Brick Lane Fashion

LA.com Goodbye

2008-09-23T16:30:00.000-07:00

Now this person/ customer was lovely! Big shout out and thank you! LA.Com is an excellant Los Angeles website that I love to check out!

Bye, Bye Brick Lane
Yes, it's understating the obvious to say that the economy is bad. Even businesses we consider to be shopping staples in certain neighborhoods are feeling the effects, as witnessed today at Brick Lane on Abbot Kinney. We swear we heard Big Ben toll as our disbelieving eyes spotted the We Quit! banner. Brick Lane is going out of business; its doors will remain open until September 28 and everything is for sale, practically down to the brick and mortar. Furniture, display cases, art and fixtures along with clothing and accessories from across the pond. Which brings us to this: Where will we go to find cutsie-mod goods by Orla Kiely, and woolly sweaters by Pringle of Scotland (though, when it comes to the latter, our eyes are generally bigger than our wallets), under one roof? Bloody hell!Items for women are already scarce, but duds for the dudes are still plentiful. Stop in, pick up some threads and pay your last respects. RIP Brick Lane. A day in the life, indeed. Brick Lane, 1132 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice.

Hate Mail

2008-09-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

This is a particular favorite of mine - someone who didn't want to post a negative comment on the YoVenice blog and get ripped apart by all the people who wrote back in my defense...so instead I got a personal email attack....

Hey,
Do the Brits in the neighbourhood a favour..Don't open another store..Your clothes line was pretty shyte and SOOO overpriced.

Cheers.

My reply to said jerk was not something I plan to post - nor his name and email which I have - I will be the adult and rise above - but some people suck.

My favorite is the "Cheers" goodbye portion.
NICE!

Cheers luvs
X's
Amanda

There is ALWAYS a critic

2008-09-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

First off I want to thank my friends at YoVenice.com - THE blog to check on a daily basis if you are a Venice local - hands down. Keri has always been a huge supporter of all things Abbot Kinney and of my store - so the following write up was her trying to help me out and to alert the neighborhood to our closing and the sale.

THANK YOU KERI!

And bookmark YOVENICE.COM to always be in the know about the happenings in your neighborhood. Be a concerned, knowledgeable and active member of your community!

Yo! Venice Write up

Of course if you read the comments - you will see.....there is ALWAYS a critic. Of course I shouldn't take it personally. I mean really - someone who would rather see a 99cent store in my place not only lacks style, sophistication and class - but obviously cares little about the fate of Abbot Kinney and the business owners who are this person's neighbors. Maybe said critics would be happier with a 99cent store a Ross and a KFC on the street. I personally want the remaining independent business owners to have the chance to survive and thrive!

Thank GOD most other residents whether they were fans of my store or not - do not seem to share the same sentiment. If they did - Venice would be lost.

I am HAPPY I was a small part of what is going to be recorded as a intense time of growth and/or change in this community and am proud of the contributions I made. Some changes are good - some are not...but change is meant to be no matter what. As I am 8 days away from closing the doors on my dream I can accept that.

I guess I just still have issues accepting narrow minded judgemental people who have opinions and comments when they have never once in their lives attempted to achieve something and gone down in flames but could be proud of themselves for trying.

So here is the article and the link so you can see what ruffled my feathers.

Yo! Venice Write up complete with comments

Brick Lane is closing. :(
September 18th, 2008 by Keri · 7 Comments

We are sad that Brick Lane is closing - Amanda has been a great supporter of the Abbot Kinney retail district, active in events (First Fridays!), and a great supporter of Yo! Venice! since we started this blog.
She wanted us to let our readers know about her going-out-of-business sale - which includes furniture and decor items from the store. (The phone booth has been sold already, btw.)
From now until September 28th, we have the opportunity to help a great store owner and ease the frustration of losing yet another small business to the ailing economy - stop in at Brick Lane and buy something!
Brick Lane1132 Abbot Kinney BlvdVenice CA

Cheers Luvs

X's

Amanda

Last First Friday at Brick Lane

2008-09-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

Well friends - I am sad to report that tomorrow evening - Friday September 5th is the Last first Friday on Abbot Kinney that Brick Lane will be participating in. We will be open until 10PM with lots of wine and beer and a last shopping chance for you all - with things marked from 25% off (Brand new fall arrivals) up to 90% off. Please come by and say goodbye if you can.

Our last day of business will be Sunday September 28th.

After that the doors will be closed. It has been a difficult and sad time as I start saying my goodbyes - but I am trying to take with me the good memories and focus on the positive things, such as the wonderful relationships I have made with my customers and neighbors these past (almost 4) years.

The past weeks have been challenging to say the least - but I thought I would share....

TOP FIVE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS / COMMENTS I HEAR EVERYDAY:

1. Oh my God - you are going out of Business? Does that mean you are moving or opening the store somewhere else?

No sadly. Generally Going out of Business does not mean re-opening to another location - this is it.

2. But WHY are you going out of business?

To put it simply - The Bush Economy

3.What are you going to do? What's next? Where will you work?

I have NO bloody idea - any suggestions or offers?

4. Is it 75% off the marked price? If not I will come back when you have marked things down more.....

No - this isn't the dollar store - it is price as marked - already 75% off and WELL below wholesale - so feel free to come back but I still won't give it away for free.

(and people wonder why I am going out of business)

And my FAVORITE - heard at LEAST 10 times plus a day for the past 4 weeks.....

5. Well you know what they say....Everything happens for a reason....

Really? Yeah....it's been mentioned once or twice...thanks. Of course I am open to anyone who has "The Reason" for me.

Please excuse the most obvious sarcastic and bitchy tone to the above - as I know that for the MOST part these comments come from a place of concern and love by my wonderful customers (with a few glaring exceptions that I will write about at a future time when it starts to finally become funny for me), I just get really exhausted explaining the situation 50 times a day and by the end of the day get - well sarcastic and bitchy to be honest. Apologies.

So these are the final weeks - please spread the word and come say goodbye. I WILL miss my customers very much...and will keep everyone posted on future endeavors - although don't hold your breath for me to open another store anytime soon unless we have a radical turn around in the economy.

I will say though - my natural sense of restlessness and quest for adventure is slowly creeping it's way back in......it may be time to pack my bags....and then who knows where I may end up?

Cheers Luvs

X's

Amanda

Another Talented Brick Lane Customer - Melissa Morgan

2008-08-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

One day about a year ago a lovely family walked into my store on their way to dinner elsewhere on the Kinney. They were that type of family of people who were friendly, outgoing, personable with whom I had an instant connection to so I automatically and correctly ascertained that they must be East Coast people! After a lovely conversation and shopping experience where the whole family walked out each with (or wearing) a beautiful article of clothing from Pringle of Scotland (yes they have impeccable taste as well) I found myself thinking "I hope they come back"

Come back they did - and over the past year plus their beautiful daughter Melissa has continued to come in and shop, with friends, with mom and dad when they visit her here, has attended events and has - as the way with so many lovely people I have been fortunate to meet over the years - become someone I consider a friend.

Melissa is low key and un-assuming for a tall willowy beautiful girl and it did not really surprise me when she admitted she was in the entertainment industry. What did surprise me as my first assumption would have been that she was an actress - but no she told me, she was a singer. Not just a singer, a jazz singer no less! A jazz singer with a beautifully smooth rich voice that brings you back to a time of the past. A time of dark and smoky jazz clubs on Saturday nights where exquisitely dressed women and sharply dressed men clustered around small cloth covered tables sipping Manhattans and smoking cigarettes while watching a jazz diva on a small stage belting out tunes lamenting of love lost, exulting love found and of all things between.

One of Melissa's last shopping trips in here - we got her to try on a very sexy ISSA dress that draped perfectly and was the color of an Iris. Today she sent me the link to see the dress as she used it in a photo shoot. (We hope it makes her album cover but we will see!)

Just another wonderful and amazing experience on this long road for me - getting a chance to meet and befriend talented people and then to be able to celebrate with them their triumphs. Way to go Melissa!

To hear a few of her tracks you can check out her myspace page:

http://www.myspace.com:80/melissamorganjazz

Personally I can't wait to hear more!

Cheers Luvs
X's
Amanda

Amazing Photo Exhibition

2008-08-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

My friend Deborah is having her debut photography exhibition at our friend Holly's store SALT on Friday August 15th.

Showcasing her stunning photographs from her trip to MALI.

African inspired music by her talented son DJ Benjamin LaBrave

Come on down and check it out!

Cheers luvs

X's

Amanda

The Healthy Irishman on iFood

2008-07-31T13:04:00.000-07:00

Ok so you may think that food has nothing to do with Fashion - but I don't agree.

First of all eating a healthy diet and living a healthy lifestyle is the best thing you can do to accentuate your BEST accessories. Healthy eating / living helps create beautiful skin and hair, bright eyes and generally a happy disposition - and I think a smile is the best accessory we could ever have!! Not to mention eating healthy keeps our bodies looking great for the fashion we want to wear!

This post is about the Healthy IRISHMAN! Irish / English, ok ok not always the best of friends in history, but it is a new age and can't we all just get along? Here in Los Angeles they all do - so Irishman fits the U.K. thing in my book!!

Finally, this blog is for the most part about my life and the Healthy Irishman is a part of my close circle of friends, seeing as he married into it by sweeping my friend Christy of her Texan feet with his accent, tattoos and mad cooking skills. Thanks to him I eat healthier and healthier every day!

So - here is a video for you to enjoy of their blog featured on iFood.tv

If you haven't checked their blog out yet - you should! Great seasonal recipes! You can always find it here under Brilliant Blogs!

Cheers luvs

X's

Amanda

First Friday S-Factor Event

2008-07-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

Madeline Martin - Californication

2008-07-23T15:01:00.000-07:00

As many of my friends know I don't watch a lot of television - I am more of a movie person. One of those people who will watch a favorite movie many many times over, however most of today's prime time "reality" TV leaves me cold. (Good thing I got out of the television business then I guess.)

I do have a few favorite shows that are set for season record on the good old DVR - most of them being on Showtime and HBO. Lately Showtime seems to weigh in heavier with my list of favorite shows - with Weeds and Californication being up there at the top.

Californication - a very interesting show I am quite hooked on. Why? Maybe because it is a rather realistic and amusing parody of the shallow and vacuous world that is Los Angeles and the entertainment industry? Perhaps it is due to the fact that I think David Duchovny its the cats pajamas and could not be a more perfect choice to play the self centered, self deprecating angst filled NY transplant writer, disillusioned by the world of Hollywood? Or is it that the majority of the show is shot and centered on and around my neighborhood of Venice California? Well most likely a total combination of them all and much more.

So at the beginning of shooting for this much anticipated new season, one afternoon a young petite brunette with a great sense of style and beautiful smile walked into my store on a day of shopping Abbot Kinney with her mother. As I am a huge fan of the show I did what anyone would do - didn't immediately recognize her! Embarrassing! I figured it out quite quickly though as her voice and her smile sparked recognition in me. Oh yeah and when I asked why they were visiting from NY, her mother told me that Madeline was working out here shooting a show for showtime. I have always been a bit slow in recognizing many of my Celebrity and Actor clientele upon first meeting, sometimes to VERY embarrassing results, but that is another story. Once it all clicked for me, it was such a pleasure to discover how down to earth and fun to talk to she and her lovely mother are. (Being an East coaster myself - I think it is due to the fact that they are New Yorkers and only come to LA when she has to work)

So over the past few months Madeline and her mother have become regular customers and neighborhood friends. I do my very best to quell my desire to beg her for details about the upcoming season so she can enjoy her shopping trips. Madeline at her young age has what I would consider a very keen sense of fashion and unique individual style unlike many of the LA "starlets" in her age bracket who strut the red carpet in various stages of undress. Personally I feel Madeline has an elegance, grace and style I only dreamed of having at her age. (And no I am not just saying that because she shops here!)

So recently I perused the Internet and found some images of her from 2 red carpet events where she is sporting some of her Brick Lane gear. She rocked the Silver dress by Pringle 1815 Scotland for the Californication DVD release party, and her most recent red carpet industry event she is carrying a stunning Black Patent Leather clutch purse by Anya Hindmarch.

Hello! Did I not tell you she has style? I must admit I am quite impressed with and a bit jealous of those shoes! Yes I just admitted that I am jealous of a young woman 20 years my junior for her superior taste in shoes! All I can say is Madeline Martin is a girl to watch! Fashionable and a stellar actress, I think and hope we will be seeing quite a bit more of her talents in years to come.

Best of luck in the new Season Madeline! Keep rocking the fashion! Brick Lane will always be a big fan of you!

Check out Californication on Showtime when season 2 airs this fall, and if you haven't seen season 1 - I suggest you play catch-up, ESPECIALLY if you live here in Los Angeles or Venice.

Cheers Luvs
X's
Amanda

S-Factor Event at Brick Lane

2008-07-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

The LA Newsletter for S-Factor posted this about our upcoming event:

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT At The Venice "First Friday" Event

S Factor will be a part of Venice's "First Friday" Event, Friday, August 1st, 6pm 10pm! "First Friday" is an extended shopping hours street fair on Abbott Kinney Blvd in Venice the first Friday of every summer month. Come see us at "S" woman, Amanda Dugan's store Brick Lane, for her annual summer blow out sale. Men's and women's clothing and accessories will be 30% to 75% off. S Factor women get 15% off full price merchandise on this night and all year round!

