DTLA LIFE November 2014 www.dtlalife.com
MODERN VISION OF ARCHITECTURE INTRODUCING DWELL HOMES GIFTS THAT KEEPS ON GIVING DESIGNING GREAT GUEST SPACES DRESSING YOUR DOG FOR CONFORT DINA HERRMAN SPOTLIGHT FINDING GRATITUDE CLASS BY ASSOCIATION
DTLA LIFE | Magazine ®
November 2014
Publisher LA LOFTS Realty ® ULTIMATE LIFE LIVING, llc 548 S Spring Street #109 Los Angeles, CA 90013 213 626 5433 www.laloftsrealty.com Editor in Chief Alex LiMandri, alex@laloftsrealty.com Associate Editor Tiffany Gatto, tiffany@laloftsrealty.com Contributing Writers Cinnia Finfer - Retail & Fashion Tiffany Gatto - Real Estate Jim White - Community Petra Wright - Art Janene Zakrajsek - Pets Dr Eve Flores DVM - Vet Dr Leia Castaneda - Vet Juliane Pease - Design Lori Tierney - Wellness Peter Badillo - Movies Farah Casis - Nightlife Art Director Alex LiMandri Editor Peter Badillo
www.dtlalife.com
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR November is the start of the holiday season beginning with Thanksgiving and all the great Christmas spirit, shopping and major holidays to follow. In comes the L.A. fall weather and our few days of rain which we wholeheartedly welcome and then of course as Angelenos we completely forget to bring our umbrellas, drive badly on slippery freeways and complain for the sun to come back out! As usual, DTLA has a lot to offer during this exciting time; restaurants start to focus on holiday parties, stores have specials holiday sales, and we begin to see the joy of the holiday season in special light displays and fun L.A. winter activities all over town. AND! Fall can be the best season for people to think real estate; sellers are still getting top dollar for their listings in low inventory markets and buyers have relaxed from the summer buying season with less bidders in the market. Don’t hesitate to contact my team to assist you in finding your perfect home. Enjoy the fall season and everything that it has to offer here in DTLA.
Alex LiMandri Editor-in-Chief DTLA LIFE | Magazine ÂŽ www.dtlalife.com
LET’S TALK ABOUT by
www.vasilyklyukin.com
Tiffany Gatto
MODERN VISIONS IN
ARCHITECTURE
LET’S TALK ABOUT MODERN VISIONS IN ARCHITECTURE With this month’s revelation of DwellHomes.com and our latest venture into modern home sales, I thought it would be fun to write about visions in architecture. Unique, significant, forward thinking, eco-friendly, extraordinary architecture that moves mind and imagination! To this end, there is one amazing person that stands out above all others in my mind, the 38-year old Russian former real estate developer, now visionary, writer, billionaire, entrepreneur and architect, Vasily Klyukin. His fantastical towers of amazing and incredible design are literally causing me to foam at the mouth in the possibility of our future in architecture. www.vasilyklyukin.com
One of his most prominent projects has been the ‘White Sails Hospital & Spa’ for Tunisia. It is a planned beach front urban project and mega-metropolis. An immense, ship-
shaped structure spans across the site, with four towering ‘sails’ accommodating labs, preventive care centers and a wellness spa. ‘We would like to build the world’s first hospital, which no one will be afraid to visit,‘ Klyukin describes, ‘I will fly into space next year. My health condition has to be checked every six months. That is why I know this feeling very well. Every time I’m approaching the white building of the clinic, I don’t feel any joy, but I would like to show a hospital where there is no room for fear.’
the Prince of Monaco which may happen this year and for him a rejection would be crushing. Personally, I do appreciate his visions immensely and for me the idea of modernism in large scale architecture is a natural evolution of building technologies. I do hope for Klyukin and myself that his buildings among others will come to fruition in the near future and alter city skylines around the world.
However, the first time I came across Klyukin’s website (www. vasilyklyukin.com) it was hands down, the “Venus de Milo” tower design that moved me the most. What a beautiful thought and an amazing idea; creating a building from one of the most famous works in ancient Greek sculptures. In one fail swoop he had not only created something so visually stunning but also envisioned it in the most urban of environments. Ingenious! Instant appreciation and further review of his work was immediately in order. I have never met Vasily in person but we are trading emails speaking about his buildings, art, space travel and other varied subjects. He seems to be a very open and friendly man and from what I have researched he is as interesting as his passions and art. I look forward to learning more about him in kind. He just released this past spring, “Designing Legends” which is a collection of computer generated skyscraper renderings. The book is hypnotic and otherworldly. Different forms across the pages such as my second favorite, the blooming tulip and the divine jaguar. He then takes his designs and drops them into actual cityscapes, like Manhattan or Monte Carlo, Jamaica and Tunisia. Not everyone appreciates the art and design, calling him a graffiti artist or crazy person. “I can understand how some cities have their own spirit,” Klyukin said “I know some cities are not good for my towers. Truly, I wasn’t thinking about real places for my towers. I was trying to make a good visualization of my own imagination.” While traveling last year in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, I was immediately struck after sunset by the wonderfully modern and colorful flow of the skyline. As the Emirates continue to build tower after tower, one more interesting than the next, they have brought to life a skyline that is visually stunning and equally impressive. Shaped buildings with colorful accents light the sky after dark into a dazzling array of modernism. As far as Klyukin’s designs go, this move into architecture is just a few years old. He currently lives in Monte Carlo, Monaco and sees it as a great place to build his first design. He has been working on impressing Prince Albert II of Monaco to allow him to move forward in his work. “Not many architects can leave his place in history,” he says “Monaco is a very good place because a lot of tourists coming. If you are building there, everyone is seeing it.” He seeks an audience with
Tiffany Gatto Managing Partner LA LOFTS | Realty ® (213) 447 4130 tiffany@laloftsrealty.com www.laloftsrealty.com
www.vasilyklyukin.com
shaped structure spans across the site, with four towering ‘sails’ accommodating labs, preventive care centers and a wellness spa. ‘We would like to build the world’s first hospital, which no one will be afraid to visit,‘ Klyukin describes, ‘I will fly into space next year. My health condition has to be checked every six months. That is why I know this feeling very well. Every time I’m approaching the white building of the clinic, I don’t feel any joy, but I would like to show a hospital where there is no room for fear.’
