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H A P P Y H O L I D AY S
In search of all that
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sparkles...
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By Emma Trotter
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VIVIAN WONG
is the season, which in retail means it’s time for customers to shop — and for storekeepers to unveil the latest and greatest in holiday clothing, accessories and décor despite the shaky economy. Cedide Olcay owns Orapa Boutique — also called the Orapa Gallery of Wearable Arts — in downtown Palo Alto. She hand-makes some of her merchandise and picks the rest from other artists’ showrooms both locally and in Europe. Olcay, who is originally from Turkey, said that almost any item in her store would be suitable to wear to a party or give as a gift. “Look at the wings on the side, how it pleats in different directions,” she said of a floor-length black dress. “This would be great for a really fancy party.” She also recommended women’s party wear for more casual get-togethers. Most of the customers she gets are looking for gifts, Olcay said, pointing to a table stocked with handmade soaps and socks with fun patterns and designs. She says it’s too soon in the season to tell whether she’ll have more or fewer customers than last year. “This location is a little offbeat,” she said. “I get some (walk-in customers) but I wish I could get more. This year I’ll have to see.” Over at Therapy on Castro Street in Mountain View, though, holiday sales are in full swing. “It’s better than last year already,” Carrie Arnold, manager, said. “We’ve seen a lot of people gift shopping and it’s only mid-November.” Home-décor products have been top gift choices, she said, indicating stainless-steel pieces,
Local boutiques offer plenty of bling to wear or give
VERONICA WEBER
VERONICA WEBER
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Above: Black sequined shoes displayed at Therapy in Mountain View. Top left: Turquoise bracelet from Afterwards, $249. Lower left: Pleated gown from Orapa. NOVEMBER 26, 2010 ■ MOUNTAIN VIEW VOICE ■
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