Shopping at Cost Plus World Market with Kelly Wearstler

Kelly Wearstler checks out some of the wares, hoping to find some decor for a picnic on the beach.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Kelly Wearstler studies a rug that she might buy to use as a beach blanket tabletop for her picnic.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Kelly Wearstler decides to buy some bamboo rakes to create designs in the sand during her beach picnic. “These are so beautiful,” she says. “I honestly need one, and they actually make you want to use them.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Kelly Wearstler finds a throw blanket that could serve as a tablecloth or fend off the chill.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Kelly Wearstler leaves Cost Plus World Market with her purchases. In any store, you can find good designs if you spend the time to find them, she says. “Go for the simple and understated. Bright colors and wild patterns can tend to look on the cheap side.”  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)