LA City Notes | Silver Lake
Described by Forbes as ‘the hippest neighbourhood in Los Angeles’ this area felt oddly similar to Shoreditch with a multitude of cool creatives, beautifully merchandised retail stores and mid-century modern furniture outlets.
Having read about its low key vibe, cold brew hang outs and vintage shops I was super keen to explore this Eastside neighbourhood, and sure enough took huge inspiration from the design-focused nature of the stores we wandered through.
So here’s a short splurge (and definitely not a definitive list) of the places worth seeking out if you find yourself at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Echo Park Avenue.
Brunch | Little Pine
After navigating a five-lane freeway on nothing but a matcha latte, the anticipation of trying out this vegan hotspot was high. Founded by musician and animal-rights activist Moby, Little Pine is a plant-based bistro serving 100% organic food. A little like a mountain cabin, the restaurant boasts mid-century modern flourishes and a far from stereotypical vegan menu. Ideal for the hipster neighbourhood it sits in.
Despite a creative dinner menu featuring plates of ravioli alle noci; panko crusted piccata; and Moby’s favourite, a trio of stuffed shells, we were there for the simpler weekend brunch grub. For many, nothing signifies the start to a Sunday more than a fry up, so rest assured Little Pine’s tofu scramble, despite being 100% plant-based, will satisfy such cravings. If you’re more of a pastry lover, the vegan croissants would certainly give any buttery Parisian cousin a run-for its money. But if it’s avocado toast you can’t live without, you’ll also find yourself and any additional gluten-free needs, more than catered for.
HOURS:
Dinner :: Served daily from 5pm – 10pm
Brunch :: Served weekends from 10am – 3pm
2870 Rowena Avenue, Silver Lake, California 90039
Shopping | Sunset Blvd.
Beautifully curated independent stores are numerous here; offering everything from clothes, books, ceramics and luxury items for body and soul. Wandering from one to the next and it’s difficult to ignore a collective focus on supporting independent LA makers and creators; something I wish we saw more of in London.
Ali Golden
Oakland based designer Ali Golden stocks her light-filled store with an extensive selection of the Ali Golden line, as well as other like-minded, interesting and conscientious artists and designers. The edit is focused on simple and sophisticated womenswear, largely designed and produced in California. and supplemented with textiles, small-batch apothecary products and handmade homewares.
1296 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026
HOURS:
Monday :: CLOSED
Tuesday – Saturday :: 11am – 6pm
Sunday :: 11am – 5pm
Nico & Bullitt
Vintage threads, cassette-themed paintings, 60’s inspired canvassing badges, kitsch collectibles, retro 70’s tees, hand-printed LA-inspired cards: Nico & Bullitt is all about old-school vibes and quirky objects from local and independent designers.
2205 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026
HOURS:
Monday :: CLOSED
Tuesday – Sunday :: 11am – 7pm
Passenger
This paired-back store, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and white-washed walls offers a cohesive collection of minimalist designer clothing accessories and homewares, plus carefully curated vintage and an apothecary section to die for. Word of warning: don’t expect super helpful staff, although they did have a good playlist!
2145 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
HOURS:
Monday – Friday :: 12pm – 7pm
Saturday :: 11am – 7pm
Sunday :: 11am – 6pm
'If you're looking for the antithesis of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, head to Silver Lake' - LA Times
LACAUSA
Committed to creating quality garments under ethical conditions, this Los Angeles-based brand offers lust-worthy staple pieces in neutrals, pastels, and bold colors. The sun-filled bricks and mortar location on Sunset Blvd stocks the LACAUSA collection as well as a beautifully curated selection of other artists and designers.
4015 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
HOURS:
Monday – Satruday :: 11am – 7pm
Sunday :: 11am – 6pm
If I could live in Mohawk General Store I most definitely would
Mohawk General Store
Husband and wife co-owners, Kevin and Bo Carney, are at the helm of this cult-favourite shop which features a mix of internationally renowned designers, closer to home California-based labels, and the stores’ in house all cotton clothing line, Smock. Architecturally astute imported furniture forms the back-drop upon which design books, Rodin skin products, Cire Trudon candles, and Mariage Frere Vert Marco Polo tea all sit. If I could live in this store I most definitely would.
4011 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
HOURS:
Monday – Satruday :: 11am – 7pm
Sunday :: 11am – 6pm