General Quarters

General Quarters had a quiet arrival in Decemeber across from American Rag CIE, but it is garnering attention as a must-see shop along La Brea Avenue. Owner Blair Lucio has curated an impressive selection of apparel, jewelry, bags, books, boots and more. Inspired by heritage, nautical, aviation and automotive memorabilia, which helps to explain the Triump TR6 bike for sale in the window, which is the same model Steve McQueen rode around in The Great Escape. For a more classic look, check out the Gant Rugger shirts, Life After Denim sweaters and resonably priced tees, mixed in amongst a smart collection of vintage chambray shirts, racing gloves and military duffel bags.





General Quarters
153 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036

http://www.directiveswest.com/

The Current Was Strong

EM & Co, a West 3rd Street boutique, supplies fashion-conscious shoppers with a well-orchestrated mix of fashions from world-class designers (i.e., Vivienne Westwood, Iodice, Stella McCartney, JC de Castelbajac, Beatriz, Anna Sui), as well as innovative styles from emerging L.A. talent. Featuring over 30 lines from around the world in its gallery-like space, EM & Co is also an active supporter of local talent, hosting monthly art exhibits and other events featuring local artists and designers. Along with Wallspace LA gallery, EM & Co presents: The Current Was Strong, paintings by MB Boissonnault. MB Boissonnault's use of colors in her landscapes draws the viewer in to a new universe that represents the expression of the painter's organized thoughts about their existence as a painter. After 'battling' with painting as a way of life, MB's rules evolved to reflect the statement that "the world is perfect with all its flaws; no matter what is happening around you, this world is perfect, always."

January 20 - February 23, 2011

EM & Co

7940 W. 3rd St.

Los Angeles, CA 90048

www.directiveswest.com

The Spare Room

The Spare Room has officially opened on the Mezzanine level of the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. This new, classy gaming parlor features two bowling lanes, custom board games, and specialty cocktails from a sophisticated menu. Once inside the double door entrance, guests will immediately notice the vintage bar to the right, accented with brass and leather, while the long main room is essentially divided in half, with booths and seating to one side, and the bowling lanes on the other. An eclectic mix of antiques brings a timeless elegance to the atmosphere with studded leather tops on tables, vintage steamer trunks, and sofas next to a low bookcase that runs the length of the lanes. Bowling is $100 an hour for up to six people, including $700 bespoke shoes made exclusively by LA-based Esquivel. Beyond bowling, guests are welcome to break out the other games, including artisan versions of backgammon, dominoes, and Connect Four, from behind a locked glass display case. The Spare Room also offers a photo booth, which is hidden behind the wall where the bowling shoes are stored. Have even more fun for $5 while posing for four photos with supplied props. What a night!

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.769.7296

www.directiveswest.com

Leather or Not

Whether it's faux or real, the black leather jacket is a staple for guys in Los Angeles. Throughout the city, they are warming up to the return of the greaser scene with this moto inspired outerwear. Varied pocket designs and exposed zippers are details of choice while the layered look of leather over fleece is another way to update. As leader of the pack, this LA dude rolls forward into fall with this versatile item.

www.directiveswest.com

People's Choice Awards

The 2011 People's Choice Awards hosted by Queen Latifah brought enthusiastic recognition to entertainment fan favorites in music, movies and television. After weeks of online voting the live telecast was filmed in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre, where award winners were appropriately revealed one-by-one through the opening of a text message. Young Hollywood seemed to shine brightest in bold hues and cosmetic neutrals. Taylor Swift, Choice Country Artist Winner, and TV sensation, Ashley Tisdale, represented the night's choice of vintage femme frocks in mini to maxi lengths. While teen TV series starlets, AnnaLynne McCord and Lucy Hale, chose minimal yet daring mini dresses in saturated jewel tones.

www.directiveswest.com

Feal Mor

This new, primarily men's shop on the busy stretch of La Brea Avenue, gets its name from a Breton phrase that translates as "of the sea." The steel gray brick exterior, simple glass store front, and foosball table welcome guests into a well merchandised friendly atmosphere. Exposed brick continues on the interior, outfitted with vintage bicycles, surfboards and wetsuits and a decidedly French military-inspired selection of merchandise. The mind behind it all is JP Plunier, described by his staff as a designer/music producer/skater/surfer/punk. Originally from Brittany, he's also lived in Vietnam, Japan, Lebanon, among other locales, and those influences are apparent in the store décor and its merchandise for sale - multi-colored sandals from Lebanon, scarves from Yemen, handmade Japanese indigo scarves by Judy Augur. Right now, there are few women's items, but more selection will be coming in March.

165 South La Brea Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036

www.directiveswest.com

Los Angeles Arts Month

Los Angeles is truly the creative capital of North America. January is officially LA Arts Month in hopes of raising awareness, appreciation, and participation in the arts in Los Angeles, in all forms. This city wide event is an open invitation for Angelenos and guests to discover the city's arts and cultural offerings. Everyone has the opportunity to experience an entire month of free events across the expansive city that includes art, music, dance and unexpected public art works. Enjoy the best the art world has to offer without leaving Los Angeles.

For programming information please visit laartsmonth.org.

www.directiveswest.com