5 Things I Love About South Coast Plaza
I like to think that I haven’t been away from my home in Orange County for too long but the truth is, it’s been almost seven years since I’ve lived in sunny Southern California (well, wet this week).
Over the years the streets, shops and restaurants have changed quite a bit, including my favorite shopping spot – South Coast Plaza.
This past weekend, I went holiday shopping there and couldn’t believe the number of new boutiques and renovations that had popped up since I last shopped there. So today I thought I’d share with you my ode to South Coast Plaza and my favorite new things about this luxe shopping destination, in no particular order.
1. Fresh: I first discovered this brand when I was shopping in downtown San Francisco about two years ago and was surprised to see that the boutique now occupied the spot of my former favorite croissant place on the corner of Sutter and Grant streets.
I’m glad to see that I can now go into Fresh at South Coast Plaza to browse delicious soaps in Freesia and Pink Grapefruit any time I want!
2. Shoes, shoes, and more shoes! I was super excited when Jimmy Choo popped up a few years ago. I no longer had to admire these gorgeous shoes from afar, online or on old episodes of Sex and the City.
And now another powerhouse in shoes has opened its doors – Christian Louboutin. Let me just tell you, if I could, I’d shell out my hard earned cash for these dainty sandals.
3. Bridges: The main side of South Coast Plaza has always had a bridge to Crystal Court across the street so that I could walk over to the Macy’s Home Store without having to drive over and deal with parking, especially during the holidays. However, with the Men’s Store next door, the only way to get there was to walk outside or go through the mall – which I thought was extremely inconvenient for shoppers, especially in an indoor mall.
Well, it looks like Macys’ finally wised up and built a walkway to connect the Women’s and Men’s store from the 3rd Floor – woot!
4. Molton Brown: A little bit of UK luxury has now arrived in the United States. This premium bath and body brand carries products made from essential oils and plant extracts in exotic scents such as Thai Vert, White Mulberry, and Heavenly Gingerlily.
As a matter of fact, when I walked into the only Molton Brown boutique in California, there was a Heavenly Gingerlily candle burning and it smelled wonderful like tuberose, sandlewood, ginger and cardamom. I wanted to take one home with me, unfortunately the candle would have set me back $84 US.
Instead, the nice sales woman sent me home with a sample of Enlivening Toko-Yuzu Bath & Shower gel – certain that I would fall in love with the citrusy scent of the toko-yuzu fruit used in ancient bathing rituals in Japan. I think she may be right! It’s earthy and sensual, making my shower experience a soothing one.
5. Vie de France: After a long day of shopping, there’s nothing that refuels me better than a buttery ham and cheese croissant and a delicious almond palmier. With the only bakeries at South Coast Plaza and Washington DC, I’m glad to see that this is one place in Orange County that hasn’t changed.
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On December 22nd, 2008 katee (e-polishblog) said:
I lurve South Coast Plaza!! I live in Cardiff by the Sea, so SCP is about an hour away, but well worth the drive. We were just there today finishing up some Christmas shopping!!