SANTA BARBARA SHOPPING:

Retail Reverie on the Riviera

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Rest and relaxation aren’t complete without a healthy dose of retail therapy. And shopping in Santa Barbara is pure bag-filling pleasure, whether you are on the hunt for vintage accessories, original art or stylish souvenirs. Even window shopping is rewarding. Santa Barbara shopping is as much a sensory experience as it is a retail haven. Inviting open air malls and a pedestrian-friendly downtown lined with shops and cafés invite you to wander along, exploring at a slow, leisurely pace (a.k.a. Santa Barbara speed).

Lifestyle, art, people and place all play a part when it comes to shaping Santa Barbara style. Northern and southern California’s cultures converge in Santa Barbara, bringing together the best of both worlds — with global influences brought in from the city’s international visitors, well-traveled residents and savvy buyers. This unique blend of regional and global styles is reflected in the Santa Barbara aesthetic and the eclectic and distinctive offerings presented by local boutiques, specialty shops, artisan galleries and retail outlets. A community in which creative capital is on the rise, Santa Barbara is also a fitting home base for several
well-known retail ventures, including international brands like Ugg, Medium and Diesel footwear.

HOMEGROWN STYLE

International brands headquartered in Santa Barbara include Deckers (www.deckers.com), the makers of Ugg, Teva, and Simple brand footwear; The Territory Ahead (www.ttahead.com); Big Dog Sportswear (www.bigdogs.com); and Global Brand Marketing International (www.gbmi.com), the makers of Diesel, Pony, XOXO, Mecca, 7 For All Mankind and Nautica footwear.

Simple Shoes’ (marketed as a “nice little shoe company from Santa Barbara”) shoeboxes include a Santa Barbara map — a quirky overview of the city courtesy of illustrator Dan Price (author of the Moonlight Chronicles). Simple is forging uncharted territory in the footwear industry with their new Green Toe line of sustainable, all-natural footwear. Social- and eco-consciousness are integral to the brand, which is right at home in Santa Barbara, the birthplace of the U.S. environmental movement.

GBMI opened a flagship store on State Street, Global Feet (930 State Street), the first store of its kind to carry all of their lines. Stylin’ little ones will enjoy the children’s footwear store, Global Feet Kids (939 State Street), just across the street. Territory Ahead, makers of traveling and adventure wear, have both their flagship retail store and an outlet on State Street (515 State Street and 400 State Street respectively). And Big Dog (136 State Street) sells their active wear at a flagship/outlet store just a block from the Santa Barbara waterfront.

Another footwear designer, Medium (www.mediumdesigngroup.com), is headquartered in Santa Barbara and specializes in stylish casual shoes, with a fan base that includes celebrities like Tom Cruise. Primarily focused on men’s fashion, Medium carries some designs for women as well as unisex luggage with a utilitarian bent. Medium Shoes are available at fine retailers around the world, and locally at Nordstrom and Blue Beetle.

The karanina (www.karanina.com) fashion label is also based in Santa Barbara. Launched in 2004 by lifelong friends Kara Smith and Nina Firestone, karanina is most well known for its vibrant patterns and flowing, feminine cuts. Embraced by the fashion community and celebs alike, the label counts Angelina Jolie, Kirsten Dunst and Jennifer Lopez amongst its fans. Locally, Blue Bee carries the line.

Two major players in the virtual boutique arena were launched from Santa Barbara. Before online shopping became de rigeur, blaec clothing (www.blaec.com) successfully “opened” and now has patrons around the globe. Blaec doesn’t keep items in stock for long and has been featured in magazines like Vanity Fair, Lucky and Marie Claire. Nylon magazinerecently named blaec one of the top 100 denim sources in the world.Debuting in August 2005 and capitalizing on the trend of interactive online communities, CoutureCandy (www.couturecandy.com) is more than an online boutique. In addition to showcasing the hottest designer goods in one place, the interactive site is a forum for fashion industry news. Web visitors can read up on designers, track and purchase what celebrities are wearing and share ideas and connect with other members of the CoutureCandy community with "Couture Talk” webcasts.

