October 30, 2006

Go Fetch

Aura Opens

Don’t let their friendly faces fool you: Greeters have it bad.

Being warm, welcoming, and enthusiastic for eight hours straight would leave anyone dog tired.

But at the newly opened Aura in West Hollywood (not to be confused with Aura on Montana), a Chinese Crested pup named Ling takes the job in stride. The store, its owners, and Ling all hail from Miami, which explains the canine’s perky Sunshine State sensibility.

He’ll meet you at the door with a friendly bark and tag along with you as you shop racks of Jenni Kayne, Mischen, Sass & Bide, Erica Davies, and Borne and shoulder up to bags by Gryson and Abaco.

There are also tables of denim underneath oversize black chandeliers. And vintage French upholstered chairs to sit on while you try on shoes.

Just don’t get too comfortable. Wouldn’t want to wear out your welcome.

Aura, 8747 West Sunset Boulevard, at North Sherbourne Drive, West Hollywood (310-289-5101).