10/15/07

Some lovely (overpriced) inspiration



I went for a walk down Abbott Kinney on Saturday and ended up going into a store that I have never even considered. It's been there for years (I'm talking maybe 15 or 20, I used to walk past it as a little girl for chissakes). I can't even tell you what it's called but the style is decidedly shabby chic. And I've always pooh poohed it. But duh. Shabby Chic is really Provencal. It's classic marche aux puces straight from the south of France. Which, obviously, I love.

What made me go in, though, were the cake stands.


And what made me stay was all this:








And what made me go were the INSANE prices. A scoop of seashells was $8. And an old chipped bowl was $108, on sale. And it wasn't Bauer or any other name. It was just a bowl. Abbott Kinney is insane.

UPDATE: I went by and there is literally not a sign in the window. Didn't have time to go in and ask but it's on abbott kinney at Andalucia, across from FloralArt.

13 comments:

LIBERTY POST EDITOR said...

Lovely store. Obiviously not for the masses!

Natasha Green said...

I walked by this store during the Abbott Kinney festival, but it was closed. I was thinking I'd return with the idea of buying some shells...but I suppose not!

xoxo

laure said...

laura--

I'm sure you can find a lot of places that sell sea shells, but I also happened upon this online store:
http://www.seashells.com/assortseashells.htm
a gallon of shells is $13, pretty good bargain!

cassandra said...

it is ridiculous... but did you go all the way to the back? there's tons of shabby furniture that includes some GORGEOUS overpriced mirrors! the big ones that take up entire walls... love them!

Anonymous said...

My office is almost across the street from this store, and I've never managed to go in just because I knew the prices would be insanely frustrating. I have to admit, though, how much I loved that cake stand display. Every day I kept thinking, I want to look at those cake stands. But I never did. I'm glad you got pictures!

laure said...

Jessica we're totally in the same neck of the woods! If you can see it, what's the name of the store? I always forget to look!

Anonymous said...

I know, very cool! I still don't know what the name of that store is, though. I tried to find it on the building when I walked to work this morning, but the only thing the windows say is still just "Parking Lot Sale", which I find to be a dubious statement on at least two counts. There doesn't seem to be any sign on it anywhere.

Ouch about the appendix - I hope you feel better soon!

Laura said...

I love those pictures, and your posts, especially those titled "paris dream life." I'll be checking back often. Hope you are feeling better!

laure said...

Thanks Guys!

And Jessica--I know what you mean: I looked all around and was like: uh what parking lot? Maybe it's like a fire sale, it's all in the idea and not in the literal translation...

Decorno said...

Hmm. Yeah, exoensive Though if I had a store and it looked this amazing, I might charge outrageous prices, too.

Lovely photos.

Anonymous said...

Yikes! how can somebody live or work in Venice and not know BOUNTIFUL, probaly one of the most famous stores on Abbot Kinney?
http://bountifulhome.com/shop.html


It's been featured in Country Home like a million times. This is where all the big stars get their furniture for the "casual" Malibu look.

The prices are beyond outrageous. The owner has pickers all over the country, scouring for stuff at garage sales they buy for pennies and then sell at outrageous prices. Go all the way in the back, upstairs. There's good inspiration everywhere. I refuse to buy even a candle or a bar of soap there, just because the prices are so greedy. But hey, looking is free!

ps
Please tell me that at least you know Abbot's Habit and Joe's, people! If you're lucky enough to live or work in the area, don't be shy! Explore!

Anonymous said...

That store is beautiful but really overpriced. Good for inspiration...

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