Bargain hunters’ tip: The CoutureCandy.com site offers free wardrobe advice from their staff of personal stylists.

BOUTIQUES & FASHIONABLE FINDS

A mecca for resort styles, Santa Barbara's fashion retail scene is boutique heavy, with many one-of-a-kind shops catering to a fashion savvy yet down-to-earth clientele. Homegrown boutique chains like Blue Bee (www.bluebeeonline.com) and Wendy Foster (www.wendyfoster.com) have enjoyed great success evolving their flagship stores into a diverse line-up of specialty stores.

Wendy Foster is the fashion arm of Pierre Lafond's Santa Barbara empire, which includes one of the region's first wineries (Santa Barbara Winery/Lafond Vineyards circa 1960s), gourmet delis and cafes and retail clothing and lifestyle stores. The original Wendy Foster (516 San Ysidro Road) opened in Montecito Village in 1977 and caters to a mature clientele seeking stylish elegance. Next door, Pierre Lafond Sportswear (516 San Ysidro Road) is a laid back lady's dream, stocked with comfy knits and cashmeres and colorful casual wear. Angel (1221 Coast Village Road) carries trendier and more informal items, appealing to a younger demographic. Wendy Foster State Street (833 State Street) is a cross between the Montecito store and Angel, and it offers a mix of emerging and established lines in addition to a nice denim selection. Upstairs at Pierre Lafond (516 San Ysidro Road) is a home and lifestyle boutique with men's and children's clothing, women's lingerie and loungewear, home interior and garden décor and gifts.

Blue Bee took Santa Barbara by storm with the success of their first store, which debuted in 2000. The owners' (John Doucette and Marty Bebout) rule of thumb is to carry lines that are only available in less than 30 retail outlets nationwide, giving their items a sense of exclusivity — perfect for fashionistas who don't want to look like the next girl. The Blue Bee empire now includes the original Blue Bee (923 State Street), Blue Bee Jeans (913 State Street), which has been called the "best denim boutique in America," Blue Bee Luxury (1100 State Street), Blue Bee Kids (9 East Figueroa Street) and Blue Beetle (925 State Street) men's boutique.

Bargain hunters' tip: Blue Bee holds major sales twice a year (September and January) to clear inventory, offering 50%-75% off; the incredible bargain-hunting potential draws competitive crowds that sometimes wait hours to take their turn scouring for discounted treasures.

Newer additions to the emerging local fashion scene, DIANI (1324 State Street, www.dianiboutique.com) and dressed by susan pitcher (1253 Coast Village Road, www.dressedonline.com) are following the successful "local chain" model established by Wendy Foster and Blue Bee, with each boutique opening a sister store in their existing retail complexes.

In 2002, Diani was opened by 20-something Kenya-born and British-raised Caroline Diani, who presents her internationally inspired vision of modern sophistication with an emphasis on simplicity in her thoroughly tranquil beach-y retail space. In September 2005, Caroline introduced DIANI Essentials, catering to women who have limited time to shop. DIANI Essentials carries an edited version of the season's must-haves as well as best-sellers. And DIANI Shoes followed, opening in September 2006.

A fashion industry veteran, Susan Pitcher (wife of artist Hank Pitcher) shook up Santa Barbara's fashion scene when she opened dressed by susan pitcher on Montecito's swank Coast Village Road in 2003. The boutique carries high fashion lines and the area's best couture. Vintage jewelry and extraordinary handbags and shoes round out the offerings. A dressed-down sister store, ready by susan pitcher carries more down-tempo stylish threads.

Just down the road, Kate (1137 Coast Village Road) was opened in 2001 by a former clothing designer who prefers simple luxury. 1% of the boutique's sales go to heal the ocean.