What a cool event we have planned! If you have ever wondered what exactly S-Factor is all about, now is the time to check it out. We will be giving away FREE INTRO CLASSES as gift with purchase that evening. There will be amazing S Ambassadors on hand to answer any questions and tell you more about this amazing workout that is a favorite with celebrities and regular woman a like. You can even get a little demonstration and try out some of the signature moves that make this one of the most unique exercise classes out there!

Come down August 1st 6PM - 10PM for an evening of pure S!

Hope to see you there

Cheers Luvs

X's

Amanda

END OF SEASON SALE

2008-07-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! I can't believe it - while it still feels like summer is stretched out before us - in the world of fashion it is time for Fall arrivals so that means:

END OF SEASON BLOW OUT SALE

30% - 75% OFF

Clothing for men and Women

50% off Purses

by Anya Hindmarch, Billy Bag and Orla Kiely

Come down soon before it all gets snatched up!

Cheers luvs

X's

Amanda

Surf Goddess Retreat - Bali

2008-07-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

I have been home and back to work for almost a month now, the glow of the vacation high has sadly faded and all I have left is the pictures and my day dreams of the beautiful Bali water. I wanted to share a little bit about the vacation I so enjoyed last month at Surf Goddess Retreats. Surf Goddess Retreats is located in Bali and getting to Bali is no easy feat from Los Angeles! Of course I DID say I needed to get away from my life for a spell and going half way around the world was about as far as I could get. The flight from LAX was 16 1/2 Hours to Singapore, then a layover at Singapore Airport, definitely one of the coolest airports in the world to have time to kill in! Then 2 1/2 hours to Denespar. At this point my friend Dawn and I, bleary eyed and dazed from a day plus of travel were greeted by a driver with a sign who was dispatched to bring us to the retreat! Easy as that we exited the airport into the bright sunshine, were whisked away and found ourselves driving through an amazingly colorful, tropical and foreign land.

We were the first guests to arrive at the villa and were greeted by Chelsea, the retreat founder and owner. She was so warm and hospitable - showing us around the beautiful villa compound we were to call home for the next 8 days. Afterwards I immediately jumped into the pool right outside our bedroom door took a deep breath and knew I had made the right decision to come here!

The first evening we met our other retreat companions who came from San Francisco, Maine, Tokyo and Scotland. Then we sat down for what was easily one of the most amazing meals I had eaten in a long while. Of course - every single evening we were treated to an incredible and diverse array of dishes that were fresh and healthy. The food was so phenomenal we became quite spoiled and I wish they had a cook book - although we did get to eat some things that I don't think you can find quite so easily here in the states. One of my favorites at breakfast was this odd looking thing called "Jack Fruit" that tasted like bubblegum! Sounds crazy but was amazing!

The next day we began our surf lessons with the great crew at Rip Curl Surf School where we spent a few hours every day for the rest of the week. The water was warm and most importantly shark free! One other girl and I had a bit more experience so we got to have our own instructor the first day and then the second day our Surf Leader Melinda worked with us. They really catered to every ones unique skills. After that the rest of the girls had mastered standing and paddling so we all spent the rest of the next week together. The instructors were great and I don't know how they do it all day, I mean it is a rough job being out in the sun and surf teaching class after class of women huh! :-)

The school has photographers on hand to take pictures of the lessons so at the end of the week you can purchase a disc with your surfing photos. Thanks to that I was able to show my friends and family my surfing moves as well as a few of my spectacular falls and wipe-outs!

I am not really quite sure why I kept doing this whole "Airplane Arm" thing. One of the things about the photos is you could see what you looked like and what mistakes you you were making.

I just thought I would put this one in to show how graceful I am at falling. Yeah right!

In addition to surfing everyday - we also got private yoga at our villa. Quite a different and wonderful experience to enjoy yoga on a patio outside your bedroom door, overlooking your pool and garden while hearing the sounds of birds and other wild life all around you. Our instructor Susan was wonderful and patient with those of us who were not as adept. I am happy to say that through her I have re-discovered yoga and have been committed to practicing it daily since my return and am really feeling the benefits both physically and mentally. Thanks Susan!

In the middle of the week we took a day off from our surf lessons and Susan accompanied us to the town of Ubud. For anyone who has read the book, Eat, Pray, Love - the town of Ubud is featured in the last part of the book, and the people the author encountered and be-friended are real, including Wyan , the woman who owns Traditional Balinese Healing Center.

Our first stop was to the sacred Money Forrest. An amazing place with more monkeys then you can imagine just living among the trees - hanging out with tourists and getting fed and generally Monkey-ing around. (Oh yes terrible pun I know)

This "little" guy was the official greeter as we entered

Just chatting with my new friend about his days in the Monkey Forrest.

A family with a newborn Monkey.

As it turns out - the day we traveled to Ubud was an "Auspicious Day" in the calender for doing all kinds of ceremonies. During the drive Susan educated us on the religion and culture in Bali. Balinese give multiple offerings to the Gods every day. There are shrines and temples everywhere the eye can see as this is a very spiritual culture. The rest of the day we were able to peruse an open air market, have a delicious lunch and then visit Wyan at her Traditional Balinese Healing Center. This is her daughter (also featured in the book) Tutti and her pet rabbit.

The drive home we passed some of the beautiful rice fields that Bali is known for.

The rest of the week was spent doing more surfing and yoga, spending time with and getting to know all the amazing women on the trip, more exploration of this beautiful island and of course more spa treatments!

The end of the retreat and saying goodbye to our new friends was sad - but of course in today's digital age - we are all already connected through Facebook. Chelsea has also set up a Surf Goddess network for us to all be able to stay in touch with our new surf goddess friends. I can't say enough good things about the retreat. The accommodations are top notch, beautiful, safe and comfortable. The food - no matter how much of an appetite you have worked up there is more then enough delicious food to go around. Included in the retreat was a decadent several hour long spa treatment on our first day as well as a Life coaching session which was an eye opener for me. All in all it was an incredible experience in every way.

Dawn and I stayed a few extra days to continue with the rigorous routine of spa treatments, beach, sun, surf and eating. After which we had our last evening of sunset cocktails and prepared for the long journey home.

So for anyone who has ever dreamed of a surf adventure or a trip to Bali, I suggest you check out Surf Goddess Retreats!

Cheers Luvs

X's
Amanda

More Anya Hindmarch

2008-07-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

I can hardly keep up with the press hits the company sends me. Now even friends of mine have started taking to ripping pages out of magazines when they see celebrities with Anya Hindmarch Bags! (Thank you girls) The fact that they can now spot them even when not credited is a testament to their fashion eyes - or that they read US Weekly and magazines like that much more then I do!

(The color on this photo is so off - don't know why - the bag is actually a beautiful gold-ish basket.)

Cheers Luvs

X's

Amanda

It's time for MUCH LOVE!

2008-07-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

What could be a better feeling then adopting or rescuing an animal and giving them a home? As the owner of 2 animals who were abandoned (as a puppy and a kitten no less) I have to tell you they were the best impulsive decisions I have ever made! Yes - even the cat - which I had NO desire for and was against the idea until I held him. Anyone who has a rescued pet will tell you that the love and adoration they bestow upon you is the best kind of unconditional love in existence! Somehow they know you saved them from a fate of death.

Much Love Animal Rescue is my favorite animal organization out there! Not just because they are local, or many of the volunteers are friends and customers of mine - but because the organization of Much Love Animal Rescue is a 100% nonprofit, no-kill organization dedicated to reducing overpopulation, abuse and neglect of domestic animals. Much Love is run entirely by like-minded professionals who volunteer their time and resources to help save the lives of these animals. Since 2000, they have successfully placed over 2,000 animals in loving homes!!

So why do these busy professional animal lovers with limited free time do it?

Sadly, 12 million animals are euthanized each year in the United States.

That is 1 million a month!!

1,388 animals an hour!!

Much Love works tirelessly to decrease this statistic. Run completely by volunteer staff and supported by animal loving celebrities such as Drew Barrymore, Jake Gyllenhaal, Katie Heigl, Tea Leoni and Patrick Dempsey to name a few, they host adoptions and events all over the West Side of Los Angeles and Bricklane is very excited to host an adoption event here in the front yard this Friday July 11th from 6:30Pm - 10PM.

This is the "First Friday" of July (due to the holiday falling on last Friday). Bricklane will have Much Love organization here on site with information, merchandise and some wonderful animals searching for their new home and owner to love! Even if you are not in the market for an animal right now - please take a moment to stop by and learn more about this organization and what we can all do to help them continue to save animals from death all over Los Angeles!

I personally became acquainted with Much Love in a rather odd way that I like to think of as fate. I opened my store on March 17th 2005. Less then a month later on April 12th I had the heart wrenching job of taking my 13 1/2 year old Labrador Ben to the vet for the last time. He had a massive tumour, had suffered minor strokes and his quality of life went from wonderful to terrible in a matter of weeks. Not able to watch him suffer I knew it was time to be put to sleep. Ben was my family dog who was shipped out to me via US Airways back when he was 7. He had lived a good long life split between coasts and was a favorite of many of my friends. Let's just say I was not the only one who cried when he passed.

Not even 2 weeks later, a volunteer of Much Love, and East Coast transplant / new Venice resident was walking a dog he was fostering around the neighborhood and ran into my friend Christy. The resemblance of this beautiful Labrador was so uncanny to my Ben, it made her cry while she demanded that he walk to the other end of Abbot Kinney to my store and introduce the dog to me. When Joe walked up with Daisy - I burst into tears and wanted to take her home! Fortunately, her loving demeanor, as well as the insistence of everyone he met who knew my Ben made the decision for him quite simple and Daisy is now one of our local Venice "Dogtown" dogs, in a loving home!

Much Love Animal Rescue will ALWAYS be my animal rescue organization of choice, and I am happy to get to help them in any way I can!

I hope you can stop by!

Cheers Luvs
X's
Amanda

George Clooney and Potential Actors Strike

2008-06-27T11:26:00.001-07:00

A pressing concern of many Angeleno's these days, besides rising gas costs and falling house values is the possibility of another strike that would in effect take the entertainment industry to a grinding halt......yet again!

I don't work in the entertainment industry - but my business only survives because of my regular customers - and a good portion of them - well over half - are employed in one way or another by it. Not to mention countless close friends and neighbors all of whom were unemployed during the 100 day writer's strike. That strike effected so many people in my neighborhood, and frankly most of the small businesses in this area are still trying to recover from it economically - so with the possible Actors strike set to begin at the expiration of the contracts this Monday, I sit here in fear and trepidation we will see a repeat of what we went through this fall, and personally I can tell you many small businesses in this area (myself included) would have trouble surviving another.

I will preface this reprint of the Associated Press article of the statement made by George Clooney with - I do not know all the issues on the table for sure - but I am very impressed with Clooney at standing up and calling out his fellow actors - pleading for everyone to get along for the sake of the thousands of people the strike would negatively impact. George - just one more reason why I adore you!

By RYAN NAKASHIMA, AP Business Writer Fri Jun 27, 9:27 AM ET

LOS ANGELES - George Clooney just wants actors to get along instead of choosing between sparring unions

In a two-page letter released Thursday, Clooney adopted a neutral stance in the dispute between the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Screen Actors Guild.

"What we can't do is pit artist against artist," he wrote.
AFTRA has already reached a tentative agreement with Hollywood studios. SAG wants AFTRA members to vote against the deal, saying its approval will handcuff SAG at the bargaining table.

Both unions' current contracts are set to expire Monday, leaving Hollywood on edge about a possible replay of the 100-day writers strike that ended in February. Results of the AFTRA vote are expected July 8.

Tom Hanks, Alec Baldwin and others have joined hundreds of actors in signing an online petition urging actors to ratify the AFTRA pact.
Meanwhile, Jack Nicholson, Viggo Mortensen and Holly Hunter have endorsed a SAG ad calling for AFTRA to return to the negotiating table to get a better deal.

Clooney called the fight counterproductive.

"Because the one thing you can be sure of is that stories about Jack Nicholson vs. Tom Hanks only strengthens the negotiating power" of the studios, he said.

Clooney also called on higher-paid actors to chip in a greater share of union dues and for 10 A-listers — "people that the studio heads don't often say 'no' to," he suggested, listing only Nicholson and Hanks by name — to sit down with studio heads once a year to "adjust the pay for actors."

SAG deputy executive director Pamm Fair called Clooney's letter valuable input. AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers declined comment.

Cheers George!

X's

Amanda

Summer Travels and Vacation Time

2008-06-26T15:03:00.001-07:00

Ok, first off I apologize for the 2 month break in updating the blog here - but during the "down season" which is the lull between fashion buying seasons and when all the new merchandise is coming in and getting press and stirring excitement - it's that time in the fashion world where things settle down to a slow crawl with very little exciting or newsworthy to report. It is a bit equivalent to the calm before the next storm.

So with that said - we will take a short deviation in mostly fashion and retail based blog entries, and instead speak about travel - most specificlly MY TRAVEL.

Over the years in business here (going on 4) I have watched other people in my world (designers, showroom reps, industry execs etc) use this time to go on "Holiday" as the Brits say. For years I just sat and stewed in jealousy every time an auto response to an email would return with the "Out of Office, On Holiday until..." notification and think to myself..."Why don't they say what they really mean....I'm off having a fabulous time so Piss Off and don't bother me with work you Tosser", and go about my business. That is however....until now.

