MADE IN LA
MADE IN LA is a series spotlighting cool and interesting people and small businesses in Los Angeles.
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MADE IN LA - BAYLEE ZWART, OWNER AT AZLEE JEWELRY
Baylee Zwart, Owner & Designer at AZLEE Jewelry in the Billie top
Neighborhood: Venice/SM
Years in LA: 3
Tell us about Azlee Jewelry.
AZLEE was born from my fascination with nature’s geometric landscapes and man’s harsh cityscapes. Reflecting an independent spirit and worldly vibe, we strive to make fine jewelry for cool girls that want something effortless, interesting and different. Each piece is made and hand finished in LA using precious metals, custom-cut stones and diamond accents. As a true CA girl, surfer and scuba diver I am a huge fan of the ocean so it was important to me to give back to what I love. Each piece sold helps benefit ocean-related causes and this season we are working with the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, CA to help their efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals.
What LA spots do you go to for inspiration when you're designing?
The ocean, the surf, the water. I am most inspired bobbing up and down on my surfboard, even more so when dolphins cruise by.
What's your favorite piece from your collection?
The Pana Piece Mini Studs are my fav. They are so easy to wear, and pile on, I love wearing 2 at a time for a bit of a more dramatic effect.
What are your favorite LA spots to relax on the weekend?
I love Café Gratitude in Venice. I walk over there, sit and have a green tea latte and pancakes and it gives me time to just chill and sometimes even journal if I can get my head into it.
What's the best meal you've had in LA?
Maybe overused, but the Tasting Kitchen. Did the whole 5 course thing, and WOW. I was as happy as a clam.
What's on your playlist right now?
I am still obsessed with Alt-J’s An Awesome Wave, it just gets my creative juices flowing every time I hear it. And it makes me think of movement and that is something I try to capture in my jewelry.
What was the last text you sent/got sent?
“Just have smothering Friday night” …meant to say “something”, smothering people is usually not on my list…at least not on Fridays.
When was the last time you took public transportation?
NY last week. All week long baby. Probably 40 times.
What was the last movie you saw in the theater?
Honestly I can’t remember the last time I went to a movie. I saw Her the other day on TV though, and found that interesting.
Favorite Farmer's Market?
Santa Monica on Main St., walkable from my place, and people are just so happy!
West or East of the 405?
West side! To stay sane I have to keep close to the water.
Yoga or Hiking?
Both at the same time sounds nice!
Palm Springs or Ojai?
Haven’t been to either much but love Malibu or Arrowhead! Both feel like I’m really escaping.
Fresh Flowers or Succulents?
I love succulents these days. I just think they are so cool looking and they are harder to kill.
Beach or Pool?
Beach, always.
Juice or Coffee?
Juice. I can’t get enough juice these days. I just had one at Pressed Juicery the other day with vanilla bean, kale, nuts, dates and sea salt, it was amazing!
MADE IN LA - ERIN PEREZ HAGSTROM, CREATOR OF CALIVINTAGE
Erin Perez Hagstrom, blogger of calivintage in the Charlie skirt
Neighborhood: Los Feliz
Years in LA: Just shy of a year, but I was born and raised in Southern California
How has your style changed since moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Since moving from San Francisco, I’ve also had a baby, so my style has changed pretty dramatically! I’ve basically be rebuilding my wardrobe from scratch to include lots of separates in durable, washable fabrics. It’s also considerably warmer, so I’ve been learning how to put together a simple outfit without layering.
What are your favorite stores in LA right now?
Not gonna lie, there’s a Goodwill not far from my house, and I’m digging through the racks more than once a week. I can’t believe how many cool vintage pieces I’ve managed to find there. Other than that, I love Steven Alan always and forever, and my new favorite is Myrtle Boutique in Echo Park. The shop owner focuses on carrying cool indie designers, and she always has a really nice selection.
What’s your daily uniform?
A pair of vintage jeans with a button-up shirt and clogs, or a high rise skirt with a crop top and sandals. And I may or may not also be wearing a baby strapped to my chest.
What LA neighborhood most describes your style?
I think I fit in pretty well in this area. It’s definitely rubbed off on me.
What are your favorite LA spots to relax on the weekend?
