century shoe lab

In between finding the latest hot spots to shop and deciding where to eat next, there's the pesky matter of tending to some of life's little necessities... like where to take care of all those fabulous shoes in your closet.

If you shop at Century City or frequent their AMC 15, you've probably passed this shoe repair tucked away by the Gelson's valet countless times without a second glance. I know I did, that is, until the day I went shopping and couldn't stop hearing clickety-clack, clickety-clack. Everywhere I went... clickety-clack, clickety-clack. I thought a phantom horse was following me around the mall until I realized, in a moment of horror, the clickety-clack was me! I'd somehow lost the soft plastic taps on both of my stilletto heels, leaving me strutting around on nails. Literally.

Haunted by the clickety-clack I decided it was time to throw in the shopping towel and head to the car. Balancing down the escalators nearly on my toes, there it was. A shoe repair! On my tippy toes I went in hopes of some help, and sure enough, they told me to slip them off and they'd fix them right up. Less than ten minutes and ten dollars later, I was out the door in my buffed up beauties, good as new. Off I went to pick up where I left off, floating along on my perfectly polished heels to nothing but the sweet sound of silence; free to enjoy the dulcet tones of muzak gently piping in and the sound of credit cards burning holes in my wallet. Just as it should be.


Century City Mall
10250 Santa Monica Blvd
Ste C-24
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 772-0013

martin + osa

Last week we had the opportunity to check out a new store opening at Century City Mall to benefit Step Up Women. Who wouldn't love to shop with a cocktail (or two) and some passed hors d'oeuvres in the name of charitable giving?

Martin + Osa is an offshoot of the American Eagle brand and the latest upscale sportswear line geared at the Banana buyer, whose name comes from an American adventurer couple who spent most of their lives on safari. The clothes were, well, very Bananaesque, but more casual and with the addition of khaki. A whole lotta khaki. Particularly in the men's. If you know a man who loves khaki, this will be his new favorite store.

Aside from a couple of lovely knits (I did my part for the cause purchasing a thin, cream colored wool sweater with a faux turtleneck and the prettiest border pattern to layer for $88), a beautiful bordeaux velvet peplum jacket ($128), and some very cool shiny textured leather zip pouches ($48), much of the selection - menswear, in particular - was unremarkable, at best. I'm hoping that once they find their niche in the market, that'll improve.

Far more impressive - the stores design. All of the Martin + Osa shops are marked with a striking wood paneled entry, well laid out without feeling empty or sparse, and have an absolutely gorgeous fitting room area that's a low-lit long hall, floor to high ceiling, seemingly endless panel of polished grainy wenge. I was tempted to try a few things on just for the sake of admiring the space!

Also of note - the little things that matter. My sweater purchase was popped into a recycled (and recyclable) white pull string pouch that could be used to wash, store, or travel with. The gift bags we left with included his and hers travel sets with soft, supple leather passport holders and matching luggage tags - chocolate brown for him and a striking shade of pale aqua for me. They're getting plenty of use already!

10250 Santa Monica Blvd #185
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 785-7924