I have been trying to recover for the past week from a glorious 2 week break - my first in many years if you didn't pick up on that - and am now a complete convert to the European way of Holiday Thinking - that Holidays are a necessity and that the American "work ethic" of working ourselves into total exhaustion and using the very little vacation time doled out to us small piece-meal ways or when complete mental breakdown has ensued - in the form of "Mental health" days. The Europeans have it right - work hard, ok, now take off for a bit will you and come back tanned, relaxed and a wee bit happier.

So I FINALLY did just that - and the reason I have had to "recover" is I found it quite difficult to get back into my real world after having such a wonderful vacation. 12 days just wasn't enough and I had a total moment where I was sadly packing my case for the return home when I started trying to figure out how exactly to stay on longer - as in forever! Obviously when one goes on a vacation and starts entertaining serious thoughts such as "I wonder who I could enlist to bring my dog over here for me" and " I wonder exactly how much trouble I could get in for bribing a customs official to extend my visa"...well obviously the vacation was very much needed and it is pretty obvious that 3 plus years should not pass before the next one!

Owning a small business is supposed to give you the pleasure of your own time, not having to answer to anyone else, being able to create your own vacation rules...etc. Well anyone who owns a small business knows - that you have far less free time, the last person to get paid is now you and as for vacation? Well there is NEVER a good time to leave - which may not be true but certainly FEELS true!

SO at the urging of friends and family I finally decided to jump on a plane and get away - far away. About as far away as I possibly could. And where did I go, you ask on the edge of your seat? Well I'll tell you - I flew to Indonesia and more specifically Bali!

Surfing and Yoga and Sun and Relaxation at the Surf Goddess Retreat. AMAZING! To read more about my trip to Bali and learn more about the retreat - stay tuned for the next post!

Sunset in front of Ku De Ta - Legian Beach - Bali, Indonesia

SUMMER and HOLIDAY SALES

2008-06-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Well the sun has been creeping out - the temperature has been rising and people are feeling the buzz...the buzz of early season SALES!

Everywhere you look it seems you can find early season Sales and Specials and Brick Lane is on board!

Offering specials to help beat the heat come down for steep discounts of summer frocks and duds!

Also ABBOT KINNEY FIRST FRIDAY in July has been moved to FRIDAY JULY 11th due to the holiday falling on Friday and stores being closed.

FRIDAY July 11th - Brick Lane will be co-hosting an adoption event with MUCH LOVE DOG RESCUE! Check back soon for more details.

We also have something REALLY special in the works for August First Friday - so stay tuned!

Head down to Abbot Kinney either pre or post beach visit, check out what is happening and stop in for great Summer Savings!

Cheers Luvs
X's
Amanda

Anya Hindmarch and New York Times Style

2008-04-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

It's getting harder and harder to keep up with the amount of press she is receiving but here is another hit - in the Sunday New York Times Style section

Brick Lane currently has one in this color and one left in carmel and gold! Get yours while they last!

Cheers luvs
X's
Amanda

Brick Lane gets Blogged

2008-04-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

This in an awesome fashion blog and Brick Lane got a really cool mention.....read on

Mission: Cuff Links
April 4, 2008 at 7:54 pm · Filed under Chic Agents, Jenn Kennedy
Chic agent Jenn Kennedy reports …
They say, “The devil is in the details” and fashion is no exception. A belt or bracelet choice speaks volumes to personal style. It’s the subtle decisions around accessories that can make an outfit — on both men and women, an item I’ve always loved is cufflinks.
Splurge
Tateossian “Football” cufflinks $150 at bricklaneuk.com.

I recently came across a Venice, California store that offers a host of hard to find cufflinks and other accessories from the UK. These enamel and rohdium plated Tateossian pair are fun for the soccer or football (as they call it in the UK) enthusiast. One side features a soccer ball and the other end is a detailed silver football cleat. They are the perfect gift for the football fan in your life!

Awesome! Thanks Jen!

Cheers Luvs

X's

Amanda

Brick Lane - Best Specialty Boutique on Abbot Kinney

2008-04-12T13:15:00.001-07:00

Thanks GenLux Magazine! Make sure to come check out Abbot Kinney this Spring!

Cheers Luvs

X's

Amanda

Genesis : Sarajevo Benefit

2008-04-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a moment to let people know about the amazing organization my friend and dance instructor Amy Danielson has created called Genesis : Sarajevo.

Genesis : Sarajevo has the mission to spread dance and artistic opportunities throughout Bosnia-Herzegovina and eventually to other war-torn countries. Their purpose is to empower young artists and unify different cultures and religions through dance and arts education.

Genesis : Sarajevo is having a dance theatre benefit where you can be entertained during and evening of dance performance, learn more about and support this amazing organization!

Wednesday April 23rd 2008

Doors Open at 8PM performance begins at 9PM

Where: The King King Club

6555 Hollywood Blvd

Hollywood, CA 90028

Amy travels several weeks a year to personally run this program and teach the children herself. She is actively out there trying to make a difference in these young girls lives - one dance at a time. It is truly an incredible organization / undertaking and is worth checking out!!

For more information you can check out the Genesis : Sarajevo website and you can RSVP to genesissarajevo@gmail.com.

Cheers Luvs
X's

Amanda

Abbot Kinney First Friday's

2008-03-27T17:19:00.001-07:00

Yes it is that time again - when Abbot Kinney stays open late to play host to neighbors, customers and visitors.

Friday April 4th Brick Lane will be open until 10PM serving cocktails and kicking off a SPECIAL APRIL PROMOTION that you do NOT want to miss!

The Brick Lane website has new additions and more are on the way and the store is stocked full of Fred Perry, Anya Hindmarch, Ted Baker, Duffer of St. George, Edun, Orla Kiley and more!

We hope to see you soon on the boulevard!

Cheers Luvs
X's
Amanda

Happy Birthday Brick Lane

2008-03-17T13:18:00.001-07:00

Yes today - the day of "Kiss me I'm Irish" and green beer is also the birthday if your favorite little British clothing source!

Today Brick Lane turns 3 years old and to celebrate I am working late this evening to have new stock in the store photographed so that this week we can upload new merchandise on the online boutique for everyone!

In honor of St. Patricks Day - this weekend I was fortnate enough to be able to attend a cooking exhibition in Culver City of The Healthy Irishman! Wait - Irish food = healthy, you say? Can it be so? I kid you not my friends it is true and possible - so check out the Healthy Irishman's blog (which is always linked on our site under Blogs We Love) for great recipes and fun Irish fare!

So go out and have a cocktail in celebration of St. Patty's and if you think of it - toast Brick Lane for turning 3 today!

"Pionta Guinness, le do thoil" - A Pint of Guinness Please

Cheers Luvs
X's
Amanda

Sexuality Cufflinks in Angeleno Magazine

2008-03-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

Angeleno Magazine March edition - the one with the HOT Ryan Phillippe smoldering on the cover has a pair of cufflinks featured in the RADAR NOW section that we stock at Brick Lane in store and on the website.

Tateossian is a quality high end line of jewelry, watches and cufflinks for men and this is one of our favorite pairs! Sadly we were not given credit for it - oh well. You can still get these great sexuality cufflinks from us though at Brick Lane!

Check out the online shop in a few days to purchase these fun cufflinks!

Cheers Luvs,
X's
Amanda

Be Green and in Fashion

2008-03-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

It's in fashion to be green.....

Did you know that worldwide it is estimated that 500 billion plastic bags are used and discarded!!!

Single use plastic bags made of HDPE remain in the environment for up to approx 1000 years. Over 100,000 birds, whales, seals and turtles are killed by plastic rubbish every year.

Scary thoughts huh? So why not carry a packable tote around with you so you can say NO to plastic bags for small items as you run about your day?

Billy Bag is another company making these fun and fashionable lightweight packable Eco-totes to throw in your purse, gym bag, car, bike basket - you name it! Small pouches that un-zip to these fresh and fun cotton print re-usable totes!

These fun, fashionable and environment friendly bags are available at our shop Brick Lane in Venice, CA and will soon be available to buy in our on-line boutique.

Get yours today and feel good about a purchase that will help minimize your impact on the environment (and it doesn't hurt that you'll look fashionable as well!)

Cheers Luvs
X's
Amanda

Jodie Kidd at Brick Lane

2008-03-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

Today we had a segment of the UK Show Fashion Avenue shot here at Brick Lane. They are doing a whole show on Abbot Kinney - which is lovely as I have been informed it will begin airing in the US this year!

The beautiful model Jodie Kidd is the host of Fashion Avenue and her celebrity co-host is model Lydia Hearst (of the Hearst Family)

They told me that so far my shop was their favorite - the bit of British Fashion made them feel quite at home - enough to shop quite a bit themselves.

I must say that dealing with "celebrities" is not always as much fun as it would seem - but these 2 ladies were so incredibly warm, down-to-earth and pleasant to work with (and I am not just saying that because they loved my shop so). It was a delight to have them in the shop and I can't wait to get the DVD of the show when it is complete!

Lydia Hearst, Me, and Jodie Kidd

Brick Lane Anniversary Party with Ted Baker

2008-03-03T10:05:00.001-08:00

Photography by: J. Varsalona

Ted Baker Party Take 2

2008-03-03T10:04:00.001-08:00

Photography by: J. Varsalona

Ted Baker Party Take 3

2008-03-03T10:03:00.001-08:00

Photography by: J. Varsalona

Ted Baker Tea Party

2008-02-28T15:06:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it - but my 3 year anniversary is right around the corner - less then 2 weeks away. Tonight - the amazing crew at Ted Baker is hosting my anniversary party here at Brick Lane and I couldn't be more thrilled.

I have a moment of quiet - like the lull before the storm - where I have finally finished steaming, cleaning and merchandising the store - and the party staff/crew will be here in an hour. I can't wait to post pictures of the event for you all to see.

Thanks to the Ted Baker crew and my AMAZING friend Deborah Raguse from Bear-Buca Entertainment this should be one hell of a party.

We have sponsorship from Bombay Sapphire, Newcastle Brown Ale and FRED water! Beautiful flowers by Fiore Culture as well as DJ Lady Sha spinning groovy music to put us all in the mood. I can't wait!

So check back in a few days for photos from the big event if you were unable to join us here in Venice - and a BIG THANK YOU to Ted Baker, Bombay Sapphire, Newcastle and FRED!

Cheers luvs

X's
Amanda

Anya Hindmarch Press

2008-02-18T14:41:00.001-08:00

Photobucket Album

With so many press hits I thought it best to share them with you in a slideshow. Beautiful coverage of her stunning bags for 2008!

Cheers luvs
X's
Amanda

Off to London and Travel Tips

2008-02-06T13:07:00.001-08:00

Just a quick update that I am headed to London tomorrow for Fashion Week and will be posting pictures of the shows and events I attend. I am only slotted for 2 catwalk shows this go-around. Quick trip and tight schedule to see all my vendors as well as check out a new trade show, but I will post pictures of what I am seeing!

So, on my last trip to NYC 2 weeks ago my wallet fell out of my purse in the back of a cab - every traveler’s nightmare! In this day and age of heightened security - flying without ID can be problematic to say the least. Luckily I have a few habits I picked up years ago when I started international travel as a part of my business that made the trying event more manageable - so I thought I would share them.

1. Empty your wallet before you go. There is no need for your membership cards and every credit card you normally carry around with you. Those are the things that are the most annoying to remember and replace. Only take what is needed.

2. Make color photo copies of your Drivers License, Passport (if applicable) and every credit card you plan to take with you - front and back. Take one of these copies with you and leave one at home with someone who you can contact to fax them to you if necessary. I actually never take the copies with me to NYC, but always do for international travel. The other copy I leave at my office and everyone who works for me knows where to find them.

3. If you are traveling internationally, look up where the US embassy is in relation to the city/country you will be in and then write that fax number down on the copies that you leave at home/with someone you trust.

Because I do this, I was able to have Jordan fax the copy of my drivers license to me. That combined with a police report in the city I lost my wallet was what enabled me to board my flight home. The police report is mandatory in a situation like that and you must file immediately - as you generally have to come back the next day to pick it up. Without it - you will most likely not be able to board your flight. Even with it - be prepared to be a "low level security threat" and expect to get searched rather thoroughly. Having the copy of your license is not mandatory on all airlines - but I was told "un-officially" that having it made my whole check-in smoother.

If you don't have your credit cards registered with a service, or you are not an American Express card holder, having the copies means you have the number to call and your account number handy to cancel the cards you know were in your wallet, as opposed to trying to remember what you had and trying to figure out how to get a hold of the companies. This happened to me on a bank holiday day and as a regular person I could not get through to anyone. So I decided American Express would be my next call - and low and behold they contacted every single card/bank within an hour or 2 and gave me directions to go to the American Express World Financial headquarters in Manhattan the next day to pick up a temporary card. Where I was it was faster then having them overnight it to me.

So I thought my little drama was a good reason to share these tips with everyone I know who travels. Things happen, wallets get lost and stolen and when you are not in your own city - it is ten times worse! SO a little prevention can help make an unfortunate event like this something you can easily deal with.
Safe travels!

Cheers luvs
X's
Amanda

Brick Lane is launching EDUN

2008-01-28T14:22:00.001-08:00

I am very excited to announce that this season Brick Lane will be launcing with the Men's collection of EDUN.

