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I use the same driver every time I fly into JFK. His name is
Louis and we met by chance. Before he entered the picture I’d felt a mixture of
fear and shame on trips when my car service arrived before my luggage did, as
if it was my mother that I was inconveniencing and not someone I was about to
pay $60 plus tip. “No problem” Louis replied in his sweet El Salvadorian accent
when this happened the first time he picked me up, “you just let me know when
you’re ready.” He helped with my bags, gave me a few pointers on my Spanish,
and left me with his private number so I could arrange for pick-up back to the
airport. I was hooked.
Louis and we met by chance. Before he entered the picture I’d felt a mixture of
fear and shame on trips when my car service arrived before my luggage did, as
if it was my mother that I was inconveniencing and not someone I was about to
pay $60 plus tip. “No problem” Louis replied in his sweet El Salvadorian accent
when this happened the first time he picked me up, “you just let me know when
you’re ready.” He helped with my bags, gave me a few pointers on my Spanish,
and left me with his private number so I could arrange for pick-up back to the
airport. I was hooked.
I had a similar feeling of being cared for on my visit to Gratus in Beverly Hills last week. Christine Moon,
one of the partners at Gratus, greeted me with a big smile and immediately
offered a diet coke and a gluten-free cookie. Yes, please!
one of the partners at Gratus, greeted me with a big smile and immediately
offered a diet coke and a gluten-free cookie. Yes, please!
The store itself feels intimate, like the walk in closet of
your stylish best friend. It’s got grass cloth wallpaper, comfy seating, and
row after row of chic, well-made garments from brands that nail that
cool-girl-with-class look like Calvin Rucker and Marni.
your stylish best friend. It’s got grass cloth wallpaper, comfy seating, and
row after row of chic, well-made garments from brands that nail that
cool-girl-with-class look like Calvin Rucker and Marni.
Kristin, the in-house (read: free) stylist recommended a
faux fur vest to throw on over Victoria Beckham jeans and a Suno top. If you
had previously asked me my opinion on faux fur vests, it would have been an
emphatic “God no!” but it’s now my must–have purchase because this particular
Harvey Faircloth number came in a delicious sable color that just screamed
Jackie Onassis. The ladies at Gratus keep files of customer purchases to help
with future recommendations and they provide services like basic tailoring at
no extra cost.
faux fur vest to throw on over Victoria Beckham jeans and a Suno top. If you
had previously asked me my opinion on faux fur vests, it would have been an
emphatic “God no!” but it’s now my must–have purchase because this particular
Harvey Faircloth number came in a delicious sable color that just screamed
Jackie Onassis. The ladies at Gratus keep files of customer purchases to help
with future recommendations and they provide services like basic tailoring at
no extra cost.
I left the store feeling ecstatic. This is what I imagine
shopping was like at the turn of the century, when local shopkeeper payed close
attention to your style and your needs. I couldn’t remember the last time
shopping—not the purchase but the experience—was as much fun. And besides, if
I’m going to pay upwards of $300 for jeans they better come with a cookie.
shopping was like at the turn of the century, when local shopkeeper payed close
attention to your style and your needs. I couldn’t remember the last time
shopping—not the purchase but the experience—was as much fun. And besides, if
I’m going to pay upwards of $300 for jeans they better come with a cookie.
Gratus is located at 427 N.Canon Drive Beverly Hills, CA
90210
90210
This post is part of an on-going series with Los Angeles Magazine. Every other Wednesday I share the L.A. shops I love, my most recent purchases and fashion musings as a contributor to The Clutch style blog.
