Discovering LA's Art District

This weekend Jeff and I once again 

made our way to downtown LA

this time on another  buying trip for 

some needed jewelry supplies.

In an attempt to see new things

Jeff drove into the city a new way

and 

that simple decision

led us to discover

LA's Art District!

I didn't even know there was one in LA!

We quickly finished our business

in the downtown jewelry market

and 

drove right back to explore the Art District!

There is so much new building going on
in DTLA's Art District

including this mixed use  apartment complex with
a staggering 493 units

One Santa Fe

As well as a world class art galleries going in!

But it is the old train warehouses

that have this area

so infused with character. 

Much of the Art District is made up of 

redeveloped train warehouses

that used to be the LA work horses

during  an era when train transportation moved the city's goods.

This area was wine vines back in the 1890's
then citrus groves
that needed trains to take the crops across the United States.

The buildings in the background

show just how close the old epicenter of transport

is to LA's newest epicenter of commerce.

First on our exploration agenda …

Finding lunch

at the Americano.

Located in another 

redeveloped train warehouse  building

it was a pure lunching delight!

Speaking of delightful

we found the Pie Hole

which served so many versions

from savory to sweet

including their very own version of pop tarts!

I was ever so happy I brought my colorful pieces for 

my change from 

the basics I wear when sourcing supplies in downtown.

I simply change jacket and shoes from my base of white jeans
nautical stripes, Panama hat and walking flats
this time to my

red silk embroidered jacket from Chinatown 

my Kate Spade silk stripe shoes

paired perfectly with my 

fabulous basket from Madagascar

a most charming gift from

Andrea of 
The French Basketeer.

If you haven't found Andrea yet

go check out her blog

she is currently writing of her time in Beaune France!

My sun parasol

another gift from a dear friend

( Laurie I told you I would find the most perfect use for this beauty!)
fit in  this colorful area!

I have never seen as many permits for upcoming filming dates!

This site had three separate permits for the upcoming week

of national commercials being shot on this site alone!
This is one of the most filmed locations in the world
 and I can see why!

The whole neighborhood 

felt like a film lot

with artful back drops abounding

as well as chic and inventive shops!

We discovered the very chic Guerrilla Atelier

located in anther old warehouse space

with a sales staff with such fabulous personal style

they made my heart giddy!

As stylish as the area is

there are reminders everywhere

that this is still a very urban area

under redevelopment.

Wurstkuche another new concept

where they serve a bounty of hand crafted German sausages

and craft beers,

You wait in line to place your order

then have an opportunity 

to sit at large community tables

laden with mustard assortments,

We were invited into 

Lili Lakich's gallery and working studio

for one of the rare times she opens up for the public.

Lilli is a world renowned artist

whose specialty is working in neon.

Lilli is a forerunner in the neighborhood

she told us she has been in the building for over 30 years

and
 has seen the neighborhood evolve

over the years into what is becoming a world class destination for art

with the coming openings of even more galleries.

We found the Bourbon restaurant

where we had the utmost delight in meeting Kurt Ehrilch

who has actually been the chef for not just 

one president, but two.

He was a presidential chef for both

Nixon and Regan.

We had such an amazing day of new discoveries

all because

we were willing 

to take the road less traveled (for us)

and 

meet the opportunity

with an open heart!

And we even got to bring home pie!

As always my friends

I wish you love and joy

as you style your life