For those of you unfamiliar with the line EDUN is a socially conscious clothing company created by Ali Hewson and Bono with New York clothing designer Rogan Gregory. Two years in the planning before its launch in spring 2005, the company aims to bring the issue of sustainable employment to the world of catwalks and high fashion. This is conscious consumerism, with a radical and crucially stylish twist.

Using Organic materials is another plus in the EDUN fashion line - and one of the things that interested me in bringing the line into Brick Lane.

Here is a little clip in People magazine about their organic denim.

So come into the store - or check the online shop soon as EDUN is due into Brick Lane within the next few weeks!

Cheers luvs

X's

Amanda

Brick Lane on Store Adore

2008-01-27T15:43:00.000-08:00

So we recently got a notice about a new adorable website that is dedicated to featuring interesting boutiques and online shopping sites in a few major cities in the US.

Brick Lane was chosen to be on the site and we couldn't be more thrilled! The site is Store Adore and is a great resource for finding interesting boutiques in New York, LA, Boston and Washington D.C - with more cities being added soon.

Here is the adorable write up I received:

The Brits are coming! The Brits are coming! To Brick Lane, that is. With a Union Flag front and center and a bright red phone booth outside that could have been plucked right off of Carnaby Street, it’s pretty clear that this shop is an homage to all things Cool Britannia. Stroll through the charming cottage-like store and browse a medley of imports from across the Pond. You’ll find treasures from brands you’ve heard of (handsome Pringle of Scotland sweaters, printed Orla Kiely handbags and bold Issa jersey dresses) and ones you will surely fancy (like John Smedley knit tops and sharp Union Jack wallets). Owner (and Philadelphia native) Amanda Dugan may have grown up a Yankee, but her love of all things English (from the countryside to the clothing) would make her the perfect royal subject. She opened her shop as a way to bring innovative British labels to stateside fans. Righto, Amanda. We envy your shopping trips.

The funniest part is that I don't remember which interview this was - as recently I have been interviewed for print and TV quit a few times. YEA!

So go on the Store Adore site and check it out, and if you are one of our customers, I would be so grateful if you would rate us or review us!

Cheers luvs,

X's

Amanda

Buckler in the News

2008-01-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

ENK, IMG Fashion Week Debuts
By DAVID LIPKE
Jan. 21, 2008
NEW YORK — The men’s fashion week envisioned by IMG and ENK International is up and running. Four young designers are staging shows at the runway space created by the two influential companies, which are attempting to organize an enduring week dedicated to men’s fashion, held simultaneously with The Collective, Blue, Project and Capsule trade shows. At presstime, Conference of Birds and Distilled were scheduled to show last night, Jan. 20, and Yoko Devereaux and Buckler by Andrew Buckler are slated to show this evening, Jan. 21. “We understood that designers don’t exactly love to be the forerunners of change, and everyone wants to see what this is going to be like. So I think these designers deserve extra props for being the trailblazers of something bigger to come next season,” said Kelly Cutrone, founder of the People’s Revolution showroom and PR agency, which is consulting on the initiative and has been instrumental in organizing these fledgling shows. The show space created by ENK International and IMG is situated on Pier 92, behind ENK’s Blue show. It seats about 240 people and has a 70-foot runway, making the location similar in size to the Salon venue inside IMG’s Bryant Park tents, where New York Fashion Week is centered. Conference of Birds and Distilled are neophytes to the New York runway, Yoko Devereaux has not shown in recent seasons, but Buckler is abandoning his traditional New York Fashion Week slot. “It’s a bit of a pioneering move but I’m excited by it,” said Buckler, who sells his label to about 75 wholesale accounts, including Rolo in San Francisco, Brick Lane in L.A. and David Lawrence in Seattle.

Anya Hindmarch and Ellen page

2008-01-27T15:36:00.000-08:00

We're not big gamblers but we think it's a safe bet that if the Oscars red carpet takes place, nominee Ellen Page will be toting an Anya Hindmarch clutch. The Juno star toted Hindmarch's black patent Louisa clutch to the 7th Annual Hollywood Life Breakthrough of the Year Awards and a Juno screening in New York. Then she opted for a red Maud to hold at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards gala.

Brick Lane on Your LA

2008-01-16T18:10:00.000-08:00

News Flash:

Today we had a little segment filmed in the store for Your LA on NBC on Saturday Mornings at 6AM.

I don't expect anyone to be up that early to watch it when it airs - so we will post a clip on the blog when it hits their website.

:-)

Cheers Luvs,

X's

Amanda

Anya Hindmarch yet again in Glamour

2008-01-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

I know I risk of sounding like a total fashion suck-up as I realize I post about Anya more then anyone else - but it's hard not to - she is EVERYWHERE in the press these days. The London fashions worlds very own purse darling - here is a preview of her newest collection as featured in Glamour UK- soon to be available at Brick Lane.

I know they are pricey - but the quality, detail and luxury in these bags actually in my humble opinion - makes them worth every dollar. In fact I have seen more expensive bags that looked tacky or were shoddily made - and Anya bags are very high quality! Maybe that is why so many celebs are coveting these bags and why everyone at London Fashion week had them. Let's just say there is NO way I am going to London Fashion Week without one of my own this time - except they are almost sold out at my store! Damn you would think I would grab one right? Well it's hard - all the Anya Fans beat me to them and buy them before I can justify taking it off my shelf and denying someone else the pleasure of owning one. :-)

I leave to start buying in a few weeks and can't wait to see the Fall 08 collection. I don't know what I am more excited about - getting the Spring/Summer collection in the shop in a few weeks or being one of the first to see the Autumn/Winter collection! Maybe this time I will take pictures so my fashionista readers can get a sneak peak!

Abbot Kinney is in Vogue!

2008-01-10T13:44:00.001-08:00

Literally!

Abbot Kinney got some Vogue love this month. Sadly Brick Lane was not mentioned - but we are thrilled for our neighbors who were! If you live in LA and haven't strolled and shopped the boulevard lately - what are you waiting for? Clearance Sales, new shops, galleries and restaurants galore! Brick Lane is having our semi-annual SALE of 40% - 75% off! Come down and visit us soon before everything is gone!

Cheers Luvs,

X's

Amanda

Award Winning Designer Anya Hindmarch

2008-01-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

As if Anya Hindmarch bags weren't fabulous enough - she has been honoured as Designer Brand of the Year! By the way we have ONE of the fantastic bags left that you see above AND it is reduced to $625!

Anya Hindmarch wins Designer Brand Accolade at British Fashion Awards
London 27th November 2007

We are thrilled to announce that Anya Hindmarch was honoured last night at the 2007 British Fashion Awards with the accolade of Designer Brand of the Year.

This year has seen many special projects come to fruition for Anya Hindmarch from designing bags for the Hollywood’s biggest stars at the infamous Vanity Fair OSCAR party to proving the huge impact fashion can have with the launch of I'm Not a Plastic Bag which sold out within hours around the globe. With a newly enhanced website, the opening of two flagship stores in London and a further 16 planned around the globe before March next year, 2008 looks to be equally as exciting for the Anya Hindmarch brand.

The Designer Brand award, presented in recognition of Anya’s achievements throughout the year, marks a significant highlight at the end of an incredible journey in 2007.
Winners were decided by an invited panel of judges made-up of key influencers within the media, retail and creative direction

Billy Bag in the press and helping us stay green!

2008-01-10T13:04:00.001-08:00

Billy Bag

I discovered the line many many years ago when they were a new brand while on a shopping trip in London. My best friend and her husband moved to Notting Hill for a year and I used it as an excuse to visit my favorite city and do some retail therapy - this was back when the dollar was in better shape vs. the pound as well as being prior to Brick Lane's conception - however I must say the seeds for the idea were planted at the time! So, I found the cutest sun hat that I still wear today by this line I had never heard of called Billy Bag. Cut to 3 years later and when the idea of Brick Lane was born - so of course they were the very fist company I contacted. 3 years and going on 6 seasons later Billy Bag is still a line I happily and proudly stock. Their bags and accessories are high quality, fashionable, fun and most importantly affordable! Everything from passport covers to FABULOUS purses with the extra touches of included dust bags and makeup mirrors. I love watching people discover them for the first time in my shop! Now this brand that is not as well known outside of London is finally starting to get the notice and press they so greatly deserve! See some examples of the press they have received this year.

They just informed me we will be getting our Spring Summer shipment in the next few weeks so keep checking Bricklaneuk.com. One particular item I most excited about is the zip-away shopper bag. A small leather pouch to slip in your purse so when you are at the farmers market or drugstore or grocery to pick up a few essential items....you unzip and have a fabulous cotton carrying tote so you can say no to plastic bags! YEA! Finally...a fashionable way to do our little part to be green and not have more bags to throw away! Billy Bag is a brand to watch!

Oh yeah - I can't remember the exact details of my order - but I DO remember this electric Blue bag! Guess what is on it's way to Brick Lane??

Cheers Luvs,

X's

Amanda

Abbot Kinney Annual Holiday Festival

2007-12-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year yet again! With the holiday spirit abound - Abbot Kinney Blvd stays open late on Friday December 7th to welcome neighbors, customers and friends to come down and mix and mingle for the evening.

Shops on Abbot Kinney will stay open until 10PM and many of them will be having refreshments and specials galore! There will be a Santa at Tales and Toys from 5PM to 7PM, Carolers wandering the streets and other stores will be hosting music or art shows.

Brick Lane will be having cocktails and nibbles and absolutely MENTAL DISCOUNTS for the evening so get your christmas chopping started early and on SALE!

Friday December 7th from 5PM to 10PM come join in the merriment in Venice on Abbot Kinney Blvd!

Hope to see anyone close by here!

Cheers luves,
X's Amanda

Divine Design and Project Angel Food

2007-11-30T13:54:00.000-08:00

So last night I was fortunate enough to be a guest of the amazing Ted Baker crew at the west coasts premier shopping event Divine Design, benefiting Project Angel Food.

First off a little bit about the amazing Project Angel Food. Founded in 1989 as an outreach program to help people with serious illnesses. At this time they were able to provide meals for drop-in clients and averaged about 15 meals a day. Fast forward through a long amazing history of helping people in Los Angeles and in 2007 with a staff made up primarily of volunteers - Project Angel Food prepares and delivers up to 1,500 meals a day!

Divine Design is a premier shopping event in which 100% of the proceeds from sales, donations and auctions goes to support Project Angel Food in continuing it's mission to never have a wait list for help and support and to feed those who need it in their darkest day. Fashion with compassion.

The Divine Design shopping boutique, located at 9900 Wilshire Blvd until December 3rd is stocked with designers of likes of: Ted Baker, Smashbox, Diesel, Trina Turk, Allegra Hicks, Diane Von Furstenberg, Stephanie Johnson (a loyal customer of Brick Lane since our opening) and many many more! Goods have been donated by the designers and are selling at up to 80% off of retail!

The VIP gala kick off dinner was last night at the Beverly Hilton next door to the shopping pavilion and guests were treated to an enjoyable night of presentations about Project Angel Food, auctions and a FABULOUS runway show by Ted Baker. (incidentally I was thrilled to see several pieces for men and women in the show I already purchased for Spring Summer 2008! Keep checking out Shop Brick Lane so you can be the first to see these items when they arrive)

The event was full of supporters of Project Angel Food. Rebbecca Gayheart- Dane was a recipient of an award for her dedication to Project Angel Food - the award was presented to her by none other then her husband - Dr. McSteamy himself- Eric Dane. Also honored for support was editor-in-chief of Metropolitan Home - Donna Warner and of course Ted Baker! Some of the other celebrity support out to help the cause were long time supporter Eric McCormick, Jai Rodreiguez, radio personality Valentine and Andrew Levy from The Brand New Heavies who did the incredible music for the Ted Baker runway show.

After the gala we all found ourselves mingling and mixing in the shopping pavilion with cocktails and desert being served while we were encouraged to break out the credit cards. I did my part for charity by getting some sassy bedtime apparel by Hanky Panky. Check out the Divine Design website for information on how to get tickets to the shopping and get out your credit cards! You can shop for yourself, for holiday gifts and feel good knowing every dollar you spend goes to help feed someone in your own community who so desperately needs it. Also check out Project Angel Food for more information about this amazing charity and how to get involved. I am personally trying to figure out how to re-work my schedule next year so I can spend some time volunteering! As a small business owner who is always working it will be hard, but worth it in my opinion.

Thank you so much for my friends at Ted Baker for inviting me to such an incredible event!

Cheers luvs,
A

ONLINE SHOPPING

2007-11-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

We just keep adding more and more to the online shop. Check it out and subscribe to be on our mailing list! New Items from Simon Carter, Tateossian, ISSA, Pringle 1815 Scotland, Ted Baker, Buckler, Anya Hindmarch and more!

Brand new arrivals from Orla Kiely Resort collection!

Men's and women's fashion from the U.K.

Free standard domestic shipping until 2008!
Web specials and SALE items!

http://www.bricklaneuk.com/!

Brick Lane Launches Online Shopping

2007-11-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

Yes it is true fashion blog friends - I have been MIA for weeks in preparation of launching the online shopping site for BRICK LANE!

Starting a website is not easy - and I had help in the form of my amazingly smart, patient and talented brother who has taken 6 weeks out of his life to come to LA and build/set up/administrate my website! God bless him!

