Swellegant Vintage stocks Newport's premiere vintage selection, offering a constantly-rotating selection of authentic fashions from the 1940s through the 1980s. The cramped store space brims with vintage treasures sourced from the area's well-heeled fashionistas, ensuring high-quality designer wear at a fraction of the usual price. Accessories have their own niche carved out, antique jewelry and brand new costume pieces sharing the display space. Because Swellegant takes in new acquisitions on a weekly basis, there's always a new hidden gem lurking in the racks.
With hundreds of clothing boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment, Fashion Island is the epitome of a one-stop-shop in Newport Beach. Formerly a small outdoor mall, it has grown into a combination indoor/outdoor shopping district, complete with fountains and promenades. It is now home to top designer stores in addition to the many shopping and eating options. The Fashion Island also hosts entertainment events throughout the year.
Upscale fashion and fine dining have a home at the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Some of the top names in the industry like Burberry and Chanel, have a home among the more affordable choices like the H&M mega store and GAP. There is also a variety of restaurants to sate your appetite after a day of shopping. The center is also home to many events throughout the year, from fundraising concerts to a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. With hundreds of boutiques, department stores and restaurants to choose from, a trip to the South Coast Plaza can easily become an all-day event, so be sure to plan accordingly.
The Lab is a center of alternative culture for the Costa Mesa area and views itself as an anti-mall by offering a unique indoor and outdoor space for funky local businesses. In addition to the many trendy shops like Urban Outfitters and Popkiller, you can find great vintage clothing at Buffalo Exchange, or check out the artwork at the ARTery. If the hipster-style stories leave you hungry, there are several cafes and restaurants open late. The Lab also hosts events, showcasing local artists, musicians and performers.
This huge open-air shopping center is a bargain hunters dream with wonderful outlet stores and discount boutiques! You'll find over 120 stores all in one location including Nike Factory Store, Nordstrom Rack, and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH. With restaurants, shops, an AMC Theater with IMAX, and a huge indoor skatepark, the Outlets at Orange is a great place to spend a day.
One area in Anaheim where you can find a different type of entertainment other than Disney is the Anaheim Garden Walk. Located right behind Disneyland across Harbor Boulevard, the complex provides dining and shopping. Most of the restaurants are well-known ones, like Roy's, Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Entertainment includes a Bowlmor Lanes bowling alley and the interesting U.F.O. Experience exhibition. Additionally, most of the shops are nationally known as well, from Skechers to Sunglass Hut, the selection is small but sufficient enough to merit a stroll through the center.
Located in the bustling Forest Avenue Promenade and just one block from Main Beach Park, Tuvalu Home Environment Store is a local favorite. Tuvalu has anything you need to furnish or accessorize your home into a chic beach cottage. The friendly staff makes you feel comfortable even if you're obviously window-shopping. Smart shoppers know to head straight to the back corner—sale! Unbelievable deals can be found here. Who says being chic has to cost a fortune?
What is merely footwear for some people is a passion for others. Those in the latter group flock to Two Fifty Four in the bustling Downtown Village shopping district of Laguna Beach for the hottest new fashions. The store carries a range of sandals, stilettos, and boots from designers like Michael Kors, Charles David, and NYLA. In addition, they offer designer jeans and accessories like belts and sunglasses to complete your outfit.
If you are looking for cutting edge men's fashion, Melrose Place is the place to go! The outfits from this store have appeared on shows like "American Idol", and are a favorite choice of celebrities. Take a peek inside the tiny store, resplendent with trendy decorations and accessories straight from Europe's hottest fashion districts. The merchandise features a wide range of shirts, jeans, shoes, and belts designed specifically for the fashion-conscious man (or the fashion-conscious woman who shops for him).
If you're looking for some casual outfits - something trendy yet classic, North Menswear on Glenneyre Street of Laguna Beach, CA is where you should be! This little hidden gem of a boutique features classic All-American apparel, accessories and personal-care products for men. Expect to find a great range of jeans, tees, shirts, jackets and accessories like hats, shoes and lots more here. Although the prices maybe a tad high, they're worth the amount of attention you'll get when you're dressed in these awesome outfits. Open all week, except Sundays, North Menswear warrants a decko if you're going for the cool, casual, All-American look.
When the end of the trip is drawing near, Fawn Memories in the Lumberyard Mall has all the souveniers and memorabilia you may need. Since 1974, the store has been a top choice to find an assortment of hats, sweatshirts, sportswear, and much more. Much of it pays homage to Laguna Beach and the O.C. in general, but you can also pick up a variety of novelty items, mugs, and keychains for those waiting at home.