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
in DTLA's Art District
including this mixed use apartment complex with
a staggering 493 units
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.
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
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
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!
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!
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
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
