Riviera View

image from here . Have you been to the movies lately and noticed the decibel level? It is loud. Really LOUD. Last night, we decided to see "Toy Story 3" (yes, we're a little behind on our movie list). We went to a movie theater in Culver City. Just a basic movie theater with great ticket prices and decent popcorn. My son wasn't crazy about "Toy Story 3." Not your average six-year-old, I guess. He gave it two-out-of-six possible stars. He has his own inarticulable rating system but he did say the film was just too scary. I'm guessing it may have had something to do with that cymbal-crashing monkey. On the other hand, I really liked the movie, but ambiance-wise it was ridiculously uncomfortable. What's going on out there in movie-land? And is it just me? A similar experience occurred when we saw Guy Ritchies' 2009 "Sherlock Holmes." OMG. The theater was so loud, I actually walked out. I got up and left for other reason...

Scouted while out and about... This dress, a modern twist on Julie Andrews circa '65, by Tse . Monaco Credenza from WeeGo Home, the photo does not do this little number credit . photo credit - caldwell snyder website Doug Owen's ingenious sculpture assembled from car, tractor and motorcycle parts. Similar sculptures viewable at Caldwell Synder Galleries . The traffic-stopping paintings of Ashley Collins .

Have you ever wanted to explore a California Case Study house in person? If the answer is yes, your opportunity has arrived. Upcoming tours are scheduled for two of the most well known designs; Case Study House #8, and #22. Case Study House #8 — The Eames House Eames House stairwell, photo - Eames Foundation websit e Eames House - Architects: Ray and Charles Eames, photo credit - her e Case Study House #22 — The Stahl House Stahl House - Architect: Pierre Koenig - 1960, photo: Julius Shulman Below is a little history about the Case Study House program, written by Bernadine Styburski from the Eames Foundation . “The Case Study House program, a landmark American architectural experiment was announced in 1945 by publisher, John Entenza, in his magazine, Arts and Architecture. The impetus of the program was to build homes, which would serve as model environments for post-war living using pre-fabricated, industrial and other materials developed during World War II. The Case Study Hom...

How do you take a tiny California beachside lot and turn it into a soaring, light filled home? Grant Kirkpatrick of KAA Design Group reveals a secret or two in this interview with Riviera View. all photos from, "Lifestyles of Southern California" Riviera View: KAA is frequently designing and redefining the quintessential beach house. Due to lot sizes in Southern California, ground floor footprints are relatively humble and oftentimes flanked by neighboring buildings obstructing views and light. Yet your team still manages to maximize views and incorporate that great California light into their designs. How do they do it? Grant Kirkpatrick: We have the “KAA Tool Kit” and 20+ years of designing on tight lots to thank for that. Though each of our projects are unique (as they are inspired by the lifestyle of our clients) we will consistently bring to the process a series of design moves that we know to be winners. A few classic KAA Tools include: 1. Using clere...

Decisions, decisions: Citrin or Blue Topaz? What's not to love about these shimmering Tahitian pearl necklaces from Ani Young Jewelry? Ani's designs are delicate and beautiful much like the designer herself. Artfully crafting jewelry designs for the past 17 years, Ani's pieces have sold in Barney's New York. Her pieces are also available directly through her Etsy site. To see more of Ani's work, click here . For the next week or so, Ani will be touring California with private trunk shows. And by the way, Ani and I go waaay back, so far back as a matter of fact that I'm not doing the math for you. So... The $100,000 question is: why does she look so much younger? Maybe now that Ani lives in Hawaii, it has something to do with all that fresh South Pacific air? Hmmmm.... :)

The credit for this photo belongs to blogger Jill Burgess of Bailiwick Studio in Victorville, California. I love the creative possibilities humming about in this little box. The idea of reaching into this photo and creating something from all these notions is tempting. Of course if you're not the crafty type you can purchase a sachet or bauble from Jill's Etsy site and save yourself a little angst. To read more about Jill, click here .

Featuring upscale vintage items, antiques and collectibles, the L.A. Flea Market debuts this Sunday at Dodger Stadium. For more information: www.thelafleamarket.com vintage signs by featured vendor weatheredesigns.com