Local businesses created a festive occasion to say thank you to the neighborhood and increase their visibility during this holiday season. Silver Lake Village Block Party took place on Saturday evening, December 12, along busy Silver Lake Boulevard, south of the reservoir.

“It's good to see some new faces," said Toby Hemingway of the block party. We met at his store, Hemingway & Sons Menswear, 1615 Silver Lake Blvd. There was even a man stationed outside to give those interested a shoe shine.

The shop was brightly lit up and full of visitors, and displayed men's clothing, including shirts, shoes, and accessories. Brand names of clothing include Taylor Stitch, Naked and Famous jeans, and Tawny Goods shoes. Hemingway says he plans to offer two more European brands’ shirts and sweaters next spring, NN07 and Blue Uniforms. 

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Hemingway first came to Los Angeles 17 years ago: "I had a brother living here. I've also lived in England.” His other store, Hemingway & Picket, has been in the neighborhood since 2011 and is located at 3208 West Sunset Blvd.

The shop MUSH, right next door at 1617 Silver Lake Blvd., was also brightly-lit, displaying jewelry, home decor, furniture, antiques and various gifts. "Mush" is store owner Michelle Van der Heijden's nickname. She and her husband, Emmanuel, have been at their present location for 2.5 years, after being on Hollywood Blvd. Their merchandise includes goose feather lamps, clocks, and Emmanuel said they have sold old naval instruments and even had a ship lantern last year. So "mantiques" are included--antiques which would appeal to many men.

Van der Heijden said she travels all over the country--including up and down the East Coast to find items to sell in her store. As she said: "Over the years, I've gotten into jewelry, and will bring back antiques large and small. Lots of local artists come to me, too. We have a lot of people come from the old Hollywood store. The Silver Lake neighborhood is cool."

Photos of Hemingway & Sons, Toby Hemingway, Mush jewelry, Michelle Van der Heijden and blog post by our resident journalist, Clint Lohr. Clint is also a Realtor with Keller Williams Los Feliz. Photo of Clint at the Atwater Village Tree Lighting by Betsy Hall