So it is here! http://www.bricklaneuk.com/

Check it out and check back often. We have so much more amazing product to upload from all your favorite U.K. designers such as, ISSA London, Oliver Spencer, Fred Perry, Ted Baker, Orla Kiely, Pringle 1815 Scotland and much much more!

I promise to try and post on a more regular basis.

Happy Shopping!

Cheers Luves,

X's

Amanda

Lucky Magazine Bracelet Arrived!

2007-10-25T10:53:00.001-07:00

Well my fellow fashionistas - it has been such a long wait - I am sure that people have forgotten - hey we have a short attention span in the fashion world I understand - However the wait is over. The bracelet featured in Lucky Magazine by The Branch has finally arrived. We have only 4 left in stock already in Medium and Large - Retail $226. The back ordered earrings are on route from Foggy London town as well - but you may want to hurry in and snatch up one of these fabulous cuffs before anyone else! We will accept phone orders for those of you who don't live in LA.

310-392-2525

Bricklane is about to go online and offer select items from the shop at it's soon to be launched online shopping site. Be on the look-out - we anticipate a launch date by early November! Cheers!

Anya Hindmarch in Lucky Magazine

2007-10-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

Anya Hindmarch in the magazines yet again - and again a bag we stocked at Brick Lane - but alas we sold out already. Don't you think it is time you checked out the "must have" designer - Anya Hindmarch? I know I am putting dibs on one for myself next season for SURE!

Smart House - Smart Car Launch Party on Abbot Kinney

2007-10-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

Thursday evening I was invited to the cocktail reception of the opening of the new SMART HOUSE on Abbot Kinney Blvd. I was invited because my lovely sister Kathleen Dugan is a publicist at LaForce-Stevens PR firm in NYC and their LA office is now handling the press for the Smart House.

Now I travel to Europe a bit and have seen the Smart Car for years over there. The cutest little car that looks like you could fold it up and carry it away in your purse ..."It's a purse...It's a car..." I have always found them cute but never really delved into them more than that. Well after an evening of seeing these cars, getting to sit it one - they really are roomier then one would anticipate, and learning more about the car, the company philosophy and how much better they are for the environment - my friend Elizabeth and I started musing on the benefits of having such a little car. I mean we don't drive that much, they are so little parking would be easier - and what a great way to run around town doing your errands without leaving as much of a carbon imprint on the world! Hmmmmm food for thought.

The Smart Car on the roof of the Smart House as seen at night.

Elizabeth Ryan - owner of Tales and Toys on Abbot Kinney Blvd and myself.

Robyn Kures - the point PR contact for Smart House from LaForce - Stevens

Danny Masterson as the evenings DJ

Designer Jordan Cappella and I at the Smart House main floor gallery

How cute are these little cars?

Designer, owner of Turquoise on Abbot Kinney and friend Vanessa De Vargas Schubert

Saturday October 13 from 11AM to 5PM SMART HOUSE will be open to the public for an Open House reception and then remain open Tuesday's - through Sunday's from 11AM to 9PM through January 2008. Stop by and learn more about the Smart Car, see the amazing design of the Smart House and take one for a test drive! Maybe it is time we all give up our SUV's and start to drive Smart!

Abbot Kinney First Friday's at Brick Lane

2007-10-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

Friday October 5th is our next First Friday's installment here on Abbot Kinney Blvd and at Brick Lane.

Brick Lane will be open until 10PM to give everyone an opportunity to come down, have a cocktail with us and check out the new Fall Fashions from London as well as mingle, meet and enjoy all the other activity on the street.

If you missed the Abbot Kinney Festival and the Once a Year BLOW OUT SALE at Brick lane - we don't have a ton left - but there are still a few great deals left including a few dresses by ISSA, Ted Baker and MERC and Oliver Spencer suits and shirts for men and more.

New Fall Merchandise will have a special on it for Happy Hour from 5PM to 10PM but you need to come down to the shop to find out about this one. In the past people have won $100 Gift Certificates, free classes at S-Factor and more. So come down and visit us on Friday October 5th for drinks and snacks and great London Styles!

Hope to see you down here! Cheers

ABBOT KINNEY FESTIVAL SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH!!!

2007-09-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. This Sunday September 30th is the Annual Abbot Kinney Festival. The street closes off to traffic from 10Am to 6PM. Come down and cruise the street see all we have to offer.

Local Artists and Artisans

Food and Beverage courts

Jewelry, clothing and craft vendors from all over LA and then of course......

THE BRICK LANE ANNUAL ONCE A YEAR BLOW OUT SALE!!!!

The lowest prices on the Best clothes from Britain!

Slashed prices on past seasons ISSA, Orla Kiley, Oliver Spencer, Pringle, Fred Perry, Buckler and much more.....

$10 T- Shirts!!!

Prices Cheaper than Chips!

So come check out the festival - enjoy what is sure to be a beautiful day and visit us at Brick Lane for the crazy Sale!

Cheers!

Note: This year the Abbot Kinney festival is going GREEN! Check out the site for more information: Abbot Kinney Festival 2007

London Goodbye

2007-09-22T03:16:00.001-07:00

Well it's goodbye for another season - back in the cold rain of February. Fingers crossed my dear friend Laurel has settled in here and I will be staying with her! Yea!

Thanks for showing my such a good time to all of my friends - I don't have pictures of all of you so send me some photos from some of our nights out will you? Thanks Laura Tabor, Kris Searle, Fiona Devine, cousins Grant Channer, Austen Bushrod (yeah seriously that is is his name), Sisters Gemma and Sacha Jenkinson, Claire Dimes, Kathleen Hayes, Simon Barnes, Leonie Murphy who flew in from Dublin and last but not least Laurel Collier - who will be moving here from NYC and who without I would not have met many of these people. Oi! I'll see you all in February!

Oh yeah and you pissers - I broke down and joined Facebook - so I can stay in touch that way as well. It REALLY is a trend here in Europe huh? Oh and Austen I am so taking you up on that offer fro a trip to Amsterdam next time! CHEERS LUVS!!!

London Fashion Week Wrap Up

2007-09-21T12:41:00.001-07:00

Well London Fashion Week September 2007 has wrapped up. It was for me as usual a bit of a hectic time. There is NEVER enough time to see everything and because of the dismal US economy vs. the power of the Pound (sterling) there isn't even close to enough money to buy all I would like for the shop - c'est la vie....maybe when things change in the Whitehouse I may have more buying power in the future - or I may go permanently out of business , but I figure I'll jump off that London Bridge when I get to it.

Sadly, London Fashion week is a bit like the bastard step-child of the fashion week circuit with New York and Paris taking the glory and prestige again and again. A bit to be expected really - and for me personally the lack of complete rubbish pretension is one of the things I have always enjoyed. The ability to see some of the beauty and talent without the put-on celebrity filled glamour and glitz that is at times seemingly so forced. I do understand (and support) the LFW's desire to raise the image of London and I do feel it is due for some recognition as there are so many amazing designers that hail from this city.

This particular Fashion Week saw some increase in status and prestige across the board. This is the first time I have seen and heard of more then a handful of "American Celebrities". The Matthew Williamson show had a special performance by none other then Prince. Antoni and Allison debuted their collection modelled by Nicole Kidman. None other then Anna Wintour decided to grace the city with her presence, apparently to view the Gareth Pugh catwalk show - which is a continual hot ticket despite him never once selling a ready-to-wear line in his history of being a designer, however her presence would in fact account for the amazingly pretentious attempt of a red-carpet gala for the international buyers party - which was an obvious attempt to mimic a NYC Fashion Week party complete with stick thin glamazon models manning the door with the force of RFA trained solders.

Sadly the budget uses to attempt to raise the image of the event left a few things lacking. Of course some of my favorite and most talented vendors were still showing at the exhibition, such as Laura Tabor, Babbette Wasserman and Wendy Pickard of The Branch, as well as Anne Luoise Roswald and Lou Lou and Law. The rest of the Exhibition was rather unexciting to me this year. I walked away with beautiful collections from my established designers but sadly do not have all the much new to bring home to my customers. Every time I would see a line that even sparked the slightest interest - I would discover they wanted 75pounds Wholesale for a piece of gold PLATED jewelry that didn't in my opinion warrant a $75 wholesale price tag.

Of course our economy in the US doesn't help matters in my attempt to support and import U.K. based designers - and while I can't blame them for our Whitehouse vs. their strong economy - you would think in the obvious desperation of these labels and lines to increase visibility in the US market they MIGHT work with you on their prices, but alas no. It is the established and continually growing mid-luxury lines that thankfully I have already sourced and been carrying for the past few seasons who understand the value of working with their American buyers. In my opinion the London Fashion Forum should step in and either educate or assist these small designers in this arena - because you can throw all the VIP parties you want and have runway shows from one end of London to the other for a week - but if the American buyer can't justify the prices being set - then parties or not, London Fashion Week will never become the powerhouse they are attempting to be. I still love it here and love attending LFW - I just hope in it's attempt to raise the profile it doesn't destory itself.

I also pray the pound and the dollar find a way to play nicer together in the schoolyeard - or Brick Lane may not be able to continue to be the staunch supporter of British Fashon that it was founded on. Time will tell - and meanwhile it's back to LA for me.

London Fashion Week - Antoni and Allison with Nicole Kidman

2007-09-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

No Photos Allowed. And they were serious - a few people tried to take photos as the designers introduced the show and the security seemed to appear out of no where - so this one will have to remain in my memory.

This morning I saw one of the most creative and interesting displays of all the Catwalk shows or exhibitions I have seen. The 20Th Anniversary of the artistic label Antoni and Allison was showcased at the Curzon Mayfair Theatre in Mayfair. Upon entering you saw each seat was decorated with Evian bottles that had brightly colored pastel balloons attached and a gift box on your seat that contained a cupcake with yummy sugared pink frosting (yes I ate it later with a cup of tea and enjoyed it immensely)....but I was confused. How was one going to have a runway showing the collection across a theatre stage? Unorthodox yes. However, in the end it was the most delightful of all shows I have attended!

To celebrate their anniversary - Antoni and Allison had a "birthday party" of sorts. The packed audience was treated to a quite a unique short film. In reality it was a film of a simple photo shoot - but with a twist. A women getting ready for a or in this case "the" party showcasing the collection in a whimsical and inspired way. Of course it was not just any woman - but was Nicole Kidman.

The Premiere and and finale at the same time This Film/Photo Shoot/Art Piece/Tribute to the designing duo who has been on the artistic edge of the London Fashion scene for 20 years now - was a gift to the designers from Nicole Kidman complete with her singing "Happy Birthday".

Some may not like Ms. Kidman, but personally I have always adored her and she modeled their clothing in such an elegant way. Part sophisticated women, part giggling girl child, the taffeta water colored party frock collection of 21 different pieces/looks was in a way everything an English afternoon tea party dress should be, part Alice in Wonderland but with a modern edge.

It was a once in a lifetime screening in place of a runway show and in my life it was a fashion experience like none other. The colors and styles spoke to the child inside of me. The child who wants to be a sophisticated woman yet sweet and girlish and dressed in pink bows at the same time. Instead of watching anorexic runway models strut down the runway, hips thrust, bones jutting, scowls galore, swimming in the clothing, we were treated to the gorgeous Nicole Kidman in clothing that fit her, flattered her and in fact seemed to be made for her, enjoying herself and giving us time to experience the true beauty of the clothes. By and away my favorite show so far - I only wish I could share it visually with you.

At the end of the film, Burakowski (the director) asked Kidman why she had volunteered her time. She pointed to the white T-shirt she was wearing, emblazoned with the words in blue type: “Antoni + Alison are Brilliant Genius (es)”

In my humble opinion - as artists - they most certainly are! :-)

London Fashion Week - Betty Jackson and the EJF

2007-09-20T09:46:00.001-07:00

So with my rubbish camera - I attempted to take some shots at the Betty Jackson catwalk show but absolutely NONE of them came out - so you will just have to believe I was actually there (with my friend Leonie Murphy who flew in from Dublin to assist me in the SS accessories buying at the exhibition).

Typical Betty Jackson - a collection that is really quite lovely and wearable for the modern woman. Beautiful prints mixed with strong reds and neutral whites and creams - there were definitely a few stand out pieces in my eye.

To see the professional shots of the catwalk: Betty Jackson London Catwalk SS 2008

Co-sponsered by Twinnings Tea - we received little packets of White Tea and mini muffins so we could all go home and have our own tea party. Oh the English......

Interesting of note - Betty Jackson has collaberated in a project with the EJF this season - Environmental Justice Foundation - in a campaign for clean cotton.

Betty Jackson says "We are delighted to be able to support this campaign in its very worthwhile fight against some of the terrible injustices that occur around the world. Exploitation of some of the most valuable groups in society, especially children, should not be allowed to happen in today's modern world."

EJF believes children should not be forced to work in cotton fields and that cotton should be grown organically without pesticides that poison the land and the farmers that use them. EJF Campaigns to end forced child labour in cotton production and promotes alternatives like organic cotton.

Joining designers such as Luella Bartley, Christian LaCroix, Juliette Williams and Katherine Hamnett to help support the campaign Betty Jackson created this t-shirt which is sold exclusively on the website for the EJF.