the Prince of Monaco which may happen this year and for him a rejection would be crushing. Personally, I do appreciate his visions immensely and for me the idea of modernism in large scale architecture is a natural evolution of building technologies. I do hope for Klyukin and myself that his buildings among others will come to fruition in the near future and alter city skylines around the world.
However, the first time I came across Klyukin’s website (www. vasilyklyukin.com) it was hands down, the “Venus de Milo” tower design that moved me the most. What a beautiful thought and an amazing idea; creating a building from one of the most famous works in ancient Greek sculptures. In one fail swoop he had not only created something so visually stunning but also envisioned it in the most urban of environments. Ingenious! Instant appreciation and further review of his work was immediately in order. I have never met Vasily in person but we are trading emails speaking about his buildings, art, space travel and other varied subjects. He seems to be a very open and friendly man and from what I have researched he is as interesting as his passions and art. I look forward to learning more about him in kind. He just released this past spring, “Designing Legends” which is a collection of computer generated skyscraper renderings. The book is hypnotic and otherworldly. Different forms across the pages such as my second favorite, the blooming tulip and the divine jaguar. He then takes his designs and drops them into actual cityscapes, like Manhattan or Monte Carlo, Jamaica and Tunisia. Not everyone appreciates the art and design, calling him a graffiti artist or crazy person. “I can understand how some cities have their own spirit,” Klyukin said “I know some cities are not good for my towers. Truly, I wasn’t thinking about real places for my towers. I was trying to make a good visualization of my own imagination.” While traveling last year in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, I was immediately struck after sunset by the wonderfully modern and colorful flow of the skyline. As the Emirates continue to build tower after tower, one more interesting than the next, they have brought to life a skyline that is visually stunning and equally impressive. Shaped buildings with colorful accents light the sky after dark into a dazzling array of modernism.
www.vasilyklyukin.com
As far as Klyukin’s designs go, this move into architecture is just a few years old. He currently lives in Monte Carlo, Monaco and sees it as a great place to build his first design. He has been working on impressing Prince Albert II of Monaco to allow him to move forward in his work. “Not many architects can leave his place in history,” he says “Monaco is a very good place because a lot of tourists coming. If you are building there, everyone is seeing it.” He seeks an audience with
Tiffany Gatto Managing Partner LA LOFTS | Realty ® (213) 447 4130 tiffany@laloftsrealty.com www.laloftsrealty.com
DWELL HOMES:
THE FIRST GLOBAL SITE FOR FINDING AND PURCHASING MODERN DESIGN HOMES Dwell Media, LLC, publisher of Dwell magazine, and LIVE INTERNATIONAL | Real Estate!, LLC, a Los Angeles-based real estate firm specializing in modern home sales, will announce the formation of Dwell Homes at the National Association of Realtors® Conference & Expo. With their combined expertise, this new real estate arm is poised to become the premier global site for locating and purchasing modern architecture-focused homes. Dwell Homes (dwellhomes.com) will provide modern design homebuyers a quick and cost-free means to survey the marketplace and easily find listings of design-significant properties to fit their needs. Capitalizing on Dwell’s powerful marketing arm and excellent industry reputation, Dwell Homes offers home sellers and licensed real estate professionals the opportunity to market modern properties that meet the Dwell-Designated Home criteria to the largest audience of modern home enthusiasts in the world. “Forming Dwell Homes to help home buyers find distinctive modern and architecturally significant homes is a natural extension of the Dwell Media brand, which has championed modern interior, architectural and product design since our founding in 2000,” says Dwell President and CEO Michela O’Connor Abrams. “For sellers, Dwell Homes creates an outlet for placing their property in front of like-minded buyers and the real estate community at large.” “With 90% of real estate searches beginning online, the need for a specialized site was apparent,” says Tiffany Gatto, Managing Partner of LIVE INTERNATIONAL | Real Estate! “We created Dwell Homes to bring the most intriguing selection of modern homes for sale to the most discerning buyers directly on their desktop, laptop, or mobile device. The current available online real estate products do not cater to those seeking modern home design or architecturally significant properties,” Gatto adds. “Dwell Homes will revolutionize the online real estate marketplace by bringing a curated product to a highly distinguished audience.” At the core of Dwell Homes is the creation the Dwell-Designated Home certification, which assures buyers that the listings on dwellhomes.com are homes that meet Dwell’s standards for distinctive, modern design. “Each home submitted to the site will be considered for the exclusive Dwell Home Designation by our in-house design team,” says O’Connor Abrams. “The same team that curates the content for the magazine identified the very precise design and functional requirements for this distinction. A Dwell home is one that stands out in its architectural significance, authentic use of materials, and specific interior features. Among the strict criteria are attributes of the finishes, surfaces and the overall flow of the layout.” Should the home qualify as Dwell-Designated, a Dwell Homes Account Executive will send the prospective partner agent or
