Life's a Beach.

Welcome to Beach Week on Hello Gorgeous. It's perfect timing I think, considering the weather in some areas right now. I went to the beach over the weekend and took pictures of some of my favorite shops cuz I know how y'all are into that sort of thing. The great thing about shopping at the beach is that there is something for everyone - from high-end to funky and everything in between. Ready? Let's start with some funk, compliments of Detail, A Gallery for the Home.

Michael Muller and Tom Boeke are the owners of Detail Gallery. Detail showcases the works of many local and regional artists, including owner Michael's art and offers plenty of other out-of-the-ordinary goodies for the abode in a jam-packed home-like environment.

Who doesn't love a tinsel tree? The ornaments are especially great. And because nothing gets by the eagle eye and multi-layered prescription eyeglasses of Hello Gorgeous, the man to the right of the tree? He appears to be starring in one of Michael's collage pieces looking especially fabulous (click here to see more of Michael's art):

Uncertain Choices by Michael Muller, multimedia, $375

Mascot Extraordinaire Mirabelle the Boston Terrier is the adorable face behind the store and the inspiration for many items within, such as greeting cards and reusable recycled shopping bags created by Muller.

But that's not all! The Adventures of Mirabelle which has been featured on Michael's website is about to be published as a children's book. I can't wait for it to come out. Go here to see some of Mirabelle's adventures, also available online and in-store as cards and prints.

Birddog, with watermark

Difficult as it is to leave lovely Mirabelle, it's time to move about the store:

Flora in Black by Brent Rodgers

Doesn't the top artwork look so Mad Men? And oh, yes, I came home with Miss Flora below looking all Marie Antoinette-y and fabulous. And speaking of Queen Marie:


And equal time pour les messieurs...


Some family-friendly art:


A handful of accessories, fresh from the oven:


At his old location, he had quotes from "Barefoot in the Park" painted onto his walls. Because it is one of my all-time favorite movies, I immediately loved his shop. Here, perched amongst the candles and soaps is a signed photo of Mildred Natwick, who played to perfection Corie's mother, Ethel. Rent it if you haven't seen it.


If you don't live around here, you can still visit the Gallery and shop online. But if you're in the area, it shouldn't be too hard to stop by. In fact, next Saturday, Dec. 13, is the Second Saturday Destination Art Walk from 4-7 pm. Be warned, I left town loaded down with booty from my weekend (having planned to not buy a thing).

I mean, shop owners have to eat, too, right? *wink* I'm just doing my part for local retailers in this lousy economic and retail environment.