by Alex Kent
Living in Valmonte, I don’t get to the other side of the Hill very often; I rarely have much reason to go… until today. Today I was on my way to meet Miss Banken.
Driving over the Hill on Hawthorne, I was treated to a long view of clear skies and the deep blue, turned right at Golden Cove and in minutes was in Lunada Bay village. Atop the Pacific coast bluffs decorated by sea and sunset, where the ‘other’ fountain is, I stepped out of my car and discovered a sparkling gem – Annie’s Boutique.
Those of you who know Lunada Bay may remember Max’s Place, clothing for women, where Annie worked for eight years. When the owner decided to downsize in 2009, Max gave first refusal to Annie for the store. Acting quickly, Anne grabbed the reigns and made a dream come true.
With an art history major and her love of people, the store evolved into what is now - a Who’s Who of local artisans. Many of the designer labels she carries are those of people who live in Palos Verdes, some of whom teach at the Art Center on top of the Hill.
It takes so much going right for a business to succeed, though Annie takes it all in stride; “Everything just seemed to grow into the mix.”
Her first artist was Rosa O’Leary, who works at the Lunada Bay Barber Shoppe during the day, making jewellery by night. Maria Coleman, also known as “Hand Made Maria”, went to PV high; she collects vintage clothing and appliqués contemporary and custom designs onto them, like dancing bears or Palos Verdes High School emblems.
Annie was telling me how she caters to local shoppers and loves the feel of the community: “I grew up here. My parents and friends come in, all the time.” As we talked, a vintage tie-dye slip caught my eye and Annie informed me it was made by Kim Stoneman who named her company “Gus”, after her dog.
Visitors to the store will find a collection of pashmina’s tucked in the corner, hanging near light-weight jackets and elegant evening sweaters hand-crocheted by Lois and Juan of RAGZ, priced from $140 to $260, well worth the price and the drive.
Another PVHS friend, Christie O’Donnell, makes earrings by wrapping delicate gold-filled wire around semi-precious stones. Lori Bailey hand-knots necklaces and bracelets incorporating semi-precious stones, while Stephanie Trueman’s designs echo the art of ancient Egyptian or Victorian artifacts. Custom pieces are also available; just ask.
But clothing is not all you will find here. Fred Straeter paints small canvases for Annie in the plein air style - natural landscapes and still life’s painted in situ. As you step into the shop, look for the one he painted of Annie’s storefront.
The whole feel of the place is comfortable - like you’re on vacation. Maybe it’s because of the flower boxes designed by Tim Lulejian that lend that relaxed feeling to the surroundings by incorporating orchids into his live art pieces.
Annie also handles “off-price” items from, Anthropologie, Free People and Urban to offer a variety of style. She concentrates on current fashions that are affordable from teen to mature in all sizes, but the main name of the game is unique, casual, and one-of-a-kind.
Handbags range from $40 to $120; quality sandals made of leather are available, running from $40 to $60, as are stylish, rubber flip-flops sporting faux fur or rhinestones. They are to die live for!
The store is also a great meeting place for chit-chat, especially once a month when Annie’s Boutique host’s a wearable art trunk show. Several regulars popped in while I was there; all of them knew Annie by name and were interested in her opinion. One customer said, “She’s one-in-a-million; even guys feel comfortable shopping here for the women in their lives. This place is great for gifts.” Annie’s response is simply, “I love what I do. It never feels like work.”
Annie has a reputation for being honest. Her customers have grown to rely on her opinion as she won’t let them buy what doesn’t look good on them, so they get a fashion consultation in with the deal! Her philosophy is “make the customer happy with their purchase and they will come back”.
The store is located at 722 Yarmouth Road in Lunada Bay. If you’re going the other way around the peninsula on PV Drive West, Yarmouth Road “T’s” at the Lunada Bay fountain, on your way to Portuguese Bend. If you miss it and get lost in the beautiful neighbourhoods with ocean vistas, Annie’s phone number is 310.265.1101.
You owe it to yourself to take a look. You’re sure to find a treasure; myself included - I left with a smile… and a sweater.
