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SPEAKING THE LOCAL LANGUAGE:
lauren mcgoodwin
portrait photo by: Joe+Kathrina | text by: Carrie Waller
A MONTHLY SHOPPING GUIDE FROM LOCALS WE LOVE, IN CITIES WE CAN’T WAIT TO SPLURGE IN.
Meet LAUREN MCGOODWIN, Founder & CEO of Career Contessa, and this month’s ‘Local Language’ shopping spotlight!
If only we all could boast Lauren McGoodwin’s prime California residence! Nestled in the heart of Redondo Beach, Lauren has access to a wide variety of enviable shopping spots. From quaint bookstores and coffee shops, to local eateries, this millennial CEO is making the most of her sunny west coast location with weekly jaunts around town. Read on for a list of her must-shop stops.
CAMI
You know the feeling when you need a good dress, but anxiety ensues because they are so hard to find? Well, you need a Cami store near you. Cami carries a great range of classic (and quality!) everyday items and also great dresses for your next special occasion. I usually justify buying a new dress around the holidays because of the influx of parties, or in the summer when I have a lot of weddings to attend. They also carry really pretty yet delicate jewelry lines like Alexis Bittar, Chan Luu, and Victoria Cunningham.
GUM TREE
This place definitely tops my favorites list. Gum Tree is located in an old beach house that was converted into a cafe and a shop. Both are equally important to me. Anytime I’m meeting someone for coffee, I choose Gum Tree and then conveniently find some extra time to browse next door. They do an amazing job of cultivating home goods, clothing, and accessories that fit the laid back style of beach living. Just because I live by the beach doesn’t mean I want a nautical-themed house!
PAGES
This little book shop is such a treasure and a total throwback to what bookstores used to be. They still hold author readings and every employee is knowledgable on what’s in stock without consulting the Internet first. They also celebrate being a local bookstore through their efforts to personally connect and get to know you—the recommendation algorithms at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble could never match that personal touch. One of my favorite things is to browse their amazing collection of travel books on a weekend morning. It’s how I got my mind set on visiting Italy last year!
PARADISE BOWLS
I’m a huge foodie and I’ve been into eating superfoods for awhile, but I’m a little over the green juice craze. This is why I was so excited when Paradise Bowls moved in! They make the most amazing acai bowl filled with bananas, granola, and honey drizzled on top. Just be careful—they are totally addictve!