home owner a Dwell Homes starter kit with all the necessary documentation to begin the partnership process and list their properties for sale on Dwell Homes. Dwell Media’s substantial marketing exposure of listed properties begins immediately after agents or homeowners have submitted the required property information and materials for their newly Dwell-Designated property to the Dwell Homes team. Dwell Media and LIVE INTERNATIONAL | Real Estate! identified the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Conference & Expo, the largest annual gathering of real estate professionals, as the perfect venue for announcing their partnership and unveiling this significant step to allow buyers and sellers to easily access the modern design home market. Dwell Homes will be bolstered by the rapidly expanding roster of Dwell Media’s platforms—now 11 strong—that inspire its community of design seekers, savvy consumers and passionate professionals with smart and thoughtful ideas for modern living. “It will be the global meeting place for home buyers, sellers and real estate professionals who share a love for modern design and are seeking the most far-reaching and effective means for discovering and purchasing distinctive homes,” says Gatto. The Dwell Homes marketplace launched its first offerings within the state of California at the National Association of Realtors® Conference & Expo on Saturday, November 8th in New Orleans. The concept was greatly received my realtor, broker and consumer with submissions coming in from all over the world. Starting January 2015, Dwell Homes will officially launch a new state each month and gradually bring in the properties from around the world. Stay tuned!! For more information or to buy, list or sell your modern design property, feel free to email me at tiffany@dwellhomes.com
Tiffany Gatto Managing Partner | COO Dwell Homes (213) 447 4130 tiffany@dwellhomes.com www.dwellhomes.com
Living in the Modern World
Introducing the leading real estate marketplace for modern homes dwellhomes.com
PROMOTION
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK by
Cinnia Finfer
D’VINE WINE CELLAR 821 South Flower Street | Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 784 3048 www.facebook.com/dvinewinecellar
While sun soaked patios have their place, there is a unique charm to a subterranean watering hole – call it cozy meets clandestine. Located in the basement of the O Hotel, D’Vine Wine Cellar feels both old worldly and up to the minute. The lighting is intimate and the variety of wood and upholstered seating is welcoming to both an after work celebration or a hushed conversation between old friends. The focus here is global, small production wines (2,000 cases or less). French and Spanish labels figure prominently alongside Austrian, Hungarian and Australian offerings. If you desire something more homegrown, some intriguing varietals from California and Oregon are also available. What if you don’t drink wine? Not to worry. On any given night, there are six craft beers on tap as well as a changing selection of grape spirits (cognacs, grappas, piscos and grape-infused vodkas and gins) and a revolving collection of whiskeys to consider. This is not about the cocktail of the moment; this is about presenting high quality, but lesser known drinks. The staff has been extensively trained in wine and spirits and is happy to discuss and suggest the perfect glass (or bottle), or just politely serve you your current favorite. The inventory will continually evolve so that guests have an ever changing selection to consider. And the menu: delicious, but not over engineered. D’Vine serves wine-friendly small plates such as house made pates, rillettes, tartines, pickled and marinated vegetables, cheese and charcuterie. Similar to the beverage program, the menu choices will change to feature seasonal offerings as well as continually introduce new, great finds.
Photo Credit: D”Vine Wine Cellar
While we all love what’s going on at Grand Central Market, it’s great to see North Broadway continue to improve with the welcomed arrival of Pestolini. Located on the NW corner of Broadway and 4th street, this unassuming but attractive counter service restaurant starts its day a full hour earlier than GCM. From 7am, you can grab a Nuttela croissant and coffee of the day ($2.95 - $1.50/$2.00) to go, or settle in for an omelet or burrito combo, pancakes, French toast or ham, eggs and cheese on a croissant. Nothing is more than $8.95. And to drink: choose from coffee, tea, espresso, smoothie, boba or blended ice drinks for $4.75 or less. All the classics are here as well as a selection of organic teas and coffees and gourmet French press teas. May I recommend the Honey Vanilla Latte? Lunch is an equally expansive but reasonably priced selection. Grilled sandwiches salads and pastas make up the majority of the menu with the option of ordering a full or half order ($9.95 vs. $5.95). By virtue of being a corner space, the restaurant has abundant natural light. Simple but sturdy tables and chairs offer sufficient seating. The north wall features a reproduction of Norman Rockwell’s “After the Prom,” adding a charming touch. Trapped in the office? Call in for delivery or pickup. There are many of you? Best bet, the catering menu. Fresh, delicious, interesting, affordable and deliverable … what more could you want?
PESTOLINI 363 South Broadway | Los Angeles, CA 90014 (213) 265 7624 www.pestolini.com
Photo Cinnia Finfer
The wait is over!! Fans of designer Jonny Cota’s high-end street wear have been anxiously anticipating the opening of the new store. Beautifully executed, the store breathes new life into the corner street level space of the Great Republic Lofts building, while reasserting its singular retail voice. Skingraft is known for luxe materials and incredible detailing. Lacings, embroidery, pleating, elaborate draping -- every garment is a standout. These are investment pieces. Items ranges from $85.00 - $2,000 with the majority of goods priced in the $300.00 - $600.00 range. The look is edgy, the craftsmanship first rate, with much of the manufacturing done in Indonesia. Many credit Cota’s remarkable design sensibility to his background as a circus performer who created many of his own costumes while traveling the world. By applying both his theatrical and acrobatic sensibilities to create garments, Skingraft clothes are not only visually arresting but m-o-v-e with the wearer, not simply gift wrap them.