For rock 'n roll styles, the down-to-earth beca:christian (432 State Street) carries a mix of edgy international lines for men and women. A men's boutique/gallery, Particle (1 West Ortega) stocks the owner's original art-screened t-shirts and hoodies as well as a fashionable selection of men's jeans and limited-distribution pieces.

A Tropical Affair (12 East Cota Street) is the local favorite for European and American lingerie and bikinis. The unabashedly feminine shop is stocked with simple and sophisticated styles, with some playful items mixed in.

In addition to a bevy of boutiques, Santa Barbara has its fair share of national chains including Coach, American Eagle Outfitters, Solstice, Saks Fifth Avenue, Michael Stars, Juicy Couture, Puma, Nordstrom, Macy's, Due Maternity, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Cache, Gap and many more.

BEAUTY & BODY

Treat (1324 State Street) is a "beauty boutique" offering exclusive luxury essentials for hair, face, and body. sumbody (920 State Street) sells handmade, all natural skincare and body products without any chemicals or preservatives. Crush Cosmetics (1229 State Street) offers exclusive, hard to find make-up, fragrance and skincare lines as well as personalized instruction.

VINTAGE TOUCH

Thanks to its upscale residents, Santa Barbara is a hotbed for high-end vintage and second-hand designer finds. Treasures await rediscovery at Vintage Heart (208 West Canon Perdido Street), The Closet (Victoria Court, 1213 State Street), Cominichi's (410 East Haley Street), Edith's Daughter (117 West Mission Street) and Gypsy Belle's Art & Vintage Boutique (3425 State Street). The Rack and Treasure House, both on the Music Academy of the West (1070 Fairway Road) campus, carry enviable cast-offs for her and for the home, and proceeds from sales benefit the Music Academy of the West Summer Festival's full-scholarship program.

Bargain hunters' tip: Hard core style seekers scour estate sales, which are advertised in the local newspapers or found driving through upscale neighborhoods on weekends.

A little off the beaten path, the well-stocked mix of vintage and new at Clacton & Frinton's TAKA-PUNA (428 East Haley Street, www.takapuna.com) landed in Santa Barbara in 1998 courtesy of ownersMichael and Hilary Anderson, who relocated their successful venture after an 18-year stint in Los Angeles. A favorite of Hollywood costumers, C+F retro-inspired two-toned shirts made Chandler's signature look on "Friends" throughout the television show's 10 year run. The shirts were also key wardrobe pieces in Life as a House, Get Shorty and Leaving Las Vegas.Loyal followers — John Malkovich among them — beeline to this colorful store for stylish and affordable menswear, women's clothing and accessories, as well as gifts and greeting cards.

HOME DÉCOR , GALLERIES & ANTIQUES

Angling for Antiques

With the median home price in Santa Barbara hovering above the $1 million mark, it's no surprise that shops filled with antiques, art and exquisite home décor abound in Santa Barbara County. Summerland, Carpinteria, Solvang and Los Alamos have the largest selection of antique, garden and home décor shops; galleries and more home décor retailers are scattered around downtown Santa Barbara and Montecito.

The region is bursting with "transferred treasures" and rare finds from estates nearby and abroad.  One of the most stunning streets to browse is Brinkerhoff Avenue, an eclectic residential corridor packed with colorful turn-of-century Victorian homes turned antique stores. The charming one-block street is a special historic district. Robert Livernois Art & Antiques (533 Brinkerhoff Avenue), the first antique shop to open on Brinkerhoff, features California and East Coast traditional art, and Peregrine Galleries (508 Brinkerhoff Avenue) offers a host of artwork, rugs and antiques.

On nearby Canon Perdido Street, San Telmo Antiques (233 Canon Perdido Street) boasts estate furnishings from Europe and South America. Antiques from the Far East are waiting to be discovered at Kim3 International Furnishing (1117 State Street) and Mingei Oriental Antiques (736 State Street). Antica (430 Chapala Street) is the new kid on the block and stocks exotic imports from around the world.

