The Captains Helm Creates A Unique Shopping Experience While Mixing Vintage Finds And Skate/Surf/Motor

The Captains Helm in Oceanside and Costa Mesa are one of the best stores for creative inspiration, gifts and unique finds. The Captains Helm carries the best new and vintage finds around Orange and San Diego county. Our visit starts off with your favorite coffee drink in hand from a friendly local and talk of the waves of the day.


As you enter, if feels like you are in a lounge that is like no other. One side of the store caters to men
and the other equally as important, women.
If you need a cool t-shirt for any man in your life,
this is definitely the place to go.



They are a buy, sell and trade type of place.
So, it is always fresh each time you visit.
The perfect place for a fab find.

They also carry surf, motorcycle and

skate favorites for all.

Up-to-date jewelry to complete your look and surf mags to keep you in the know.

Their love for vintage is obvious.

A store decorated like no other.

Classic biker leather jackets, denim and

flannels are in abundance.

Classic denim and flannel for the gals as well.

All are hand picked by their talented buyers

to only carry the best pieces available.

One of a kind boots for men and women.




Surf's up. Grab a board.



A true collector's delight of classic rock albums.
It's hard to leave this store empty handed.

Every square inch is designed to perfection.

Even the changing rooms are a work of art.

It's a feast for the eyes.

And, they even have a few chairs

to sit back, grab a mag and take a load off.

Not in just any chair. I love this baby!

If you are ever in Oceanside or Costa Mesa

be sure to visit the Captains Helm. Check out their inspirational and hip blog called 3rd Floor Musings. Or, you can pick up the hottest items featured in their online store.

Do you frequent any local shops like this

where you live? If so, please share!

Happy Holidays,

Christina

All photos taken by Christina Gough in the Oceanside Captain's Helm store.

Blue Springs Home Makes You Feel "Home Sweet Home"

It has been quite a crazy week here in Orange County. Well, just a little tornado warning or too to spice things up. (We are such wimps compared to most of you since we are used to 6o degrees with partly cloudy as our winter). So, my thoughts are focused on staying home and being comfy and safe this weekend. What better shop to feature than Blue Springs Home when you think of luxury bedding and being comfortable. Well, Ok this isn't just comfortable. This is taking your bedding to another level. And when you feel the quality of this bedding, you will see just how comfortable it is. This bedding is a gorgeous mix of spicy dramatic colors of rust, lilac and tangerine. It is so inviting and luxurious in person.

This antique tapestry, Italian Florentine side bedside tables and lace type textured bedding is right up my alley. Let's just say this is my personal "heaven of a bed" scenario. It is complied of a Silvermist bed and Bella Notte bedding. My Mom actually purchased those blue laced crushed velveteen pillowcases as I was taking this picture and they are beyond fabulous.

Don't you just want to jump into this heavenly pink bed full of lusciousness? Ok, maybe not you guys. But, you gals! All by Bella Norte. Simply divine. Am I right?

Jump on in and make yourself at home.

The romantic work of Susan Brow takes any special bedroom
to another level. This painting is $595.

This is a fabulous bed made up of Maiteo bedding. It would be perfect for a more relaxed seaside or cap cod home. I adore those burlap pillows. I can certainly see my son having this as a teenager with his surfboard leaning against a wall.



You will find the most unique treasures that are top notch
that are a mix of new and antique.



John Rebshaw's colorful mix of modern pillows
in all colors, shapes and sizes to complete your perfect look.


An exquisite colorful mix of classic and modern bedding
created by John Rubshaw.



Blue Springs Home has been a "must stop shop" in Newport Beach for as long as I can remember. So, if you ever make it this way make sure to take yourself a personal tour. The talented, personal and attentive shop owners will help you create the bed of your dreams.

Blue Springs Home

369 E. 17th Street

Newport Beach, California 92627

Of course, if you can't make it take a tour of their website and their gorgeous blog. They are having an amazing 30 % off sale on selected items until the end of this month. So, take advantage!