Photo Cinnia Finfer
SKINGRAFT NE Corner of 8th & Spring St. | Los Angeles, CA 90013 (213) 626 2662 www.skingraftdesigns.com
THE GIFTS THAT KEEPS ON GIVING by
Photo Credit Gennia Cui
Cinnia Finfer
Now that you have finished that last of the Halloween candy corn, time to get going on the holiday list. There are always a few that are a real challenge: a hostess gift for your boss’s wife, your incredibly jaded teenage nephew, the colleague who saved your bacon in the last meeting and your best friend’s new baby. Where on earth are you going to get something for everyone? Look no further than DTLA. A happy benefit of having world-class cultural institutions in our backyard, are the amazing stores residing in them. (A special word of thanks for the managers and buyers who have done the heavy lifting in reviewing thousands of products over the year and then curating terrific selections of beautiful, memorable items) Their hard word makes us come off as the savvy, sophisticated shoppers we’d like to think we are. While you impress your friends and family with your discriminating taste, you are supporting the very institutions that help put DTLA on the map. If you are really pressed for time, all these stores have online shopping. The real challenge: trying to stay focused on buying gifts for other people, without drifting towards all the things you really like. But then again, you have been really good this year and it’s important to support the arts.
This charming shop works like a Swiss army knife; it offers so much in a rather compact space. Located just off the central lobby, The Library Store is great spot to get a lot of shopping done. Celebrate LA history by decorating your walls with limited edition posters, warm your friend’s new home with some eye-catching ceramics, adorn yourself with interesting jewelry, be adored as the best uncle/aunt ever with the great kid’s gifts and knock someone’s socks off with a signed copy of a hot new title. Finish it off with some clever greeting cards and be back in the office before anyone even notices you stepped out for lunch. All that and you supported a literary, cultural and architectural treasure. Well done!
LOS ANGELES CENTRAL LIBRARY The Library Store 630 West 5th Street | Los Angeles, CA 90071 (213) 228 7500 www.lfla.org
Photo Credit Gennia Cui
While the annual exhibitions of Academy Awards and Emmy nominated costume designs are always a busy time for the FIDM Museum Shop, this holiday season, there is a really cool promotion in the works. Running from November 14 to December 20, Designer Evolution: From Screen to Street is costume designer holiday pop-up shop presenting contemporary apparel and accessories inspired by design work for hit television shows and films. While the roster continues to grow, current confirmed participants include Lyn Paolo of Scandal (gloves), Dan Lawson of The Good Wife (jewelry) and Salvadore Perez from The Mindy Project (accessories/jewelry). Not only do you have access to some freshly minted goods, but panels and presentations will be held in conjunction with the promotion. Here’s a chance to learn what’s involved in transitioning from creating pieces for a given character to developing a line for the contemporary fashion market. The FIDM Museum shop also carries apparel and accessories by FIDM alumni and LA designers as well as merchandise inspired by past exhibitions. Located on the east side of the FIDM building overlooking South Park, the FIDM Museum Shop is a terrific lunch break shopping destination.
FIDM MUSEUM SHOP 919 South Grand Avenue | Los Angeles, 90015 (213) 623 5821 x4 www.fidmmuseumshop.com
Photo Cinnia Finfer
Ironic that the store that celebrates the most significant and challenging modern art of our time is one of the old guard of museum stores in DTLA. Always inspiring and energizing, The MOCA Store is known both for books, prints and products created for/ inspired by current and past exhibitions as well as a show-stopping spectrum of housewares, apparel, gift items, bags, cases, paper goods and children’s toys, books and gifts. Located on the street level plaza above the MOCA galleries, the MOCA Store is a destination in and of itself. One could easily lose an afternoon in the engaging collection of international magazines and art books. Guests can weave their way through a collection of display tables and browse the limited edition posters. Time well spent. THE MOCA STORE 250 South Grand Avenue | Los Angeles, 90012 (213) 621 1710 www.mocastore.org
THE GEFFEN CONTEMPORARY 152 North Central Avenue | Los Angeles, 90012 (213) 626 6222 www.moca.org
Photo The MOCA Store
The sassy little sister of the MOCA Store has its very own merchandise selection, but as a function of its exhibit schedule, will be dark through this holiday season. In just walking distance from the Japanese American National Museum; be sure to check out this great shop in the New Year.
New guests to the Museum Store of the Japanese American National Museum will be happily surprised at the variety and quality of merchandise offered. Yes, there are still remnants from last month’s neighboring Hello Kitty Con, but there is so much more to browse. Located just inside the museum’s entrance, the store features distinctive Asian American merchandise for all occasions and generations. If you are on a quest for home and garden, desk, origami and paper craft gifts, jewelry, clothing, bath products, puzzles toys and games or pets accessories, chances are you will not leave empty-handed. Just checking it out? Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to browse the impressive collection of books chronicling Asian American and Los Angeles historic and current topics.
STORE OF JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM 100 North Central Avenue | Los Angeles, 90012 (213) 625 0414 x4 www.janmstore.com
Photo Leslie Unger
Photo Cinnia Finfer
Yes, there is an impressive selection of CDs and books focused on classical music and Jazz, but that’s only part of the story. While you are answering the prayers of your resident Gustavo Dudamel groupie, you can also shop for architecturally-inspired jewelry, striking scarves, cross body handbags, unique housewares and remarkable gift and children’s items. Even better, gift-wrapping is available for a small charge. Can’t get here till after work? Know that LA Phil store stays open late on concert nights.
