Author: Rebecca Rodriguez
Amidst the worn down buildings and auto repair shops lining the commercial corridors of the Eagle Rock community, a select number of surprisingly unique stores and restaurants stand out from the rest. Nestled at the corner of Eagle Rock Boulevard and Langdale Avenue is the newly opened Cuculapraline, a vintage boutique whose Web site boasts the cutest in “Frenchic” fare.
Taking its name from a French colloquialism “cucul la praline,” meaning “cute and silly,” the store’s aesthetic and merchandise reflect this attitude, beginning with its deep red exterior and delicate, adorning white lettering. It was refreshing to see the store’s connection to French culture. Although the store is humble in size, the one-of-a-kind items, whimsical feel and French cultural connection make it a pleasing and refreshing space to encounter.
Many boutiques have bare walls with just a few racks full of over-priced merchandise, but Cuculapraline is nothing like this. With its full tables and merchandise-decorated walls, the endearingly cluttered store looks more like a cozy home than an actual shop-front. Offering colorful tote bags, hand-painted sea shells and chic hats, among other things, Cuculapraline presents a eclectic shopping experience in a homey setting.
The owner, Yael Bolender, said that her interest in French antiques inspired her to open the store, which presents international antiques alongside kitschy clothing, art and décor from contemporary designers. Most of the store’s merchandise is made from recycled materials, further establishing the unity between old and new.
Bolender also alters and ornaments her vintage finds with her personal flair. She has refurbished older picture frames with flowers and other decorative touches. She also sells some of her own trinkets, such as handmade bookmarks. Shirts with unique graphics run for $20, and I also came across a French-inspired chandelier during my visit.
Though some of the specialty items come with deservedly high price tags, most items are reasonably priced. Each one-of-a-kind offering from Cuculapraline lends a personal touch, which sets neighborhood boutiques like Bolender’s apart from department stores and large-scale franchises.
Alongside the French imports and “Frenchic” items by Angelenos, Cuculapraline also features other international décor. I found beautiful jade and bright silver jewelry from Morocco and India, coasters imported from Africa, and woven Mexican blankets, retailed at $15.
Among the fast food joints and barred-up shop fronts, Cuculapraline stands as a creative new shopping option for Eagle Rock locals. No more than a five-minute walk from campus, Cuculapraline is a small business worth supporting, for its fresh outlook brings to Eagle Rock a dose of French creative flair.
Cuculapraline, located at 4704 Eagle Rock Blvd, is open Tuesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Additional reporting by Molly Quinn and Tara Daley.
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