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TrendThrift is a weekly column, brought to you by our resident fashionista, Kate McChesney, as a review of boutiques in and around the Los Angeles area.

Santa Monica truly has it all; the beach, great restaurants, and most importantly: Marcia Bloom Designs. Marcia Bloom Designs is located on the famous celebrity shopping street, Montana Ave. It’s funky, eclectic and above all else, fun–just like Marcia Bloom herself. It is my favorite boutique in LA. End of story.

Now I have to admit, I’ve been keeping Marcia Bloom Designs a secret. Maybe it’s because of her beautifully handcrafted makeup bags, handbags, and pillows, or her colorful peasant skirts made for girls of all ages, or perhaps it’s her wide selection of jewelry. Whatever it may be that’s been keeping me from sharing Marcia Bloom with the world, the cat is now out of the bag.

More on Marcia Bloom Designs after the jump.

While moving around the store, Marcia Bloom herself can often be seen laughing and chit-chatting with customers while sewing a few socks to the bottom of a skirt, one of her more zany creations. The daughter of two scientists, Bloom has said that she rebelled against a “world of beige”. She certainly knows how to rebel. Her store is filled with fabrics of all colors and textures that have a sophisticated edge, yet always carry a sense of humor. Her designs are so carefree, you just want to throw on a Marcia Bloom skirt and prance around in those colorful new flats you just bought.

This is the boutique to go to for your favorite funky, artsty friends. Women and men will both love the quilted handmade Marcia Bloom pillows adorned with funky buttons and antique images, funky mamas will adore the Warholesque Marilyn baby tees and original colorful quilted toddler jackets, and don’t forget about yourself; Bloom’s great selection of jewelry are all marked at an amazingly low price.

Head over to Marcia Bloom Designs on Montana as soon as you can, or check out her website: www.marciabloomdesigns.com.

RATING$:
PRICE: $$$$
VIBE: $$$$
HOOKUP$: $$$$

kate mcchesney
myspace.com/kate7682