LA kind of day...

We started our LA day at the new Santa Monica Place.  We had been before, but now most everything is open.  It has a very industrial feel throughout.  Even the Bloomingdale's really feels one of a kind.  The store itself is similar in size to the SoHo store, but feels very different with its cement floors, warm wood, and local art.  It has a very SoCal kind of feel without trying too hard.  Service was at its best...everyone seemed to want to help us.  The roof top dining deck is beautiful with amazing Ocean views which includes the Santa Monica Pier.

The CB2 had an interesting a seasonal display...

My daughter was checking out the wares at the new Kitson store on the adjacent 3rd Street promenade.

We first saw this beautiful art when it was being installed last August.  It really gives you a sense of what to expect or hope for once inside the new Bloomingdale's.

Ice skating outdoors in Southern California!  We did not expect this...right there at 5th and Arizona...it was a beautiful southern California day, but I'm sure with the lights on and without the midday glare it might seem a little more festive after dark.

We went to Fred Segal for probably the best burger we've ever had had at Umami Burger.  I wish I had the good sense to snap a photo before we devoured it.  Then we had to check out the new displays.  There is always something to see...

Then we headed over to Heath Ceramics at 7525 Beverly Blvd.  This was our original purpose of the trip after all...to find a hard copy of Anthology Magazine.  Can you believe it?  They sold out earlier in the day.  The ceramics were beautiful, but I do not need a single dish.  However, I did snatch up several of these Weck canning jars.  I love the small sizes in different shapes.  I'm starting to think hostess/neighbor holiday gifts.  The late day sun is making me think we need to start heading south again for home...

But, as we head west on Beverly Boulevard over to Santa Monica I realize we will be passing right by Century City Mall...which happens to have a Madewell.  This is my daughter's favorite shop and since it's the closest one to home, We ended our day and I took this last shot just as we were about to leave.