My bathtub. With a 5-month-old babe, I don’t really get to go out on excursions just yet, so we usually keep it close to home and focus on simple pleasures.
What's the best meal you've had in LA?
I don’t know about meals, but I am obsessed with the Greena Colada at The Punch Bowl and could easily have one every day. It’s made with kale, avocado, pineapple, and coconut.
What's on your playlist right now?
I’ve been listening to Os Mutantes a lot, they’re a ‘60s psychedelic band from Brazil.
What was the last text you sent/got sent?
Oh man, my texts are almost exclusively pictures of my baby...
When was the last time you took public transportation?
When I was living in Oakland, I would sometimes hop on BART to head to work in SF. So it’s been over a year now, yikes!
What was the last movie you saw in the theater?
The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Favorite Farmer's Market?
The Barnsdall Farmer’s Market, on Wednesdays from 10 - 6. There’s a vendor there that sells the best mole!
West or East of the 405?
East.
Yoga or Hiking?
Hiking.
Palm Springs or Ojai?
I have to say Palm Springs because I’ve never been to Ojai!
Fresh Flowers or Succulents?
Fresh flowers.
Beach or Pool?
Secluded beach.
Juice or Coffee?
Both!
MADE IN LA - CHELSEA KLINE, CO-OWNER OF HELLO GEM
Chelsea Kline, Co-Owner and Head of Floral Design at Hello Gem in the Billie top and Charlie skirt
Neighborhood: Long Beach
Years in LA: 7
What is your favorite flower in season right now?
Lilac
What do you look for when creating floral arrangements?
Unique and fresh. Flowers with unusual texture and coloring.
What are some care tips to make your flowers last longer?
Change the water every other day and give them a fresh cut.
What are some easy tips for making simple arrangements for the house?
I usually try and pick things that are of the same color palette. Keep it simple and let the flowers do the talking. Don't overwork things and keep them in a vase. I usually tell people to keep it organic and loose.
What are your favorite LA spots to relax on the weekend?
I usually keep it close to home and hit up the beach in Palos Verdes. There is a great beach near the Trump golf course that is usually empty. It's pretty epic and full of pretty scenery.
What's the best meal you've had in LA?
The best meal I have had was at Bottega Louie! So tasty.
What's on your playlist right now?
Right now I'm super into the new Mac Demarco...Salad Days. So chill and a great vibe to get your relaxation going!
What was the last text you sent/got sent?
So cheesy...but telling my husband "xo" =)
When was the last time you took public transportation?
I actually did when I was on a trip last week in NYC. It's so legit there! LA public transit is super tricky and a reallll pain in the ass if you have ever tried. I try to avoid it if I can. LBC has a great red bus that is cheap and takes you to the major landmarks around my neighborhood like Belmont Shore and the Queen Mary.
What was the last movie you saw in the theater?
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Favorite Farmer's Market?
Harvest Farmer's Market
West or East of the 405?
West!
Yoga or Hiking?
Hiking
Palm Springs or Ojai?
Ojai
Fresh Flowers or Succulents?
Fresh!
Beach or Pool?
Beach
Juice or Coffee?
Coffee
Photo credits: 1 & 2
MADE IN LA - MARIA BEALE, BG'S HOT BLONDE
Maria Beale, Model
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Years in LA: 7
What are your favorite LA spots to relax on the weekend?
The beach or flea markets
What's the best meal you've had in LA?
Oh, that's a tough one. It's a toss up between the Tasting Kitchen and Ink.
What's on your playlist right now?
Flume, Jungle, Arcade Fire
When was the last time you took public transportation?
Paris, 2009
What was the last movie you saw in the theater?
Her
Favorite Farmer's Market?
Larchmont
West or East of the 405?
I've lived on both, and while I can't complain being by the beach now, there's just something about those Silverlake hills...
Yoga or Hiking?
In LA, yoga. When I visit home in NorCal, hiking.
Palm Springs or Ojai?
Never been to Ojai but hoping to take a rainy day trip there soon.
Fresh Flowers or Succulents?
Aw man, how can I choose?! They're all so beautiful in their own ways.
Beach or Pool?
Hate to say it but... pool. Starting at 10am when no one's there yet.
Juice or Coffee?
I always get both.
