You already know we’re some of Larchmont’s biggest fans. One reason is…the shopping is fantastic!
Our Buzz staff decided to see what unique local Larchmont treasures we might be able to discover around the village – things you wouldn’t necessarily find anywhere else. We visited five shops, and found some truly amazing local gems.
First we stopped in Landis Gifts & Stationery at 138 N. Larchmont Blvd., and met with owner Edie Frere. Edie amazed us with a plethora of fabulous, customizable gift ideas, gorgeous stationery items, and fun items for the home and bath that offer some local color as well. Today’s Landis Gifts & Stationery offers customers a chic, modern version of the original Landis, founded in 1930. Pictured below is a sampling of the items Edie delighted us with:
Next, Louis Eafalla, owner of Village Heights at 122 1/2 N. Larchmont Blvd., shared the store’s array of S’well bottles with us. Made of double-walled, insulated stainless steel, these stylish containers keep cold beverages cool for up to 24 hours, and hot beverages warm for up to 12 hours. Fantastic and extremely popular, these S’well bottles are available exclusively at Village Heights on Larchmont – only about 5 stores in Los Angeles carry them, Louis said.
Louis also pointed us to the store’s brightly colored collection of Laguiole La Fourmi stainless steel and resin handled tabletop knives by French artisan Jean Néron – another exclusive Village Heights offering.
At our third stop…Sage Machado, owner of Sage Lifestyle, hopes her customers will find something when shopping in her store at 128 1/2 N. Larchmont Blvd. that they won’t see anywhere else. The store has been open about 10 months. A jewelry designer for more than 20 years, Sage also created a line of perfumes and candles with gemstone inspired names. The scents are inspiring.
She has also designed clothing, and even helped her clients with home decor.
“My house is just like my store; my work is an extension of my life,” said Sage.
In addition to her own products, Sage has filled the store with colorful handmade products from around the world, including these exquisite paper mâchè jewelry boxes…
Our next visit was to Chevalier’s Books, Larchmont’s own fabulous community bookstore at 126 N. Larchmont Blvd. Chevalier’s has been a beloved part of Larchmont’s culture since 1940, and, as many of you know, they offer much more than simply great literary works.
Chevalier’s staff shared specialty journals featuring famous novels on the cover, and lines made up of prose from that specific novel on the inside – perfect to record your own words of wisdom. Also featured atop one of the tables in the center area of the store were vivid-hued Tee shirts printed with signature illustrations from several children’s books, including Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Don Freeman’s Corduroy, and Margret and H.A. Rey’s Curious George, among others. Chevalier’s even carries grown-up versions of coloring and activity books.
Also, be sure to check out Chevalier’s website, chevaliersbooks.com, and our own Buzz Calendar section, for a list of their upcoming events, which combine readings, conversations with amazing authors, and recently, even a live dance performance by the Heidi Duckler Dance Theater.
Our final Larchmont Village destination for this outing was Fancifull, at 5617 Melrose Avenue. Owners Wally and Terry August (Terry is also Fancifull’s Founder), welcomed us in and shared some fascinating and delightful facts that highlight a few of the things that make their store extraordinary.
Since Fancifull’s beginning in 1987, Terry, Wally and staff have successfully designed, procured specialty products for, assembled and delivered more than 350,000 unique gift baskets – each with a personal touch. Each basket is initialed by the team member who put the basket together.
“This is great for quality control, “ explained Terry and Wally.
Once, they had to produce and deliver 1,400 baskets in less than a two-week period. They succeeded, and for reasons such as this, have retained and wowed customers and recipients alike, for years.
Fancifull helps customers spend their money wisely and well, offering a wide array of uniquely sumptuous items to fit within any specified budget.
“Real business is about the people,” said Wally.
Fancifull’s vegan baskets, delectable cheeses and Elderflower Pressé, all pictured below, are some of their best sellers.
Next time you are in need of specialty gifts you won’t find any place else, or just want something out of the ordinary to brighten your own day, look no further than Larchmont Village.