In order to learn more about the EJF, to see designs by other designers in support of this campaign and to purchase the t-chirts visit the site. EJFoundation.org

London Fashion Week - Amanda Wakeley Catwalk

2007-09-17T02:32:00.000-07:00

I was invited to attend the Amanda Wakeley show and far be it from me to deny as she is quite a gem in the London Fashion world - so I eagerly accepted. Now this show was a MAD crush of fans, fashion people, MASSIVE amounts of English celebs (I have to pick up a HELLO! Magazine so I can start to know who some of these girls are the paparazzi goes insane over). I was pretty sure I saw Jennifer Love Hewitt escorted in surrounded by bodyguards into the VIP tent section. while I waited in the lounge making pleasentries with a tall beautiful european women who was attending the show as a favor to a friend at Vogue. This show took place at the BFC tents on the west lawn of the Natural History Museum where the majority of London Fashion Week and the "Exhibition" (more on that to come later) takes place. My seat was not the best angle for photos and then I realized no matter where I was sitting the truth of it is - my little digital camera is crap! Complete rubbish and I MUST get a new one before my next trip. None of my photos on this show really came out I apologize that these are the best I can do.

MS. Wakeley herself as she came out at the end.

To see the beautiful collection I was fortunate enough to preview it is best to see the way the Professionals took the shots: Click the link below to see the footage of the show:

Amanda Wakeley London Fashion Week Catwalk.

London Fashion Week - ISSA Catwalk Show

2007-09-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

Fashion week kicked out Saturday night with a few shows and I got to attend one of the hottest tickets in town ISSA of London. Her Spring Summer 2008 Collection Runway show took place at Lindley Hall in Victor Sq. London. A Glittery, paparazzi joined red-carpet event with English celebrities I did not really recognize (the flash bulbs of the paparazzi gives away when someone of note is in the front row) and our own stateside "sweetheart" Tara Reid was in attendance. (Note that is English Sarcasm I am using)

So I had a great seat - unfortunately I was facing the camera pit so their flashes would make my camera go berserk and the shots are blurry and not that easy to see - therefore I have only put a few up including ones of the spectacular finale with a Cirque du Soliel type performance with a girl riding silks with ISSA print and flying high above the crowd to make the shape of a butterfly - ISSA's apparently new favorite print. She has also launched a new couture underwear collection with her new print the ISSA horny little devil.

This S/S 2008 collection is inspired by the ISSA girl in Ibiza. Calling it the Summer of Love and Freedom for ISSA girls here is an excerpt from the company description of the collection inspiration story:

"Wearing printed dresses or dungarees to cocktail parties or to the beach, the ISSA girl is active and sporty. She can be whoever she wants to be, never afraid to try new things. After all she is on holiday and she deserves it. She makes the world become a Fellini Movie, DOLCE VITA is her motto. Her life is full of love and in her world, naughty is just another adjective for love"

"ISSA is the signature of love, summertime and easy weather. So come and be that woman. With perfect cuts and easy to wear dresses, chic, elegant and eclectic. ISSA's classic jersey dresses and some cotton to match the hot, hot heat of the summer. Yellow, red, turquoise, gold, pearls and crystals. ISSA is every woman. In the day easy and adventurous, the dresses and cuts are short (very short). And because the night is always young with ISSA, cuts are long (very long). The look is clean and still quite open which gives you a matter of choice, because the ISSA woman is first of all free."

Designer Daniella ISSA Helayel of ISSA London pictured in RED.

Interested in getting vintage ISSA London dresses?

London - Men's Fashion and Favourbrook

2007-09-16T02:16:00.000-07:00

An Englishman and quite a dandy - the entrance to the arcade off Jermyn St.

OK - so now it's time for a little something for the men. Oliver Spencer of famed Oliver Spencer label as well as Favourbrook high end fashion and accessories for men, is simply one of the nicest blokes in this fashion world you could ever meet.

Upon hearing I was in town he invited my friend laurel and I to join him out to dinner. We personally opted for his local neighborhood pub. Pub's are of course a large part of the drinking culture here in London, but there is a difference between pubs on the main drag that beckon to tourists, and the ones like the Builder's Arms tucked away back in Kensignton in a neighborhood - that you would rarely stumble upon unless you were a local. This one was of the later - and quite a bit of fun. Laurel's friend Simon who also lives in the same neighborhood met us at the Builder's Arms (incidentally walking distance from where I stay - BONUS) and the 4 of us had a lovely evening out.

Oliver Spencer and I at the Builder's Arms

Laurel and Simon at the Builder's Arms

The next day after meeting more friends of Laurel's for lunch we went into Mayfair to visit the Arcade where the first of the Favourbrook shops are on Jermyn St.

Now the dress is a touch formal for our typical Venice Beach customer but it is important to note that the high end quality of the jackets and vests, cravats and accessories ae something I can source for any man in need of say a smoking jacket, a 3 piece suit with dueling jacket (which I have coming in the Spring), or a full "dandy" regale. Weddings are what initially come to mind - but who knows what occasion one might want to look like a proper gentleman's gentleman?

Oliver Spencer inside the largest of the Favourbrook shops.

In any case - the shops are incredibly beautiful, typically English and remind me of what bespoke tailoring shops of days gone by in this lovely area on Jermyn St would have all been like. I have said it before and will continue to say it - the English Men always has and still knows how to dress! Men take note!

London - Day 6 - V&A Fashion Exhibit

2007-09-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

"After the 2nd world war, London emerged as a major fashion capital largely on the strength of it's ready-to wear collections.

A constant in London Fashion has always been the desire for individuality. " - V&A

The beginning of fashion weeks looms - and today I started to feel the buzz. My good friend Laurel arrived today for the week and after a bit of lunch she needed to settle in and nap off her jet lag so I found myself with time to peruse my favorite museum in all of London - the Victoria & Albert. I only had a bit of time before our evening engagements so I headed straight for exhibit room 40 - my favorite of all. The Fashion wing. Fashion from 1750 - to Today. Please excuse the quality of the photos as the light was quite dim and museum glass causes a wretched reflection - but here is a smattering of a truly enjoyable exhibit of fashion through the ages of the 200+ years. My how fashions evolve - but one thing remains true....

"Fashion is a mass phenomenon but it feeds on the individual" - Cecil Beator

Men's and Ladies evening Wear from the late 1700's

Men's and Ladies Evening wear from the 1920's

Day Dresses from typical London Style. The Green one dates from the 1800's. The 2 to the right date from 1912 and 1924 respectively.

A Suit by (and perhaps worn by) Lady Duff Gordon - renowned fashion designer and survivor of the R.M.S Titanic. - Circa 1913

Typical undergarments, bustle pads, corsets , cages and bustles worn by respectable women of fashion. Egad! How comfortable could any of this luxurious fashion bee - remembering that there were multiple layers on top of this of silk brocades, velvets, muslin etc - and of course no such thing as air conditioning. No wonder women were always suffering from "spells" of fainting!

Here we see the transition of men's undergarments. An undershirt from the mid 1800's - cut to Calvin Klein Boxer briefs of the mid 1990's. What a long way we have come - and so we move forward to fashions designers of the recent millennium.....

Catherine Walker Beaded Dress - 1989

Dame Vivienne Westwood - 1996

Christian Lacroix - 1996

Halston Silk Jersey - 1976

Left - Alexander McQueen - 1995 Right Karl Lagerfield for Chanel "Piano Dress" 1999 both of London

Milan - Left to Right - Valentino Garavani - 1960; Franco Moschino - 1088; Gianni Versace 1997

Cristobal Balenciaga - 1967
Zac Posen - Leather and Metal - 2000

London-Hyde Park & Kensington Palace

2007-09-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I decided to go grab some "take-away" and have a picnic in Hyde Park. Luckily for me where i stay this is not even 2 blocks away and Londoners take full advantage of the massive lawns, paths and beauty of this park any day there is a bit of sun. The weather HAS been lovely but it is important to note that 70 degrees Fahrenheit is quite all Londoners need to sunbathe in the park. That is Kensington Palace you can see in the background. Also interesting was the amount of young "footballers" out in the park. They start them quite young over here and I was watching some practice for a while and they can be QUITE good....for 5 year olds!

I continued on to the Serpentine Gallery which had a quite unique installation next to it. You could walk along a path around and around to the top - and inside was a mini amphitheatre which was really a glorified and overpriced coffee and pastry stop for tourists.

Next off I wandered clear to the other end of the park in search of one of my very favorite spots in all of London. The Peter Pan Statue. This may very well be one of the most photographed spots in the park next the the Princess Diana Memorial.

I can't think of very many people out there who don't have a soft spot for Peter Pan - I actually had to wait a bit to be able to photos without other people in it. Ah Peter - to be you and never ever grow up......

I continued meandering all the way up to the Italian Gardens but was disappointed that none of the fountains were on - for reasons unknown so deciding to bypass that I headed back towards Kensington Palace and the Round Pond....aptly named because - well it's a rather large round pond. Masses of people can and do lounge around this body of water on old fashioned typed deck chairs you can rent for 4 hrs for 2 pound. Now, my family and some of my closest friends know of my severe fear of large birds - PARTICULARLY swans, so of course that is the bird the lives on these grounds in massive quantities. I know I know, who could be scared of such beautiful birds right? Well it could be due to the fact that when I was very small (about 5) I was chased by an angry mother swan protecting her nest - or perhaps she was just in a crap mood - whatever the issue I have been avoiding birds any larger then a hummingbird or a canary for the rest of my life. These birds however are so used to humans feeding them they will walk right up to you and try to "share" your lunch. Needless to say I did not choose this as MY picnic spot.

Now having done a rather large full circle consisting of the entire side of the park on the west end of the Serpentine (I large oblong shaped lake that almost cuts the park entirely in half) I found myself back in Kensington Gardens and in front of the palace - when it dawned on me that I had never ever been inside. So - off I went for the "Official Tour" of the Royal State apartments, as well as the tribute to Diana Princess of Wales. It was a lovely 4 hrs in which I learned quite a bit about the life and times of Queen Victoria, the abhor able conditions that seamstresses in that time had to live in in order to create that detailed lace, embroidery and brocade worn by the women and men of court. Some were literally worked to death and investigations had to start to attempt to change working conditions. I wish I could have taken photos of the displays of the fashions of those who "Came to Court" over the past few hundred years until the practice lost its luster back in the 1940's, but alas fabrics are very sensitive to lighting and continual flashes would destroy the delicate nature of the fibers. I did learn that when Whitechapel was the Royal Palace (before the time of Buckingham) - Kensington Palace was a mere 2 miles away but considered practically the countryside - known for it's clear air and rolling green pastures - so it was when the skies of London were so dark with soot it practically rained flakes of it that the royals moved to the "countryside" of Kensington - hence "The Royal Borough of Kensington". Interestingly, this is still a working palace - and has been inhabit ted by members of the Royal Family for several centuries now and was the home to Princess Diana while she was alive. Diana: A Princess Remembered. The tribute to her was very moving - and it is obvious this nation still mourns the loss of " The People's Princess" to this day.

London Update

2007-09-13T03:02:00.000-07:00

Quick entry as I head off to an appointment while most of you my east and west coast friends are blissfully asleep. I am not just over here partying around town. I have had several buying appointments and the shows and exhibitions begin this Saturday. So far with the help of one of my regular customers Wylder Flett we have seen and purchased MERC - always the epitome of a fresh take on the MOD London Rocker look. Also - I have been to the showroom for PRINGLE 1815 and purchased the Men's and Women's collections which I can just tell you is NOT our grandparents "twinset argyle" Pringle anymore. Sharp, edgy and high fashion the label emerges each season better then the last and I am so excited by what I have chosen and hope you will be to. Then I was fortunate enough to see a favorite original line of mine Amandarling for the first time in 2 years. This line is all about fresh, fun, summer, swimwear, fabulous cover-ups, kaftkans and tunics casual and fashionable all at the same time I think it will be perfect for us in Venice. Today I am off to see Betty Jackson. I am always excited to see what she has in store and will be attending the catwalk show for the collection next week.
So yes my dear friends I am working and will be posting some photos for you to peruse quite soon as well as ones on my day spent in Hyde Park which I am fortunate enough to reside right next to. Tuesday September 11th I spent the day exploring this massive park and took a tour of Kensington Palace (of which the street I stay on backs up directly on the residential side of it - the part in which Royal Family member still call home) This history of the palace was intriguing, their display on the history of how the fashions of the day were constructed and followed intriguing, and the exhibition of Diana- A Princess Remembered was sombering and lovely all at the same time. (She made Kensington Palace her home you know).
Off to Betty Jackson - more to follow.......

London Day 4

2007-09-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

So last night my friend Grant invited me to the very posh members-only bar the Century Club to meet him and some friends for drinks. (Being with the English drink in the plural is a given). Well I was fortunate enough to meet and spend the evening with 2 of the loveliest women. After many hours of conversation - in which poor Grant was not always included - except of course to make fun of our "absolute rubbish" knowledge of sport....fashion IS more fun - I had made two amazing new friends. Gemma and Sasha Jenkinson are 2 beautiful redheaded twins. Strangely I thought they looked vaguely familiar but it was not until well into the evening that they told me why. Neither of them are models but one day Gemma was approached on the street by a scout about being a part of the Dove Campaign For Real Beauty. Next thing you know they were chosen to be a part of it and the ad-vert that follows was their contribution to the campaign. Sasha will be visiting LA in October and I look forward to seeing her and we are working on convincing Gemma to book a trip soon. Thank you Grant for introducing me to such wonderful new friends! FYI - The Century Club is so very posh that cameras are strictly forbidden - what little rule breakers we were!

