The Van Aken District is on a roll. New restaurants, shops and more continue to pop up in Shaker Heights’ central new spot. To explore its always cool and appetizing spaces, Jstyle returns to Van Aken to set the scene for this season’s fashion.
Jake wears a short-sleeve wicking polo shirt by Robert Graham, shorts/swimwear combo by 7 Diamonds and black belt by Torino, all from Ticknors in Beachwood; black Duck watch is from Shinola in Shaker Heights; sneakers by Vince Camuto are his own. Anna wears a Mary green dress by Frank & Eileen unbuttoned over an Ilia black crop top by Apiece Apart and Kate Eames jeans, all from Ladder in Shaker Heights; Clare V fanny pack is from Double Rainbow in Shaker Heights; shoes by Vintage Havana are her own. Trevor wears a Kennedy black T-shirt and green shorts by Deus ex Machina from Whiskey Grade in Shaker Heights; Runwell watch is from Shinola; sneakers by H&M and gold neck chain are his own. Marianne wears a black and white blouse by Dorothee Schumacher and Rag & Bone Rosa mid-rise boyfriend jeans from Kilgore Trout in Woodmere. Yellow wedges by Katherine Kelly are her own.
Jake wears a gray knit sport coat with floral pocket square, short sleeve sport shirt and cotton flat front pants, all by 7 Downie from Ticknors. Runwell watch is from Shinola. Sneakers by Vince Camuto are his own.
Marianne Elin
Age: 42
City: Mayfield Heights
Work: Senior business process consultant at Progressive
Marianne wears a Vanessa floral dress by Veronica Beard from Kilgore Trout. Birdy moon clutch in pistachio is from Shinola. Metallic wedges by BCBG are her own.
Anna Okun
Age: 24
City: Mayfield Heights
Work: Speech language pathologist at Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Anna wears a Cami maxi dress by Apiece Apart from Ladder. Bandana bag is from Shinola. Flats by Lucky are her own.
Trevor Yasinow
Age: 26
City: Downtown Cleveland
Work: Digital health executive recruiter at Direct Recruiters Inc.
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Trevor wears a green button-down shirt with chest pockets and jeans both by Thrills, Kennedy white T-shirt and Pig & Hen bracelets, all from Whiskey Grade. Sneakers by H&M are his own.
A staple of the Van Aken District – and across Northeast Ohio – Mitchell’s Ice Cream is a consistently great way to beat the heat with sweet treats. After opening the location in 2018, the scoop shop owned by brothers Pete and Mike Mitchell offers classic menu items now quite well-known to Mitchell’s customers, while regularly featuring new flavors – including great dairy-free and vegan options. Jake wears a short-sleeve wicking polo shirt by Robert Graham, shorts/swimwear combo by 7 Diamonds and belt by Torino, all from Ticknors; black Duck watch is from Shinola; sneakers by Vince Camuto are his own. Trevor wears a blue hoodie by Banks Journal and ourCaste tan shorts, both from Whiskey Grade; Runwell watch is from Shinola; sneakers by H&M are his own.
You can’t say no to a rooftop patio in the summer, and Garden City’s overlooks the Van Aken District, decked out in greenery and matching garden decor. Focused on cocktails, the rooftop bar also serves wine and beer. Head there to feel festive for the summer season. Marianne wears a Vanessa floral dress by Veronica Beard from Kilgore Trout; Birdy moon clutch in pistachio is from Shinola; metallic wedges by BCBG are her own. Jake wears a printed short-sleeve shirt and shorts/swimwear combo both by Tommy Bahama and brown leather belt by Torino, all from Ticknors; sneakers by Vince Camuto are his own. Anna wears a Joedy white woven button-up top by Frank & Eileen with Campana pants by De Loreta and long yellow earrings, all from Ladder; shoes by Vince Camuto are her own. Trevor wears a green button-down shirt with chest pockets and jeans by Thrills, Kennedy white T-shirt and Pig & Hen bracelets, all from Whiskey Grade; sneakers by H&M are his own.
Long yellow earrings from Ladder
Pig & Hen bracelets from Whiskey Grade
Jake wears a navy ultra-light sport coat by Robert Graham with an OoohCotton sport shirt by Bugatchi, five-pocket super-light pants by Alberto and black belt by Torino, all from Ticknors. Anna wears a Maurino white dress by Apiece Apart from Ladder; Clare V Moyen messenger bag and Bluma Project colorful bracelets are from Double Rainbow.
Runwell watch is from Shinola; Kennedy black T-shirt and green shorts by Deus ex Machina from Whiskey Grade.
Marianne wears a black Archie floral applique dress by Veronica Beard from Kilgore Trout; black beaded earrings from Ladder; animal print pumps from Banana Republic are her own. Jake wears a gray knit sport coat, short sleeve sport shirt and cotton flat front pants, all by 7 Downie from Ticknors; Runwell watch is from Shinola; sneakers by Vince Camuto are his own.
Between the Van Aken District’s Market Hall and parking garage is Bowser Alley, displaying murals by local artists like Darius Steward, April Bleakney and Julia Kuo.
Anna wears a Mary green dress by Frank & Eileen unbuttoned over an Ilia black crop top by Apiece Apart and Kate Eames jeans, all from Ladder; Clare V fanny pack is from Double Rainbow.
Bluma Project colorful bracelets are from Double Rainbow.
Runwell watch from Shinola.
Van Aken District in detail
Jstyle shines a light on some more Van Aken District businesses – many of which are new to the area or have Jewish connections.
