Ritzy, Ragz & Thingz

On my way to the post office this morning I took a slight detour and popped in to Ritzy, Ragz, and Thingz. As far as consignments shops go, this one is exactly as advertised, “unique, fashionable, funky, and fun”! As soon as I walked in the door the store manager, Areanna, welcomed me and let me know that everything in the store was 50% off, time to move the inventory and make space for new items. This store is comfortably stocked with clean/excellent condition, tops, sweaters, coats, skirts, dresses, shoes, handbags, and other odds and ends; yet, it’s well organized making it very easy to navigate the merchandise.

The vibe in Ritzy, Ragz & Thingz is a pleasant mish-mosh of designs and it’s fun to look around to see what kind of treasures you might find. The staff does a great job with the displays in the store – really putting together some fun textures and patterns – highlighting various pieces from the inventory. I kind-of sort-of like this cozy winter-white sweater coat that was displayed on one of the manikins, it’s a little on the long side (which is surprising coming from someone tall like me), and I’m not sure where I would wear it, so I didn’t get it on this visit; but, I may go back and get it next week.

I enjoyed chatting with Areanna and it was super refreshing to meet someone that has fun at work! Before leaving I asked Areanna for a card…hmm, I was surprised to see that in addition to the location in Carmel at Dolores & 5^th, Ritzy, Ragz & Thingz has locations in Modesto and Turlock…quite an interesting trio of locations. 

Inago

There are actually 3 Inago stores in downtown Carmel and today I ventured in to the location on Ocean Avenue and San Carlos. The selection of dresses in the window display has always caught my eye when I walk by so I was excited to go in to get a better look. Inago offers a nice selection of chic, sexy, fresh and classy-hip apparel and accessories.

In addition to the high-end designer clothes like Vivienne Westwood and Vera Wang, Inago also carries shoes, scarfs, belts, and even cozy fingerless gloves. This is also a good place to find unique gift items, interesting jewelry and various odds and ends – I was actually quite surprise to see a few skeins of beautiful yarn displayed on one of the tables (too bad I don’t knit or crochet!).

I think the other two locations have different inventory – possibly a men’s section as well as a children’s section. As soon as I check them out I will post and provide the details.

Sur La Table

With so many unique boutiques, shops, restaurants and places to see in Carmel, it borderline feels like cheating when I visit a store that has multiple locations around the nation. However, I was on a quest to find some items for an impromptu office gathering and I like to support the local businesses.  

Although you can find Sur La Table in many cities, the Carmel location is key for locals who love to cook or bake and need tools, pans, appliances, gadgets, gizmos, quirky kitchen supplies and don’t want to drive over the hill.

For the party I was hunting for a serving tray, a cheese knife, and some small snack bowls. Woo-Hoo! Sur La Table was my one stop shop. I can be pretty picky when it comes to entertaining items. I have a love-hate relationship with kitchen knick-knacks, entertaining dishes, napkin rings, holiday and seasonal themed glasses, mugs, placemats, candles, platters, bowls, trivets, etc. – I love a beautifully set table and cleverly arranged banquet spread – but I hate storing it all! After many, many years, I have finally learned to keep it simple; however, that doesn’t stop me from checking out all the great colors, patterns, and themes.

There is a lot of inventory in this story and it takes a while to explore all the different display areas. I was looking for a neutral tray would work for cheese and crackers, hot or cold appetizers, and/or fruit. On the far wall of the store I found the perfect bamboo tray that was exactly what I wanted. There were only a few cheese knives to choose from which was OK since I actually liked a small wood-handle one I found near the cash register. To round out my shop I also found some small red ramekin dishes to add a little pop to the party décor.

Sur La Table is located on the lower level of the Carmel Plaza. Happy shopping!

The Hat Shop

A little tidbit about my 13-year-old son – he absolutely loves the TV show Psych. He tries to watch parts of episodes every day. He references Psych in school papers and projects. He quotes Psych. He has a Psych sweatshirt. He has a Psych phone case. Psych takes place in Santa Barbara (although oddly it is filmed in British Columbia) and during one episode the main character, Shawn Spencer, says his dream would be to meet a girl, whisk her off to Carmel and have a small haberdashery or a hat shop. So, when I was walking to the Post Office this afternoon and passed The Hat Shop, in honor of my son, I knew I had to go inside.

The Hat Shop in Carmel is a fun and welcoming shop with lots of personality…or maybe I should say it’s a shop that caters to the multiple personalities within each and every one of us. Top hats, wool hats, cadets, fedoras, winter hats, newsboy caps, cowboy hats, ascots, berets, derby hats, felt hats, Panama hats, bowler hats, casual and dressy hats. There truly is a hat in this store for every personality…and suddenly I’m in the mood to host a hat party – how fun would that be!!!

I introduced myself to Barrett, he’s been working at The Hat Shop for a couple of years, and I enjoyed chatting with him while I tried on a variety of cowboy hats from a local company in Watsonville. But I didn’t stop with the cowboy hats, it was so much fun that I tried dozens more on as I made my way around the store.

In addition to the hats, the shop also has a fun selection of masquerade masks, fascinators, headbands, scarfs and gloves. Looking to be a bit whimsical or just seeking a hat for any occasion, stop by The Hat Shop located on San Carlos between 5^th and 6^th.

Hedi’s

I was in a bit of a funk today, feeling kind of tired, not loving my outfit du jour (hate it when that happens!), sporting boring interim hair, and not really in the mood to do my walkabout. Thank goodness the productive little voice in my head was louder than the lazy voice in my head and I dragged myself out the door.

OK, I didn’t go far, but I did go some place!

Broken record here, but I have walked by Hedi’s Shoes since they hung out their sign 15 years ago and never stepped through the door until today – and I’m so glad that I did. Hedi’s carries a wonderful selection of well-made, high-end shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Boots, booties, heels, clogs, mules, loafers, flats, sandals, and even flip-flops - there is a wide selection for both men and women. This is a must stop for people who travel and want walking/touring shoes that look great and provide the support and comfort needed to really enjoy vacation without worrying about your shoes.

Hedi’s has a great selection of Born, Clarks, Ecco, Finn Comfort, Keen, Rockport, Softwalk, and more. The casual me loves the Josef Seibel Caspian Red ‘sneakers’ and the fun me loves the super fun mid-calf boots on the round table right when you walk in the door. 

In addition to the shoes, Hedi’s also has beautiful handbags, some apparel, and a small selection of jewelry. Hedi’s is located on Ocean Avenue between Mission and San Carlos.