Showing posts with label Retail stores. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Retail stores. Show all posts

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Is it meant to be?

Several years ago I fell in love with a photograph in a magazine. I wish I would have scanned that picture.  It featured a beautiful dining room with an oversized antique balance scale prominently sitting on a sideboard like a precious sculpture.  I can't explain what the allure was but it was  love at first sight. Every time I walk into an antique shop I keep my eyes peeled for a beautiful balance scale ever since seeing that picture.   I have seen a few since then but not many. And none that took my breath away as the one in the picture did.

While Christmas shopping a few weeks ago I walked passed Z Gallerie.  Their window display stopped me dead in my tracks.  There it was- a beautiful modern balance scale. It made my heart swoon. I chose not to purchase it due to its grand scale (29.5" wide by 37" tall). The scale is actually a good thing. But a statement piece such as this needs to be in just the right place.  I don't think I have a spot in our home that would do this piece justice.

Fast forward to this afternoon. I was thumbing through the January 2011 issue of Real Simple and there was an article that caught my eye.  This was the title:

"Love it but not sure what to do with it? Armed with know-how and a bit of courage you can make even the most intimidating objects...blend seamlessly into your home...".
This article automatically made me think about the modern balance scale.  Was it meant to be?

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Sweet Treats in San Francisco

Schoggi (meaning "chocolate") is a wonderful find in the South of Market (SOMA) district of San Francisco.  Over 80 varieties of handmade sweet treats (chocolates and petite pastries) using 100 year old Swiss recipes are served up in a clean, modern storefront located in a pedestrian only promenade accessible from Market Street.  A nice variety of teas and coffees are also available.  
A variety of milk chocolate truffles and a "Noisetta" (pictured center), a milk chocolate cup of crunchy roasted hazelnuts.
A chocolate sampling and petite pastries. 

Schoggi Fine Swiss Chocolates
87 Yerba Buena Lane
San Francisco, Ca 94103
(415) 243-4444

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Summer BBQ with Brooks Brothers

Mr. B and I went to South Coast Plaza this afternoon. If you aren't familiar with this mall let me put it to you this way...it is considered by many to be the Rodeo Drive of Orange County, California.  Yes,  Rodeo Drive as in Beverly Hills.  And yes, the same O.C. as in the Real Housewives of Orange County fame (or whatever you want to call it).  We walked past the Brooks Brothers store but I stopped dead in my tracks and realized I must go back. The summer BBQ window display at Brooks Brothers caught my attention. I am a sucker for a great display. Retailers love me....

So this is funny...after taking several pictures I was approached by a mall security guard who informed me that "pictures in the public areas are not allowed". For crying out loud...we are in a mall not a museum with national treasures. But I respect the mall rules and I politely turned my camera off and walked away. Plus, we were hungry and it was time for lunch.

Sorry for the glare in the pictures but shooting pictures in mall is sometimes tricky with different light sources.

The artwork is what first caught my eye.  I was secretly wanting to take home the crab painting to hang him (maybe a her?) in the lovely Cape Cod cottage I would so love to have.  Cliche, yes, but who cares. Maybe someday...
I love how the window designers incorporated the Brooks Brothers logo and the company's trademark seersucker fabric into the throw pillow design.  
The faux food and drink are amusing. 


The vintage Woodland Jug is a nice touch to help add a bit of authenticity to the display. 

Monday, August 2, 2010

We Olive (Long Beach, CA)

I have to admit something.  When We Olive first opened its doors in Southern California I wondered how a store selling only olive oil could survive...especially during these tough economic times. Well folks, don't let the name fool you. We Olive is more than just olive oil. Of course they have an amazing selection of oils and balsamic vinegars but they also stock tapenades, mustards, gift items and more.  A huge number of the items are actually from California companies. 

There are currently 8 charming stores in California. This particular location is situated in the Blemont Shore neighborhood of Long Beach, CA.  I just love this area!


"We Olive is more than just a store with olive oil...it is an olive oil experience." -- We Olive website
I have to agree with the company's quote.  There are tasting stations throughout the store but the "Tasting Bar" is center stage.  The owners are very warm and make you feel welcome  so you don't feel intimidated tasting the products.  In fact they encourage it! It makes for a fun shopping experience.  The owners are also very knowledgeable about the products they carry and can assist you in making just the right purchase.  They helped me choose a chipotle flavored olive oil.  It definitely was the right purchase for me because I recently went back to buy a second bottle.

We Olive has a welcoming rustic feel.  I love the use of rock along the back wall and freestanding "furniture" adding to the charm and character of the store.

Bath and body products as well as other related gift items are also available.

Now where else can you find Peach White Balsamic Vinegar?