There are a few things I know for sure: life is full of surprises and fun, and there is a lotta life to live! Maybe it’s a sign of the times that’s got me so positive these days, or maybe it’s just the fact that the sun is finally peeking out on a more regular basis this spring than it did over those cooler winter months. Whatever the case may be, I think it’s high time that I brag on a few more places around spring-time Orange County that are bound to put pep in your step and a smile on your face. From eating to shopping, to just plain hangin’ out, we here at Locale are keeping our promise in dishing about the best of the best of local businesses in the county. Here goes…you ready?
by holly clinard Photography by Asami Zenri; Asami Photography, asamiphotography.com Styling By: Charity Baker, charitybaker.com
Face it, you’re a local at it’s finest. Now get out and enjoy your surroundings in style! You can follow Holly on her chic fashion blog: www.hollyinheels.com Holly in Heels smitten with shoes, addicted to style.
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here are twentyfour hours in a day – twenty-four hours filled with routine things like waking up, brushing your teeth, picking out an outfit, heading to work, and doin’ your thang. But what happens when you’re sick of routine, and tired of the day-to-day business that soaks up all the hours? I’ll tell ya’ – you just create your happiest hour. I’ve found that setting aside some time to unwind and appreciate the simple things in life is therapy in itself. Simple things like a salty margarita and a basket full of warm chips + salsa, with the beachside behind you! Sounds pretty happy, eh? Javier’s on salty Pacific Coast Highway in Crystal Cove is bound to be a local’s favorite for these happiest of hours. Waltz through those oversized double doors that welcome you in, and head right to the dimly lit bar to meet those best gals in your life that you’ve been dying to see all week! The aroma of warm chips, fresh enchiladas and a dash of tequila and Mexican beer is just the sorta’ thing you might need when breaking up your groundhogs day routine. Javier’s was established back when gas was $1.09 a gallon, Whitney Houston was in her prime, and Braveheart hit the box office—in the 90’s. 1995 to be exact is when this cantina and grill made its way into Laguna Beach and quickly became best known for its lively atmosphere and insanely delicious food. After moving away from the Laguna Beach scene, Javier’s salsa’d its way into the heart of Crystal Cove in Newport Beach and the Irvine Spectrum, just south. If you’re headed to the Newport location for happy hour, grab some of their famous guacamole, campechana, and choose from a few of their offered ceviches. Tacos, nacho plates, and a full dinner menu also may tempt you into indulging even more! And lucky you, it just might be the most difficult decision
of the night to pick from Jav’s crazy long list of wines, margaritas, martinis, tequilas, and cervezas (aka beer). Just what the doctor ordered, your happiest hour of the day, spent in sparkling Newport Beach. Make sure you sparkle plenty as you enjoy your happiest hour with your happiest girls. Watch out, because L.A. & JO in Corona Del Mar is dressing you up for the occasion! With a fresh collection of everything from high-end threads to bargains you will not believe, L.A. & JO boutique carries a variety of the latest styles in apparel, jewelry, and handbags. Owner Jo Milyon has had this spot open for just 6 months, but you’d never know it when you walk in! Jo is obviously a pro at the boutique thang, selling her regulars and walkin customers everything from jackets, tops, dresses, shoes, jewelry, handbags, and scarves, too, along with a new line of fashion-inspired furniture. That’s right, L.A. & JO carries this special collection of furniture that’s designed for the fashionista at heart (that’s YOU!). Fun fact about this boutique is that everyone here is a designer themselves—in a matter of 2 weeks, they bring the things they’ve seen on the runway to the customer direct in their boutique. That’s what happens when you get a bunch of mad designers in one spot, right? They get all creative and amazing and bring you things that you’ve yet to see at all the big stores around town. You heard right, you’ll be ahead of the fashion trends when you stick with these gals! And have I mentioned their denim selection yet? Well, get ready for your denim dreamboat at L.A. & JO—a fantastic variety to quench your thirst for both casual and dressy denim is found right in your own backyard. Now that you’re all gussied up by L.A & JO, it’s time to hit up that happy hour (and the after party too!).