I am pictured with Sasha, and Gemma is pictured with Grant. For the ad-vert they made Sasha dye her naturally red hair blonde.

MY NEW COUSIN

2007-09-11T03:04:00.000-07:00

Just a special announcement that my new cousin made HIS arrival into the world while I am here in London.

My cousin Anna and her husband Mike are the proud new parents of my new cousin PUCK! No - thats not his real name but it is what we have all been calling "the baby" due to no one knowing the sex for the past 9 months - but now we know!

Samuel Thomas Conathan was born 09-08-07! :-)

How stinkin cute is HE? One hour old in this photo. Welcome to our crazy family Sam!

London Day 2 - BRICK LANE

2007-09-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

While I am writing this day 2 post I am sitting in my flat watching the Lord of the Rings the Two Towers. For my family and friends this will come as no surprise - seeing as this particular trilogy is one of my favorites! So onto day 2 - my visit to the East End of London - Brick Lane my stores namesake. Kris and I headed out for Spitafields market (far superior to Portobello Road in my opinion) and spent much of the day on Brick Lane and below are some of my favorite pictures from our afternoon.

We arrived on Brick Lane after perusing the stalls at the makeshift Spitafield Market while they are re-building and upgrading the market site and I must admit - I know Brick Lane is a popular place on a Sunday which is the day of the markets of Spitafields, Petticoat Lane and brick Lane - but the amount of people we saw was something quite unexpected! We decided to grab a bite to eat first. For those of you who don't know - Brick Lane is famous for 2 things; Indian food and Bagels. Now my friends and family have always known about my aversion to Curry - and found it quite strange considering my love of all things English. Well call it my current state of adventurous experimentation - or hung-over starvation, but I decided to go for it. I let Kris order away and the next thing I knew I was hooked! I am still not a fan of heavily strong tasting curry - most like that found in America, but the food we had today - WOW!!! I am still thinking about it - and have a funny feeling I will be having quite a bit more Indian food in the future. I am a TRUE Anglophile now! After eating we were still intrigued by the fact that it appeared that half of London was wandering Brick Lane this afternoon so it was off exploring. What we found was that we showed up on the day of the Brick Lane Music and Food Festival - based out of the old Truman Brewery. FANTASTIC!!! People everywhere dancing and drinking and the people watching was a true taste of the East End of London as you can see below!

The Music Festival was free to all - but the line was a mile long so we took pleasure in wandering up and down the long street. The amount of people was equivalent to the Abbot Kinney Festival times 100 with everyone dancing and drinking in the streets.

Nobody seemed to mind waiting in the long Que as every single one of them had a drink in hand.

This street musician entertained the crowds thoroughly with his talents and sound effects until the coppers came and shut him down despite the boos of hundreds.

This marks the beginning area of the Brick Lane market - and I must admit the wares being peddled are NOT QUITE as posh as the ones I carry at Brick Lane West. :-)

We couldn't figure out if the furniture was for sale - or people just brought furniture down to be able to sit outside of the bar itself and watch the goings on.

Open container law in England? Nope! Just a couple of punk blokes enjoying the day.

A few of my typical East End working bloke fans. Kris says the one in the red wanted to follow us home......

Mask Fetish anyone?

We decided that this bloke's girlfriend ran off with one of his mates. If you can't read the sign it says "Everything 10 pence" That's the equivalent of 20 cents! Think she will be pissed when she comes home to collect her things?

Ok - I don't even know WHAT to say about this guy except MAYBE he shouldn't have sold the shirt off his back. Just a thought.

Now THIS is a name for a Hair Salon!

This is THE famous 24 hour Bagel place on Brick Lane - where everyone goes after a night out at the pubs and clubs in the East End. If you ever had a fresh out of the oven bagel from here - you would see why I stood in line to get some to take back to my flat even though I am was stuffed from lunch. Hmmmm....actually one of those sounds good right about now....

After a full day of walking around and people watching, fresh hot bagels and some new amazing artwork for the store decor in tow, it was time to head home to the relative peace and quiet (in comparison) of central London. Cheers!

London Day 1

2007-09-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

Greetings from London town! So here begins my postings from London Fall 2007. Fashion Week is still a week a way so I have a whole weekend to have some fun - and I must say fun was had! Now I have been traveling to this wonderful (and obscenely expensive) city for years yet every trip is filled with new adventures - even when I visit places I have been before. My friend Kris Searle who hails from Kent came down for the weekend so I thought I would share a wee bit of our activities together. Day one we had a few hours before getting ready to meet his mates for dinner so we headed out for a nice long walk down to Harrods to the food court for a snack and to peruse the luxury goods we can't afford. Note: Kris is a native and I live in LA but it was I who directed us the correct way there and back! Sorry Kris - you know it's tru love!

Thank goodness for the signage all over London - so Men don't have to stop and ask for directions! Anyway, so once we found ourselves there the Harrods food court never ceases to make my mouth water no matter how many times I have been there over the years. You can't see the yummy food - but for any who has not been inside - quite a market huh? These are only 3 of the many many stands.

Next on the schedule was an evening out in Soho. On the way there we went via Piccadilly circus. Now I SWEAR this is a picture of London - although as you will see with all the neon , a Gap and a McDonald's it could be Times Square - sad really.

Again thanks to the ample signage we headed in the right direction towards Chinatown and Soho for an evening of great food, fun company and dancing in a few of the MANY MANY MANY clubs in that district.

The entrance to Chinatown in the evening. Even though we had just left an amazing dinner the smells were heaven - but onward we pressed as I was being led along by Kris and his mates from university and his life in London, and as I was with the English - well there was drinking to do!

And now THIS is your entrance to the world of Soho. Bit of a difference eh?

Kris and his mates who really were a laugh riot of a group! Loads of fun and I was thrilled to meet them all!

Well I won't bore you with the details of the evening (or I should say incriminate any of the people involved) but truth be told, by the 3rd bar the American in the group got hit rather hard with jet lag and trying to keep up with the English and got herself home in a black cab to get ready for day number 2 in London. The one I was really looking forward to! Heading to the East End to visit Brick Lane! Cheers!

FIRST FRIDAY and First London Update

2007-09-08T04:44:00.000-07:00

This is a quick thank you to everyone who came out in support of yet another First Friday on Abbot Kinney and at Brick Lane. Those of you who came by may have noticed my absence as I was dead asleep 6,000 miles away in London. I don't have the details of the evening along the street yet - but needless to say word of it's success has reached me here across the pond! Thank you all!

So now that I am here for 2 weeks to do the buying, scouting, fashion show attending (and having a bit of fun in my favorite town with some friends) I will be updating with pictures, news and excerpts as much as I can. This weekend should prove to be a bit of a basher as my musician friend Kris Searle is on his home turf - doing some appearances on BBC and anxious to introduce me to "his" town and the lot of friends he has from all over. All I know is there are many pub and club visits on the schedule and they are on their way over right now to start the day (did I mention it is only noon here?) - oh the English! I hope my liver can take it! Stay tuned......

"Look kids....Big Ben....Parliment..."

New ISSA of London Collection

2007-08-29T16:16:00.000-07:00

Stunning new dresses from ISSA of London. These fabulous silk jersey dresses can be worn from day into evening with ease! This is a must see collection by the designer-in-demand ISSA!

The art of Burlesque

2007-08-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

So this is my first non-Brick Lane based post on this blog - although I did warn everyone this blog would be about my store and London fashion as well as my life. And if you think about it Burlesque - while it is considered a bit "racy" is not just about dancing, or taking your clothes off, but also about the fabulous costumes as well. I have to admit something from the get go, I think I have always been interested in this type of dance - even before I knew what it was. As a child all I ever wanted to do was perform. Dance, Sing, dress up, act, if you ask my family they will tell you I was always performing. I took the words of the Bard , "all the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players" to heart at a very young age. I spent my entire childhood until college in plays and musicals, learning dance steps, singing in the chorus (I generally do not sing solo unless I feel the need to punish someone, never in front of an audience), and dressing up. I would raid my mothers closet and play with the beautiful clothes and her theatrical collection of masks, stoles, fans, feathers and such and then dance around the house to Saturday Night Fever. It WAS the 70's! The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as my mothers greatest aspiration was to be a performer as well, so her closet was a wonderland of dramatic fashions to delight my desire to dress up and play different parts. To this day I am probably the only person I know with several storage boxes labeled "costumes". Halloween is my favorite holiday and dancing is one of my favorite activities - so it is interesting that it took me 30 some odd years to discover how it all merges together in Burlesque Dance and give it a try.

I have never been to Forty Deuce, the closest to a live performance I have ever seen was years ago at the premier party for Charlies Angels Full Throttle when the Pussy Cat Dolls did a dance and I was enthralled. Recently my friend Christy and her husband went to Forty Deuce and saw a performance that she could not stop talking about, so when I received an invitation to a Burlesque workshop here in Venice at the Electric Lodge she was the first person I thought of to join me. On our way there she was talking about the show and how incredible it was to see these women who were not all LA-ified skinny actress types but curvaceous, voluptuous and sexy. As she puts it they were so sexy they made you realize that you need to "learn to love your back fat". Well I still don't love my back fat, not many of us do, but I do fit more into the body type of voluptuous then skinny minny and always will so I figured this could be the class for me. When we walked in and were given long satin gloves, feather boas and fans to use as props I realized I was right! Dancing AND costumes! Bring it on!

The workshop was taught by two amazing dancers who met dancing at Forty Deuce; Jade and Dakota. I have to admit here that they both had killer dancers bodies to die for with no hint of back fat, but the rest of us were a refreshing cross-section of your average Venice girl. Jade and Dakota were so warm and welcoming that if you even had the slightest bit of nerves about coming into a burlesque class, they made us feel at ease right away. Of course they made every move look as simple as could be - because that's what professional dancers do - but they had a wonderful way of breaking it down for us. It is always a bit intimidating to try and new workout class - especially a dance one where you need to remember a routine you are being taught - but yet again they kept reminding us that we were free to create our own "style" of dance with the movements. In fact that is one of the beauties of Burlesque - all the dancers who are doing the same routine have their own individual styles and personalities which comes through in their dance. They encouraged us to relax and not worry about doing the steps perfectly and to find our own style and expression. There was a lot of laughter, feathers flying everywhere fans that got broken all in all so much fun you hardly realized what a workout you were getting. That is until the next morning when I remembered what your legs feel like after an evening of vigorous dancing in high heels no less! I don't know how those girls do it for an entire evening!

Currently the regular classes for Burlesque Body are not yet here on the Westside - but they are trying to build an interest in it, so if you log onto Burlesque Body you can find out when the next Venice workshop is and try it for yourself. I for one will sign up as soon as they have a regular class. It was fun, a great workout and without thinking about it I think all of us women had a bit more "strut" in our walk on our way home that evening. The most positive thing out of the whole evening was realizing it isn't the size of your curves that matter, its learning to love them and then learning to work them. Once you do that it is hard to NOT feel sexy and as we all know when you feel it that's when people really see it! Check out Burlesque Body and give it a shot. You have nothing to lose but negative body image and that's a win in my book!

Betty Jackson Arrives

2007-08-24T13:02:00.000-07:00

The Betty Jackson label is currently celebrating 25 years as a go-to label for many of London and Europe's fashion conscious. The feature to the left was taken from Vogue UK as they are helping celebrate this talented and quintessentially British designer. She has always believed that clothes should perform for the wearer in any given situation, and loves the idea that the outfit you choose at the beginning of the day should take you effortlessly through to the evening, simply by changing your accessories.

With very limited distribution in the US, Brick Lane is one of the few who proudly imports her elegant and well tailored clothing. This season we have a very tight capsule collection of some of the best items from the Betty Jackson Two label. A black boucle belt tie coat that will be a staple in any wardrobe for years to come, a brown wool coat/sweater that I personally can not WAIT for it to be cool enough to cuddle up in, striped cotton jersey tops in the softest cotton you have ever put on your body, stylish elegant trousers and cashmere blend sweaters as well as an incredibly unique silver dress that will make the wearer stand out at ANY party.

Regular customers who have purchased Betty Jackson in the past always remark on the excellent tailored fit of the items and enjoy the details that make her pieces classic yet unique enough to stand out from the everyday.

While I am at London Fashion Week I will be attending her catwalk show and hope to be able to post some photos from it. Stop into Brick Lane to peruse this truly elegant collection from across the pond.

Calling all Orla Kiely Fans!

2007-08-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

New Orla Kiley Fall arrivals of purses and clothes! In the clothing area this amazing dress featured below is made of ultra soft wool. Also on tap are great cotton smock tops and super funky striped footless leggings.

This seasons collection of bags are a mix of laminate with leather detailing in incredible shapes/sizes and featuring details such as exterior phone/pda pockets. Orla Kiley has been gaining a cult following for years and here at Brick Lane we know some of our Orla fans are going to just love the unique designs and prints of cutlery, tumblers and lampshades in this fall's collection. Limited amounts so hurry in or feel free to phone us to place orders until we have the online shop up and running. Cheers

New Arrivals for Men Week of August 20th

2007-08-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

I love unpacking boxes and pulling out items I bought 6 months ago, it's like Christmas! This past week at Brick Lane we received a lot of new fall merchandise for men from Ted Baker, Oliver Spencer, Fred Perry, English Laundry and Kangol.

