As part of my design research I’ve visited many stores which reflect the vibe I want to emulate in an F&F retail location.

The Paris Market in Savannah, Georgia which I blogged about here.  Explored Trohv in Washington, DC which I also blogged about.  And I’m looking forward to visiting NYC in April to check out another prime store in Brooklyn. 

Yesterday I went to a store near Laguna that I had researched prior to this trip.  Unfortunately the owner would not allow pictures due to proprietary concerns. I get that, but another blogger had posted pictures and the owner offered high-res photos of her own. So aren’t those also subject to proprietary issues once they’re on the web? 

Anyway, won’t go into everything but, suffice it to say, I’m not providing a link to the store.  It was a beautifully curated space but, in the end, sometimes things work out as they should.  Had more time to discover other lovely, inspiration at Laguna Beach and Newport stores. First up, Tuvalu in downtown Laguna Beach.

Next up, Areo, a wonderful, electic mix.

Sprink break for many at Laguna Beach. Ah, to be young and bare it all again.

To call Roger’s Gardens  in Corona del Mar a nursery is to not do it justice. 

I have never seen a garden store quite like this, part nursery, part furniture store, part accessories haven and everything inbetween. Roger’s was unbelieveable and the Mexican Santos caught my eye.

But perhaps the best part of yesterday was having dinner in Newport with two girlfriends, one who drove up from San Diego and the other from Mission Viego.

These girls, from the past, saw me through the early years of parenting when we all thought we’d lose our minds. Love these girls.