Southern California design is free thinking, fresh and inspirational. And that’s why a visit there always makes me excited about design. Let me give you some highlights of our recent trip including where to shop, Luca’s delicious pasta and a casual outfit with a slight edge.
It’s Five Fave time with Annie and Cindy!
Southern California Design
1. Juxtaposition Home
On the drive from San Diego to Los Angeles, Howard allotted me 20 minutes to run into Juxtaposition in Newport Beach (while he picked up sandwiches at C’est Si Bon (where our daughter worked in high school).
I hadn’t been to this location but the salesperson said they had been there for three years! Take a look..
Looks like fun, right?
This gave me some ideas for what to look for when my daughter and I went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market (more here).
2. Nickey Kehoe
Nickey Kehoe is a must stop for me when visiting my daughter as it’s close by and always changing. This time there were painted taper candles, pretty quilts, copper pots and a vintage dish cupboard.
3. +Coop Store
+Coop is right next to Nickey Kehoe so you can kill to birds with one stone!
That wicker caddy is so cute for shopping at a farmer’s market. Here is a similar one with a lid.
4. Casual Military Jacket
Here is a fun update on the khaki military jacket with stars. This is a size XS and I am 5’1″. Perfect layer…that I will be wearing often.
This is in my sister’s condo building where there is a community penthouse living room. She will be moving soon though.
Wear everywhere Black Spanx pants (petite medium–I have two pairs in rotation)• black t-shirt • Eileen Fisher wedge booties • Quince leather tote bag
5. What To Cook: Luca’s Cacio E Pepe
Our son-in-law, Luca made this simple but delicious pasta for us last weekend.
You can find lots of colorful, well-priced Indian hand-blocked table cloths like this one here.
- 6oz. pasta (such as egg tagliolini, bucatini, or spaghetti)
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed, divided
- 1 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup finely grated Pecorino
- sprinkle with truffle powder, if desired
-
Bring 3 quarts water to a boil in a 5-qt. pot. Season with salt; add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until about 2 minutes before tender. Drain, reserving ¾ cup pasta cooking water.
-
Meanwhile, melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a Dutch oven or other large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add pepper and cook, swirling pan, until toasted, about 1 minute.
-
Add ½ cup reserved pasta water to skillet and bring to a simmer. Add pasta and remaining butter.
Remove pan from heat; add Pecorino, stirring and tossing until cheese melts, sauce coats the pasta, and pasta is al dente. (Add more pasta water if sauce seems dry.) Sprinkle with truffle powder, if desired.
Transfer pasta to warm bowls and serve.
Shop The Post:
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Carmelee Thorpe says
Would love to visit those shops and the Rose Bowl Market.
Always enjoy your blog. You seem
to really care about delivering interesting, informative
and fun info. I know this is a business for you but you are not always pushing products.
So glad you get to visit with your grand baby so often.
What a gift your whole family seems to be for you.
Always thought your sister’s next move would be Florida.
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann, I would love to take a 20 minute spin through juxtaposition with you!! I’ve been wanting to go to Nickey Kehoe too! Did you happen to see the prices on those copper pots?
Live your green jacket with the same color bag!! So cute!!
So nice to be able to see your family in California, and then having Tommy when you get back to
Florida!
Xx
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann, I would love to take a 20 minute spin through juxtaposition with you!! I’ve been wanting to go to Nickey Kehoe too! Did you happen to see the prices on those copper pots?
Live your green jacket with the same color bag!! So cute!!
So nice to be able to see your family in California, and then having Tommy when you get back to Florida!
Xx
Love
Kim says
Mary Ann, What a happy post! You are so lucky to have such a fun and close family and also now have Howard as your travel buddy ! Juxtaposition is probably my all time favorite home store. I’ve only been to the Newport Beach and I didn’t know they had another. I need to get down there and check out some of these other great stores.
I’m saving Luca’s recipe to try this week! You look great in that jacket! It’s very California too.
xo
cindy says
I am LwYs so jealous when I see the fun social ships. I need to get down there. Don’t you love those spanx pants ? Love that cute jacket on you.
Jeanne says
I have some large statement art from Juxtaposition. The store is wonderful and the owner is on the cutting edge of CA design. I know that RH has directly copied from them in the past. I also didn’t know they were on Riverside now. I clearly need to get out more!
Mary Ann Pickett says
That makes sense that RH would copy them. Get over there for a look!
Francesca B says
Hi Mary Ann,
Sounds like a fantastic trip and thanks for the recommendations for places to go! I love my Hoka walking shoes you recommended a few weeks ago. Perfect for hiking.
Happy week:)
Mary Ann Pickett says
I like my Hokas too!
Katherine says
Hi Mary Ann,
You are extraordinary parents and now grandparents, you are leading examples of what family is all about.,
S nice you were able to help your sister and cousin.
The stores in California have a cool laid back vibe. It’s so nice to see that there are such nice independent retail stores doing business.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thank you so much, Katherine!!!
Joan says
Fun post, Mary Ann — you look CUTE in the utility jacket w/ matching tote! I need to try those Spanx pants, for sure. I’m curious about your sister’s new home, too… and gather you did not convince her to join you in Florida. I’m heading to Rome in a week and will order some spaghetti al Cacio e Pepe and try Luca’s recipe once home again!
Mary Ann Pickett says
My sister bought the Spanx pants too.
Cath🇨🇦 says
I love those types of shops too. And I will definitely share Luca’s recipe with my fellow. Ever since staying in Rome where we enjoyed that in the lovely garden of the hotel , he’s been a fan of that simple and delicious dish. I am very fortunate in many ways too…fairly good health after some weird things happened in 2020-21 , but now at almost 74 , I am pretty busy with keeping active … Pilates ,biking in warmer weather and pool workouts… and always a walk down to our local rocky beach to see the ever changing views across the water. I travel as much as I can because that’s so enjoyable. Unfortunately, I am one of those rather sad Grannies who are not able to enjoy knowing their grandchildren ( 4) due to the decisions made many years ago by both of my children ( now 47 and 44j . I do not understand and it’s out of my control , but letters every few years have not changed their attitudes. I do wonder what my life would be like to have everyone in my world again. Full and happy… but I guess that’s just what my reality is…
so onward with a smile. I am going to Paris and a cruise on the Seine soon!
Mary Ann Pickett says
It sounds like you are blessed with good health though! Your kids don’t know what they are missing!
Enjoy Paris.
Jeanne Henriques says
All of these shops speak to my collectible heart…lovely! Thank you for providing so many wonderful points of inspiration. :))
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks, Jeanne!!
Juliet says
All three shops look wonderful, MA. I’m inspired to take a trip to beautiful SoCa to browse around. Glad you got to spend time with family. Intrigued by your sister’s new digs. Thanks for Luca’s recipe. I may try it tonight. xo
Mary Ann Pickett says
And you could visit Coronado…which I know you love, too.