So Chic in So. Cal.

A recent trip to L.A. had me visiting places I haven't seen in years, but remember vividly. I grew up around these here parts (Orange County, to be exact, but I spent plenty of time  in L.A!) Things have changed. For the better. We visited the Third Street Promenade and adjoining Santa Monica Place Mall. Now, back in the 80's this mall was just like any other: A big, boxy, poorly lit, two story maze of all the usual retail suspects. Now, however, it's a sleek, open-air, visually appealing, style haven. With the pacific ocean a mere two blocks away, the conversion to an open-air concept was definitely the right choice. One can stroll through the two lower floors and window shop any of the fashion forward retailers, then head on up to the third floor food court for lunch and an ocean breeze! I had a great time people watching and window shopping, aka dreaming. And as if the mall weren't enough, the Third Street Promenade is just a hop, skip and jump away. Head over there to get your fix of Z Gallerie, Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, not to mention a whole slew of independently owned, quirky little shops. There was definitely plenty of inspiration on which to draw. So, without further ado, here are some of the things I saw.

 This sculpture was literally hanging off the side of a building about 20 feet up. A glorious cluster of stainless steel spheres forming an undulating wave. I've told ya'll before about my obsession with silver orbs here.

 I could have stood gazing at it all day. I was quite mesmerized.

Ooooooo...pretty shiny things!

Directly across the street from the silver ball sculpture was this beautiful building.

I remember this as having always been there. It looks like some of the buildings in downtown L.A. There are some beautiful buildings downtown, when you remember to look up!

 At the entrance to Third Street Promenade, poppies colorfully greet you!

My daughter took advantage...

One seriously chic Ladies Lounge in Bloomingdales (aka the bathroom!) That's wallpaper made to look like concrete on the walls. 

 This chair had a polished aluminum backrest and back legs, a wood set of front legs and a black patent leather seat cushion. Very funky!

I'd like a few of these planters in my garden, please.

 A cool bench made out of a cool slab of glass. I wonder how much this weighs?!

This bench was also glass....the slats were long pieces of amber glass. I love the movement it has and the polished chrome legs and center bar.

So there you have it...just a FEW of the things that inspired me......

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