LA PHIL STORE Walt Disney Concert Hall 131 South Grand Avenue | Los Angeles, 90012 (213) 972 3440 www.laphilstore.com
DESIGN by
Julianne Pease
DESIGNING GREAT Photo Julianne Pease
GUEST SPACES
Traveling at the holidays is often stressful, but if you plan well, your guests will leave their stress at the door. One way to ensure that your visitors settle comfortably into your home is by having a welcoming space ready for them, containing some necessary amenities along with a few luxuries. It’s all about designing a beautiful, comfortable and functional space that welcomes your guests, while providing them the essentials they may not have packed. Cathi Marcoly and Mary Alice Slattery of CM In The City, a Los Angeles Interior Design Firm, shared some their top tips for designing great guest spaces. All I want is a room somewhere, a place... My Fair Lady had it right. Guests prefer simple and easy: Items they might need at their fingertips, a bit of space to unpack and unwind, and to feel welcome. Flowers are a great way to start. Cathi shared that a simple bud vase, a pitcher filled with flowers or a flowering potted plate are some of her favorite ways to add a floral element to a space. Anyone of these options will add a bit of life, color and whimsy to your guest room. To add some character, we love using non-typical items for vases such as the silver creamer pictured. If you need an arrangement that has more longevity, consider using cut eucalyptus and lavender, Mary Alice added. They look lovely, last a long time, and bring in a
bit of fragrance as well. Mary Alice went on to say that the best design for a guest room is a simple one. Bedside tables should be minimally accessorized; if you don’t have a table, consider using a chair with a tray. We recommend guest room furniture that is comfortable, yet functional. Cathi said that space planning is important- You do not want your guests to feel cramped with the addition of their luggage and personal items. If possible consider adding a flat surface to unpack, such as a bench at the foot of the bed, or if you have guests often, consider a foldaway luggage rack. A nice option that CM shared with us is this Crate and Barrel bench with storage. It has a place to put useful items for guests and it provides a place to unpack. And, there’s a bonus - extra seating. When planning your guest room, if possible include a sitting area: Your guests will be most appreciative. Provide a comfortable place they can retreat to with a good book, or to simply relax. Be sure this spot has good lighting, allowing your guests to read, or use their tablets to catch up on emails, etc. Setting a great bedside table One of the must have items for any guest room is fresh water and drinking glasses. We love bedside carafes with a matching glass, Cathi shared. Mary Alice added that there are lots of options such as color, crystal, gold, vintage and more. If you don’t happen to have a bedside carafe you can still achieve that
VIP hotel guest look. Simply use a tall slender glass bottle and place a glass upside down on a coaster next to it. In this example, you could use one basket for guest towels, another for a hair dryer or other personal items a guest might need, and the 3rd basket could remain empty for your guest to place their own personal items. If your space allows, consider adding a small refrigerator and an electric teakettle. Your guest can enjoy a cup of tea or instant coffee as well as having water and juices chilled and available in their room. Snack time If space permits, why not add a few snacks and treats. Cathi explained that in addition to sweet treats you should consider healthier items like whole fruit and nuts. If your guests are traveling with children, why not add a few child-focused treats. We love trays! Trays work great for bedside guest amenities. A tray allows you to put several items together, helps contain drips and crumbs and our favorite part, a tray is a great way to add another element to your overall guest room design style, Mary Alice added. If you don’t have space to have an entire tray filled with goodies, consider having one or two items bedside such an apple or a packet of cookies or nuts on a small decorative plate. Both Cathi and Mary Alice agreed there is no right or wrong way to display these treats. So play around with them until you find what works for you: Your guests will appreciate it.
Read any good books lately? Your guest will appreciate having things in their room that allow them to wind down after days full of visiting. CM In The City recommends books with short stories or those that make for a quick read for your guests’ bedside table. It is also nice to have some books about your city or a local map. Another nice item to have, if your guests are over 40, is a pair of reading glasses. The devil is always in the details When it comes to hosting guests, there are both must haves and nice to haves. Both Cathi and Mary Alice consider a lovely robe, a must have, as important as wonderful towels. Necessities, like medicine and sleep aids are a nice addition (some might say must-haves). Consider setting up a box or a basket on the bedside table, which contains over the counter items like vitamin C, Tums, pain relievers, sleep aids, BandAids, Neosporin, etc. A guest always appreciates not having to bother their host whenever they need something. To add a VIP flare, consider having sets of eyeshades and earplugs available for your guests, along with a simple and local welcome gift. A quick trip to Urban Radish in the DTLA Arts District is an easy way to pick up some locally made products. Also, consider having a few local picture postcards with postage applied for your guests to mail home. Plugged in and ready to go. Most of today’s guests travel with at least a smart-phone
and a tablet. Some might also have a laptop and perhaps, a Kindle. Having plugs readily available is a very nice touch: Your guests will always appreciate not having to get on their hands and knees to search for an outlet for their plugs. If you know your guest has an iPhone or Blackberry; why not have the appropriate cords ready? Last, but in no way least: The guest bathroom Often the bathroom designated for the guest is a shared space. Having a pretty and functional bathroom is the key. Consider having those items most commonly needed, visible. They can still be in pretty containers, either of glass or left open. The main idea is to keep your guest from having to hunt for necessities. Be sure you have enough hooks and towel bars for each guest’s towel. Cathi added that it is also a good idea to consider installing a wall mounted hair dryer or a container that can hold a hairdryer and a flat or curling iron. Keep it simple Mary Alice shared CM’s number one tip for hosting overnight guests (in addition to a fully stocked bar): Make it as simple as possible for you, the host. We have found that having things readily available or easy to find, eliminates loads of questions and running around getting everyone what they need. Translated… you’ll get to enjoy more of the holidays and time with your guests.