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Which bedding is your heaven of a bed?

Have yourself one safe, warm and cozy weekend.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
xo,
Christina

All pictures taken by yours truly, Christina Gough, with my little cheapo digital.

Whim Interior Design from San Juan Capistrano Packs a Huge Punch While being Featured in Romantic Homes Magazine's February Issue

Nestled in old town San Juan Capistrano, California, a block away from the mission, Whim Interior Design packs a big punch for any interior design, garden or jewelry enthusiast. The main store is housed in one of oldest structures in the mission town, the Avila Adobe built in 1833. They opened up a second store, Studio Pink, that is steps away. The store owners Eric Guenther and Daviell Maldonado have created the most unmistakeably unique and memorable shopping experience while showcasing their talents for exquisite jewelry and home design.

The entrance to the store has all things garden, including statuary's, ferns, urns, iron and waterfalls. You at once feel like you are entering a villa in Spain or somewhere far from the beaches of Southern California. Although, if you need a classy beach souvenir, this is the place. Who wouldn't love to take home anything on this console?

As you enter, you realize this is going to be an experience because you feel as if you are walking into a grand home. You first enter the living room, with it's grand pillars, art, sofas, chairs, books and accessories. Then you enter the next room that is decorated in a bold green style with accessories that look like a world traveler had collected them on their travels.

You will find the most unique treasures of all the land in each nook and cranny of this huge shop. Give yourself time to roam freely, as you won't want to miss any of the treats. They have a massive decor and travel book selection to browse through at your leisure.

Eric and Daviell acquire magnificent items that are handcrafted locally and custom made for their store and clients. The massive aqua mirror behind the console is just one of the spectacular custom mirrors that can be found to fit your castle.



And, there are the linens and pillows. Oh my... (Ha ha! We watched Wizard of Oz last night). This beauty is a favorite of mine. It has the most beautiful intricate detailing in this amazing crisp white linen. It is simply divine.


Here is the perfect place to grab a fabulous book and review it in leisure before you make your final purchase. Each of the many small to medium size rooms (approx. 8) that house their spectacular collections has a different color, feeling and tone. There is something here for everyone. It is the perfect destination to buy "the gift" for the most difficult people on your gift lists.


Oh yes, speaking of gifts. Daviell is a master jewelry designer and studied many years as a journeyman and has captured all the beauty life has to offer in his magnificent collection of quality items. There truly is something here for any one at any age and any gender.


And, there is the staff. What can I say but they are top notch. They are attentive, knowledgeable and personable. Most of the staff have worked in the store for years and their dedication and passion for what they do surely shows through to their clients.


If you are ever in the Southern California area, this is a shop to see. And, if you can't make it in you can call Eric Guenther for a personal interior design consultation. He travels the world spreading his magical transformational decorating talents.


You will find quality pieces from Baker, Milling Road, EJ Victor, Hancock and Moore, Karges, IPF, Century, Anichini, Whim Estate Collection, Asmara Rugs, Martha Steward by Bernhardt, and Whim Custom Upholstery.

Whim is featured in shopkeeping on page 73 in this February issue of Romantic Homes Magazine. Cheers to them!

If you make it by, tell them who sent you.


31831 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

(949) 388-9600
whim-sjc.com

xo,
Christina

Photo credits: 1 and 2 from Whim's website, other interior photos taken by me.

Last two exterior photos found at yelp.

A Fabulous Find~ FrenchBlue & Co.

It's snowing over at FrenchBlue &. Co...

A place to find this stunning old painted portrait on wood...

Snowing with the most unique treasures found anywhere...

This old alabaster box with medallion lady really gets my heart pounding. What a home for a special treasure or gift...

French correspondence "Old French pink book" from a posh French lady to an English politician in 1791 for a person that adores history or just the beauty of books...


Old French collections of books from 1829 of
the Histore De France that could be that perfect gift for someone that has everything...



