Chartreuse

Even better than discovering new locations to explore, shop, and eat, are the people I’m meeting and the inside scoop on some of these places. Today I headed back to the Carmel Plaza, actually to say hello to one of my new friends I’ve met on my walkabout, and decided to visit Chartreuse while I was in the area.

Chartreuse is located on the main level of the mall – which kind of feels like the middle level since the mall is actually built on a bit of a hill. I was in this space years and years ago when it was a Talbots and I’ve always liked the layout of this two-level store. When it was Talbots both levels were stocked with merchandise, now the space is designed with retail on the lower level and the upper area is used as the onsite design studio.

Per the website, Chartreuse is a “Locally owned design studio/store. Textiles, clothing and accessories. Simple but elegant pieces in sumptuous fabrics-bias-cut silks, washable velvets, crinkled cottons. Uniquely detailed with hand-sewn ties, frayed velvet edging, inventive textures. Travel-friendly line of crinkled cotton clothing.

MaryAnne was working when I popped in today and she was super happy to show me around and tell me a little about both the designer and the designs. I can’t help but think how cool it must be if your talent is designing fun clothing and you actually have a great space to create your products and then you have an area to display and sell them at the same time. Some reviews online say the designer/owner is French, but I could have sworn MaryAnne said she was Polish. Either way, the designs have a lovely European flair. The fabrics, hand detailing, and overall craftsmanship are beautiful. If you are looking for fun pieces that travel well, this is a great place to find them.