FASHION ISLAND

Fashion Island, Newport Beach, California

Recently, I was fortunate to be able to escape cold New England for the gentler shores of Southern California. While my husband took mandatory classes, I snapped photos for stock photography and tried to absorb the California aesthetic. I stumbled upon Fashion Island, which turned out to be a delightful, fashionista's paradise and shopping complex in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA. 

This is an incredibly lovely mall, set close enough to the shore to enjoy sea breezes. The fountains and plantings are extraordinary and beautifully maintained. The many inviting and comfortable outdoor seating areas help to break up a tiring shopping day. I enjoyed the hypnotizing koi pond. (Late in the day I relaxed with a book from Barnes & Noble. A very bold great-tailed grackle kept my company.) 

Anchor stores are Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman-Marcus with an additional 200+ specialty shops. (D.H.)