Name derived from: Chambray is a toponym of Cambrai, France, like its fabric cousin, cambric.
Little known fact: Chambray is actually not a denim. While both are made from cotton, the warp and weft of chambray fabric cross equally in a 1 x 1 fabric structure, whereas a denim is a 2 x 1 twill.
Made popular by: The U.S. Navy in the early 20th century and later by stars like Brando in the 1950s.
Distinguishing features: Blue, lightweight, soft.
To celebrate the coming of summer, may we present to you The Boffin Society, a Los Angeles epicurean club of sorts meant to cheerfully convene friends both old and new. All welcome.
Introducing Compound Formula, our new feature created for seeing a city in one fell swoop. Recently, we traveled to the Pacific Northwest to visit family in Salem, walk the damp rocky beaches of the Oregon Coast, and hike the miles of the Silver Creek Falls trail. We also gave ourselves one day in Portland. One day you say? It can be done. In fact, lay a map over this diagram and you’ll see that the longest distance between these stops is six miles—perfectly feasible. But we suggest you start early. Here’s the formula.
Morning: Fill up on a smoked trout Pytt I Panna (Swedish Hash) or a traditional Aebleskiver (Danish Pancake) with lingonberry jam at modern nordic eatery Broder in Hosford-Abernathy. Then, head north to Burnside and Buckman to gander around at the chocolate wonders of Alma Chocolate, goods at Una and Sword & Fern, and, if open (Wed-Sun), the Nationale gallery. After, make your way up the east bank of the Willamette River to visit the curated collections of homewares and accessories at Beam & Anchor and Lowell. Follow with a quick walk about Mississippi Avenue to Pistil’s Nursery, Backtalk (which carries many local designers’ wares), and Worn Path. Finish the morning by heading southwest on the Fremont Bridge to step into yesteryear at Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. (Tip: They carry Falcon Enamelware sans the UK shipping/sales tax).
Afternoon: Travel south to the Pearl District to visit Tanner Goods, also home to the Woodlands shop and after, head down SW 13th Ave. to the must-visit Blue Star Donuts for a Passionfruit Cocoa Nib or a Blueberry, Bourbon and Basil treat. Once filled with sugar, skip down Washington to Frances May, then over to Bridge & Burn’s new brick-and-mortar store, Alder & Co and Canoe after. Finally, settle in for a small midday bite and a two buck mug of pilsner at Tasty N Alder.
Evening: Give yourself time—hours that is— to burrow the 3,500 section/nine color-coded rooms of Powell’s City of Books including the Rare Book Room and, if feeling boffiny, Building No. 2 which houses all things science and math. Brain overloaded, end the day with a proper supper and a Cat’s Pajamas nightcap (scotch, lemon, allspice dram, egg whites) at Clyde Common.
And there you have it. The compound formula to Portland. Special thanks to Hannah Sullivan for being our brilliant local guide.
Question: Suppose I don’t want to scour the flea market, but want to find a curated selection of vintage instead. Where do I go?
Hypothesis: Highland Park again for the win. Shop Class, founded by a designer-importer-junker team, is a one-stop repository of edited 20th century ephemera. With a masculine lean towards the curious and boffiny (if we do say so ourselves), the store offers up small collectibles to statement furniture and everything in between. But is this another one of those standard overpriced mid-century marts?
Findings: Refreshingly, no. While there is no shortage of vintage shops in Los Angeles, few manage to price their wares fairly. But such is not the case here. Instead, Sally, Ellen and Jeff’s smarts collide to make their collection both fascinatingly rare and unusually attainable. Where else might you find a smoking sailor painting, wooden airplane propellers, a pair of fossilized horns and a lung vessel anatomy model within reach? Or for the more traditional, industrial lamps, collectible books and Danish teak furniture in pristine condition? Additionally, the team hosts a rotating collection of new goods like Camp Provisions by Morgan Sattlerfield.
As for that “class” part, stay tuned for onsite workshops.
Data:
Shop Class
(323) 258-2500
5027 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042
Name derived from: Anoraq, a word in the Kalaallisut language of the Inuit peoples of Greenland.
Made popular by: Vogue in 1959, then later by the Mod culture of the 1960s.
Once made from: Seal or caribou skin coated in fish oil (for waterproofing).
Distinguishing features: Drawstring, hood, waterproof material (often).
Question: If I haven’t 80 days + ticket around the world, where can I (locally) find a global souvenir?
Hypothesis: On the ever-growing hub of York Boulevard in Highland Park lies Platform, the hybrid shop-gallery-studio of Alex Cole and Sarah Brady. As wayfarers and collectors, these two have thoughtfully curated a space filled with goods from their journeys both around Los Angeles and to the far reaches abroad. But will even the less-adventurous be in luck to make a purchase?
Findings: Certainly. While “global goods” can conjure up exotic ideas (or visions of that big box store that hawks “worldly” wares), Cole and Brady have carefully chosen, pared down, and warmly displayed finds that would fit in any abode. Handcrafted baskets from Africa, Moroccan glasses, and carved Jaipur floor mirrors sit amongst Midcentury furniture and restored vintage lamps in an eclectic mosaic, while organic candles and striking woven textiles soften the space. And should you need additional inspiration to pick a piece, this pair also stages homes on the market, turning empty listings into showrooms of sorts. Redefining the word platform? We’d say.
Data:
Platform
(323) 793-9037
5027 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042
Invented in: (Rumoured) A Scottish mill created the fabric weave in the 1800s.
Named after: Oxford University.
Made popular by: Polo playing in the 1930s changed the formality of the shirt. It became a staple of both casual and dress attire.
Created from: Two fine yarns woven with a heavier year to create a distinctive two-color cloth.
Invented in: Europe in the 1800s.
Made popular by: Harold Lloyd, comedian who wore them in his 1917 film Over the Fence.
One made from: Hawksbill turtle shells.
Now made from: Acetate.
