Novecento moving out

BEST BUYS

Novecento Studio Boutique, which showcases designs by Laura Stearn

Cruciano, is having a moving sale in celebration of its new store at

the Newport Coast shopping center. The Laguna store will close at the

end of the year. All of Cruciano’s collections are made of fine

European and Asian fabrics, and she hand-picks Italian shoes and

accessories to compliment her designs. “The clothes are for lots of

fun, fantasy and excitement,” says Jolee Leiphon, manager. “Laura

designs functional sportswear, mother’s chic clothing and specialty

collections.”

She’s known for her fantasy pieces for charity functions, like her

Mardi Gras collection, and she uses the latest stretch fabrics for

comfort. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 305 Forest Ave. (949)

376-5535.

OODLES FOR THE KIDS

For such a tiny store, Oogly Booglyz 4 Kidz packs in a lot of

darling kid’s clothes, sizes newborn to 6. Owner Connie McGowan

selects smaller clothing manufacturers not found in department

stores, predominantly from California, and some vintage dresses from

EB Baby. There are also daddy- and mommy-and-me outfits, handmade

jewelry, local hand-knitted items, hair accessories, sunglasses and

infant shoes from Goody Goody. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 282

Forest Ave. (949) 497-3892.

FOR THE MORE CONSERVATIVE

Louise’s Place Ladies Fashions specializes in comfortable resort

and sportswear clothing. You won’t find low-cut jeans and peasant

tops here, just fashions for conservatively dressed women in their

late 30s to 80s. For the past 25 years, owner Maggie Markarian has

enjoyed running her business herself.

“I know what customers want, since I’m always here,” Markarian

says. Popular lines are from Jump, Color Me Cotton, Caribe and

Alegre. A constant sale rack is for bargains. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

daily. 280 Forest Ave. (949) 494-0260.

A BREATH OF FRESH PRODUCE

Just about the only store that carries bright colors all year

round is Fresh Produce. The pre-shrunk cotton specialty store appeals

to people who travel to tropical spots. All of the solids, prints,

stripes and gingham pieces are designed to mix and match. Capri’s and

T-shirts are always popular.

Children’s sizes are 6 months to 14. Accessories include sandals,

hats, bandanas, earrings, bracelets, visors and socks. Open from 9:30

a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday through Saturday at 240 Forest Ave. (949) 376-2233.

A LITTLE TRENDY, A LITTLE SPORTY

Quiksilver Boardriders Club has a complete collection of

Quiksilver merchandise. It even carries the latest Roxy cell phone

geared for kids. Parents can purchase $20 to $50 phone cards to

monitor kid’s calls. The lifestyle store carries children’s and

adults’ apparel and accessories. Popular designs are used denim

pieces, velours, sweaters and coats. There is a Roxy Girl line,

standard Quiksilver collection for all ages and, for finer fabrics,

the Silver Edition line for men. Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at 255 Forest Ave. (949) 376-0245. www.quiksilver.com.

FLOWERS ON THE GO

Laguna Flower Co. specializes in rare and exotic flowers imported

from all over the world. The specialty flower shop even has tropicals

shipped in from Hawaii weekly. It’s a gift shop too. Open from 9 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 384 Forest Ave. (949) 497-1236.

SOMETHIN’ NEW AT GINA’S

Gina’s Pizza & Pastaria has recently expanded its dining area and

added a 42-inch Plasma TV. Gina’s will expand its special- order

small pizza to a large for the same price -- a $4.25 savings. The

offer is for dine-in orders only. 1100 S. Coast Highway.

* BEST BUYS is a weekly feature of the Coastline Pilot. Send

information to Greer Wylder at [email protected] or P.O. Box 248

Laguna Beach, CA 92652; or via fax at 494-8979.