Photo Julianne Pease
Read any good books lately? Your guest will appreciate having things in their room that allow them to wind down after days full of visiting. CM In The City recommends books with short stories or those that make for a quick read for your guests’ bedside table. It is also nice to have some books about your city or a local map. Another nice item to have, if your guests are over 40, is a pair of reading glasses. The devil is always in the details When it comes to hosting guests, there are both must haves and nice to haves. Both Cathi and Mary Alice consider a lovely robe, a must have, as important as wonderful towels. Necessities, like medicine and sleep aids are a nice addition (some might say must-haves). Consider setting up a box or a basket on the bedside table, which contains over the counter items like vitamin C, Tums, pain relievers, sleep aids, BandAids, Neosporin, etc. A guest always appreciates not having to bother their host whenever they need something.
Photo Julianne Pease
To add a VIP flare, consider having sets of eyeshades and earplugs available for your guests, along with a simple and local welcome gift. A quick trip to Urban Radish in the DTLA Arts District is an easy way to pick up some locally made products. Also, consider having a few local picture postcards with postage applied for your guests to mail home. Plugged in and ready to go. Most of today’s guests trav-
el with at least a smart-phone and a tablet. Some might also have a laptop and perhaps, a Kindle. Having plugs readily available is a very nice touch: Your guests will always appreciate not having to get on their hands and knees to search for an outlet for their plugs. If you know your guest has an iPhone or Blackberry; why not have the appropriate cords ready? Last, but in no way least: The guest bathroom Often the bathroom designated for the guest is a shared space. Having a pretty and functional bathroom is the key. Consider having those items most commonly needed, visible. They can still be in pretty containers, either of glass or left open. The main idea is to keep your guest from having to hunt for necessities. Be sure you have enough hooks and towel bars for each guest’s towel. Cathi added that it is also a good idea to consider installing a wall mounted hair dryer or a container that can hold a hairdryer and a flat or curling iron. Keep it simple! Mary Alice shared CM’s number one tip for hosting overnight guests (in addition to a fully stocked bar): Make it as simple as possible for you, the host. We have found that having things readily available or easy to find, eliminates loads of questions and running around getting everyone what they need. Translated… you’ll get to enjoy more of the holidays and time with your guests.
CM Designs Cathi Marcoly (323) 942 9920 Mary Alice Slattery (323) 942 9921 www.cm-designs.com
ART
SPOTLIGHT by
Petra Wright
Dina Herrmann
“Getting to the Other Side” Contemporary Abstract artist Dina Herrmann debuts her new series of paintings “Getting to the other Side” at GDCA Gallery in November 2014. This groundbreaking body of work is hot off the press and marks a major transition in Herrmann’s work. “Getting to the other Side” is a personal metamorphosis. Rooted in the loss of her beloved father and mentor, (her parents were famed illustrators Robert & Bertha Hermann), this new collection is an explosion, an authentic, raw, fearless journey of creative self-discovery, revealing a powerful and unique artistic voice. Dina Herrmann was born and raised in Manhattan, moving to Westchester County at age 10. After graduating with a BFA from SUNY Purchase, she set up a studio in a remote country cottage in the Hudson Valley. Her early work echoed the beauty of her rural environment with its organic shapes and soft colors. Herrmann’s paintings follow in the footsteps of the Abstract Expressionist tradition, valuing color independently of form. Rather, color is used to express emotion and experience. Due to a series of personal changes, including the death of her father, Dina packed up and left her East Coast life behind. She arrived in Downtown Los Angeles with nothing, a clean slate. The move to DTLA created a seismic shift in the artist’s world and she hit the ground running. The edgy urban energy of Downtown immediately surfaced in her work. It broke through her soft lines and rounded forms, demanding expression through bold brushwork, sharp angles and grid-like geometrics. Intense, impassioned gestures reflect the burst of energy and renewed life force now surging through her veins. The new paintings bring to mind gestures of Action Painting, reminiscent of de Kooning, Rauschenberg and Gerhard Richter. Pivotal also is the predominance of the color white, woven throughout all of the new works, transitioning color and line. “The white represents space“, says the artist “I couldn’t breathe. I felt suffocated by my former density of color”.
She still maintains a strong connection to her father when working, channeling his energy, while finding new ways to break through her old patterns and concepts. One of the greatest challenges for the artist is letting go. Her past was defined by controlled mastery of technique and perfectionism. In contrast, her new compositions have liberated her brushwork – it is larger, bolder, full of abandon. The introduction of pallet-knife technique allows her to unleash emotions via color and organic structuring, rather than delineate her feelings as she did in her previous more lyrical abstractions. “The new work is a culmination of my life’s experiences and struggles”, says the artist, “It’s about trust, about believing, embracing and embodying the positive in the world.” She
likened her process to going through fire: “It’s hot, it’s exciting, and it burns away Karma…When the fire subsides, you are left with the truth.” “Getting to the other side” is a dialogue with the metaphoric and spiritual weight of love and it’s bittersweet dialectic of comfort and constraint. Her intention with each painting is to strip away her comfort zones, until reaching total awareness, and facing the truth, her naked self. There is a definite pulse beneath this collection of paintings. They are addictive in their complexity and strikingly beautiful. We are witnessing the birth of an authentic, singular creative voice: exuberant, brave, triumphant and thrilling. Dina Herrmann’s new collection of paintings “Getting to the other Side” will be on display at GDCA Gallery November 1st – 31st, 2014. Gallery Hours: Tues. – Fri. 12pm – 7pm. | Sat. & Sun. 12pm -5pm. | Evenings by appointment. | Mondays are closed.
