I journeyed over to Broadmead tonight because of a brief mention in Ch'Know? Since I love her blog I figured that it might be a fun place to visit. And of course it WAS!
The first thing that hit me about Broadmead is that it is so CUTE -- and it seems to just scream "Photo-OP!". The streets curve, the architecture is greatly detailed and life sized. The shops are small (not usually the best for shopping as the pictures on the vendors tend to be infinitesimal), but still the details made up for it all. There are lots of empty building here. No giant RENT ME boxes are in evidence so perhaps there are plans in the works.
There are a lot of satellite stores here so in some cases there was simply nothing new, but the details -- did I mention the DETAILS?????? Spiral stairs that look like real ones, twinkling lights that lend a magical air. As some famous person once said (honestly I have no clue) -- it's all in the details.
If you are looking for cha pillows, kerosene lamps, coffee grinders (no, not the electric kind) or a free Little Tiara Radio Box (with the lengthy instructions in Japanese), Broadmead is the place for you.
One of the first places I visited was Grandmas. Currently famous for the free apron. Since most everyone KNOWS about that, I circumvented. The shop is very cute, however with book-lined walls and a general grandma cluttered feeling.
In some ways this reminds me of Armidi. Definitely different but the same attention to detail. I have no idea if it is the same builder, but I wouldn't be surprised. (Note to self to check that when I have an off hour HOHO.) But where Armidi can be dark and sometimes claustrophobic at times, this is usually cheery. Good to turn your time to NOON however as there is little lighting.
I did end up with one GREAT find. A free shopping bag from +MimiEden+ -- Broadmead 99/65/29 (wearable and cute in itself - see pics) when opened garnered a fantastic flowered purse. And we know I have a purse fetish (documented already!). YEAH!!!!!
