Greer's OC

Pearls boutique has been a favorite shopping destination in San Marino for the past six years, and this spring opened their second location on Balboa Island. From the beginning, owner Lauri Wax dreamed about opening a store in her hometown of Newport Beach. She knew there had always been a strong connection between the two communities, and loved the idea of Pearls being in both of her favorite places. The perfect location became available on Balboa Island, where Orange County locals and visitors alike love to stroll the island and shop. “The Island is special to me because I spent my teen years sailing with my dad, walking the Island, and enjoying Balboa Bars," shares Lauri. "I love the friendly, quaint, and old-school feel of the neighborhood.”

Lauri opened Pearls with the goal of providing unique, quality clothing, accessory, and jewelry collections from around the world that are complementary to a lady’s lifestyle. “I named my store Pearls because I wanted it to reflect the San Marino and Pasadena communities, which have a long history of quiet elegance that still exists today," she explains. "Pearls are classic, and they make you look and feel ladylike no matter who you are or how you wear them.”

Most of the collections are not currently available anywhere else in Orange County, so “Pearls Girls" can discover beautiful new lines that have an established, loyal following. For example, the nautical-inspired collections from French designer Saint James—famous for its striped fisherman Breton tees—is perfectly suited for the Newport lifestyle. Pearls also is the largest selections of the popular designer Samantha Sung, who is known for her classic, feminine dresses in vibrant prints. Visitors can discover Katharina Hovman, a German collection offering sophisticated, easy-to-care-for “taffetas” in brilliant colors, and WHYCI Milan, which showcases elegant styles with a subtle, casual Italian flair. Other collections exclusive to Pearls in Newport include Hunter Bell, Mona Thalheimer, and Il Bisonte. The store also lives up to its name and carries fine jewelry from Sarosi by Timeless Gems, pearls from Conchita O’Kane, and traditional favorites from Cute as a Button. 

Stroll by to check out Pearls’ treasures just over the bridge at 332 Marine Avenue, Balboa Island 92662.

Store Hours: Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  

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