A gorgeous hotel Marie Antoinette coffee pot for the
hostess with the mostess...


The most unique and intricate beauty to be found anywhere...
Like this framed French Bisque floral Motif...

The perfect "A Christmas Token" scalloped gift holder that would stand out from the rest and make a special present fabulously memorable...

And more custom made packing for the tree...

French writing seaweed box...

~~

It is snowing over at FrenchBlue & Co.

~~

Good luck with those Christmas lists, darlings.

Let me know if you find anything you just can't live without at FrenchBlue. I know there are a few special items I just can't stop thinking about!

xo,

Christina

~~

If you have a shop that you would like to be featured, just leave me a comment with a link to it. I will see what I can do.

All photos found at FrenchBlue & Co.

The Art of Mixing Vintage and New for A Fashion Forward Unique Look

Nicole Fields of Fields 4 Dreams Boutique sponsoring a fashion show for the Good Ole Girls networking group with proceeds going to a Susan G Koman breast cancer charity last week. Nicole was the mastermind behind having me, Fabulous Finds & Co., move 100 plus retro/vintage pieces into her upscale boutique in San Clemente last week. This gold gown was sold the first day. It looks like it was made for our model, Ashley.

Here's a show stopper 1980's number with a custom vintage bag and Nicole's

trendy accessories to update the look.

A white snakeskin type 90's cocktail dress from my collection on a local
dancer and friend, Jenee. Jenee Rubinstein, A.K.A. JR, runs a Solid Hip Hop dance studio in San Clemente. She looked smashing in this dress and everything she wore.

Nicole Fields, the owner of the boutique, is the hottie in the vintage gold dress that was the announcer for the fashion show. Jenee twirling in an adorable new chambray dress from Fields 4 Dreams.

Cute and it looks so comfortable

Ashley, a FIDM fashion design student, in a new Fields 4 Dreams dress, accessories and denim jacket. These are actually Ashley's cowboy boots, but we have a half dozen boots available in the boutique right now. More to come...

Jenee in a new classy outfit with a black layered type pencil skirt, black and white striped top and matching jacket. This outfit is selling fast since it's perfect for the office or date night.

Ashley sporting a hot vintage faux fur vest from my collection
in a sassy gold dress from Fields 4 Dreams

Ashley working that back

80's Versace little black dress and 80's faux cropped fur gold jacket

80's Cache art deco inspired cocktail dress with updated accessories

70's hot little romper with an updated belt

80's Cache bright yellow dress with rhinestone accents and new accessories

My family and friends showing their support. Lisa from LUXE, wearing the cute red blouse, has a must see home design store on Avenida Del Mar in downtown San Clemente. Love you gals!

The "dreamers" closing the show in hot little sequin shorts, cute hoody and dreamer t-shirts

This was actually my first fashion show and it was a huge success raising $1,200 for breast cancer walkers. Thanks to Nicole, last week I moved into her boutique, attended a special boutiquing .com event and this fun fashion show. Our next fashion show is on October 10th at San Clemente High School with the Cross Country Team. I'm bringing a sales book and cash this time, since they wanted to buy the outfits right off the models backs. We will also be sponsoring a special evening November 5th at the Fields 4 Dreams Boutique for a Dana Point group of gals for the Susan G. Koman breast cancer for a cure walk.


Nicole has been so kind to add my company information to her new Ad above coming out in our local DISH magazine. Nicole is the "model" for the ad. She is a sales and marketing dynamo with 20 years of retail and merchandising experience. Our partnership has already been amazingly successful. I am so grateful. And, doing what I love and have always had a passion for.



If you are ever in southern Orange County, please stop on by. The boutique is right off the 5 freeway at the Palizada (from the North) or Presidio (from the South) exits and one block away from the upscale downtown shopping area. The pier is only a mile away, so drop the kids off at the beach, the men at one our local restaurants/bars and come shop with us.




Fields 4 Dreams Boutique
"Where your dreams come true"