. GDCA 545 South Spring Street, Low
TALK TO THE
VETS by
dtlavets
Heal Your Pet With Laser Therapy by Dr Leia Castañeda
DTLAvets is proud to now offer Laser Therapy to our patients. This non-invasive, rapid and soothing modality is used as part of the treatment protocol for acute conditions like ear infections, muscle strains and wound healing as well as more chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and disc disease. How does it work? The laser light is delivered through a noninvasive hand piece to treat the affected area. A beam of laser light energy penetrates the tissues without damaging them. This improves micro circulation, ramps up ATP production in the cells (ATP is the energy currency of the cells) and decreases inflammation. This translates into increased blood circulation, increased oxygenation to tissues and increased utilization of oxygen by the cells of the body. Most treatments take a matter of 1-3 minutes. The following are ways in which we are already using laser therapy: • Post-operative incisions • Post-extraction dental sites • Feline stomatitis • Anal gland sacculitis • Ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments • Muscle sprains and strains • Inter vertebral disc disease • Ear infections • Wound healing • Hot spots Our most impressive laser success story so far comes from little Frida, a 10 pound terrier mix. Frida sustained severe pelvic trauma after her owner accidentally fell on her. She initially presented to us unable to use her hind limbs at all. After just 2 laser treatments along with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, she had full use of her hind limbs and is now back to her normal self. While the science of laser therapy has been around for many years, new data is constantly being illuminated. This puts DTLAvets in a position to be on the leading edge of innovative therapies for our patients. LASER THERAPY. Reduce Pain. Reduce Inflammation. Speed Healing.
DTLAvets 333 South Spring Street | Los Angeles, CA 90013 (213) 613 1537 www.dtlavets.com
PETS by
Janene Zakrajsek
WARM & FUZZY DRESSING YOUR DOG FOR CONFORT
Costumes parties galore! Halloween may have just passed, and whether your pets were costumed or not during the festivities– one thing is certain, the Halloween holiday kicks off a season of dressing your pets. The holiday brings out the inner kid in most of us and so it’s no surprise that the family fun has been extended to our furry companions. In a recent report, the National Retail Federation estimated that more than 14% of people dressed their pets for Halloween with costume spending at an estimated $350M. There is generally a sharp turn in temperatures at the end of October (in most areas!) that promptly moves us all into ‘sweater weather’, although climate change in So Cal makes this window of ‘seasonality’ seemingly smaller each year.
Need some personal pet shopping advice? Consult with our Pet Experts at Pussy & Pooch. New selections of fall/winter apparel arriving daily. Stop in with your dog to be measured for the perfect fit and try on the season’s newest styles. We can help select the best styles and accessories for your breed. Custom sizing and special orders are always available. Preview our Holiday collections of toys, gifts, and more beginning November 15th. Stay warm! Janene Zakrajsek Pussy & Pooch | founder
Never the less, with the Holidays looming in the very near future, this is the best time to get your pets’ closet prepped for colder temperatures and festive family gatherings and travel. Though not all dogs need the benefits the protective layers sweaters/jackets can provide, many breeds, large and small, naturally have very short or thin hair coats (I.E. Greyhound, Great Dane, Pitbull, Chihuahua). Breeds that are clipped short year-round (I.E. Poodles, Maltese, Yorkie) benefit from a warm dog sweater for when they need to go outside, or for lounging around the loft and your concrete floors. A sweater can make a significant difference in your dog’s comfort and feeling of wellbeing. Many older dogs with weaker immune systems and dogs with diseases that impair hair growth (I.E. RHOBH Giggy the Pom) typically need an extra source for warmth, and this can be easily provided by a sweater or jacket, even indoors. Sweaters and jackets are the most practical of all pet apparel and are available in every price point and in a range of sizes from Teacup to Giant Breed. Consider your dog’s breed, size, and age. If you have a pooch that would cozy up to wearing something warm this season, keep these five ideas about dressing your pet in mind: • • • • •
Choose a style that matches their personality Be considerate of colder climates when traveling outside our moderate temps Shower them with more attention for being well dressed Strengthen your bond by dressing your pet #Selfie pose, tweet, and share the photo cuteness
Size Does Matter Get the perfect fit by measuring your dog and understanding their body type/sizing. Pet apparel does not come in standard sizing as human apparel does. There is likely to be a variance from one brand to another, as there is for fit from one dog breed to another. Measure the neck, girth (chest measurement behind front legs), and length of back (from neck to tail). Depending on the cut of the garment, usually the girth and the neck measurements are the most important to ensure the best fit. Since there are some breeds like Dachshunds and Bully breeds that require special sizing, there is some apparel (although generally harder to find) that does take into consideration longer back or wider chest proportions.
PUSSY & POOCH 564 South Main Street | Los Angeles, CA 90013 (213) 438-0900 www.pussyandpooch.com
FINDING GRATITUDE IN A SEASON FILLED WITH
“EXPECTATION” by
Lori Tierney
The season changes in Los Angeles are so subtle as to be missed. This is especially true this year, after having 191 days with no rain, the endless summer became L.A.’s mantra. Finally, the sky opened up and gave the parched land a glimpse of seasonal change, just in time to watch as store windows skipped over our one holiday of gratitude, to remind us it’s all about December! While we may not be able to change the behavior of eager retail merchants trying in earnest to extract our dollars for holiday shopping, it is possible for us as individuals to pause and look at our own behavior toward the season. The Sanskrit word for “gratitude” is “Kritajna”, formed by the word “krita” meaning cultivated and the root “jna”, referring to a state of consciousness. Kritajna references a state of being which is consciously created or chosen. It is the result of slowing down, becoming fully present with oneself and realizing a particular moment in time. Ideally, if the world did this every day, there would be no need for an article to remind us! What better month to turn over a new “fall leaf” of gratitude than the month of Thanksgiving, in November.
