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October 16, 2007
A1 Italian Deli in San Pedro
Filed under: Eat, Shop, South Bay — StyleGuide @ 6:30 am
San Pedro, the port town at the southern terminus of the 110, is one of those places where the town’s main drag would regularly replace itself. New buildings would spring up on the next throughfare to the west, and the town’s bustle would follow. In San Pedro, the action moved from Pacific to Gaffey, and now to Western. The old neighborhoods remain, a little more rundown and a little less crowded.
Some first-rate businesses continue to prosper around the older streets, and A1 is one of them, an authentic old school Italian grocer, a quiet place with a few loud employees. It is the kind of shop that I imagine covers much of New York and Jersey (based entirely on my obsession with mob movies). Their high standards for quality cultivate a loyal following that seems more like family.
I shop affordable specialites like breaded chicken cutlets from the deli (pounded thin and ready for a quick fry in olive oil), uncooked pizza dough from the refrigerator section, fresh produce (including fun stuff like dandelion leaves), Italian wines and aisle after aisle of well-priced imported foods ranging from ladyfingers to olive oil.
But my favorite thing at A1 is their made-to-order Italian prosciutto ham and provolone sandwich. The buttery prosciutto is laid thick on a seven-inch fresh baked french roll with all the usual toppings and a tangy vinaigrette, priced at a mere $4.25.
A1 has been in business in San Pedro since 1947. Although developers have rediscovered the neighborhood and begun populating it with modern loft condominiums, I’m hoping it will remain the same for another 60 years.
Price: $ and up
Where: 348 W. 8th Street, San Pedro, Ca 90731
When: Closed Sundays
Call: 310-833-4045
October 4, 2007
Tailor-Made Round-Up: Richard’s Tailor Shop and Mikhail Custom Tailoring
Filed under: Shop — StyleGuide @ 6:34 am
It doesn’t take a pile of cash to make your clothes look like they were made for you. Just buddy up with a great tailor.
For the basics, head to Richard’s Tailor Shop, a real find behind a dingy storefront in downtown L.A.’s garment district (pictured above). Carlos, the friendly man at the counter, will hem your pants for $3 a leg. For a little more he’ll make shirts fit tighter, pants fit looser, and sleeves hit right at the wrist. Inexpensive tweaks to off-the-rack clothes can make you look taller, thinner (and richer!) — even if all you wear are Old Navy khakis.
Carlos works magic on all men’s clothes and women’s basics, but for special women’s pieces — maybe your millionth bridesmaid’s dress or a vintage Dior you discovered at a yard sale — try Mikhail Custom Tailoring in mid-Los Angeles. Prices are higher, but you’ll feel confident that your clothes are in good hands.
Because when it comes to clothing, if it doesn’t fit, nothing else matters.
Richard’s Tailor Shop, 111 East 7th Street, Los Angeles, Ca 90015, 213-622-2545, $
Mikhail Custom Tailoring, 7405 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, Ca 90036, 323-937-8378, $$-$$$$
October 2, 2007
Ask the Stylist: Halloween Costumes
Filed under: Expert Opinions, Play, Shop — StyleGuide @ 6:16 am
Expert Opinions are tips from L.A.’s ultimate insiders. Today’s contributor is fashion stylist Alexandra Haines.
Halloween is the one time of year where you can wear whatever you want — forget appropriateness and decency! For a fashionista, it is THE national holiday. I start early — real early — and cast a wide net.
Hidden Treasures
A destination in and of itself, this hideaway earns regular mentions in the pages of Vogue and stocks an amazing collection of vintage clothes. But come Halloween, they load up extras like masks and tutus in a rainbow of colors. In Topanga Canyon right off the main drag, this is a great stop for retro costumes for men and women.
Robinson Beautilities
Whether I’m pulling together a costume for a man or woman, this is my mecca for costume extras. Yes, it is a fully functioning costume shop that has not (blessedly) be remodeled since the 60’s. But it also offers a huge supply of wigs and Venetian masks, a wall of fake eyelashes, all types of glitter spray, and my new wardrobe standard — Vegas-style feather headdresses (really, once you buy one you’ll find there are all sorts of occasions to wear it).
Squaresville
I’d say Squaresville is a hipper, cleaner version of Aardvarks, where the buyers really care about what they’re stocking. Some of my greatest regrets come from not buying beautiful pieces I found there, like a sequined butterfly top, trashy white fur coat or an original prairie dress. These wouldn’t have made it into my everyday wardrobe, but could make fantastic retro costumes. Find costumes for men and women.
Hollywood Blvd.
Got no time and are just going to dress in a skimpy outfit with some sort of animal ears? Try walking Hollywood Boulevard for their cheap costume/lingerie shops and amazing wig shops.
About Alexandra:
I am a stylist who has been designing clothes and accessories and styling photo shoots. That wouldn’t mean anything if I wasn’t intrinsically interested in how individuals can express themselves uniquely in their dress. Expect no cookie cutter advice here.
Call: 310-908-7605 (Alexandra)
September 25, 2007
7 Oaks Nursery Sale (for Kinda Green Thumbs)
Filed under: House + Garden, Shop — StyleGuide @ 6:29 am
When we bought our first house a few years ago, this is the front yard we got. It was our first attempt at gardening, so I looked to Martha Stewart for guidance. Her books told me to propagate my own plants or risk going broke at the nursery.
Propagate? Are you kidding me?
