Showing posts with label Vintage Jewelry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vintage Jewelry. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Macalistaire at 1850 - Stunning & Stellar Vintage


South Laguna, Orange County Boutique Pique
By: Erin Hall @ Boutiquing

Hello, my name is Erin, and I'M a vintage whore. There I said it, I own in and you'll find me regularly walking the streets of South Laguna at the newly opened Macalistaire at 1850 Vintage Boutique. The word "Vintage" conjures up so many meanings...to some it's comedy because it looks (or smells) like a grandma, to others it's nostalgic because it carries a story, to others it's a bit scary because they want to, but don't understand how to wear it now. For me vintage represents originality and personality for a look that can never be duplicated. Walking into Macalistaire at 1850 was like finding the best flea market, estate sale and thrift shop in one bright and open Laguna location. It all made sense after owner Rachiel shared with me how she grew up as a poor "garage sale junkie" kid. Over the years Rachiel's house and it's unique contents have drawn the attention of friends, stylists and magazines (her home decor was featured in Country Home as a national campaign) asking "can I buy that from you?" and that's what prompted her to open her own vintage boutique.

Because her "real job" is a high school math teacher (yes, I know, this boutique owner is a TOTAL anomaly!) Rachiel recognizes the need for a place where all ages and budgets can shop quality vintage clothing, jewelry and home decor. She clearly has a talented eye, because Macalistaire at 1850 is stocked with a large selection of clean, gently worn and stunning hand picked pieces. Refreshingly shopable and spacious, bright blocks of color and patterns draw your eye in for a closer look. Each week a seamstress comes in giving each new piece some TLC. Offering a wide selection of decades and sizes, Macalistaire at 1850 has everything from expensive and desired YSL, Gucci, St. John and Lanvin to dresses, purses and jewelry under $30. See the black 70's caftan I feel in love with and instantly posted on Twitter here. I absolutely love clutches and found a wide selection of styles, materials, colors and handles. Silk scarves, leather jackets and brocade swing jackets had me yearning for fall sooner than later.

In the back of the boutique is a early nineteenth century Oriental jewelry case shaped like a half moon with swivel center drawers, each home to piece of accessory pie heaven. Unlike any other display case I've ever seen, I had to set my purse down to examine the exclusive and uncommon selection of vintage pieces, each demanding individual attention for complete appreciation. Indian inspired filigree gold earrings, chunky turquoise and silver necklaces, retro and ornate medallion chains and gem stone cocktail rings the size of quarters all sparkled with individuality as the one of kind statement pieces they are.
The left side of this large Laguna boutique is dedicated to vintage home decor including couches, lamps, picture frames, dressers, coffee tables and more. A small section of meticulously picked men's clothing sits underneath a chandelier draped with neck ties for the most artistic funk and flare. You will spend three times longer than you thought in Macalistaire at 1850 exploring and hearing the stories behind each piece. I got so excited and distracted that I lost sense of time and walked out to a nice ticket on my car windshield...thanks city of Laguna Beach, I'm SO happy to ensure job security for your employees. Bottom line, throw extra quarters in, Macalistaire at 1850 deserves the time and delivers a vintage buzz that will keep you going back for more!



Macalistaire at 1850
1850 S. Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.497.9080
www.macalistaire1850.com


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Copyright 2009 Boutiquing.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without prior written consent.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

MELIA BOUTIQUE - Antique Accessories Abound


Balboa Peninsula,
Orange County
Boutique Pique

By: April @ Boutiquing

*CLOSING 1/31/2010
50% OFF EVERYTHING!


Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach may not be the first place that comes to mind when looking for affordable vintage jewelry that feels uniquely one of a kind. I have hunted through Pasadena's famed Rose Bowl, Santa Monica's Vintage Expo, and numerous NYC street fairs and was shocked, and truly thrilled, when I found the statement making and affordable collection I had been searching for was right in my own backyard on 32nd Street at Melia's. The wide open shop is in transition from being a clothing store with a bit of vintage jewelry to a vintage jewelry store with a bit of clothing, and has already convinced me that this was is a stellar plan. Husband and wife team, Melia and Ben, are really playing to their strengths with the direction of the new store, and Melia's father, a fine jeweler, has made some vintage discoveries I am still dreaming about.

I happened upon Melia's before they opened one day, and through the window I found myself enamored with an ornate and elegant looking silver and onyx necklace that would surely transform any look from ready to wear to regal. My window shopping forced me to imagine a price for this kind of piece, and having recently fallen in love with its twin priced at $3000 in an airport (I know, I shop everywhere), I had a feeling it would also have a giant price tag. As I walked around the block and waited for the 11am to roll around, I caught myself creating look after look in my mind, all featuring the necklace I was now in LOVE with from Melia's. When they opened, I strolled in casually, I couldn't let them know I had been dying to come in, and I circled the necklace like a bird does its prey. I looked at absolutely everything in the store before even allowing this amazing necklace to know I was interested. I was dazzled by perfect with a tee daytime rhinestones, delicate and demure vintage coin purses, rows and rows of Navajo sterling and turquoise squash blossoms I had once hunted for in New Mexico and never found...again, found right here in the OC. Just when I knew the necklace had given up on me, I went in for the kill. Melia brought it down off of it's pedestal and clasped it around my neck...and as I admired it's beauty from every angle, I asked what the damage would be...the boutiquing gods were seriously on my side, because this best in show bauble was a doable $200...AND it was 50% off...so, $100!!!!! Here I am, smiling in my steal of a vintage piece....


This discovery made me realize that although all of the pieces at Melia's LOOK like a million bucks, they most certainly don't cost that. Their prices start at $10, and go up to $2000, but the
bulk of the collection is well under $300 (especially during their July and December sales, when much of the store is 50% off). It is obvious that they buy with an eye for the current trends in vintage, but their passion is in the organic and raw beauty of turquoise and natural stone. I noticed the subtle lean toward green in this boutique, from the back wall color, to the recycling of estate jewelry, to the commitment to make all of their packaging and bags earth friendly. After my experience at Melia's I am even more convinced by how much I love my job...although maybe I should have kept this boutiquing gold mine to myself...these pieces ARE all one of a kind...well okay, you can go too...but don't forget to tell them boutiquing sent you! And speaking of that...sign up here for V.I.Perks - Melia's has an exclusive discount for our members!


Melia
406 32nd Street
Newport Beach, CA92663
949.566.9963

Hours:
Tues -Sat
11-6

www.shopmnb.com

*CLOSING 1/31/2010 ~ 50% OFF EVERYTHING!

Copyright 2009 Boutiquing.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without prior written consent.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Macalistaire at 1850: South Laguna Beach

Macalistaire at 1850
1850 S. Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.497.9080
www.macalistaire1850.com


REVIEW: "Offering a wide selection of decades and sizes, Macalistaire at 1850 has everything from expensive and desired YSL, Gucci, St. John and Lanvin to dresses, purses and jewelry under $30..." READ & SEE MORE>>

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Melia Boutique: Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach

Melia
406 32nd Street
Newport Beach, CA92663
949.566.9963
www.shopmnb.com

REVIEW: "
The wide open shop is in transition from being a clothing store with a bit of vintage jewelry to a vintage jewelry store with a bit of clothing, and has already convinced me that this was is a stellar plan..." READ MORE>>