[24] SPECIAL
MARCH 4-10, 2009 M E T R O S I L I C O N VA L L E Y
EXPLORING WILLOW GLEN 23
BOUTIQUE CHIC
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ITH ITS high-quality, unique boutique options, Willow Glen offers some of the best reasons around to shop local for fashion. Drawing its name from the libidinous ’60s space cadet made famous by Jane Fonda, Barbarella Beauty is both a clothing retail store and a full-service salon. The boutique is owned by Rebecca Sell, one of the South Bay’s best-known makeup artists. For over two decades, Sell has been a sought-after makeup expert whose portfolio includes spreads in Allure and Bazaar, as well as television and movie makeup work. With the help of fellow cosmetologists Richard Sell and Alicia Paquette, the makeup counter at Barbarella can make anybody who comes in go out feeling fresh and fabulous. Girls who have hairdos that are drab can consult the salon’s talented hair team. Barbarella’s certified staff of hair stylists approaches every client with an eye for detail and attentiveness. Itching to throw a unique event for friends and family? Then Bella James Women’s Boutique, located inside the Garden Theater at 1165 Lincoln Ave., offers the option of a private party right on the store floor. The boutique’s staff will treat customers and their friends like royalty by closing the store, serving drinks and hors d’œuvres and acting like personal shoppers. Now with two locations, one in Campbell and one in Willow Glen, Bella James is a dream realized for owners and sisters-in-law Vicky Morris-Malvini and Lisa Morris. Both fashionistas with many years in the retail industry under their belts, the pair met when working as buyers for Nordstrom. Combining their love of styling and fashion, the women opened their first Bella James location in 2006, and have never looked back. Bella James sells stylish, casual women’s clothing, stocking brands like Free People, Michael Stars, Hudson and Joe’s Jeans. Mature ladies who are in the market for a look that is sophisticated and classic should seek out Alta Fine Contemporary Clothing. At Alta, women can find casual, comfortable garments in a diverse array of sizes, from designers like French Dressing, Noblu and XCVI. For a place in Willow Glen with a great sales rack, check out Details Clothing Co. In the store, one can discover some great deals and an ever-changing selection. Look for last season finds for half off at the discounted section in back.
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Shopping Independents
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Two great boutiques to find one of a kind clothing in downtown Willow Glen are Orapa Gallery of Wearable Arts and Park Place Vintage. Owned and operated by Cedide Oclay, Orapa Gallery has a selection of avant-garde fashions from all over the world. From extravagantly zippered trench coats from Germany to poofy, geometric skirts from Japan, Oclay supplies her store with a truly edgy range of fashions for women who view their closet like an art collection. Park Place Vintage is all about eclectic vintage finds. This is the place to fill a wardrobe with tight wool pencil skirts, dainty cardigans and cute retro dresses. They even have an extensive costume section for Halloween and theme parties,
as well as tons of mid-20th-century accessories and home décor. Likewise, Our Secret Annex, located just off the downtown strip, is an upscale consignment store that sells gently used designer wear for a fraction of retail price. Adira is all about pieces that’ll make a girl look good while on the move. This dance and costume shop has it all, from Turkish bras and belts to shimmy in while belly dancing, to a big ruffled skirts to dosi-do in at square dancing classes. If keeping the little ones cute is a concern, then BabyBuzz is a wonderful baby and tot boutique. In addition to selling adorable baby gear, apparel and toys, Babybuzz has a large play area where doting mothers and fathers can congregate
and socialize with their kids. Getting ready to pop the question but don’t want to trek over to Kay or Zales for an engagement ring? Then try the Willow Glen Diamond Company or Mann’s Jewelers. Willow Glen Diamond Company sells a big range of top jewelry designers, from Bellarri to Novell to Studio 311. They also have three on-site goldsmiths that can do just about anything with gold and platinum, and even a LaserStar welder for precession jewelry alterations. Mann’s Jewelers offers a full range of services, from quick watch repair to pearl restringing to ring sizing and custom work. They also sell a traditional assortment of diamonds, wedding bands, engagement sets and watches. M