That’s what 7 Oaks’ half-off plant sale is for. I don’t often go to the 951, but when the sprawling nursery off the 15 in Corona takes 50 percent off every plant they have — from trees in 36 inch boxes to the smallest annual — I make the long drive.
Sales are held twice yearly, over the Columbus Day and Fourth of July weekends, so one’s coming up the first weekend in October. If you decide to check it out, here are a few tips. First, the sale has become quite popular, so shop early for the best selection. Second, take advantage of the neat little sandwich shop hiding behind the 7 Oaks convenience store.
Load your truck, then fuel up on fresh sandwiches for the drive home.
When: Friday, October 5 to Monday, October 8, 2007
Where: 21501 Temescal Canyon Road, Corona, Ca 92883
Call: 951-277-2927
What’s your best gardening tip?
September 13, 2007
Best of the Wurst – Alpine Village
Filed under: Eat, Shop, South Bay — StyleGuide @ 5:45 am
Best of the Wurst is an occasional series on those who have perfected the art of the frankfurter.
You can’t miss Alpine Village, that sprawling amusement park of Teutonic delights right off the 110 in Torrance. The replica Bavarian village boasts a bakery and grocery store, several restaurants, a wedding chapel, a traffic school, a flight school, a dentist office, a swap meet (daily save Monday), 15 speciality stores including a “toy and leather store,” and, come fall, their legendary Oktoberfest.
Alpine Village’s sausage kitchen, helmed by Master Sausage Maker Alex Lagger, is the draw for me. The kitchen boasts the 2000 award winning sausage at the Annual State of California Meat Processors Competition. (A Meat Processors Competition? Two thoughts on that: 1. What is this competition? and 2. How come I haven’t vacationed there?)
Mr. Lagger’s weisswurst is a milky white sausage — something you would never expect to hold its own against the richly colored links that share space in the RV-length deli case. Yet the savory meat, served inside a casing with some snap, holds its shape on the plate yet melts in your mouth. I never expected this kind of flavor from such a pale link.
Weisswurst? Willkommen!
$ (prices start in the $2-$3 range per half pound)
Where: 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA 90502
Call: 310-327-4384
Have you tried Alpine Village Market? Do you have another source for handcrafted sausage?
September 11, 2007
Ask the Stylist: Haute Seconds
Filed under: Expert Opinions, Shop — StyleGuide @ 6:50 am
Expert Opinions are tips from L.A.’s ultimate insiders. Today’s contributor is fashion stylist Alexandra Haines.
My biggest, newest secret as a stylist is Haute Seconds on Wilshire in Santa Monica. These gently used clothes are right off the runway with going-out-of-style prices. The shop is small enough not to be overwhelming, friendly enough that it is not intimidating, and fresh enough to make you feel fabulous as you try on discarded Prada, Armani, Chloe and all their compatriots.
I’ve picked up a beautiful hand painted silk Akris top, a classic black Anna Sui dress, and a Jean Paul Gaultier top for under $100 each. This is the best place to rock some serious names without breaking out the Benjamins.
Where: 2721 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, Ca 90403
Call: 310-828-6500
About Alexandra:
I am a stylist that has been in and around the fashion world by styling photo shoots and designing clothes and accessories. I’ve worked in major design studios tracking trends and creating products for consumers. None of which would mean anything if I wasn’t intrinsically interested in people and how each individual can express themselves uniquely in their dress. No cookie cutter advice here.
Call: 310-908-7605 (Alexandra)
August 30, 2007
The Barking Lot’s Low-Cost Pet Vaccinations on Larchmont
Filed under: Shop — StyleGuide @ 11:16 am
Awhile back I was searching for low-cost vaccinations for our cat Trouble. PetSmart’s clinic had a line out the door, and I really wanted to shop locally but not pay for a vet visit. A little Internet research and POW! I found a low-cost vaccination clinic at The Barking Lot on Larchmont.
The first Tuesday of each month between 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. a veterinarian from Larchmont Animal Clinic sets up shop for dog and cat inoculations.
The service may be a little grumpy (what can you expect from people who typically relate better to animals than to people?), but there’s a big free parking lot, they offer a good selection of pet products, and I’ve never had to wait in line to see the vet.
Makes vaccines a little less painful (for me, at least).
Price: $$$ (I paid under $50 for a series of cat shots)
Where: 336 N. Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90004
Call: 323-464-3031
Do you know any other low-cost vaccination spots? Give us the word….
August 28, 2007
Garage-sale-tips-maps.com
Filed under: House + Garden, Shop — StyleGuide @ 7:01 am
There is a sort of hierarchy of used stuff, starting at the high end with the auction house and antique dealer, then progressing downward to the antique store, consignment store, junk store, flea market and finally, that most democratic of retail outlets (and just one level above dumpster diving), the garage sale.
Each step down the “used stuff food chain” typically means a drop in price and average quality. Slumming it at garage sales requires a commitment to sift through the trash, but it can bring the rewards of finding unfathomable treasures at rock-bottom prices. The key to finding the good stuff is volume. Hit as many sales as possible in the shortest amount of time.
Fortunately, a new website can help. Enter your address or ZIP code at www.Garage-sale-tips-maps.com and the site generates a map with nearby garage sales from craigslist.org. You can check details on craigslist with one click. More features are expected soon.
A little time, a little patience, but the potential for a major payoff. Just remember me when you earn screen time on Antiques Roadshow or graciously accept compliments on your stylish pad built on a mini-budget.