Costa Azul has surf gear
BEST BUYS
Costa Azul is known for its high-quality custom-shape surfboards
and surf-related gear. Owner Rod Greenup started shaping boards in
1987 in Cabo San Lucas and relocated to Laguna in 1991. Greenup’s
expertise caught the eye of pro-surfer Chuck Patterson, whose toe-in
boards and surfboards are shaped here.
Costa Azul has its own brand of attractive apparel and also
carries skim boards, snowboards, wetsuits, travel gear and shoes.
An unadvertised service offered here is custom bamboo furnishings.
Oversized elephant bamboo is available. Costa Azul has designed
furnishings for the O’Neill corporate headquarters and Quiksilver
Boardriders.
Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 689 S. Coast Highway. (949)
497-1423. www.costaazul.net.
LOOSE FIT IS RIGHT FIT
Visions, established in 1977, is an affordable clothing women’s
clothing store that specializes in conservative loose-fitting
clothing. It’s known for its hand-knit sweaters. Rico sweaters from
Thailand are especially popular and easy-to- care-for fabrics. Most
apparel is made from cotton, rayon or tencel, which can be machine
washed and dried and still looks good. Deena Harros designs jewelry
that coordinates with outfits. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at
711 S. Coast Highway. (949) 494-9516.
ANOTHER REASON
TO SHOP ARTISANCE
Artisance is offering a special incentive to do more shopping
through January: 10% off purchases of $100 or more, 15% off purchases
of $250 or more, and 20% off purchases of $500 or more.
Artisance is a woman’s dream apartment filled with everything a
woman would want -- except a kitchen and the perfect man. There’s a
living and dining room furnished with stylish furniture, art, mirrors
and the best closet packed with designer clothes, purses, shoes and
even sunglasses.
It’s also a miniature Barney’s New York store, the perfect place
to find upscale gifts: architecturally inspired pottery from Klein
Reed; raku vases and cylinders from Joseph Conforti;
mid-century-inspired pottery from Jonathon Adler; hand-blown glass
from Robin Mix (priced from $525 to $1,200); Tuscan candles from
Lorenzi Vildoresi, my favorite Tocca candles, Parisian boxes in
shark, eel and alligator skin, and luxury sterling condiment trays
for caviar as seen in Elle Decor.
Open by appointment from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; from 11 a.m.
Tuesday through 11 a.m. Wednesday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday through Sunday at 278 Beach St. (949) 494-0687.
TREAT YOUR WINDOWS
The Shady Ladies is a window treatment specialty store. It offers
a big selection of fabrics for Roman and pleated shades, draperies,
slipcovers and bedding. Shutters and wood blinds can be ordered, too.
Open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by appointment.
914 S. Coast Highway. (949) 494-3345.
HALF-OFF GOURMET
Laguna Gourmet Food Gallery has discounted all Christmas items
50%. On sale are platters, trays, plates, chocolates and sequined
boxes. Laguna Gourmet offers the best in foods -- ideal for gift
baskets: a big selection of packaged pastas, sauces, marinades,
tapenades, marinades, oils, vinegars, relishes, chocolates and French
preserves. Bodega chocolates and gourmet lollipops are exclusives in
town. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and from
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at 424 Forest Ave. (949) 376-1615.
GREAT STORE FOR LAGUNA GEAR
Fawn Memories, established in 1974, is filled with tropical gifts
and beach-related items. Tourists love this store. They can find
Laguna Beach label items, beach towels, Hawaiian shirts, woven beach
bags, T-shirts and a huge selection of hats. Houseplants and shells
are also popular here. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 384
Forest Ave. No. 7. (949) 494-2071.
GENERATIONS GEARS UP TO STAY
Generations, Gifts for Every Branch of Your Family Tree, is in a
transitional stage. Since the announcement of its renewed lease, the
store is now selling all of its holiday decor and gifts through
January. It will close sometime in February for a few weeks for new
carpet and paint and will reopen with a fresh look. Open from 9:30
a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 290 Forest Ave. (949) 497-4445.
* BEST BUYS is a weekly feature of the Coastline Pilot. Send
information to Greer Wylder at greerwylder@yahoo.com or P.O. Box 248
Laguna Beach, CA 92652, or via fax at 494-8979.
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