May your gratitude account be filled to overflowing in the days ahead. Happy Thanksgiving! www.la.cityvoter.com www.unitedwayla.org www.ywcagla.org www.homeboyindustries.org www.facebook.com/thesharenecessities www.skidrow.org www.kidsave.org www.bhaktiyogashala.com www.la2015.org www.pennylane.org
I am fortunate to be able to practice Bhakti yoga (yoga of the heart and devotion) in a special little studio that runs on donations only. The teachers are humble, real and dedicated to their students and their practice. I was reminded in class by the instructor the other day to “trade expectation for gratitude”. We all have expectations in life, pondering each day and “measuring” our success or perceived lack thereof…thoughts like… ‘I didn’t get that job,’ ‘I need to lose weight,’ ‘I can’t sing so why even try,’ ‘will I ever find the right ____ (insert guy or girl here)?,’ ‘will I ever own my own home in LA?,’ and on and on. The practice is simple…trade each one of these thoughts or “expectations” for a thought of gratitude. Your gratitude list might read something like this: I am grateful to be here, for my parents (even if your experience was difficult, they got you here!) my job, the Starbucks barista who makes little heart swirls in my morning latte, my wife, my husband, my health, the rain, living in LA, my dog, my cat, my yoga practice, two legs to stand on, eyes that can see, ears that hear…you get the idea. And now that we have agreed to practice gratitude in our own lives, perhaps we might be so filled with appreciation for our own abundance that our hearts are so full, we let this love spill over to touch the lives of those who are struggling for basic needs like shelter, food, pure water to drink, a friend who cares, a hot meal on Thanksgiving and a chance at a better life. We hope you will share what you can with those in need this season, and to help you find them, following is a sample listing of Los Angeles charities making a difference, quietly, every day of the year. Thank you for sharing your love and support to make a difference in the lives of those who have been forgotten.
Lori Tierney is an author and Feng Shui consultant living in Los Angeles. Lori Tierney @cougaryoga www.loritierney.net
NIGHT
LIFE by
Farah Casis
Class By Association With the Holiday season around the corner, this is the perfect time to learn how to make those delicious craft cocktails you love… One of Downtown LA’s original speakeasies, The Association, is offering new complimentary cocktail classes on Fridays from 8:00pm-9:00pm. During the hour-long class, you get the pros’ inside scoop on how to create your favorite concoctions, ranging from classic cocktails such as the “Old Fashioned” and the “Pisco Sour” to modern day recipes your friends will be raving about at your next party. ‘Class by Association’ is taught by The Association’s head bartender, Sofia Szabo and Andrew Medina. Time to ditch those Long Islands… After all, you’re not 21 anymore! Next class takes place on Friday, November 14th. Classes are free but you must rsvp to attend and check in by 7:30pm to grab your spot at the bar (limited to 24 guests). Rsvp: farah@circa93.com For more details, visit www.circa93.com/the-association THE ASSOCIATION LA 110 East 6th Street | Los Angeles, CA 90014 www.circa93.com
Photo Credit: Ed Trillo
THE WORLD
IS A SAFE PLACE by
Jim White
Don’t Forget to
HOME WALK
November 15th
Photos Courtesy of United Way of Greater Los Angeles
As part of United Way’s plan to end poverty in L.A. County, the organization will host its 8th Annual HomeWalk, a 5K run/walk and outdoor concert to raise public awareness and fund solutions to end homelessness, one of the most extreme forms of poverty. Over the past seven years, 50,000 people have participated, raising over $4 million and helping move 14,500 people off the streets and into housing. Every dollar donated or fundraised will be doubled thanks to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. This year’s goal is to raise $1.35 million with this match. Over 10,000 participants are expected, and registration is free for all walkers. For the first time, Los Angeles indie rock band Terraplane Sun, the critically acclaimed act that recently completed its world tour with Imagine Dragons, will be headlining the event alongside Bryant. The event starts November 15th at 7am at 700 Exposition Park drive. For more information register at www.homewalkla.org Learn more, sign up and give to HomeWalk by visiting www.homewalkla.org! UNITED WAY OF GREATER LOS ANGELES www.unitedway.org
Jim White Author - THE WORLD IS A SAFE PLACE (213) 620 8000 www.theworldisasafeplace.com
Photos Courtesy of United Way of Greater Los Angeles
FEATURED LISTINGS LA LOFTS | Realty® Alex LiMandri , Jim White & Tiffany Gatto CalBRE # 01822666
info@laloftsrealty.com www.laloftsrealty.com
213 626 5433
MORE
INFO CLICK HERE or
TEXT
“5054319”
to 79564
FOR SALE: ELDORADO LOFTS #408 | 1 Bed | 1 Bath | 840 Sqft. | $478,000
MORE
INFO CLICK HERE or
TEXT “6866754” to 79564
FOR LEASE: EASTERN COLUMBIA #702 | 1 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,280 Sqft. | $2,950
MORE
INFO CLICK HERE or
TEXT “3664798” to 79564
FOR LEASE: HIGGINS BUILDING #210 | 1 Bed | 1 Bath | 610 Sqft. | $1,950
MORE
INFO CLICK HERE or
TEXT “3517016” to 79564
FOR LEASE: ALTADENA | 3 Beds | 4 Baths | 1,735 Sqft. | $6,295