In the past few months there have been some local businesses opening that are perfect for the neighborhood.  We are very happy to have all of you to make our lives a little tastier.  There is something to be said about the independent entrepreneurial spirit…especially when they open busineses that are relevant to your neighborhood and it’s inhabitants.

McCalls:  A butcher shop across from my offices in Los Feliz.  Run by chefs Nathan McCall and Karen Yoo expect only free-range and ocean caught cuts of meat and fish.  Try the sardines and the homemade sausages.

Covell: An excellent new bar run by our friends Matthew Kaner and Dustin Lancaster.  I was by there yesterday to have a glass and they are now bringing in vitners from wineries to describe their craft.  Try the charcuterie plate with a glass of red.  These guys really know their beer and wine…and are great hosts.  Nice work fellas!!

CookBook:  A well edited grocery run by Marta Teegen and Robert Stelzner. Fresh, local, minimal…welcome to Echo Park.  We needed it more than you know.

Best of luck to all of you!

The wonderful style blogger/photographer Backyard Bill just shot an amazing campaign for Happy Socks using a few close friends as models - the campaign perfectly captures their cool whimsy and surprising versatility.

(image via backyard bill)

We have several styles are in store now for men and women - a perfect complement to all the wonderful ankle boots and oxfords we’ve been getting in for fall…

shop shoes here and here

Lovefingers just sent over some copies of his latest compilation…an essential mix that will get a lot of airtime at Mohawk.  Andrew is one of the deepest diggers I know and comes up with some really obscure gems for this 4th release on ESP institute.  Great for night time car driving or day time seaside picnics…it will take you where you need to go…and back.

Here is what ESP has to say…

The first in a philanthropic, pedagogical series of compilations. Curated and programmed by Lovefingers, Concentration is a narrative blend of fifteen remixes, re-edits and obscurities contributed by our international family of collaborators including Abel, Alexis Le-Tan, Basso, Bumrocks, Chee Shimizu, Cos/Mes, Jonny Nash, Lee Douglas, Lexx, Lovefingers, Secret Circuit, Sesto Falconi, Tako and Tropical Jeremy. All proceeds from this series are donated to The Harmony Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development through music study, practice and performance.

Wonderful photo story of the late French artist Louise Bourgeois, shot by Alex Van Gelder, in the latest issue of W magazine.

images via Real Life is Elsewhere

“Gitman Vintage is an American heritage sport-shirt and neckwear line that pays tribute to its past, but with a distinct difference. While continuing to honor the importance of a finely crafted button-down oxford and the indispensable pinpoint, the design team at Gitman dusted off old line books to curate an authentic interpretation of the past by selectively appropriating their favorite fabrics and having them remade (Spring/Summer 2010, for example, is recreated from Spring/Summer 1984). The line also recreates le mode retro details, including original double-track stitching, chalk buttons, locker-loops, box-pleats and is reissued with the original “Gitman Bros. Est 1978″ label.”

We’re already receiving our fall shipment of Gitman Bros. in heavier flannel, but there’s still plenty of lightweight button-downs in seersucker, striped oxford, and chambray for the final dog days of summer.

We’ll have two booths in front of the shop at the Sunset Junction music festival this weekend. Past season stock from Black Crane, Alexander Yamaguchi and more at 70% to 80% off. Kelly Lamb geo planters at 50% off, plus housewares and furnishings from Amsterdam Modern for as little as 5 dollars. See you there!

New Rachel Comey boots have arrived. New York designer Comey is known for quirky prints grounded by seriously cool shoes. A fall essential…

Mars boot in stamped molasses, Carrier Boot in black nuckbuck.

Style blogs Hypebeast, Refinery 29, and Racked LA all have great things to say about our move to Silverlake. And check out our feature in the September issue of Elle magazine.

We’re grateful for such a warm welcome to the neighborhood. See you soon!

photographs of abandoned Nambian diamond towns by Spanish photographer Alvaro Sanchez Montanes via Trouvailles du Jour

Joachim Baan posted a brief yet exhaustive article on the history of the necktie and the different knots. Click the image to read.