Bambini’s is the place for European clothes

BEST BUYS

European and East Coast children’s apparel are Bambini’s specialty.

The Original European Baby Sleepsack, that’s extremely popular in

Europe, is sold here for $56. It’s designed to keep babies warm.

Unlike blankets, sleepsacks can’t be kicked off. Popular Hawaiian and

surf-related apparel, Petite Bateau apparel, hand-painted hangers,

and darling rain boots and jackets are available. Sizes range from

newborn to 14. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 227 Ocean Ave. (949)

376-9925.

THE PLACE FOR SPORTS

Sports World is the oldest sporting goods store in Orange County

-- a rare mom and pop store -- and could be the oldest business in

Laguna in its original form. Since the 1950s it’s been the place to

go for sports supplies. Locals shop here for league equipment, and

there’s a big selection of swim team merchandise. High school

students can purchase P.E. clothes, Letterman jackets, bike helmets,

backpacks and clothing. There are always specials on seasonal sports

equipment. Special services include custom embroidery, silk screening

and team sales. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 290 Broadway.

(949) 494-2520.

FINE ARRAY OF FINE CRAFTS

Everything at Tiki Fine Crafts is handmade. Co-owner and artist

Harry Uchin selects contemporary pieces for the gallery through

contacts he’s made with other artists. Tiki is known for its bronze

frog sculptures by Tim Cotterill; face porcelains; and colorful steel

lizards that are exclusively available here in Laguna. There are also

pottery, kaleidoscopes, vases, and hand-blown glass pieces. Open 10

a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

at 332 Forest Ave. (949) 376-8544.

WATCHER OF THE TIME

For the past 30 years, Pat Espe at A Step Back in Time has

repaired and restored watches. As a master watchmaker, Espe can also

make parts. He also sells Swiss and American vintage watches,

especially wind-up styles. Bulova, Hamilton, Movado, Rolex, Le

Coultre are available. Espe says he has more men’s than women’s

styles, since many women prefer men’s watches. Quick turn-around on

repairs and prices for servicing Rolex watches are almost half what

Rolex charges. Years ago, Espe adopted the tower clock at Forest

Avenue and Glenneyre as his contribution to Laguna. Tired of the

clock being neglected, Espe now services it regularly. Open 10 a.m.

to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 332 Forest Ave. No. 8. (949)

494-1711.

THE PLACE FOR SWEATERS

The biggest and best selection of handmade sweaters is at Laura

Downing, a women’s boutique that carries close to 250 one-of-a-kind

sweaters. Juicy Couture; Frankie B. jeans; Margaret O’Leary, Elaris

and Gabriela S. sweaters, and Branche pants and skirts are some of

the lines available. Most lines are exclusives to the store. Trendy

to classic looks are available. Accessories include belts, jewelry,

purses, hats and even dog collars. Sizes range from 1 to 12. Prices

range from $35 T-shirts to $1,000 jackets. There’s always a clearance

rack. Open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to

5:30 p.m. Sunday at 241 Forest Ave. (949) 494-4300.

REASONABLY-PRICED

COCKTAIL WEAR

Violet’s Fashion Apparel for men and women is one of the most

reasonably priced boutiques in Laguna. Owners and newlyweds Cindy and

David Miller bought the business three years ago; Cindy wanted to

retire from the corporate world to pursue her dream. Choices range

from casual resort to cocktail wear, and occasionally formal wear for

holidays and dances. Styles for women of all ages. Bargains for men

are on the Tommy Bahama-look silk shirts, priced from $58 to $64, by

local designer Tiki. Select Hawaiian shirts on sale. The beer bottle

theme Koko Island shirt is the best selling shirt for two years. New

merchandise arrives weekly. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through

Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and

10 am to 8 p.m. Sunday at 360 S. Coast Highway. (949) 376-5355.

FROM BOUTIQUE TO HOME GIFTS

Tamara’s Vieux Carre is evolving from a romantic clothing boutique

to a home gift store. Owner Tamera Arevian is adding more antiques,

candles, lamps, vases, perfume bottles and more. Open 11 a.m. to 6

p.m. daily at 333 S. Coast Highway. (949) 497-4332. www.tamaravc.com.

* 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.