Domino Bazaar: Paying $20 to Shop - More Bizarre than Bazaar.

Hubster and I hit up Domino's Bazaar yesterday to see how Domino magazine could put on an event. Hopes were high because Domino is one of my all time favorite magazines to flip through - I love how the houses they show are decorated in a colorful and imaginative way. Makes me feel like I could slather on some robin's egg blue paint on my walls, throw up a vintage chandelier, and call it a day. (I haven't done this yet but I just tell myself I'm in the "researching" stage.)

We get there right around the time it opens - 12 noon - and there's about 10 people waiting in line. Sun is beating down on our heads (what's up with 90 degree whether in mid-October), but the staff is kind enough to provide us some shade and offer us up some water bottles.

We pay our $20 entry fee and husband grumbles a little that he's not sure why anyone would pay to shop - it's almost like having to pay parking fees at malls (ehem Beverly Center) - if we're laying down some dinero in the store, wouldn't you expect it to be free?

Saving grace for the $20 bucks - you get a nice big canvas Domino bag and a year magazine subscription. Still, perhaps they could have cut the price in half.

As you walk through the doors, you notice how neatly everything is setup.

A little cafe in front with baked goods and soy bars that are free for a reason.

Rooms are divided up into neat sections and, in Ikea style, they've created rooms you could imagine yourself living in.

Patio - not my cup of tea but eclectic.

Dining room was beautifully done, loved the lighting fixture, the table setup, just gorgeous.

The designer consultation area is done up nicely, not sure about the go-go light wall but the color scheme of this room came off nicely.

They also had shelves of goodies to purchase - scented candles and sticks, pillows, magazine racks, books..

Free classes were a great idea - there were actually quite a few people taking advantage of this class, "Live Comfortably Ever After" sponsored by Serta. Quick note, every class is sponsored by an advertiser - clever way to get sponsorship dollars while giving people an experience.

Now some of my favorite things...this beautiful blue lamp.

Cute little cups - though looking at the size I'm not sure if you're suppose to use them in the bathroom to gargle or if they're for the kids...

Translucent candelabra, modern and chic but a little pricey at $185. If this is suppose to a bazaar, where's the haggling?

And these bookcases I just loved...too bad there wasn't anyone around to help us with questions. Also note the Edison light above - simple but so chic.

Best part? I got to pick up a book I've been coveting - Domino: The Book of Decorating. It was $32 bucks but worth it, in my opinion, because it gives you so great tips on how to do it all yourself! I'm all about empowerment, baby! This morning I felt jipped because I saw it on Amazon for $21.12 but I'm going to justify it by telling myself I got an advance copy - it doesn't release on Amazon until the 20th.

Overall?: I liked the idea of having free classes and designer consultations - if you can take advantage of these offerings it'll probably be more worth it. So far as shopping goes, the space was A LOT smaller than I expected, maybe it's because they used the word bazaar but I was picturing slick vendors hawking and haggling, not shelves of Jonathan Adler products I could find at Weego. A bit disappointing there and the fact that we had to pay $20 to shop was a little disconcerting.

Who Should Go?: People who need to do a little shopping, want to take some free classes, and don't mind paying $20 bucks to get in.

Tips?:
+ There's a class at 3:30p today called "Be Your Own Interior Designer" - probably one of the more interesting classes to go to. Check out the list of classes before you go.
+ If you're hungry, you can pick up a snack there, don't worry, just don't try that soy bar unless you like the taste of chalk.
+ Parking might be a little troublesome. They are offering valet for $8 bucks. (Couldn't we have done $5? Sorry, I'll stop now...but it's all about the value, isn't it?)

Domino Bazaar
12p-6p Saturday and Sunday
HD Buttercup
8707 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA