BLACKBURN AND SWEETZER

This might sound crazy, but the fashion independent in me is always a little impressed when I resist going to The Mall, any mall. My inner-voice gives a whispered three cheers when I think I haven’t been to The Grove or the Beverly Center in weeks. This past Sunday, after a fantastic breakfast at The Little Next Door (I think brioche French toast says it all), I set off with my cousin for Sephora at the Beverly Center, only to be shocked and dismayed that The Mall was closed. When does the Beverly Center ever close? Easter, really? Okay. Off to The Grove we went, and, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by finding Fresh steps away from Nordstrom. I mean, really, the scents, the vibrant, feminine packaging, and great product - you really can’t ask for more, except that it be less expensive. But we left, bag in hand with goodies we couldn’t leave behind, including my new favorite Cranberry Lemonade lipstick.

Dip down Bow Street across from The Whisper Lounge and Barneys CO-OP greets you with a one-armed hug, the other dug into your wallet before you can say $155 Marc Jacobs jellies? It’s two floors, women’s down, men’s up. It’s Barneys abbreviated… in walking distance, which could be very, very dangerous. Thank goodness, next to the $265 Ksubi jeans are $65 Cheap Monday’s, next to a $500+ 3.1 Phillip Lim dress, Manoush can keep it at $200. And there’s always candles and room fragrance, lotions and shower gels if you’re just in that I just want to get something from here mood.