Dark grey zip up by Ted Baker, light grey sweater by Smedley, pants by Fred Perry

Classic Fred Perry polo, jeans by Ted Baker, hat by Kangol

Plaid jacket by English Laundry

White shirt with embroidery by English Laundry

Military style green jacket by Oliver Spencer, camel sweater by Smedley, pants by Oliver Spencer

Our model is one of our regular customers Vic Garvey. Vic is a neighborhood local who enjoys walking his dog around Abbot Kinney Blvd when he is not at school studying business. Some of his favorite hangouts on the boulevard are The Brig, Stroh's Gourmet, Lily's, Collage and of course Brick Lane! Thanks so much Vic for being such a great model for some of the new Fall collection! Photo Shoot Styled by Jordan Cappella

Ted Baker in Glamour UK

2007-08-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Just love the fact that the sweater and shirt in this photo are BOTH items here at Brick Lane. The sweater we carry in navy blue and the silk top in red.

Anya Hindmarch in the Press

2007-08-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

Anya Hindmarch has become this season's new press darling, with her bags showing up in so many magazines this fall it is hard to keep track.

Here are a few more press hits for her unbelievably fabulous fall bags, a few of which are stocked at Brick Lane

Pringle 1815 Black Label arrives at Brick Lane

2007-08-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

The newly re-designed Pringle 1815 line is making waves in the fashion industry and in the magazines. In UK Glamour September issue the line is labeled as one of the hottest labels on the rise. Largely in part to the new creative director Clare Waight Keller at the helm of this quintessentially British line it is eclectic, fun and irresistibly cool.

"The Pringle 1815 girl has an independent spirit and is inspired by the cool way Londoners dress on the street. The 'P' print dress worn with black tights and chunky ankle boots under a swing knee-length coat is great for a statement"
~ Clare Waight Keller, Creative Director

The line mixes textured knits with vintage inspired pieces. It's every urban girl's dream wardrobe! Check out a few of Amanda's favorite pieces that are in this fall's collection at Brick Lane.

Pringle 1815 cape coat in cream

Pringle 1815 'P' print tunic dress in black

Pringle 1815 cashmere collection with classic white blouse

Pringle 1815 vintage inspired applique skirt with chiffon and tunic white blouse

Men's Pringle1815 sweater coat with toggles

Men's Pringle 1815 Sweaters in cashmere and wool

Lucky and Glamour Magazine

2007-08-15T19:49:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again. It's almost September which means the fashion magazines triple in size and are brimming with pages full of all the best Fall fashions.

This September Brick Lane has been credited in both Lucky Magazine and Glamour Magazine for lines we carry in the store!

Lucky Magazine had a section of the BEST new designers of the year. One of their finds, the jewelry line called The Branch has been calling Brick Lane it's US home for a year now.

I found The Branch during London Fashion Week 2006 and immediately fell in love with the simplicity of the design mixing wood with silver, as well as the quality of the materials and the beautiful design! The cuff featured in this piece has already sold out at Brick Lane - but a reorder has been placed as well as one for the earrings. If you are interested in advance purchase please contact us at 310.392.2525 or info@bricklaneuk.com. This September I will be viewing their new line and hopefully bringing a lot back with me for everyone! This is a line to be watched!

The Second credit landed in the big fall issue of Glamour Magazine.

This beautiful and classic silk blouse is by Ted Baker and will be available in the store in the next week.

For pre-orders please contact us at 310.392.2525 or info@bricklaneuk.com.

New Arrivals - Week of August 5th

2007-08-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

New Fall arrivals on tap at Brick Lane this week for men and women:

John Smedley, ISSA of London, Orla Kiely, Ted Baker, Anya Hindmarch, Babette Wasserman.

Orla Kiely brown cashmere cardigan, Laminate Purse collection in "tumblers"
print

Ted Baker angora short sleeve toggle clasp wrap
sweater in Navy with Anya Hindmarch metallic leather clutch in Amythest

ISSA of London silk jersey short sleeve mini kimono top
in Black

Ted Baker wool cape with belt in Silver
Grey

ISSA of London silk jersey mini dress with Anya Hindmarch "The Jourdan" bag in leather naplak
Ted Baker shirt in Silver/Grey, Babbette Wasserman silk skull tie in Black and Silver, Buckler denim in Smoke

Brick Lane in Statement Magazine

2007-08-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

I won't lie - every time I see my shop written up in a magazine I still get a little thrill. Below is a write up of Brick Lane in Statement Magazine for their "British Invasion" issue.

(See I keep telling you, the British Invasion is EVERYWHERE these days!)

Statements Magazine Issue 3, 2007 page 39. Copy of write up below.

U.K. All the Way

Fittingly for a store named after a street in the East End of London, the quaint boutique Brick Lane was started by - and is popular with - devoted Anglophiles. Amanda Dugan, a Yank with a longtime love of all things British, opened the shop two years ago within walking distance of Venice Beach.

Brick Lane, which is located in a century-old Craftsman house, has the feel of a cozy cottage in the English countryside, complete with a fireplace in the front room. Its British bona fides include a signature red phone booth on the front lawn and a motto that would make Winston Churchill weep in his Watney's with pride: "All U.K., all the time!"

A walk through the premises makes it clear that Dugan, to borrow a line from the quintessentially British band the Kinks, is a dedicated follower of fashion. Her specialty "big surprise" is clothing from the U.K. that isn't readily found here in the colonies. Women's lines include, ISSA, Orla Kiely, John Smedley, Nougat, Sophia Swire and Anya Hindmarch. For men, there's Fred Perry, Oliver Spencer, Ted Baker and more.

"I buy things in style but not necessarily things that are trendy, " says Dugan. "I was raised with the premise to invest in quality, as opposed to buying things that are cheaper because you can buy in quantity. I buy pieces that will last you longer then a season - not just in style, but in the quality of the good."

Best of all for shoppers, the mood is as great as the merch. The ocean air is a far cry from Carnaby Street, but the English accents are irresistible. If you feel the urge, ask for a cup of tea and retire to the porch swing on a beautiful beach day.

Abbot Kinney First Friday Event

2007-08-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well another First Friday evening past and this one was hands down the most popular one on the street to date! For those of you who made it out, you were treated to drinks, specials, socializing with your neighbors, meeting new friends and enjoying a lovely summer evening out and about in your neighborhood! (And that was just at Brick Lane, I hear that the rest of the street had a fantastic and fun evening as well!)

It took a bit of time, but we think that some of the press such as the Santa Monica Daily Press article, the constant word of mouth from all the vendors on the street and the diligence from our Venice Neighborhood Council member Mike Newhouse in creating these evenings has paid off! Thanks to Mike for all his work organizing charities, keeping the group together, notifying the vendors on the street and for his all around supportive and enthusiastic attitude in helping bring success to the shops along the Kinney! (We are anxiously awaiting news of mike and Ruthies first baby, due a few days ago!)

Abbot Kinney First Fridays has been organized to help increase our neighborhood community, support of our retail boulevard of Abbot Kinney and the ability to give back to the community we call home by means of charitable donations. Our main goal is to help drive business to the small family owned establishments in an attempt to keep Chain store retail outlets away from our eclectic, artistic and ever growing and changing Abbot Kinney Blvd.

I would personally like to thank all of the members of the community and my customers who came out in support of the evening, shopping, drinking, laughing and generally creating an amazing environment for me to enjoy in my store for 5 hours. I had so much fun with you all - and would like to give a special shout out of congrats to 2 very special customers Alexa and Anton who came in to let Jordan and I know they recently got engaged! A bottle of bubbly was popped and will be for any future customers who come in with such special news! Sending lots of love to the happy couple from their Brick Lane family!

The drawing for the raffle was done on Sunday and the following 5 winners are the recipients of a $100 Store Credit! Congratulations to: Carie Maniscalco, Katy Ballard, Celena Perkins, Lisa Wren and Alexa Marino & Anton Bacardi!

For those of you who were unable to make it, please stop by the next First Friday Event at Brick Lane for drinks, snacks, specials and gifts! Then you can stroll the rest of the boulevard to see what specials are being offered up and down the street. Enjoy your neighborhood and support Abbot Kinney! Hope to see you all soon!

Paul Weller Fred Perry Limited Edition

2007-08-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

Paul Weller, the British rock world legend has been wearing Fred Perry shirts for decades and now he has teamed up with the brand to create a limited run of shirts designed and constructed to his very exacting standards. Slightly slimmer fit, pique cotton, smaller collar and the original sewn on emblem logo from the 60's style shirts are just a few of his modifications.

1000 shirts were put into production in each colorway for the entire globe, so these are truly limited collectors items for the discerning Paul Weller fan. Brick Lane has 6 more of these special Fred Perry shirts in stock ranging from Small to Large in RED. For pricing and sizing info please feel free to contact us. Each shirt is numbered, tag signed and comes in a gift box. Truly a unique gift for the music loving man in your life!

Oliver Spencer for men

2007-08-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

As you can see by the article heading - the second British Invasion is in full swing! These days you can't open ANY magazine without reading an article on U.K. based designers and artists - not to mention the countless features on the foggy town across the pond itself! A city with a booming economy brimming with fabulous restaurants, hotels, museums, nightlife and of course SHOPPING!

Oliver Spencer is an incredible menswear designer with an eye and attention for detail that is hard to surpass. Named one of the TOP 10 Tailors in the U.K. by U.K.Vogue in 2006, his label is British style and fashion for men personified. Quintessential English style mixed with quirky flourishes and topped off by an astounding attention to detail, his collection is one that every man who likes English Style is absolutely required to investigate, and fortunately for the men in Southern California, you can find it at Brick Lane. New Yorkers can visit his new stand-alone shop!

During my recent shopping trip to the Big Apple in July I was fortunate enough to get a preview of his Spring/Summer 2008 collection at a rather unique party. Generally fashion week and market weeks center around runway shows and parties for women's lines, so it is always a pleasure to see one for menswear. So sister Kathleen (a NYC publicist) in tow, we headed down to the village to Cooper Classic Cars on Perry St, next to the infamous The Other Room (of which we have the west coast location directly across the street from Brick Lane on Abbot Kinney). It was an evening of fun and frivolity with a distinctly New York artist scene vibe mixed with people from my growing circle of British fashion friends and designers, great cocktails, canapes and fashion that was showcased not on models, but instead neon lights. Not the norm, but it does show how Ollie takes something ordinary and puts just enough of a spin on it to make it uniquely his. The collection is spot-on English tailoring meets upscale casual beach vibe. Spring Summer 2008 is looking good!

Fall Winter 2007 Collection for Oliver Spencer should be arriving in the next few weeks. Drop us an email to let us know you would like to be notified when it arrives.

Anya Hindmarch at Brick Lane

2007-08-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

Well, someday I hope to see mention of Brick Lane in the likes of Vogue and GQ magazines, but until then I must be content with seeing mentions or write-ups of the fabulous designers I carry, especially when an actual piece I bought months ago is featured on their glossy pages.

For women interested in fashion these days, you would be hard pressed to pick up a copy of Vogue or Glamour or W magazine here or in the U.K. without reading a mention of the fabulous "It bag" designer, Anya Hindmarch. Recently named the Accessories Designer of the Year" for the 2nd Year running and fresh off the publicity of her 'I am not a Plastic Bag" her handbags have become coveted by celebrities and fashionistas across the globe.

Donna Summer recently bought the "It" bag of the season the "Elrod" at Brick Lane from our fabulous designer-in residence salesman Jordan Cappella!

Our first fall shipment of Anya's beautiful bags has recently arrived at Brick Lane. One of the bags I bought made it onto the pages of U.K. Vogue. Actually Anya Hindmarch bags have been making it onto the pages of so many fashion magazines I could spend all day here telling you about them - but this clutch in particular is a piece worth seeing. The clutch by the way is making a serious comeback as a "must have" in every elegant and fashionable women's wardrobe. While you may say to yourself "but I hardly ever go to fancy dress events, why would I need one when my shoulder bag does the trick?" I answer you in this way. Owning one incredibly beautiful jeweled, or metallic evening clutch is the perfectly simple way to dress up a simple LBD (little black dress). It is the ideal accessory for any evening out, not just for the women who go to premieres, VIP industry events or galas at the Met. While a shoulder bag might feel more practical and reassuring, a clutch bag says elegance no matter what the event. It also forces us to leave home the myriad of things we deem necessary for our day out that normally fill our wonderful carpet bag sized purses to the max. The small space of storage you get in an evening clutch makes it so you must decide what is an absolute necessity therefore lightening our load and our spirits by forcing us to leave behind PDA's, datebooks and full make-up cases. This little clutch is one that can be a timeless addition to your wardrobe, not a seasonal trend of any kind. We currently stock this Broken Mirror Clutch in a fabulously understated yet elegant pewter color.

Below are some shots of various bags from the Fall Collection of Anya Hindmarch. Classic, elegant and beautiful they are made with the highest quality leathers, entirely lined in soft suede with detailing and simplistic yet innovative in design hardware you don't find anywhere else. Phone orders can be taken at Brick Lane by calling 310-392-2525 although remember, we generally only stock one in each design and in the 10 days since they landed in the shop 3 have found happy new owners! Check out some of the photos and keep your eyes peeled when you read your fashion magazines, as you are sure to hear more and more about this fabulous designer I am thrilled to be carrying at Brick Lane in the days to come.