Montecito's posh Coast Village Road and Upper Village retail districts host a bevy of fine antique shops including Carty & Carty Antiques (539 San Ysidro Road), Brostrom's Antiques & Reproductions (539 San Ysidro Road), William Laman (1496 East Valley Road), Michael Haskell's Antiques (539 San Ysidro Road) and Josephine's Antiques (1470 East Valley Road).

Bargain hunter's tip: Insiders seeking vintage fine china, silver and jewelry head for The Treasure House tucked away on the sprawling garden grounds of the Music Academy of the West (1070 Fairway Road). This small but sufficiently stuffed consignment shop open its doors for just 12 hours a week, and the estate furniture and one-of-a-kind finds are worth the wait.

Just south of Santa Barbara, Summerland boasts 12+ antique stores all within walking distance of each other, including the Summerland Antique Collective (2192 Ortega Hill Road, Summerland) with its 35 dealers and Beau Rivage (2264 Lillie Avenue, Summerland). Specializing in 18th and 19th century American, French and English furniture and accessories, Mary Suding Antiques' (2173 Ortega Hill Road) 2,000 sq. ft. showroom features garden sculptures and furniture, quilts and folk art.

Art for Sale

With more than 1,000 local artists calling Santa Barbara County home, its no wonder art is well represented on the walls, streets and sidewalks of the city. A great place to start is Arts & Letters Café & Gallery and Sullivan Goss Gallery (7 East Anapamu Street).  The dining room and gallery space present rotating exhibitions of art for sale. Stop in for live jazz mid-week and a light meal alfresco by the fountain.

Along bustling State Street, La Arcada Court(1114 State Street) houses three wonderful galleries: the Waterhouse Gallery, Bottoms Art Gallery and Gallery 113, a cooperative of the Santa Barbara Art Association showcasing watercolors and oils of more than 500 artists. Gallery Ten-Twenty-Nine (1029 State Street), next to Aldo's Restaurant, features fresh local artists in a variety of mediums.

Just off of State Street, Santa Barbara Art Company (15 West Gutierrez Street) houses a provocative collection of contemporary art. Newcomer Edward Cella Art+Architecture (10 East Figueroa Street) specializes in emerging and mid-career artists and showcases drawings by West Coast designers and architects.And Artamo Gallery (11 West Anapamu Street) presents contemporary art by acclaimed local, national and international artists including paintings, sculpture, works on paper, photography and mixed media.

Tucked away on a Montecito lane in an attractive home on Hot Springs Road is Easton Gallery (557 Hot Springs Road), specializing in landscape art by local artists from the Oak Group. Early American, Californian Impressionists and plein air painters can also be found at the Peregrine Galleries (1133 Coast Village Road) in Montecito.                  

Bargain hunters' tip: Every Sunday the Arts and Crafts Show, set ocean-side on Cabrillo Boulevard, showcases locally-made pottery, oil and watercolor and unique forms of art in a glorious setting. 

Home & Garden Décor

Designers flock to Santa Barbara for more than art and antiques. "A"-list home décor boutiques include Neuvie (132 Santa Barbara Street), bō-tan-ik (2329 Lillie Avenue), Rooms & Gardens (924 State Street and 2330 Lillie Avenue), Lily (1131 Coast Village Road), Indigo Home Furnishings (1323 State Street), Aleda (1253 Coast Village Road), Mediterranee (2360 Lillie Avenue), La Renaissance of Art & Architecture (629 East Haley Street)  and Europa Antiques & Fine Art (2345 Lillie Avenue).

Unique to Santa Barbara, the family-owned P.J. Milligan (showroom: 1023 State Street) offers handcrafted antique reproduction pine furniture, including a variety of chests, beds and occasional pieces.  Hayward's is a local favorite for home and outdoor furnishings. Hayward's Patio Center (315 State Street) features more than 60 different colors of custom designed umbrellas. Famous for their market umbrellas, Giati Designs (614 Santa Barbara Street) is also based in Santa Barbara. One of the leading exterior furnishing companies in the world with a diverse range of designs including chaise lounges, sofas, dining chairs, tables, and accessories, the company is equally well-known for its exclusive textiles.

