organic gardening, non-toxic paints, finishes and cleaning products.

This great event is totally free and lasts from 12pm – 4pm. Simply hop in your car and check out the homes! To find out more about the homes and to download a map, click here.