World Market Bazaar:

      Whenever dear friends from out of town come to visit I always try to take them to my favorite shopping destinations in Santa Cruz, CA. One of my favorite hot spots for impulse purchases is World Market Bazaar. True to it's name, this location offers a wide variety of both locally made and imported goods. I have the best luck finding bold and intricate jewelry at this charismatic location (At amazingly low prices too!). An array of Turquoise, Fire Opal, and authentic Amber stones set in sterling silver can all be found here as well! However, I have also discovered some amazing thai silk scarves like the one I am wearing in this post. In addition to accessories, World Market Bazaar also offers clothing, furniture, and home decor items. The moment you step into this fantasy world reminiscent of lands far away you will see why World Market Bazaar is on my must visit list in sunny Santa Cruz!

Beaded bracelets make me eager for spring time and bright colors.

I've been stalking the necklaces on this rack for
 sometime now, but I cannot decide on a color. Thoughts?

I wish the lens of a camera could capture the
true luminosity of these stunning gems:

World Market Bazaar regularly offers discounts on their semi-precious
stones. If you are in the market for the classic combination of turquoise
set in sterling silver, check here first!

You would not believe the plethora of scarves crammed
into this retail location! I'm so glad I purchase this scarf
months ago, it's truly become a year round staple. 

Wouldn't these wind chimes look fantastic indoors instead?
(Plus no loud clinking noises when the wind comes thru!)

      Not only does this store offer a huge selection of items but the customer service is always amazing. The friendly staff are always welcoming, helpful, and knowledgeable. World Market Bazaar is located on 1233 Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz, CA and you can reach the store by calling (831) 469-3872. For additional information and to shop their online collection, click here!

Yours,

Nico

Bunny's in Downtown Santa Cruz:

      If you are a last minute gift buyer (like me!) then you are still out looking for great retail locations to find amazing presents for your loved ones. Hopefully you live close enough to the Santa Cruz coast to stop by Bunny's in Downtown. A mid sized store that is crammed full of goodies for the holidays! Here are some of my favorite finds:

100% organic soaps that are locally 

made, My favorite is lavender basil:

I found lots of cooking inspiration here:

...And I wanted to try on some shoes but this gentleman beat me to the last chair!

     Hope you get a chance to stop by this store sometime! Today I am actually working on some treats in here, but I really should be out swooping up some last minute gifts and groceries! What are you guys up to?

Yours,

Nico

PS: For more holiday gift giving tips and trick's, view my ideas here and here!

Wallflower Boutique:

      While out and about doing some very mild holiday shopping this weekend I discovered a new local store called Wallflower Boutique. Just when I thought I'd found every gem in the city of Santa Cruz I manage to find one more hidden treasure! A retail location filled to the brim with lusty fashionable clothing, quirky house decor items, and to die for accessories, the Wallflower Boutique will not disappoint! I'm sure you'll find a million items you'll want to own yourself plus some great gift ideas! 

Also, if you haven't crossed my name 

off of your holiday shopping list I'd 

ADORE one of these taxidermy butterflies! 

The large blue guy is my favorite:

the Wallflower Boutique is also holding a raffle 

for a locally crafted quilt, see details here.

     I also wouldn't mind having one of these lavender wands in my xmas stocking this year! I'd prolly end up storing mine in my closet so all my clothes would be perfumed with the calming scent of lavender:

Not sure what book to buy your favorite book worm this year? Why not gift them a screen T with the logo of their favorite novel instead? 

     I hope that if you ever find yourself strolling along Santa Cruz's Pacific Avenue (AKA: "Downtown") You'll take a quick turn on Locust street to visit Wallflower Boutique ! 

Yours,

Nico

STRIPE:

      Black Friday may be the day for malls and major retailers to claim their cut of the holiday sales but the first Saturday after Thanksgiving is now being claimed by small businesses as the day to "shop small." Lucky for me, I live in Santa Cruz, CA where most every store in the city is locally owned and operated. Today I will be visiting the downtown area to get started on some holiday shopping and my first stop is going to be Stripe! I love this local spot so much because the visual merchandising is always interesting and the variety of merchandise is also a treat. This store has everything from locally crafted leather handbags, to vintage clothing, and even the most random of nick knacks and housewares. If you ever find yourself in the Santa Cruz area, I suggest giving this local gem a look see! Especially today, when it is so important to support the small business in your area!

      One of my favorite things about Stripe is that this massive wall at the back of the store is constantly changing in drastic ways. I've seen it covered in antique plates and even paint brushes! On this visit, the wall was painted a shade of midnight blue and littered with sunburst mirrors to mimic the winter sky:

Loved this decorating idea, massive 

masculine antlers with lots of dainty mirrors:

This is a great stop for unique

 vintage boots as well:

Stripe even offers men's wear and 

children's items this holiday season!

Crafty clipboards hand from each fitting room:

      Have you finished your holiday shopping this year? If not, head to your favorite local businesses! Or even better yet, head on over to Stripe, one of my favorite stores in downtown Santa Cruz!

Yours,

Nico