Costa Mesa Shopping

This is the best overall swap meet in the greater L.A. area, outside of the one held at outside of Pasadena's Rose Bowl. Despite the entrance fee (now $2) and the fight for parking at times, this is a pleasant outing for shopping. Come here around 8 AM to beat the crowd.

What to buy: Shop for clothing (most new and discounted), shoes, furniture, plants, gourmet breads and candies, electronics, CDs, toys and much, much more.

What to pay: There is such a variance. If not buying big items, like furniture, you may typically spend $30 here for a few items.

Within a short drive of Costa Mesa are at least five shopping malls - shoppers paradise!
My three favorites are South Coast Plaza, Fashion Island and The Shops at Mission Viejo. South Coast Plaza and The Shops at Mission Viejo are both on the 405, Fashion Island is on PCH.

All three malls have the usual Department and High Street stores, but each one has it's own atmosphere and delights.

South Coast Plaza is the most upmarket, with stores like Tiffany & Co, Gucci, Chanel and La Perla to name but a few. There is a carousel for the children, and various events are organised in the mall throughout the year.

Fashion Island is an outside mall - you walk in the fresh air between the stores!! There is a fantastic Italian cafe/bar next to Macy's named Francoli Gourmet Emporium. There you can eat authentic Italian dishes, and select wine from the delicious wine list. Jenn_d and I find it a perfect place to refuel before continuing with our shopping!

The Shops at Mission Viejo is the furthest from Costa Mesa, and is always a good destination when you want an excuse to go for a drive!! (or is that a drive so you have an excuse to go shopping?!!)

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In 1989, TSE the cashmere label, was founded by Augustine Tse, supporting an idea that this luxury yarn, up to that point, had been greatly under-utilized. This beautiful raw material had been used very one-dimensionally, was very classic and expensive, and was perceived to be reserved only for the elite. The objective of the company was to incorporate this incredible material into all aspects of one’s life and make it more accessible to a broader audience. It was this modern adaptation of the traditional commodity that forever changed the luxury cashmere business.

Today, TSE is both a wholesaler and a retailer with businesses that are comprised of a woven designer collection strongly supported with luxury knitwear of impeccable quality. The company stays true to its original philosophy, which is to continue to be a laboratory for ideas and innovations.

What to buy: TSE's South Coast Plaza store sells women's clothing, men's clothing, contemporary women’s clothing (the tsesay collection) as well as handbags and belts. What I like most about TSE is the versatility and depth of each season's collection. TSE carries ready-to-wear knit and woven items for day and evening which come in interesting prints, designs and fabrications. Without question TSE has become a more fashion forward brand, but it stays true to its classic core by stocking basic cashmere and wool knits all year round (as well as men's items during the holiday season). Just as important as the collections themselves, I have ALWAYS found the TSE store staff to be friendly, trust-worthy and knowledgeable.

The TSE store in Costa Mesa is the place to buy luxurious cashmere and wool knits in addition to winter accessories (hats, scarves, gloves) in the Fall/Winter seasons. Their cashmere and wool winter coats, capes, dresses, skirts and pants are noteworthy. Here at TSE, the cashmere sweater, the garment known for its cache and comfort, is an art form. EVERYONE should own at least 1 basic crewneck, v-neck or cardigan sweater made of TSE's impeccably tailored and luxuriously soft cashmere. When the season change, TSE is also the place to purchase wonderful cotton, linen, silk dresses, skirts, blouses, light jackets in addition to other Resort and Spring luxury items. Their new handbag and belt lines complement the clothing each season by adding the element of color in different cashmere, leather, and patent leather combinations.

What to pay: TSE sells luxury items at a luxury price point, but their clothing is well worth the cost. The items that I have purchased from this store have lasted for years.