On the progressive side, Livingreen Store & Gallery (218 Helena Avenue) promotes both artistic design and innovative environmental sustainability in its products, with a great selection of "green" building materials, home furnishings and more.

Bargain hunters' tip: The Opportunity Shop (127 West Canon Perdido Street) sells previously owned furniture — from art deco to mid-century modern to Victorian and everything in between — in superior condition at astoundingly reasonable prices. Proceeds benefit Work Training Programs, so your good deal benefits a good cause!

BOOKS, MUSIC & MORE

Santa Barbara has got the goods for literary and music lovers. Border's Books & Music (900 State Street) is a hub of art and culture in the heart of downtown, and it regularly presents book signings, special events and live music. The Book Den (11 East Anapamu Street) and Chaucer's (3321 State Street) are Santa Barbara's treasured independent book sellers, and Solvang offers the Book Loft (1680 Mission Drive). Paradise Found (17 East Anapamu Street) is a metaphysical bookstore that carries an eclectic collection of books, music, and gifts designed to inspire the spirit; intuitive readers are available onsite daily. Just Play Music (619 State Street) and Morning Glory Music (1014 State Street) have that local indie record store vibe; Just Play Music is an excellent source of imports and Morning Glory has a solid selection of used cds. On a different note, musicians themselves beeline to Santa Barbara Sheet Music (1036 Santa Barbara Street) and Folk Mote Music & Harp Store (1034 Santa Barbara Street), the latter of which caters to the acoustic set.

THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE: ENCLAVES & COMPLEXES

In Santa Barbara, shopping is more than materially rewarding — it's a sensory delight. Over a day of strolling through quaint cobbled arcades amongst bubbling fountains, towering palms, cascading bougainvillea, historic buildings and fresh sea air breezes, shoppers discover a whole new take on browsing and buying. Downtown paseos and uptown plazas make the shopping districts easy and enjoyable to explore. Wander through the pedestrian-friendly enclaves and uncover the many treasures of Santa Barbara's eclectic shops.

El Paseo (State Street between Canon Perdido and De le Guerra Streets), California's first shopping center, was built in the 1920s and features a variety of unique gift shops and restaurants nestled within romantic gardens and Spanish courtyards. Nearby, La Arcada Court (State Street between Anapamu and Figueroa Streets), a T-shaped Spanish paseo and courtyard on State Street, spotlights a range of specialty stores and fine art.  Victoria Court (State Street between Anapamu and Victoria Streets) is another quaint "village" of stores located near the landmark Granada Theater. Its more than 30 shops, restaurants and vendors are connected by winding paths and courtyards. 

Paseo Nuevo (State Street between Canon Perdido and Ortega Streets), a sprawling Mediterranean-style structure complete with large airy courtyards ornamented with colorful tiles, umbrellas, red-tile roofs and lush landscaping, is shopping central in Santa Barbara.  Anchored by Nordstrom and Macy's, the center was originally the site of a thriving puebla and now houses 50 boutiques, jewelry and designer clothing stores. Uptown, La Cumbre Plaza (3800 block of State Street) is home to 60 restaurants and retailers.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Santa Barbara is located just 92 miles north of Los Angeles and 332 miles south of San Francisco, on the Pacific coastline. Visitors may arrive via scenic Highway 101, by Amtrak train or Greyhound bus or by flying into Santa Barbara Municipal Airport or Los Angeles International Airport.

For travel and accommodation information or to request a free copy of the official Santa Barbara County Visitors Guide, contact the Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission at 800-676-1266, 805-966-9222, tourism@santabarbaraca.com or santabarbaraCA.com.

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4/2007