Chic and Stylish Shopping in Orange County
Award-winning stylist Amy Roseveare weighs in on her favorite shops in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.
Hello there! My name is Amy Roseveare, the Founder of The Curated Shopper, and I’m honored to be writing a guest post for Greer’s OC.
I first fell in love with Orange County beaches as an undergrad at UCLA. I mean, what’s not to love? It’s the epitome of California beach life – people from around the world often dream about living the OC life. Granted, Orange County includes 34 cities, but my favorite destinations are Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.
After almost a quarter century as a personal wardrobe stylist, I’ve been fortunate to have clients in this area, which has really allowed me to discover where to find the best pieces for their wardrobes. Having clients all over the map is what drove me to create TheCuratedShopper.com in the first place. This is where I’ve created my little black book of inspiring stores in cities around the world. I have a very edited little black book for this area, but I always manage to find exactly what I’m looking for when I visit.
One of my absolute favorite destinations is A’maree’s. In all honesty, it’s one of my preferred stores in the United States. First, it’s housed in an iconic 1960s building by Thornton Ladd and John Kelsey. Part of the building is over water, and you can peer through the portholes in the floor to the water below as you shop or admire the stunning harbor outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. The décor is ever-changing and consistently inspiring.
Secondly, it’s a family business, founded by mom Nancy, and now includes her daughters, Denise, Dawn, and Apryl. This store is a full lifestyle experience, including clothing from the likes of Peter Cohen, Dosa, Maison Rabih Kayrouz, The Row, and Daniela Gregis, to name a few. Shoes from Marsèll, Celine, Jil Sander, and more. And jewelry? Oh my…Bibi van der Velden, Noor Fares, Daniela Villegas, and Sidney Garber, for starters. No matter your personal style or age, you’re bound to find the perfect addition to your wardrobe.
Fetneh Blake is another must-shop boutique. It moved to Crystal Cove Promenade in 2019 and has retained its chic vibe. I’d describe the aesthetic of this store as gallery-like, fashion-forward, and artistic. You will undoubtedly find designers here you’ve never seen at other boutiques. Fetneh has an eye for spotting talent – case in point was discovering Rick Owens before anyone else knew the line. There’s a definite cool factor to the collections and a sophisticated sexiness.
Not only does she have chic basics from Jaga, but you can surely pick up an exquisite statement piece from the likes of Marc Le Bihan or Barbara Bologna that will become a go-to for years to come. While she selects garments and accessories that are completely current, they don’t have a “date stamp” on them, which makes them excellent investments. The collections are complemented by bags and effortless chic jewelry from the likes of Irit and Rosa Maria. And if you’re not familiar with Astier de Villatte ceramics, you’re in for a treat.
I also must recommend Aris in Laguna Beach. Trey Russell, who founded Aris in 2006, has done an impeccable job creating a clean, serene space to showcase contemporary clothing collections that perfectly suit the California lifestyle. Think Brochu Walker, Nili Lotan, A.L.C, and Smythe. He has a strong preference for neutral solids with a few pops of color and prints thrown in.
He is also increasing his jewelry presence, both fine and fashion. On my last visit, I was mesmerized by some of the pieces by Syna, Ten Thousand Things, and Annette Ferdinandsen. If you need a new pair of sunnies for protection from the bright Orange County sun, he’s got the perfect pair of Barton Perreira glasses for you. Trey’s talent at merchandising is evident in how he uses intriguing coffee table books; luscious mohair throws from Belgium, and covetable porcelain pieces from Nymphenburg.
These should give you a taste of the types of stores I write about in my little black book, and the OC is just the tip of the iceberg. Heading to Paris, NYC, Milan, or Austin? I can point you in the right direction in these and many other cities when you become a member of The Curated Shopper. See you there!
